The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021: A step towards liberation

Reform of the abortion laws in favour of the well-being of pregnant women is one aspect of the removal of gender discrimination. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP Act) 1971, was a breakthrough legislation in this regard, as it reduced the number of unsafe illegal abortions. With advancements in ultrasonography and genetic technologies, many foetal malformations and genetic disorders were being diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation. The fact that termination of pregnancy was not legally permitted beyond 20 weeks of gestation caused great distress to such women, and highlighted the need to increase the upper limit of termination of pregnancy. Concurrently, there has been greater awareness around the world on the rights of women to take decisions regarding their own bodies. The MTP Bill, 2020, has come as a breath of fresh air extending the term limit for legal abortions to 24 weeks for certain categories of women, and removing the limit for abortion in the presence of a significant foetal abnormality. The amendments were recently approved by Parliament and the President of India, and have become law as of March 25, 2021. This paper presents the amendments made and their implications for obstetric, ultrasonographic and foetal medical practice. It also presents a critique of the various Acts and suggests further amendments that would enhance the value of the Act.

Effects of natural organic soil amendments on quality of Panax notoginseng / 中国中药杂志

The effects of four natural organic soil amendments on the quality and pesticide residues of Panax notoginseng were investigated through field experiments and the suitable dosage ratio of each soil amendment was selected to provide a new idea for the pollution-free cultivation of P. notoginseng. The four natural organic soil amendments used in this study were Jishibao, Jihuo, Fudujing, and omnipotent nutrients, which were produced by mixed fermentation of aboveground parts of different plants, biological waste residue, and biochar. During the experiments, only four soil amendments were applied to P. notoginseng instead of any pesticides and fertilizers. The experiment was designed as four factors and three levels. There were three dosage gradients(low, medium, and high) for Jishibao(A), Jihuo(B), Fudujing(C), and omnipotent nutrients(D). When the dosage of one soil amendment changed, the do-sage of the other soil amendments remained medium. There were 10 groups in addition to the soil amendment-free group as control(CK). The results showed that the four soil amendments could significantly improve the growth environment of P. notoginseng and increase the seedling survival rate and saponin content of P. notoginseng. The seedling survival rates of the treatment groups increased by 8.24%-30.05% as compared with the control group. Furthermore, the content of pesticide residues in P. notoginseng was too low to be detected, and that of heavy metals in P. notoginseng was far lower than the specified content in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020). The optimal effect was achieved at medium dosage for all the soil amendments with the highest content of saponins, high seedling survival rate, and significantly reduced heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

Práticas de barganha política por meio da execução orçamentária federal / Prácticas de regateo político mediante la ejecución presupuestaria federal / Political bargaining practices through federal budget execution

Resumo O processo orçamentário brasileiro tem sido historicamente questionado pela suposta presença de barganha política na inclusão e na execução de emendas ao orçamento, fato que interfere nas premissas, nos critérios e nas práticas das escolhas alocativas. Este artigo, sustentado pela Teoria da Formação de Coalizões, investiga a existência de uma possível relação de barganha política entre os poderes Executivo e Legislativo no processo orçamentário na esfera federal. Tal pesquisa ocorre por meio da análise das execuções de emendas parlamentares singulares ao longo de cinco legislaturas (entre 2000 e 2017) e das decisões dos deputados na votação de projetos propostos pelo Executivo. Analisaram-se dados referentes à execução de emendas singulares, bem como aqueles concernentes à posição política do parlamentar com relação ao Executivo no instante da proposição das emendas. A metodologia envolveu técnicas econométricas que lidam com a correção do viés de seleção para avaliar a presença ou não da referida relação de barganha. Os resultados obtidos corroboram a hipótese de existência de barganha política entre os poderes Executivo e Legislativo, pois o parlamentar com maior aporte de execução de suas emendas singulares foi aquele que, além de ter exercido apoio ao Executivo através de votos favoráveis aos projetos enviados ao congresso nacional, era de fora da coligação de governo, alvo do Executivo na formação do quorum mínimo para a aprovação de seus projetos.

