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Conservation of flagship and umbrella species has popular support and benefits coexistent species. We investigated whether the Caribbean sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon porosus gathers necessary attributes of a 'flagship umbrella' species in the region of the Artificial Reef Complex of Guaxindiba (ARCG), southeastern Brazil. To do so, we compared fish community in areas and periods with and without this species, including areas with artificial reefs (ARs) and control areas (CAs); we combined these data with interviews with fishers. Ichthyofauna richness and abundance were higher in co-occurrence with the Caribbean sharpnose shark mainly in ARs. Thus, from an ecological standpoint, this shark can be considered an umbrella species. Moreover, this species raised awareness among fishers for conservation, mainly because of its commercial value and risk of losing their income, characterizing it as a flagship species. Therefore, it is recommended that sharks become symbols in conservation actions aiming the sustainability of the ARCG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature cycling stability studies can be appropriately designed and utilized to ensure that drug product quality, efficacy, and safety are not compromised when materials are subjected to short term temperature excursions from intended storage that may occur during e.g., shipping, transport, or patient use. Some countries, such as Australia and Brazil, impose specific regulations that specify the need to conduct stability studies that are supportive of "real world" excursions as part of licensing approval requirements. These temperature cycling stability studies extend beyond what is described in ICH Guidelines Q1A(R2) and Q5C, and companies may be challenged in designing studies that not only satisfy country specific regulations, but also satisfy all global regulatory health authority expectations. This article focuses on responses to a cross-industry survey conducted within the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality (iqconsortium.org) member companies, regarding practices related to temperature cycling stability studies, in order to determine how these requirements are being interpreted and met. The results indicate that while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to performing temperature cycling stability studies, there are common and best practices that can be followed to satisfy global health authority regulatory guidelines and requirements. The purpose of this paper is to describe the outcome of an industry survey and common/best practices on temperature cycling stability studies performed on drug product (DP) to satisfy the requirements established for marketing authorizations in Australia and Brazil or any other countries that may have similar requirements. The framework is proposed within the context of late phase and commercial development of common biological and/or large molecule modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs, including bispecific antibodies), fusion proteins, complex proteins, oligonucleotides, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), but many of the general principles involved may be applied to other therapeutics, such as Virus Like Particles (VLP), gene or cell therapies (GTx or CTx), or vaccines. For the purposes of this paper, temperature cycling stability studies refer to studies that are designed, in part, to support short term temperature excursions that drug product may be subjected to during shipping and storage activities and is outside of the labeled storage condition of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining waste is a serious environmental problem in all countries where mining is carried out. Considering large amount of mining waste from the exploitation and processing of nickel laterites in Cuba and Brazil, the work takes as a hypothesis that, if it demonstrates the real possibility of using such waste as a partial substitute for aggregates in the production of asphalt concrete, the negative environmental impact caused by them in the places where they are deposited could be reduced. The objective of the work is, to demonstrate the suitability of mining waste from nickel and cobalt processing dams in the municipalities of Moa and Nicaro, in the province Holguín, Cuba. Such wastes come from Ammonium Carbonate Leaching and Pressurized Acid Leaching processes. The research methodology it has based on taking representative samples from the waste dams, their subsequent physical, chemical and mineralogical characterization, and the characterization of the aggregates and asphalt cement used in the mixtures under study. The design of the asphalt concrete mixtures was carried out using the Marshall method. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was made on the behavior of the asphalt concretes made with limestone and mining waste fillers investigated. It's demonstrated, from the results of the laboratory tests, that it is possible to manufacture asphalt concretes with the use of mining residues from the processing of nickel laterites from Moa and Nicaro, satisfactorily fulfilling the required technical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) was introduced for childhood vaccination in Brazil's National Immunization Program in 2010. After nine years of PCV10 use, we investigated the carriage prevalence, capsular types, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors among children living in Niterói city, RJ, Brazil. Between September and December 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited children under 6 years of age. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by the disk-diffusion method and MICs to beta-lactams and macrolides were determined by E-test®. Capsular types were deduced by multiplex PCR. Logistic regression was used to predict risk factors for pneumococcal carriage. Seventy-five (17.4%) of the 430 children were pneumococcal carriers. The most frequent capsular types were 6C/D (14.7%), 11A/D (13.3%), and 23B (9.3%). PCV10 serotypes represented 5.3%. All isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin, linezolid, rifampicin, and vancomycin. Penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci (PNSP) made up 37.3%, with penicillin and ceftriaxone MICs ranging from 0.12 to 4.0 μg/ml and 0.064–4.0 μg/ml, respectively. Of the 19 (25.3%) erythromycin-resistant (ERY-R) isolates (macrolide MICs of 6 to >256 μg/ml), most had the cMLS B phenotype (84.2%) and carried the erm (B) gene (73.7%). We detected 17 (22.6%) multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, strongly associated with serotype 6C/D. Presence of any symptoms, chronic diseases, childcare center attendance, living with young siblings, slum residence, and unstable income were predictors of pneumococcal carriage. Long-term universal childhood use of PCV10 has nearly eliminated carriage with PCV10 serotypes, but the high frequency of MDR isolates, especially associated with serotype 6C/D, remains a concern. Replacing PCV10 with PCV13 should reduce the proportion of ERY-R isolates and PNSP by at least 14% and 18%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt pavement failure is directly related to the traffic and climate effects. Temperature and moisture severely impact pavement service life. It is known that moisture changes the stiffness and stress–strain distribution and all the mechanical behaviors of the mixture/structure. There is a huge interest in studying the impact of water on the behavior of flexible pavements, mainly on freeze–thaw regions under tropical climates with high rainfall levels. The scope of the present paper was to check the susceptibility to moisture-induced damage of dense asphalt mixes produced and applied on highways in Brazil's southernmost region using different laboratory tests: visual adhesion of coarse aggregate; tensile strength ratio (TSR), and dynamic modulus ratio (DMR). Thus, this study evaluated the morphological, chemical, and mineralogical properties of aggregates from 11 quarries, as well as the interaction between aggregates and the respective bituminous binders. Rocks with high Si contents performed worse in visual adhesiveness tests; chemical ratios such as Fe/Si above 1 and Ca/K above 5, as well as the rougher texture of aggregates, considerably improved the coating, reducing the failures in adhesion. Results of TSR and DMR, after applying the induced moisture damage cycle, indicated greater susceptibility to conventional binders than mixtures containing modified binders in their composition. The action of moisture damage for most mixtures caused a reduction in strength and stiffness, warning of a decrease in the binder's ability within the mixture, completely changing the distribution of efforts within the structure. Therefore, from this study, it is possible to suggest using DMR instead of TSR to assess susceptibility to moisture damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and fragmentation have highlighted the importance of monitoring remaining habitats. For megadiverse groups such as arthropods, of which many species are still being discovered, the use of higher taxonomic levels as substitutes for diversity may be a useful tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of substitute taxonomic resolutions to assess the richness and composition of Laniatores harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones). The five resolutions selected were as follows: genus, family, subfamily, indicator taxa and intermediate resolution (combination of genus and species identification levels). In addition, we evaluated whether the diversity substitutes provide good estimates of latitudinal gradients. Nineteen Atlantic Forest sites located along a latitudinal gradient in northeastern Brazil were sampled. We recorded a total of 88 harvestmen species/morpho‐species, distributed in 7 families, 15 subfamilies and 36 genera. Genus and intermediate resolution were excellent substitutes for harvestmen species