A two-part fractional regression model for the financial leverage decisions of micro, small, medium and large firms

In this paper we examine the following two hypotheses which traditional theories of capital structure are relatively silent about: (i) the determinants of financial leverage decisions are different for micro, small, medium and large firms; and (ii) the factors that determine whether or not a firm issues debt are different from those that determine how much debt it issues. Using a binary choice model to explain the probability of a firm raising debt and a fractional regression model to explain the relative amount of debt issued, we find strong support for both hypotheses. Confirming recent empirical evidence, we find also that, although larger firms are more likely to use debt, conditional on having some debt firm size is negatively related to the proportion of debt used by firms

Designing And Validating The Methodology For The Internet Assessment Of Fish Consumption At A University Setting

Assessing fish consumption is complex and involves several factors; however, the use of questionnaires in surveys and the use of the Internet as tool to collect data have been considered promising approaches. Therefore, the objective of this research was to design a data collection technique using a questionnaire to assess fish consumption by making it available on a specific home page on the Internet. A bibliographical survey or review was carried out to identify the features of the instrument, and therefore pre-tests were conducted with previous instruments, followed by the Focus Group technique. Specialists then performed an analysis and conducted an online pre-test. Multivariate data analysis was applied using the SmartPLS software. The results indicate that 1.966 participants belonging to the University of São Paulo (USP) community participated in the test, and after the exclusion of some variables, a statistically significant results were obtained. The final constructs comprised consumption, quality, and general characteristics. The instrument consisted of behavioral statements in a 5-point Likert scale and multiple-choice questions. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was 0.66 for general characteristics, 0.98 for quality, and 0.91 for consumption, which indicate good reliability of the instrument. In conclusion, the results proved that the Internet assessment is efficient. The instrument of analysis allowed us to better understand the process of buying and consuming fish in the country, and it can be used as base for further research.342315323Bargas-Avila, J.A., Lotscher, J., Orsini, S., Opwis, K., Intranet satisfaction questionnaire: Development and validation of a questionnaire to measure user satisfaction with the Intranet (2009) Computers In Human Behavior, 25 (6), pp. 1241-1250. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2009.05.014Batagelj, Z., Vehovar, V., Technical and methodological issues in surveys (1998) Proceedings of the 53° Annual Conference of the American Association For Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), , http://www.ris.org/ris98/stlouis, St. Louis. Retrieved fromBliven, B., Kaufman, S., Spertus, J.A., Electronic collection of health-related quality of life data: Validity, time, benefits and patient preference (2001) Quality Life Research, 10 (1), pp. 15-22. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1016740312904Boeckner, L., Pullen, S.C.H., Walker, S.N., Abbott, G.W., Block, T., Use and realiability of Word Wide Web Version of the block health habits and history questionnaire with older rural women (2002) Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 34, pp. S20-S24. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1499-4046(06)60307-2Cantrell, M.A., Lupinacci, P., Methodological issues in online data collection (2007) Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60 (5), pp. 544-549. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04448.xChang, L., Krosnick, J.A., Comparing oral interviewing with self-administered computerized questionnaires an experiment (2010) Public Opinion Quarterly, 74 (1), pp. 154-167. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfp090Chin, W.W., The partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling (1998) Modern Methods For Business Research, pp. 295-336. , In G. A. Marcoulides (Ed.), Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum AssociatesCronk, B.C., West, J.L., Personality research on the Internet: A comparison of web based and traditional instruments in take-home and in-class settings (2002) Behavior Research Methods Instruments and Computers, 34 (2), pp. 177-180. , http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/BF03195440Falk, R.F., Miller, N.B., (1992) A Primer For Soft Modeling, , New York: Akron Presshttp://www.brasilfoodtrends.com.br/Brasil_Food_Trends/index.html, Federação das Industrias do Estado de São Paulo-FIESP. (2010), Brasil food trends, São Paulo: FIESP. Retrieved fromFerri, P., Cavalli, N., Costa, E., Mangiatordi, A., Mizzella, S., Pozzali, A., Scenini, F., Italian university students and digital technologies: Some results from a field research (2009) Communications In Computer and Information Science, 49 (3), pp. 357-365. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04757-2_38(2009) The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), , Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations-FAO, Rome: FAOGefen, D., Straub, D.W., Boudreau, M.C., Structural equation modeling and regression: Guidelines for research practice (2009) Communications of the Association For Information Systems, 4 (1), pp. 1-77Hair Jr., J.F., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J., Anderson, R.E., Tatham, R.L., (2009) Análise Multivariada De Dados, , 6. ed.). Porto Alegre: BookmanHanning, R.M.D., Royall, J.E., Toews, L., Blashill, L., Wegener, J., Driezen, P., Web-based food behaviour questionnaire: Validation with grades six to eight students (2009) Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 70, pp. 172-178. , http://dx.doi.org/10.3148/70.4.2009.172Hanscom, B., Lurie, J.D., Homa, K., Weinstein, J., Computerized questionnaires and the quality of survey data (2002) Spine, 27 (6), pp. 1797-1801. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00007632-200208150-00020Hershberger, S.L., Marcoulides, G.A., Parramore, M.M., Structural equation modeling: An introduction (2003) Structural Equation Modeling: Applications In Ecological and Evolutionary Biology, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511542138.002, In B. H. Pugesek, A. Tomer & A. V. Eye (Eds.), Cambridge: Cambridge University PressKlem, L., Structural equation modeling (2006) Reading and Understanding More Multivariate Statistics, pp. 227-260. , In L. G. Grimm & P. R. Yarnold (Eds.), Washington: American Psychological AssociationMalhotra, N., (2008) Pesquisa De Marketing: Uma Orientação Aplicada, , 5. ed.). Porto Alegre: BookmanMaruayama, G.M., (1998) Basic of Structural Equation Modeling, , Thousand Oaks: Sage PublicationsMatthys, C., Pynaert, I., de Keyzer, W., Henauw, S., Validity and reproducibility of an adolescent Web-based food frequency questionnaire (2007) Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107 (4), pp. 605-610. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2007.01.005Mina, K., Fritschi, L., Knuiman, M., A valid semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to measure fish consumption (2007) European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61, pp. 1023-1031. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602617Morgan, D., (1997) Focus Group As Qualitative Research, pp. 80-88. , London: Sage Publications. Qualitative Research Methods Series 16Mueller, R.O., Structural equation modeling: Back to basics (1997) Structural Equation Modeling, 4 (4), pp. 353-369. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10705519709540081Oetterer, M., (2002) Industrialização Do Pescado Cultivado, , Guaíba: AgropecuáriaPasquali, L., (2003) Psicometria: Teoria Dos Testes Na Psicologia E Na Educação, , Petrópolis: VozesPerez, G., Zwicker, R., Fatores determinantes da adoção de sistemas de informação na área de saúde: Um estudo sobre o prontuário médico eletrônico (2010) Revista De Administração Mackenzie, 11 (1), pp. 174-200. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1678-69712010000100008Ribeiro, R.C.L., Panato, E., Silva, M.M.S., Rosado, L.E.F., Rosado, G.P., Validade relativa de um questionário de freqüência alimentar para utilização em adultos (2009) Revista De Nutrição, 22 (1), pp. 81-95. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-52732009000100008Rodrigues, D.S., Ramos, R.A.R., Mendes, J.F.G., A system to evaluate and monitor quality of life in a University Campus (2005) Proceedings of the 9th International Conference On Computers In Urban Planning and Urban Management (CUPUM), , http://repositorium.sdum.uminho.pt/bitstream/1822/5064/1/Rodrigues_CI_1_2005.pdf, London. Retrieved fromSantos, F.V., (2001) A Importância Da Atividade Física Na Qualidade De Vida Disseminada Numa Página Da Internet (Dissertação De Mestrado), , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, FlorianópolisSirot, V., Dumas, C., Leblanc, J.C., Margarit, I., Food and nutrient intakes of French frequent seafood consumers with regard to fish consumption recommendations: Results from the CALIPSO study (2011) British Journal of Nutrition, 105 (9), pp. 1369-1380. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510005027Sonoda, D.Y., (2006) Demanda Por Pescado No Brasil Entre 2002 E 2003, , Tese de doutorado). Universidade de São Paulo, PiracicabaSoriano, J.M., Molto, J.C., Manes, J., Dietary intake and food pattern among university students (2000) Nutrition Research, 20 (9), pp. 1249-1258. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0271-5317(00)00217-7Stanton, J.M., Rogelberg, S.G., Using Internet/intranet web pages to collect organizational research data (2001) Organizational Research Methods, 4 (3), pp. 200-217. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/109442810143002Touvier, M., Kesse-Guyot, E., Méjean, C., Pollet, C., Malon, A., Castetbon, K., Hercberg, S., Comparison between an interactive web-based self-administered 24 h dietary record and an interview by a dietitian for large-scale epidemiological studies (2001) British Journal of Nutrition, 105 (7), pp. 1055-1064. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510004617Trondsen, T., Scholderer, J., Lund, E., Lund, E., Eggen, A., Perceived barriers to consumption of fish among Norwegian women (2003) Appetite, 41 (3), pp. 301-314. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0195-6663(03)00108-9(2010) Anuário Estatístico, , http://sistemas3.usp.br/anuario, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Brasil: USP. Retrieved fromVanderslice, J., Laflamme, D.M., Wynkoop-Simmons, K., Comparing fish consumption information collected via a telephone survey and a food frequency questionnaire (2008) Epidemiology, 19 (6), pp. S315Veiga, L., Gondim, S.M.G., A utilização de métodos qualitativos na ciência política e no marketing político (2001) Opinião Pública, 2 (1), pp. 1-15Vinholis, M.M.B., Azevedo, P.F., Segurança do alimento e rastreabilidade: O caso BSE (2002) RAE Eletrônica, 1 (2), pp. 1-19. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1676-56482002000200008Zwicker, R., Souza, C.A., Bido, D.S., (2008) Uma Revisão Do Modelo Do Grau De Informatização De Empresas: Novas Propostas De Estimação E Modelagem Usando PLS (Partial Least Squares), , In Anais do 32° Encontro da ANPAD, Rio de Janeiro. CD-RO

