Universidade Federal da Bahia

Rapid and accurate analysis of zinc in seminal fluid is an important tool for male infertility diagnosis and forensic investigation of sexual assault. Among the traditional techniques employed for this purpose, colorimetric solid-state sensors offer a simple and efficient alternative for screening this analyte. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility of using solution blow spinning as a fast, simple, and cost-effective method to develop porous membranes that can be manufactured as low-cost colorimetric solid-state sensing materials. Specifically, we report a one-step approach to prepare blown spun polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fibrous membranes modified with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) for the quantitative and qualitative screening of Zn2+ in human seminal fluid. The fibrous membranes were fully characterized and then used to prepare discs and swabs. By digital image colorimetry, a spot-like assay was established using PLA/PEO@PAN membrane discs, which under optimized conditions, exhibited a linear range of up to 15 mg L−1, a limit of detection of 0.06 mg L−1 and high selectivity in the presence of several interfering species commonly found in seminal fluid. Additionally, the sensor was successfully applied in the detection of Zn2+ in human semen samples, showing no significant differences compared to the standard method. Furthermore, PLA/PEO@PAN swabs were employed in a naked-eye presumptive test to identify semen stains, showing satisfactory visual response even in the presence of only 0.11 μg of zinc. Moreover, the swabs' color changes were highly unambiguous, revealing a concordance rate of almost 90% in a blind study. This outstanding performance can be ascribed to the high porosity and wettability of the fibrous membrane and the PAN's coordination ability towards Zn2+. Overall, the remarkable advantages achieved with our approach lie in the easy production, on-site, and cost-effective analysis of zinc as a biomarker for clinical and forensic applications.

We described the first case of rhinofacial pythiosis with dissemination in an adult horse in Uruguay. The affected horse presented a partially circumscribed mass measuring 30 x 23 x 9 cm affecting the right side of the face with involvement of cutaneous, subcutaneous, and muscular tissues, the right nasal cavity, and adjacent structures. At postmortem examination, the main lesions were “kunkers” characterized by pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic dermatitis, Splendore-Hoeppli reaction and numerous intralesional hyphae immunolabeling with polyclonal anti-Pythium insidiosum antibody. Similar lesions were observed in the lung and submandibular lymph nodes. The diagnosis was made by the characteristic histological lesions and the strong immunolabelling by anti-P. insidiosum antibody.

Resumo Diante dos impactos ambientais associados à produção do cimento Portland convencional, o estudo de cimentos especiais de reduzido impacto ambiental tem sido uma tendência. Neste contexto, os cimentos contendo ye’elimita (YCC) se destacam devido à baixa emissão de CO2. Apesar das vantagens ambientais, a alta demanda por alumínio limita economicamente a produção destes cimentos. Uma alternativa para viabilizar a sua produção é o uso de matérias-primas residuais como fonte de Al2O3, a exemplo do SFCC (catalizador gasto do craqueamento catalítico de leito fluidizado). Diante disso, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a hidratação na idade inicial de cimentos YCC produzidos a partir do coprocessamento do SFCC. Para isso, foram produzidos seis clínqueres com diferentes teores de ye’elimita, com e sem SFCC. Estes foram caracterizados por DRX/Rietveld. As pastas foram avaliadas por TG/DTG e DRX/Rietveld para compreender o mecanismo de hidratação em idade inicial destes cimentos. Foi possível sintetizar as principais fases dos YCC, nos clínqueres com e sem SFCC. Além disso, na idade avaliada, as pastas com e sem SFCC apresentaram composição de fases comparáveis indicando o potencial de coprocessamento do SFCC neste tipo de cimento.

Resumo O sisal (Agave sisalana) é uma planta explorada nas regiões semiáridas do Brasil para produção de fibras, mas o escapo floral do sisal (flecha) é coletado e frequentemente queimado causando problemas ambientais, até mesmo pelo descarte irregular. Para contornar este cenário, o objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir painéis reconstituídos usando a flecha do sisal e resina poliuretana à base de mamona. Os painéis foram obtidos empregando 175 g do miolo da flecha de sisal triturada com dimensões inferiores a 2 mm e adotando 10% de resina poliuretana à base de mamona e as amostras foram prensadas com tensão de 2 MPa. Avaliou-se no painel reconstituído, através da NBR 14810-1 (ABNT, 2013) e NBR 14810-2 (ABNT, 2018) as propriedades físicas: umidade, densidade, inchamento e absorção; bem como as propriedades mecânicas: MOR, MOE, força de ligação e compressão paralela. Os resultados encontrados mostram que o painel é classificado como de baixa densidade (419,8 kg/m³), e de propriedades físicas e mecânicas semelhantes a outros painéis de mesma classificação da literatura. Para MOR e MOE foram encontrados 5,24 MPa e 147,49 MPa de média, respectivamente. Já os ensaios de tração perpendicular e compressão paralela obtiveram resultados de 0,14 MPa e 1,14 MPa, respectivamente.

