Transcriptomics-based analysis using RNA-Seq of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaf in response to yellow decline phytoplasma infection

Invasive phytoplasmas wreak havoc on coconut palms worldwide, leading to high loss of income, food insecurity and extreme poverty of farmers in producing countries. Phytoplasmas as strictly biotrophic insect-transmitted bacterial pathogens instigate distinct changes in developmental processes and defence responses of the infected plants and manipulate plants to their own advantage; however, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying host–phytoplasma interactions. Further, phytoplasma-mediated transcriptional alterations in coconut palm genes have not yet been identified. This study evaluated the whole transcriptome profiles of naturally infected leaves of Cocos nucifera ecotype Malayan Red Dwarf in response to yellow decline phytoplasma from group 16SrXIV, using RNA-Seq technique. Transcriptomics-based analysis reported here identified genes involved in coconut innate immunity. The number of down-regulated genes in response to phytoplasma infection exceeded the number of genes up-regulated. Of the 39,873 differentially expressed unigenes, 21,860 unigenes were suppressed and 18,013 were induced following infection. Comparative analysis revealed that genes associated with defence signalling against biotic stimuli were significantly overexpressed in phytoplasma-infected leaves versus healthy coconut leaves. Genes involving cell rescue and defence, cellular transport, oxidative stress, hormone stimulus and metabolism, photosynthesis reduction, transcription and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were differentially represented. Our transcriptome analysis unveiled a core set of genes associated with defence of coconut in response to phytoplasma attack, although several novel defence response candidate genes with unknown function have also been identified. This study constitutes valuable sequence resource for uncovering the resistance genes and/or susceptibility genes which can be used as genetic tools in disease resistance breeding.

Atom probe tomography investigation of heterogeneous short-range ordering in the 'komplex' phase state (K-state) of Fe-18Al (at.%)

We study an Fe-18Al (at.%) alloy after various thermal treatments at different times (24-336 h) and temperatures (250-1100 °C) to determine the nature of the so-called 'komplex' phase state (or "K-state"), which is common to other alloy systems having compositions at the boundaries of known order-disorder transitions and is characterised by heterogeneous short-range-ordering (SRO). This has been done by direct observation using atom probe tomography (APT), which reveals that nano-sized, ordered regions/particles do not exist. Also, by employing shell-based analysis of the three-dimensional atomic positions, we have determined chemically sensitive, generalised multicomponent short-range order (GM-SRO) parameters, which are compared with published pairwise SRO parameters derived from bulk, volume-averaged measurement techniques (e.g. X-ray and neutron scattering, Mössbauer spectroscopy) and combined ab-initio and Monte Carlo simulations. This analysis procedure has general relevance for other alloy systems where quantitative chemical-structure evaluation of local atomic environments is required to understand ordering and partial ordering phenomena that affect physical and mechanical properties.

The orexinergic system in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and its regulation by dietary lipids

In this study, we report the distribution of orexin A (OXA), orexin B (OXB), and orexin receptor (OX2R) immunoreactive (ir) cells in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract of Oncorhynchus mykiss fed diets with different dietary fatty acid compositions. Trout were fed five iso-energetic experimental diets containing fish oil, or one of four different vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, linseed, and palm oils) as the added dietary lipid source for 12 weeks. OXA, OXB, and OX2R immunoreactive neurons and nervous fibers were identified in the lateral and ventro-medial hypothalamus. OXA, OXB, and OX2R ir cells were found in the mucosa and glands of the stomach and in the mucosa of both the pyloric cecae and intestine. OX2R ir cells were localized in the mucosa layer of both the pyloric cecae and intestine. These immunohistochemical (IHC) results were confirmed via Western blotting. Antibodies against preproorexin (PPO) crossreacted with a band of ∼16 kDa in the hypothalamus, stomach, pyloric cecae, and intestine. Antibodies against OX2R crossreacted with a band of ∼38 kDa in the hypothalamus, pyloric cecae, and intestine. The presence and distribution of OXA, OXB, and OX2R ir cells in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract did not appear to be affected by dietary oils. The presence of orexin system immunoreactive cells in the stomach, pyloric cecae, and intestine of rainbow trout, but not in the enteric nervous system, could suggest a possible role of these peptides as signaling of gastric emptying or endocrine modulation, implying a main local action played by orexins.