A novel type 1 cystatin involved in the regulation of Rhipicephalus microplus midgut cysteine proteases

Rhipicephalus microplus is a cattle ectoparasite found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world with great impact on livestock production. R. microplus can also harbor pathogens, such as Babesia sp. and Anaplasma sp. which further compromise cattle production. Blood meal acquisition and digestion are key steps for tick development. In ticks, digestion takes place inside midgut cells and is mediated by aspartic and cysteine peptidases and, therefore, regulated by their inhibitors. Cystatins are a family of cysteine peptidases inhibitors found in several organisms and have been associated in ticks with blood acquisition, blood digestion, modulation of host immune response and tick immunity. In this work, we characterized a novel R. microplus type 1 cystatin, named Rmcystatin-1b. The inhibitor transcripts were found to be highly expressed in the midgut of partially and fully engorged females and they appear to be modulated at different days post-detachment. Purified recombinant Rmcystatin-1b displayed inhibitory activity towards typical cysteine peptidases with high affinity. Moreover, rRmcystatin-1b was able to inhibit native R. microplus cysteine peptidases and RNAi-mediated knockdown of the cystatin transcripts resulted in increased proteolytic activity. Moreover, rRmcystatin-1b was able to interfere with B. bovis growth in vitro. Taken together our data strongly suggest that Rmcystatin-1b is a regulator of blood digestion in R. microplus midgut.Fil: Lu, Stephen. Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: da Rocha, Leticia A.. Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Torquato, Ricardo J.S.. Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: da Silva Vaz Junior, Itabajara. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Jacobsen, Monica Ofelia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Tanaka, Aparecida S.. Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Hofmeister Effect in Confined Spaces: Halogen Ions and Single Molecule Detection