Resumen El proceso presupuestario brasileño ha sido históricamente cuestionado por la supuesta presencia de regateo político en la inclusión y ejecución de enmiendas al presupuesto, hecho que interfiere con las premisas, criterios y prácticas de las decisiones distributivas. Este artículo, apoyado en la Teoría de la Formación de Coaliciones, investiga la existencia de una posible relación de regateo político entre los poderes Ejecutivo y Legislativo en el proceso presupuestario a nivel federal. Dicha investigación se da a través del análisis de las ejecuciones de enmiendas parlamentarias singulares en cinco legislaturas (entre 2000 y 2017) y de las decisiones de los diputados en la votación de proyectos propuestos por el Ejecutivo. Se analizaron datos referentes a la ejecución de enmiendas singulares, así como los referentes a la posición política del parlamentario frente al Ejecutivo al momento de la proposición de las enmiendas. La metodología involucró técnicas econométricas que tratan la corrección del sesgo de selección para evaluar la presencia o ausencia de la referida relación de regateo. Los resultados obtenidos corroboran la hipótesis de existencia de regateo político entre los poderes Ejecutivo y Legislativo, ya que el parlamentario con mayor aporte de ejecución de sus enmiendas singulares fue quien, además de haber apoyado al Ejecutivo a través de votos a favor de los proyectos remitidos al Congreso Nacional, era ajeno a la coalición de gobierno, objetivo del Ejecutivo en la formación del quórum mínimo para la aprobación de sus proyectos.

Abstract The Brazilian budgetary process has historically been questioned based on the alleged use of political bargaining in the inclusion and implementation of amendments from deputies to the executive's budget, which affects the principles, criteria, and practices of allocative choices. Supported by the theory of coalition formation, this article examines a possible political bargaining relationship between the executive and legislative branches in the budgetary process at the federal level. The study analyzed the execution of amendments from deputies over five mandates (between 2000 and 2017) and the deputies' votes on projects proposed by the executive. Data regarding the execution of singular amendments were also analyzed, together with information concerning the deputies' political position toward the executive when proposing amendments. Econometric techniques were employed to correct selection bias, assessing the presence of political bargaining. The results corroborate the hypothesis that there is political bargaining in the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in Brazil. The deputy who had more of their amendments executed by the government was also the one that voted with the government in the bills sent from the executive to the legislative, even though they were not part of the governing coalition in the Congress. Therefore, the executive targeted deputies who were not part of the governing coalition to increase the number of votes in Congress.

Diagnóstico de la fertilidad de los suelos de cuatro municipios de Cundinamarca (Colombia) para la producción de plátano / Diagnostics of soil fertility in four municipalities of Cundinamarca (Colombia) employed for cooking banana production

RESUMEN Para lograr rendimientos óptimos en la producción de plátano, se debe tener en cuenta la disponibilidad de nutrientes en el suelo, para así ajustar planes de fertilización adecuados. Con el fin de contribuir al estudio de la fertilidad de suelos cultivados con plátano en el departamento de Cundinamarca-Colombia, se realizó una caracterización química de suelos, en cuatro de los principales municipios productores. Se visitaron 146 fincas, ubicadas en Viotá, La Vega, La Palma y Chaguaní, donde se tomaron muestras de suelo, para análisis químico. Los resultados obtenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis de frecuencias, correlación lineal de Pearson y componentes principales, realizando, finalmente, una comparación de medias entre los cuatro municipios. Se observaron niveles bajos de P, S y Mg, medios de K, Ca y B, así como altas concentraciones de Zn, que pueden llegar a ser tóxicas para el cultivo de plátano. Por otro lado, las variables se agruparon en cuatro componentes asociados a: la capa de cambio del suelo, la reacción del suelo, la salinidad y la relación entre el P y Zn. Suelos de los municipios de La Vega y La Palma no presentaron variación en la capa de cambio y la reacción del suelo, caso contrario al observado en suelos de Viotá y Chaguaní. Entre suelos de los municipios, se presentaron diferencias significativas para las propiedades materia orgánica, Ca y Mg, así como desbalances catiónicos y pH fuertemente ácidos.

ABSTRACT To achieve optimum yields in plantain production, appropriate fertilization plans must be adjusted, for which the availability of nutrients in the soil must be taken into account. In order to contribute to the study of the fertility of soils cultivated with cooking banana in the province of Cundinamarca - Colombia, a chemical characterization of soils was carried out in four of the main producing municipalities. 146 farms located in Viotá, La Vega, La Palma and Chaguaní, were visited, and soil samples were taken for chemical analysis. The results obtained were subjected to a frequency analysis, Pearson's linear correlation and main components; finally making a comparison of means between the four municipalities. Low levels of P, S and Mg, medium of K, Ca and B were observed, as well as high concentrations of Zn that can be toxic for the plantain crop. On the other hand, the variables were grouped into four components associated with: the soil change layer, the soil reaction, the salinity and the relationship between P and Zn. Soils of the municipalities of La Vega and La Palma did not show variation in the change layer and soil reaction, contrary to that observed in Viotá and Chaguaní soils. Among the soils of the municipalities, there were significant differences for the properties of organic matter, Ca and Mg as well as cationic imbalances and strongly acidic pH.

Enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants exhibit growth advantages in high nitrogen conditions / O investimento de tiro aumentado faz plantas invasivas exposição de vantagens de crescimento em altas condições de nitrógeno

Abstract Resource amendments commonly promote plant invasions, raising concerns over the potential consequences of nitrogen (N) deposition; however, it is unclear whether invaders will benefit from N deposition more than natives. Growth is among the most fundamental inherent traits of plants and thus good invaders may have superior growth advantages in response to resource amendments. We compared the growth and allocation between invasive and native plants in different N regimes including controls (ambient N concentrations). We found that invasive plants always grew much larger than native plants in varying N conditions, regardless of growth- or phylogeny-based analyses, and that the former allocated more biomass to shoots than the latter. Although N addition enhanced the growth of invasive plants, this enhancement did not increase with increasing N addition. Across invasive and native species, changes in shoot biomass allocation were positively correlated with changes in whole-plant biomass; and the slope of this relationship was greater in invasive plants than native plants. These findings suggest that enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants retain a growth advantage in high N conditions relative to natives, and also highlight that future N deposition may increase the risks of plant invasions.

Resumo As alterações de recursos geralmente promovem invasões de plantas, suscitando preocupações quanto às conseqüências potenciais da deposição de nitrogênio (N); No entanto, não está claro se os invasores se beneficiarão da deposição de N mais do que com os nativos. O crescimento é um dos traços inerentes mais fundamentais das plantas e, portanto, os bons invasores podem ter vantagens de crescimento superiores em resposta a alterações de recursos. Comparamos o crescimento e a alocação entre plantas invasivas e nativas em diferentes regimes de N, incluindo controles (concentrações ambientais de N). Descobrimos que as plantas invasivas sempre cresceram muito mais do que as plantas nativas em diferentes condições de N, independentemente das análises baseadas em crescimento ou filogenia, e que o primeiro atribuiu mais biomassa aos rebentos do que o segundo. Embora N aumentou o crescimento de plantas invasivas, esse aumento não aumentou com o aumento da adição de N. Através das espécies invasivas e nativas, as mudanças na alocação da biomassa do extrato foram correlacionadas positivamente com as mudanças na biomassa da planta inteira; e a inclinação desse relacionamento foi maior em plantas invasivas do que plantas nativas. Essas descobertas sugerem que o aumento do investimento em lançamentos faz com que as plantas invasivas mantenham uma vantagem de crescimento em altas condições de N em relação aos nativos, e também destacar que a futura deposição de N pode aumentar os riscos de invasões de plantas.

As Emendas parlamentares e a alocação de recursos federais no Sistema Único de Saúde

O objetivo deste texto é analisar a alocação de recursos por meio de emendas parlamentares (EPs) no orçamento federal para o financiamento de despesas com ações e serviços públicos de saúde (ASPS) no período de 2015 a 2018. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório e descritivo da execução orçamentário-financeira do Ministério da Saúde (MS), tendo como foco os recursos que foram alocados a programas de saúde para o atendimento a beneficiários específicos (instituições públicas e privadas). Os dados foram obtidos do sistema SIGA Brasil, de acesso público, mantido pelo Senado Federal. Alguns indicadores foram calculados para apoiar a análise. Os resultados mostram que o MS empenhou um volume de despesas maior do que determina a regra do orçamento impositivo, e também despesas associadas a outras EPs, não obrigatórias, igualmente em valor muito elevado. Em 2018, por exemplo, o orçamento impositivo foi de R$ 4,4 bilhões, e as despesas empenhadas associadas a EPs totalizaram R$ 8,8 bilhões. Identificaram-se, além disso, a ampliação da alocação de recursos para custeio do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) por meio de EPs e o deficit de transparência na execução orçamentário-financeira dos recursos alocados ao incremento do Piso da Atenção Básica (PAB) e do Teto de Média e Alta Complexidade (Teto MAC). Houve aumento da destinação de recursos para o incremento do PAB e do Teto MAC no período analisado. Essas transferências passaram de R$ 240,1 milhões em 2014 para R$ 6,6 bilhões em 2018, em valores constantes, apresentando aumento de 2.650% no período. Ainda em 2018, os recursos alocados pelos parlamentares para aumento temporário do PAB e do Teto MAC corresponderam a 74,9% do total de despesas associadas a EPs (R$ 8,8 bilhões). Foram também constatadas desigualdades na alocação de recursos para custeio dos serviços, tanto do Teto MAC quanto do PAB ­ neste último caso, sem observância dos critérios alocativos vigentes. Conclui-se, por fim, que a alocação de recursos para custeio do SUS por meio de EPs pode estar gerando mais desigualdades na oferta de serviços de saúde no sistema, algo que precisa ser investigado detalhadamente em estudos futuros.

