q-Weibull distributions describing commercial service routes

We present an investigation of the mode of road transport in Brazil combining tools of complex networks and real-data. Our analysis involves a data-set based on the service routes inscribed on the Brazilian Transport Agency database. Although connectivity distributions of road networks worldwide are usually claimed as described by a power-law fashion, we report a better fit for the Brazilian case offered by the q-Weibull distribution. In our approach nodes assume the role of localities, whereas links represent service routes among them. Interestingly, a rapid drop takes place on the tail of the data distribution for a particular range of the number of outgoing connections. The mechanism responsible for driving this drop is revealed by investigating the spectral centrality of the network and different patterns of disassortative mixture, for both incoming and outgoing distributions. Besides a discussion about a power law description, we report a contrast with two different distributions. They are interpolated by the q-Weibull one: the Weibull and the q-exponential distributions. Moreover, we study the reciprocity of this network, which reflects the influence of mutual links over dynamical processes. This kind of analysis is indispensable for studies on human mobility, shipping, and a multi-modal perspective.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figure

Effects of experimental bleaching agents on the mineral content of sound and demineralized enamels

High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause adverse effects on composition and structure of teeth. However, the addition of calcium and fluoride in bleaching agents may reduce enamel demineralization. Objective: To evaluate chemical changes of sound and demineralized enamels submitted to high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide containing fluoride (F) or calcium (Ca). Material and Methods: Enamel blocks of bovine incisors with standard dimensions were obtained and half of them were submitted to pH-cycling to promote initial enamel caries lesions. Sound and demineralized enamel samples were divided into (n=10): (C) Control (no whitening treatment); (HP) 35% hydrogen peroxide; and two experimental groups: (HPF) 35% HP+0.2% F and (HPC) 35% HP+0.2% Ca. Experimental groups were submitted to two in-office bleaching sessions and agents were applied 3 times for 15 min to each session. The control group was kept in remineralizing solution at 37°C during the bleaching treatment. The surface mineral content of sound and demineralized enamels was determined through Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), Energy dispersive Micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-EDXRF); and the subsurface, through cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH). In addition, polarized light microscopy (PLM) images of enamel subsurface were observed. Results: According to three-way (FT-Raman and μ-EDXRF analyses) or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (CSMH) and Tukey test (α=5%), the calcium or fluoride added to high-concentrated bleaching agents increased phosphate and carbonate concentrations on sound and demineralized enamels (p<0.05). However, HPC and HPF were unable to completely reverse the subsurface mineral loss promoted by bleaching on sound and demineralized enamels. The calcium/ phosphate (Ca/P) ratio of sound enamel decreased after HP treatment (p<0.001). Conclusion: Even though experimental bleaching agents with Ca or F reduced mineral loss for both sound and demineralized enamel surfaces, these agents were unable to reverse the enamel subsurface demineralization

Saúde do Homem: Caracterização dos Portadores de HIV-AIDS em Sergipe

A AIDS é uma doença caracterizada como uma epidemia estável e concentrada em alguns subgrupos populacionais. Em situação de vulnerabilidade vêm mostrando que seu maior acometimento ainda prevalece em pessoas do sexo masculino no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é conhecer a situação do HIV/AIDS no sexo masculino acompanhados por um Serviço de Referência em Aracaju no ano de 2011. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, documental, retrospectiva e de abordagem quantitativa, realizada por meio de investigação em prontuários dos pacientes registrados no Serviço de Atendimento Especializado (SAE). Os resultados revelaram a ocorrência de 297 novos casos de HIV/AIDS em Sergipe, dentre estes 187 (63%) ao sexo masculino, com maior ocorrência na faixa etária dos 20 e 59 anos (94,18%), prevalecendo a cor de pele parda (73,25%), ensino fundamental incompleto (27%) como escolaridade máxima e residentes na capital (46%). A parceria sexual prevalente foi a fixa exclusiva (35%), sem nunca usar preservativos (24%). Conclui-se que a população masculina é a mais acometida pela infecção em Sergipe, demonstrando que o homem preocupa-se pouco com a sua saúde, principalmente no tocante à prevenção de doenças. Afinal, a vulnerabilidade à infecção pelo HIV está associada ao comportamento e não ao sexo