AbstractDespite extensive research in the nanopore-sensing field, there is a paucity of experimental studies that investigate specific ion effects in confined spaces, such as in nanopores. Here, the effect of halogen anions on a simple bimolecular complexation reaction between monodisperse poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and α-hemolysin nanoscale pores have been investigated at the single-molecule level. The anions track the Hofmeister ranking according to their influence upon the on-rate constant. An inverse relationship was demonstrated for the off-rate and the solubility of PEG. The difference among anions spans several hundredfold. Halogen anions play a very significant role in the interaction of PEG with nanopores although, unlike K+, they do not bind to PEG. The specific effect appears dominated by a hydration-dehydration process where ions and PEG compete for water. Our findings provide what we believe to be novel insights into physicochemical mechanisms involved in single-molecule interactions with nanopores and are clearly relevant to more complicated chemical and biological processes involving a transient association of two or more molecules (e.g., reception, signal transduction, enzyme catalysis). It is anticipated that these findings will advance the development of devices with nanopore-based sensors for chemical and biological applications

Neuroimmunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of the flavonoid apigenin in in vitro models of neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease

Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) are characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of neurons. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most incident age-related ND, in which the presence of a chronic inflammatory compound seems to be related to its pathogenesis. Different stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS) can induce activation, proliferation, and changes in phenotype and glial function, which can be modulated by anti-inflammatory agents. Apigenin (4,5,7–trihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid found in abundance in many fruits and vegetables, that has shown important effects upon controlling the inflammatory response. This study evaluated the neuroprotective and neuroimmunomodulatory potential of apigenin using in vitro models of neuroinflammation associated with AD. Co-cultures of neurons and glial cells were obtained from the cortex of newborn and embryonic Wistar rats. After 26 days in vitro, cultures were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μg/ml), or IL-1β (10 ng/ml) for 24 h, or to Aβ oligomers (500 nM) for 4 h, and then treated with apigenin (1 μM) for further 24 h. It was observed that the treatment with apigenin preserved neurons and astrocytes integrity, determined by Rosenfeld’s staining and immunocytochemistry for β-tubulin III and GFAP, respectively. Moreover, it was observed by Fluoro-Jade-B and caspase-3 immunostaining that apigenin was not neurotoxic and has a neuroprotective effect against inflammatory damage. Additionally, apigenin reduced microglial activation, characterized by inhibition of proliferation (BrdU+ cells) and modulation of microglia morphology (Iba-1 + cells), and decreased the expression of the M1 inflammatory marker CD68. Moreover, as determined by RT-qPCR, inflammatory stimuli induced by IL-1β increased the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and CCL5, and decreased the mRNA expression of IL-10. Contrary, after treatment with apigenin in inflammatory stimuli (IL-1β or LPS) there was a modulation of the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, and reduced expression of OX42, IL-6 and gp130. Moreover, apigenin alone and after an inflammatory stimulus with IL-1β also induced the increase in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an effect that may be associated with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Together these data demonstrate that apigenin presents neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and might represent an important neuroimmunomodulatory agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions

Application Of Exploratory Factor Analysis To Assess Fish Consumption In A University Community [aplicação De Análise Fatorial Exploratória Para Avaliar O Consumo De Pescado Em Uma Comunidade Universitária]

