Decoupling of Temperature and Strain Effects on Optical Fiber-Based Measurements of Thermomechanical Loaded Printed Circuit Board Assemblies.

This study investigated the use of distributed optical fiber sensing to measure temperature and strain during thermomechanical processes in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. An optical fiber (OF) was bonded to a PCB for simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain. Optical frequency-domain reflectometry was used to interrogate the fiber optic sensor. As the optical fiber is sensitive to both temperature and strain, a demodulation technique is required to separate both effects. Several demodulation techniques were compared to find the best one, highlighting their main limitations. The importance of good estimations of the temperature sensitivity coefficient of the OF and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the PCB was highlighted for accurate results. Furthermore, the temperature sensitivity of the bonded OF should not be neglected for accurate estimations of strains. The two-sensor combination model provided the best results, with a 2.3% error of temperature values and expected strain values. Based on this decoupling model, a methodology for measuring strain and temperature variations in PCB thermomechanical processes using a single and simple OF was developed and tested, and then applied to a trial in an industrial environment using a dynamic oven with similar characteristics to those of a reflow oven. This approach allows the measurement of the temperature profile on the PCB during oven travel and its strain state (warpage).

Endophytic Trichoderma species from rubber trees native to the Brazilian Amazon, including four new species.

Fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma have been widely recognized as efficient controllers of plant diseases. Although the majority of isolates currently deployed, thus far, have been isolated from soil, endophytic Trichoderma spp. is considered to be a promising option for application in biocontrol. In this study, 30 endophytic Trichoderma isolates-obtained from the leaves, stems, and roots of wild Hevea spp. in the Brazilian Amazon-were analyzed using specific DNA barcodes: sequences of internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 of rDNA (ITS region), genes encoding translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2). The genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) concept was used for species delimitation. A phylogenetic analysis showed the occurrence of Trichoderma species, such as T. erinaceum, T. ovalisporum, T. koningiopsis, T. sparsum, T. lentiforme, T. virens, and T. spirale. Molecular and morphological features resulted in the discovery of four new species, such as T. acreanum sp. nov., T. ararianum sp. nov., T. heveae sp. nov., and T. brasiliensis sp. nov. The BI and ML analyses shared a similar topology, providing high support to the final trees. The phylograms show three distinct subclades, namely, T. acreanum and T. ararianum being paraphyletic with T. koningiopsis; T. heveae with T. subviride; and T. brasiliensis with T. brevicompactum. This study adds to our knowledge of the diversity of endophytic Trichoderma species in Neotropical forests and reveals new potential biocontrol agents for the management of plant diseases.

Emergent properties from CuPd alloy films under near-infrared excitation.

Noble-transition metal alloys offer emergent optical and electronic properties for near-infrared (NIR) optoelectronic devices. We investigate the optical and electronic properties of CuxPd1-x alloy thin films and their ultrafast electron dynamics under NIR excitation. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements supported by density functional theory calculations show strong d-band hybridization between the Cu 3d and Pd 4d bands. These hybridization effects result in emergent optical properties, most apparent in the dilute Pd case. Time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy with NIR (e.g., 1550 nm) excitation displays composition-tunable electron dynamics. We posit that the negative peak in the normalized increment of transmissivity (ΔT/T) below 2 ps from dilute Pd alloys is due to non-thermalized hot-carrier generation. On the other hand, Pd-rich alloys exhibit an increase in ΔT/T due to thermalization effects upon ultrafast NIR photoexcitation. CuxPd1-x alloys in the dilute Pd regime may be a promising material for future ultrafast NIR optoelectronic devices.

Resonant Plasmonic-Biomolecular Chiral Interactions in the Far-Ultraviolet: Enantiomeric Discrimination of sub-10 nm Amino Acid Films.