richness. The efficiency differed according to the substitute resolution used. Four resolutions were adequate to replace the harvestmen composition: genus, intermediate resolution, indicator taxa, and subfamily. The number of harvestmen species recorded was significantly different between Seasonal Semideciduous Forest and Costal Atlantic Rainforest. The same relationship was also observed the same relationship was observed when we consider genus and intermediate resolution. Our results suggest the use of genus as a substitute for richness and composition of harvestmen for reducing monitoring costs and providing evaluation in a shorter time and a more practical way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), the major Leishmania glycoconjugate, induces pro‐inflammatory/immunosuppressive innate immune responses. Here, we evaluated functional/biochemical LPG properties from six Leishmania amazonensis strains from different hosts/clinical forms. LPGs from three strains (GV02, BA276, and LV79) had higher pro‐inflammatory profiles for most of the mediators, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6. For this reason, glycoconjugates from all strains were biochemically characterized and had polymorphisms in their repeat units. They consisted of three types: type I, repeat units devoid of side chains; type II, containing galactosylated side chains; and type III, containing glucosylated side chains. No relationship was observed between LPG type and the pro‐inflammatory properties. Finally, to evaluate the susceptibility against antileishmanial agents, two strains with high (GV02, BA276) and one with low (BA336) pro‐inflammatory activity were selected for chemotherapeutic tests in THP‐1 cells. All analyzed strains were susceptible to amphotericin B (AmB) but displayed various responses against miltefosine (MIL) and glucantime (GLU). The GV02 strain (canine visceral leishmaniasis) had the highest IC50 for MIL (3.34 μM), whereas diffuse leishmaniasis strains (BA276 and BA336) had a higher IC50 for GLU (6.87–12.19 mM). The highest IC50 against MIL shown by the GV02 strain has an impact on clinical management. Miltefosine is the only drug approved for dog treatment in Brazil. Further studies into drug susceptibility of L. amazonensis strains are warranted, especially in areas where dog infection by this species overlaps with those caused by Leishmania infantum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents facies analysis of pyroclastic and effusive deposits present in areas of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA), South Atlantic Ocean. A detailed stratigraphic study was carried out for the Remédios Formation at the Caieira beach and the Quixaba Formation at the Capim-Açu Edge, Americano, and Bode beaches. The lithofacies association for the deposits of the Remédios Formation characterizes non-welded ignimbrites of phonolitic composition generated by concentrated ground-hugging density currents originated from collapses of a buoyant eruption column. Possibly, this phase was followed by a caldera collapse and the exposition of a complex system of dikes at Caieira Beach. For the deposits of the Quixaba Formation, the lithofacies association characterizes scoria and ash flow/grain avalanching deposits, proximal fallout deposits, and Pahoehoe lava flows. The Quixaba volcanism shows evidence of pulses of Strombolian and possibly Violent Strombolian activity alternated with effusive Hawaiian activity. A later stage of magma-water interaction during the Quixaba volcanism led to the formation of a sustained eruption column and fallout deposits with ash aggregates formed through wet aggregation. This paper is the first ever written about aspects of the Physical volcanology of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. It contributes to the understanding of the evolution of the volcanism that occurred in the Archipelago between ∼12 and ∼1.2 Ma, and of the South Atlantic Ocean. The conclusions of our study are: The stratigraphic study of specific areas of the Archipelago through field observations complemented with laboratory-based pyroclastic and lava flow descriptions allowed us to propose the following evolutionary model: • Explosive magmatic eruptions formed buoyant eruption columns that collapsed and originated ground-hugging concentrated density currents represented by the lithic-rich non-welded ignimbrites. • Volcanic and subvolcanic manifestations generated domes of phonolitic and trachytic composition; i) and ii) might be concurrent. Possibly this phase was followed by a caldera collapse with the exposition of a complex system of dikes at Caieira Beach. • A hiatus in the geological record of about 3 Ma, characterized as a period of quiescence and erosion. • Effusive Hawaiian eruptions with the emplacement of olivine nephelinitic pahoehoe lava flows. Alternated to the effusive eruptions, Strombolian and possibly Violent Strombolian pulses led to mass ejections of juvenile ash, lapilli, bombs, and cognate lithic fragments, forming grain-avalanching scoria deposits, and scoria-and-ash flow deposits. • Stage of dominant water-magma interaction and the formation of a water-rich volcanic cloud, which led to the formation of planar-stratified bedforms, fall-dominated with mixed deposition of ash aggregates in the shape of massive ash pellets, layered and complexly layered accretionary ash pellets, armored and complexly layered armored ash pellets, formed through wet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singular crypto- and microcrystalline hydrothermal zircon aggregates occur in peralkaline granites from the Corupá Pluton of "A-type" granites and syenites in Graciosa Province, Southern Brazil, and are herein characterized for their morphological, textural and geochemical (major, minor and trace elements, and Lu-Hf isotopes) properties. The aggregates were found to present a variety of habits, such as dendritic, oolitic, botryoidal and spherulitic, and they are associated with typical hydrothermal minerals (alkali-feldspars, quartz, fluorite, epidote-group minerals, phyllosilicates and Fe oxides) in micro-fractures and small miarolitic cavities in the host rock. They precipitated directly from a hydrothermal fluid and, compared to magmatic zircon crystals from the host, were found to contain relatively high abundances of the "non-formula" elements (e.g., Fe, Al, and Ca) and HFSEs (High-Field-Strength Elements), particularly the L- and MREEs (Light and Medium Rare Earth Elements), features most typical of hydrothermal zircon, as well as high Th/U ratios, whereas the Lu-Hf isotopic signatures were found to be similar. The formation of the zircon aggregates and the associated epidote-groups minerals was probably due to the interaction between an orthomagmatic, F-bearing, aqueous fluid transporting the HFSEs with the host-rock and/or with an external meteoritic fluid from the country rocks. The preservation of an amorphous-like Zr-silicate compound and crypto-to-microcrystalline zircon varieties is arguably related to the inefficient fluid flux and/or elemental diffusion in a low-temperature oxidizing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, different types of rocks exploited in a quarry located in the Limeira region (São Paulo State, Brazil) were studied to investigate its main petrographic characteristics, physical–mechanical (apparent specific weigh ρa, apparent porosity ηa, water absorption αa and uniaxial compressive strength UCS) and thermoanalytical properties, whose curves of each of the rocks were obtained from thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Four main petrographic types were evaluated: an aphanitic rock (APH), a diabase (DIA) and two monzodiorites with distinct granulations designated as MOMM and MONMC. In terms of mineralogical composition APH is the only rock that presents volcanic glass, while for the other rocks the main mineralogy was always associated with plagioclases, clinopyroxenes and opaque minerals. The results of the physical and mechanical characterization indicate the good aptitude of these materials to be used as aggregates in engineering works. The obtained values of apparent porosity (ηa) were less than 1% for all rocks. The value of resistance rates for all samples showed that the APH has the larger value, which is attributed to the grain size of the rock. The TG curves of each of the four samples contain small mass losses between the initial temperature and around 105 °C, which attributed to the water absorption. Besides, the APH sample had a mass loss attributed to the carbonate compound. The TMA curves showed that form DIA and MOMM are similar between them, while the APH differ from both. Further, the MONMC has not presented an appreciable thermal expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Furcation perforation is one of the complications that occur during endodontic treatment due to anatomical differences or iatrogenic causes. Repairing the perforation with a bio-compatible material eliminates the connection with the gingival sulcus and positively affects the prognosis. The sealing ability of the repair materials is very important and is affected by the conditions of the environment in which they are applied. Aim: To compare the sealing efficiency of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) and Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France) materials used in the repair of furcation perforations in acidic and neutral environments. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro experimental study was carried out in the Department of Endodontics at Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry, Diyarbakır, Türkiye and Dicle University Science and Technology Application and Research Center from 10th June 2020 to 22nd July 2020. A total of 96 mandibular molars were used in the study. The specimens were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=48). When the perforations were repaired with MTA and Biodentine materials, each group was divided into four subgroups (n=12). These subgroups were kept in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) and Acetic Acid (AA) solutions for different periods of time from four or 34 days, and all groups were immersed in methylene blue solution. The dye penetration level of the divided sections was examined under a stereomicroscope (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany). Microleakage data of all groups were statistically analysed using Kolmogorov Smirnov, Shapiro Wilk's and Mann-Whitney U Test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05, it was stated that there was a significant difference when p-value <0.05. Results: The short-term (4 days) microleakage level of biodentine material in the AA environment was significantly lower than that of MTA material (p-value=0.005). There was no statistically significant difference between the materials in terms of long-term (34 days) microleakage levels in the AA environment (p-value>0.05). The long-term microleakage level in PBS environment of biodentine material was significantly lower than that of the AA environment (p-value=0.008). Conclusion: Lower microleakage levels were observed in the neutral environment than the acid environment with both MTA and biodentine during both holding periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reform projects of the state apparatus and proposals for amending the Brazilian Constitution, especially in the scope of Constitutional Amendment no. 32, are intended to reflect the changes that happened to the economy's tertiary sector, proposed to reduce costs and to increase the productive competence. This is the fundament used for police commissioners and inspectors to undergo to strict electronic record controls, which are incompatible with the nature of the fundamentals of their activities. However, to whom works in the name of the Brazilian Public Administration it is only allowed to act within the limits set by Law, in the contrary to the logic of the private spheres. This means that the inefficiency that surrounds the public service will not necessarily be combated through employee time tracking system in public agencies. Nevertheless, the main force of this idea in the public organization originated a mistaken relation between the perseverance and the productivity. Although the sophisms upon this regulation are diametrically contrary to the pillars of the Brazilian Constitution, the trenches of the logic and legal thinking are not always able to face them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect(s) of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on in vitro RANKL-mediated osteoclast-dependent bone resorption events and the influence of Ca2+ and Al3+ on the osteoclastogenesis inhibition by MTA. Materials and methods: Two types of osteoclast precursors, RAW 264.7 (RAW) cell line or bone marrow cells (obtained from BALB/c mice and stimulated with recombinant (r) macrophage colony stimulation factor (M-CSF), were stimulated with or without recombinant (r) activator of nuclear kappa B ligand (RANKL), in the presence or absence of MTA for 6 to 8 days. White Angelus MTA and Bios MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil) were prepared and inserted into capillary tubes (direct contact surface = 0.50 mm2 and 0.01 mm2). Influence of MTA on these types of osteoclast precursors was measured by the number of differentiated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinuclear cells (RAW and bone marrow cells), TRAP enzyme activity (RAW cells), cathepsin K gene expression (RAW cells), and resorptive pit formation (RAW cells) by mature osteoclasts. Besides, RAW cells were also stimulated with Ca2+ and Al3+ to evaluate the influence of these ions on MTA anti-osteoclastogenic potential. Results: In bone marrow and RAW cells, the number of TRAP-positive mature osteoclast cells induced by rRANKL was significantly inhibited by the presence of MTA compared with control rRANKL stimulation without MTA (p < 0.05), along with the reduction of TRAP enzyme activity (p < 0.05) and the low expression of cathepsin K gene (p < 0.05). In contrast, to control mature osteoclasts, the resorption area on dentin was significantly decreased for mature osteoclasts incubated with MTA (p < 0.05). rRANKL-stimulated RAW cells treated with Ca2+ and Al3+ decreased the number of osteoclasts cells. Besides, the aluminum oxide was the dominant suppressor of the osteoclastogenesis process. Conclusions: MTA significantly suppressed RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity and, therefore, appears able to suppress bone resorption events in periapical lesions. This process might be related to Ca2+ and Al3+ activities. Clinical relevance: MTA is an important worldwidely acknowleged biomaterial. The knowledge about its molecular activities on osteoclasts might contribute to improving the understanding of its clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since mid-2014, the Brazilian construction sector has been facing a severe economic recession. However, the demand for raw materials for concrete production remains high, especially for aggregates. This is because approximately 70-80% of the concrete volume is made up of gravel and sand. It is estimated that 740 million tons of gravel and sand were consumed in Brazil by civil construction in 2014. However, in 2015 this same consumption was reduced to 519 million tons. The adoption of innovative raw materials with high quality, low price, and lower environmental impacts in its production chain is of paramount importance for increasing the sustainability in the construction sector. The aim of this work was to characterize physically and chemically waste rocks from mines located on the southeastern part of the Goiás state in order to use them as coarse aggregates for concrete. The technical standard NBR 7211/2009, published by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) was used. Four samples of 100 kg were collected from different lithologies and classified by dry screening to obtain four different gravel types (0, 1, 2, and 3). Specific mass, compacted unit mass, water absorption, clay and friable material content, mechanical strength, fine material content, particle size distribution, and shape index were determined. All samples passed the tests and, therefore, the waste rocks has features that allow them to be used as coarse aggregates in civil construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Macroaggregation was greater under NT compared to CT. • NT promotes occluded-C accumulation mainly in macroaggregates. • The increase in occluded-C accumulation leads to organomineral association. • Legume cover cropping favors the mineral-associated C enrichment in microaggregates. Both no-tillage and legume cover crops have been shown to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) in subtropical soils. However, the mechanisms underpinning management system effects on SOC accumulation are still not well understood. We used a combination of aggregate size and density fractionation to elucidate these mechanisms at a 30-year old experiment on an Acrisol in southern Brazil. The effects of two tillage systems [conventional system (CT) and no-tillage (NT)] combined with three cropping systems [oat/maize (O/M), vetch/maize (V/M) and oat + vetch/maize + cowpea (OV/MC)] were evaluated in the top 20 cm soil layer. Overall, macroaggregation (>0.25 mm) was significantly influenced by tillage with NT showing values 14% greater than CT in the 0–5 cm soil depth. On average, the occluded light fraction-C content in macroaggregates was more than twice as high under NT compared to CT (4.4 vs. 1.8 g kg−1). This effect was more pronounced when legume cover crops were grown. However, the most significant effect of cover crops was observed in the organomineral fraction of microaggregates, especially under NT (12.1 under O/M and 19.8 g kg−1 under OV/MC). Our results suggest that, although NT increased the occluded light fraction-C compared to CT, this effect was smaller than the gains that legume cover crops offered in organomineral association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for aggregates in highway infrastructure makes necessary to search local materials. The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of limestone aggregates in hot mix asphalt mixtures, through laboratory tests. The HMA mixtures were designed by Marshall and Superpave and submitted to indirect tensile-strength, resilient modulus, moisture damage and Flow Number. It was found that HMA mixtures with limestone showed better mechanical behavior, contributed for stiffness and gain of mechanical resistance, mainly to permanent deformation. Relative to moisture damage results, all mixtures were susceptible to water, but even so are technically viable for use in surface courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revegetation with different plant species has been a strategy to restore the minesoil profile quality in many countries. However, restoration studies about soils degraded by surface coal mining show that it is not easy a simple task to bring back degraded/mined soil to its near original configuration. Thus, our study monitored the physical restoration of a minesoil by 10.6 years over the same experimental unit used by Pauletto et al. (2016), when the minesoil was with 4.8 years of revegetation. The study was conducted in a coal mining area in Candiota city, Southern Brazil. The minesoil was constructed in early 2003, and the experiment was set up between September/October 2007. The species analyzed were Urochloa humidicola , Panicum maximum , and Urochloa brizantha. Natural soil under native vegetation was used as a reference. In April 2018, soil samples were collected in the 0.00–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m layers, and the following soil attributes were determined: distribution of the water-stable aggregates in different size classes, tensile strength, soil organic carbon content, bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, and microporosity. In addition, soil penetration resistance was measured in all experimental areas. The minesoil attributes improvement between 4.8 and 10.6 years occurred in depth, mainly with the cohesive aggregates breakdown, and macroporosity and soil organic carbon content increases. At 10.6 years of revegetation, all perennial grasses improved physical conditions up to 0.10 m depth of the minesoil, with good results than those observed in the natural soil. However, compaction persisted in the 0.10–0.20 m layer, as shown mainly by the higher tensile strength of the aggregates, soil penetration resistance, and bulk density. [Display omitted] • Minesoil compaction is a persistent problem even 10.6 years of revegetation. • Minesoil aggregates formed by compression due to traffic of heavy-machinery. • Tensile strength and penetration resistance evidence minesoil compaction. • Roots grasses promotes the breakdown of larger and cohesive aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Identify the relationship between the granting of payroll loans and macroeconomic aggregates, from 2004 to 2014, through an analysis of the influence of this type of credit on the aggregate economic activity in Brazil. Originality/gap/relevance/implications: Payroll loans are very representative in the Brazilian credit market, and the discussion on this topic is very extensive, because it is directly linked to the economic growth of a country. However, there is a gap in the literature on this subject, since most studies stress behavioral finances, or the legal aspects of contracts, and also because this type of credit is recent in the Brazilian economy. Key methodological aspects: This is quantitative approach performed through the estimation of the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), which enabled the computation of impulse-response functions, the variance decomposition and the Granger causality test. Summary of key results: The results indicate that the granting of payroll loans causes an increase on macroeconomic aggregates in the short term, but over longer periods of time this increase tends to be eliminated. Key considerations/conclusions: The granting of payroll loans influences the behavior of the economic activity. However, despite the fact that its concession provides leverage in the short term, this growth is not sustainable in the long-term. In this scenario, there is exponential growth in household consumption over the past decade; however, the industry productivity and the investments did not follow this evolution. It is inferred from this that the current growth model generates expansion, but its effects are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning to zero-waste cities may help achieve low-carbon goals. The unprecedented generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste poses a significant obstacle to the sustainable development of the built environment, particularly for megacities in emerging economies. Among the common C&D wastes, concrete debris has high alkalinity and can be used for CO 2 sequestration via mineralization. However, previous studies have almost exclusively considered the CO 2 uptake potential, while ignoring the emissions associated with the energy and material consumption for carbonation. The lack of understanding in this domain poses a great challenge to industrial applications due to environmental and economic uncertainties. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the net emission reduction and economic efficiency of using concrete debris in 14 global regions via life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to fully consider the inputs and outputs in carbonation systems, which can compensate for the biased results of historical studies. The results show that the average unit net CO 2 benefits and economic benefits from the industrialization of carbonated recycled concrete aggregates (cRCA) technology vary considerably between countries, with CO 2 benefits (ton CO 2 emission/ton CO 2 uptake) ranging from 0.7 in Brazil to 2.6 in Pakistan and economic benefits (USD/ton concrete debris) ranging from 18.5 in the USA to −5.6 in Pakistan. We found that, even with cRCA technology, only a few countries can obtain net negative CO 2 emissions and positive economic value simultaneously, which indicates that the production process should be further adjusted to reduce avoidable emissions and increase potential economic benefits before it is promoted. Given the heterogeneity of economic and spatial contexts across countries, the study proposes targeted strategies for the transport, production, and trade processes of various types of regions to optimize the situation. But in general, restructuring the transportation network and relocating recycling plants are the most effective options for improving economic and environmental benefits. CO 2 sequestration via concrete debris carbonation will become promising when strategies are tailored to local conditions. [Display omitted] • The study compensates for the one-sidedness of research on concrete carbonation. • The trade-off between envi- and econ-benefits in global countries has been measured. • Benefits of accelerated carbonation are currently hard to ensure in many regions. • Locally tailored strategies have been designed to realize envi- and econ-benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ASR susceptibility on concrete coarse aggregates from a Brasilian Shear Zone. • ASR potential of coarse concrete aggregate through petrographic analysis, AMBT, ACPT and MCPT. • Petrographic examination reveal potentially reactive aggregates. • ABMT resulted in expansions of 0.19% at 14 days and 0.32% at 28 days. • Concrete tests reveal moderately reactive aggregate. Being the fifth largest country globally, Brazil has a wide variety of rocks used in concrete production. Due to their mineralogical characteristics, many Brazilian rocks present reactive alkali potential, mainly due to the strong presence of silica and/or silicates in their composition. Alkali silica reaction (ASR) was firstly public in Brazil in 1963 in the Jupiá dam. Since then, several ASR events have been reported, namely in Dam and electric power plants, which represent a concern, mainly due to those infrastructures' social, economic, and environmental impact. Even though the selection of the raw materials should consider the aggregate quality and adequacy for a certain application, it mostly depends on the local availability due to economic reasons. Thus, an effective way to evaluate ASR susceptibility on concrete aggregates and predict or prevent the in situ behaviour of the final concrete product properties is crucial. This is particularly important when aggregates sources are Shear Zones, such as Pernambuco East Shear Zone. International standards suggested evaluating aggregate susceptibility prone to ASR through petrographic analysis of aggregates in addition to expansion tests at mortar and/or concrete levels. Concrete prism tests (CPT) are considered the most reliable method for ASR potentially of concrete aggregates; however, CPT are very time consuming, and results might be available after one year. Thus, Brazilian Association for Standardisation suggested a new accelerated concrete test based on RILEM recommendation AAR-4.1, the NBR 15577-7. This work evaluated the behaviour of the coarse aggregate obtained from ZCPE, to prone ASR among different testing conditions proposed by most widespread international standards, namely, petrographic examination, ASTM C 1260, RILEM AAR-4.1, ASSTHO T 380 and NBR 15577-7. Then results were compared and discussed the applicability of the new national standard NBR 15577-7. According to petrographic examination, the coarse aggregate from Pernambuco East Shear Zone was potentially reactive. Expansion tests at mortar and concrete levels corroborated such results, and coarse aggregate was classified as potentially reactive among all standards followed. Thus, it can be concluded that the new NBR 15577-7 outputs similar results compared to other international standards and seems to be a faster way (20 weeks/140 days) to access the ASR potential of reactive aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavements need to have adequate structural, geometric and signaling conditions, in order to prevent accidents and to ensure safer transportation. In Brazil, asphalt pavement projects require proper volumetric and structural parameters, where as functional aspects, such as tire–pavement friction, are not always considered in the asphalt mixtures design. One of the most important factors in the tire–pavement friction is the asphalt mixes texture. In this context, the main objective of the present study is to evaluate a method for characterization of asphalt mixtures texture properties using digital image processing (DIP) techniques, demonstrating how these results can be correlated to the results of conventional tests and to the aggregate particles’ shape properties, such as angularity and surface texture. For this purpose, three hot mix asphalt (HMA) with different aggregate gradations and composed by aggregates with different shape properties were analyzed. Two HMA used in road pavements were produced, one with aggregate particles in their original form, and the other one with polished aggregate particles. The third mix was a HMA used in airport pavements, produced with non-polished aggregate particles. Besides these three mixes evaluated in the laboratory, four HMA used in the field were analyzed in order to compare the results obtained from the DIP, and the ones obtained using conventional texture and skid resistance tests. The results showed that the correlations between the HMA texture properties obtained using DIP and those obtained through conventional tests are not as good as expected. Moreover, the results indicated that the HMA particle size distribution directly affects its texture characteristics. Regarding the aggregate particles shape properties, it was found that small variations in these properties do not provide major variations in the results of HMA texture obtained by the DIP technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research