Isolation of Root Endophytic Bacteria in Elephant Grass (\u3cem\u3ePennisetum purpureum\u3c/em\u3e Schum.) Cultivars

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is one of the most productive warm-season grasses. Farmers utilize elephant grass in different forms, such as cut-and-carry operations, grazing, conserved forage (silage, hay), and as an energy source (Lira et al. 2010). Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth and development and it is usually a limiting factor for forage production in the tropics (Boddey et al. 2004). Biological N fixation (BNF) may occur in warm-season grasses by their association with diazotrophic bacteria. These bacteria colonize different niches in the host plant. Endophytic bacteria form colonies inside the plant tissue whereas epiphytic bacteria colonize plant external surfaces (Compant et al. 2010). Both types of bacteria may benefit host plants (Badri et al. 2009). This study evaluated endophytic diazotrophic bacteria density associated to the roots of different elephant grass cultivars (cvs. ‘Elefante B’, ‘Venezuela’, and ‘Pioneiro’) using two N-free growth media, at different evaluation periods

RACEWALKING AND NORMAL WALKING ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to observe biomechanical variations in racewalking, starting from normal walking and continuing on up to a maximum racewalking performance supported by the athlete. Tests were carried out on a women’s racewalking team who represents Santa Catarina State at national competitions in Brazil. A GaitwayTM instrumented treadmill system was used to verify the differences between normal walking and racewalking. A few studies have been made of race walkers. Some physiological aspects indicated that the speed at which racewalking and running become equally efficient is similar to the crossover speed for conventional walking and running (Hagberg & Coyle, 1984). Another important study was done by Morgan & Martin (1986), who showed the effects of stride length alterations on racewalking economy. Their results support the hypothesis that trained subjects select locomotion patterns that are nearly optimal in terms of the aerobic demands. Cairns et al. (1986) determined that the racewalking gait exhibits some biomechanical characteristics which are different from the walking gait or running. Recently, Brisswalter et al. (1996) suggested that in well trained walkers the energy cost of walking increases with exercise duration, but walkers are able to maintain the same stride duration after the test when treadmill speed is controlled

Evaluation of Microbial Biomass in Agroforestry Systems Using Forage Cactus and \u3ci\u3eLeucaena leucocephala\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eGliricidia sepium\u3c/i\u3e

Vegetation type can affect soil microbiology in agroforestry systems. Plants release different organic exudates in the rhizosphere, affecting microbial growth. This study evaluated the effect of forage cactus intercropped with different tree legumes on soil microbial biomass. The research was performed in a tropical semiarid Regosol at Caruaru Experimental Station, Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. Treatments included: i) Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud and forage cactus IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck); and ii) Leucaena leucocephala [Lam.] de Wit.) and forage cactus IPA-Sertânia. Treatments were allocated in a randomized complete block design in a split-split-plot scheme, with four replications. Main plots consisted of agroforestry system, split-plot was the distance from tree rows, and split-split-plot soil depths. Organic fertilization with cattle manure was applied aiming a rate of 200 kg N ha-1. Tree legumes were planted in double rows spaced 9 x 1 x 0.5 m and cactus planted between double rows spaced by 1 x 0.25 m. Plot size measured 960 m2. Soil collection occurred in the rainy period (April 2019). Samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm at 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 m away from legume rows. Response variables included soil basal respiration (SBR), microbial biomass C (C-mic), and metabolic quotient (qCO2). Data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS. Means were compared by Tukey test at 5% significance. No significant difference was observed for SBR, MBC, and qCO2, with average values of 9.36, 202.98, and 0.05, and standard error 1.16, 10.90 and 0.01, respectively, in the different distances away from tree legumes. Introduction of arboreal legumes did not cause changes in microbial biomass. Microbial activity was similar in soils under forage cactus intercropped with Leucaena or Gliricidia

Growth and dry matter production in sugarcane varieties grown under full irrigation