Resonant plasmonic-molecular chiral interactions are a promising route to enhanced biosensing. However, biomolecular optical activity primarily exists in the far-ultraviolet regime, posing significant challenges for spectral overlap with current nano-optical platforms. We demonstrate experimentally and computationally the enhanced chiral sensing of a resonant plasmonic-biomolecular system operating in the far-UV. We develop a full-wave model of biomolecular films on Al gammadion arrays using experimentally derived chirality parameters. Our calculations show that detectable enhancements in the chiroptical signals from small amounts of biomolecules are possible only when tight spectral overlap exists between the plasmonic and biomolecular chiral responses. We support this conclusion experimentally by using Al gammadion arrays to enantiomerically discriminate ultrathin (<10 nm thick) films of tyrosine. Notably, the chiroptical signals of the bare films were within instrumental noise. Our results demonstrate the importance of using far-UV active metasurfaces for enhancing natural optical activity.

A Noble-Transition Alloy Excels at Hot-Carrier Generation in the Near Infrared.

Above-equilibrium "hot"-carrier generation in metals is a promising route to convert photons into electrical charge for efficient near-infrared optoelectronics. However, metals that offer both hot-carrier generation in the near-infrared and sufficient carrier lifetimes remain elusive. Alloys can offer emergent properties and new design strategies compared to pure metals. Here, it is shown that a noble-transition alloy, Aux Pd1- x , outperforms its constituent metals concerning generation and lifetime of hot carriers when excited in the near-infrared. At optical fiber wavelengths (e.g., 1550 nm), Au50 Pd50 provides a 20-fold increase in the number of ≈0.8 eV hot holes, compared to Au, and a threefold increase in the carrier lifetime, compared to Pd. The discovery that noble-transition alloys can excel at hot-carrier generation reveals a new material platform for near-infrared optoelectronic devices.

Critical Coupling of Visible Light Extends Hot-Electron Lifetimes for H2O2 Synthesis.

Devices driven by above-equilibrium "hot" electrons are appealing for photocatalytic technologies, such as in situ H2O2 synthesis, but currently suffer from low (<1%) overall quantum efficiencies. Gold nanostructures excited by visible light generate hot electrons that can inject into a neighboring semiconductor to drive electrochemical reactions. Here, we designed and studied a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure of Au nanoparticles on a ZnO/TiO2/Al film stack, deposited through room-temperature, lithography-free methods. Light absorption, electron injection efficiency, and photocatalytic yield in this device are superior in comparison to the same stack without Al. Our device absorbs >60% of light at the Au localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak near 530 nm-a 5-fold enhancement in Au absorption due to critical coupling to an Al film. Furthermore, we show through ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy that the Al-coupled samples exhibit a nearly 5-fold improvement in hot-electron injection efficiency as compared to a non-Al device, with the hot-electron lifetimes extending to >2 ps in devices photoexcited with fluence of 0.1 mJ cm-2. The use of an Al film also enhances the photocatalytic yield of H2O2 more than 3-fold in a visible-light-driven reactor. Altogether, we show that the critical coupling of Al films to Au nanoparticles is a low-cost, lithography-free method for improving visible-light capture, extending hot-carrier lifetimes, and ultimately increasing the rate of in situ H2O2 generation.

Nitrogen form regulates cadmium uptake and accumulation in Tanzania guinea grass used for phytoextraction.

Plants benefit from the simultaneous uptake of nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+), which can influence the bioaccumulation of heavy metals. Nevertheless, there are no studies on the effect of nitrogen forms on grasses used for cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction. The objective was to evaluate the response of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania to NO3-/NH4+ ratios and Cd levels. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in a randomized complete block design replicated three times, with three NO3-/NH4+ ratios (100/0, 70/30 and 50/50) and three Cd levels (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 mM). Although it increased plant total nitrogen concentration, Cd exposure reduced shoot and root growth. Moreover, it altered nitrogen metabolism and induced the accumulation of NO3- and NH4+ mainly in shoots. The supply of 50/50 disturbed glutamine synthetase activity and changed root morphology under Cd toxicity. However, while the exclusive use of NO3- mitigated toxicity symptoms, by favoring Cd accumulation in roots and maintaining normal nitrogen metabolism, plants grown with 50/50 showed increased uptake, transport and accumulation of this metal. Thus, Cd uptake and accumulation are strongly related to the form of nitrogen available, and the supply of 50/50 increases the phytoextraction of this metal.