measures the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO 2− e ) of the extraction, transport and crushing process of coarse aggregate in Brazil. The goal is to quantify the carbon footprint and identify the critical stages of those activities. The quantification of CO 2− e was determined by the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), methane (CH 4 ) and non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC). The results show that the crushing process is the critical stage because of its high electric power consumption. These factors should be addressed in future Brazilian environmental studies in order to find alternative solutions prior to exploring new quarries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: To evaluate the susceptibility patterns among Streptococcus pneumoniae recovered during the years 2010–2012 and to correlate these with serotypes. Methods: Pneumococci from invasive sites were serotyped by sequential multiplex PCR and/or Quellung reaction. Etest strips were used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations, and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines were used for interpretation. Genetic determinants of macrolide resistance were assessed by PCR, and the occurrence of the D phenotype was analyzed following the recommendations of the CLSI. Results: One hundred fifty-nine S. pneumoniae were studied; most were recovered from blood and were associated with serotypes 14, 3, 4, 23F, 20, 7F, 12F, 19A, and 19F. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13 and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine serotypes represented 38.2%, 48.7%, 64.5%, and 85.5%, respectively. β-Lactam non-susceptibility (non-meningitis) was basically related to serotype 19A. For meningitis, it was observed in 21.4% (serotypes 14, 3, 9V, 23F, and 24F). Resistance to erythromycin occurred in 8.2% and mefA was the most common macrolide genetic determinant. One isolate was resistant to levofloxacin. Non-susceptibility to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole was 37.7% and to tetracycline was 22.0%. Conclusions: Our population of pneumococci represents a transition era, soon after the introduction of PCV10. Non-susceptible patterns were found to be associated with classical PCV serotypes (especially serotype 14), which is still highly prevalent, and non-PCV10 ones (19A), which may disseminate, occupying the biological niche left by the vaccine serotypes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The study evaluates the use of lateritic aggregates as an alternative to granitic aggregates. In addition to the study of this type of material, an analysis is carried out regarding the influence of particle size analysis methods on asphalt mixtures with these aggregates: • The research points out that the DAR technique was not efficient in estimating the permanent deformation and that the particle size selection methods did not interfere with the rigidity of the mixtures. • Mixtures with lateritic aggregates showed good performance regarding permanent deformation and resilience. However, greater susceptibility to the action of water, which limits the use of this material in regions with high rainfall. • Asphalt mixtures produced with lateritic aggregates are mainly indicated in countries with a tropical climate and low rainfall, such as the Northeast region of Brazil, where there is a significant presence of this material. The aggregates of asphalt mixtures provide resistance to most of the load applied to the pavement, so it is important to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the aggregates. In some regions of Brazil, the availability of traditional aggregates (granitic) is becoming scarce due to the rapid increase in infrastructure projects and the longer distance of deposit to the paving works. To address the above issues, we tried to find substitutes for granitic aggregates in asphalt mixtures. Laterite is a tropical or sub-tropical weathering product, abundant material in the North and Northeast of Brazil. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of asphalt mixtures produced with lateritic and granitic aggregates and verify the influence of National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), Bailey, and French particle size selection methods in the mixtures, through mechanical tests. The Dominant Aggregates Range (DAR) technique was used to evaluate the behavior of the mixtures in terms of permanent deformation. The asphalt mixtures were analyzed through dynamic modulus, flow number, fatigue test, resilience modulus, and Modified Lottman test. The analysis of the mixtures by the DAR method showed results that did not corroborate the results of the mechanical tests. However, all the analyzed mixtures showed good performance regarding permanent deformation, especially the mixtures with lateritic aggregates. The asphalt mixtures produced with lateritic aggregates present better mechanical performance, enabling their use mainly in countries with a tropical climate and low rainfall, such as the northeast region of Brazil. The French method showed equivalent mechanical performance and even superior to the DNIT method, commonly used in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure is a helpful tool for assessing the physical quality of soil, since it allows detailed examination of the soil structure as well as identification of layers modified by soil management. The Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) method (Ball et al., 2007) has been applied in Brazil because it is simple and relatively objective, giving semi quantitative results quickly. It was used to determine the physical quality of soils under systems of no-tillage. In the present study, the potential for utilization of the VESS method was studied in three field experiments under no-tillage: (i) a comparison between mechanical and biological soil loosening, (ii) a study of changes in soybean yield and soil structural quality along a transect with a soil textural gradient, and (iii) a comparison with Visual Soil Assessment (VS) method (Shepherd, 2009) along the same transect. Overall the use of VESS proved to be an efficient semi quantitative methodology for assessing soil physical quality in Brazilian soils under no-tillage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this paper is to present a proposal for the recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) at construction sites and the use of recycled sand in bedding mortar. Three samples of CDW were collected at construction sites from the city of Recife, Brazil and milled in a hammer mill. The following properties of the recycled sands were analyzed: water absorption, material finer than 75 μm, bulk density, fineness modulus, and the presence of contaminants. Mortars were produced with different amounts of cement and replaced the natural material by recycled aggregate in proportions of 50, 75 and 100%. These mortars were characterized for compressive strength, fresh mortar density, and consistence. Masonry prisms with three ceramic blocks were produced for analyzing the bending and shear strength. Several correlations between the properties of aggregates, mortar, and prisms were obtained, leading the authors to propose a recycling process, dosage, and quality control methodology for bedding mortars prepared with recycled sand at construction sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Community concordance measures the level of association between the compositional patterns shown by two groups of organisms. If strong community concordance occurs, one group could be used as a surrogate for another in conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring. In this study, we evaluated the variability in the strength of community concordance, the likely mechanisms underlying community concordance and the degree to which one community can predict another in a set of Neotropical floodplain lakes (Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil). 2. We used a data set including six aquatic communities: fish, macrophytes, benthic macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, phytoplankton and periphyton. We used Mantel and PROTEST approaches to evaluate the levels of community concordance in up to four sampling periods. Also, we used partial Mantel test and information about biotic interactions to investigate reasons for observed patterns of concordance. Finally, we used co-correspondence analysis to evaluate the performance of one taxonomic group in predicting the structures of other communities. 3. The levels of community concordance varied over time for almost all cross-taxa comparisons. Concordance between phytoplankton and periphyton probably resulted from similar responses to environmental gradients, whereas other patterns of concordance were likely generated by interactions among groups. However, the levels of predictability were low, and no particular taxonomic group significantly predicted all other groups. 