Analysis of environmental variables and deforestation in the amazon using logistical regression models.

In this study, we applied a multivariate logistic regression model to identify deforested areas and evaluate the current effects on environmental variables in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, located in the southwestern Amazon region using data from the MODIS/Terra sensor. The variables albedo, temperature, evapotranspiration, vegetation index, and gross primary productivity were analyzed from 2000 to 2022, with surface type data from the PRODES project as the dependent variable. The accuracy of the models was evaluated by the parameters area under the curve (AUC), pseudo R2, and Akaike information criterion, in addition to statistical tests. The results indicated that deforested areas had higher albedo (25%) and higher surface temperatures (3.2 °C) compared to forested areas. There was a significant reduction of the EVI (16%), indicating water stress, and a decrease in GPP (18%) and ETr (23%) due to the loss of plant biomass. The most precise model (91.6%) included only surface temperature and albedo, providing important information about the environmental impacts of deforestation in humid tropical regions.

A Scoping Review on Carotenoid Profiling in Passiflora spp.: A Vast Avenue for Expanding the Knowledge on the Species.

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A ß-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.

Increased frequency of detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in domestic cats after outbreak of human toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis affects various organisms, including humans. In 2018, the largest outbreak of human toxoplasmosis described so far was reported in southern Brazil, with 809 human cases reported, and water as the potentially primary source of infection. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected domestic cats before and after the human toxoplasmosis outbreak, as well as the potential for environmental contamination by the number of cats infected after the outbreak. We evaluated 381 serum samples from domestic cats in southern Brazil, using an indirect immunofluorescence assay, with samples considered positive at a titer of 1:20. We found that 73% (204/279) and 27% (75/279) of the samples analyzed before the outbreak were negative and positive, respectively. After the outbreak, 62% (69/112) were negative of the samples were and 38% (43/112) were positive. Notably, the proportion of positive samples before the outbreak before (27%) was significantly lower than that after the outbreak (38%; P = 0.020). Therefore, the increased seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats was probably correlated with the ingestion of contaminated water. Therefore, it is important to monitor animals, mainly definitive hosts, after toxoplasmosis outbreaks, considering that these animals can contaminate the environment and, consequently, humans.

Polyphenol Composition by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS and Bioactivities of Extracts from Grape Agri-Food Wastes.

BACKGROUND: Grape agri-food wastes, such as skin, seeds, and other discarded by-products, contain phytochemical compounds that offer potential health benefits. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the polyphenol composition and bioactivities of different extracts obtained from grape marc and seeds, with the goal of exploring their potential for application as natural food additives. RESULTS: Regardless of the extraction method used (dynamic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), all extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of phenolic compounds. The chemical characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of specific compounds and chemical groups associated with each extraction methodology. Moreover, the extracts displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities, especially in inhibiting lipoperoxidation as assessed by the TBARS assay. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated effective inhibition against different strains of bacteria and fungi known as food contaminants. Taken together, these findings indicate that those extracts have the potential to be tested as natural antioxidants and preservatives with sustainable origins in food and beverage systems. Among the extraction methods evaluated, traditional maceration and UAE provided extracts with the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the opportunity to explore grape marc and seeds discarded by the winery industry in Portugal as natural sources of bioactive compounds, which could be employed as functional food ingredients or technological additives. The valorization of grape biowastes offers a promising strategy to reduce waste and harness their potential health benefits.

Cross preferences and genetic diversity of Psidium interspecific hybrids through morphoagronomic traits and resistance to Meloidogyne enterolobii.

The introgression of M. enterolobii resistance-related genes in guava breeding programs can be compromised by incompatibility among Psidium species. This study aimed to evaluate the female parent preference and genetic diversity of Psidium interspecific hybrids using morphoagronomic traits and resistance to M. enterolobii. There were evaluated cross successes and germination from crosses between accesses of P. cattleyanum, P. guineense and P. guajava and the genetic diversity by Ward-MLM method of hybrids according to descriptors developed for the genus. Crosses were more successful when P. cattleyanum was the female parent. Germination was more successful in crosses involving P. cattleyanum and P. guajava. Four groups were formed. The group IV clustered the most resistant genotypes, composed by genotypes of P. cattleyanum x P. guineense, while the group II was the most susceptible. The groups I and III grouped some genotypes of P. cattleyanum x P. guajava with low levels of susceptibility. There are preferences of female parent species among crosses. Some individuals of groups I and III can be used as source of resistance genes for the breeding program, due the presence of favorable alleles inherited from guava parent. The high susceptibility leads to reduction in root development.

Spatiotemporal nonhomogeneous poisson model with a seasonal component applied to the analysis of extreme rainfall.

This paper develops an extension of spatiotemporal models that handle count data using nonhomogeneous Poisson processes. In this new proposal, we incorporate a seasonal cycle component in the definition of the intensity function to control possible effects produced by the occurrence of the event of interest in regular periods. The seasonal cycle can cause problems in estimating the shape parameter of the Weibull and generalized Goel intensity functions. This shape parameter serves to confront the research hypothesis that seeks to identify a trend in the occurrence rate of an event of interest. In the case of the Weibull intensity function, a value significantly equal to one of the shape parameters indicates a constant rate of occurrence, less than one indicates a decreasing rate, and greater than one indicates an increasing rate. In the case of the Goel intensity function, parameter values less than or equal to one indicate a decreasing occurrence rate, and values greater than one indicate the presence of a change point. We also built a spatial model using the Musa-Okumoto intensity function as an alternative to approximate counting processes for which there is a decreasing trend in the occurrence rate of the event of interest. We estimated the parameters of the proposed method from a Bayesian perspective. Finally, we fitted the proposed model and compared it with other approximations to analyze the frequency of extreme rainfall in the northern region of the states of Maranhão and Piauí in northeastern Brazil over ten years. Among the main results, we found that (1) the proposed method has proven superior in terms of fit and prediction performance than the other models, and (2) unlike other approximations, the proposed model does not detect changes in the rate of extreme rainfall occurrences.

Chemical and Bioactive Screening of Green Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Chestnut By-Products: An Approach to Guide the Sustainable Production of High-Added Value Ingredients.

Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it is crucial to explore the feasibility of different extracts from the various by-products for these applications through the exhaustive study of their composition and bioactivities without losing sight of the sustainable character of the process. This work aimed at the screening of the phenolic compound composition and bioactivities of different green extracts of chestnut burs, shells and leaves, as the first step to establish their potential application as natural ingredients, primarily as food preservatives. To this end, maceration (MAC) as a conventional extraction method besides ultrasound and microwave-assisted extractions (UAE and MAE) was employed to obtain the extracts from chestnut by-products using water (W) and hydroethanolic solution (HE) as solvents. Phenolic compounds were analysed by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS; the antioxidant capacity was assessed by colourimetric assays, and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several strains of food-borne bacteria and fungi. The leaf extracts obtained by MAC-HE and UAE-HE presented the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (70.92 ± 2.72 and 53.97 ± 2.41 mg.g-1 extract dw, respectively), whereas, for burs and shells, the highest recovery of total phenolic compounds was achieved by using UAE-HE and UAE-W (36.87 ± 1.09 and 23.03 ± 0.26 mg.g-1 extract dw, respectively). Bis-HHDP-glucose isomers, chestanin and gallic acid were among the most abundant compounds. Bur extracts (MAC-HE and UAE-HE) generally presented the highest antioxidant capacity as measured by TBARS, while the best results in DPPH and reducing power assays were found for shell extracts (MAE-W and MAC-HE). Promising antibacterial activity was noticed for the aqueous extracts of burs, leaves and hydroethanolic extracts of shells, with emphasis on the MAE-W extract of burs that showed bactericidal activity against E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (MBC 5 mg.mL-1). Overall, it can be concluded that chestnut by-products, including burs, shells and leaves, are sources of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The choice of extraction method and solvent greatly influenced the composition and bioactivity of the extracts. These findings highlight the potential of chestnut by-products for the development of natural additives, particularly for food preservation, while also emphasizing the importance of sustainable utilization of agricultural waste materials. Further research is warranted to optimize extraction techniques and explore additional applications for these valuable bioactive compounds.