The present paper evaluated the potential application of the functionally graded material (FGM) concept to develop more durable concrete to carbonation, one of the main degradation mechanisms of reinforced concrete structures. Accelerated carbonation tests with controlled temperature (27 ( 2°C), CO2 concentration (3 ( 0.5%) and humidity (65 ( 5%) were carried out in homogeneous concretes and with functional gradation in which the porosity of the material was varied across the slices. For the manufacture of graded concrete specimens, concretes with water/cement ratios equal to 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55 were produced, with lower porosity (w/c = 0.35) close to the surface of the specimen. The advance of the carbonation front was evaluated after 8, 9, 10, 14, and 24 weeks of accelerated exposure, using the chemical indicator phenolphthalein. The results show that the functionally graded concrete had a carbonation coefficient (K) slightly higher than that of the concrete with a w/c ratio equal to 0.35 (1.71 and 1.54 mm.week-0.5, respectively) and much lower than concrete with water-cement ratio equal to 0.45 (2.31 mm.week-0.5) and 0.55 (3.78 mm.week-0.5). This demonstrates that functional grading can be an efficient method to increase the durability of concrete elements subject to carbonation.

The study assessed the use of granitic rock powder (GRP) and manufactured sand (MS) in self-compacting mortars (SCM) to achieve desired rheological properties. Different water/cement ratios of 0.42, 0.46, and 0.63 were used with partial replacement of cement volume by GRP at levels of 17%, 20%, and 40%. Additionally, a volumetric replacement of 50% natural sand with MS was studied. The performance of SCMs was evaluated using mini V-Funnel and mini Slump Tests, as well as physical-mechanical characterization. It was found that GRP content significantly influenced superplasticizer consumption and flow time without requiring additional viscosity modifiers while incorporating MS decreased flow time parameter. Furthermore, simultaneous incorporation of GRP and MS increased mixture density by up to 14% improved compressive strength by up to 29%, and flexural tensile strength by up to19%.

Hexosomes (HEXs) are nanoparticles formed by dispersing a lipid reverse hexagonal phase in water. Although they have attracted a great interest in the development of delivery systems, few lipids have been employed in their production. Galactolipids, especially monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), are the main lipid constituents of plants and can be obtained from vegetal biomass, making them good candidates for the obtention of HEXs. In this work, the aqueous phase behavior of MGDG from sweet potato leaves was investigated and the resulting hexagonal phase was downsized into HEXs with the aid of stabilizer decaglycerol monooleate (DGMO), a food-grade emulsifier from vegetable oils. The nanoparticles presented enhanced long-term colloidal stability in different storage conditions and their inner liquid crystalline structure could be tuned by the amount of DGMO employed. Moreover, by adding sodium oleate (NaO) HEXs displayed enhanced loading efficiency of lysozyme, an edible protein with biological properties. Finally, the sustained release of incorporated protein could be finely tuned by changing HEXs composition. Collectively, the results demonstrate, for the first time, the viability of producing biobased, renewable sourced galactolipid hexosomes with potential applications in the development of functional foods, also contributing to a sustainable management of biomass waste.