4. The low and temporally variable levels of community concordance cast doubts on the use of surrogate groups for biodiversity management in Neotropical floodplains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To combat rising incidence of serogroup C meningococcal disease in the city of Salvador, Brazil, the Bahia state immunization program initiated routine childhood immunization with meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC) in February 2010, followed by mass MenC vaccination of city residents 10–24 years of age from May through August 2010. We analyzed trends in incidence of reported cases of meningococcal disease and serogroup distribution among meningococcal isolates identified in hospital-based surveillance in Salvador from January 2000 to December 2011 and estimated vaccine effectiveness using the screening method. Annual incidence of serogroup C meningococcal disease increased from 0.1 cases per 100,000 population during 2000–2006 to 2.3 in 2009 and 4.1 in 2010, before falling to 2.0 per 100,000 in 2011. Estimated coverage of mass vaccination reached 80%, 67% and 41% among 10–14, 15–19 and 20–24 year olds, respectively. Incidence in 2011 was significantly lower than average rates in 2008–2009 among children <5 years, but reductions among 10–24 year olds were not significant. Among 10–24 year olds, a single dose of MenC vaccine was 100% effective (95% confidence interval, 79–100%) against serogroup C meningococcal disease. Low coverage in the population targeted for mass vaccination may have limited impact on ongoing transmission of serogroup C meningococcal disease despite high vaccine effectiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies of the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) in soil and organic matter fractions contribute significantly to the evaluation of soil quality, particularly in the study region, where there is no information on this topic. Moreover, there is also a worldwide concern about the carbon cycle, depending on the greenhouse effect that harms the world's climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of production systems in TOC concentration in a soil classified as dystrophic red clayey latosol, in the fraction of particulate organic carbon and in the mineral carbon fraction, i. e., the fraction of carbon associated with soil minerals and in various classes of aggregates of the soil planted with: 1) 13 and 20-year-old eucalyptus (Eucalyptus saligna), 2) pastures and 3) native forest where hygrophilous species and deciduous xerophytes dominate. Soil samples were collected in the district of Butiá, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) in 2006 in the depths 0.00 to 0.05, 0.05 to 0.10, 0.10 to 0.20 and from 0.20 to 0.40 m. Samples were air-dried at 20 °C and sieved according to the classes of granulometric fractionation, considering the aggregate classes of 4.76 to 8.00 mm, 2.00 to 4.76 mm, 1.00 to 2.00 mm, 0.50 to 1.00 mm, 0.25 to 0.50 mm and <0.25 mm. For each class of aggregate, particulate organic carbon and TOC was determined. The highest TOC concentrations, particulate organic carbon and mineral carbon occurred in the largest fraction (8.00 to 4.76 mm). In pasture soils greatest TOC accumulation was found at depth of 0.05 to 0.20 m, in classes of aggregates 8.00 to 0.50 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Land-use intensification causes species losses reducing phylogenetic and functional trait diversity as well as ecosystem function. Phylogenetic (PD) and functional (FD) diversity of regional assemblages have been identified as a key to understanding ecosystem and community functioning, yet it has been rarely included in conservation planning. The use of indicator groups to represent species richness is by far the most common measure used for developing plans to conserve current and future biodiversity. Could indicator groups be used for representing PD and FD of whole assemblages? Using a continuous measure of PD and FD derived from phylogenies and quantitative functional traits of species and their functional relationships, we assessed the effectiveness of 16 indicator groups in representing these evolutionary and functional components of biodiversity to answer this question. We focused our analyses on the entire set of 854 bird species occurring in the Atlantic Forest Biodiversity Hotspot, as a case study. We show that a particular bird order (Apodiformes) is the most effective surrogate group to capture PD, while the Charadriiformes and restricted-range species are the most effective surrogate group to capture FD. Their use as a shortcut to conservation planning is likely to guarantee the conservation of evolutionary and ecosystem processes through the representation of the unique species, as well as ecosystem stability in the long term, with the representation of the redundant species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dissolution cavities in weathered pebbly quartzite of the ~2.5-Ga Moeda Formation at Capanema, Quadrilátero Ferrífero of Minas Gerais, Brazil, are decorated with suspended filaments of opaline silica. The filaments sustain xenotime-hematite aggregates in the open space. Xenotime occurs as inclusions in buds and botryoidal aggregates of hematite. The filamentous structures consist of strand-forming buds, hypha-like extensions, and thin strands that compose mat-like arrangements. They resemble microbial filaments that were replaced by opaline silica and fossilized. The occurrence of spherical hematite as protuberances on hematite-free opaline hyphae is interpreted as accretion of dissolved iron onto extracellular polymers. Phosphate sites in polymeric substances expelled from the microbial filaments might have adsorbed yttrium and heavy rare-earth elements from groundwater to the iron-accreting polymers. These would have resulted in botryoidal aggregates of hematite with xenotime inclusions. The presence of authigenic xenotime in the weathering zone opens a new possibility to constrain the evolution of lateritic profiles by xenotime geochronology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study describes the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns among 397 S. pneumoniae meningitis case isolates recovered in Salvador, Brazil, during the period of 2000–2007, before introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The active hospital-based surveillance showed a decline in the annual incidence rates of pneumococcal meningitis during the period of study, from 1.12 cases to 0.83 cases/100,000 persons for all age groups (P <0.001), with an overall case-fatality rate of 28.6% (113 of 395) for all patients and 41.9% (57 of 136) for those <5 years of age. Serotypes 14 (n =55; 13.9%), 3 (n =32; 8.1%), 23F (n =32; 8.1%), 19F (n =31; 7.8%), 6B (n =30; 7.6%), 18C (n =28; 7.1%), and 6A (n =20; 5%) were the most prevalent serotypes. In patients <5 years the estimated projected coverage of 7-, 10- and 13-valent conjugate vaccines was 74.3%, 75.7% and 83.1%, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 22.1% (n =88) of isolates were non-susceptible to penicillin, 56% were non-susceptible to trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, and 29.6% were non-susceptible to tetracycline. Nonsusceptibility to penicillin and cefotaxime was detected solely among serotype 14 isolates (n =4; 1%). This study provides an important baseline to assess the impact of conjugate vaccine implantation on the epidemiology of meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in Salvador, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular characteristics were determined in thirty-two Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains previously identified in São Paulo State associated with human infections (n = 21) and in cattle feces (n = 11). The highest resistance rates were identified for tetracycline (100%), streptomycin (78%) and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (56%). Eleven STEC strains showed resistance to ampicillin and carried bla TEM that was confirmed as bla TEM-1 in one representative isolate. The class 1 integrase gene (intI1) was detected in seven (22%) strains, and most of them belonged to the O111:H8 serotype. The class 1 integron was located on plasmids in five of the seven STEC strains, and conjugation assays confirmed the plasmid support of those resistant determinants. STEC strains were genetically classified into the B1 group, and PFGE analysis showed that most of the strains in each serogroup were grouped into the same cluster (80–97% similarity). The presence of a class 1 integron and bla TEM-1 genes is described for the first time among STEC isolates in Brazil and clearly represents a public health concern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the human being's basic needs is housing. In Brazil, the basic element for this is concrete, artificial stone, which demands a great amount of aggregates, such as sand and gravel. The sand and rocks are abundant in nature and gravel can be produced at low cost. However, transportation to the area of product utilization can be an incremental factor in the final cost logistics. Both sand and gravel have expressive price variations, which are not necessarily related to mining activities, but to logistic activities, mainly their distribution. Restrictive measures adopted in large urban centers, such as prohibition of hauling trucks in certain areas or during certain hours, alternate license plate end number system (even number plate ending can circulate on even-numbered days and visa versa), and axle-control, generate a need for a larger and more diversified fleet, not to mention more employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the effects of soil bulk density, total porosity, organic matter content, aluminium saturation and cation exchange capacity (CEC) on water and ethanol sorptivity and hydro-repellency index of various sized aggregates of horizons A and B were investigated. Soil samples were taken from horizons A and B in 17 different locations of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three samples were collected from each of the horizons for the determination of soil sorptivity in water and ethanol. Soil sorptivity was determined by a steady-state flow using a mini-infiltrometer. Hydro-repellency of samples was estimated from the ethanol/water sorptivity values. Aggregates from most soil samples exhibited low hydro-repellency index, R (1.24–3.12), except for luvisol and vertisol, which had R ≥5.79. The very low coefficients of determination, r 2 =0.18 and 0.22 at p =0.01 between hydro-repellency index and organic matter content, and between angle of contact and organic matter content, respectively is an indication that the quantity of organic matter have little influence on hydro-repellency, but the composition of organic matter and other soil properties. The mean pH of sampled soils ranged from 3.90 and 5.50 in both horizons A and B but presents no significant effect on the hydro-repellency of soil at p =0.01. The results show that soil hydraulic and sorptivity properties are dependent