Effect of Different Compatibilizers on the Properties of Green Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Bambusa Vulgaris Bamboo Fibers.

Low-density green polyethylene (LDGPE) composites reinforced with 5 wt% of bamboo fiber and 3 wt% of a compatibilizing agent (polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride and tannin) were processed through extrusion and injection molding. Bamboo fiber, Bambusa Vulgaris, was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The molded specimens were analyzed for their thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. The estimated concentration was chosen to provide the best mechanical strength to the material studied. FTIR analysis of the fibers revealed the presence of groups characteristic of bamboo fiber and tannin. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that both compatibilizing agents increased the matrix's degree of crystallinity. However, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that, despite the presence of compatibilizing agents, there was no significant improvement in adhesion between the bamboo fibers and LDGPE.

Deciphering Trends in Cancer Mortality: A Comprehensive Analysis of Brazilian Data From 1979 to 2021 With Emphasis on Breast and Prostate Cancers.

Background: This study examined cancer mortality trends in Brazil from 1979 to 2021, emphasizing breast and prostate cancers. Methods: Utilizing data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, it analyzed cancer deaths nationally and regionally, highlighting gender-specific and regional disparities. Results: The research finds that cancer death rates have been growing at an average of 12% per year, contrasting with the population growth rate of 2.2%. This trend is more pronounced in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. A comparison of cancer mortality rates between Brazil, the USA, and China reveals that while the Brazilian and Chinese rates exhibit slower growth, the US rate shows a continuous decline since the 1990s. Conclusions: The study adopts a novel approach by focusing on growth rates and employing polynomial interpolation, revealing a deceleration in cancer death growth over the last 15 years across all malignant neoplasms. The study also contextualizes these findings within Brazil's cancer control policies, tracing the evolution of preventive measures and treatment advancements. It highlights the significant role of the National Cancer Institute and the Unified Health System in implementing effective strategies. The decreasing trend in cancer mortality rates in Brazil, despite population growth, illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive cancer control and prevention measures, underlining their importance in public health policy.

Growing degree-hours and degree-days in two management zones for each phenological stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Monitoring the climatic conditions of crops is essential for smart agriculture development and adaptation of agricultural systems in the era of global change. Thereby, it is possibly better to understand the stages of development of the crop, thus adopting management practices more efficiently and planning the harvest with greater accuracy. This study was developed to analyze the growing degree-hours and degree-days in two management zones (MZs) for each phenological stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the application of low-cost agroclimatological stations to monitor the climatic conditions of the field production. The study was developed in a Ferralsol in Céu-Azul/Brazil. Ten low-cost agrometeorological stations were installed in two MZs delineated based on elevation data using the web platform AgDataBox. Data on solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, precipitation, relative humidity, air, and soil temperature were evaluated over two wheat crop seasons. Our results showed different climatic conditions, especially humidity and temperature, between MZs and crop seasons, which could probably cause yield variability. By the low-cost agroclimatological stations, it is possible to collect data on the thermal accumulation by the culture in growing degree-hours, which is a more accurate parameter than the growing degree-days (commonly used in similar studies). With the growing degree-hours data, it was possible to follow the development of the phenological stages of wheat. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest the importance of evaluating agroclimatological parameters in monitoring wheat crops. However, more studies are needed in regions with greater slopes, which may have microclimates that intensely influence the crop.

Thermally Resistant, Self-Extinguishing Thermoplastic Composites Enabled by Tannin-Based Carbonaceous Particulate.

Flame-resistant materials are key components in buildings and several other engineering applications. In this study, flame retardancy and thermal stability were conferred to a highly flammable technical thermoplastic-polypropylene (PP)-upon compositing with a carbonaceous tannin-based particulate (CTP). Herein, we report on a straightforward, facile, and green approach to prepare self-extinguishing thermoplastic composites by thermoblending highly recalcitrant particulate. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites are tethered to the CTP content. We demonstrate that the addition of up to 65 wt% of CTP improved the viscoelastic properties and hydrophobicity of the PP, whereas having marginal effects on bulk water interactions. Most importantly, compositing with CTP remarkably improved the thermal stability of the composites, especially over 300 °C, which is an important threshold associated with the combustion of volatiles. PP-CTP composites demonstrated great capacity to limit and stop fire propagation. Therefore, we offer an innovative route towards thermally resistant and self-extinguishing PP composites, which is enabled by sustainable tannin-based flame retardants capable of further broadening the technical range of commodity polyolefins to high temperature scenarios.