The purpose of this text is to analyze the weight and the allocation of resources through parliamentary amendments in the federal budget to finance expenditures with public health services (ações e serviços públicos de saúde ­ ASPS) from 2015 to 2018. An exploratory and descriptive study of the Ministry of Health budget execution was conducted, focusing on the resources that were allocated to health programs to assist specific beneficiaries. Data were obtained from the SIGA Brasil, a public access system maintained by the Federal Senate. Some indicators were calculated to support the analysis. The results show that the Ministry of Health is engaged in a larger volume of expenditure than is determined by mandatory parliamentary amendments, and that its expenses associated with other, non-mandatory parliamentary amendments, are occurring in very high level. In 2018, the mandatory parliamentary amendments execution was R$ 4.4 billion and the expenses associated with parliamentary amendments in general totaled R$ 8.8 billion. It was identified an increase in the allocation of resources for the costing of the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS) and deficit of transparency in the budget-financial execution of the resources allocated to the increment of the resources for primary care (Piso da Atenção Básica ­ PAB) and the resources for medium and high complexity services (Teto de Média e Alta Complexidade ­ Teto MAC). There was an increase in the allocation of funds to increase the PAB and Teto MAC in the analyzed period, so that these transfers increased from R$ 240.1 million in 2014 to R$ 6.6 billion in 2018, at constant values, with an increase of 2,650% in this period. As in 2018, expenses with ASPS associated with parliamentary amendments totaled R$ 8.8 billion, the resources allocated by parliamentarians for temporary increase of the PAB and Teto MAC that year correspond to 74.9% of total expenses associated with amendments parliamentarians. Inequalities were also identified in the allocation of resources for the costing of the services of both the Teto MAC and the PAB. In the latter case, without observing the criteria established for resource allocation. Finally, it is concluded that the allocation of resources for SUS funding through parliamentary amendments may be generating more inequalities in the provision of health services in the system, something that needs to be investigated in detail in future studies.

Short-term effects of byproduct amendments and lime on physicochemical and microbiological properties of acidic soil from Jiaodong Peninsula of China / Efeitos de alterações de subprodutos e cal em solo ácido da Península de Jiaodong da China

ABSTRACT: The influences of byproduct amendments, containing silicon, calcium, magnesium and potassium, on acidic soil quality in Jiaodong Peninsula of China had been studied and compared with that of lime through monitoring physicochemical properties and enzyme activities of acidic soil over a 120-day period. Byproduct amendments (1125, 2250, 4500 and 9000 kg ha-1) and lime 2250 kg ha-1 was applied in the acidic soil. Results showed that both byproduct amendments and lime significantly increased the pH, EC and enzyme activities of soil. The by-product amendments inhibited microbial biomass carbon and soil respiration. Nevertheless, the lime-treated soil had a much more higher level of CO2 emission than the by-product amendments-treated soil. Compared to the by-product amendments-treated soil, the lime-treated soil had the higher pH, peroxidase activity, phenol oxidase activity and invertase activity. Therefore, lime might be a better choice over by-product amendments to improve chemical and biological properties of the acidic soil in Jiaodong Peninsula of China. For soils lacking available calcium and magnesium, the mixture of 4500 kg ha-1 amendments and 2250 kg ha-1 lime was recommend to treat the soil.

RESUMO: As influências do emprego de subprodutos que contêm silício, cálcio, magnésio e potássio, sobre a qualidade do solo ácido na Península de Jiaodong da China, foram estudadas e comparadas com a da cal através do monitoramento das propriedades físico-químicas e atividades enzimáticas do solo ácido ao longo de um 120- período do dia. Os resultados mostraram que as alterações dos subprodutos e a cal aumentaram significativamente as atividades de pH, CE e enzimas do solo. As alterações dos subprodutos obviamente inibiram o carbono da biomassa microbiana e a respiração do solo, mas o solo tratado com cal apresentou um maior nível de emissão de CO2. Em comparação com as modificações do subproduto, o solo tratado tinha o maior pH, a atividade da peroxidase, a atividade da fenol oxidase e a atividade da invertease. Portanto, o cal pode ser uma escolha melhor em relação às alterações dos subprodutos para melhorar as propriedades químicas e biológicas do solo ácido na Península de Jiaodong da China.

