Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 56

AABC - volume 94 3 Suppl. 3 2022

I am very pleased to introduce the issue 94 supplement 3 of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC)! A total of 60 papers were were published here, covering the following scientific fields: Health Sciences (HeSci - 13), Ecosystems (Ecosy - 11), Animal Science (AnSci - 8), Engineering Sciences (EnSci - 7), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CeMoBio - 4), Microbiology (Mcbio - 4), Geosciences (Geosci - 4), Biomedical Sciences (BmSci - 3), Crop Science (CrSci - 2), Mathematical Sciences (MaSci -2), Forestry Science (FoSci - 1), and Paleontology (Paleo - 1). There are also three letters.

Highlights are always difficult to chose. Most papers presented in this issue are about Health Sciences, such as consequences of alcohol consumption, a systematic review on endometriosis that is linked to infertility, and the development of a protocol regarding the detection of several viruses. There are also studies focusing on COVID-19, including the effect on the kidney and an analysis of global scientific production before this pandemic.

Other papers deal with estimation of different biological communities in the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado (Ecosy), on the adaptations of the kidney in soccer players (BmSci), the degradation on the rocks of the Mosteiro de São Bento (Geosci), and the scientific production of isotopic studies concerning the megafauna (Paleo).

Lastly, I would like to call your attention to a contribution that deals with the predictions of COVID-19 cases using different mathematical approaches (MaSci).

As always, please keep in mind that since 2000 all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site. Previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website. Let your colleagues know about this!

We are now inviting you to scroll through the text and click on the title of the article that interests you!

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

1- Predicting COVID-19 cases in various scenarios using RNN-LSTM models aided by adaptive linear regression to identify data anomalies

LUIS RICARDO ARANTES FILHO, MARCOS L. RODRIGUES, REINALDO R. ROSA & LAMARTINE N.F. GUIMARÃES

The evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that the problems of social inequality, poverty, public and private health systems guided by controversial public policies are much more complex than was conceived before the pandemic. In this article, we analyze daily COVID-19 infection data to predict and identify anomalies ensuring a more secure analysis. Our results show that the approach is even more suitable for states or cities where the rate of testing and diagnosis were low during the virus dissemination. In this sense, we focused on investigating a regional scenario, such as the favelas in Rio de Janeiro. 

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2- Bartlett and Bartlett-type corrections in heteroscedastic symmetric nonlinear regression models

MARIANA C. ARAÚJO, AUDREY H.M.A. CYSNEIROS & LOURDES C. MONTENEGRO

This paper provides general expressions for Bartlett and Bartlett-type correction factors for the likelihood ratio and gradient statistics to test the dispersion parameter vector in heteroscedastic symmetric nonlinear models. This class of regression models is potentially useful to model  data containing outlying observations. We develop Monte Carlo simulations to compare size and power of the proposed corrected tests to the original likelihood ratio, score, gradient tests, corrected score test, and bootstrap tests. We also present an empirical application. 

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

3- Synthesizing the connections between environmental disturbances and zoonotic spillover

JOEL HENRIQUE ELLWANGER, PHILIP MARTIN FEARNSIDE, MARINA ZILIOTTO, JACQUELINE MARÍA VALVERDE-VILLEGAS, ANA BEATRIZ G. DA VEIGA, GUSTAVO F. VIEIRA, EVELISE BACH, JÁDER C. CARDOSO, NÍCOLAS FELIPE D. MÜLLER, GABRIEL LOPES, LÍLIAN CAESAR, BRUNA KULMANN-LEAL, VALÉRIA L. KAMINSKI, ETIELE S. SILVEIRA, FERNANDO R. SPILKI, MATHEUS N. WEBER, SABRINA E. DE MATOS ALMEIDA, VANUSA P. DA HORA & JOSÉ ARTUR B. CHIES

Zoonotic spillover is a phenomenon characterized by the transfer of pathogens between different animal species (for example, from wild species to human). Environment disturbances (deforestation, climate change, among others) can increase the risk of spillover events and facilitate new infectious disease outbreaks. In this context, this review synthesizes the connections between environmental disturbances and increased risk of spillover events based on the One Health perspective. Also, using Brazil as a study model, this review brings a discussion concerning human-related activities in the Amazon region and their potential impacts on spillover risk and spread of emerging infectious diseases.

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4- Lycopene induces bone marrow lymphopoiesis and differentiation of peritoneal IgA-producing cells

MONIQUE B. ELIAS, ANDERSON J. TEODORO, FELIPE S. LEMOS, EMERSON S. BERNARDES, SOFIA N. SANTOS, SIDNEY PACHECO & FELIPE L. DE OLIVEIRA

Lycopene is commonly found in red fruits showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. In our work, we investigated whether lycopene consumption affects B lymphocyte differentiation and antibody production in distinct lymphoid tissues. Lycopene supplementation induced the expansion of B cell subtypes in the bone marrow and their terminal differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells in the spleen. Moreover, lycopene enhanced the serum levels of IgA probably associated with IgM-to-IgA class switching by peritoneal B cells. In conclusion, lycopene favored B cell differentiation into IgA-producing plasma cells. The perspectives include identifying mechanisms that regulate B lymphocyte physiology, humoral responses and mucosal immunity.

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5- Kidney functions adaptations of professional soccer players in response to an entire game season

RODRIGO A.S. PERES, IRNAK MARCELO BARBOSA, IGOR R. AROUCA, KAREN V. PAIVA, TAINÁ B. COUTINHO, VICTOR C. TADEU, ANDERSON P. MORALES, BEATRIZ G. RIBEIRO, NATÁLIA MARTINS FEITOSA, CINTIA M. DE BARROS, RODRIGO N. DA FONSECA & JACKSON DE SOUZA-MENEZES

This study investigated the renal function of soccer players after an entire season. Eighteen athletes of the Macae Futebol Clube completed the entire game season and they were submitted for blood and 24-hour urine collection at the beginning and the end of the game season. Kidney functions were assessed by calculating the urinary excretion, clearance, and fractional excretion of the selected solutes. Our results showed that soccer-associated exercise throughout the entire game-season induces kidney functions adaptations that may prevent dehydration in these athletes through increased urea reabsorption to conserve water. 

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HEALTH SCIENCES

6- Kinkan orange protects hypercholesterolemic rats against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress

DAYSE LÚCIA SILVA, NICOLLE CAMILLA R. DA SILVA, EDENIL C. AGUILAR, MARCELO EUSTÁQUIO SILVA & DIRCE R. DE OLIVEIRA

We investigated the effect of kinkan orange on adiposity, metabolic parameters, and oxidative stress in female rats. Hypercholesterolemic diet increased body weight, adiposity, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides, hepatic total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides, and hepatic oxidative stress. Supplementation with 5% kinkan orange increased HDL-cholesterol in Control and Hypercholesterolemic groups, reduced serum ALT and serum and hepatic lipid content and improved the antioxidant status in liver tissue of hypercholesterolemic animals. Our data suggest that diet supplementation with kinkan orange may consist of a valid strategy to prevent or reduce dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats.

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7- Microencapsulation of DEET in Solid Lipid Microparticles: production, characterization and safety evaluation

PAULA A. SANTOS, MÁRCIO R.M. DA SILVA, MELANIE TAVARES & EDUARDO RICCI-JUNIOR

DEET is considered the gold standard for insect repellent products. However, it behaves as a strong skin permeant. DEET was encapsulated in Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLM) to reduce cutaneous permeation. The toxicity test in cell culture of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages showed that the formulation did not present cytotoxicity. The SLM were able to decrease the skin permeation of DEET in relation to the free active in ethanol with gain in the safe. SLM were able to increase the DEET cutaneous retention, which can contribute to extend the time of repellent action.

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8- Toxicological assessment of SGLT2 inhibitors metabolites using in silico approach

JÉSSICA B. DE JESUS, RAISSA A. DA CONCEIÇÃO, THAYNÁ R. MACHADO, MARIA L.C. BARBOSA, THAISA F.S. DOMINGOS, LUCIO M. CABRAL, CARLOS R. RODRIGUES, BÁRBARA ABRAHIM-VIEIRA & ALESSANDRA M.T. DE SOUZA

The latest therapeutic class for diabetes type 2 is sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), including concerning adverse effects. It is well-established that adverse effects often occur due to a metabolite rather than the drug itself. Bearing this in mind, our research focus on applying computational (in silico) methods to provide SGLT2i toxicity assessment using their metabolites. Results showed that some of these metabolites and/or drugs present relevant toxicity, including liver and reproductive issues. So, this article support the awareness that metabolites may be potential mediators of drug-induced toxicities of the therapeutic agents.

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9- Strength training with and without arteriovenous blood flow restriction improves performance, regardless of changes in muscle hypertrophy, in Wistar rats

NÁDIA F. GARCIA, CAMILA DE MORAES, MACÁRIO A. REBELO, SAVANAH MARIA G.R. PETERS, FÁBIO M.P. DE CASTRO & ENRICO F. PUGGINA

Strength training (ST) with blood flow restriction (BFR) is known to promote increases in hypertrophy and strength, sometimes similar to traditional ST. The effects of the BFR on muscle adaptations is not well established. This study aimed to assess whether ST+ BFR could improve performance in rats. Animals were divided in four groups: sedentary sham (S/S), sedentary+BFR (S/BFR), trained sham (T/S), and trained+BFR (T/BFR). They performed ST fo four weeks. T/BFR promoted strength but not hypertrophy. Furthermore, we found no significant cardiac and metabolic changes. Thus, T/BFR is able to improve muscle performance, without cardiovascular and metabolic damage.

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10- Association between ACE and ACTN3 genetic polymorphisms and the effects of different physical training models on physically active women aged 50 to 75

KARINE P. RODRIGUES, LAIS S. PRADO, MARIANA LUCIANO DE ALMEIDA, ATILA ALEXANDRE TRAPE & CARLOS ROBERTO BUENO JUNIOR

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between ACE DD + ID versus II and ACTN3 TT + TC versus CC polymorphisms in the response of multicomponent (MT) and combined (CT) physical training programs on health parameters of physically active women from 50 to 75 years. Associations were observed between polymorphisms with improvement in group II - (ACE-MT) and TT + TC group (ACTN3 - MT). Fourteen weeks of MT and CT in physically active women aged 50 to 75 years resulted in greater health benefits for ACE II and TT + TC ACTN3 genotypes.

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11- Even without changing the bone mineral density, alcohol consumption decreases the percentage of collagen, the thickness of bone trabeculae, and increases bone fragility

ODIVAL SEABRA, VANDAIR G. PEREIRA, ANA PAULA ESPINDULA, FABRIZIO A.G. CARDOSO, JOSÉ B. VOLPON, SANÍVIA A.L. PEREIRA & RODRIGO C. ROSA

The study evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol consumption on quality of bone tissue in rat femurs, analyzing the interference in collagen synthesis and in the thickness of bone trabeculae. There was no significant change in bone mineral density (BMD), but there was a 20% reduction in trabecular thickness and 1.56% in collagen. Even without involvement of the mineral matrix, there was an alteration in the organic matrix, with a significant reduction in bone strength: 25.6% in stiffness and 17.4% in maximum strength. The results point to a reduction in bone quality and need to consider collagen in diagnostic methods.

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12- An in vitro Approach to Protective Effect of Lactoferrin on Acrylamide-induced Oxidative Damage

MAHMUT BODUR, GÜLİZAR AYDOĞDU, AYŞE ÖZFER ÖZÇELİK & ERKAN YILMAZ

Lactoferrin, which is mostly found in breast milk, is a protein with beneficial effects on health. Acrylamide, on the other hand, is a compound formed by processing at high temperatures in foods and has harmful effects on health. Recent studies focus on the protective effects of compounds with known antioxidant effects in preventing the harmful effects of acrylamide. As a result, lactoferrin can prevent oxidative damage caused by acrylamide in a dose-dependent manner due to its antioxidant properties in vitro. It is recommended to carry out more comprehensive studies on this subject.

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13- Investigation of biomarkers in Endometriosis-associated infertility: Systematic Review

ERIKA M. EGASHIRA, ALESSANDRA B. TRÓVO-MARQUI, SARAH C.S.V. TANAKA & MARIANGELA T.R. CINTRA

Endometriosis is an important cause of female infertility and affects women of childbearing age. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is  a type of alteration in DNA sequence e can be associated with endometriosis related to infertility. So, this study aims to identify, in the literature, which polymorphisms are related to infertility in women with endometriosis. Thirty-three articles were included and the genes were classified into three categories: related to metabolic/cellular processes, steroidogenesis and sex hormone receptors, inflammation and immune response. This systematic review can help to development of the non-invasive diagnostic tests to identify women with a high predisposition to endometriosis.

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14- COVID-19 and Acute Kidney Injury ― Direct and Indirect Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Lesion Development

ANTÔNIO V. B. DA SILVA, JOÃO DE A.G. CAMPANATI, ISADORA DE S. BARCELOS, ALBERTO C.L. SANTOS, UILDSON P. DE DEUS, TELMA DE J. SOARES & LILIANY S. DE B. AMARAL

COVID-19 is a viral pandemic disease that mainly affects the respiratory system and, more rarely, the kidneys, causing Acute Kidney Injury. Multiple studies associate this injury with both direct and indirect pathways. The first is due to virus proliferation in renal cells, changing several regulatory pathways, and the second consists of systemic immune deregulation leading to an exaggerated response of inflammatory cells and severe damage to the renal parenchyma. Thereby, understanding the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology of kidney injuries induced by SARS-COV-2 is essential for obtaining new therapeutic insights for the prevention and management of AKI.

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15- Global scientific production in the pre-Covid-19 Era: An analysis of 53 countries for 22 years

EDUARDO A. OLIVEIRA, MARIA CHRISTINA L. OLIVEIRA, ENRICO A. COLOSIMO, DANIELLA B. MARTELLI, LUDMILA R. SILVA, ANA CRISTINA SIMÕES E SILVA & HERCÍLIO MARTELLI-JÚNIOR

This study analyzes the global scientific production in the last 20 years, including the scientific production of the 53 most productive countries. We report the dynamics of the profound changes that world scientific production has been going through over this period. The distribution of scientific production has been changing across regions with the emergence of new players and a decline of traditional countries. Our findings suggest that the scientific enterprise heavily depends on nations' economic strength. We believe our findings can contribute to further studies to measure the magnitude of impact in the scientific effort following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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16- Development of a validation protocol method for nucleic acid testing to detect human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus

MARCELE C.C. DA SILVA, LETÍCIA C.L. DE ABREU, FLAVIA A. DO CARMO, CARLOS R. RODRIGUES, VALERIA P. DE SOUSA & LUCIO M. CABRAL

This work established a protocol of performance validation by real-time PCR method with the Biomanguinhos/FIOCRUZ Nucleic Acid-amplification-Test Kit, in order to update the product registration or to meet any future needs to ensure all regulatory requirements for the performance validation of the real-time PCR diagnostic kit. The protocol developed followed the ICH recommendations. The results revealed that the adopted methodology contemplates the necessary requirements for compliance with the Brazilian legislation, as well as the established validation parameters. The use of this kit can increase transfusion safety by the selection of blood donors.

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17- Protein-coding gene interaction network prediction of bioactive plant compound action against SARS-CoV-2: a novel hypothesis using bioinformatics analysis

ELIANE M. SOBRINHO SANTOS, HÉRCULES O. SANTOS, ERNANE R. MARTINS, FRANCINE S. ALVES DA FONSECA, LUCYANA C. FARIAS, CHARLES M. AGUILAR, ULISSES A. PEREIRA, NILSON NICOLAU JUNIOR, MATHEUS S. GOMES, CINTYA N. DE SOUZA, JOAO MATHEUS A. RAVNJAK, RAPHAEL R. PORTO & ANNA CHRISTINA DE ALMEIDA

This study aimed to verify the action of compounds from Brazilian plants on the leader genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pathway. The analysis revealed that SMAD3 and CASP3 genes are leader genes and compounds, such as ascorbate, benzoquinone and ellagic acid was identified as a promising adjuvant for the treatment inhibiting CASP3-mediated apoptosis. The best-ranked molecule docked in the CASP3 binding site was rutin, while the SMAD3 binding site was resveratrol. This work identified several bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants showing potential antiviral functions that can directly or indirectly inhibit the new coronavirus. 

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18- Schools reopening and the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study from Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ALLAN PIERRE B. POZZOBON, ANA CRISTINA PETRY, CARLA ZILBERBERG, CINTIA M. DE BARROS, JOSÉ L. NEPOMUCENO-SILVA, NATÁLIA M. FEITOSA, LUPIS R. GOMES NETO, BRUNO C. RODRIGUES, RODRIGO M. BRINDEIRO, KEITY JAQUELINE C.V. NOCCHI, FLAVIA B. MURY, JACKSON DE SOUZA-MENEZES, MANUELA L. DA SILVA, MARCIO JOSÉ DE MEDEIROS, RAQUEL S. GESTINARI, ALESSANDRA S. DE ALVARENGA, CARINA A.O. SILVA, DANIELE G. DOS SANTOS, DIEGO HENRIQUE SILVESTRE, GRAZIELE F. DE SOUSA, JANIMAYRI F. DE ALMEIDA, JHENIFER N. DA SILVA, LAYZA M. BRANDÃO, LEANDRO O. DRUMMOND, RAPHAEL M. CARPES, RENATA C. DOS SANTOS, TAYNAN M. PORTAL, AMILCAR TANURI & RODRIGO NUNES-DA-FONSECA

Since the first reported case of COVID-19 the educational system struggles with the conduction of educational activities safely. Here, important issues to be considered before and during school activities are reviewed and discussed. COVID-19 testing is essential to avoid disease spreading, but high cost of individual RT-qPCRs impairs an extensive testing strategy for school safety. To reduce costs and increase the speed of COVID-19 diagnosis, we tested the efficiency of a pooled‐sample PCR strategy and discuss how our test strategy could be coupled with internationally recognized safety rules to allow school activities. 

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

19- Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of extract of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent leaves in mice

WEULLER FILHO DE MORAES, DAIANY PRISCILLA B. DA SILVA, IZIARA F. FLORENTINO, DIONYS S. ALMEIDA, LORRANE KELLE S. MOREIRA, MARCUS VINÍCIUS M. NASCIMENTO, PABLINNY M.G. DE CARVALHO, RENÊ O. DO COUTO, JOSÉ R. DE PAULA & ELSON A. COSTA

We have investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of several herbal derivatives of Celtis iguanaea following oral administration in mice, i.e., crude ethanolic extract of the leaves (CEE) and its increasing polarity fractions namely hexane, dichloromethane (DF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous. Both the CEE and DF reduced pain in different experimental models, which is likely related to the action in vanilloid receptors. Furthermore, either CEE or its average polarity fractions (DF and EAF) showcased remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, thus supporting its popular use in Brazilian folk medicine. Therefore, the Celtis iguanaea may be useful for treating painful and inflammatory ailments. 

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20- Correlation of cGAS, STING, INF-α and INF-β gene expression with Zika virus kinetics in primary culture of microglia and neurons from BALB/c mice

MAYQUE PAULO M. DE SOUZA, BÁRBARA CAROLINE G. FREITAS, GUSTAVO M. HOLANDA, JOSÉ ANTÔNIO P. DINIZ JUNIOR & ANA CECÍLIA R. CRUZ

The importance of the article is given by the fact that arboviruses, such as Zika Virus, are viruses that affect millions of people annually around the world, especially in tropical regions. Therefore, studies whose purpose is to expand knowledge about diseases, epidemiology and interaction of these types of viruses with their hosts are, in general, extremely important for the entire community. Once the entire community has access to important information about the disease, it turns easier to prevent and take care of people who get the disease.

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21- Comparison of senescence phenotype of short- and long- term cultured rat
mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

VANESSA P.A. LEMOS, MICHELE PORTO, RAFAEL DA S. CEZAR, BRUNO P. DOS SANTOS, MELISSA R. DE SOUZA, JULIANA DA SILVA, NANCE B. NARDI & MELISSA CAMASSOLA

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells. They can be found in different tissues in vivo, such as bone marrow and fat. They also present clínical potential to recover and regenerate injured tissues in diverse pathologies. Mesenchymal stem cells maintained in culture present characteristics of senescence that should be monitored prior to use in regenerative medicine. The in vitro expansion and characterization of these cells contribute to elucidation of the mechanisms of senescence and strategies involving cell therapies.

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22- Further evidence for the hybrid status of the Brazilian native fern Hypolepis ×paulistana (Dennstaedtiaceae)

AGUSTINA YAÑEZ, PEDRO B. SCHWARTSBURD & GONZALO J. MARQUEZ

The hybrid status of the fern species Hypolepis ×paulistana was tested and its maternal progenitor was identified by using palynological and molecular evidence. The sporangia of H. ×paulistana contain both well-formed spores similar to that of Hypolepis stolonifera, as well as spores with morphological and developmental anomalies, frequently found in hybrid species. The chloroplast sequences of H. ×paulistana are identical to those of H. stolonifera, as well as their sister position within the global phylogeny of the genus. Thus, the evidence suggests that H. ×paulistana is likely a diploid, infertile hybrid, whose maternal parent is H. stolonifera.

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MICROBIOLOGY

23- Production of Endoglucanase by Exiguobacterium mexicanum OB24 Using Waste Melon Peels as Substrate

MUSTAFA O. BALTACI, MEHMET A. OMEROGLU, SEYDA ALBAYRAK, GULSAH ADIGUZEL & AHMET ADIGUZEL

Valorization of fruit by-products is considered as an important activity to minimize the harmful effect of food waste on the ecosystem, to recover value-added compounds and to create new income sources. Melon is one of the most consumed fruits in the world pulp, seed and juice of the melon are used for human consumption, but the peel, which constitutes 30% of the whole fruit, is disposed of as waste without any useful recycling. In this study, endoglucanase was produced using waste melon peels by Exiguobacterium mexicanum OB24 isolated from rumen for the first time. Then, by optimizing culture conditions, enzyme activity increased approximately 3.8-fold.

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24- Lactobacillus acidophilus BIOTECH 1900 decreases the transepithelial mucosalto-serosal transport of colchicine in an ex vivo non-everted gut sac model

GERWIN LOUIS T. DELA TORRE & ALICE ALMA C. BUNGAY

Probiotics have been used as adjunct therapy to minimize gastrointestinal problems associated with drugs such as colchicine. However, concomitant use of probiotics and drugs may cause interactions that can alter the drug’s bioavailability. Studies identifying interactions are important to ensure therapeutic success and prevent adverse drug reactions. In our study, Lactobacillus acidophilus BIOTECH 1900 was found to decrease the transepithelial mucosal-to-serosal transport of colchicine in the jejunum of mouse in an ex vivo model. The finding suggests a possible drug-microbe interaction involving the modulation of P-glycoprotein.  

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25- In silico evaluation of genomic characteristics of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. Infantarius for application in fermentations

LEANDRO P. DE BRITO, DAYANE S. SANTOS, NARA SUZY A. DE FREITAS, ROSÁLIA S. DE MEDEIROS, PAULO ROBERTO E. DE SOUZA, MARIA TACIANA C.V. SOARES & ANA LÚCIA F. PORTO

S. infantarius subsp. infantarius is a member of the pathogenic bacteria complex, but has recently been found in African fermented products, due to phenotypic and genotypic adaptations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the in silico genomic characteristics of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius. S. infantarius subsp. infantarius CJ18 was the only complete genome reported by BLAST/NCBI with high similarity and after in silico analysis, CJ18 showed a low number of transposases and integrases, phage infections and absence of antibiotic resistance genes, indicating the potential of these strains for the industry of dairy.

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26- Cordyceps cateniannulata and Cordyceps javanica: first report of pathogenicity to Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae)

MAURÍCIO M. DOMINGUES, PAULA L. SANTOS, BIANCA C.C. GÊA, VANESSA R. CARVALHO, FABRICIO N. OLIVEIRA, EVERTON P. SOLIMAN, FABRICIO F. PEREIRA, JOSÉ C. ZANUNCIO & CARLOS FREDERICO WILCKEN

Entomopathogenic fungi can reduce arthropod-pest infestations when used as a biopesticide. This article, is a valuable addition to the scientific literature. This research is the initial step towards new formulations and products for the management of this forest pest, indicating the potential for using isolates of entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Cordyceps as a new tactic for the integrated management of G. brimblecombei.

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ECOSYSTEMS

27- How do distribution mapping methods perform in estimating beta diversity at macroecological scales? A case study with Neotropical anurans

BRUNO S. SOUZA, BRUNA B. DELLA COLETTA & TIAGO S. VASCONCELOS

The estimation of how different biological communities are regarding their species composition (beta diversity) may vary depending on the species distribution method used. Here, we compared beta diversity estimates generated by three mapping methods of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado anurans. We found that beta diversity estimates generated by point occurrence records into a grid system generated the most divergent results, probably due to the more resolved spatial scale in which species’ presence are considered. On the other hand, methods considering broader spatial scales based on the species extent of occurrences and modelling approaches generated more congruent results.

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28- Differences in Wildlife Roadkill Related to Landscape Fragmentation in Central Brazil

LEONARDO P. FRAGA, SAMARA MACIEL, BÁRBARA Q.C. ZIMBRES, PAULLA J. CARVALHO, REUBER A. BRANDÃO & CLARISSE R. ROCHA

We studied the effects of the land-use patterns on roadsides on roadkill events, by comparing wildlife roadkill along two road tracks that cross landscapes with different land-use patterns and level of protection in central Brazil. We expected roadkill events to be more frequent bordering the protected area, because of a higher abundance of animals in these areas. However, roadkill occurred more frequently in the unprotected landscape, especially for birds. Additionally, mammal roadkill was higher in areas crossing over pastures. Based on the results, we suggest the need for management of this source of mortality even far from protected areas.

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29- The effect of arsenic on the structure and composition of stream hyphomycetes assemblages

EMANUEL C. BERTOL, CRISTIANE BIASI, RAFAEL C. LOUREIRO, ALBANIN A. MIELNICZKI-PEREIRA, ROZANE M. RESTELLO & LUIZ U. HEPP

Aquatic fungi, known as Hyphomycetes, are important in the degradation of organic matter in aquatic environments, facilitating the action of other detritivorous. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of different chemical forms of arsenic on structure and composition of aquatic fungi. We observed that arsenic reduces the species richness and alters the species composition of hyphomicetes assemblages. Thus, the effects of arsenic on the fungal community affect the cycling of nutrients and, consequently, the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.

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30-  Effects of Iron on oxidative stress of Cecropia hololeuca and Carica papaya plants

JOSINEI RODRIGUES FILHO, VIVIANA B. CORTE, IDALINA T.A.L. PERIN, JADERSON F.N. DE FREITAS, RODOLPHO H. WAICHERT & CAMILA R. DOS SANTOS

This article adressess the interaction of Iron on the physiology of Embaúba and Papaya plants. Iron is essential to plants, but in excess it can increase oxidation and impair development. Among the results, it is highlighted the fact that Iron does not cause oxidative elevation in germination, but affects the initial phase of development. We believe that this article can contribute to future studies on the establishment of plant species in environments contaminated by high concentrations of Iron and its interaction with plant physiology.

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31- Seasonal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of lizard communities in southern Brazilian Pantanal

KAROLINE R. DA SILVA, LIARA G. GOMES, VANDA L. FERREIRA, CHRISTINE STRÜSSMANN & LEONARDO F.B. MOREIRA

Traditional approaches to measure biodiversity usually go for species numbers. However, when you look to specific traits, such as body size or resource acquisition, you may have important insights about ecosystems processes. Focusing on lizard communities from southern Pantanal ecoregion, we investigated the effects of seasonal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity. While lizard abundance declined at flood ebb period, we found no relationship between species richness and functional trait diversity. Pantanal communities seem to be resilient to seasonal variations, but our findings highlighted that transition from rainy to dry season may represent an important constraint on lizard abundance.

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32- Effect of frugivory on the germination of cumbaru (Dipteryx alata) seeds ingested by tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in the area of Cerrado, Brazil

ADEMIR KLEBER M. DE OLIVEIRA, ROSEMARY MATIAS, RICHARD MATHEUS FERNANDES & JOSÉ CARLOS PINA

Seed dispersal by animals is a common and fundamental ecological activity in forests, allowing seeds to find suitable places for their germination. In addition, animals ingesting fruits and their passage through their digestive system enables the beginning of the germination process in different plant species such as cumbaru or baru, guaranteeing perpetuation of the species. Mammals such as the tapir can be highlighted among dispersing animals which help in maintaining forests by transporting seeds to distant places and are fundamental for the dispersion and induction of seed germination and maintenance of cumbaru.

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33- Scomberomorus brasiliensis (Scombridae) fishery on southern and southeastern coast of Brazil

MAYRA JANKOWSKY & JOCEMAR T. MENDONÇA

We presented a fishery overview and abundance index to serra Spanish mackerel on southeastern and southern Brazilian regions, where there was a gap in knowledge. We used fishing monitoring data from São Paulo and Paraná. This fishery, mostly artisanal, has socioeconomic importance and this harvest period is during the cooler months. The ANOVA test did not show significant variations in CPUE, indicating stability. However, fishery is mainly carried with drift gillnets and encircling gillnets, which since 2007, has its legalized use made unfeasible by legislation. We hope with these results to contribute to fisheries management and resource maintenance.

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34- Update of Dicrocoeliidae (Digenea) parasitizing rodents from the Americas with a description of a new Platynosomoides species from Argentina

NATALIA B. GUERREIRO MARTINS, GUILLERMO PANISSE, MARÍA DEL ROSARIO ROBLES, JULIA I. DIAZ & GRACIELA T. NAVONE

A new Platynosomoides species is described parasitizing the cricetid rodent Akodon montensis of the Atlantic Forest in Argentina. Also, an updated compilation is provided of Dicrocoeliidae from rodents in the Americas, showing a total of 15 Dicrocoeliidae species parasitizing 18 rodent species from eight countries. The records show a growth in knowledge of the diversity of digeneans from rodents in recent years. This is encouraging, since it may indicate that this increase is related to greater interest of taxonomists in these less-explored groups of helminths.

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35- Species composition and abundance of free-living turbellarians in three different wetlands in Southern Brazil

JHOE REYES, DANIELA BINOW, ROGÉRIO T. VIANNA, FRANCISCO BRUSA, KARINE D. COLPO & SAMANTHA E. MARTINS

Free-living turbellarians mostly live in marine and freshwater environments, but they have been little considered in ecological studies. We analyzed the structure of turbellarian communities in floating vegetation in three differently sized limnic environments. We aimed to determine differences in abundance, density, and richness of turbellarians among these habitats in relation to environmental factors. Small shallow lakes are a potentially rich environment, while water channels are the richest environment. Larger shallow lakes are not very diverse for turbellarians. Similarities regarding turbellarian communities among close limnic systems could be explained by the connectivity of bodies of water that presents similar aquatic macrophytes and hydrological subsystems. 

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36- Spatial structure of the Caatinga woody flora: abundance patterns have environmental, Pleistocene, and indigenous drivers

AUGUSTO C. SILVA & ALEXANDRE F. SOUZA

We revisit the issue of bioregionalization of the woody flora of the Caatinga, the largest block of the dry forest and woodland biome in Latin America. We also evaluated the drivers of the spatial distribution of plant subregions: historical, current environmental and human effects. Using a K-means partition on interpolated NMDS axes, we identified 10 abundance subregions. The present results confirm the Caatinga woody flora broad composition patterns uncovered using presence-absence data in previous studies. We found larger subregions than those identified with presence and absence data, suggesting the existence of oligarchies of dominant species in distinct parts of the Caatinga biome. 

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37- Palynological analysis of the genus Ctenitis (C. Chr.) C. Chr. (Dryopteridaceae) in the Southern Cone of America

DANIEL A. GORRER, JUAN P. RAMOS GIACOSA & GABRIELA ELENA GIUDICE

The spore morphology and wall ultrastructure of 12 species of Ctenitis from Southern Cone of America were studied using light microscope, scanning and transmission electron microscope. The study was carried out with herbarium material from Argentine and Brazilian institutions. Equatorial and polars diameters and laesura length were measured. The spores are monolete with echinate or folded ornamentation. Stratification and ultrastructure in the species analyzed are very similar. The exospore and perispore are composed of two layers. The characteristics of the studied spores provide relevant information to differentiate some species or groups of species within the genus. 

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GEOSCIENCES

38- Study of salt-induced changes in the Leptinito Gneiss of a column from the Mosteiro de São Bento in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

CARLA C. FELIX, KÁTIA L. MANSUR & ROBERTO CARLOS C. RIBEIRO

The main aim of the study is to identify the causes of the high degree of degradation of a Leptinito Gneiss that makes up one of the support columns of the kitchen of the Mosteiro de São Bento in Rio de Janeiro. Non-destructive tests were performed and may help restore and conserve this column in the future. Results obtained from the tests performed on the altered column were compared to those obtained from another column, which is more intact. The results showed that degradation is caused by the crystallization of halite inside the rock, which is reducing its mechanical strength.  

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39- Geochemistry of a spheroidal weathering profile in a tropical mountainous landscape, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

CARLA S. SILVEIRA, JULIANA G. RODRIGUES, DENISE R. ARARIPE, ALFREDO V.B. BERNEDO & JOSÉ L. MANTOVANO

The boulders that come to the valleys during heavy rainfall events are often associated to spheroidal weathering processes of the rocks from the slopes. So, two tropical granite weathering profiles were studied. The results showed that the weathering process starts with porosity growth due to feldspar dissolution. Although spheroidal weathering is mainly a lixiviation process in specific locations from profile some elements can be hosted by clay minerals and amorphous Fe oxyhydroxide. So, the evolution of spheroidal weathering results in a vertical patchy weathering profile.

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40- Performance assessment of spatio-temporal regression kriging with GAMLSS models as trends

ELIAS S. DE MEDEIROS, RENATO R. DE LIMA, RICARDO A. DE OLINDA, LEYDSON G. DANTAS & CARLOS A.C. DOS SANTOS

The São Francisco River Basin (SFRB) occupies 8% of the whole Brazilian territory, mostly located in the Northeast Brazilian region. The results indicate the existence of a spatio-temporal pattern of the residues obtained from the adjustment of the trend with zero adjusted Gamma distribution for the accumulated monthly precipitation. The adjustment revealed a spatial dependence of up to 873 km between the pluviometric stations and temporal autocorrelation of approximately 1.6 months. The projection of these maps to the SFRB is considered extremely important for planning and implementing activities related to water resources across the river basin.

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41- Landslides associated with recent road constructions in the Río Lucma catchment, eastern Cordillera Blanca, Peru

ADAM EMMER, DANIEL HÖLBLING, LORENA ABAD, PETR ŠTĚPÁNEK, PAVEL ZAHRADNÍČEK & ILONA EMMEROVÁ

In this study, we investigate landslides associated with road constructions in the Río Lucma catchment, Peru. By integrating field mapping, visual interpretation and semi-automated analysis of satellite images and analysis of rainfall data, we found that the total area of > 300,000 m² has been affected by landslides along the 47.1 km of roads constructed between 2015 and 2018. Further, we analyze characteristics and timing of the landslide occurrence. It is shown that the majority of landslides occurred either shortly after the road construction or during the subsequent wet season, revealing possible road construction-associated landslide preconditioning.

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PALEONTOLOGY

42- Bibliometric analysis of isotopic studies on Quaternary megafauna available in the Scopus database

LUCAS DE M. FRANÇA, MÁRIO ANDRÉ T. DANTAS & HERMÍNIO ISMAEL DE ARAÚJO-JÚNIOR

This  manuscript  presents the first study of how scientific production has evolved in this research field. This study quantified the growth trend in the number of articles available in Scopus database, and recognized a significant increase in publishing activity in the last decade analyzed.  We provided important information for future publications, such as the most cited articles, the main keywords and journals for publication. Besides, we also identified the main used taxa, themes and thematic areas, and discussed gaps in knowledge that could be further explored.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

43- A new genus and species of Neotropical Hybosorinae Erichson, 1847 (Coleoptera: Hybosoridae)

DANIEL S. BASÍLIO, FERNANDO Z. VAZ-DE-MELLO & LÚCIA M. ALMEIDA

Hybosorinae is a beetle subfamily belonging to the Hybosoridae family, also known as scavenger beetles. This subfamily is composed by 26 genera, among them, seven are exclusively Neotropical. Despite being frequent, the Neotropical hybosorids have been less studied. From recent studies for this group, a new genus and species was observed, and is described in this study. This species is nominated Frolovius mandibulocarinatus, and among its main characters, we highlight its mandibles with lateral projection excavated and elytra with single rows formed by punctures. In addition, this study has a dichotomic key to assist the identification of Hybosorinae Neotropical genera.

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44- Epidemiologic profile and histopathological findings in Neotropical Primates during and after the yellow fever outbreak in Espírito Santo, Brazil

ANDRESA GUIMARÃES, MARIANA C. OLIVEIRA, MARIA CECILIA M. KIERULFF, OLIVIA MENDONÇA-FURTADO, MICHELLE N.M. BAPTISTA, SÉRGIO L. MENDES & GILTON LUIZ ALMADA

We investigated the epidemiological profile and geographic distribution of the epizootics and described the most frequent histopathological findings in non-human primates that died during the yellow fever outbreak in the state of Espírito Santo. This can help to understand how yellow fever affects these animals. Characterization of areas where most cases of epizootics occurred, collection of primate samples and laboratory diagnosis during an outbreak of yellow fever allow early detection of viral circulation, playing a fundamental role as an alert strategy for the risk of transmission to the human population, allowing timely prevention and control procedures.   

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45- Co-occurrence patterns between false coral snake Atractus latifrons (Günther, 1868) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) and venomous coral snakes from the Amazon

PAULA CAROLINA R. DE ALMEIDA, DARLAN T. FEITOSA, LEVI CARINA TERRIBILE, RONIEL FREITAS-OLIVEIRA & ANA LÚCIA C. PRUDENTE

We analyze the geographic distribution of coral snake species of the genus Micrurus and populations of the false coral snake Atractus latifrons in Amazonia, and perform ENM analyzes to generate potential geographic distributions of species of Micrurus and A. latifrons, identify patterns of co-occurrence and assess whether the distribution of A. latifrons coincides with the distribution of Micrurus species, which could suggest the existence of a mimetic relationship between species. Our study suggests that all color patterns of A. latifrons – including tricolor monads, and the more common tricolor dyads and tricolor tetrads – may benefit from the resemblance with other Micrurus species as perfect and imperfect mimics.

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46- CSN1S1 and CSN3 gene variants in female Murrah buffaloes in the Brazilian Amazon

NATALIA B.C. MEDEIROS, SÁVIO L.M. GUERREIRO, RAIRIANA S.R. PEREIRA, ANDRE L. SÁ, MARCOS RODRIGUES, RAFAEL MEZZOMO, RAYLON P. MACIEL, IGOR G. HAMOY & MARÍLIA D.N. RODRIGUES

In this study we investigated the occurrence of variants in the CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes in lactating Murrah buffaloes. These genes are responsible for some milk characteristics, potentially interfering in milk quality. Our results identified variants in the CSN1S1 gene and differences of the amino acids in CSN3 gene. Such variants associated with genetic selection can contribute to increase milk quality in dairy farms.

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47- Analgesic, cardiorespiratory effects and motor block characteristics of epidural levobupivacaine alone or in combination with methadone or dexmedetomidine in bitches undergoing unilateral total mastectomy

SIMONE M. CARAMALAC, VERONICA B. ALBUQUERQUE, ALICE R. OLIVEIRA, SILVANA M. CARAMALAC, PAULO HENRIQUE DE A. JARDIM, CAROLYNNE F. BARBOSA & FABRÍCIO DE O. FRAZÍLIO

The article evaluates an anesthetic association used by the epidural route to perform mastectomy surgery in bitches. This is a very frequent surgery in the veterinary medical routine, indicated for the removal of breast tumors. As it is a very invasive and painful procedure, different anesthesia techniques have been studied to provide greater comfort and safety to patients. In the present study, the association of methadone or dexmedetomidine with levobupivacaine increased the extent and duration of anesthetic block when used epidurally.

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48- Eye morphology of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) and Clymene dolphins (Stenella clymene)

FERNANDA M. RODRIGUES, FABRICIO B. DE SÁ, PABLO H. LANGUIDEY, JOCIERY E. VERGARA-PARENTE & JULIANA P. GUIMARÃES

Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) are distributed in costal regions, and Clymene dolphins (Stenella clymene) are found in oceanic environments. Recent studies showed that vision and hearing in dolphins are mechanisms for perception of the environment and transmission of information among individuals. The objective of this study was to compare the morphology of the eyes of these two species, assessing the differences in eye structures in both environments.

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49- Immature stages of the limnephilid caddisfly Verger lutzi (Navás 1918) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae): description and larval life-history traits in seasonal forested
wetlands of Northwestern Patagonia

JULIETA V. SGANGA, ALEJANDRA DEL C. VALVERDE & FABIÁN G. JARA

The genus Verger is a New World insect genus of the order Trichoptera, exclusive to the Andean region. Currently, 20 species have been described from adults and only six larvae have been associated. Verger larvae are important components of freshwater systems, especially wetlands, but the ecology of its species is unknown. Here, we describe and illustrate the immatures of Verger lutzi and study several ecological traits. Reproduction occurs during summer and females lay their eggs on the wetland basin, where the larvae hatch after flooding. Larvae develop fast during spring and emergence begins in December before the wetland dries up.  

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50- ID please: Evaluating the utility of Facebook as a source of data for snake research and conservation

TEDDY ANGARITA-SIERRA, LUISA FERNANDA MONTAÑO-LONDOÑO & CARLOS ANDRÉS BRAVO-VEJA

We explored the utility of Facebook communities to provide data for research on Colombian snakes. We determined richness, distribution, rarity, and popularity of snake species and compiled information on natural history observations and human–snake interactions. Queries relating to species identifications made up 86.1% of Facebook posts. The portion of the snake community “sampled” by snake-related Facebook posts was not representative of the total richness of snake species in Colombia; These posts permitted a greater proportion of snake species to be sampled more rapidly compared with traditional snake sampling approaches. Our findings demonstrate that Facebook communities provide a potentially powerful source of data that could aid studies of snake biology. 

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CROP SCIENCE

51- Bacillus subtilis strain F62 against Fusarium oxysporum and promoting plant growth in the grapevine rootstock SO4

ALESSANDRA RUSSI, MARCUS ANDRÉ K. ALMANÇA & JOSÉLI SCHWAMBACH

Viticulture is affected by several fungal diseases, including Fusarium wilt, which impacts crop production and can lead to plant death. Biocontrol can be used to prevent pathogen attacks and increase plant resistance. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory activity of the Bacillus subtilis F62 against Fusarium oxysporum and its plant growth promotion potential. As a result, we observed that inhibition of mycelial growth occurred mainly by diffusible compounds and that B. subtilis F62 had a positive effect on the growth promotion and in the biocontrol of F. oxysporum, reducing the frequency of pathogen re-isolation in cuttings and micropropagated plants.

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52- Post-harvest quality and sensory analysis of ‘Prata’ bananas produced in different cultivation field locations

LEONEL VINICIUS CONSTANTINO, LEANDRO S.A. GONÇALVES, LIGIA ERPEN-DALLA CORTE, VIVIANE Y. BABA, DOUGLAS M. ZEFFA, RENATA M. GIACOMIN, RAUL MARIA CÁSSIA & JULIANO TADEU V. RESENDE

Banana ‘Prata’ has a significant demand in the Brazilian market, and Minas Gerais is  one of the largest banana producers in the country. This study evaluated the physical, biochemical and sensory attributes of banana ‘Prata’ from south and north of Minas Gerais and Vale do Ribeira (SP).  With these results we can assume that fruit quality is highly related to the specific climatic conditions from each producing region. Bananas from the south of Minas Gerais showed superiority for most of the evaluated traits, reflecting on consumer preference. 

