Valor nutritivo de genótipos de capim-elefante

The objective of this work was to assess the nutritive value of four elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) genotypes. The chemical composition, intake by sheep, and digestibility of different genotypes (G1, G2, G3, and G4) were evaluated. A dry matter (DM) digestibility assay was performed with total leftovers and feces collected from 20 sheep kept in metabolic cages. G3 had lower DM intake in grams per animal per day compared with G1 and G2, and it had greater digestibility, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber values. G1, G2, and G4 have the best nutritive values among the evaluated genotypes.O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o valor nutritivo de quatro genótipos de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum). Foram avaliados a composição química, o consumo por ovinos e a digestibilidade de diferentes genótipos (G1, G2, G3 e G4). A digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS) foi avaliada por meio da coleta total de sobras e fezes de 20 ovinos mantidos em gaiolas para ensaio de metabolismo. O G3 apresentou menor consumo de MS em gramas por animal por dia comparado ao G1 e ao G2, e maiores valores de digestibilidade, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido. Entre os genótipos avaliados, G1, G2 e G4 apresentam os melhores valores nutritivos

Mathematical modeling for drying flint corn in a thin layer

O objetivo deste trabalho foi ajustar os coeficientes de seis modelos matemáticos e identificar aquele que melhor representa a secagem de grãos de milho “flint” em camada delgada. Para isso, desenvolveu-se uma coluna de secagem para a obtenção dos dados experimentais. Nove testes foram realizados para cada modelo, tendo-se utilizado as velocidades de 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5 m s-1 a 40, 50 e 60°C, respectivamente, para o ar de secagem. Testaram‑se os modelos de Lewis, Page, Thompson, Overhults, Brooker e Midilli para camada delgada. Todos os modelos ajustados representam o fenômeno da secagem do milho “flint” a 5% de probabilidade (teste χ2). Após ajustados, os modelos de Page, Midilli e Overhults são os melhores para a secagem de milho “flint”, com coeficiente de determinação igual a 1,000 para todos os testes e erros inferiores a 1,0%. Para as condições de secagem deste trabalho, o parâmetro n do modelo de Page não depende da velocidade e da temperatura do ar de secagem, enquanto o parâmetro k depende apenas da temperatura do ar, o que é confirmado pela análise de variância. O modelo de Page ajustado pode ser usado com precisão na predição da secagem de milho “flint” em camada delgada.The objective of this work was to adjust the coefficients of six mathematical models and to identify the one that best represents the drying of flint corn grains in a thin layer. For this purpose, a drying column was developed to obtain experimental data. Nine tests were performed for each model, using the velocities of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m s-1 at 40, 50, and 60°C, respectively, for drying air. The thin-layer drying models of Lewis, Page, Thompson, Overhults, Brooker, and Midilli were tested. All adjusted models represent the phenomenon of flint corn drying at 5% probability (χ2 test). After adjusted, the models of Page, Midilli, and Overhults are the best ones for drying corn, with a coefficient of determination equal to 1.000 for all tests and errors lower than 1.0%. For the drying conditions of this work, the n parameter of the model of Page does not depend on the velocity and temperature of drying air, while the k parameter depends only on air temperature, which is confirmed by the analysis of variance. The adjusted model of Page can be used with precision for the prediction of thin-layer flint corn drying

Litter reduction during beach closure in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic : quantifying the impact of users on beach litter generation

This study aimed to quantify marine litter before and during the COVID pandemic found on urban touristic beaches closed to beachgoer access in northeastern Brazil. Litter identification and quantification was conducted during April, June, and August 2019, when 3583 items were sampled, and replicated during the same months in 2020, when access to the beaches studied was prohibited and a significant reduction in the amount of litter was found, 1812 items (49% decrease). Transects were used to monitor and classify litter according to its source, namely: autochthonous (litter that was locally discarded) and allochthonous (litter from other sites and sources). All beaches were classified as "very clean" and presented a smaller amount of litter during the beach closure period. The highest total marine litter reduction between the periods studied was 83%, while au tochthonous litter in particular showed the most significant reduction, 88%. The comparison between the quantity and type of litter found in both periods showed greater specific anthropic pressure from beach users. Keywords: beach management. Coastal tourism. Environmental quality. Solid waste management

Progressive Resistance Training in Elderly HIV-Positive Patients: Does it Work?