on interaction between aggregate sizes, which is mainly a function of the soil clay minerals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim Habitat loss and climate change are two major drivers of biological diversity. Here we quantify how deforestation has already changed, and how future climate scenarios may change, environmental conditions within the highly disturbed Atlantic forests of Brazil. We also examine how environmental conditions have been altered within the range of selected bird species. Location Atlantic forests of south-eastern Brazil. Methods The historical distribution of 21 bird species was estimated using Maxent. After superimposing the present-day forest cover, we examined the environmental niches hypothesized to be occupied by these birds pre- and post-deforestation using environmental niche factor analysis (ENFA). ENFA was also used to compare conditions in the entire Atlantic forest ecosystem pre- and post-deforestation. The relative influence of land use and climate change on environmental conditions was examined using analysis of similarity and principal components analysis. Results Deforestation in the region has resulted in a decrease in suitable habitat of between 78% and 93% for the Atlantic forest birds included here. Further, Atlantic forest birds today experience generally wetter and less seasonal forest environments than they did historically. Models of future environmental conditions within forest remnants suggest generally warmer conditions and lower annual variation in rainfall due to greater precipitation in the driest quarter of the year. We found that deforestation resulted in a greater divergence of environmental conditions within Atlantic forests than that predicted by climate change. Main conclusions The changes in environmental conditions that have occurred with large-scale deforestation suggest that selective regimes may have shifted and, as a consequence, spatial patterns of intra-specific variation in morphology, behaviour and genes have probably been altered. Although the observed shifts in available environmental conditions resulting from deforestation are greater than those predicted by climate change, the latter will result in novel environments that exceed temperatures in any present-day climates and may lead to biotic attrition unless organisms can adapt to these warmer conditions. Conserving intra-specific diversity over the long term will require considering both how changes in the recent past have influenced contemporary populations and the impact of future environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Changes from natural tree species to rapidly growing exotic species as well as intensification of forestry operations with heavy machinery can lead to changes in the quantity and quality of organic matter inputs to soil and to disruption of soil physical structure. These two ecosystem properties are tightly linked to organic matter dynamics. Five adjacent forest stands were selected to study soil organic matter dynamics in soil physical fractions. On one hand, two semi-natural broadleaved forests (Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica) and an adult radiata pine plantation (40-year-old,) in order to study the effect of species change on these parameters, and on the other, a chronosequence of Pinus radiata plantations (40-year-old; 3-year-old; 16-year-old), to study the effect of mechanization during harvesting and intense site preparation. Samples of intact topsoil (0–5 cm) were collected and aggregate-size distribution, mean weight diameter (MWD), total C and N, particulate organic matter (POM)-C, POM-N and microbial biomass-C were determined in each aggregate size fraction. Microbial respiration and nitrogen mineralization were also assessed in each aggregate size fraction, during a 28 day incubation period. Losses of POM-C and POM-N in the bulk soil due to mechanical site preparation were high relative to total soil C and N, which suggests that POM is a sensitive parameter to the effect of mechanization. The ratio C-POM:SOM was significantly related to MWD (R 2 = 0.75, P < 0.001) reflecting that POM may play a key role in the topsoil aggregate formation in these stands. Semi-natural stands had a higher proportion of macroaggregates (0.25–2 mm) than the cultivated adult one. Megaaggregates (>2 mm) were the most abundant class in mature stands (82–92%), whereas macro- and microaggregates (<2 mm) were the most abundant ones in the intensely soil prepared P. radiata plantation (49%). Indicators for sustainable forest management related to soil organic matter should not only be assessed in terms of total C stocks but also with respect to sensitive organic matter and its degradability in different size classes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Giant geodes (up to 4 m long) in the massive central portions of altered basalt lavas from the Paraná Magmatic Province, southern Brazil and Uruguay, form a world-class source of amethyst and agate. Although the origin of the cavities has been ascribed to degassing of the lava at >1150 °C, field evidence is conclusive that the giant amethyst-agate-filled geodes were formed by hydrothermal processes at low temperatures. We propose an epigenetic and hydrothermal model for the origin of giant geodes. This model includes hydrothermal brecciation during an early brittle stage and the late formation of the cavities (geodes). In the brittle stage an overpressured aqueous fluid affected the basalt in a P, T field delimited by temperatures between 100 and 150 °C and vapor pressures between 1.2 and 5.5 bar. The fluids were capable of lifting the roof and fracturing the host rock along new subhorizontal and subvertical fractures and breccias in the massive lava. The formation of these structures occurred at shallow depths, unit-by-unit. To open the cavities, dissolution of the now altered basalt to clay minerals is necessary. The process is closely linked to the highest alteration grade of mineralized lavas in Los Catalanes gemological district. Dissolution processes are observed in micrometer-scale in the studied basalts. The primary mineralogy, consisting of labradorite (±andesine)+augite+pigeonite+mesostasis (K-rich), was altered during the interaction of large volumes of hot aqueous fluid with the rock. The alteration of pigeonite and its replacement by smectite is observed around the cavities, followed by the precipitation of amorphous silica and microcrystalline quartz in clay-rich sites. Associated zeolites (heulandite+clinoptilolite) fill the newly formed cavities in progressive stages of hydrothermal alteration. Our data indicate that the temperatures were less than 200 °C and probably less than 150 °C; cavity formation occurred after alteration of the basalt to more than 60 vol.% clay minerals. We thus suggest that cavities related to geode formation are of epigenetic origin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Determinations of the LPO-derived seismic properties of iron ores were carried out in five samples with contrasting mineralogy (hematite, magnetite and quartz) and deformed in different conditions. All the samples are seismically quasi-isotropic or weakly anisotropic, which reflect (i) an absent or weak crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) in some samples; (ii) the high modal content of magnetite, (iii) the relatively weak anisotropy of elastic stiffness of hematite single crystal. Such variables induce a low anisotropic seismic behavior even in high strained iron ores with strong preferred orientation of hematite. A plane of seismic transversal isotropy parallel to the foliation of the aggregates is developed in hematite±magnetite aggregates and in itabirites with strong CPO of hematites. In these high strained aggregates, some relationships between the crystallographic axes of hematite and the propagation velocities can be observed. The magnitudes of P and S-wave velocities derived of hematite CPO are lower than the values experimentally determined in iron ores. Such a difference probably reflects other microstructural variable which were not taken into account in the present contribution (e.g. shape preferred orientation). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sand flies were captured weekly with CDC light traps from December 2003 to November 2005 in three areas of Campo Grande, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. These areas incorporated two patches of remnant forest and five houses. The blood meals of engorged female sand flies were identified using the avidin–biotin system of immunoenzymatic ELISA capture. Most (327/355) of the females analysed were Lutzomyia longipalpis, of which 66.4% reacted with human blood, 64.8% with that of birds and 8.9% with that of dogs. Females that had taken human blood predominated in the residential areas and two forest patches. The following combinations of blood were also detected for L. longipalpis in some of the samples analysed: bird+human (43.4%), bird+human+dog (6.1%). The combination bird+human+dog+pig was also found for Nyssomyia whitmani. Dogs and pigs appear to have little attractiveness for L. longipalpis. The results obtained demonstrate the eclecticism and high anthropophily of L. longipalpis and raise new questions with regard to the importance of dogs in VL epidemiology and the possible role of man as a source of infection for sand flies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon stabilization by macroaggregate-occluded microaggregates (Mm) has been proposed as a principal mechanism for long-term soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in temperate alternative agricultural and (af)forested systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the Mm fraction for long-term C stabilization in Oxisols and to validate its diagnostic properties for total SOC changes upon changes in land use. Soil samples were taken from the 0–5 and 5–20cm soil layers of native forest vegetation (NV), conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems at an experimental site near Passo Fundo