Do "small is beautiful" ao "small is unsustainable"

O presente artigo debruça-se sobre a realidade das actividades económicas de pequena escala em Portugal. as discussões políticas mais recentes têm vindo a colocar “em cima da mesa”, cada vez com maior insistência, a problemática das pequenas e médias empresas. No entanto, como não se ultrapassam as abordagens generalistas, a especificidade das unidades económicas de pequena escala não emerge, sendo por essa via invisibilizada ao nível do pensamento e da acção. Ao longo das próximas páginas serão abordadas as dificuldades enfrentadas por estes microempreendedores, obrigados a respeitar quadros normativos e procedimentos funcionais estipulados para regular a competitividade internacional, mesmo que o seu campo de acção sejam os mercados de proximidade. São os reflexos de um país com “sede” de internacionalização, preocupado com as exportações e o investimento estrangeiro, mas que ao mesmo tempo cilindra as pequenas unidades produtivas nacionais que garantem emprego e produção de riqueza, conduzindo o país a uma dinâmica de empobrecimento

Comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification, polymerase chain reaction, and selective isolation assays for detection of Xanthomonas albilineans from sugarcane

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR, and selective isolation assays for detection of Xanthomonas albilineans, the causal agent of sugarcane leaf scald. The pathogen was isolated on selective medium from 44 out of 45 (98%) samples taken from symptomatic stalks, and from 44 out of 70 (63%) samples from asymptomatic stalks that were collected from plots with symptomatic stalks. Forty-two (93%), 41 (91%), and 42 (93%) symptomatic samples tested positive by LAMP, PCR and nested PCR, respectively. The pathogen was detected in 19 (27%), 8 (11%), and 25 (36%) of the 70 asymptomatic samples by LAMP, PCR and nested PCR, respectively. Symptomatic stalks were mainly, but not always, associated with high populations of the pathogen (107–109 CFU/ml), and asymptomatic stalks with low populations (<103 CFU/ml) or no bacteria. Although our LAMP and nested PCR methods detected 10 CFU/ml of X. albilineans in suspensions prepared with pure culture, they sometimes failed to detect the pathogen in samples with low pathogen populations. Isolation on selective medium along with another method should therefore be used for detection of the pathogen in asymptomatic stalks, especially in quarantine programs

Is there an association between dental caries, fluorosis, and molar-incisor hypomineralization?

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries, dental fluorosis, and molar-incisor hypomineralization, and their associations in a group of Brazilian schoolchildren. Methodology:Adolescents (n=411) were evaluated by two calibrated examiners for dental caries (DC), dental fluorosis (DF), and molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) using the CAST (Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment) instrument, Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) index, and MIH Severity Scoring System (MIH-SSS), respectively. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results:The sample comprised 42.75% boys and 57.25% girls. The prevalence of DC in permanent dentition was 94.75%, of which 29% were represented by dentin lesions. For DF, a prevalence of 40.75% was observed, with 69.32% mild, 12.88% moderate, and 17.79% severe. A positive association between the source of water and fluorosis was detected (p=0.01). The prevalence of MIH was 18%. Thirty adolescents (41.7%) presented with severe MIH. No association was found between DF or MIH and dentin DC or between MIH and DF at the individual level. However, a significant negative relationship was detected between DF and dentin carious lesions ( p &lt;0.005) and DF and MIH ( p &lt;0.00001) at the tooth level, whereas a positive association was observed between MIH and dentin carious lesions ( p &lt;0.00001). A positive association was also observed between the severity of both conditions ( p &lt;0.00001). Mild DF was the most prevalent problem observed. Cases of teeth with mild MIH were the most predominant in MIH-affected teeth.&nbsp;Conclusions: No association was observed among the dentin carious lesions, MIH, and DF at the participant level. However, a positive association between MIH and dentin carious lesions was found at the tooth level, whereas MIH, DF, and DF and dentin carious lesions showed a negative relationship.&nbsp

Fusarium sacchari associated with stem rot in sweet corn in Brazil

Sweet corn is susceptible to the attack of various pathogens that affect its metabolism and compromise its quality and production. This study aimed to identify the causal agent of stem rot in sweet corn plants under greenhouse conditions. The identity of the pathogenic isolate was confirmed by sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS1/ITS4), beta-tubulin (BT2A/BT2B), calmodulin (CL1/CL2) and translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1). The morphological and sequencing characteristics showed that Fusarium sacchari, which belongs to the Fusarium fujikuroi complex, is directly associated with the symptoms observed in the field. This fungal isolate has never been associated with diseases in Zea mays (saccharata group) in Brazil; therefore, this is the first report of the fungus infecting sweet corn in a cultivated area