HLA-DR and HLA-DQ alleles in patients from the south of Brazil: markers for leprosy susceptibility and resistance

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Many epidemiological studies have shown that the genetic factors of the host play a role in the variability of clinical response to infection caused by <it>M. leprae</it>. With the purpose of identifying genes of susceptibility, the present study investigated the possible role of HLA-DRB1 and DQA1/DQB1 alleles in susceptibility to leprosy, and whether they account for the heterogeneity in immune responses observed following infection in a Southern Brazilian population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>One hundred and sixty-nine leprosy patients and 217 healthy controls were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and reverse hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes and sequence-specific primers(One Lambda^®, CA, USA).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was a positive association of HLA-DRB1*16 (*1601 and *1602) with leprosy <it>per se </it>(7.3% <it>vs</it>. 3.2%, <it>P </it>= 0.01, OR = 2.52, CI = 1.26–5.01), in accord with previous serological studies, which showed DR2 as a marker of leprosy. Although, HLA-DQA1*05 frequency (29.8% <it>vs</it>. 20.9%, <it>P </it>= 0.0424, OR = 1.61, CI = 1.09–2.39) was higher in patients, and HLA-DQA1*02 (3.0% <it>vs</it>. 7.5%, <it>P </it>= 0.0392, OR = 0.39, CI = 0.16 – 0.95) and HLA-DQA1*04 (4.0% <it>vs</it>. 9.1%, <it>P </it>= 0.0314, OR = 0.42, CI = 0.19 – 0.93) frequencies lower, <it>P</it>-values were not significant after the Bonferroni's correction. Furthermore, HLA-DRB1*1601 (9.0% <it>vs</it>. 1.8%; <it>P </it>= 0.0016; OR = 5.81; CI = 2.05–16.46) was associated with susceptibility to borderline leprosy compared to control group, and while HLA-DRB1*08 (11.2% <it>vs</it>. 1.2%; <it>P </it>= 0.0037; OR = 12.00; CI = 1.51 – 95.12) was associated with susceptibility to lepromatous leprosy, when compared to tuberculoid leprosy, DRB1*04 was associated to protection.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data confirm the positive association of HLA-DR2 (DRB1*16) with leprosy <it>per se</it>, and the protector effect of DRB1*04 against lepromatous leprosy in Brazilian patients.</p

Serologic Survey of Hantavirus Infection, Brazilian Amazon

Federal University of Maranhão. São Luís, MA, Brazil.Federal University of Maranhão. São Luís, MA, Brazil.Federal University of Maranhão. São Luís, MA, Brazil.Federal University of Maranhão. São Luís, MA, Brazil.Federal University of Maranhão. São Luís, MA, Brazil.Federal University of Maranhão. São Luís, MA, Brazil.State Department of Health. São Luís, MA, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Belém, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Belém, PA, Brasil

Compost pile and vermicomposting to treat a mixture of poultry bed and liquid residues from dairy cattle