and one near Londrina in Southern Brazil. After aggregate-size separations by wet-sieving, macroaggregate-occluded water-stable microaggregates (53–250μm) (Mm) were isolated from large (>2000μm) and small (>250μm) macroaggregates. Particulate organic matter located inside the Mm (intra-Mm-POM) and the mineral fraction (< 53μm) associated with the Mm (mineral-Mm) were separated from the POM fraction located outside the Mm (inter-Mm-POM) by density flotation followed by mechanical dispersion. Sand-free Mm-C concentrations on a macroaggregate basis were generally greater under NV and NT compared to CT in the 0–5cm depth at both sites. Our findings support the importance of Mm (especially the mineral-Mm fraction) as long-term C-stabilization sites in highly weathered tropical soils under sustainable agricultural and natural systems. At both sites, significant differences in total SOC stocks (gCm−2) among different land use systems were always accompanied by parallel Mm-C stock differences. Though total SOC did not differ among land use systems in the 0–20cm depth at both sites, Mm-C stocks were greater under NT compared to the CT treatment in the 0–20cm depth at the Londrina site. We concluded that in these highly weathered tropical soils the Mm-C fraction is a more responsive fraction to management changes than total SOC and represents a diagnostic fraction for present as well as potential total SOC changes upon land-use change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to study the process of dispersion and the activity concentration of 232Th and 238U series and 40K radionuclides in two island beaches in southeastern Brazil, analyses was made of sand samples of 0–10 cm profile, during a 12-month period. Moreover, the monthly variations of gamma dose rates were studied to determine the local environment absorbed dose rate. The average activity concentration of primordial radionuclides 232Th, 238U and 40K at Preta beach, they were 239, 121 and 110 Bq kg-1, while at Dois Rios beach they were 48, 39 and 412 Bq kg-1, respectively. The absorbed dose rate in air, observed at 1 m above the ground, ranged from 54 to 228 nGy h-1 at Preta beach and from 39 to 110 nGy h-1 at Dois Rios beach. The annual effective dose equivalent corresponding to Preta beach is 0.15 mSv a-1 and to Dois Rios 0.08 mSv a-1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Little is known about the soil distribution on quartzitic uplands of Brazil. The Diamantina Plateau, where deeply weathered oxisols (latosols) and shallow sandy soils occur side by side, represents part of the higher and oldest planation on the quartzitic uplands of Minas Gerais State. We studied representative soils from the Diamantina Plateau to help understand the pedogenesis and landscape evolution of this part of Minas Gerais. We found evidence of a lithological and tectonic control on the distribution of soils in the landscape. Polygenetic oxisols (Acrustox) occur at the top of the landscape at altitudes of 1300 m or more, resting uncomformably on quartzitic saprocks (Xanthic types) or mafic rocks (Rhodic types). They change downslope to in situ Quartzpsamments and Haplorthods. In the B horizon of the Xanthic Acrustox, quartz grains smaller than 0.3 mm are surrounded by gibbsitic plasma, forming subspherical microaggregates. Microaggregates in the Bw horizon of all upland oxisols display inherited features of intense biological activity regardless of the parent material or texture. The nutrient-poor catena of Xanthic Acrustox–Ustic Quartzpsamments–Oxyaquic Haplorthods represents a sequence of increasing hydromorphic conditions downwards, in which clay minerals are destroyed in low pH and ferrolysis. In the poorly drained soils downslope, low pH and eH induce the movement of reduced Fe2+ and organic matter (OM)-bound Al and Fe both per descendum and through lateral flow downslope. In the bottom, micromorphological features and the chemistry of organic matter indicated that some Bsh horizons represent buried A horizons subjected to post-burial podzolization, corroborating morphological field data. This indicates the pertinence of the study of humic fractions in defining the Bhs (spodic) horizons of Brazilian spodosols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Litopenaeus vannamei production in oligohaline waters (0.5–5 g L−1) is a potential alternative for the continuous expansion of shrimp farming. However, ionic imbalance may affect physiological processes and productivity. In this work, natural seawater inoculation was used as strategy for correction of ionic composition in a biofloc-dominated oligohaline system and its effects on the water quality and nursery performance were evaluated. A 27-day trial was conducted using an experimental biofloc-dominated oligohaline water, salt formulation was based on the mean concentrations of the major ions present in natural oligohaline waters found in Northeastern Brazil. The trial was composed of four treatments of natural seawater inoculation (3, 6, 10 and 13%) and a control, without inoculation (0%); all with four replicates. Post-larvae (PL) of 22 days (0.057 ± 0.002 g) were stocked at 1000 PL m−3 in 20,150 L indoor circular tanks. Shrimp were fed 40% crude protein commercial diets twice a day at rations adjusted weekly. Water temperature, oxygen saturation, pH, total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, hardness, salinity, conductivity, total suspended solids and settleable solids were monitored. Concentrations of the major ions were measured at the Days 0, 14 and 27. Shrimp sampling was performed weekly and the final zootechnical performance was evaluated by final weight, survival, specific growth rate (SGR), weekly growth rate (WGR), yield and food conversion ratio. Salinity, conductivity and hardness significantly increased according to the increase of seawater inoculation, whereas the other parameters did not differ; all of them were within the range recommended for shrimp culture at low salinity, except nitrate for 0%. Concentrations of Cl−, Na+, Mg2+ and K+ and Na+:K+ ratio significantly increased according to the increase of seawater inoculation. Final weight, survival, SGR, WGR and yield were significantly lower in the 0%, but no differences were found among the treatments (from 3% to 13%). The results found in this work indicate that a seawater inoculation at 3% was an efficient strategy to mitigate negative effects of the ionic imbalance on growth performance of PL reared in biofloc-dominated oligohaline systems. • Seawater inoculation significantly increased the Na:K ratio. • An inoculation at 3% mitigated negative effects of the ionic imbalance, improving significantly the growth performance. • The results corroborated the feasibility of the shrimp production in biofloc-dominated oligohaline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Initiator proteins of the lectin pathway bind " in vitro " to promastigotes forms of L. braziliensis parasites. • The incubation of L. braziliensis with either normal human serum or the recombinant proteins leads to deposition of CL-11, ficolin-1, ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 on parasite surface. • The findings suggest the involvement of the lectin complement pathway in the first steps of host defense against L. braziliensis infection. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main agent of mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects thousands of people in Brazil. It has been shown that complement plays a critical role at early stages of Leishmania infection and that is involved in the invasion of macrophages by the promastigotes. Ficolins and collectins are soluble pattern recognition and triggering molecules of the lectin complement pathway. We investigated here whether lectin pathway activators ficolin-1, ficolin-2, ficolin-3 and CL-11 bind to live L. braziliensis promastigotes in vitro. Promastigote forms in the stationary growth phase were incubated with normal human serum (NHS) or recombinant ficolins 1, 2 and 3, MBL and CL-11, and protein binding was evaluated by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Ficolins 1, 2 and 3, MBL and CL-11 were able to bind to the surface of live promastigotes after incubation with either NHS or recombinant proteins. A partial inhibition by N-acetyl- d -glucosamine characterizing the participation of acetylated groups in the deposition of ficolins and CL-11 to glycoconjugates on the surface of L. braziliensis was observed. These evidences highlight a role for the lectin pathway in the innate response to L. braziliensis. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to evaluate the use of the air jigging technique, a density-based separation technology commonly applied in mineral processing, to upgrade the quality of mixtures (density and geometric properties) that represents the typical composition of construction and demolition waste (CDW) produced in Brazil. In this sense, tests involving the variation of the main operational parameters of jigging (bed expansion rate, pulsation frequency and jigging time) were carried out aiming to find those which provided the best recycled aggregates quality after processing. Also, fines and dust emissions generation during jigging were measured in order to estimate their potential impacts on human health and environment. The results showed that the air jigging process is adequate to improve the quality of CDW by increasing the concrete concentration in the dense product. The use of high bed expansion rates showed to be of major importance to decrease the content of ceramic aggregates in the dense product, allowing obtaining products richer in concrete. Also, the measured properties of the obtained aggregates (size distribution, shape, etc) met the usual standards required for natural aggregates. Finally, material losses and dust emissions generated were negligible in comparison to the total mass processed, although special attention must be given to safety measures due the presence of inhalable particles (<10 μm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]