Sugarcane productivity correlated with physical-chemical attributes to create soil management zone

The socioeconomic importance of sugar cane in Brazil is unquestionable because it is the raw material for the production of ethanol and sugar. The accurate spatial intervention in the management of the crop, resulting zones of soil management, increases productivity as well as its agricultural yields. The spatial and Person's correlations between sugarcane attributes and physico-chemical attributes of a Typic Tropustalf were studied in the growing season of 2009, in Suzanápolis, State of São Paulo, Brazil (20°28'10'' S lat.; 50°49'20'' W long.), in order to obtain the one that best correlates with agricultural productivity. Thus, the geostatistical grid with 120 sampling points was installed to soil and data collection in a plot of 14.6 ha with second crop sugarcane. Due to their substantial and excellent linear and spatial correlations with the productivity of the sugarcane, the population of plants and the organic matter content of the soil, by evidencing substantial correlations, linear and spatial, with the productivity of sugarcane, were indicators of management zones strongly attached to such productivity.

Selection of common bean lines with high grain yield and high grain calcium and iron concentrations

Genetic improvement of common bean nutritional quality has advantages in marketing and can contribute to society as a food source. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability for grain yield, calcium and iron concentrations in grains of inbred common bean lines obtained by different breeding methods. For this, 136 F7 inbred lines were obtained using the Pedigree method and 136 F7 inbred lines were obtained using the Single-Seed Descent (SSD) method. The lines showed genetic variability for grain yield, and concentrations of calcium and iron independently of the method of advancing segregating populations. The Pedigree method allows obtaining a greater number of lines with high grain yield. Selection using the SSD method allows the identification of a larger number of lines with high concentrations of calcium and iron in grains. Weak negative correlations were found between grain yield and calcium concentration (r = -0.0994) and grain yield and iron concentration (r = -0.3926). Several lines show genetic superiority for grain yield and concentrations of calcium and iron in grains and their selection can result in new common bean cultivars with high nutritional quality.

Selection of full-sib families of Panicum maximum Jacq under low light conditions

The silvopastoral system is a viable technological alternative to extensive cattle grazing, however, for it to be successful, forage grass genotypes adapted to reduced light need to be identified. The objective of this study was to select progenies of Panicum maximum tolerant to low light conditions for use in breeding programs and to study the genetic control and performance of some traits associated with shade tolerance. Six full-sib progenies were evaluated in full sun, 50% and 70% of light reduction in pots and subjected to cuttings. Progeny genotypic values ​​(GV) increased with light reduction in relation to plant height (H) and specific leaf area (SLA). The traits total dry mass accumulation (DM) and leaf dry mass accumulation (LDM) had GV higher in 50% shade and intermediate in 70% shade. The GV of tiller number (TIL) and root dry mass accumulation (RDM) decreased with light reduction. The highest positive correlations were obtained for the traits H and RDM with SLA and DM; the highest negative correlations were between TIL and SLA and RDM, and H and LDM. The progenies showed higher tolerance to 50% light reduction and, among them, two stood out and will be used in breeding programs. It was also found that it is not necessary to evaluate some traits under all light conditions. All traits had high broad sense heritability and high genotypic correlation between progenies in all light intensities. There is genetic difference among the progenies regarding the response to different light intensities, which will allow selection for shade tolerance

Carbohydrates Concentration in leaves of potato plants affected by nitrogen fertilization rates

ABSTRACT At poor conditions of nitrogen (N) in the soil, potato plants may accumulate starch in leaves and be indicative of N nutritional stress. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of N rates (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 of N) on the concentrations of carbohydrates (total soluble sugars-TSS, reducing sugars-RS, non-reducing sugars-NRS and starch) in the fourth leaf (FL) of two potato cultivars (Asterix and Atlantic) and their critical levels (CL) associated to the N fertilization rate necessary to obtain the maximum physical (MPE) and economic (MEE) efficiency of tubers. A randomized block design with four replications was used in both experiments. On day 21 after plant emergence, four FL were collected from four plants. Potatoes plants fertilized with low rates of N accumulated less TSS in leaves than those properly fertilized. The opposite occurred with content of starch. The cultivars showed similar responses to five doses of N in relation to contents of starch and TSS. However, the response to the increase in doses of N for RS, NRS and Starch/NRS is cultivar-specific. The correlations between contents of RS, NRS and Starch/NRS with the starch and TSS were dependent on the potato cultivar.