Imputation of precipitation data in northeast Brazil.

This article evaluates four statistical methods of multiple imputation to fill in the missing data of daily precipitation in Northeast Brazil (NEB). We used a daily database collected by 94 rain gauges distributed in NEB from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2015. The methods were: random sampling from the observed values; predictive mean matching, Bayesian linear regression; and bootstrap expectation maximization algorithm (BootEm). To compare these methods, missing data from the original series were initially excluded. The next step was to create three scenarios for each method, in which 10\%, 20\% and 30\% of the data were removed at random. The BootEM method presented the best statistical results. With the average bias between the complete series and the imputed series values ranging between -0.91 and 1.30 mm/day. The values of the Pearson correlation ranging between 0.96, 0.91 and 0.86 respectively for 10\%, 20\% and 30\% missing data. We conclude that this is an adequate method for the reconstruction of historical precipitation data in NEB.

Danos psicológicos relacionados ao trabalho em profissionais de uma unidade de terapia intensiva na pandemia de Covid-19 / Work-related psychological harm in intensive care unit professionals in the Covid-19 pandemic / Daño psicológico relacionado con el trabajo en profesionales de la unidad de cuidados intensivos en la pandemia de Covid-19

A pandemia de COVID-19 exacerbou o adoecimento mental dos profissionais de saúde devido ao estresse e a sobrecarga de trabalho. Objetivo: conhecer os danos de danos psicológicos relacionados às atividades laborais que acometem profissionais que atuam na linha de frente em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva-UTI durante o enfrentamento da pandemia do COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal, exploratório. Foi enviado um questionário online sobre dados sociodemográficos, atividades de trabalho e os 10 itens sobre danos psicológicos da Escala de Avaliação dos Danos Relacionados ao Trabalho (EADRT). Resultados: Responderam aos questionários 91 indivíduos (81,25%), dos quais 72,5% foram do sexo feminino, 72,5% trabalhavam há até 5 anos em UTI e 81,3% possuíam mais de um vínculo empregatício. Os danos psicológicos mais prevalentes foram: irritação com tudo (26,4%), amargura (19,8%) e vontade de desistir de tudo (19,8%). A razão de prevalência entre danos psicológicos relacionados ao trabalho e fatores socio demográficos e de trabalho, pode observar que houve prevalência de 3,000(IC95%=1,560-5,770) vezes entre profissionais de nível superior em relação aos de nível médio.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental illness of two health professionals due to stress and work overload. Objective: know the psychological damage related to the work activities undertaken by professionals who work on the front line in the Intensive Care Unit-ICU during the confrontation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional, exploratory study. An online questionnaire was sent on sociodemographic data, work activities and the 10 items on psychological damage from the Work-Related Damage Assessment Scale (EADRT). Results: 91 individuals (81.25%) responded to the questionnaires, of which 72.5% were female, 72.5% worked for 5 years in ICU and 81.3% had more than one employer. The most prevalent psychological damages were: irritation with everything (26.4%), bitterness (19.8%) and the desire to give up everything (19.8%). Based on the prevalence between work-related psychological harm and socio-demographic and work-related factors, it can be observed that there was a prevalence of 3,000 (CI=95%=1,560-5,770) times among higher-level professionals compared to middle-level professionals.

A pandemia de COVID-19 agravou as doenças psíquicas dos profissionais de saúde devido ao stress e à sobrecarga de trabalho. Objetivo: conocer el daño psicológico relacionado con las actividades laborales realizadas por profesionales que trabajan en primera línea en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos- UCI durante el afrontamiento de la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal y exploratorio. Se envió un cuestionario online sobre datos sociodemográficos, actividades laborales y los 10 ítems sobre daño psicológico de la Escala de Evaluación del Daño Relacionado con el Trabajo (EADRT). Resultados: 91 individuos (81,25%) respondieron a los cuestionarios, de los cuales el 72,5% eran mujeres, el 72,5% trabajaban desde hacía 5 años en UCI y el 81,3% tenían más de un empleador. Los daños psicológicos más prevalentes fueron: irritación por todo (26,4%), amargura (19,8%) y deseo de dejarlo todo (19,8%). A partir de la prevalencia entre los daños psicológicos relacionados con el trabajo y los factores sociodemográficos y laborales, se observa que hubo una prevalencia de 3.000 (IC=95%=1.560-5.770) veces entre los profesionales de nivel superior en comparación con los profesionales de nivel medio.