The objective of this research was to use the technique of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the adequacy of a tool for the assessment of fish consumption and the characteristics involved in this process. Data were collected during a campaign to encourage fish consumption in Brazil with the voluntarily participation of members of a university community. An assessment instrument consisting of multiple-choice questions and a five-point Likert scale was designed and used to measure the importance of certain attributes that influence the choice and consumption of fish. This study sample was composed of of 224 individuals, the majority were women (65.6%). With regard to the frequency of fish consumption, 37.67% of the volunteers interviewed said they consume the product two or three times a month, and 29.6% once a week. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to group the variables; the extraction was made using the principal components and the rotation using the Quartimax method. The results show clusters in two main constructs, quality and consumption with Cronbach Alpha coefficients of 0.75 and 0.69, respectively, indicating good internal consistency.33199106Alves, A.L.S., Padrão alimentar de mulheres adultas (2006) Revista De Saúde Pública, 40 (5), pp. 865-873. , PMid:17301909Anastasi, A., Urbina, S., (2000) Testagem Psicológica, p. 575. , 7. ed. Porto Alegre: ArtMedBlank, L., Community based lifestyle interventions: Changing behaviour and improving health (2007) Public Health Nutrition, 29 (3), pp. 236-245. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdm041, PMid:17601764(2010), http://www.mpa.gov.br/mpa/seap/html/Comercializacao/semana_do_peixe_int2 009.html, BRASIL. Ministério da Pesca e Aquicultura. A campanha vai ressaltar os benefícios do consumo de pescado e o seu prepare MPA, 2010a. Disponível em: Acesso em: 25 out(2010) Consumo Per Capita Aparente De Pescado No Brasil 1996-2009 - O Brasileiro Está Comendo Mais Pescado, , http://www.mpa.gov.br/mpa/seap/Jonathan/mpa3/docs/folder%20consumo%20de% 20pescado%202009%202.pdf, BRASIL. Ministério da Pesca e Aquicultura, MPA, 2010b. Disponível em, Acesso em: 02 outBurger, J., Fishing, fish consumption, and awareness about warnings in a university community in central New Jersey in 2007, and comparisons with 2004 (2008) Environmental Research, 108 (1), pp. 107-116. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2008.05.003, PMid:18632098Cooper, D.R., Schindler, P.S., (2003) Métodos De Pesquisa Em Administração, p. 640. , 7. ed. Porto Alegre: BookmanDijk, H.V., Perceptions of health risks and benefits associated with fish consumption among Russian consumers (2011) Appetite, 56 (2), pp. 227-234. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2010.12.008, PMid:21147191Dillon, W.R., Goldstein, M., (1984) Multivariate Analysis: Methods and Applications, p. 608. , USA: John Wiley and sons, Inc(2009) The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA): 2008, p. 196. , FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION - FAO, FAOFilho, F.D.B., Silva Jr., J.A., Visão além do alcance: Uma introdução à análise fatorial (2010) Opinião Pública, 16 (1), pp. 160-185. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-62762010000100007Hair Jr., F., (2009) Análise Multivariada De Dados, p. 688. , 6. ed. Porto Alegre: BookmanHarris, C.A., Knight, S., Worosz, M.R., Shopping for food safety and the public trust: What supply chain stakeholders need to know about consumer attitudes (2006) Food Safety Magazine, pp. 52-59. , http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/articleFF.asp?id=723&sub=sub1, Disponível em, Acesso em: 19 marHonkanen, P., Olsen, S.O., Verplanken, B., Intention to consume seafood - the importance of habit (2005) Appetite, 45 (2), pp. 161-168. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2005.04.005, PMid:16011859Johnson, R.A., Wichern, D.W., (2000) Métodos Mutivariados Aplicados De Análise De Dados, , México: International Thomson EditoresMaciel, E.S., Inquérito sobre o consumo de pescado em feira comemorativa da "Semana do Peixe" em cidade do interior de São Paulo (2009) Revista Ciência E Tecnologia - UNIMEP, 31 (16), pp. 59-68Malhotra, N., (2006) Pesquisa De Marketing Uma Orientação Aplicada, p. 720. , Porto Alegre: BookmanMichels, I.L., Prochmann, A.M., (2010) Estudo Das Cadeias Produtivas De Mato Grosso Do Sul: Piscicultura, p. 152. , http://pt.scribd.com/doc/14791838/Cadeia-Produtiva-Da-Piscicultura-Em-MS -2003, UFMS, 2002, Disponível, em, Acesso em: 08 novMunõz, M.A., Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better mental and physical health (2009) British Journal of Nutrition, 101 (12), pp. 1821-1827. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114508143598, PMid:19079848Oetterer, M., (2002) Industrialização Do Pescado Cultivado, p. 200. , Guaíba: Editora AgropecuáriaOlsen, S.O., Exploring the relationship between convenience and fish consumption: A cross-cultural study (2007) Appetite, 49 (1), pp. 84-91. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2006.12.002, PMid:17261344Pasquali, L., Extração dos fatores (2005) Análise Fatorial Para Pesquisadores, pp. 55-86. , PASQUALI, L. (Org.), LabPam, PMid:16760627Pieniak, Z., Verbeke, W., Scholderer, J., Health-related beliefs and consumer knowledge as determinants of fish consumption (2010) Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 23 (5), pp. 480-488. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2010.01045.x, PMid:20831707Raspor, P., Faces of foods on the world of food systems (2006) Acta Alimentaria, 35, pp. 247-249Rortveit, A.W., Olsen, S.O., Combining the role of convenience and consideration set size in explaining fish consumption in Norway (2009) Appetite, 52 (2), pp. 313-317. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2008.11.001, PMid:19038300Schawb, A.J., (2010) Eletronic Classroom. [online], , http://www.utexas.edu/ssw/eclassroom/schwab.html, Disponível em: Acesso em: 10 setShaw, D., An exploration of values in ethical consumer decision making (2005) Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 4 (3), p. 185. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cb.3Sonoda, D.Y., Caracterização do mercado de pescado no Brasil (2007) Revista Aquicultura E Pesca, 3 (28), pp. 40-44. , jul./ago(1999) Base 10.0 User's Guide, , STATISTICAL PACKAGE FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - SPSS, Chicago: SPSSTrondsen, T., Perceived barriers to consumption of fish among Norwegian women (2003) Appetite, 48, pp. 301-314. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0195-6663(03)00108-9Tuu, H.H., The role of norms in explaining attitudes, intention and consumption of a common food (fish) in Vietnam (2008) Appetite, 51 (13), pp. 546-551. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2008.04.007, PMid:18486275Tyrovolas, S., Panagiotakos, D., The role of Mediterranean type of diet on the development of cancer and cardiovascular disease, in the elderly: A systematic review (2010) Maturitas, 65, pp. 122-130. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.07.003, PMid:19656644Uilde, A.G., Farah, T.G., Flávia, M.M., Caracterização do consumo de carnes no Brasil (2002) Revista Nacional Da Carne, N, p. 310Verbeke, W., Vackier, I., Individual determinants of fish consumption: Application of the theory of planned behavior (2005) Appetite, 44 (1), pp. 67-82. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2004.08.006, PMid:15604034Wei, X., Zeng, Y., (2005) Consumer's Attitudes and Willingness-to-pay For Green Food In Beijing, pp. 1-10. , http://sard.ruc.edu.cn/zengyinchu/files/taolunwengao/, Disponível em: Acesso em: 05 fev. 2011Zhou, J.H., Consumer's attitude, perception and purchase behavior - Case from Jiangsu province (2004) Journal of China Agricultural Economics, 11, pp. 44-5