Partial replacement of nitrate by ammonium increases photosynthesis and reduces oxidative stress in tanzania guinea grass exposed to cadmium.

In order to grow and effectively uptake and accumulate cadmium (Cd), plants used for phytoextraction have to cope with toxicity, which may be influenced by the supply of nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+). Thus, we evaluated the effect of these nitrogen forms on the photosynthetic and antioxidant enzyme activities of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania (tanzania guinea grass) under Cd stress. Plants were grown in nutrient solution under greenhouse conditions and subjected to a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. They were supplied with three NO3-/NH4+ ratios (100/0, 70/30 and 50/50) and exposed to three Cd rates (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 mmol L-1), being arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Gas exchange parameters, oxidative stress indicators, proline concentration and antioxidant enzyme activities were studied. Exposure to Cd reduced photosynthesis by causing stomatal closure and impairing electron transport. However, the simultaneous supply of NO3- and NH4+, particularly at a 50/50 ratio, restored gas exchange and improved the function of photosystem II, increasing the photosynthetic capacity of the grass. Plants grown with 50/50 showed reduced lipid peroxidation along with increased proline synthesis. Moreover, this NO3-/NH4+ ratio increased the tolerance of tanzania guinea grass to Cd by inducing high superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities in shoots and roots, respectively, maintaining cellular homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress. The negative effects of Cd on photosynthesis and on the balance between oxidants and antioxidants are attenuated by the partial replacement of NO3- by NH4+ in the nutrient solution.

Phytoextraction of salts by Atriplex Nummularia Lindl. irrigated with reject brine under varying water availability.

Reverse osmosis is a widely known technology used to produce fresh water from brackish waters. However, the reject brine from desalination plants poses a serious threat to the environment due to soil and groundwater salinization. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Atriplex nummularia to extract salts from a soil irrigated with reverse osmosis brine, at varying moisture levels. A field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design, with randomized complete blocks replicated four times. Treatments consisted of irrigation with reject brine in the main plots, with four relative percentages of the soil moisture at field capacity (100, 85, 70, and 50%), and two levels of organic fertilization in the subplots (0 and 1.5 L plant-1 of goat manure). The mineral composition of leaves and stems indicated that the highest salt extraction by plants occurred when soil moisture was maintained at 100% field capacity. The salt extraction capacity of A. nummularia indicates a high potential for phytoremediation of soils affected by brine disposal from reverse osmosis plants.

Vigor determination of okra seeds by respiratory activity / Determinação do vigor de sementes de quiabo pela atividade respiratória

Seed companies increasingly need to obtain reliable results on seed vigor. Therefore, the objective was to verify the efficiency of the respiratory activity measurement, by the CO2 released, to classify the vigor of okra seed lots. For this, five seed lots of okra cv. "Santa Cruz 47" were used. In order to determine seed physiological quality, the following tests were performed: germination, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, shoot length, total dry matter, potassium leaching, electrical conductivity and respiratory activity. Mean values of germination and vigor were compared by Tukey's test. Respiratory activity was correlated with germination and other vigor tests by the Pearson's correlation. The results indicate that CO2 measurement is a promising method to identify vigor differences between okra seed lots

As empresas produtoras de sementes necessitam cada vez mais da obtenção de resultados confiáveis quanto ao vigor da semente. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se verificar a eficiência da medição da atividade respiratória, através da emissão de CO2, para classificação do vigor de lotes de sementes de quiabo. Para isso, utilizaram-se cinco lotes de sementes de quiabo cv. "Santa Cruz 47". Para determinação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes, foram realizados os seguintes testes: germinação, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento da parte aérea, matéria seca total, lixiviação de potássio, condutividade elétrica e atividade respiratória. As médias de germinação e vigor foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. O teste de atividade respiratória foi correlacionado com a germinação e demais testes de vigor através da correlação de Pearson. A medição do CO2 constitui-se em um método promissor para identificar diferenças de vigor em lotes de sementes de quiabo

Gait Shear and Plantar Pressure Monitoring: A Non-Invasive OFS Based Solution for e-Health Architectures.