A new approach for measuring corporate reputation

This study describes the concept of corporate reputation and reviews some of the major points that exist when it comes to measuring it. It thus suggests a new index for measurement and its advantages and disadvantages are pointed out. The consistency of the seven key variables for the collecting indicator is described by the results of a factor analysis and correlations. Finally, the indicator is put to test by gathering the perception of corporate reputation of 1500 individuals for 69 companies belonging to 15 different industrial sectors, in Peru. The results indicate that the proposed index variables are not necessarily of greatest interest to the study sample in which companies have a better performance. Also greater memorial companies aren't necessarily those that enjoy a greater corporate reputation. Managerial implications for the organizations in the process of managing and monitoring the dimensions involved of this key asset are also referenced.

Do stakeholders matter in strategic decision making of a sports organization?

This study aims to identify and prioritize the stakeholders involved in making decisions in a sports organization. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the influence of the attributes of power, legitimacy and urgency on the salience of the various stakeholders. The results showed a convergence of external and internal decision makers' perceptions, concerning the three main stakeholder groups: top management, sponsors and member association. Pearson correlations identified four types of stakeholder: definitive, dangerous, demanding and non-stakeholders. A generalized differentiation was also found in stakeholder classification, regarding evaluation of attributes, between external and internal decision makers. In addition, the study suggests the success of organizations' management will depend on correct identification of stakeholders and consequent assessment of their relevance, in order to highlight who should get priority, and how, in strategic decision making.

CROSS-COUNTRY STUDY ON THE DETERMINANTS OF BANK FINANCIAL DISTRESS

ABSTRACTBank failures affect owners, employees, and customers, possibly causing large-scale economic distress. Thus, banks must evaluate operational risks and develop early warning systems. This study investigates bank failures in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the North America Free Trade Area (NAFTA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Union, newly industrialized countries, the G20, and the G8. We use financial ratios to analyze and explore the appropriateness of prediction models. Results show that capital ratios, interest income compared to interest expenses, non-interest income compared to non-interest expenses, return on equity, and provisions for loan losses have significantly negative correlations with bank failure. However, loan ratios, non-performing loans, and fixed assets all have significantly positive correlations with bank failure. In addition, the accuracy of the logistic model for banks from NAFTA countries provides the best prediction accuracy regarding bank failure.

Psicopatia e traços da personalidade em estudantes universitários

RESUMO: No presente estudo é investigada a existência de relações entre a psicopatia e os traços de personalidade em estudantes universitários. Este estudo tem como objectivo o estabelecimento de correlações entre os traços psicopáticos e as dimensões da personalidade decorrentes do Modelo dos Cinco Factores em estudantes universitários. A amostra é constituída por 400 estudantes universitários, provenientes de várias universidades da zona de Lisboa, de vários cursos universitários e de ambos os sexos, de forma aleatória. As idades dos sujeitos constituintes da amostra estão compreendidas entre os 17 e os 46 anos de idade (M = 24,26 e DP = 4,435). Por forma a atingir o objectivo proposto para este estudo, recorreu-se à aplicação de um questionário sócio-demográfico e de três medidas de avaliação, nomeadamente: a Escala PDS (Paulhus Deception Scale) de Delroy L. Paulhus, Ph.D. (1998), a Escala LSRP (Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale) de Levenson, Kiehl e Fitzpatrick (1995) e o Inventário NEO-PI-R (Inventário de Personalidade NEO Revisto) de Costa e McCrae (1992), sendo que existe a aferição desta medida de avaliação para a população portuguesa dos autores Lima e Simões (1997). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, podemos constatar que existem associações significativas entre as dimensões da Personalidade e as dimensões da Psicopatia. Verificou-se que os indivíduos que possuem índices elevados de Neuroticismo e baixos indíces de Extroversão e Abertura à Experiência possuem uma maior propensão para apresentarem características psicopáticas. Por outro lado, também se constatou que os indivíduos que possuem baixos índices de Amabilidade e Conscienciosidade apresentam também uma maior probabilidade de possuírem características psicopáticas. ABSTRACT: In the present study, it is investigated the existence of relationships between psychopathy and personality traits in university students. The goal of this study is the establishment of correlations between psychopathic traits and the personality dimensions, recurring from the five factor model in university students. The sample is composed by 400 university students, from various universities in the Lisbon area, from different courses and from both genders, randomly picked. The ages of the subjects in the sample are in between 17 and 46 years old (M = 24,26 and SD = 4,435). By means of reaching the goal proposed for this study, there were applied a socio-demographic questionnaire and three evaluation measures, namely the PDS Scale (Paulhus Deception Scale) from Delroy L. Paulhus, Ph.D. (1998), the LSRP Scale (Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale) from Levenson, Kiehl e Fitzpatrick (1995) and the NEO-PI-R Inventory (Revised NEO Personality Inventory) from de Costa e McCrae (1992), as there is an admeasurement from this measure for the portuguese population from authors Lima e Simões (1997). Considering the obtained results, we can state that there exist significant associations between the Personality dimensions and the Psychopathy dimensions. It was verified that the individuals that possess high indexes of Neuroticism and low indexes of Extroversion and Openness, have a higher propensity to present psychopathic characteristics. On the other hand, it was also found that the individuals that possess low indexes of Lovability and Consciousness also present a higher probability of having psychopathic characteristics.