Ethical dilemmas for pediatricians administering palliative sedation to children in Brazil / Dilemas éticos de los pediatras al administrar sedación paliativa a niños en Brasil / Dilemas éticos de pediatras ao administrar sedação paliativa em crianças no Brasil

Abstract This study aims to analyze the use of pediatric palliative sedation and understand how it is connected to medical training and the doctor-patient relationship in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional exploratory study using an online survey targeted at pediatricians working in Brazil to evaluate concepts of palliative sedation and aggressive symptom management. The lack of specific training, protocols, and institutionalized guidelines can create uncertainties in palliative care. This also contributes to the increased end-of-life suffering those children and their families face. Improving education in pediatric palliative care is an urgent and pressing need in Brazil.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el uso de la sedación paliativa y comprender cómo esta se vincula con la formación médica y la relación médico-paciente en Brasil. Basándose en una encuesta en línea con pediatras que trabajan en Brasil, este estudio transversal y exploratorio pretendió evaluar los conceptos de sedación paliativa y tratamiento de síntomas agresivos. La falta de formación específica, de protocolos y guías institucionalizadas puede generar incertidumbres en los cuidados paliativos. Esto también contribuye al aumento del sufrimiento que enfrenta estos niños al final de la vida y sus familias. Es imprescindible y urgente mejorar la educación en cuidados paliativos pediátricos en Brasil.

Resumo Este artigo objetiva analisar o uso de sedação paliativa e entender como ela está ligada à formação médica e ao relacionamento médico-paciente no Brasil. Com base em pesquisa on-line focada em pediatras que trabalham no Brasil, este estudo transversal e exploratório buscou avaliar conceitos de sedação paliativa e tratamento de sintomas agressivos. A falta de treinamento específico, protocolos e diretrizes institucionalizadas pode gerar incertezas no cuidado paliativo. Isso também contribui para o aumento do sofrimento de fim da vida que essas crianças e suas famílias enfrentam. Melhorar a educação em cuidados paliativos pediátricos é uma necessidade urgente e imediata no Brasil.

Trust your gut: Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of dietary compounds.

Studying the composition of a certain food is not enough to predict its health benefits. Research over the past decades has decisively strengthened the notion that any putative health benefit is best related to the fraction of compounds transferred from ingested foods into the body since the absorption may be incomplete after oral consumption. In other words, the bioavailability of food components is crucial information. Therefore, a variety of in vitro models have been developed to predict their bioaccessibility and bioavailability in the most diverse food matrices and food products. These models can also be applied to study the impact of several endogenous or exogenous factors on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of nutrients and bioactive compounds, guiding nutrition and food scientists, technologists, and engineers towards the development of strategies to optimize the positive impact of the diet on well-being and quality of life. While bioavailability is ideally examined in human volunteers, in vitro digestion methods, as well as intestinal absorption and microphysiological models, simulate human physiological conditions. Additionally, in vitro methods are alternatives to offset ethical, economical, and experimental limitations associated with in vivo studies conducted either with individuals or animals. This graphical review draws parallels between in vitro models mimicking digestion processes, uptake, absorption, metabolism, and distribution of dietary compounds and human physiology.