Organizações sociais de saúde financiadas por emendas parlamentares / Organizaciones sociales de salud financiadas por enmiendas parlamentarias / Health social organizations financed by congressional amendments

Resumo A pesquisa analisou os repasses de recursos para as Organizações Sociais de Saúde por meio de emendas parlamentares na Assembleia Legislativa do Espírito Santo. Trata-se de estudo feito por análise documental. Foi realizado o cruzamento dos dados para identificar a possibilidade de recebimento de recursos financeiros por essas organizações mediante emendas parlamentares entre 2009 e 2014. Foram analisadas 109 emendas que propuseram recursos financeiros para as Organizações Sociais de Saúde e suas mantenedoras. No período foi proposto um total de R$ 4,817 milhões para as instituições: R$ 4,627 milhões para a Associação Evangélica Beneficente Espírito-Santense e R$ 190 mil para a Associação Congregação de Santa Catarina. De acordo com os dados, há relação entre o número de propostas de emendas parlamentares direcionadas para as mantenedoras e partidos políticos que venceram as eleições. Nos anos eleitorais há aumento no número de propostas de emendas. Destacamos a inexistência de instrumentos de transparência na Assembleia Legislativa do Espírito Santo para fiscalizar as execuções das emendas parlamentares.

Resumen El estudio analizó las transferencias de recursos a las Organizaciones Sociales de Salud por medio de enmiendas parlamentarias en la Asamblea Legislativa del Estado de Espírito Santo (dichas enmiendas parlamentarias son modificaciones al presupuesto anual presentado por el Poder Ejecutivo Estatal, en este caso, que realizan los legisladores en favor de sus respectivas ciudades o municipios). Se trata de un estudio realizado por medio de análisis documental. Se efectuó el cruce de datos para identificar la posibilidad que estas organizaciones recibieran recursos financieros mediante enmiendas parlamentarias entre el 2009 y el 2014. Se analizaron 109 enmiendas que propusieron recursos financieros para las Organizaciones Sociales de Salud y sus patrocinadores. En el período se propuso un total de R$ 4,817 millones para las instituciones: R$ 4,627 millones para la Associação Evangélica Beneficente Espírito-Santense y R$ 190 mil para la Associação Congregação de Santa Catarina. De acuerdo con los datos, existe relación entre el número de propuestas de enmiendas parlamentarias dirigidas a los patrocinadores y los partidos políticos que ganaron las elecciones. En los años electorales existe un aumento en el número de propuestas de enmiendas. Destacamos que en la Asamblea Legislativa del Estado de Espírito Santo no existen instrumentos para fiscalizar la ejecución de las enmiendas parlamentarias a los fines de garantizar transparencia.

Abstract The research analyzed the transfer of funds to Health Social Organizations through congressional amendments in the Legislative Assembly of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was conducted through an analysis of documents. A cross-check of data was performed in order to identify the possibility that these organizations indeed received funds through congressional amendments between 2009 and 2014. We analyzed 109 amendments that proposed the transfer of funds to the Health Social Organizations and their sponsoring entities. In that period, a total of R$ 4.817 million were proposed for those institutions: R$ 4.627 million for the Evangelical Benevolent Society of Espírito Santo (from the Portuguese Associação Evangélica Beneficente Espírito-Santense), and R$ 190 thousand for the Santa Catarina Congregation association (from the Portuguese Associação Congregação de Santa Catarina). According to the data, there is a relationship between the number of congressional amendments that were proposed for these sponsoring entities and the political parties that won the elections. In election years, there is an increase in the number of amendments proposed. We highlight the inexistence at the Espírito Santo Legislative Assembly of transparency instruments to oversee the executions of the congressional amendments.

Esporte, fundo público e pequena política: os reveses de um orçamento (r)emendado / Sports, public fund and narrow small politics: the downsides of an amended budget / Deporte, financiación pública y pequeña política: los reveses de un presupuesto con enmiendas

O estudo aborda a relação entre Estado e políticas esportivaspor meio de uma análise orçamentária das emendas parlamentares vinculadas ao Ministério do Esporte. O objetivo foi verificar a efetivação das emendas deste órgão, seu direcionamento (contemplados) e valoresrelativos ao período de 2008 a 2015. A abordagem foi de caráter quantitativo-qualitativo, sendo realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e um levantamento documental. Para a análise dos dados foi adotado o método proposto por Boschetti (2009), em seu aspecto: "configuração do financiamento e gasto". Concluiu-se que as emendas representaram naquele período cerca de 52% da composição orçamentária do órgão, sendo utilizadas majoritariamente para atender interesses dos parlamentares em suas bases eleitorais em obras de infraestrutura esportiva

The study approaches the relationship between the State and sports policies through a budget-based analysis of parliamentary amendments linked to the Ministry of Sports. The objective was to verify the effectiveness of the amendments to the agency's budget, their (accepted) aims, and the values for 2008-2015. The study was quantitativequalitative, including a bibliographical review and a documentary survey. The analysis of the data adopted the method proposed by Boschetti (2009) in its aspect related to "configuration of funding and expense". It found out that the amendments represented about 52% of the Ministry's budget for that period and were used mainly to serve the interests of Congress members regarding sports infrastructure works in their constituencies