A análise de crescimento é considerada o método padrão para medir a produtividade biológica em espécies vegetais. Neste contexto objetivou-se avaliar, em onze variedades de cana-de-açúcar (SP79-1011, RB813804, RB863129, RB872552, RB943365, RB72454, RB763710, SP78-4764, SP81-3250, RB867515, RB92579) cultivadas sob irrigação plena, o crescimento e a produção de matéria seca no ciclo de cana planta. O experimento foi instalado em condições de campo no município de Carpina, PE. Utilizou-se o delineamento estatístico de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. A análise de crescimento correspondeu à quantificação dos números de perfilhos e à, na mensuração da altura e diâmetro dos colmos, avaliados mensalmente em onze períodos de cultivo, os quais se estenderam dos 60 aos 360 dias após o plantio (DAP). A produção de matéria seca foi quantificada a partir dos 120 DAP, com intervalos de amostragem a cada dois meses. Observou-se que as variedades RB92579 e SP81-3250 apresentaram o maior perfilhamento e produção de matéria seca e as variedades RB813804 e RB72454 às maiores médias de altura, enquanto as variedades RB867515 e RB72454 obtiveram os maiores diâmetros do colmo.Growth analysis is considered as a standard method for measuring the biological productivity of plant species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth and dry matter production of eleven sugarcane varieties (SP79-1011, RB813804, RB863129, RB872552, RB943365, RB72454, RB763710, SP78-4764, SP81-3250, RB867515, RB92579), grown under full irrigation, in the planted cane cycle. The experiment was conducted in field conditions in the municipality of Carpina, PE. A randomized block design with four replications was used. The varieties' growth analysis was represented by the quantification of the tillers numbers, stalk height and diameter, measured monthly, in eleven periods of cultivation that extended from 60 to 360 days after planting (DAP). The dry matter production was measured from 120 DAP, with sampling intervals of every two months. It was observed that, at 360 DAP, the RB92579 and SP81-3250 varieties showed the highest tillering and dry matter production. The RB813804 and RB72454 varieties had the highest average for height, while the RB72454 and RB867515 varieties presented the largest stalk diameters

Stellar Properties of z ~ 8 Galaxies in the Reionization Lensing Cluster Survey

Measurements of stellar properties of galaxies when the universe was less than one billion years old yield some of the only observational constraints of the onset of star formation. We present here the inclusion of \textit{Spitzer}/IRAC imaging in the spectral energy distribution fitting of the seven highest-redshift galaxy candidates selected from the \emph{Hubble Space Telescope} imaging of the Reionization Lensing Cluster Survey (RELICS). We find that for 6/8 \textit{HST}-selected $z\gtrsim8$ sources, the $z\gtrsim8$ solutions are still strongly preferred over $z\sim$1-2 solutions after the inclusion of \textit{Spitzer} fluxes, and two prefer a $z\sim 7$ solution, which we defer to a later analysis. We find a wide range of intrinsic stellar masses ($5\times10^6 M_{\odot}$ -- $4\times10^9$ $M_{\odot}$), star formation rates (0.2-14 $M_{\odot}\rm yr^{-1}$), and ages (30-600 Myr) among our sample. Of particular interest is Abell1763-1434, which shows evidence of an evolved stellar population at $z\sim8$, implying its first generation of star formation occurred just $< 100$ Myr after the Big Bang. SPT0615-JD, a spatially resolved $z\sim10$ candidate, remains at its high redshift, supported by deep \textit{Spitzer}/IRAC data, and also shows some evidence for an evolved stellar population. Even with the lensed, bright apparent magnitudes of these $z \gtrsim 8$ candidates (H = 26.1-27.8 AB mag), only the \textit{James Webb Space Telescope} will be able further confirm the presence of evolved stellar populations early in the universe.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

\u3cem\u3eIn Situ\u3c/em\u3e Digestibility of \u3cem\u3eGliricidia sepium\u3c/em\u3e Combined with \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria decumbens\u3c/em\u3e in a Silvopastoral System

Silvopastoral system (SPS) are characterized by a combination of trees, pasture and herbivores animals, in the same physical area, in order to obtain diversified products. A promising legume tree that has been studied and used in SPS in tropical areas is gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud]. Advantages of gliricidia use in SPS include N inputs via biological fixation, improvement of soil properties, nutrient cycling and also a source of feed to grazing animals (Cubillos-Hinojosa et al., 2011). Gliricidia has high crude protein concentration in its leaves, which complements the usual N-poor diet of ruminants grazing warm-season grasses. The introduction of gliricidia in SPS faces a problem due to the low initial acceptability by cattle, being necessary an adaptation period in order to cattle reach satisfactory intake levels (Carvalho Filho et al., 1997). In general, the quality of the forages can be predicted by accessing their nutritive value, represented by the chemical composition and digestibility of the forage constituents (Van Soest, 1994). The digestibility of dry matter in forages consumed in a SPS can be influenced by the forage species used, by grass/legume combinations, and by the proportion that each forage species takes in the diet of the ruminants. This study evaluated in situ digestibility of gliricidia in increasing levels of inclusion in the diet composed by sabi grass (Brachiaria decumbens, Stapf) in a silvopastoral system

Relationship between Field Measurements in Three \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria\u3c/em\u3e Species with Leaf Area Index and Light Interception by Indirect Methods