BACKGROUND: Elderly people present alterations in body composition and physical fitness, compromising their quality of life. Chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, worsen this situation. Resistance exercises are prescribed to improve fitness and promote healthier and independent aging. Recovery of strength and physical fitness is the goal of exercise in AIDS wasting syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a case series of HIV-positive elderly patients who participated in a progressive resistance training program and evaluates their body composition, muscular strength, physical fitness and the evolution of CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. METHODS: Subjects were prospectively recruited for nine months. The training program consisted of three sets of 8-12 repetitions of leg press, seated row, lumbar extension and chest press, performed with free weight machines hts, twice/week for one year. Infectious disease physicians followed patients and reported all relevant clinical data. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measures and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before and after the training program. RESULTS: Fourteen patients, aged 62-71 years old, of both genders, without regular physical activity who had an average of nine years of HIV/AIDS history were enrolled. The strengths of major muscle groups increased (74%-122%, p=0.003-0.021) with a corresponding improvement in sit-standing and walking 2.4 m tests (p=0.003). There were no changes in clinical conditions and body composition measures, but triceps and thigh skinfolds were significantly reduced (p=0.037). In addition, there were significant increases in the CD4+ counts (N=151 cells; p=0.008) and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (0.63 to 0.81, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Resistance training increased strength, improved physical fitness, reduced upper and lower limb skinfolds, and were associated with an improvement in the CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ counts in HIV positive elderly patients without significant side effects

Analysis of Average Temperatures And Trends In Brazil: Applying CUSUM Graphic from 2000 to 2014

In recent decades the temperature trends are being confirmed earlier. To determine the temperature changes in Brazil, analysis of annual trends and seasons was carried out based on daily data from 187 weather stations, covering the period from 2000 to 2014. Trends were confirmed using the Cumulative Sum Chart, a method that notices the changes in series faster than others. The modeling of temperature was obtained by Multiple Regression and using Cluster Analysis, and through this it was possible to group weather stations. The observed trends confirmed oscillations in cooling, heating and, in some cases, cooling followed by heating. These main trends presented during the study period were from -15 to 0 in latitude. The region with the highest confirmation of inversions in temperature was the North, then Northeast. Heights below 500 meters presented higher trends. Regarding the seasons, autumn contributed significantly to the trends.Nas últimas décadas as tendências de temperatura estão se confirmando mais rapidamente. Para determinar as mudanças de temperatura no Brasil foi realizada análise das tendências anuais e por estações do ano tendo por base dados diários de 187 estações meteorológicas, abrangendo o período de 2000 a 2014. As tendências foram confirmadas com a utilização do Gráfico de Soma Acumulativa, este método percebe as alterações em séries mais rápido que outros. A modelagem da temperatura foi obtida por Regressão Múltipla e com a Análise de Cluster foi possível agrupar Estações Meteorológicas. As tendências observadas confirmam oscilações de resfriamento, aquecimento e em alguns casos de resfriamento seguido de aquecimento. As principais tendências apresentadas no período estudado foram a partir de -15 até 0° na latitude. A região com maior confirmação de inversões na temperatura foi o Norte, seguida do Nordeste. Em altitude abaixo de 500 metros é onde apresentou maior tendência. Quanto às estações do ano, o outono contribuiu significativamente com as tendências

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in comparison with open mitral valve commissurotomy for mitral stenosis during pregnancy

OBJECTIVES We sought to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of patients with severe mitral stenosis submitted to percutaneous balloon dilation Versus open mitral valve commissurotomy (MVC) during pregnancy.BACKGROUND Heart failure in patients with mitral stenosis complicating pregnancy is a common problem in developing countries. Since 1984, percutaneous dilation of the mitral valve using a balloon catheter has become a therapeutic alternative to open heart surgery. Although the efficacy of percutaneous mitral valve balloon dilation is well established, its results have never before been compared viith the results of commissurotomy during pregnancy.METHODS We compared the clinical and obstetric complications in 45 women who were treated with percutaneous mitral valve balloon dilation (group I, n = 21; from 1990 to 1995) or open MVC (group II, n = 24; from 1985 to 1990) for severe heart failure due to mitral stenosis during pregnancy.RESULTS in our study, percutaneous balloon dilation of the mitral. valve had a success rate of 95% (Gorlin formula) and 90.5% (echocardiographic pressure half-time method), as demonstrated by the final mitral valve area achieved. This improvement was followed by a marked decrease in the mitral valve gradient, left atrial pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure. Patients in both groups had similar improvements in symptoms. Patients who underwent percutaneous balloon dilation had significantly fewer fetal complications, with a reduction in fetal and neonatal mortality (1 death in group I vs. 8 in group II, p = 0.025).CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty is safe and effective and appears to be preferable for the fetus, compared with open MVC during pregnancy. (J Am Coil Cardiol 2001;37:900-3) (C) 2001 by the American College of Cardiology.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Cardiol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Cardiovasc Surg, São Paulo, BrazilSt Vincents Hosp & Med Ctr, Comprehens Cardiovasc Ctr, New York, NY 10011 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Cardiol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Cardiovasc Surg, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc