Pressoes e oposiçoes contra pequenos criadores familiares de gado bovino leiteiro da zona periurbana do Município de Castanhal (Pará, Brasil - Amazônia Oriental)

It is analyzed, in this paper, the conflicts involving a family of small dairy cattle breeders, faced with the opposition of society and restrictions imposed by the local authorities, against the livestock grazing on public lands in peri-urban zone of a medium-sized Amazonian city. The case study employed participant observation, interviews and document research. Despite the subordinate position occupied by the focused group in the credibility hierarchy of versions issued on the conflict, the group maintains a resistance conduct, based both in the need for sustenance, and in an attempt to preserve a way of life cherished by its members

Atenuação de vibrações em pás de helicópteros utilizando circuito piezelétrico semi-passivo

O uso de materiais inteligentes em problemas de controle de vibração tem sido investigado em diversas pesquisas ao longo dos últimos anos. Apesar de que diferentes materiais inteligentes estão disponíveis, o piezelétrico tem recebido grande atenção devido à facilidade de uso como sensores, atuadores, ou ambos simultaneamente. As principais técnicas de controle usando materiais piezoelétricos são os ativos e passivos. Circuitos piezelétricos passivos são ajustados para uma frequência específica e, portanto, a largura de banda efetiva é pequena. Embora os sistemas ativos possam apresentar um bom desempenho no controle de vibração, a quantidade de energia externa e hardware adicionado são questões importantes. As técnicas SSD (Synchronized Switch Damping) foram desenvolvidas como uma alternativa aos controladores passivos e controladores ativos de vibração. Elas podem ser técnicas semi-ativas ou semi-passivas que introduzem um tratamento não linear na tensão elétrica proveniente do material piezelétrico e induz um aumento na conversão de energia mecânica para energia elétrica e, consequentemente, um aumento no efeito de amortecimento. Neste trabalho, o controle piezoelétrico semi-passivo de uma pá piezelétrica engastada é apresentado e comparado com outros controladores. O modelo não linear electromecânico de uma pá com piezocerâmicas incorporados é determinado com base no método variacional-assintótico (VAM). O sistema rotativo acoplado não linear é resolvido no domínio do tempo, utilizando um método de integração alfa-generalizado afim de garantir a estabilidade numérica. As simulações são realizadas para uma vasta gama de velocidades de rotação. Em primeiro lugar, um conjunto de resistências (variando desde a condição de curto-circuito para a condição de circuito aberto) é considerada. O efeito da resistência ótima (que resulta em máximo amortecimento) sobre o comportamento do sistema é investigado para o aumento da velocidade de rotação. Mais tarde, a técnica SSDS é utilizada para amortecer as oscilações da pá com o aumento da velocidade de rotação. Os resultados mostram que a técnica SSDS pode ser um método útil para o controle de vibrações de vigas rotativas não lineares, tais como pás de helicóptero.

Carbon assimilation, herbage accumulation, nutritive value, and grazing efficiency of Mulato II brachiariagrass under continuous stocking

Grazed pastures are the backbone of the Brazilian livestock industry and grasses of the genus Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) are some of most used tropical forages in the country. Although the dependence on the forage resource is high, grazing management is often empirical and based on broad and non-specific guidelines. Mulato II brachiariagrass (Convert HD 364, Dow AgroSciences, São Paulo, Brazil) (B. brizantha × B. ruziziensis × B. decumbens), a new Brachiaria hybrid, was released as an option for a broad range of environmental conditions. There is no scientific information on specific management practices for Mulato II under continuous stocking in Brazil. The objectives of this research were to describe and explain variations in carbon assimilation, herbage accumulation (HA), plant-part accumulation, nutritive value, and grazing efficiency (GE) of Mulato II brachiariagrass as affected by canopy height and growth rate, the latter imposed by N fertilization rate, under continuous stocking. An experiment was carried out in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, during two summer grazing seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to three steady-state canopy heights (10, 25 and 40 cm) maintained by mimicked continuous stocking and two growth rates (imposed as 50 and 250 kg N ha-1 yr-1), with three replications. There were no height × N rate interactions for most of the responses studied. The HA of Mulato II increased linearly (8640 to 13400 kg DM ha-1 yr-1), the in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) decreased linearly (652 to 586 g kg-1), and the GE decreased (65 to 44%) as canopy height increased. Thus, although GE and IVDOM were greatest at 10 cm height, HA was 36% less for the 10- than for the 40-cm height. The leaf carbon assimilation was greater for the shortest canopy (10 cm), but canopy assimilation was less than in taller canopies, likely a result of less leaf area index (LAI). The reductions in HA, plant-part accumulation, and LAI, were not associated with other signs of stand deterioration. Leaf was the main plant-part accumulated, at a rate that increased from 70 to 100 kg DM ha-1 d-1 as canopy height increased from 10 to 40 cm. Mulato II was less productive (7940 vs. 13380 kg ha-1 yr-1) and had lesser IVDOM (581 vs. 652 g kg-1) at the lower N rate. The increase in N rate affected plant growth, increasing carbon assimilation, LAI, rates of plant-part accumulation (leaf, stem, and dead), and HA. The results indicate that the increase in the rate of dead material accumulation due to more N applied is a result of overall increase in the accumulation rates of all plant-parts. Taller canopies (25 or 40 cm) are advantageous for herbage accumulation of Mulato II, but nutritive value and GE was greater for 25 cm, suggesting that maintaining ∼25-cm canopy height is optimal for continuously stocked Mulato II.

(Bio)funcionalização de superfícies nanoestruturadas para eletrocatálise e desenvolvimento de biossensores eletroquímicos e óticos

Tese de doutoramento, Química (Química Física), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2016

A rotação partidária em Portugal : a aprendizagem da alternância política (c. 1860-1890)

Tese de doutoramento, História (História Contemporânea), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Letras, 2016

Mobbing nos enfermeiros

Introdução: As pressões constantes do mundo laboral e, a especificidade do seu trabalho expõe os enfermeiros a actos de violência como o mobbing ou assédio moral. Este é um fenómeno dissimulado e psicossocial que afecta o indivíduo, o grupo de trabalho e a organização e, que importa aprender a combater. Objectivos: Determinar a prevalência de mobbing nos enfermeiros; caracterizar o mobbing; relacionar a influência das características sociodemográficas e profissionais na percepção de mobbing dos enfermeiros. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, de carácter descritivo-correlacional, transversal. A amostra não probabilística por conveniência foi constituída por 143 enfermeiros do Hospital Sousa Martins, Guarda. Maioritariamente são mulheres (71,3%) e, com média de idades de 37 anos. Possuem formação base 71,3%, 69,9% pratica horário rotativo, 69,2% tem vínculo estável e, tempo médio de exercício profissional de 14 anos. Os dados foram colhidos através de questionário que integrou a escala LIPT-60. Resultados: Os enfermeiros em estudo experienciaram baixos níveis de mobbing no seu contexto laboral. Em média, referem sentir oito condutas de assédio moral com efeito (0,20) e intensidade reduzida (1,37). As condutas mais experimentadas visam o bloqueio à comunicação e a difamação. Cerca de 42,0% dos enfermeiros admitem já ter sido vítima de mobbing e 24,1% referem que aconteceu por um período de seis meses. Os principais agressores identificados foram os médicos (40,0%) e os superiores hierárquicos (37,1%). Contudo, a percepção de mobbing é maior à medida que se progride na carreira, bem como nos enfermeiros que praticam regime de horário fixo e, que trabalham no mesmo serviço há 5 – 10 anos. Conclusões: Apesar dos baixos índices de percepção de mobbing, este está presente no contexto laboral dos enfermeiros tornando-os vulneráveis e afectando a prestação de cuidados. Os ataques sentidos acontecem sobretudo, de forma dissimulada fazendo denotar a gravidade deste fenómeno, sobre o qual impera prevenir e intervir. Palavras-Chave: Mobbing; Assédio moral; Abuso psicológico; Violência psicológica; Agressão psicológica no trabalho.

Satisfação no trabalho e absentismo dos enfermeiros de um ACeS

A satisfação no trabalho é definida como sendo um fenómeno complexo, subjetivo e multifatorial (Rodrigues, 2011). No entanto a avaliação da satisfação dos profissionais constitui um imperativo para as organizações de saúde (Lei de Bases da Saúde), sendo fundamental para avaliar a qualidade das instituições, o desempenho dos profissionais e a qualidade dos cuidados de saúde prestados aos clientes. Os contextos de trabalho dos enfermeiros são influenciados por uma diversidade de fatores que inevitavelmente se refletem na sua saúde, na satisfação com o trabalho e no absentismo. Integrado no Projeto INTO_SO da Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto, o presente estudo, de cariz quantitativo, exploratório, descritivo, correlacional e transversal, teve como objetivos identificar o nível de satisfação e absentismo no trabalho dos enfermeiros; analisar a relação entre a satisfação no trabalho, o absentismo, variáveis sociodemográficas e profissionais e analisar a relação entre a satisfação no trabalho e o absentismo dos enfermeiros. Pretendemos com este estudo contribuir para a promoção da saúde no trabalho dos enfermeiros. Recorremos a um método de amostragem não probabilística. Aplicou-se a uma amostra de conveniência de 109 enfermeiros, um instrumento de recolha de dados constituído por três grupos (caracterização sociodemográfica e profissional; questionário de satisfação no trabalho de Meliá & Peiró (1989) adaptado para a língua portuguesa por Pocinho e Garcia (2008) e questões associadas ao absentismo). Os resultados deste estudo evidenciaram que os enfermeiros percecionam uma satisfação no trabalho (total e fatores) que se situa entre o “indiferente” e o “algo satisfeito”. São os enfermeiros mais velhos, com maior grau académico, sem dependentes a cargo e em que no seu agregado familiar não depende exclusivamente do seu salário, os que percecionam maior satisfação no trabalho com o ambiente físico. Os enfermeiros com parceiro percecionam maior satisfação no trabalho com a 14 participação e os que realizam atividades de lazer percecionam maior satisfação no trabalho com a satisfação intrínseca, sendo as atividades de lazer mais realizadas o ginásio e as caminhadas. Os enfermeiros que realizam horário rotativo percecionam maior satisfação no trabalho total, na satisfação com os benefícios e políticas da organização e na satisfação com a participação. Os enfermeiros das USFs e os que não consideram o seu trabalho stressante estavam significativamente mais satisfeitos com o ambiente físico de trabalho e com a satisfação intrínseca no trabalho, respetivamente. Este estudo sugere ainda que o sexo, ter filhos, ter ou não ajudas para prestar cuidados, o tempo de serviço na instituição, o tipo de vínculo e o desempenhar funções no Serviço de Atendimento a Situações Urgentes (SASU) não influenciam a satisfação no trabalho. Relativamente ao absentismo, os enfermeiros que têm filhos e os que exercem atividade em unidades de saúde familiar (USF) foram os que mais faltaram ao trabalho. A razão mais apontada foi a doença do próprio seguindo-se a doença de familiar (filhos e pais). Os enfermeiros que não faltaram ao serviço foram os que percecionaram maior satisfação no trabalho total e seus fatores. Sugerem-se entre outros, aprofundar o conhecimento do maior nível de absentismo verificado nos enfermeiros das USF e a elaboração de programas de promoção de saúde no local de trabalho alicerçados nos resultados encontrados.

Estudo da deposição de filmes finos de BaTi(1-X)Zr(X)O3 por meio de planejamento Box-Behnken

Ferroelectric ceramics with perovskite structure (ABO3) are widely used in solid state memories (FeRAM’s and DRAM's) as well as multilayered capacitors, especially as a thin films. When doped with zirconium ions, BaTiO3-based materials form a solid solution known as barium zirconate titanate (BaTi1-xZrxO3). Also called BZT, this material can undergo significant changes in their electrical properties for a small variation of zirconium content in the crystal lattice. The present work is the study of the effects of deposition parameters of BaTi0,75Zr0,25O3 thin films by spin-coating method on their morphology and physical properties, through an experimental design of the Box-Behnken type. The resin used in the process has been synthesized by the polymeric precursor method (Pechini) and subsequently split into three portions each of which has its viscosity adjusted to 10, 20 and 30 mPa∙s by means of a rotary viscometer. The resins were then deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by spin-coating method on 15 different combinations of viscosity, spin speed (3000, 5500 and 8000 rpm) and the number of deposited layers (5, 8 and 11 layers) and then calcined at 800 ° C for 1 h. The phase composition of the films was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and indexed with the JCPDS 36-0019. Surface morphology and grain size were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicating uniform films and average grain size around 40 nm. Images of the cross section of the films were obtained by scanning electron microscopy field emission (SEM-FEG), indicating very uniform thicknesses ranging from 140-700 nm between samples. Capacitance measurements were performed at room temperature using an impedance analyzer. The films presented dielectric constant values of 55-305 at 100kHz and low dielectric loss. The design indicated no significant interaction effects between the deposition parameters on the thickness of the films. The response surface methodology enabled better observes the simultaneous effect of variables.

Uma nova proposta de fluidos de perfuração aquosos à base de polímeros vinílicos e bentonita para poços de alta temperatura e pressão

The advance of drilling in deeper wells has required more thermostable materials. The use of synthetic fluids, which usually have a good chemical stability, faces the environmental constraints, besides it usually generate more discharge and require a costly disposal treatment of drilled cuttings, which are often not efficient and require mechanical components that hinder the operation. The adoption of aqueous fluids generally involves the use of chrome lignosulfonate, used as dispersant, which provides stability on rheological properties and fluid loss under high temperatures and pressures (HTHP). However, due to the environmental impact associated with the use of chrome compounds, the drilling industry needs alternatives that maintain the integrity of the property and ensure success of the operation in view of the strong influence of temperature on the viscosity of aqueous fluids and polymers used in these type fluids, often polysaccharides, passives of hydrolysis and biological degradation. Therefore, vinyl polymers were selected for this study because they have predominantly carbon chain and, in particular, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for resisting higher temperatures and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) and clay by increasing the system's viscosity. Moreover, the absence of acetal bonds reduces the sensitivity to attacks by bacteria. In order to develop an aqueous drilling fluid system for HTHP applications using PVP, HPAM and clay, as main constituents, fluid formulations were prepared and determined its rheological properties using rotary viscometer of the Fann, and volume filtrate obtained by filtration HTHP following the standard API 13B-2. The new fluid system using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with high molar weight had higher viscosities, gels and yield strength, due to the effect of flocculating clay. On the other hand, the low molecular weight PVP contributed to the formation of disperse systems with lower values in the rheological properties and fluid loss. Both systems are characterized by thermal stability gain up to around 120 ° C, keeping stable rheological parameters. The results were further corroborated through linear clay swelling tests.

Uma nova proposta de fluidos de perfuração aquosos à base de polímeros vinílicos e bentonita para poços de alta temperatura e pressão

The advance of drilling in deeper wells has required more thermostable materials. The use of synthetic fluids, which usually have a good chemical stability, faces the environmental constraints, besides it usually generate more discharge and require a costly disposal treatment of drilled cuttings, which are often not efficient and require mechanical components that hinder the operation. The adoption of aqueous fluids generally involves the use of chrome lignosulfonate, used as dispersant, which provides stability on rheological properties and fluid loss under high temperatures and pressures (HTHP). However, due to the environmental impact associated with the use of chrome compounds, the drilling industry needs alternatives that maintain the integrity of the property and ensure success of the operation in view of the strong influence of temperature on the viscosity of aqueous fluids and polymers used in these type fluids, often polysaccharides, passives of hydrolysis and biological degradation. Therefore, vinyl polymers were selected for this study because they have predominantly carbon chain and, in particular, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for resisting higher temperatures and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) and clay by increasing the system's viscosity. Moreover, the absence of acetal bonds reduces the sensitivity to attacks by bacteria. In order to develop an aqueous drilling fluid system for HTHP applications using PVP, HPAM and clay, as main constituents, fluid formulations were prepared and determined its rheological properties using rotary viscometer of the Fann, and volume filtrate obtained by filtration HTHP following the standard API 13B-2. The new fluid system using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with high molar weight had higher viscosities, gels and yield strength, due to the effect of flocculating clay. On the other hand, the low molecular weight PVP contributed to the formation of disperse systems with lower values in the rheological properties and fluid loss. Both systems are characterized by thermal stability gain up to around 120 ° C, keeping stable rheological parameters. The results were further corroborated through linear clay swelling tests.

Resposta de ovinos naturalmente infectados por nematoides gastrintestinais em pastos de capim-massai

The aim of this study was to evaluate the crossbred sheep Santa Ines response to natural infections by gastrointestinal nematodes in Panicum maximum cv. pastures Massai at different times of grazing. For this it was used 36 crossbred sheep Santa Inês, divided into four groups and randomly distributed in massai-grass pickets naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes. In the period from October 2013 to May 2014, the animals were weekly monitored for hematology tests (packed cell volume) and parasitological (egg counts per gram of feces and fecal culture) in order to monitor the level of infection of sheep and they were assessed for weight, body condition score and staining ocular mucosa by FAMACHA© method. Furthermore infective larvae was recovery from pasture in times of pre-and post-grazing pasture. At 35 kg body weight, the animals were slaughtered and necropsied to collect the contents of the abomasum and small and large intestines to recover the adult parasites, carrying out the count and identification. The animals on pasture with a height of 40 cm pre-grazing obtained low nematode eggs in feces (1608 eggs / g) and 33 cm those in pre-grazing the highest average (2,539 eggs / g). The animals in different groups showed mean values of packed cell volume less than 23% (P> 0.05). Regarding to FAMACHA, the animals belonging to the groups 40 and 50 cm pre-grazing remained over 50% of individuals between FAMACHA 1 and 2 , and those to 33 and 45 cm pre-grazing showed mostly between FAMACHA 3, 4 and 5 (69.06% and 58.93%, respectively). In the culture of larvae in feces and recovery of pasture larvae before and after grazing the following genera were found, in order of prevalence: Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum and Strongyloides. The pasture with 33 cm of pre-grazing provided the highest number of larvae recovered both in the pre and post-grazing (1,081 and 715 L3 / 100 g of green matter, respectively). Among the different groups, the sheep had an average weight of between 23 and 26 kg and variation between the body 1 and 3 scores with scores greater frequency of 1.5 to 2.It can be observed that the animals kept at different times of grazing got different answers on the parasite load. Animals kept in 40 cm pre-grazing expressed a satisfactory answer than the other groups (33, 45 and 50 cm), best supporting the action of endoparasites. Moreover, this same height, was recovered fewer infective larvae on pasture in pre and post-grazing.

Estudo Experimental do Tempo de Residência de Particulas em Secador "SPRAY

No presente trabalho é apresentado um estudo do tempo de resistência de partículas em um 'spray dryer' com contato ar/'spray' predominantemente co-corrente e sistema rotativo de atomização de amostra. Propõe-se aplicação de uma técnica nuclear, utilizando como traçador o radioisótopo La140.

Qualidade física e matéria orgânica do solo em sistema de integração lavoura - pecuária submetido a doses de nitrogênio