Chest binding and respiratory complaints in transgender men / Uso de binder e queixas respiratórias em homens transexuais

Abstract Introduction: Chest binders are an important resource for building masculinity in transgender men without mastectomy, although they can cause respiratory and thoracic damage if misused. Objective: To analyze the association between chest binding and chest complaints in transgender men. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted at the Trans Space of the Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco and the LGBTQI Patrícia Gomes outpatient clinic of the Lessa de Andrade polyclinic in Recife (Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil). Sixty transgender men aged >18 years were included, and data on sociodemographics, general health, chest binding, and respiratory complaints in the thoracic region were collected. Descriptive analysis was performed, and prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% to associate between binder use and complaints in the chest region. Results: The average was 27.25 years, of which 81.7% did not undergo mastectomy and 53.3% used chest binders. The use of chest binders was significantly associated with complaints in the chest region (PR = 2.73), difficulty breathing (PR = 2.27), and chest pain (PR = 1.82). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a higher prevalence of complaints in the chest and respiratory region in transgender men who use chest binders. This reinforces the need to broaden the view on the health of this population. Gender construction strategies are essential for the quality of life and mental health of transgender men, and binders are an important ally in this process.

Resumo Introdução: O uso de binder é um importante recurso para a construção da masculinidade nos homens transexuais não mastectomizados, contudo, pode acarretar danos respiratórios e torácicos se usado de forma inadequada. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o uso de binder e as queixas torácicas em homens transexuais. Métodos: Estudo transversal quantitativo realizado no Espaço Trans do Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco e no ambulatório LGBTQI Patrícia Gomes da Policlínica Lessa de Andrade, em Recife, PE. Foram incluídos 60 homens transexuais, com idade acima de 18 anos, e foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, de saúde geral, uso de binder e queixas na região torácica. Foi realizada a análise descritiva e estimadas as razões de prevalência (RP) com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% para a associação entre o uso de binder e queixas na região do tórax. Resultados: A média foi de 27,25 anos; destes, 81,7% não realizaram mastectomia e 53,3% faziam uso de binder. O uso de binder teve associação significativa com queixas na região do tórax (RP = 2,73), dificuldade para respirar (RP = 2,27) e dor no tórax (RP = 1,82). Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que há prevalência maior de queixas na região do tórax e queixas respiratórias nos homens transexuais que fazem uso de binder. Isto reforça a necessidade de ampliar o olhar sobre a saúde dessa população. Estratégias de construção de gênero são essenciais para a qualidade de vida e saúde mental de homens transexuais, sendo o uso de binder um importante aliado neste processo.

The effect of caffeine on tinnitus: Randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that caffeine can influence tinnitus, we recruited 80 patients with chronic tinnitus and randomly allocated them into two groups (caffeine and placebo) to analyze the self-perception of tinnitus symptoms after caffeine consumption, assuming that this is an adequate sample for generalization. METHODS: The participants were randomized into two groups: one group was administered a 300-mg capsule of caffeine, and the other group was given a placebo capsule (cornstarch). A diet that restricted caffeine consumption for 24 hours was implemented. The participants answered questionnaires (the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-THI, the Visual Analog Scale-VAS, the profile of mood state-POMS) and underwent examinations (tonal and high frequency audiometry, acufenometry (frequency measure; intensity measure and the minimum level of tinnitus masking), transient otoacoustic emissions-TEOAE and distortion product otoacoustic emissions-DPOAE assessments) at two timepoints: at baseline and after capsule ingestion. RESULTS: There was a significant change in mood (measured by the POMS) after caffeine consumption. The THI and VAS scores were improved at the second timepoint in both groups. The audiometry assessment showed a significant difference in some frequencies between baseline and follow-up measurements in both groups, but these differences were not clinically relevant. Similar findings were observed for the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio in the TEOAE and DPOAE measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine (300 mg) did not significantly alter the psychoacoustic measures, electroacoustic measures or the tinnitus-related degree of discomfort.

Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of Murine Hepatitis Virus Strain 3 from Brazil.

Murine hepatitis virus (MHV) strain 3, one of the most important inducers of viral hepatitis, has been extensively studied as an organism to gain a better understanding of coronavirus biology and pathogenesis. Only one sequence is currently available. Another representative isolate has now been sequenced and added to the arsenal of MHV-3 variants.

Physicochemical characterization and nano-emulsification of three species of pumpkin seed oils with focus on their physical stability.