In an era of unprecedented progress in sensing technology and communication, health services are now able to closely monitor patients and elderly citizens without jeopardizing their daily routines through health applications on their mobile devices in what is known as e-Health. Within this field, we propose an optical fiber sensor (OFS) based system for the simultaneous monitoring of shear and plantar pressure during gait movement. These parameters are considered to be two key factors in gait analysis that can help in the early diagnosis of multiple anomalies, such as diabetic foot ulcerations or in physical rehabilitation scenarios. The proposed solution is a biaxial OFS based on two in-line fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), which were inscribed in the same optical fiber and placed individually in two adjacent cavities, forming a small sensing cell. Such design presents a more compact and resilient solution with higher accuracy when compared to the existing electronic systems. The implementation of the proposed elements into an insole is also described, showcasing the compactness of the sensing cells, which can easily be integrated into a non-invasive mobile e-Health solution for continuous remote gait monitoring of patients and elder citizens. The reported results show that the proposed system outperforms existing solutions, in the sense that it is able to dynamically discriminate shear and plantar pressure during gait.

Palma forrageira: situação atual e perspectivas para o cultivo na região semiárida do Ceará, Brasil / Spineless cactus: current status and perspectives for cultivation in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil / Palma forrajera: situación actual y perspectivas para el cultivo en la región semiárida de Ceará, Brasil

A produção pecuária consiste numa das principais atividades econômicas do Ceará. Contudo, muitos rebanhos no estado ainda sofrem com a escassez de forragens em períodos de estiagem. A baixa eficiência das forrageiras tradicionais em condições de semiaridez indica a necessidade de espécies mais adequadas à realidade da região. Nesse sentido, esta revisão objetiva avaliar a situação atual e perspectivas para o cultivo da palma forrageira no semiárido cearense, apresentando características gerais da espécie bem como da região em estudo. Devido sua adaptação às condições de baixa disponibilidade hídrica, a palma forrageira é de grande importância para a produção pecuária no Ceará e consiste em tecnologia chave para a convivência com o semiárido. Estudos de zoneamento agrícola revelam que as exigências edafoclimáticas para o cultivo dessa espécie são semelhantes às condições disponíveis na maior parte do semiárido cearense. Atualmente, diversas iniciativas governamentais e privadas visam incentivar o plantio da palma no estado. Todas elas buscam melhorar as condições da atividade pecuária, reduzindo o êxodo rural e garantindo o desenvolvimento sustentável da região.(AU)

Livestock production is one of the main economic activities in Ceará, Brazil. However, many herds in the state still suffer from forage shortage during dry seasons. The low efficiency of traditional fodder in semi-arid conditions indicates the need for species more suitable to the reality of the region. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the current status and perspectives for the cultivation of spineless cactus in the semi-arid region of Ceará, presenting the general characteristics of the species as well as of the region under study. Due to its adaptation to conditions of low water availability, the spineless cactus is of great importance for livestock production in Ceará and is considered as a key technology for coexistence with the semi-arid region. Agricultural zoning studies show that soil and climatic requirements for growing this species are similar to those available in most parts of the semi-arid region in Ceará. Currently, several governmental and private initiatives aim to encourage the cultivation of spineless cactus in the state. All of them seek to improve livestock farming conditions, reducing rural exodus and ensuring the sustainable development of the region.(AU)

La producción ganadera consiste en una de las principales actividades económicas de Ceará. Sin embargo, muchos rebaños en el estado todavía sufren la escasez de forrajes en períodos de sequía. La baja eficiencia de las forrajeras tradicionales en condiciones de semiáridos indica la necesidad de especies más adecuadas a la realidad de la región. En ese sentido, esta revisión objetiva evaluar la situación actual y perspectivas para el cultivo de la palma forrajera en la región semiárida de Ceará, presentando características generales de la especie, así como de la región en estudio. Debido a su adaptación a las condiciones de baja disponibilidad hídrica, la palma forrajera es de gran importancia para la producción ganadera en Ceará y consiste en tecnología clave para la convivencia con el semiárido. Los estudios de zonificación agrícola revelan que las exigencias edáficas y climáticas para el cultivo de esta especie son similares a las condiciones disponibles en la mayor parte de la región semiárida de Ceará. Actualmente, diversas iniciativas gubernamentales y privadas apuntan a incentivar el plantío de palma en el estado. Todas ellas buscan mejorar las condiciones de la actividad ganadera, reduciendo el éxodo rural y garantizando el desarrollo sostenible de la región.(AU)