Does body satisfaction influence self-esteem in adolescents' daily lives? An experience sampling study

This study examined, within the context of the Contingencies of Self-Worth model, state-based associations between self-esteem and body satisfaction using the experience sampling method. One hundred and forty-four adolescent girls (mean age = 14.28 years) completed up to 6 assessments per day for one week using Palm Digital Assistants, in addition to baseline measures of trait body satisfaction and self-esteem. Results showed considerable variation in both state-based constructs within days, and evidence of effects of body satisfaction on self-esteem, but not vice versa. Although these state-based associations were small in size and weakened as the time lag between assessments increased for the sample as a whole, individual differences in the magnitude of these effects were observed and predicted by trait self-esteem and body satisfaction. Collectively, these findings offer support for key tenets of the Contingencies of Self-Worth model.

The sexual motivation of boars housed adjacent to ovariectomised gilts did not affect the efficiency of detecting hormonally induced oestrus using the back pressure test

This study tested the hypothesis that the efficiency of detecting oestrus in gilts, using the back pressure test (BPT), will be reduced when gilts are housed adjacent to a boar of high sexual motivation compared to when gilts are housed adjacent to a boar of low sexual motivation. The experiment was a 2 x 2 Latin square design with three replicates. Boars of high and low sexual motivation were selected on the basis of the total number of copulations and the mean reaction time to first mount during three mating tests. Twelve boars were observed in mating tests and the three highest and lowest ranking boars were assigned to three palm, each pair containing a boar of high and a boar of low sexual motivation. One pair was used in each replicate. In each replicate, two groups of six ovariectomised gilts were housed for 14 days, commencing 7 days prior to hormonally induced destrus, adjacent to a boar of either high or low sexual motivation. All gilts were checked twice daily for oestrus using the BPT. In the first replicate, the level of proceptive behaviour of the gilts was quantified immediately after checking for oestrus in a 3-rain test in which the amount of time that the gilts spent within 0.5 m of a pen containing a sexually mature boar was recorded. There were no effects of housing gilts adjacent to boars of high or low sexual motivation on the percentage of gilts detected in oestrus, the percentage of gilts detected in oestrus for more than I day, the duration of oestrus or the level of proceptive behaviour of gilts. These data suggest that the level of sexual motivation of boars does not influence the efficiency of detecting hormonally induced oestrus, using the BPT, in ovariectomised gilts housed adjacent to boars.

Effect of dietary saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in juvenile barramundi Lates calcarifer

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), a catadromous teleost of commercial interest, perform well when fed a wide range of dietary oils. However, the range of alternative oils now being explored is typically rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (SFA and MUFA). In this study, the response of juvenile barramundi (47.0 g per fish initial weight) fed isolipidic and isoenergetic diets with 82 g kg−1 added oil was tested. The experimental test diets had a 2 : 1 or 1 : 2 ratio of SFA to MUFA (SFA-D and MUFA-D, respectively) compared to a control diet (CTRL-D) fed for 8 weeks. The diets containing mostly olive oil (dietary MUFA-D) and mostly refined palm oil (dietary SFA-D) did not impact the growth performance or feed utilization parameters of the barramundi. The in vivo beta-oxidation activity was consistent with the dietary fatty acid composition, with the most dominant FA being heavily beta-oxidized. Together, the in vivo whole-body mass balance of fatty acids showed that n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) were most efficiently utilized in the SFA-D- and MUFA-D-fed fish. This study provides evidence that additional dietary MUFA and SFA are suitable lipid classes for juvenile barramundi and they are both equally efficient at sparing LC-PUFA from an oxidative fate.

Novas tecnologias e inovação organizacional: estudos de caso para analisar a relevância da variável confiança nos processos de implementação de tecnologia em um hospital privado

A implementação crescente de novas tecnologias em todos os setores da economia aumentou o grau de complexidade e incerteza organizacional e, como resultado, fez emergir novos desafios para as empresas e seus membros. Para que se possa compreender as novas tecnologias, seu potencial inovador e seus efeitos sob as variáveis organizacionais é preciso revisar os conceitos tradicionais da Teoria das Organizações e propor novas abordagens que contemplem aspectos do contexto social. O presente trabalho analisa quatro (4) casos de implementação de novas tecnologias em uma instituição hospitalar privada de grande porte na cidade de São Paulo. Foram estudadas as tecnologias de produção e distribuição de medicamentos e materiais, tratamento de radioterapia, diangóstico por imagem e palm tops. A pesquisa de campo serviu-se de uma metodologia qualitativa e indutiva. O levantamento de dados deu-se através dos métodos de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com profissionais que estiveram envolvidos ou foram afetados pelas novas tecnologias, além de observação passiva e análise de documentos. O principal objetivo do trabalho foi verificar se o aumento da complexidade organizacional, oriundo do emprego crescente de novas tecnologias, é acompanhado por uma redefinição das relações de confiança na instituição hospitalar. Adicionalmente, pretendeu-se investigar o papel da confiança como variável social de adaptação das organizações às exigências do meio ambiente.

A Common-feature approach for testing present-value restrictions with financial data

It is well known that cointegration between the level of two variables (labeled Yt and yt in this paper) is a necessary condition to assess the empirical validity of a present-value model (PV and PVM, respectively, hereafter) linking them. The work on cointegration has been so prevalent that it is often overlooked that another necessary condition for the PVM to hold is that the forecast error entailed by the model is orthogonal to the past. The basis of this result is the use of rational expectations in forecasting future values of variables in the PVM. If this condition fails, the present-value equation will not be valid, since it will contain an additional term capturing the (non-zero) conditional expected value of future error terms. Our article has a few novel contributions, but two stand out. First, in testing for PVMs, we advise to split the restrictions implied by PV relationships into orthogonality conditions (or reduced rank restrictions) before additional tests on the value of parameters. We show that PV relationships entail a weak-form common feature relationship as in Hecq, Palm, and Urbain (2006) and in Athanasopoulos, Guillén, Issler and Vahid (2011) and also a polynomial serial-correlation common feature relationship as in Cubadda and Hecq (2001), which represent restrictions on dynamic models which allow several tests for the existence of PV relationships to be used. Because these relationships occur mostly with nancial data, we propose tests based on generalized method of moment (GMM) estimates, where it is straightforward to propose robust tests in the presence of heteroskedasticity. We also propose a robust Wald test developed to investigate the presence of reduced rank models. Their performance is evaluated in a Monte-Carlo exercise. Second, in the context of asset pricing, we propose applying a permanent-transitory (PT) decomposition based on Beveridge and Nelson (1981), which focus on extracting the long-run component of asset prices, a key concept in modern nancial theory as discussed in Alvarez and Jermann (2005), Hansen and Scheinkman (2009), and Nieuwerburgh, Lustig, Verdelhan (2010). Here again we can exploit the results developed in the common cycle literature to easily extract permament and transitory components under both long and also short-run restrictions. The techniques discussed herein are applied to long span annual data on long- and short-term interest rates and on price and dividend for the U.S. economy. In both applications we do not reject the existence of a common cyclical feature vector linking these two series. Extracting the long-run component shows the usefulness of our approach and highlights the presence of asset-pricing bubbles.

Biodiesel do dendê: um estudo de viabilidade econômico financeira no Estado do Pará

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar três modelos de operação de uma usina de extração de óleo de palma, de óleo de palmiste, e de biodiesel, respectivamente, em conjunto com a produção de dendê pela agricultura familiar, visando o fornecimento exclusivo de matéria-prima para a indústria através da parceria com Programa Nacional da Agricultura Familiar. O projeto consiste na construção de uma usina de grande porte, a partir de investimentos de fontes públicas e privadas voltados à construção do complexo industrial e ao financiamento da implantação do cultivo de dendê pelos agricultores. Foram construídos quatro cenários, onde foram analisados os indicadores de performance econômico-financeira de avaliação do arranjo produtivo da indústria e da parte agrícola. Esses cenários visam a tomada de decisões de investimentos, através da utilização dos indicadores econômico-financeiros clássicos para avaliação da viabilidade do dendê como matéria-prima para o complexo industrial da usina. Entre os indicadores utilizados neste trabalho podemos citar como principais: o VPL (Valor Presente Líquido) e a TIR (Taxa Interna de Retorno), e indicadores secundários utilizados como suporte para as análises, tais como Payback Descontado, TIRM (Taxa Interna de Retorno Modificada), dentre outros. Além de indicadores sociais, como geração de renda para as famílias de agricultores, com o objetivo principal de criar valor monetário, gerar emprego e renda e pagar os recursos dos investidores púbicos. A implantação do dendezal está fundamentada no Zoneamento Agroecológico do dendê e será executada em áreas degradas por pastagens para garantir a sustentabilidade, contribuir para a recuperação ambiental através do sequestro de carbono e diminuir a pressão sobre as florestas nativas. Consequentemente, espera-se que o projeto contribua para evitar o avanço do desmatamento na região da Amazônia legal. Para tanto, foram realizadas visitas às plantações de dendê e à usina da Biopalma. Também foram realizadas visitas à Embrapa Ocidental na cidade de Manaus e Embrapa na Cidade de Campinas. Foi proposto um modelo de análise econômica financeira baseado em implantação de uma usina de grande porte para a produção de Biodiesel no Estado do Pará. O estudo apresentou, dentre suas limitações, o fato de ser complexo e amplo. A inexistência de projetos de usina grande envergadura totalmente implantados e funcionando com emprego de tecnologia e capital intensivo, como também a impossibilidade de se realizar esta pesquisa de amplo espectro sem um número consideravelmente maior de organizações envolvidas. Como resultado, os indicadores economicos analisados mostram que há viabilidade do projeto em três dos quatro cenários construídos, demonstrando que o capital dos investidores públicos, privados e do agricultor familiar serão remunerados utilizando às taxas de juros, prazos, condições do mercado de capitais. O objetivo é atrair investimentos para a produção de biodiesel, implantação de empreendimentos agrícolas, indústriais, geração emprego e renda para Agricultura Familiar na cadeia produtiva do dendê.

Proposta de ampliação de escala do projeto "Diálogo com teatro" do Instituto Sou da Paz

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a viabilidade e propor alternativas para ampliação do Projeto Diálogo com Teatro, de modo que possa ser incorporado em escala estadual pelo Sistema de Proteção Escolar, política pública da Secretaria da Educação do Estado de São Paulo (SEE) que visa prevenir e combater a violência escolar. O Projeto Diálogo com Teatro foi desenvolvido pelo Instituto Sou da Paz, a partir do Projeto Paz Encena, metodologia desenvolvida para trabalhar com os jovens uma reflexão qualificada sobre violência e o desenvolvimento de uma cultura de paz. Desde 2011, o Instituto Sou da Paz e a SEE tornaram-se parceiros na implementação desse projeto, cujo objetivo é capacitar educadores da rede estadual de ensino público para se tornarem aptos na condução de reflexão qualificada sobre violência e cultura de paz por meio do teatro, metodologia atraente e convidativa ao público jovem, público alvo final do Projeto Diálogo com Teatro. Para construção da proposta de ampliação, foram levantadas diversas informações relativas ao Instituto Sou da Paz e à SEE. Foram realizadas uma série de entrevistas com os stakeholders do projeto visando analisar aspectos positivos e vulnerabilidades para que, enfim, fossem elaborados o diagnóstico e a proposta. A ampliação tem como princípio fundamental a utilização da estrutura e recursos da SEE e a descentralização da execução do projeto, por meio da capacitação de formadores que integrem o quadro fixo das Diretorias de Ensino (DE). Esses últimos passam a ser responsáveis pela capacitação dos profissionais das escolas que atuam diretamente com os alunos. Para isso se faz necessária a adaptação e a sistematização da metodologia como forma de preservar as características originais e a qualidade de implementação do projeto. A gestão e o acompanhamento para garantir a execução qualificada de todo o processo e, principalmente, dos projetos nas escolas cabe ao Sistema de Proteção Escolar e Cidadania (SPEC) da SEE e ao Instituto Sou da Paz. Por fim, considerando-se a necessidade de um programa de educação continuada, propõe-se a construção de um portal do projeto que servirá como instrumento para a troca de experiência, monitoramento e avaliação como forma de fortalecer e promover sua sustentabilidade.

Diagnóstico de fragilidades na gestão educacional paulista com vistas à melhoria

O papel da gestão educacional é analisado, sob vários ângulos, a partir de dois programas implantados pela Secretaria da Educação do Estado de São Paulo e de entrevistas com educadores. O foco é verificar fragilidades e detectar alternativas para promover melhorias na qualidade do sistema de ensino público de educação básica. Aspectos como a continuidade de políticas comprovadamente eficazes, equilíbrio entre a autonomia escolar e as diretrizes do poder gestor central, acompanhamento dos programas e ações, inclusão de mecanismos de transparência ativa, e a participação dos vários agentes na formulação das ações, são abordados.

Efeito da adição de fibras da palma do licuri (syagrus coronata) no comportamento físico e mecânico de compósitos de matriz cimentícia

This research was motivated by the requirement of asbestos s replacement in building systems and the need to generate jobs and income in the country side of the state of Bahia, Brazil. The project aimed at using fibers from licuri leaves (syagrus coronata), an abundant palm in the region, to produce composites appropriate for the sustainable production of cement fibre reinforced products in small plants. The composites were produced in laboratory using Portland cement CP-II-F32, sand, water, licuri palm fiber contents of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% by weight of binder (two different fiber length) and metakaolin. The latter was chosen as an additional binder for its efficiency to reduce the alkalinity of cementitious matrixes therefore preventing the degradation of vegetable fibers. The characterization of the composite components was carried out by sieving and laser particle size analyses, thermal analysis, fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. The composites performance was evaluated by 3- point-bending tests, compressive strength, ultrasound module of elasticity, free and restrained shrinkage, water capillarity absorption and apparent specific gravity. It has been found that the addition of fibers increased the time to onset of cracking over 200.00% and a 25% reduction in cracks opening in the restrained shrinkage test. The capillary absorption reduced about 25% when compared to fiber-free composites. It was also observed with regard to flexural strength, compressive strength and specific gravity, that the addiction of fibers did not affect the composite performance presenting similar results for compounds with and without fibers. In general it can be stated that the reinforced composite fibers of palm licuri presents physical and mechanical characteristics which enable them to be used in the intended proposals of this research

Estudo térmico dos resíduos gerados da destilação atmosférica das misturas diesel/biodiesel de dendê

The growing world demand for energy supplied by fossil fuels, a major contributor to the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere and causing environmental problems, has been encouraging governments and international organizations to reflect and encourage the use of alternative renewable sources. Among these new possibilities deserves attention biodiesel, fuel cleaner and easy to reproduce. The study of new technologies involving that source is necessary. From this context, the paper aims at analyzing the thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis, of the waste generated from atmospheric distillation of mixtures with ratios of 5, 10, 15 and 20% palm biodiesel in diesel with and without addition of BHT antioxidant. It was synthesized biodiesel through palm oil, via homogeneous catalysis in the presence of KOH, with and without the use of BHT and subsequently added to the diesel common indoor type (S1800) from a gas station BR. The diesel was already added with 5% biodiesel, and thus the proportions used for these blends were subtracted from the existing ratio in diesel fuel, resulting in the following proportions palm oil biodiesel: 0% (B5), 5% (B10), 10 % (B15) and 15% (B20). From atmospheric distillation analysis, performed in mixtures with and without BHT were collected residue generated by each sample and performed a thermal study from the thermogravimetric analysis at a heating rate of 10 °C.min-1, nitrogen atmosphere and heating to 600 ° C. According to the specifications of Resolution No. 7/2008 for biodiesel, it was found that the material was synthesized in accordance with the specifications. For mixtures, it was noted that the samples were in accordance with the ANP Resolution No. 42/2009. Given the TG / DTG curves of the samples of waste mixtures with and without BHT antioxidant was able to observe that they showed a single stage of thermal decomposition attributed to decomposition of heavy hydrocarbons and esters and other heavier constituents of the waste sample weighed. The thermal behavior of residues from atmospheric distillation of mixtures of diesel / biodiesel is very important to understand how this affects the proper functioning of the engine. A large amount of waste can generate a high content of particulate material, coke formation and carbonaceous deposits in engine valves, compromising their performance