El estudio aborda la relación entre Estado y políticas deportivas por medio de un análisis presupuestario de las enmiendas parlamentarias vinculadas al Ministerio del Deporte. El objetivo fue verificar la efectivación de las enmiendas de ese organismo, su direccionamiento (contemplados) y valores relativos al período de 2008 a 2015. El abordaje tuvo carácter cuantitativo-cualitativo, realizando una búsqueda bibliográfica y un levantamiento documental. Para el análisis de los datos se adoptó el método propuesto por Boschetti (2009), en su aspecto: "configuración de la financiación y gasto". Se concluyó que las enmiendas representaron en aquel período cerca del 52% de la composición presupuestaria de ese organismo, y que en su mayoría se utilizaron para atender a intereses de los parlamentarios en sus bases electorales en obras de infraestructura deportiva

Detection of microbial activity in some organic amendments

@#Aims:In this paper we conducted a laboratory experiment to assess the biological characters and maturity level of three organic materials: filter cake (FC), spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and fermented grass (FG), through microbial activity and phytotoxicity.Methodology and results:Each sample was determined for physicochemical parameters, microbial activity and phytotoxicity. Microorganism population was counted by spreading plate method and microbial activities were tested by measuring fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis and dehydrogenase activity (DHA). The phytotoxicity evaluation by seed germination was tested on Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle),Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) and Oryza sativa (Rice). The results showed that all substrates have suitable physicochemical values that could be used as soil amendments. These organic matters are a rich source of microorganisms (>107 CFU/g), especially plant growth promoting bacteria (ranging from 104 to 106CFU/g). The high value of FDA (ranging from 1.609 to 1.621 mg/g) and DHA activity (ranging from 153.95 to 179.92 μg/g)suggested a high degree of microbial activity in the organic amendment samples. Combining with germination index values in seed germination, most GI values indicate non-toxicity of those substrates, with the exception of fermented grass in germination of H.sabdariffa.Conclusion, significance and impact of study:The result from this study proposes that these substrates can be considered as potential amendments to support soil property.

Enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants exhibit growth advantages in high nitrogen conditions

Abstract Resource amendments commonly promote plant invasions, raising concerns over the potential consequences of nitrogen (N) deposition; however, it is unclear whether invaders will benefit from N deposition more than natives. Growth is among the most fundamental inherent traits of plants and thus good invaders may have superior growth advantages in response to resource amendments. We compared the growth and allocation between invasive and native plants in different N regimes including controls (ambient N concentrations). We found that invasive plants always grew much larger than native plants in varying N conditions, regardless of growth- or phylogeny-based analyses, and that the former allocated more biomass to shoots than the latter. Although N addition enhanced the growth of invasive plants, this enhancement did not increase with increasing N addition. Across invasive and native species, changes in shoot biomass allocation were positively correlated with changes in whole-plant biomass; and the slope of this relationship was greater in invasive plants than native plants. These findings suggest that enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants retain a growth advantage in high N conditions relative to natives, and also highlight that future N deposition may increase the risks of plant invasions.

Resumo As alterações de recursos geralmente promovem invasões de plantas, suscitando preocupações quanto às conseqüências potenciais da deposição de nitrogênio (N); No entanto, não está claro se os invasores se beneficiarão da deposição de N mais do que com os nativos. O crescimento é um dos traços inerentes mais fundamentais das plantas e, portanto, os bons invasores podem ter vantagens de crescimento superiores em resposta a alterações de recursos. Comparamos o crescimento e a alocação entre plantas invasivas e nativas em diferentes regimes de N, incluindo controles (concentrações ambientais de N). Descobrimos que as plantas invasivas sempre cresceram muito mais do que as plantas nativas em diferentes condições de N, independentemente das análises baseadas em crescimento ou filogenia, e que o primeiro atribuiu mais biomassa aos rebentos do que o segundo. Embora N aumentou o crescimento de plantas invasivas, esse aumento não aumentou com o aumento da adição de N. Através das espécies invasivas e nativas, as mudanças na alocação da biomassa do extrato foram correlacionadas positivamente com as mudanças na biomassa da planta inteira; e a inclinação desse relacionamento foi maior em plantas invasivas do que plantas nativas. Essas descobertas sugerem que o aumento do investimento em lançamentos faz com que as plantas invasivas mantenham uma vantagem de crescimento em altas condições de N em relação aos nativos, e também destacar que a futura deposição de N pode aumentar os riscos de invasões de plantas.