The animal trampling favors the soil compaction process in sheep raising and crop production integrated systems. This compression has negative effects, hindering the development of roots, the availability of nutrients, water and aeration, causing production losses, making it essential for the assessment of soil physical attributes for monitoring soil quality. Soil organic matter can be used to assess the quality of the soil, due to its relationship with the chemical, physical and biological soil properties. Conservation management system with tillage, along with systems integration between crops and livestock are being used to maintain and even increase the levels of soil organic matter. For that, a field experiment was carried out over a Oxisol clayey Alic in Guarapuava, PR, from de 2006 one. experiment sheep raising and crop production integrated systems The climate classified as Cfb .. The study was to evaluate the soil physical properties and quantify the stock of soil organic carbon and its compartmentalization in system integration crop - livestock with sheep under four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1) in the winter pasture, formed by the consortium oat (Avena strigosa) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and the effect of grazing (with and without). The soil samples blades density evaluations, total porosity, macro and micro, aggregation and carbon stocks were held in two phases: Phase livestock (after removal of the animals of the area) and phase crop (after maize cultivation). The collection of soil samples were carried out in layers of 0-0.5, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and m. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the hypotheses tested by the F test (p <0.05). For the quantitative effect data regression and the qualitative effect used the test medium. In non-significant regressions used the average and standard deviation treatments. The animal trampling caused an increase in bulk density in the 0.10-0.20 m layer. The dose of 225 kg N ha-1 in winter pasture increased total soil porosity at 8% compared to dose 0 kg N ha-1 in the crop stage. The grazing had no effect on soil macroporosity. GMD of aggregates in the phase after grazing the surface layer was damaged by grazing. Nitrogen rates used in the winter pasture and grazing not influence the total organic carbon stocks. The TOC is not influenced by nitrogen fertilization on grassland. The grazing increases the stock of POC in the 0.10-0.20 m layer livestock phase and cause the stock of POC in the 0-0.5 m layer in the crop stage. The MAC is not influenced by N rates applied in the pasture or by grazing.

Adaptação de cultivares diploides e tetraploides de azevém anual às condições climáticas do sudoeste do Paraná

Annual ryegrass is one of the species that best meets the needs of ranchers of southern Brazil during the winter period of the year. The breeding of ryegrass for many years has been developing superior materials, diploid and tetraploid, which, despite its higher prices for seed are being used by producers because of their better performance and quality. The objective of this research was to evaluate the behavior of different cultivars of Italian ryegrass - diploid and tetraploid, grazing, climate conditions of southwestern Paraná. The experiment was conducted in the city of Pato Branco / PR. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications. The observed cultivars were: LE 284, Camaro, Bakarat, Estações, Ponteio and Nibbio (diploid) and Winter Star, KLM 138, Escorpio, Titan, Barjumbo and Potro (tetraploid). The grazing was mob-grazing type time respecting input of 25 cm and 10 cm high output. It was observed that the cultivars that had high period of pasture use were those that produced larger amounts of forage. For all cultivars the highest forage accumulations occur between the months of August, September and October. Tetraploid have lower population density of tillers, but this does not affect the IAF among cultivars nor the interception of solar radiation before and after the completion of a grazing. NDF and ADF contents linearly increase with advancing in ryegrass cultivars development cycle. On average, tetraploid cultivars produce larger amounts of forage in relation to diploid cultivars.

Adubação de sistemas: antecipação de adubação nitrogenada para a cultura do milho em integração lavoura-pecuária

Traditionally in no-tillage systems, fertilization is done to the catch crop. In general nutrient cycling in crop systems has not been treated as an important tool in the process of nutrient supplying for plants. The type and the condition in which vegetable residuesis decomposed can affect the efficiency of nutrient cycling.This study assessed the effect of anticipated nitrogen fertilization in crop-livestock systems on cultivated cornproduction, rate ofnutrient release from plant residue, and theN-minerallevels of soil. The study was carried out in the city Abelardo Luz (SC) in a Clayey Oxisol. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was N Fertilization Time: in the N-Pasture level, nitrogen (200 kg ha-1 N) and N-Grains level, no nitrogen was applied. The second factor was the Grazing Height, characterized by two sward heights of oat at 15 cm (Low Height Pasture) and at 30 cm (High Height Pasture). Corn hybrid ‘Máximus’ was sowed in 10thOctober, 31 days after the removal of animals. In the twelve resulting plots from the combination of treatments on pasture phase (N Fertilization Time x Grazing Height) rates of N-fertilizer (0, 100, 200 e 300 Kg ha-1 of N) as urea were allocated in the split plot.We conclude that anticipated N fertilization of winter cover crop pasture to provide high-quality forage and carry-over N to the subsequent corn crop and may eventually replace side drees nitrogen fertilization on corn and can improve overall N fertilizer efficiency use in integrated crop-livestock systems.The rate of K release from plant residues is very fast, releasing large quantities in the first days after plant desiccation.Despite of considerably high nitrogen dose used in both the pasture and at the grain crop it was not observed nitrate leaching risks during the study period.