Personalidade e percepção de stress em bombeiros

RESUMO: O objectivo deste estudo consistiu na obtenção de dados que ajudem a melhor compreender as diversas correlações entre traços de personalidade e a percepção de stress em bombeiros, de modo a que seja possível identificar factores desencadeantes de stress, bem como traços de personalidade que reforcem positiva ou negativamente esses mesmos factores . A amostra é constituída por 302 bombeiros pertencentes a corporações das regiões do Ribatejo e da Extremadura, sendo que todos os participantes desempenham funções de bombeiro voluntário ou profissional/efectivo. De entre os bombeiros participantes 238 são do sexo masculino e 64 são do sexo feminino tendo idades compreendidas entre os 17 e os 73 anos (m= 32,75 ; dp=9,309). As medidas utilizadas neste estudo são as seguintes: Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale – Short Form C (MCSDS-C) de Ballard (1992), para a avaliação da desejabilidade social; Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) de Cohen, Kamarck & Mermelstein (1983), para a avaliação do stress e o Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) de Costa & McCrae (1992) , para a avaliação da personalidade. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram associações significativas entre as dimensões da personalidade, nomeadamente o neuroticismo, a extroversão, a abertura à experiência e a conscienciosidade, e o stress. Verificaram-se correlações positivas entre as dimensões de neuroticismo e abertura à experiência relativamente ao stress, ao invés das dimensões de extroversão e conscienciosidade que por sua vez se correlacionaram negativamente com o stress. Este estudo demonstra também que os bombeiros profissionais(efectivos apresentam um mais elevado nível de stress comparativamente aos bombeiros pertencentes à categoria de voluntários, tal como os bombeiros com nove ou menos anos na função comparativamente aos bombeiros com mais de nove anos na função. Verificou-se também que os bombeiros do sexo masculino apresentam menos índices de stress comparativamente aos do sexo feminino. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to obtain data can help us to better understand the various correlations between personality traits and the perception of stress in firefighters in order to identify trigger stress factors and personality traits which increase positively or negatively these same factors. The sample consists of 302 firefighters belonging to corporations within the regions of Ribatejo and Extremadura, being that all participants are either professional/effective or volunteer firefighters. Among the participating firefighters 238 are males and 64 are females, having aged between 17 and 73 years (m=32.75; dp=9.309). The measures used in this study are the following: Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale – Short Form C (MCSDS-C) by Ballard (1992), for the assessment of social desirability; Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by Cohen, Kamarck & Mermelstein (1983), for the assessment of stress and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) by Costa & McCrae (1992) , for the assessment of personality. The results obtained showed significant associations between the personality dimensions of neuroticism, extraversion, openness and conscientiousness, and stress. The dimensions of neuroticism and openness are positively correlated to stress, on the other hand, the dimensions of extraversion and conscientiousness are negatively correlated to stress. Results also show that professional/effective firefighters have a higher level of stress as compared to volunteer firefighters as do firefighters with nine or fewer years in function compared with firefighters with more than nine years in function. It was also noted that male fire fighters present minor stress levels comparatively to female firefighters.

Propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa do Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire na miocardiopatia dilatada com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva

Vários estudos demonstraram que os doentes com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) têm um compromisso da qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde (QVRS), tendo esta, nos últimos anos, vindo a tornar-se um endpoint primário quando se analisa o impacto do tratamento de situações crónicas como a ICC. Objectivos: Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa de um novo instrumento específico para medir a QVRS na ICC em doentes hospitalizados: o Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). População e Métodos: O KCCQ foi aplicado a uma amostra consecutiva de 193 doentes internados por ICC. Destes, 105 repetiram esta avaliação 3 meses após admissão hospitalar, não havendo eventos ocorridos durante este período de tempo. A idade era 64,4± 12,4 anos (entre 21 e 88), com 72,5% a pertencer ao sexo masculino, sendo a ICC de etiologia isquémica em 42%. Resultados: Esta versão do KCCQ foi sujeita a validação estatística semelhante à americana com a avaliação da fidelidade e validade. A fidelidade foi avaliada pela consistência interna dos domínios e dos somatórios, apresentando valores Alpha de Cronbach idênticos nos vários domínios e somatórios ( =0,50 a =0,94). A validade foi analisada pela convergência, pela sensibilidade às diferenças entre grupos e pela sensibilidade à alteração da condição clínica. Avaliou-se a validade convergente de todos os domínios relacionados com funcionalidade, pela relação verificada entre estes e uma medida de funcionalidade, a classificação da New York Heart Association (NYHA), tendo-se verificado correlações significativas (p<0,01), como medida para avaliar a funcionalidade em doentes com ICC. Efectuou-se uma análise de variância entre o domínio limitação física, os somatórios e as classes da NYHA, tendo-se encontrado diferenças estatisticamente significativas (F=23,4; F=36,4; F=37,4; p=0,0001), na capacidade de descriminação da gravidade da condição clínica. Foi realizada uma segunda avaliação em 105 doentes na consulta do 3º mês após a intervenção clínica, tendo-se observado alterações significativas nas médias dos domínios avaliados entre o internamento e a consulta (diferenças de 14,9 a 30,6 numa escala de 0-100), indicando que os domínios avaliados são sensíveis à mudança da condição clínica. A correlação interdimensões da qualidade de vida que compõe este instrumento é moderada, sugerindo dimensões independentes, apoiando a sua estrutura multifactorial e a adequabilidade desta medida para a sua avaliação. Conclusão: O KCCQ é um instrumento válido, sensível à mudança e específico para medir a QVRS numa população portuguesa com miocardiopatia dilatada e ICC. ABSTRACT - Several studies have shown that patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a compromised health-related quality of life (HRQL), and this, in recent years, has become a primary endpoint when considering the impact of treatment of chronic conditions such as CHF. Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of a new specific instrument to measure HRQL in patients hospitalized for CHF: the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Methods: The KCCQ was applied to a sample of 193 consecutive patients hospitalized for CHF. Of these, 105 repeated the assessment 3 months after admission, with no events during this period. Mean age was 64.4±12.4 years (21-88), and 72.5% were 72.5% male. CHF was of ischemic etiology in 42% of cases. Results: This version of the KCCQ was subjected to statistical validation, with assessment of reliability and validity, similar to the American version. Reliability was assessed by the internal consistency of the domains and summary scores, which showed similar values of Cronbach alpha (0.50-0.94). Validity was assessed by convergence, sensitivity to differences between groups and sensitivity to changes in clinical condition. We evaluated the convergent validity of all domains related to functionality, through the relationship between them and a measure of functionality, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Significant correlations were found (p<0.01) for this measure of functionality in patients with CHF. Analysis of variance between the physical limitation domain, the summary scores and NYHA class was performed and statistically significant differences were found (F=23.4; F=36.4; F=37.4, p=0.0001) in the ability to discriminate severity of clinical condition. A second evaluation was performed on 105 patients at the 3-month follow-up outpatient appointment, and significant changes were observed in the mean scores of the domains assessed between hospital admission and the clinic appointment (differences from 14.9 to 30.6 on a scale of 0-100), indicating that the domains assessed are sensitive to changes in clinical condition. The correlation between dimensions of quality of life in the KCCQ is moderate, suggesting that the dimensions are independent, supporting the multifactorial nature of HRQL and the suitability of this measure for its evaluation. Conclusion: The KCCQ is a valid instrument, sensitive to change and a specific measure of HRQL in a population with dilated cardiomyopathy and CHF.

Air pollution at an urban traffic tunnel in Lisbon, Portugal

In this study, the results of chemical concentrations inside and outside of a Lisbon (Portugal) traffic tunnel were compared, during one week. They were obtained by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The tunnel values largely exceed the Air Ambient legislated values and the Pearson Correlations Coefficients point out to soil re-suspension/dispersed road dust (As, Ce, Eu, Hf, Fe, Mo, Sc, Zn), traffic-markers (Ba, Cr), tire wear (Cr, Zn), break wear (Fe, Zn, Ba, Cu, Sb), exhaust and motor oil (Zn) and sea-spray (Br, Na). On all days these elements inside the tunnel were more enriched than outside; significant statistical differences were found for Co (p=0.005), Br (p=0.008), Zn (p=0.01) and Sb (p=0.005), while enrichment factors of As and Sc are statistically identical. The highest values were found for As, Br, Zn and Sb, for both inside and outside the tunnel.

Impacto da infecção do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana na deformação miocárdica: projecto de investigação

Mestrado em Tecnologia de Diagnóstico e Intervenção Cardiovascular. Área de especialização: Ultrassonografia Cardiovascular.

Estudo da função sistólica do ventrículo direito por ecocardiografia transtorácica: relatório de projecto

Mestrado em Tecnologia de Diagnóstico e Intervenção Cardiovascular. Área de especialização - Ultrassonografia Cardiovascular

Relação entre otimismo e autonomia funcional em indivíduos com esclerose múltipla

Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo verificar a relação existente entre autonomia funcional e otimismo. Método: Os participantes são 280 indivíduos portadores de esclerose múltipla (EM) diagnosticada há mais de um ano em que a maioria são mulheres, com nível elevado de escolaridade, maioritariamente casados, e a trabalhar em regime de tempo integral. A funcionalidade foi avaliada com a Escala de Impacto de Participação e Autonomia – IPA, e o otimismo com o Life Orientation Test – Revised (LOT-R). A recolha de dados realizou-se em unidades de saúde de Lisboa e cumpriu as regras conforme a Declaração de Helsínquia. Conclusão: Os resultados mostram que existem valores de correlação estatisticamente significativos, mas moderados entre as dimensões da LOT-R e IPA, sugerindo que o otimismo é um fator importante para a autonomia funcional dos indivíduos portadores de EM. ABSTRACT - Aim: The present study aims at identifying the relationship between optimism and functional autonomy in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Method: The participants are 280 individuals diagnosed with MS for more than one year; the majority are women, with high levels of education, mostly married and employed on full time. To access functionality we used the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Scale – IPA, and to assess optimism the Life Orientation Test - Revised (LOT-R). Data was collected in Lisbon health settings. Data collection follows the rules of the Helsinki Declaration. Conclusion: Results show that correlations between the two main variables are statistically significant, but moderate, suggesting that the perception of optimism is an important factor for functional autonomy in individuals with MS.

Structural and Microanalytical Studies of CrO2 Thin Films on c-Sapphire by High Resolution Electron Microscopy Methods

Chromium dioxide (CrO2) has been extensively used in the magnetic recording industry. However, it is its ferromagnetic half-metallic nature that has more recently attracted much attention, primarily for the development of spintronic devices. CrO2 is the only stoichiometric binary oxide theoretically predicted to be fully spin polarized at the Fermi level. It presents a Curie temperature of ∼ 396 K, i.e. well above room temperature, and a magnetic moment of 2 mB per formula unit. However an antiferromagnetic native insulating layer of Cr2O3 is always present on the CrO2 surface which enhances the CrO2 magnetoresistance and might be used as a barrier in magnetic tunnel junctions.