Response of soil microbiota to nine-year application of swine manure and urea / Resposta da microbiota do solo a nove anos de aplicações de dejetos suínos e ureia

ABSTRACT: Manure fertilization is a common practice, but little is known about its impacts on soil microbial activity and organic matter. Aiming to evaluate soil microbial response to nine years of successive applications of swine manure, organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), basal respiration (BR), metabolic quotient (qCO2), and enzyme (ß-glucosidase, phosphatase, arylsulphatase, and FDA) activities were measured in the 0-10cm soil layer, in a no-tillage system. Treatments were: control soil without fertilization (C), and application of two doses (104 and 209kg of N ha-1year-1) of urea (U1 and U2), pig slurry (PS1 and PS2) and deep litter (DL1 and DL2). TOC, TN, soil pH, MBC, and BR increased in soil fertilized with DL, and were lower in U treatments. Soils with U and DL application had higher qCO2, related to different sources of stressors like nutrient imbalance. Phosphatase and ß-glucosidase activities were not affected by treatments, increased with time, and had a strong correlation with MBC. We conclude that long-term swine manure applications increase microbial activity and soil organic matter, mainly in DL form; while urea applications have negative impacts on these indicators.

RESUMO: A fertilização com dejetos suínos é uma prática comum, porém, pouco se conhece acerca de seus impactos sobre a atividade microbiana do solo e a matéria orgânica. Com o objetivo de avaliar a resposta da microbiota do solo, após nove anos de aplicações sucessivas de dejetos suínos, foram mensurados o carbono orgânico total (TOC), nitrogênio total (TN), pH, carbono da biomassa microbiana (MBC), respiração basal (BR), quociente metabólico (qCO2) e a atividade enzimática (ß-glucosidase, fosfatase, arilsulfatase, e FDA), avaliações feitas na camada de 0 a 10cm de profundidade em um solo sob plantio direto. Os tratamentos foram: solo controle sem fertilização (C) e aplicação de duas doses (104 e 209kg de N ha-1ano-1) de ureia (U1 e U2), dejeto líquido (PS1 e PS2) e cama sobreposta (DL1 e DL2). O TOC, TN, o pH do solo, MBC e BR incrementaram no solo fertilizado com DL e foram mais baixos nos tratamentos com U. Os solos com aplicação de U e DL apresentaram o maior qCO2, relacionado a diferentes fontes de estresse, como o desbalanço de nutrientes. A atividade da fosfatase e da ß-glucosidase não foi afetada pelos tratamentos, mas incrementou com o tempo e teve uma forte correlação positiva com o MBC. Conclui-se que as aplicações de dejetos suínos em longo prazo incrementaram a atividade microbiana do solo e o teor de matéria orgânica, principalmente quando aplicados na forma de DL, enquanto que as aplicações de U apresentaram impactos negativos sobre esses indicadores.

Effect of Different Organic Amendments on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp ciceri Causing Chick Pea Wilt.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legumes grown in Asia. Though the area under this crop is more, the average yield per hectare is low because of several biotic and abiotic factors. Among them, the wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri is most destructive seed and soil borne disease. (Haware et al., 1986) which threatens successful cultivation of chickpea and causes severe losses in chickpea growing areas. (Grewal et al.,1974b and Singh et al.,1977.) The organic amendments viz., saw dust, ground nut cake, FYM, soybean cake, cotton cake were used in three concentrations 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% . The highest per cent growth of inhibition was observed in soybean cake 0.3% (32.96%), followed by groundnut cake 0.3% (29.63%). The lowest per cent growth inhibition was observed in saw dust 0.1% (06.47%).

Industrial side-products as possible soil-amendments.

The protection of our environment is a common task. All pollution that expose our soils, plants or in the narrower and wider sense environment will appear sooner or later in the food chain and in human beings who are at the top of the food-chain pyramid. The aim of our work is to give a brief overview about the effects of some industrial wastes on the physiological parameters of plants. Compost, black soot, sewage sludge and lime sludge dust was examined. Sunflower seeds were used in the experiments. The filtrates of examined materials were added to the nutrient solution in different quantities because of different solubility.The contents of sample elements and uptake of the element were measured by ICP, the relative chlorophyll contents by SPAD 502. Disadvantageous and advantageous physiological effects of compost, black soot, sewage sludge and lime sludge were proved. Larger concentrations of aluminium were measured in the roots than in the shoots. The concentrations of chrome were below the control value in the shoots when black soot, compost, lime sludge and sewage sludge were added to the nutrient solution. The concentrations of zinc, phosphorous, magnesium and copper were very low when black soot was used, and it was lower than the control. The dry matter of shoots increased when compost and sewage sludge was used, but the growth of roots remained under the control level.