Brachiaria species play a strategic role in ruminant production systems in Brazil, covering an estimated pasture area of approximately 90 million hectares (Karia et al., 2006), however, these pastures are subject to different degrees of degradation due to inadequate management. In pasture management, field measurements such as canopy height, for example, are used by managers as a tool to establish parameters for the optimal point to cut the forage and for the post-grazing residue, in order to maximize production by harvesting at maximum of herbage mass accumulation, and to avoid problems associated to overgrazing, by setting ideal post-grazing height for forage regrowth. The use of the variables light interception (LI) and leaf area index (LAI) has been recommended as a tool for pasture management, based on the theory that, when the canopy reaches a light interception of 95%, the forage is near its maximum growth rate, which is called critical LAI (Brougham, 1956). The residual LAI refers to the leaf area of the post-grazed stubble. Residual LAI is used to establish the minimum leaf area necessary to ensure an efficient pasture regrowth (Lemos et al., 2014). Light interception and the LAI are difficult to measure at the farm level, due to the high cost of the equipment and technical feasibility of the process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LI and LAI measured by two different equipment, with canopy height and soil cover in three species of Brachiaria

Pernambuco Semiarid Native Rhizobial Populations Nitrogen Fixation Potential with Native \u3cem\u3eMacroptilium\u3c/em\u3e

Nitrogen (N) is one of nature´s most abundant elements, accounting for about 78% of the atmospheric gases, but mostly as the inert N2 form. As such it is not directly available to plants, and is relatively scarce in most agroecosystems. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) through diazotrophic bacteria represents ca. 63% of the yearly N input in terrestrial ecosystems (Taiz and Zeiger 2004). Legumes which form effective symbiosis with the diazotrophic group of bacteria commonly known as rhizobia, are a very important source of available N. Tropical forage legumes are usually able to nodulate with a diverse population of rhizobia, and may have a relevant contribution to nitrogen availability in pastures (Santos et al. 2003). This diversity may be exploited to find more symbiotically efficient bacterial strains, thereby increasing legume effects on pastures. One way to evaluate this diversity is to isolate strains from different regions, vegetation covers or cultivation systems, and environmental conditions. This practice would potentially lead to a large number of isolates, which would increase the chance of finding some more efficient than those currently available (Chagas Junior et al, 2010). Native legumes, including several species of Macroptilium are an important forage resource in the Brazilian Northeast semiarid, contributing to the quality of ruminant diet, but they are still not well known in regards to their BNF ability. This work evaluated nodulation efficiency of Macroptilium lathyroides when inoculated with Litolic Neossol from eight municipalities of Pernambuco State semiarid

The practice of physicians and nurses in the Brazilian Family Health Programme – evidences of change in the delivery health care model

The article analyzes the practice of physicians and nurses working on the Family Health Programme (Programa de Saúde da Família or PSF, in Portuguese). A questionnaire was used to assess the evidences of assimilation of the new values and care principles proposed by the programme. The results showed that a great number of professionals seem to have incorporated the practice of home visits, health education actions and planning of the teams' work agenda to their routine labour activities

Physical activity promotion by health practitioners: a distance-learning training component to improve knowledge and counseling

Aim To report an evaluation of health professionals' participation in a distance-learning physical activity training course developed in a low socio-economic region of São Paulo city, Brazil. BACKGROUND In countries with public universal health systems, physical activity promotion in primary health care settings can reap results, particularly given that such interventions have the potential to reach a large percentage of the population. However, few studies proposed physical activity training for health professionals in low- and middle-income countries. Brazil is a continental country and has the Unified Health System which incorporates family health teams in over 85% of Brazilian cities. METHODS The physical activity training was part of the fifth module of an educational intervention throughout a distance-learning course focusing on health professionals at M'Boi Mirim district in São Paulo city. The training totaled 3 h and had five themes of physical activity: (1) concepts, definitions benefits; (2) evaluation; (3) recommendation; (4) interventions; (5) physical activity counseling. The opinion of health professionals was evaluated after training by two open questions. Findings Out of 106 professionals who took part of the course, only 22.6% (n=24) had accessed the fifth module. These professionals were predominantly female (79.2%), nurses (66.7%) and aged 30 years or older. Responses highlighted the course approach focused on physical activity for improving patient's quality of life and well-being, disease prevention and health improvements. Regarding the themes for improvement, the health professionals identified that there was a need to experience physical activity classes first-hand, and the need to link physical activity counseling to the local venues that provide structured physical activity programs. We recommend that further training courses can be conducted based on this model for health professionals to promote physical activity to the community in Brazil