Rapid quantification of alkaloids, sugar and yield of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) varieties by using Vis-NIR-SWIR spectroradiometry.

Tobacco genetic improvement programs, as well as the tobacco industry, require techniques that allow the estimation of its attributes in a fast and cheap way. The use of remote sensing through visible, near infrared and short-wave spectroscopy (Vis-NIR-SWIR) has been studied aiming to meet such demand. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the use of Vis-NIR-SWIR spectroradiometer as a rapid tool to estimate alkaloids, sugars and yield of tobacco varieties. For that purpose, a study was carried out in a greenhouse with plants grown in pots (18 dm-3) containing nutrient solutions. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 30 treatments (tobacco varieties) and 10 repetitions. Tobacco leaf reflectance was collected at 13, 34 and 68 days after transplantation (DAT) with a plant-probe device connected to the spectroradiometer by an optical fiber. Subsequently, leaf analysis of alkaloids, sugars and yield were performed, and such attributes were estimated by using the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), combined with the following pre-processing (PP) techniques: multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), Savitzky-Golay (SG) and standard normal variate (SNV). The results showed presence of typical inflections of chemical and structural components of the plants, which allowed obtaining PLSR models with R2p and RPDp superior to 0.71 and 2.27, respectively, for all PP techniques and attributes evaluated. The most important wavelengths were well distributed within the three operating ranges of the spectroradiometer (Vis-NIR-SWIR). Thus, the methodology proposed by this research was able to simultaneously determine all the three attributes (alkaloids, sugars and yield) with excellent predictive capacity. This is a promising result for genetic improvement and processing of tobacco (as well as other crops), since it is necessary to evaluate a large number of samples within a short period and at a low cost.

Primeiro registro de Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) e de uma relação tritrófica com parasitoides em um pomar de citros no estado do Pará, Brasil / First record of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) and a tritrophic relation with parasitoids in a citrus orchard in Pará state, Brazil

A citricultura está crescendo no Estado do Pará, Brasil, mas faltam informações sobre as pragas conhecidas como moscas-dasfrutas e os parasitoides associados na região. Visando abordar esta lacuna no conhecimento, foram coletados frutos de laranja (Citrus sinensis), laranja var. lima (C. sinensis), lima-da-pérsia (C. limettioides), limão-cidra (C. medica) e tangerina (C. reticulata). Registramos, pela primeira vez, infestação em condições naturais de campo por Anastrepha obliqua em C. sinensis no Pará e identificamos uma tritrófica entre C. sinensis, A. obliqua e os parasitoides Opius bellus e Asobara anastrephae .

Development of a model for registration and notification of accidents and incidents in nuclear medicine.

Nuclear medicine (NM) is a medical speciality that uses unsealed radioactive sources involving several handling procedures with some critical points before, during, and after the examination and therapies performed, requiring special attention to the occurrence of a possible accident or incident over the course of the clinical routine. The accidents and incidents in NM can involve actors such as workers, patients, the public or caregivers, and even the environment. Although expected, the number of occurrences and their nature are not well understood due to the absence of a Brazilian reporting tool for incidents or accidents. This paper aims to develop a web-based NM incident and accident notification system named SINMED (NM Notification System). Specific forms were developed in an offline system inhtml5language with an online system interface according to the Google Forms platform. The developed forms were based on existing international notification templates from the the perspective of NM services in operation applying Brazilian regulations.

Repetition of biochemistry tests in a laboratory of public hospital in southwest of Bahia, Brazil, and associated cost / Repetição de exames de bioquímica no laboratório de um hospital público do sudoeste da Bahia, Brasil, e custo associado

ABSTRACT Introduction: Test repetitions are an age-old practice common to clinical laboratories used primarily for confirmation of results. However, knowing the history of patients, the repetitions become avoidable. They impair the time to release results, increase input consumption, and cost of services. Objectives: to evaluate the difference between the results of the laboratory tests repetitions and the expenditure generated by each additional test. Materials and methods: Data from repeated tests from September to November 2015 were used in the laboratory of a public hospital in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The classification of necessary or unnecessary repetition of these tests was performed according to international criteria, with subsequent cost estimation. Results: A total of 1,350 samples were analyzed, with a total of 1,429 repetitions; 1,162 (81.31%) were classified as unnecessary repetitions, generating an additional cost of R$ 1,198.00 to the service. The repetitions that made up the study generated a cost of R$ 1,488.61, the expense should be only R$ 290.61, an increase of 80.47%, an estimated annual impact of R$ 4,792.00. In addition to the impact on cost, the impact on turnaround time was evident, which consequently affects the speed in patient care. Conclusion: It was observed that most of the repetitions performed in the laboratory were classified as unnecessary when evaluated by the criteria used. These repetitions generated a potentially avoidable laboratory cost increase, negatively impacting the time to release the results.

RESUMO Introdução: A repetição de exames é uma prática antiga comum aos laboratórios clínicos, usada basicamente para confirmação de resultados. No entanto, ao conhecer a história dos pacientes, as repetições tornam-se evitáveis. Elas prejudicam o tempo de liberação de resultados, aumentam consumo de insumos e geram custo aos serviços. Objetivos: Avaliar a diferença entre os resultados das repetições de exames laboratoriais e o dispêndio gerado por cada teste adicional. Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizados dados de exames repetidos de setembro a novembro de 2015 no laboratório de um hospital público do estado da Bahia, Brasil. Procedeu-se a classificação de repetição necessária ou desnecessária desses exames seguindo critérios internacionais, com posterior estimativa de custo. Resultados: Um total de 1.350 amostras foram analisadas, com 1.429 repetições ao todo; 1.162 (81,31%) foram classificadas como repetições desnecessárias, gerando um custo adicional ao serviço no valor de R$ 1.198,00. As repetições que compuseram o estudo geraram um custo de R$ 1.488,61, o gasto deveria ser de apenas R$ 290,61, ou seja, um acréscimo de 80,47%, um impacto anual estimado em R$ 4.792,00. Além do impacto no custo, ficou evidente o impacto no tempo de resposta, o que consequentemente afeta a celeridade na assistência aos pacientes. Conclusão: Observou-se que a maioria das repetições realizadas no laboratório foi classificada como desnecessária quando avaliada pelos critérios utilizados. Essas repetições geraram ao serviço um acréscimo de custo laboratorial potencialmente evitável, impactando negativamente no tempo para liberação dos resultados.

Factors influencing possible delay in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: Findings from a tertiary Public University Hospital / Fatores que influenciam o possível atraso no diagnóstico da doença de Alzheimer: achados de um Hospital Universitário Público

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by impairment in memory and autonomy, causing excessive pressure on family and an overburdened health care system. Early diagnosis, with the appropriate treatment, is important to reduce the pattern of disease progression. Objective: The study sought to identify the most probable causes of delay in diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving AD patients followed at an Outpatient Geriatric Clinic from a tertiary public university hospital was conducted between June 2009 and February 2011. Results: Ninety-four patients were evaluated (66% women), aged 77.76±6.8 years and with median educational level of 3 years (95% CI 2.7-3.80). Regarding severity of dementia, 51.8% of patients were classified as having mild dementia (CDR 1), 40% moderate dementia (CDR 2) and 8.2% severe dementia (CDR 3). Mean educational level of caregivers was 8.3±3.9 years. Among those who believed there was a delay, 36% stated that the "family thought that the changes were normal for the age of the patient" reporting average delay of 1.8 years (95% CI: 1.3-2.5) while 45.3% stated that the "doctor did not reach a diagnosis" reporting a median delay of 1.5 years (95% CI: 1.4-2.3). Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be concluded the time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was excessive. This study may be useful to help increase awareness of issues not sufficiently discussed in the literature, such as diagnostic delay and influence of caregivers' educational level on treatment.