Occupational accidents with biological material among professionals in clinical laboratories in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil / Acidentes ocupacionais com materiais biológicos entre trabalhadores de laboratórios de análises clínicas em Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brasil

Context: Occupational accidents in health institutes can result in the transmission of human infectious diseases. The collection and processing of biological samples are risk factors for accidents involving clinical laboratory workers. Objective: To identify occupational accidents with biological material among healthcare workers in the clinical laboratories of Cajazeiras city, Paraíba, Brazil. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study using a semi-structured questionnaire distributed to 38 workers at six clinical laboratories. Social-demographic data, types of occupational accidents, post-exposure procedures, biosafety practices, and emotional impact were analyzed. Results: Workplace accidents were reported by 22 (57.9%) interviewees. Female gender (81.6%) was more prevalent in this study population. Nurse technicians and biochemists related the most frequent exposures. Accidents occurred mainly in the upper extremities (91%). The biological fluids related to the occupational accidents included blood (81.8%) and urine (45.5%). Thirty-three (86.8%) workers reported undergoing a post-exposure evaluation in the workplace. Fourteen (63.6%) participants underwent laboratory testing after biological material exposure. Conclusion: The data showed that occupational accidents in clinical laboratories are frequent among healthcare workers. We suggest new approaches for occupational accidents in the clinical laboratories to ameliorate the biosafety guidelines and working conditions of healthcare professionals.

Contexto: Acidentes ocupacionais nos institutos de saúde podem resultar na transmissão de doenças infecciosas. A coleta e o processamento de amostras biológicas são fatores de risco para a ocorrência de acidentes em laboratórios clínicos. Objetivo: Identificar os acidentes de trabalho com material biológico entre profissionais dos laboratórios de análises clínicas da cidade de Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal e analítico, utilizando um questionário semiestruturado, distribuído a 38 trabalhadores em seis laboratórios clínicos. Foram analisados os dados sociodemográficos, tipos de acidentes de trabalho, procedimentos pós-exposição, práticas de biossegurança e impacto emocional após a exposição. Resultados: Os acidentes ocupacionais foram relatados por 22 (57,9%) trabalhadores. O sexo feminino (81,6%) foi mais prevalente na população do estudo. Técnicos de enfermagem e bioquímicos foram frequentemente expostos aos materiais biológicos. Os acidentes ocorreram principalmente na região dos membros superiores (91%). Os fluidos biológicos relatados nos acidentes de trabalho incluíram sangue (81,8%) e urina (45,5%). Trinta e três (86,8%) entrevistados relataram a existência de procedimentos pós-exposição no local de trabalho. Quatorze (63,6%) participantes realizaram testes laboratoriais após exposição ao material biológico. Conclusão: Os dados mostraram que os acidentes de trabalho nos laboratórios clínicos são frequentes entre os profissionais de saúde. Este estudo sugere novas abordagens sobre acidentes de trabalho nos laboratórios clínicos para melhorar as diretrizes de segurança biológica e as condições de trabalho dos profissionais de saúde.

Antimicrobial, modulatory and chemical analysis of the oil of Croton limae.