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

53- Twenty Years of the National Protected Areas System: are Brazilian National Parks achieving their legal objectives?

MICHEL TADEU R.N. DE OMENA, LUIS CARLOS P. MACEDO-SOARES & NATALIA HANAZAKI

The creation of protected natural areas is an important public policy for nature conservation. However, just creating them is not enough, having a plan is vital for them to fulfill their function. Discovering and analyzing how Brazilian National Parks are doing is a means of evaluating their effectiveness. In this document you will be able to consult the current situation of this category of protected area twenty years after the enactment of the law that created the National System of Nature Conservation Units. But we warn, the results are not encouraging.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

54- Contact Failure Identification in Multilayered Media via Artificial Neural Networks and Autoencoders

LUCAS C.S. JARDIM, DIEGO C. KNUPP, ROBERTO P. DOMINGOS, LUIZ ALBERTO S. ABREU, CARLOS CRUZ CORONA & ANTÔNIO JOSÉ SILVA NETO

The estimation of defects positioning occurring in the interface between different materials is performed by using an artificial neural network modeled as an inverse heat conduction problem. Identifying contact failures in the bonding process of different materials is crucial in many engineering applications. This work solves the inverse problem with an artificial neural network that receives these experimental data as input and outputs the thermalphysical properties of the adhesive layer, where defects can occur. By including different noise levels within a defined range in the training process, the network can generalize the experimental data input and estimate the positioning of defects with similar quality.

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55- Elaboration of wild passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.) liqueur: a sensory and physicochemical study

CINARA S.P. CAFIEIRO, PEDRO PAULO L.G. TAVARES, CAROLINA O. DE SOUZA, LARISSA F.S. CRUZ & MARIA EUGÊNIA O. MAMEDE

Liqueur is a much-appreciated alcoholic beverage composed of water, alcohol, sugar and any viable ingredients that can add flavour and aroma. Wild passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.) is a regional product, native of northeast Brazil. It’s a nutritious fruit, with low production cost and can be used as an ingredient to elaborate new products, such as liqueurs. In this study, wild passion fruit liqueurs were developed and evaluated regarding their chemical, physical and sensory characteristics. The liqueurs developed were considered feasible, aimed at aggregating value to a regional fruit and increasing family incomes. The high sensory acceptance indicated market potential.

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56- Implications of microbial enhanced oil recovery and waterflooding for geochemical interpretation of recovered oils

LUCIANA G.P. SODRÉ, LAERCIO L. MARTINS, LORRAINE LOUISE G.C. DE ARAUJO, DANIELLE M.M. FRANCO, BONIEK G. VAZ, WANDERSON ROMÃO, VALÉRIA M. MERZEL & GEORGIANA F. DA CRUZ

The aim of the research is to investigate the effects of a biosurfactant and brine injection on the recovered petroleum composition, and their implications for geochemical interpretation. Original and oils recovered from displacement tests were analyzed by gas chromatography and ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry, emphasizing biomarkers and basic and acidic polar compounds. Parameters based on aromatic compounds were more affected by biosurfactant flooding, mostly the low molecular weight compounds. The distribution of basic and acidic polar compounds can also be modified affecting the geochemical interpretation. Beyond water solubilization, the compositional changes described can be related to adsorption on reservoir rocks.

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57- Development of Extruded Noodles Incorporated with Dried Vegetables and the Evaluation of Quality Characteristics

AYSE M. CUMHUR, BURCU H. TIGA, SEHER KUMCUOGLU & SEBNEM TAVMAN

This research reports the effects of the extruder barrel temperatures and addition of dried vegetable powder on the antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, the characteristics and sensory acceptability of extruded noodles. Incorporation of dried vegetable (okra seed, green bean, tomato) powders increased the cooking loss; reduced the cooking time and the water absorption capacity of noodles. The highest antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content were observed in the noodle enriched with tomato powder. The noodles with green bean powder (4%) and tomato powder (4%) processed at 80°C had the highest score of the overall acceptance.

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58- Stochastic simulation in reservoir sedimentation estimation: application in a PCH

EMMANUEL K.C. TEIXEIRA, MÁRCIA MARIA L.P. COELHO, EBER JOSÉ A. PINTO, ALBERTO V. RINCO & ALOYSIO P.M. SALIBA

Predicting silting in a reservoir is difficult because the processes involved have some uncertainties. Thus, the study is not only deterministic, as currently performed, but also stochastic. Thus, the objective of this paper was to develop a stochastic method and evaluate its performance in estimating silting in reservoirs. The method has as originality the fact of having coupled a deterministic model widely used in the area of Hydraulics to a stochastic one. Another originality was to validate the stochastic method developed from silting data obtained in the reduced model of a Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHP).

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59- Metric indicators for the evaluation of graduate programs in Brazil: from Qualis to multi-criteria

PEDRO HENRIQUE G.R.P. CASTRO & DELLY OLIVEIRA FILHO

Most Brazilian scientific production has been developed in graduate programs, which are evaluated and classified by the government through the Qualis system, however, several researchers claim that the Qualis alone is incomplete. This work aimed to propose extra criteria to evaluate the scientific production. The multi-criteria, besides Qualis, that were proposed are: web of science impact factor of journals; citations of paper; citations of citations, i.e., a new metric; and  h-Index for researchers. It was demonstrated that they could more accurately assess scientific production. Therefore, multi-criteria is more suitable for evaluating Brazilian graduate programs, considering several internationally accepted criteria.

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60- Natural and artificial pollination of white-fleshed pitaya

RENATA A. MOREIRA, MARIANE A. RODRIGUES, RAFAELA C. DE SOUZA, ALEXANDRE D. DA SILVA, FÁBIO O.R. SILVA, CAROLINA G. LIMA, LEILA A.S. PIO & MOACIR PASQUAL

Pitaya is a cactus that belongs to the group of tropical fruits considered promising for commercial cultivation. The fruit has gained prominence due to its pleasant and sweet taste. It can be consumed in either a natural or processed form into a range of industrialized products such as ice cream, jams and juices. It has high nutritional and antioxidant potential, making it an ally of the prevention of diseases such as respiratory, circulatory and cardiovascular. To produce pitaya, it is essential that pollination occur, either artificially or by pollinating agents. Artificial cross-pollination resulting in larger fruits than natural pollination.

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All abstracts of the publications were provided by the respective authors.

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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