We present the chemical composition, quality parameters and antioxidant capacity of pumpkin seed oils (PSO) from Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita moschata cultivated in Brazil. In addition, PSO nanoemulsions (nanopepo, nanomax and nanomosc) were developed and their physical stabilities were assessed under long-term storage at two temperatures. Among the PSO, C. pepo presented the highest contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, total carotenoids, and chlorophylls, but the lowest oxidative stability. Conversely, C. maxima PSO showed highest oxidative stability and total tocopherol content but the lowest chlorophyll content. Nanomax and nanopepo were more stable to droplet growth at 4 °C, while nanomosc was more stable at 25 °C. Nanopepo was the most stable formulation after the heating-cooling cycles, whereas nanomax was the most stable under centrifugation regardless the temperature. Overall, all nanoemulsions presented droplet diameter lower than 200 nm and ζ-potential approaching -30 mV until the end of storage.

Genetic structuring of segregating populations of Psidium spp resistant to the southern root-knot nematode by Bayesian approach as basis for the guava breeding program.

There are no guava cultivars resistant to the Meloidogyne enterolobii; for this reason, genetic breeding has been performed by introgressing genes into the current cultivars through interspecific hybridization. We used 33 microsatellite markers for the genetic-molecular characterization of segregating populations of Psidium resistant to M. enterolobii, aiming at selection within and between populations for generation advancement in the guava breeding program. The average number of alleles per locus ranged from 1.60 to 2.09. Populations 1 (P. guineense × P. cattleyanum) and 5 (P. guajava × P. cattleyanum) obtained the greatest genetic diversity, which can be confirmed by the higher observed-heterozygosity values (0.422 and 0.312, respectively). Bayesian analysis showed that the populations were subdivided into three groups, agreeing with the number of groups observed by Nei's genetic distance. The population obtained from the P. guineense × P. cattleyanum cross differed from the others with a clear structuring, whereas the P. guajava × P. cattleyanum and P. cattleyanum × P. guineense populations were the most similar between each other. The SSR markers were efficient in discriminating the populations, and individual 80 may be employed in future crosses with guava, allowing generation advancement in the guava breeding program aimed at resistance to M. enterolobii.

Seed morphobiometry, morphology of germination and emergence of quinoa seeds 'BRS Piabiru'.

Quinoa, classified as a pseudocereal, presents greater nutritional value compared to traditional cereals. Considering the potential for cultivation presented by the species and the benefits of studying plant morphology and morphobiometry, this paper describes seed and seedling morphobiometric characteristics of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivar BRS Piabiru during germination and emergence. To evaluate seed morphobiometry the 1000-seeds weight, moisture content, seed morphological characterization and the tetrazolium test were performed. The morphological characterization of germination and seedling emergence were performed by periodic observations during the development, allowing the description using pictures and drawings. Quinoa seeds cv. BRS Piabiru present an average diameter of 2.05 mm and 1.07 width. 1000-seeds weight of 2.68 g and moisture content of 11%. Externally, quinoa seeds present the pericarp as testa, the hilum and the raphe and, internally, the embryonic axis (cotyledons, radicle and hypocotyl-radicle), perisperm and endosperm. The germination is characterized as epigeal, phanerocotylar type, with radicle protrusion at 3 hours after sowing and complete formed seedlings at 24 hours after sowing. Emergence occurs at 9 days after sowing and plants are completely formed at 12 days after sowing.

Comparison of two rapid descriptive sensory techniques for profiling and screening of drivers of liking of sorghum breads.

Rapid descriptive methods have emerged as a relatively simple alternative for screening the sensory attributes of products that drive their liking, and may contribute to identify sorghum genotypes with potential for development of gluten-free breads with higher consumer acceptance. Two rapid techniques, Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) and Optimized Descriptive Profile (ODP), were herein compared on their ability to describe, discriminate and identify the drivers of liking of sorghum breads. Gluten-free bread formulations were developed using flours from selected sorghum genotypes (CMSS005, BR 501, BRS 332, BRS 330, BRS 305 and 1167048), besides commercial sorghum and rice flours. A semi-trained panel (n = 18) evaluated the samples using the ODP method, whereas consumers (n = 124) completed the CATA questionnaire and rated the liking in a 9-point hedonic scale. A total of 24 and 11 sensory descriptors were perceived by assessors as different among samples for CATA and ODP, respectively, with color and appearance-related attributes critical to discriminate samples in CATA, whereas flavor and texture descriptors had also prominent contribution in ODP. A similar pattern of sample distribution was noticed for both methods, which were shown to be highly and positively correlated (RV = 0.92, p < 0.002). Genotypes influenced the consumer perception of sorghum breads, being the BRS 332 and the CMSS005 breads among the most and the least accepted samples for either consumer segment, respectively. While 10 drivers of liking were identified by CATA, including 'appearance of whole flour breads', 'uniform alveoli', 'neutral flavor' and 'soft aroma', in ODP 'crumb color', 'crust color', 'spots' and 'traditional bread aroma' drove bread acceptance. In summary, both methods were successfully applied and provided similar pattern of sample discrimination, whereas the attributes used for sample characterization, as well as those identified as drivers of liking were generally different. The ODP offers a simpler option for a quantitative perspective, while CATA remains as an easy method considering qualitative aspects, being clearly faster than ODP.

Corrupção e má gestão nos gastos com educação: fatores socioeconômicos e políticos / Corrupción y mala gestión en los gastos en educación: factores socioeconómicos y políticos / Corruption and mismanagement in spending on education: socioeconomic and political factors

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar os fatores socioeconômicos e políticos que influenciaram a ocorrência de corrupção e má gestão nos gastos com o ensino básico nos municípios brasileiros. As fontes de dados usadas foram os relatórios das fiscalizações realizadas pela Controladoria-Geral da União (CGU) de 2011 a 2015 e os websites da Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FIRJAN), do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) e da Secretaria do Tesouro Nacional (STN). Os dados foram analisados por meio de procedimentos descritivos e regressão Binomial Negativo. De modo geral, os resultados indicaram que a possibilidade de reeleição do prefeito e a atuação dos conselhos municipais afetaram significativamente a incidência de corrupção. Por sua vez, a ocorrência de má gestão apresentou relação significativa com o perfil do eleitor e atuação dos conselhos municipais. Esses achados destacam a relevância dos conselhos municipais como instrumentos de acompanhamento e fiscalização da aplicação dos recursos públicos destinados ao ensino básico nos municípios brasileiros.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar los factores socioeconómicos y políticos que influenciaron el surgimiento de corrupción y de mala gestión de los gastos en enseñanza básica en los municipios brasileños. Las fuentes de datos utilizadas fueron los informes de las fiscalizaciones realizadas por la Contraloría General de la Unión entre los años 2011 a 2015; y los sitios web de la Federación de las Industrias del Estado de Río de Janeiro, del Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística, del Tribunal Superior Electoral y de la Secretaría del Tesoro Nacional. Para el análisis de los datos se realizaron procedimientos descriptivos y la regresión binomial negativo. En general, los resultados indicaron que la posibilidad de reelección del alcalde y el desempeño de los consejos municipales afectaron significativamente la incidencia de la corrupción. A su vez, la mala gestión mostró una relación significativa con el perfil del votante y el desempeño de los consejos municipales. Estos hallazgos destacan la relevancia de los consejos municipales como instrumento de seguimiento y fiscalización de la aplicación de los recursos públicos destinados a la enseñanza básica de los municipios brasileños.

Abstract This research analyzes the socioeconomic and political factors that influence the occurrence of corruption and mismanagement in public spending on basic education in Brazilian municipalities. The sources of data were the inspection reports of the Comptroller General of the Union during 2011 to 2015; and the websites of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the Superior Electoral Court, and the National Treasury Secretariat. The data analysis adopted descriptive procedures and binomial negative regression. Overall, the results indicate that the possibility of reelection of the mayor and the performance of municipal councils affected the incidence of corruption. In turn, an occurrence of mismanagement shows a significant relationship with the voter's profile and the performance of municipal councils. These findings highlighted the relevance of municipal councils as an instrument for monitoring and supervising public spending on basic education of Brazilian municipalities.