Objetivou-se avaliar o método de compostagem em pilhas e a vermicompostagem no tratamento da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos de bovinos leiteiros. O estudo foi realizado com dois tratamentos, constituídos pelas biotecnologias compostagem em pilhas (T1) e vermicompostagem (T2). No processo de vermicompostagem foram utilizadas caixas de madeira nas dimensões de 0.50 mde comprimento, 0.40 mde largura e 0.30 mde altura, e minhocas da espécie Eisenia fetida. A utilização dos processos de compostagem em pilhas e vermicompostagem são tecnicamente viáveis para o tratamento da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos líquidos de bovinos leiteiros. A temperatura ambiente e do ar não influencia a temperatura da biomassa durante a compostagemem pilhas. A relação C/N do composto e do vermicomposto da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos de bovinos leiteiros não atendeu a recomendação da Instrução Normativa nº 25/2009 para ser considerado estabilizado ou bioestabilizado. O tratamento da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos de bovinos leiteiros através da compostagem e vermicompostagem deve ser realizado em um tempo superior a 45 dias para que possa ser utilizado como fertilizante orgânico. A trial was conducted to evaluate compost pile (T1) and vermicomposting (T2) for treating a mixture of poultry bed and dairy cattle residues. For T1, a pile 3 m length x 1.60 m width and 1 m height was built in a waterproofed barn with a wire mesh as side walls. Every 15 days, two revolving and addition of residues to the composting mass were carried out. Wood boxes 0.50 m length x 0.40 m width and 0.30 m height and Eisenia fetida earthworms were used for vermicomposting treatment T2. Compost piles and vermicomposting are technically viable options for processing a mixture of poultry bed and liquid residues from dairy cattle. Its alkaline pH was not harmful to Eisenia fetida earthworms, which remained in the biomass until the end of the process. Additionally, the presence of cocoons and young earthworms demonstrated the substrate acceptance by Eisenia fetida earthworms. At the end of the assay period, the C/N ratio of both the compost and the vermicompost did not fulfill the threshold value to be considered as stabilized or biostabilized according to Brazilian Normative Instruction nº 25/2009. Therefore, composting and vermicomposting of poultry bed and dairy cattle residues mixture must be carried out for a period longer than 45 days to be utilized as an organic fertilizer.Comité de Medio Ambient

Compost pile and vermicomposting to treat a mixture of poultry bed and liquid residues from dairy cattle

Objetivou-se avaliar o método de compostagem em pilhas e a vermicompostagem no tratamento da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos de bovinos leiteiros. O estudo foi realizado com dois tratamentos, constituídos pelas biotecnologias compostagem em pilhas (T1) e vermicompostagem (T2). No processo de vermicompostagem foram utilizadas caixas de madeira nas dimensões de 0.50 mde comprimento, 0.40 mde largura e 0.30 mde altura, e minhocas da espécie Eisenia fetida. A utilização dos processos de compostagem em pilhas e vermicompostagem são tecnicamente viáveis para o tratamento da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos líquidos de bovinos leiteiros. A temperatura ambiente e do ar não influencia a temperatura da biomassa durante a compostagemem pilhas. A relação C/N do composto e do vermicomposto da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos de bovinos leiteiros não atendeu a recomendação da Instrução Normativa nº 25/2009 para ser considerado estabilizado ou bioestabilizado. O tratamento da mistura de cama de aviário e dejetos de bovinos leiteiros através da compostagem e vermicompostagem deve ser realizado em um tempo superior a 45 dias para que possa ser utilizado como fertilizante orgânico. A trial was conducted to evaluate compost pile (T1) and vermicomposting (T2) for treating a mixture of poultry bed and dairy cattle residues. For T1, a pile 3 m length x 1.60 m width and 1 m height was built in a waterproofed barn with a wire mesh as side walls. Every 15 days, two revolving and addition of residues to the composting mass were carried out. Wood boxes 0.50 m length x 0.40 m width and 0.30 m height and Eisenia fetida earthworms were used for vermicomposting treatment T2. Compost piles and vermicomposting are technically viable options for processing a mixture of poultry bed and liquid residues from dairy cattle. Its alkaline pH was not harmful to Eisenia fetida earthworms, which remained in the biomass until the end of the process. Additionally, the presence of cocoons and young earthworms demonstrated the substrate acceptance by Eisenia fetida earthworms. At the end of the assay period, the C/N ratio of both the compost and the vermicompost did not fulfill the threshold value to be considered as stabilized or biostabilized according to Brazilian Normative Instruction nº 25/2009. Therefore, composting and vermicomposting of poultry bed and dairy cattle residues mixture must be carried out for a period longer than 45 days to be utilized as an organic fertilizer.Comité de Medio Ambient