CONTEXT: Croton sp. are plants with a well-reported antimicrobial activity. Croton limae A.P. Gomes, M.F. Sales P.E. Berry (Euphorbiaceae), known as 'marmeleiro-prateado', is commonly used to manage abdominal pain in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This work evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and modulatory activities of the essential oil of C. limae leaves (EOCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the modulation of the antibiotic activity were determined using a microdilution method. The concentration of EOCL ranged between 512 and 8 µg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida tropicalis, C. krusei and C. albicans strains were used in the MIC and modulation assays. The antibiotics, amikacin, gentamicin and neomycin, and the antifungals, amphotericin B, benzoylmetronidazole and nystatin, were used in concentrations ranging between 2500 and 2.5 µg/mL. The phytochemical analysis of the EOCL was performed through gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). RESULTS: Only Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited by a clinically relevant concentration of EOCL (MIC 512 µg/mL). Synergism between the EOCL and amikacin against S. aureus (9.76 µg/mL) and E. coli (39.062 µg/mL); neomycin against E. coli (2.44 µg/mL); and benzoylmetronidazole against C. krusei (256 µg/mL) were observed. The GC/MS analysis identified cedrol, eucalyptol and α-pinene as the main compounds of EOCL. CONCLUSION: EOCL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and potentiated the antibiotic and antifungal effects of drugs against all bacterial and Candida strains, respectively.

Cardiopulmonary Performance During Maximal Exercise in Soccer Players with Alterations in Renal Function.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the curves of cardiorespiratory variables during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in soccer players who had acute alterations in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after performing the pre-season training protocol. Sixteen male professional soccer players (25 ± 3 years; 179 ± 2 cm; and 77 ± 6 kg) were evaluated for oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR) and pulse relative oxygen (relative O2 Pulse) curves with intervals corresponding to 10% of the total duration of CPET. Athletes were grouped according to the GFR and classified as decreased GFR (dGFR; n = 8) and normal GFR (nGFR; n = 8). Athletes from the dGFR group exhibited lower VO2 values (p < 0.05) when 90% (dGFR 49.8 ± 4.0 vs. nGFR 54.4 ± 6.1 ml·kg-1·min-1) and 100% (dGFR 52.6 ± 4.1 vs. nGFR 57.4 ± 5.9 ml·kg-1·min-1) of the test was complete; HR high values (p < 0.05) when 90% (dGFR 183.7 ± 5.1 vs. nGFR 176.6 ± 4.8 bpm-1) and 100% (dGFR 188.1 ± 5.0 vs. nGFR 180.8 ± 4.8 bpm-1) of the test was complete; and lower relative O2 Pulse values (p < 0.05) when 70% (dGFR 25.6 ± 8.4 vs. nGFR 27.9 ± 9.7 ml·beat-1·kg-1), 80% (dGFR 26.6 ± 8.8 vs. nGFR 29.1 ± 10.0 ml·beat-1·kg-1), 90% (dGFR 27.1 ± 9.0 vs. nGFR 30.8 ± 10.6 ml·beat-1·kg-1) and 100% (dGFR 28 ± 9.2 vs. nGFR 31.8 ± 10.9 ml·beat-1·kg-1) of the test was complete. A correlation was found (r = -0.66, R2 = 0.44, p = 0.00) between lower VO2 peak and elevated levels of urinary protein excretion. In conclusion, soccer players with reduced kidney function after performing the pre-season training protocol also presented alterations in cardiopulmonary variables. We suggest that monitoring of renal function may be used to identify less conditioned soccer players.

The use of saline aquaculture effluent for production of Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings.

The use of aquaculture effluent for irrigation of field crops has been suggested as the most appropriate biological method for treatment of this effluent. However, using it for irrigation of tree species in seedling nurseries might be a better alternative to avoid soil salinization and groundwater contamination in agricultural fields. This paper aimed at assessing the production of Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings under irrigation with saline aquaculture effluent. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates and four seedlings per experimental unit. Each replicate was daily irrigated with five solutions containing different concentrations of saline aquaculture effluent diluted with freshwater (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% effluent). Despite increasing substrate salinity, the dilution of saline aquaculture effluent in the irrigation water promoted greater shoot growth and higher total dry weight in E. contortisiliquum. Moreover, seedlings treated with low concentrations of this effluent increased their leaf area expansion and chlorophyll content. Therefore, the use of solutions containing 25 and 50% effluent allowed the production of high-quality seedlings. These results suggest that saline aquaculture effluent can be reused to irrigate tree species, enabling a successful integration of aquaculture and agriculture and reducing environmental impacts of improper effluent disposal.

Growth and morphological responses of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos seedlings to nitrogen fertilization / Crescimento e respostas morfológicas de mudas de ipê-roxo Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos à adubação nitrogenada

The use of native tree species for restoration of degraded areas is often hindered by the lack of information about the nutritional requirements of seedlings at the nursery stage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the growth and morphological responses of Handroanthus impetiginosus seedlings to mineral nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was carried out from July to October 2013 in a seedling nursery under 50% shade cloth. Seeds were germinated for 15 days in low density polystyrene trays and then transplanted into 0.9-L polyethylene plastic bags. A complete randomized block design was used, with four replications and four plants per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of five nitrogen levels (0, 50, 150, 300 and 450 mg N dm-3), using ammonium sulfate as the nitrogen source. Two months after transplanting, the following variables were assessed: leaf chlorophyll content; leaf area; specific leaf area; leaf area ratio; root, stem, leaf and total dry mass; shoot dry mass/root dry mass ratio; shoot height/shoot dry mass ratio; and Dickson quality index. Mineral nitrogen fertilization improved seedling growth by promoting higher results of the leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area and shoot dry mass production. Thus, fertilized seedlings significantly expanded their leaves and invested more in shoot growth, improving their hardiness and quality. The nitrogen level of 240 mg dm-3 was considered to be the most effective for production of H. impetiginosus seedlings.

O uso de espécies arbóreas nativas para restauração de áreas degradadas é muitas vezes prejudicada pela falta de informação sobre os requerimentos nutricionais de mudas na fase de viveiro. Portanto, este trabalho objetivou avaliar o crescimento e respostas morfológicas de mudas de ipê-roxo à adubação mineral nitrogenada. O experimento foi conduzido de julho a outubro de 2013, em viveiro de mudas com tela de sombreamento de 50%. As sementes foram postas para germinar por 15 dias em bandejas de poliestireno de baixa densidade, e posteriormente transplantadas para sacos plásticos de polietileno de 0,9 L. Foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos completos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e quatro plantas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por cinco níveis de nitrogênio (0, 50, 150, 300 e 450 mg N dm-3), utilizando o sulfato de amônio como fonte. Dois meses após o transplantio, as seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: conteúdo de clorofila foliar; área foliar; área foliar específica; razão de área foliar; matéria seca da raiz, caule, folhas e total; relação massa seca da parte aérea/massa seca da raiz; relação altura/massa seca da parte aérea; e índice de qualidade de Dickson. A adubação mineral nitrogenada otimizou o crescimento das mudas ao promover resultados mais elevados para o teor de clorofila, área foliar e produção de massa seca da parte aérea. Assim, mudas adubadas expandiram significativamente suas folhas e investiram mais no crescimento da parte aérea, melhorando sua rusticidade e qualidade. O nível de nitrogênio de 240 mg dm-3 foi considerado o mais eficiente para produção de mudas de ipê-roxo.

Occupational accidents with biological material among professionals in clinical laboratories in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil.

CONTEXT: Occupational accidents in health institutes can result in the transmission of human infectious diseases. Thecollection and processing of biological samples are risk factors for accidents involving clinical laboratory workers. OBJECTIVE: Toidentify occupational accidents with biological material among healthcare workers in the clinical laboratories of Cajazeiras city, Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study using a semi-structured questionnaire distributed to 38 workers at six clinical laboratories. Social-demographic data, types of occupational accidents, post-exposure procedures, biosafety practices, and emotional impact were analyzed. RESULTS: Workplace accidents were reported by 22 (57.9%) interviewees. Female gender (81.6%) was more prevalent in this study population. Nurse technicians and biochemists related the most frequent exposures. Accidents occurred mainly in the upper extremities (91%). The biological fluids related to the occupational accidents included blood (81.8%) and urine (45.5%). Thirty-three (86.8%) workers reported undergoing a post-exposure evaluation in the workplace. Fourteen (63.6%) participants underwent laboratory testing after biological material exposure. CONCLUSION: The data showed that occupational accidents in clinical laboratories are frequent among healthcare workers. We suggest new approaches for occupational accidents in the clinical laboratories to ameliorate the biosafety guidelines and working conditions of healthcare professionals.

CONTEXTO: Acidentes ocupacionais nos institutos de saúde podem resultar na transmissão de doenças infecciosas. Acoleta e o processamento de amostras biológicas são fatores de risco para a ocorrência de acidentes em laboratórios clínicos. OBJETIVO: Identificaros acidentes de trabalho com material biológico entre profissionais dos laboratórios de análises clínicas da cidade de Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal e analítico, utilizando um questionário semiestruturado, distribuído a 38 trabalhadores em seis laboratórios clínicos. Foram analisados os dados sociodemográficos, tipos de acidentes de trabalho, procedimentos pós-exposição, práticas de biossegurança e impacto emocional após a exposição. RESULTADOS: Os acidentes ocupacionais foram relatados por 22 (57,9%) trabalhadores. O sexo feminino (81,6%) foi mais prevalente na população do estudo. Técnicos de enfermagem e bioquímicos foram frequentemente expostos aos materiais biológicos. Os acidentes ocorreram principalmente na região dos membros superiores (91%). Os fluidos biológicos relatados nos acidentes de trabalho incluíram sangue (81,8%) e urina (45,5%). Trinta e três (86,8%) entrevistados relataram a existência de procedimentos pós-exposição no local de trabalho. Quatorze(63,6%) participantes realizaram testes laboratoriais após exposição ao material biológico. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados mostraram que os acidentes de trabalho nos laboratórios clínicos são frequentes entre os profissionais de saúde. Este estudo sugere novas abordagens sobre acidentes de trabalho nos laboratórios clínicos para melhorar as diretrizes de segurança biológica e as condições de trabalho dos profissionais de saúde.

Acute effects of caffeine intake on athletic performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis / Efectos agudos de la ingesta de cafeína en el rendimiento atlético: Una revisión sistemática y meta-análisis

ABSTRACT Objective: Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the research literature assessing the effect of caffeine on athletic performance. Methods: A total of 13 studies published between 2010 and 2015 were included in the meta-analysis of the effects of caffeine on maximum running distance (2 studies), time trial performance (7 studies), and muscle power (4 studies). The effect sizes were calculated as standardized differences in means (std in means). Meta-analysis was completed using a random effects model. Results: Caffeine supplementation did not increase maximum running distance (effect size= 0.37, p= 0.14) and muscle power (effect size= 0.17, p= 0.36). However, improvements were observed in the time trial performance (effect size= −0.40, p< 0.01). Subgroup analyses revealed that the improvement in time trial results may be related to the use of the 6 mg/kg of body weight of caffeine dose (effect size= −0.45, p= 0.01). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis showed that caffeine intake does not improve performance in maximum running distance and muscle power, but it seems to improve time trial performance. The effect of caffeine on time trial performance related to dose.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática y meta-análisis de la literatura de investigación que evalúa el efecto de la cafeína en el rendimiento atlético. Método: Un total de 13 estudios publicados entre 2010 y 2015 fueron incluidos en el meta-análisis de los efectos de la cafeína sobre la distancia máxima de carrera (2 estudios), el tiempo de prueba (7 estudios) y la potencia muscular (4 estudios). Los tamaños del efecto se calcularon como diferencias estandarizadas en las medias (std en los medias), y el meta-análisis se completó utilizando un modelo de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: La suplementación con cafeína no aumentó la distancia máxima de funcionamiento (tamaño del efecto= 0.37, p= 0.14) ni la potencia muscular (tamaño del efecto= 0.17, p= 0.36). Sin embargo, se observaron mejoras en el rendimiento del ensayo con tiempo (tamaño del efecto= −0.40, p< 0,01). Los análisis de subgrupos revelaron que la mejora en los resultados de los ensayos a tiempo podía estar relacionada con el uso de la dosis de 6 mg/kg de peso corporal de cafeína (tamaño del efecto= −0.45, p = 0.01). Conclusiones: El meta-análisis demostró que la ingesta de cafeína no mejora el rendimiento en la distancia máxima de carrera ni la potencia muscular, pero parece mejorar el rendimiento de la prueba de tiempo. Este efecto potencial de la cafeína en el rendimiento de la prueba de tiempo estuvo relacionado con la dosis.