AtGRP3 is implicated in root size and aluminum response pathways in Arabidopsis

AtGRP3 is a glycine-rich protein (GRP) from Arabidopsis thaliana shown to interact with the receptor-like kinase AtWAK1 in yeast, in vitro and in planta. In this work, phenotypic analyses using transgenic plants were performed in order to better characterize this GRP. Plants of two independent knockout alleles of AtGRP3 develop longer roots suggesting its involvement in root size determination. Confocal microscopy analysis showed an abnormal cell division and elongation in grp3-1 knockout mutants. Moreover, we also show that grp3-1 exhibits an enhanced Aluminum (Al) tolerance, a feature also described in AtWAK1 overexpressing plants. Together, these results implicate AtGRP3 function root size determination during development and in Al stress

Fontes de resistência múltipla à murcha de fusário em tomateiro

The objective of this work was to evaluate the reaction of 48 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) accessions, including ones of wild species, to isolates of the three Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) races. Molecular markers in close linkage to I‑1, I‑2, and I‑3 resistance genes were used. The combination of bioassays and specific molecular markers showed high correlation levels for most accessions. Solanum peruvianum and S. corneliomuelleri accessions showed resistance to all FOL races; the introgression of resistance factors of these genotypes into elite tomato germplasm is of great significance to breeding programs.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a reação de 48 acessos de tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum), inclusive de espécies selvagens, a diferentes isolados das três raças de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). Utilizaram-se marcadores moleculares ligados aos genes de resistência I‑1, I‑2 e I‑3. A combinação de bioensaios e marcadores moleculares específicos mostrou elevada correlação para a maioria dos acessos. Acessos de S. peruvianum e S. corneliomuelleri apresentaram resistência contra todas as raças de FOL; a introgressão de fatores de resistência destes genótipos em germoplasma‑elite de tomateiro é de elevado interesse para o melhoramento genético desta cultura

Simultaneous detection of tomato resistance factors to Fusarium wilt in tomato by multiplex PCR

O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar e validar um protocolo de detecção simultânea, via reação em cadeia da polimerase multiplex (PCR multiplex), de regiões genômicas do tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum) associadas a fatores de resistência às três raças fisiológicas de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). Os pares de iniciadores empregados foram SSR‑67 (específico para o gene I‑1), TFusrr (específico para o gene I‑2) e SSRD (específico para o gene I‑3). Os resultados de genotipagem com marcadores moleculares foram comparados aos resultados de fenotipagem de uma coleção de germoplasma de tomateiro, em bioensaios de inoculação de isolados das três raças de FOL em plântulas, pelo método de imersão das raízes. A resistência ou a suscetibilidade foi confirmada por PCR, por meio de visualização dos âmplicons específicos para as regiões‑alvo ligadas aos fatores de resistência às distintas raças de FOL. O protocolo elaborado para o uso conjunto dos marcadores moleculares, em PCR multiplex, permite a seleção de acessos de tomateiro resistentes às raças 1, 2, e 3 de F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici de maneira similar à realizada com a utilização de cada um separadamente. O PCR multiplex representa uma ferramenta viável para monitorar a incorporação desses fatores de resistência em linhagens de tomateiro.The objective of this work was to develop and validate a protocol for simultaneous detection by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex PCR) of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genomic regions associated with factors of resistance to three physiological races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). The employed primer pairs were SSR‑67 (specific to the I‑1 gene), TFusrr (specific to the I‑2 gene), and SSRD (specific to the I‑3 gene). Genotyping results with molecular markers were compared with the phenotyping ones of a tomato germplasm collection, in bioassays of isolate inoculation of the three FOL races in seedlings by root dipping. The resistance or susceptibility was confirmed by PCR, through the visualization of specific amplicons corresponding to the target regions linked to the factors of resistance to distinct FOL races. The elaborated protocol for the joint use of the molecular markers, by multiplex PCR, allows of the selection of tomato accessions that are resistant to the races 1, 2, and 3 of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in a similar way to that done with each one separately. PCR multiplex is a viable tool to monitor the incorporation of these resistance factors into tomato inbred lines

Authentic Leadership Questionnaire aplicado a enfermeiros brasileiros: evidências de validade

Objective:&nbsp;to establish the psychometric properties of the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire&nbsp;(ALQ) applied to Brazilian nurses.&nbsp;Method:&nbsp;cross-sectional observational study with a non-probabilistic sample. The psychometric properties of the RATER and SELF versions of the ALQ were calculated using confirmatory factor analysis with the WLSMV robust estimation method. The following indices were used to assess the goodness-of-fit of the model: chi-square by degrees of freedom (χ2/df), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) and Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual (SRMR). Data reliability was analyzed using the ordinal coefficient alpha and composite reliability. Results:&nbsp;181 nurses participated of the study (female gender: 80.1%; mean age of 34.6 years; working time of less than five years: 76.3%). The complete ALQ RATER and ALQ SELF models did not present an adequate fit. Therefore, the refined models presented a better fit to the sample data (ALQ RATER: χ2/df=2.77; CFI=0.97; TLI=0.97; RMSEA=0.10; SRMR=0.05; ALQ SELF: χ2/df=2.74; CFI=0.94; TLI=0.92; RMSEA=0.10; SRMR=0.08). In the ALQ RATER model, items 1, 7 and 13 were excluded. Due to the high correlation between the factors Relational Transparency and Moral Perspective, a three-factor model based on the combination of the factors mentioned above was proposed. In the ALQ SELF model, items 2, 5, 9 and 10 were excluded. Likewise, a three-factor model based on the combination of two factors, now called Self-Awareness Balance, was proposed.&nbsp;Conclusion:&nbsp;the data obtained with the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire with Brazilian nurses were valid and reliable.Objetivo:&nbsp;estimar las propiedades psicométricas del&nbsp;Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) aplicado a enfermeros brasileños.&nbsp;Método:&nbsp;estudio observacional transversal con muestreo no probabilístico. Las propiedades psicométricas de las versiones RATER y SELF del ALQ se estimaron mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio con el método de estimación robusta WLSMV. Como índices de calidad de ajuste de los modelos se utilizó: razón de chi-cuadrado por grados de libertad (χ2/gl),&nbsp;Tucker-Lewis Index&nbsp;(TLI),&nbsp;Comparative Fit Index&nbsp;(CFI),&nbsp;Root Mean Square Error of Approximation&nbsp;(RMSEA) y&nbsp;Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual (SRMR). La confiabilidad de los datos se analizó mediante el coeficiente alfa ordinal y la confiabilidad compuesta.&nbsp;Resultados:&nbsp;participaron 181 enfermeros (sexo femenino: 80,1%; edad media de 34,6 años; tiempo de trabajo inferior a cinco años: 76,3%). Los modelos completos ALQ RATER y ALQ SELF no mostraron un ajuste adecuado. Por lo tanto, el modelo refinado presentó un mejor ajuste para la muestra (ALQ RATER: χ2/gl=2,77; CFI=0,97; TLI=0,97; RMSEA=0,10; SRMR=0,05; ALQ SELF: χ2/gl=2,74; CFI=0,94, TLI=0,92, RMSEA=0,10, SRMR=0,08). En el modelo ALQ RATER se eliminaron los ítems 1, 7 y 13. Debido a la alta correlación entre los factores Transparencia Relacional y Perspectiva Moral, se propuso un modelo de tres factores basado en la unión de los factores mencionados anteriormente. En el modelo ALQ SELF se eliminaron los ítems 2, 5, 9 y 10. Asimismo, se propuso un modelo trifactorial basado en la unión de dos factores, ahora denominado Equilibrio de Autoconciencia.&nbsp;Conclusión:&nbsp;los datos obtenidos con el&nbsp;Authentic Leadership Questionnaire&nbsp;con enfermeros brasileños fueron válidos y confiables.Objetivo:&nbsp;estimar as propriedades psicométricas do&nbsp;Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) aplicado a enfermeiros brasileiros.&nbsp;Método:&nbsp;estudo observacional transversal com amostragem não probabilística. As propriedades psicométricas das versões RATER e SELF do ALQ foram estimadas utilizando-se análise fatorial confirmatória com método de estimação robusto WLSMV. Como índices de qualidade de ajustamento dos modelos, foram utilizados: razão do qui-quadrado pelos graus de liberdade (χ2/gl),&nbsp;Tucker-Lewis Index&nbsp;(TLI),&nbsp;Comparative Fit Index&nbsp;(CFI),&nbsp;Root Mean Square Error of Aproximation&nbsp;(RMSEA) e&nbsp;Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual (SRMR). A confiabilidade dos dados foi analisada por meio do coeficiente alfa ordinal e da confiabilidade composta.&nbsp;Resultados:&nbsp;participaram 181 enfermeiros (sexo feminino: 80,1%; média de idade de 34,6 anos; tempo de trabalho inferior a cinco anos: 76,3%). Os modelos completos da ALQ RATER e ALQ SELF não apresentaram ajustamento adequado. Porquanto, o modelo refinado apresentou melhor ajustamento para a amostra (ALQ RATER: χ2/gl=2,77; CFI=0,97; TLI=0,97; RMSEA=0,10; SRMR=0,05; ALQ SELF: χ2/gl=2,74; CFI=0,94; TLI=0,92; RMSEA=0,10; SRMR=0,08). No modelo ALQ RATER, foram removidos os itens 1, 7 e 13. Devido à alta correlação entre os fatores Transparência Relacional e Perspectiva Moral, foi proposto um modelo trifatorial com base na junção dos fatores acima citados. No modelo ALQ SELF, foram retirados os itens 2, 5, 9 e 10. Do mesmo modo, foi proposto um modelo trifatorial baseado na junção de dois fatores agora denominado Equilíbrio Autoconsciência.&nbsp;Conclusão:&nbsp;os dados obtidos com&nbsp;Authentic Leadership Questionnaire&nbsp;com enfermeiros brasileiros foram válidos e confiáveis