Sulfur doses, organic compost and gypsum in macronutrients contents of collard greens leaves

Due to the lack of information related to fertilization of collard greens, the objective of the research was to evaluate the influence of sulfur doses in macronutrients contents in collard greens cultivated with organic compost and gypsum. Twelve treatments were evaluated in a split-plot: three types of soil preparation in plots and four sulfur doses top dressing in subplots. The three types of soil preparation were the incorporation of organic compost (30 t ha-1); gypsum (1.2 t ha-1); organic compost (30 t ha-1) plus gypsum (1.2 t ha-1). The total sulfur doses in top dressing were zero; 53.32; 106.68 and 160.00 kg ha-1 of S, equivalent to 0; 266; 532 and 800.0 kg ha-1of ammonium sulfate. For standardization of the nitrogen dose (280 kg∙ha-1), applied in top dressing it was used urea. From the dry matter of commercial leaves, it was evaluated the N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S contents. The types of soil preparation do not affect all macronutrients content. The sulfur top dressing applied does not alter the contents of leaf macronutrients N, P, K and Ca on collard greens cultivated with organic compost and gypsum. The sulfur content presents a linear increase, while for the magnesium content there is decrease the higher the sulfur doses. The decreasing order of macronutrient content of commercial collard greens leaves was K> N> Ca> Mg> S> P, with averages 37.92, 36.50, 21.69, 4.50, 4.23, 3.80 g kg-1, respectively.  Due to the lack of information related to fertilization of collard greens, the objective of the research was to evaluate the influence of sulfur doses in macronutrients contents in collard greens cultivated with organic compost and gypsum. Twelve treatments were evaluated in a split-plot: three types of soil preparation in plots and four sulfur doses top dressing in subplots. The three types of soil preparation were the incorporation of organic compost (30 t ha-1); gypsum (1.2 t ha-1); organic compost (30 t ha-1) plus gypsum (1.2 t ha-1). The total sulfur doses in top dressing were zero; 53.32; 106.68 and 160.00 kg ha-1 of S, equivalent to 0; 266; 532 and 800.0 kg ha-1of ammonium sulfate. For standardization of the nitrogen dose (280 kg∙ha-1), applied in top dressing it was used urea. From the dry matter of commercial leaves, it was evaluated the N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S contents. The types of soil preparation do not affect all macronutrients content. The sulfur top dressing applied does not alter the contents of leaf macronutrients N, P, K and Ca on collard greens cultivated with organic compost and gypsum. The sulfur content presents a linear increase, while for the magnesium content there is decrease the higher the sulfur doses. The decreasing order of macronutrient content of commercial collard greens leaves was K> N> Ca> Mg> S> P, with averages 37.92, 36.50, 21.69, 4.50, 4.23, 3.80 g kg-1, respectively

Identidad chilena y catástrofe: diferencias en la conformación identitaria ante eventos catastróficos

91 p.La identidad como concepto, según Zúñiga y Azún (2003), es una construcción social basada en la conjunción del ambiente físico en el cual se conforma, el momento histórico que contextualiza el convivir social y la cultura en la que se está inserto. En el caso de la identidad con el propio país o Identidad Nacional, existen otras dimensiones relevantes como las características del territorio en sí, demográficas, geográficas, culturales, climáticas, entre otras. Éstas, generan una mayor particularidad en las formas en que las personas se definen como miembros de una nación, diferenciándose así de otras (Zúñiga y Azún, 2003). En el caso de Chile, existe una serie de características territoriales particulares, entre las cuales se encuentra la activa naturaleza telúrica. Además, históricamente en el país han sucedido una serie de eventos representados como catastróficos, debido a la magnitud de las consecuencias y efectos en sus sobrevivientes. Es por esta razón, que el objetivo del presente estudio consiste en observar los efectos que presentan los Eventos Catastróficos en la conformación de la Identidad Nacional, es decir, si existe una relación entre las características territoriales y la forma en que es definida la identidad. Para esto se creó un instrumento, en el cual existían dos condiciones, con activación de la categoría Evento Catastrófico y, por otro lado, una condición sin activación de la categoría. Los resultados encontrados, mostraron una diferencia en las palabras utilizadas para definir el término Chileno, específicamente en la ausencia de palabras relacionadas con la territorialidad, al activar la categoría Evento Catastrófico. Estos resultados han sido analizados, en relación a la particularidad del territorio chileno y cómo éste es un componente vital en el establecimiento y la construcción de la identidad, especialmente en un territorio históricamente afectado por eventos de esta naturaleza. Palabras Clave: Identidad Nacional, Chileno, Catástrofe, Territorio

Relationship between aging and binocular visual field in everyday chores

RESUMO: Introdução – O envelhecimento pode estar relacionado com a perda de autonomia e declínio da capacidade funcional dos indivíduos, o que tende a comprometer a execução de tarefas do quotidiano e consequentemente leva a repercussões na qualidade de vida, afetando-a de forma negativa. Objetivos – Rever a bibliografia atualmente disponível no que respeita às repercussões do envelhecimento no campo visual binocular e atencional e à influência do campo visual binocular na leitura, escrita e marcha/locomoção em idosos. Metodologia – Este estudo é uma revisão de literatura. Procedeu-se à análise de 37 artigos científicos, que posteriormente foram organizados numa grelha de observação e numa tabela comparativa. Resultados – Dos artigos analisados, 32,43% (n=12) apontam para uma diminuição da extensão do campo visual binocular e atencional relacionada com o envelhecimento. Repercussões da diminuição da extensão do campo visual binocular sem fator atencional nas atividades quotidianas são referidas em 54,05% (n=20) dos artigos. Neste grupo de artigos 40,53% (n=15) apontam para a existência de uma relação entre o campo visual binocular com o desempenho na leitura, escrita ou marcha/locomoção. Do total de artigos analisados, dos 45,95% (n=17) que descrevem o campo visual binocular com fator atencional, 10,81% (n=4) apontam para a mesma relação. Discussão/Conclusões – O envelhecimento provoca um decréscimo no campo visual binocular, sendo este mais acentuado na periferia. Este decréscimo, na presença de uma atenção visual diminuída, influencia o desempenho na leitura, escrita e marcha/locomoção.ABSTRACT: Introduction – Aging can be related with autonomy loss and decline of individual’s functional capacity impairing everyday chores execution leading to repercussions in life quality. Purpose – Review of the current literature available regarding the repercussions of aging on the binocular and attentional Visual Field and the influence of the binocular visual field in the elderly, regarding reading, writing and walking. Methodology – This study is a meta-analysis, based in a review of the contents of 37 scientific articles, which were subsequently organized in an observation grid and a comparative chart. Outcomes – In 32.43% (n=12) of the articles authors state that it is possible that aging diminishes the extension of the binocular and attentional visual field. Repercussions of the decrease of the binocular visual field extension, without attentional factor on daily activities, are referred in 54.05% (n=20) of the articles. Among those, 40.53% (n=15) established a relationship between the binocular visual field and the performance in reading, writing or walking. In 45.95% (n=17) of the articles the authors related binocular visual field with attentional factor and in 10.81% (n=4) of them established the same connection. Discussion/Findings – Aging causes a decrease in the visual field, particularly in the peripheral vision. This decrease impacts in reading, writing and walking capacities, which can be greatly affected in the presence of a diminished visual attention

Impact of Postharvest Handling on Preharvest Latent Infections Caused by Monilinia spp. in Nectarines

Latent infections caused by Monilinia spp. in nectarines cause great economic losses since they are not detected and rejected at harvest and can appear at any time post-harvest, even at the consumer’s home. The effect of a pre-cooling chamber, water dump operation, and cold-storage chamber on the activation and/or development of preharvest latent infections caused by Monilinia spp. on nectarines were studied under different postharvest conditions: (a) cold storage for 0, 1, or 3 d at 4 °C at either 75% relative humidity (RH) or 100% RH before water dumping, (b) water dumping for 10 minutes at 15 °C, and (c) cold storage for 0, 3, or 10 d at 4 °C at either 75% RH or 100% RH after water dumping. These storage conditions were transformed to fungal physiological time. For visualization of the latent infections caused by Monilinia spp., the nectarines were placed in sterile paper bags and frozen at −20 °C for 48 h in order to damage the epidermis. To compare different handling scenarios, the incidence of latent infection was modelled for physiological time description by a modified Gompertz model. The activation and/or development of preharvest natural latent infections caused by Monilinia spp. at postharvest was mainly related to temperature and incubation time at postharvest. Storing nectarines with any postharvest handling less than 11 days at 4 °C avoids brown rot symptoms and reduced the activation and/or development of pre-harvest latent infections caused by Monilinia spp., while more cold days caused the exponential phase of latent infection activation and/or development. The Gompertz model employed could be used for predicting the activation and/or development of latent infection caused by Monilinia spp. at postharvest conditions and looks at the postharvest life. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the effects of post-harvest handling on latent infections in fruit have been studied.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

CO2 flux emissions from Atlantic Rainforest soil: determining the most suitable sampling time

Few studies have established protocols for measuring CO2 emissions in the soil. In order to determine the time of day which best represents the average daily CO2 emissions, the present study evaluated the variations in CO2 emissions throughout the day and the relationship between these emissions and the soil moisture and temperature, in an attempt to standardize data collection in tropical soils. The study was carried out in an Atlantic forest fragment of the coastal tablelands, Brazil. A close relationship between CO2 emission and soil temperature was observed, with CO2 emissions decreasing as daytime temperatures increased. The soil moisture had no direct relation with the CO2 emission, but was only related to the soil temperature. Two groups of CO2 emissions were observed, forming between the sampling time from 09:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and from 11:00 p.m. to 08:00 a.m. Due to the small difference found between the mean group formed between 09:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., which was ~ 8% when compared to the general average, and also the fact that CO2 is easier to collect during this time, it is suggested that this period is the most suitable time to collect CO2 in the field