Inoculação de sementes com Bacillus subtilis, formulado com farinha de ostras e desenvolvimento de milho, soja e algodão / Seed inoculation with Bacillus subtilis, formulated with oyster meal and growth of corn, soybean and cotton

Bacillus subtilis, bactéria habitante natural do solo, produz antibióticos, enzimas e fitohormonios que proporcionam benefícios para as plantas. Essa espécie microbiana é também descrita como rizobactéria promotora de crescimento de plantas (RPCP). Sementes de milho, algodão e soja foram inoculadas com células de B. subtilis formulado com farinha de ostras objetivando-se avaliar a emergência e o desenvolvimento das plantas. A inoculação proporcionou aumento de emergências em algodão e soja. Além disso, a inoculação com o produto biológico incrementou significativamente a produção de massa seca, na parte aérea do milho. Os teores de fósforo e nitrogênio foram maiores no tecido foliar de milho, inoculados com a bactéria e farinha de ostras, comparando-se com a testemunha. A interação do resíduo orgânico com a bactéria proporcionou ganhos no crescimento e nutrição das plantas. A inoculação de sementes com B. subtilis, formulado com o resíduo orgânico, apresentou-se como uma alternativa tecnológica viável para a inoculação de sementes.

Bacillus subtilis is a soil bacteria able to synthesize antibiotics, enzymes and phytohormones importants for plant growth. This specie is also classified in plant growth as promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). A biological product containing oyster meal and cells of B. subtilis was inoculated in seeds of corn, cotton and soybean. This inoculation increased emergence in cotton and soybean. The growth of corn was stimulated by seed inoculation with B. subtilis and organic amendment. The concentration of phosphorus and nitrogen significantly increased in the corn treated with the product. The interaction bacteria with organic amendment provided increments in plant growth. The inoculation of seeds with B. subtilis and amendments is promising technological alternative for seed treatment.

Regras e contexto: as reformas da Constituição de 1988 / Rules and context: amendments to the 1988 Brazilian Constitution / Règles et Contexte: les réformes de la constitution Brésilienne de 1988

Why do institutions change, and why, how, and on what subjects have changes occurred in the 1988 Brazilian Constitution? The article raises two hypotheses. The first assumes that the rules of amendment to the 1988 Constitution reflect the original framers' uncertainties on some issues. The second refers to the causes of changes, that is, contending that the constitutionalization of numerous issues was followed by changes in Brazil's macroeconomic and political context, allowing for the redesign of various Constitutional provisions. The article concludes that by designing a Constitution that reflected the redemocratization agenda, the framers "untied the hands" of future legislators and Presidents, facilitating the rules for Constitutional amendments and allowing Brazil's adaptation to a new context.

Pourquoi les institutions changent-elles? Pourquoi, comment et quelles matières de la Constitution brésilienne de 1988 ont subi des modifications? Dans cet article, on discute deux hypothèses: la première, c'est que les règles d'"amendement" de cette Constitution reflètent les incertitudes des constituants sur certaines matières. Dans la seconde, on considère la causalité des changements, c'est-à-dire que la constitutionnalisation en certaines matières a été suivie de changements du contexte macro-économique et politique, ce qui a permis la modification de certains articles de la Constitution. En conclusion, on voit que les constituants, en rédigeant un texte qui traduisait le programme de redémocratisation, ont permis aux futurs parlementaires et au pouvoir exécutif de mieux travailler des règles en vue du changement constitutionnel et de l'adaptation du pays à son nouveau contexte.

Federalismo e conflitos distributivos: disputa dos estados por recursos orçamentários federais / Federalism and distributive conflicts: the struggle among Brazilian States for federal budget resources

This article analyzes how State-by-State representation in the Brazilian National Congress processes and negotiates amendments to the Federal budget within the Joint Budget Committee. Amendments submitted from 1995 to 1999 by members of Congress from three selected States (Bahia, Ceará, and Paraná) are analyzed. Several hypotheses concerning the role of amendments are investigated, arguing that the amendments, like certain Federal policies, facilitate the accommodation of tensions arising in a Federative system marked by regional inequalities.

Dans cet article, on examine comment les groupes de députés des États brésiliens mettent en place et négocient des amendements au budget fédéral au sein de la Commission Mixte du Budget du Congrès. On analyse les amendements proposés par les parlementaires de trois États - Bahia, Ceará et Paraná - pour la période 1995-1999. On discute des hypothèses sur le rôle des amendements tout en montrant que ceux-ci, ainsi que certaines politiques fédérales, contribuent au relâchement des tensions existant dans une Fédération marquée par des inégalités régionales.