Chemical and spectroscopic characterization of humic acids extracted from the bottom sediments of a Brazilian subtropical microbasin

International audienceHumic substances (HS) perform a fundamental role in aquatic environments, exhibiting different levels of reactivity in retaining metal ions and organic pollutants. Also, they control the primary production of these ecosystems and act in the carbon sequestering process. In order to improve our understanding vis-à-vis the structural and functional features of HS from aquatic systems, this study aimed to chemically and spectroscopically characterize humic acids (HA) isolated from bottom sediment samples of a stream in a Brazilian subtropical microbasin by elemental analysis, and infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) and solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS 13C NMR) spectroscopies, thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although all samples originated from the same environment, the data showed that the HA have distinct chemical and spectroscopic properties, and that the location and characteristics of the sampling points from which the sediments were collected played an important role in the differences observed. Furthermore, vascular plant matter is probably the main contributor to these samples

Impactos Nutricionais E Produção De Pimentão Submetido à Deficiência Hídrica

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)The sweet pepper is a solanaceous plant of American origin with large consumption in Brazil. In order to study the effects of water stress on the sweet pepper crop, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse. The treatments consisted of soil water content (100%, 85%, 70% and 55% of moisture in the soil field capacity) in a randomized block design with 6 replicates where the experimental units consisted of 16 plants. During the experiment (47, 62, 77 and 92 days after planting) levels of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) present in each plant fraction and the dry mass of plants for the accumulation of these determination were determined. At harvest the number, width and length of fruits from each plant were obtained. Variables were subjected to Tukey test at 5% probability. The water content in the soil interfered significantly with productive variables. To the accumulation of nutrients in the dry matter (leaf + stem) the elements with higher absorption are ordered as follows: K> N> Ca> Mg> S> P and Fe>Mn> Zn> B> Cu. © 2016, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP. All rights reserved.214724735CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq