Rethinking authenticity through complexity paradigm

This paper proposes an epistemological transition based on Edgar Morin's complexity paradigm to analyse authenticity in a complex tourism environment, avoiding fragmentation, and integrating relevant actors and relationships. The results show that storytelling is an important element of these tourism experiences, legitimising and unifying the authenticity of the experience and relating objects, social environment and individual experiences. The size of the tour groups and the rigidity of the itinerary were important elements for constructing authenticity. Tourists, service providers and government bodies all directly or indirectly participate as co-creators, making the perception of authenticity a constant negotiation between the elements of the experience and the actors involved in it

Chemical and microbiological changes in a sandy soil with pig liquid waste application in southern Brazil.

Liquid residue from pig farming contains nutrients that can be used for the fertilization of cultivated soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical and microbiological changes in a sandy soil under pasture with Bermuda Grass (Cynodon spp) that received doses of pig liquid waste (PLW). The experiment was conducted in Cianorte-PR, Brazil , in a Typic Hapludox soil with sandy te xture . The treatments consisted of 30, 60 and 90 m3 ha-1yr-1 of PLW or chemical fertilizer (CF ) applied for two years in a randomized block design, with three replications. Soil samples were taken at 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-40 cm layers , after three mont hs of the second consecutive application of PLW in the second year, before grazing. PLW increased the concentrations of P, C and K at 10-20 and 20-40 cm soil depth, in addition to increasing the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and the population of rhizobia at 0-10-10 cm, in the treatment with 90 m3 ha -1yr-1. PLW improve the chemical fertility at deeper soil layers and the biological fertility at 0 -10 cm of a sandy soil under pasture

Rizobactérias multifuncionais atuam também no controle da mosca-branca.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo testar a eficiência das bactérias benéficas Pseudomonas fluorescens e Burkholderia pyrrocina no controle de ninfas de mosca-branca

Comparação entre protocolos para extração de DNA de cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum).

O cupuaçu é uma espécie nativa na região Amazônica que se encontra em estágio inicial de domesticação, apresentando ampla variabilidade genética para as diversas características. Contudo, poucos são os estudos que envolvem avaliações moleculares nesta espécie. A otimização de um protocolo para extração de DNA é pré-requisito básico para etapas subseqüentes da análise molecular. Com o objetivo realizar amplificação e melhoria da qualidade e quantidade de DNA obtido dessa espécie, o presente trabalho compara protocolos de extração de DNA do cupuaçu. Os protocolos utilizados foram o de Doyle e Doyle (1990), modificado por FIGUEIRA et al. (1997) com a utilização de proteinase K, e o Doyle e Doyle (1990), modificado por FERREIRA GRA TTAP AGLIA (1998) estabelecido para várias espécies e já utilizado no setor de Biologia Molecular do Laboratório de Morfogênese e Biologia Molecular da EMBRAPA-Acre, em ambos os protocolos também foram feitos os testes com beads de cerâmica e de tungstênio. Os resultados obtidos na quantificação das amostras mostraram que o emprego da proteinase K produziu um DNA mais limpo. Porém, quando se compara esta metodologia com a que não utilizou a proteinase K, verificou-se uma menor quantidade de DNA extraído. A utilização das beads de cerâmica proporcionou um aumento significativo na quantidade de DNA, no entanto, não se obteve boa qualidade, apresentando DNA fragmentado. Em meio a esses resultados pode-se constatar que o uso das beads de tungstênio e sem o emprego da proteinase K possibilitaram a extração de um DNA com melhor qualidade e quantidade. Cupuassu is a native species in the Amazon region that finds in initial stage of domesticated, that has ample genetic variability for the diverse characteristics. However, few studies that involve molecular evaluations in this species. The optimization of a protocol of DNA extraction is basic prerequisite for subsequent steps the molecular analysis. With the objective J of realization the amplification and improvement of the quality and amount in DNA of this species, the present work compares two protocols of DNA extraction. The protocols of extraction ofDNA that utilized were Doyle and Doyle (1990), modified for FIGUEIRA et al. (1997) with the use of proteinase K, and the Doyle and Doyle (1990), modified for FERRERIA and GRA TTAP AGLIA (1998) established for some species and used in the sector of Molecular Biology in the Laboratory of Morphogenesis and Molecular Biology of EMBRAPA-Acre, in both of protocols also were made the tests with ceramics and tungsten beads. The results obtained in quantification of samples had shown that the used of proteinase K produced a cleaner DNA. However, when this methodology is compared with that did not use proteinase K, was verified a few amount of extracted DNA. The use of beads of ceramics provided a significant increase in the DNA amount, however, did not get good quality, shown DNA fragmented. These results evidenced that the use of tungsten beads and no utilization of proteinase K makes possible the better quality and amount in DNA extration

Quality versus quantity: foraging decisions in the honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata) feeding on wildflower nectar and fruit juice

Foraging animals must often decide among resources which vary in quality and quantity. Nectar is a resource that exists along a continuum of quality in terms of sugar concentration and is the primary energy source for bees. Alternative sugar sources exist, including fruit juice, which generally has lower energetic value than nectar. We observed many honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) foraging on juice from fallen guava (Psidium guajava) fruit near others foraging on nectar. To investigate whether fruit and nectar offered contrasting benefits of quality and quantity, we compared honeybee foraging performance on P. guajava fruit versus two wildflowers growing within 50 m, Richardia brasiliensis and Tridax procumbens. Bees gained weight significantly faster on fruit, 2.72 mg/min, than on either flower (0.17 and 0.12 mg/min, respectively). However, the crop sugar concentration of fruit foragers was significantly lower than for either flower (12.4% vs. 37.0% and 22.7%, respectively). Fruit foragers also spent the most time handling and the least time flying, suggesting that fruit juice was energetically inexpensive to collect. We interpret honeybee foraging decisions in the context of existing foraging models and consider how nest-patch distance may be a key factor for central place foragers choosing between resources of contrasting quality and quantity. We also discuss how dilute solutions, such as fruit juice, can help maintain colony sugar–water balance. These results show the benefits of feeding on resources with contrasting quality and quantity and that even low-quality resources have value

Oilfield carbonated produced water recycling coupled to exopolysaccharide transformation by lelliottia amnigena

It was tested the production of a viscous exopolysaccharide (EPS) by Lelliottia amnigena using different concentrations (10, 15, 25, 50 and 100%) of produced water (PW) and Dialyzed PW (DPW) at 100% concentration, with a nutrient medium based on glycerin and sucrose as carbon sources in 44 h batches. There was an increase in EPS recovery when used PW up to a concentration of 25%. The viscosity of the EPS solutions was maintained with DPW and up to 15% of PW, such a condition resulted in 9.34 gL− 1 of EPS, representing an increase of 84.9% compared to the control (P < 0.0001). The PW 15% increased the viscosity per produced liter by 114.3% (P < 0.0001). Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that EPS adsorbed mineral constituents of the substrate and its characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was similar to an external control of a commercial EPS produced by an Enterobacter A47 strain. PW at 15% becomes an alternative to increase the EPS production process and can contribute to the mitigation of environmental damage through sustainable PW management in the oilfield chain.The authors acknowledge the support by ANP—Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis, related to the grant from R&D investment rule, and the financed support by Petrogal Brasil S.A, Grant Number [34/2017].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Screening a Targeted Panel of Genes by Next-Generation Sequencing Improves Risk Stratification in Real World Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Although mutation profiling of defined genes is recommended for classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, screening of targeted gene panels using next-generation sequencing (NGS) is not always routinely used as standard of care. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess whether extended molecular monitoring using NGS adds clinical value for risk assessment in real-world AML patients. We analyzed a cohort of 268 newly diagnosed AML patients. We compared the prognostic stratification of our study population according to the European LeukemiaNet recommendations, before and after the incorporation of the extended mutational profile information obtained by NGS. Without access to NGS data, 63 patients (23%) failed to be stratified into risk groups. After NGS data, only 27 patients (10%) failed risk stratification. Another 33 patients were re-classified as adverse-risk patients once the NGS data was incorporated. In total, access to NGS data refined risk assessment for 62 patients (23%). We further compared clinical outcomes with prognostic stratification, and observed unexpected outcomes associated with FLT3 mutations. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the prognostic utility of screening AML patients for multiple gene mutations by NGS and underscores the need for further studies to refine the current risk classification criteria.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Os sistemas agroflorestais como alternativa de sustentabilidade em ecossistemas de várzea no Amazonas.

Os sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) representam uma alternativa agroecológica de produção, sob regime sustentável, para os agricultores familiares na várzea dos Rios Solimões/Amazonas, principalmente no que se refere ao manejo florestal, à diversidade de produtos e à geração de renda. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender as diferentes formas de apropriação e de manejo dos recursos naturais através dos SAFs, nos subsistemas roça, sítio e lagos, como componente para a sustentabilidade dos agricultores familiares da localidade Costa da Terra Nova, município do Careiro da Várzea, Amazonas. O método empregado foi o Estudo de Caso com aplicação de questionários, entrevistas e observação participante. A produção familiar na Costa da Terra Nova é representada pelos SAFs, constituído pelos os subsistemas: roça quintal e lago, que proporcionam produtos tanto para subsistência quanto para comercialização local, e estabelecendo a agricultura como fundamental atividade na localidade. O principal produto para comercialização é obtido das hortaliças cultivadas na época da vazante no subsistema roça nas comunidades São Francisco e Nossa Senhora da Conceição; e do extrativismo pesqueiro no subsistema lago, na época da cheia, principalmente na comunidade São José. A criação de animal se dá no subsistema sítio e é apenas para subsistência, sendo as aves e os suínos os principais animais domésticos criados nas três comunidades. Portanto os SAFs tradicionais, constituídos pelos subsistemas, roça, sitio e lago, são responsáveis pela sustentabilidade socioeconômica da localidade pesquisada, servindo, como alternativa agrícola melhor adaptada às condições locais das áreas de várzea na Amazônia

Essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum, Lippia grata and Lippia origanoides are effective in the control of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae in Colossoma macropomum.

This study investigated the in vivo efficacy of the essential oils (EOs) of Lippia grata (EOLG), Lippia origanoides (EOLO) and Ocimum gratissimum (EOOG) in the control of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae in Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui). In addition, the parasitic and growth indices, and hematological, biochemical, enzymatic and histopathological parameters were evaluated in the tambaqui. After 30 days of feeding with diets containing 1.52 g EOLO kg&#8722;1, the length, mean weight and mean weight gain decreased. There was 100% survival of fish fed with the EOs, and a decrease in the rates of parasitism in fish fed with diets containing 0.86 g EOLG kg&#8722;1, 0.76 g EOLO kg&#8722;1, 1.03 and 2.06 g EOOG kg&#8722;1. For these concentrations, the anthelmintic efficacy of the EOLG was 62.1%, EOLO was 61.8% and EOOG was 58.7% and 59.8%, respectively. An increase in plasma levels of total protein and alkaline phosphatase was found in the fish fed with diets containing highest concentrations of EOLG and EOLO. Maintenance levels of alanine aminotransferase in plasma and aspartate aminotransferase, together with the higher frequency of mild to moderate damages in liver tissue and presence of focal point necrosis, suggest the influence of a high abundance of parasites on the biochemical and enzymatic processes of the host fish. Histomorphological and physiological indicators and a decrease in the rates of parasites with diets containing 0.86 g EOLG kg&#8722;1, 0.76 g EOLO kg&#8722;1 and 1.03 and 2.06 g EOOG kg&#8722;1 indicate that this is a promising therapeutic alternative in the control of acanthocephalosis in tambaqui