This study describes and analyzes the creative activity of preschool children in storytelling. Qualitative research was conducted with the case study of a 5-year-old child named Carol. Data were collected through a storytelling and re-storytelling workshop held in a virtual meeting subjected to micro-genetic analysis. We conclude that reproduction and creation strategies intertwine in authorial production in a context in which children know, aesthetically appreciate, and appropriate stories and narratives. Keywords Creative activity; Imagination; Storytelling; Aesthetics

Flows in stepped chutes have been widely studied in recent decades due to the numerous dams built with roller-compacted concrete and stepped spillways. Besides this application, there is practical interest in using stepped chutes for re-aeration and desorption of volatile compounds. This work aimed to numerically model the nappe flow without a hydraulic jump, including the advection-diffusion equation for studying re-aeration. The homogeneous multiphase model was used with the advection-diffusion equation, rewritten in terms of average fields and including the turbulent Schmidt number and the k-ε turbulence model. The two-film resistance model was applied at the interface using the global mass transfer coefficient. Numerical results were compared to literature data, allowing model adjustment to experimental observations using the Schmidt number and mass transfer coefficient. Solutions show increasing dissolved oxygen concentrations along the stepped chute, with re-aeration efficiencies up to 77%. An empirical equation fitting the experimental data with a high correlation coefficient was then proposed.

Mango (Mangifera indica) production is expanding in many countries, and its discarded residues have the potential to be used in the manufacture of fish diets. This study evaluated replacing part of the corn meal (CM) with mango meal (MM) in diets for piava (Megaleporinus obtusidens) in terms of zootechnical performance, plasma glucose, and intestinal enzymes. Piavas (n = 160) were distributed in a completely randomized design (four treatments and four replications) and were fed for 45 days with diets containing different levels of MM inclusion (0, 33, 66, and 100%). There was no microbiological contamination (mold, total coliforms, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonellasp.) in MM. The MM diet had higher total phenols and total tannins (P < 0.05). Diets with 100% of the CM replaced by MM reduced the growth performance and increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and plasma glucose levels in piava (P < 0.05). According to the second-order regression analysis, the optimal level of MM inclusion in the diet estimated based on weight gain and FCR was 23.68 and 19.75%, respectively (P < 0.05). The gradual increase in MM levels replacing CM in the diet reduced the activity of the intestinal enzymes amylase, lipase, and alkaline protease (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we recommended replacing 19.75-23.68% of CM with MM, which can be used in piava diets.

Purpose This study analyzed the immunoexpression of C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) of young (≤ 45 years) and older (≥ 60 years) patients and correlated the findings with clinicopathological parameters (sex, tumor size, regional metastasis, clinical stage, and histopathological grade of malignancy). Methods Forty OTSCC cases (20 diagnosed in young patients and 20 diagnosed in older patients) were selected. Cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining percentages in epithelial and stromal cells were assessed at the invasive tumor front. Results Low median percentages of CXCL12 positivity were observed in epithelial and stromal cells of OTSCC in both age groups. In stromal cells, expression of this chemokine was higher in older individuals compared to young individuals (p = 0.026). Expression of CXCR4 in neoplastic cells was more frequent in older individuals, with higher median percentages of cytoplasmic (p = 0.023) and nuclear (p = 0.001) positivity compared to young individuals. In stromal cells, older individuals exhibited a significantly higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 (p < 0.001). No significant differences in CXCL12 or CXCR4 immunoexpression according to clinicopathological parameters was observed in either age group (p > 0.05). Positive correlations between cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were found in young (r = 0.580; p = 0.007) and older individuals (r = 0.476;p = 0.034). Conclusion The results suggest the participation of CXCR4 in the development of OTSCC, especially in older individuals. The findings also support possible age-related differences in the pathogenesis of this malignant neoplasm. Nevertheless, this protein may not be involved in the progression of OTSCC.

This research aimed to analyze the temporal association between auditor-provided tax services (APTS) and corporate income tax accrual quality in the Brazilian context. Studies analyzing the influence of APTS on tax accrual quality are scarce and have only been carried out in the United States of America (USA), so that this relationship is not yet clearly understood due to lack of evidence in other institutional contexts. Research results expand international evidence on the theme and enrich empirical literature on auditing and taxation. Also, these results have implications for regulators, companies that contract tax services from their auditors, auditing firms that provide such services, and academic researchers, because they contradict the knowledge spillover argument and reinforce the idea that APTS can compromise auditor independence in the case of institutional configurations such as the Brazilian one. The research adapted the empirical model of Choudhary et al. (2021) and estimated the relationship between the variables of interest using panel data with robust standard errors and a variety of econometric models that address issues related to unobserved heterogeneity between firms, endogeneity, selection bias, outliers, and specification error. We document new evidence of the negative and statistically significant association between APTS and income tax accrual quality, contributing to the ongoing debate about imposing limitations on auditor provision of non-audit services and the role of tax services in accounting information quality. Keywords: corporate income tax; auditor; tax accrual; knowledge spillover; audit quality

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a atuação e a articulação do trabalho dos agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) e agentes de combate às endemias (ACE) na prevenção e controle das arboviroses. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida no município de Vitória da Conquista, a partir de 22 entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação participante nos territórios e análise documental. O referencial teórico-metodológico fundamentou-se numa matriz analítica estruturada em quatro dimensões: Clareza das tarefas e atribuições; Governança e coordenação; Relações com a comunidade; Formação e educação permanente. Os resultados evidenciaram que ACS e ACE apresentam atuação fragmentada e desarticulada. Identificou-se clara distinção de atribuições entre os agentes. A atuação do ACE caracteriza-se pelo controle químico dos vetores. Os ACS não se sentem responsáveis pela vigilância ativa das arboviroses. Evidenciou-se frágil coordenação para o trabalho colaborativo. Não há mecanismos regulares para a atuação coordenada ou compartilhamento de informações e de tarefas. As relações dos agentes com a comunidade são marcadas por contextos de desconfiança e diminuta mobilização comunitária. Foram identificadas fragilidades no processo formativo e ausência de uma política de educação permanente. Sugere-se a necessidade de aprimoramento dos mecanismos de governança e do fortalecimento das estratégias de mobilização comunitária.

Resumo O artigo examina as evidências do fenômeno espacial expresso no 5º Caderno de Nefandos, a compilação de denúncias e as confissões de sodomitas registradas pelos inquisidores de Lisboa. Aborda a ocupação dos espaços e a estrutura dos locais de encontro desses homens durante as primeiras décadas do século XVII. Os casos abordados inserem-se no panorama geral do governo da monarquia dual (1580-1640) e trazem indícios, circunstâncias, detalhes e particularidades desses lugares.

This research aimed to analyze the temporal association between auditor-provided tax services (APTS) and corporate income tax accrual quality in the Brazilian context. Studies analyzing the influence of APTS on tax accrual quality are scarce and have only been carried out in the United States of America (USA), so that this relationship is not yet clearly understood due to lack of evidence in other institutional contexts. Research results expand international evidence on the theme and enrich empirical literature on auditing and taxation. Also, these results have implications for regulators, companies that contract tax services from their auditors, auditing firms that provide such services, and academic researchers, because they contradict the knowledge spillover argument and reinforce the idea that APTS can compromise auditor independence in the case of institutional configurations such as the Brazilian one. The research adapted the empirical model of Choudhary et al. (2021) and estimated the relationship between the variables of interest using panel data with robust standard errors and a variety of econometric models that address issues related to unobserved heterogeneity between firms, endogeneity, selection bias, outliers, and specification error. We document new evidence of the negative and statistically significant association between APTS and income tax accrual quality, contributing to the ongoing debate about imposing limitations on auditor provision of non-audit services and the role of tax services in accounting information quality. Keywords: corporate income tax; auditor; tax accrual; knowledge spillover; audit quality

Creativity is critical in sustaining the potential of Innovation within organizations and as a driving force for the creative economy. Despite its relevance, creativity needs to be better explored in research on Management Education. This chapter aims to discuss how practice-based pedagogy improves creativity education in Management. Research methods are based on a 24-month inductive and practice-based study of recurrent educational practices of creativity through a curricular component of an undergraduate management course at a Brazilian University. The results highlight the fruitful contribution of the theatrical improvisation practice to creativity education structured into four conceptual categories: creativity as expressing, sensing, collective doing, and playing. The research results contribute to expanding the field of research on creativity in educational settings and the field of research on management education.

This study investigated how jogai frequency influences referee decisions and match outcomes in judo athletes with visual impairment during official competitions. Video analysis of 268 matches revealed 1,395 instances of jogai, with 211 matches experiencing jogai and 57 without. Associations were carried out between jogai occurrences and match duration, sport classes, sexes, weight categories, and referee decisions post-jogai using chi-square tests (p < .05). Significant associations were found between jogai and match duration (χ2 = 39.08, p < .001) and competition phase (χ2 = 29.43, p = .043), particularly with frequent match stoppages (mate) within the first minute across all phases. These findings suggest a need for further research and potential adjustments in judo rules, informed by the new evidence based classification, to enhance the equity and safety of matches for athletes with visual impairments.