A doença de Alzheimer é caracterizada por comprometimento na memória e na autonomia, causando pressão excessiva em familiares e sobrecarregando o sistema público de saúde. O diagnóstico precoce, com o tratamento adequado, é importante para reduzir o padrão de evolução da doença. Objetivo: O estudo pretende identificar as causas mais prováveis de atraso no diagnóstico. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com DA acompanhados em Ambulatório de Geriatria de um hospital terciário público entre junho de 2009 e fevereiro de 2011. Resultados: Noventa e quatro pacientes foram avaliados (66% mulheres), com média de idade de 77,8±6,8 anos e com mediana de escolaridade de 3 anos (IC 95%: 2,7-3,8). Quanto à gravidade da doença, 51,8% foram classificados como demência leve (CDR 1), 40% como demência moderada (CDR 2) e 8,2% como demência grave (CDR 3). A escolaridade do cuidador foi de 8,3±3,9 anos. Entre aqueles que acreditavam que havia um atraso no diagnóstico, 36% responderam que "a família achava as alterações como normais para a idade do paciente", com média de 1,8 anos (IC 95%: 1,3-2,5) e 45,3% responderam que "o médico não fez o diagnóstico", com mediana de 1,5 anos (IC 95%: 1,4-2,3). Foi observado que o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico foi maior do que deveria ser. Conclusão: Este estudo pode contribuir para aumentar o conhecimento sobre questões ainda pouco discutidas na literatura científica, como atraso no diagnóstico e influência da escolaridade do cuidador no tratamento.

Factors influencing possible delay in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: Findings from a tertiary Public University Hospital.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by impairment in memory and autonomy, causing excessive pressure on family and an overburdened health care system. Early diagnosis, with the appropriate treatment, is important to reduce the pattern of disease progression. OBJECTIVE: The study sought to identify the most probable causes of delay in diagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving AD patients followed at an Outpatient Geriatric Clinic from a tertiary public university hospital was conducted between June 2009 and February 2011. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were evaluated (66% women), aged 77.76±6.8 years and with median educational level of 3 years (95% CI 2.7-3.80). Regarding severity of dementia, 51.8% of patients were classified as having mild dementia (CDR 1), 40% moderate dementia (CDR 2) and 8.2% severe dementia (CDR 3). Mean educational level of caregivers was 8.3±3.9 years. Among those who believed there was a delay, 36% stated that the "family thought that the changes were normal for the age of the patient" reporting average delay of 1.8 years (95% CI: 1.3-2.5) while 45.3% stated that the "doctor did not reach a diagnosis" reporting a median delay of 1.5 years (95% CI: 1.4-2.3). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it can be concluded the time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was excessive. This study may be useful to help increase awareness of issues not sufficiently discussed in the literature, such as diagnostic delay and influence of caregivers' educational level on treatment.

A doença de Alzheimer é caracterizada por comprometimento na memória e na autonomia, causando pressão excessiva em familiares e sobrecarregando o sistema público de saúde. O diagnóstico precoce, com o tratamento adequado, é importante para reduzir o padrão de evolução da doença. OBJETIVO: O estudo pretende identificar as causas mais prováveis de atraso no diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com DA acompanhados em Ambulatório de Geriatria de um hospital terciário público entre junho de 2009 e fevereiro de 2011. RESULTADOS: Noventa e quatro pacientes foram avaliados (66% mulheres), com média de idade de 77,8±6,8 anos e com mediana de escolaridade de 3 anos (IC 95%: 2,7-3,8). Quanto à gravidade da doença, 51,8% foram classificados como demência leve (CDR 1), 40% como demência moderada (CDR 2) e 8,2% como demência grave (CDR 3). A escolaridade do cuidador foi de 8,3±3,9 anos. Entre aqueles que acreditavam que havia um atraso no diagnóstico, 36% responderam que "a família achava as alterações como normais para a idade do paciente", com média de 1,8 anos (IC 95%: 1,3-2,5) e 45,3% responderam que "o médico não fez o diagnóstico", com mediana de 1,5 anos (IC 95%: 1,4-2,3). Foi observado que o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico foi maior do que deveria ser. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo pode contribuir para aumentar o conhecimento sobre questões ainda pouco discutidas na literatura científica, como atraso no diagnóstico e influência da escolaridade do cuidador no tratamento.

Discurso e sentido: questões em torno da mídia, do ensino e da história / Speech and sense: issues around the media, education and history

A coletânea assume a heterogeneidade - esse gesto de intervir na leitura do mundo - através de duas entradas - Discurso, Ensino e Leitura e Sentido, Mídia e História. Apresenta, dessa forma, contribuições na área dos estudos do discurso que problematizam novas formas de ler e de ensinar e, como conseqüência, de conceber as relações de saberes e de poderes da sociedade atual.