NEW BUILDING CODES 2018 AND EDUCATION TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE OF COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN PUERTO RICO

The archipelago of Puerto Rico is prone to multiple hazards due to its very particular location in the Caribbean and its frequent exposure to extreme natural events. Since 2017, the Island has faced hurricanes, tropical storms, a sequence of earthquakes, drought, and various flood events caused by extreme cyclonic rainfall that have caused damage to coastal infrastructure. To support Puerto Rico's recovery after Hurricane María, numerous projects were developed and implemented. Many of these projects were funded through FEMA and acted as key catalysts for response, recovery, and public policy. FEMA's Mitigation Assessment Team, also known as MAT, developed recommendations to rebuild a more resistant infrastructure. Among the key recommendations is the adoption of the Puerto Rico Building Code of 2018. To facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the community in general (students, teachers, professionals, first responders and the workforce), the Center for Coastal Resilience (CRC) established two educational programs: the first is a continuing education program open to the general public; and the second is a formal program for university students that includes courses leading to degrees, projects, research, and internships. Adoption of the latest building codes and FEMA recommendations provide the tools for a resilient coastal infrastructure. The continuing education program has impacted 2,311 community members to date, increasing their knowledge and understanding of the different stages of prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and risk mitigation of coastal infrastructure

Microalgae as potential sources of bioactive compounds for functional foods and pharmaceuticals

Microalgae are an untapped source of bioactive compounds with various biotechnological applications. Several species are industrially produced and commercialized for the feed or cosmetic industries, however, other applications in the functional food and pharmaceutical markets can be foreseen. In this study, nine industrial/commercial species were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, calcium-chelating, anti-tumoral, and anti-inflammatory activities. The most promising extracts were fractionated yielding several promising fractions namely, of Tetraselmis striata CTP4 with anti-inflammatory activity (99.0 ± 0.8% reduction in TNF-α production in LPS stimulated human macrophages at 50 µg/mL), of Phaeodactylum Tricornutum with cytotoxicity towards cancerous cell lines (IC50 = 22.3 ± 1.8 µg/mL and 27.5 ± 1.6 µg/mL for THP-1 and HepG2, respectively) and of Porphyridium sp. and Skeletonema sp. with good chelating activity for iron, copper and calcium (IC50 = 0.047, 0.272, 0.0663 mg/mL and IC50 = 0.055, 0.240, 0.0850 mg/mL, respectively). These fractions were chemically characterized by GC–MS after derivatization and in all, fatty acids at various degrees of unsaturation were the most abundant compounds. Some of the species under study proved to be potentially valuable sources of antioxidant, metal chelators, anti-tumoral and anti-inflammatory compounds with possible application in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Universal Screening of SARS-CoV-2 of Oncology Healthcare Workers — a Brazilian experience

The first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Brazil and Latin America was reported on February 26, 2020, in São Paulo. The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has placed unprecedented strain on health-care services worldwide. Asymptomatic health-care workers (HCW) are a potential source of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially to immunocompromised Oncology patients. Screening of these HCWs may help contain transmission and isolate only those who require it. At Centro de Terapia Oncológica (CTO), an Oncology clinic in Petrópolis, RJ —Brazil, all HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 in order to isolate those who were asymptomatic/symptomatic and positive for the virus. They were all tested through IgM/IgG rapid testing and those who had symptoms were also tested with nasopharyngeal swabs for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests besides IgM/IgG reactivity. Amongst the 60 tested employees, 4 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were isolated. This method may be useful for health-care services to detect asymptomatic HCW and maintain workers’ and patients’ health, as transmission probability could be reduced while avoiding becoming short-staffed during this time of crisis

Relationship between aging and binocular visual field in everyday chores

Introduction – Aging can be related with autonomy loss and decline of individual’s functional capacity impairing everyday chores execution leading to repercussions in life quality. Purpose – Review of the current literature available regarding the repercussions of aging on the binocular and attentional Visual Field and the influence of the binocular visual field in the elderly, regarding reading, writing and walking. Methodology – This study is a meta-analysis, based in a review of the contents of 37 scientific articles, which were subsequently organized in an observation grid and a comparative chart. Outcomes – In 32.43% (n=12) of the articles authors state that it is possible that aging diminishes the extension of the binocular and attentional visual field. Repercussions of the decrease of the binocular visual field extension, without attentional factor on daily activities, are referred in 54.05% (n=20) of the articles. Among those, 40.53% (n=15) established a relationship between the binocular visual field and the performance in reading, writing or walking. In 45.95% (n=17) of the articles the authors related binocular visual field with attentional factor and in 10.81% (n=4) of them established the same connection. Discussion/Findings – Aging causes a decrease in the visual field, particularly in the peripheral vision. This decrease impacts in reading, writing and walking capacities, which can be greatly affected in the presence of a diminished visual attention