bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong El Niño reduces fruit production of Brazil-nut trees in the eastern Amazon
Authors: PASTANA Dayane Nathália Barbosa , MODENA Érica de Souza , WADT Lúcia Helena de Oliveira , NEVES Ezaquiel de Souza , MARTORANO Lucieta Guerreiro , LIRA-GUEDES Ana Cláudia , SOUZA Rafael Lucas Figueiredo de , COSTA Felipe Felix , BATISTA Anderson Pedro Bernardina , GUEDES Marcelino Carneiro
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT The Brazil-nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is native to the Amazon rainforest, and its fruit production varies naturally with climatic conditions. Our aim was to evaluate the temporal variation in Brazil-nut production associated with climatic variables, including the strong El Niño of 2015/2016. The study was carried out in two 9-ha permanent plots in the northeastern Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2018: one in forest (12-year monitoring) and the other in savannah/forest transition (eight years). Overall, we monitored fruit production of 205 trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 50 cm. Annual fruit production was related to temporal series (2005-2018) of climatic data (the Oceanic Niño Index; and precipitation and air temperature from two local meteorological stations). Average fruit production per tree in 2017 was eight times lower than in 2015 and two times lower than the general average for both sites, and was significantly associated to the El Niño of 2015/2016, that increased average maximum monthly temperature and reduced the precipitation in the region, extending the dry season from three to six months. Years with higher and lower fruit production per tree coincided in both sites. Annual fruit production was significantly and negatively correlated with thermal anomalies that occurred in the third semester prior to harvest monitoring. Years with higher production were related with predominance of neutrality or the La Niña phenomenon at the global scale, and higher rainfall at the local scale. The relationship of fruit production with climate was independent of the local habitat.
Two new species of rust fungi (Pucciniales) from the Brazilian Amazon: Aecidium margaritariae on Margaritaria and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha
Authors: OLIVEIRA Patrícia Maria Piovezan , SOTÃO Helen Maria Pontes , FREIRE Gabriely Serrão , MONTEIRO Josiane Santana
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT Two new species of Pucciniales fungi on plants of the Fabid clade are described from samples deposited in the herbarium of Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, collected in the state of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. They are Aecidium margaritariae found on Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae), and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). The microstructures of the specimens were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Aecidium margaritariae is characterized by the presence of globose, subglobose to slightly ellipsoid aeciospores with warty walls and smooth areas usually in the basal portion. Uromyces amapaensis is distinguished by the presence of uredinia with paraphyses which are thickened and rounded at the tip, and pedicellate and smooth teliospores. Descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are presented for each species.
First record of helminths parasitizing Vanellus chilensis (Aves, Charadriiformes) in Acre state, southwestern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: SOUZA Leandro Siqueira de , SOUZA Leilandio Siqueira De , GUILHERME Edson , SANTOS Francisco Glauco de Araújo
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT The southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis, is a bird frequently seen in most of Brazil. Although it is widely distributed in other Brazilian biomes, including some parts of the Brazilian Amazon, it has only been recorded in the western Amazonian state of Acre since 2000. We report the presence of intestinal parasites in individuals of V. chilensis from the Cazumbá-Iracema Extractive Reserve in Acre through a coproparasitological analysis. Seven of the nine sampled individuals were parasitized. We observed larvae of Strongyloides sp. (28.5% of the samples), and eggs of Ascaridia sp. (28.5%), Ancylostoma sp. (14.2%), and Choanotaenia sp. (42.8%). These parasites are reported for the first time parasitizing V. chilensis in Brazil. The parasitized birds may act as reservoirs and were recorded in a peridomicile area, which may facilitate their contact with domestic birds.
Age-related episodic memory decline and the role of amyloid-β: a systematic review
Authors: Souto Jandirlly Julianna , Silva Gabriella Medeiros , Almeida Natalia Leandro , Shoshina Irina Ivanovna , Santos Natanael Antonio , Fernandes Thiago Paiva
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT Aging has been associated with the functional decline of episodic memory (EM). Unanswered questions are whether the decline of EM occurs even during healthy aging and whether this decline is related to amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the hippocampus. Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate data on the relationship between the age-related EM decline and Aβ deposition. Methods: We searched the Cochrane, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and reference lists of retrieved articles that were published in the past 10 years. The initial literature search identified 517 studies. After screening the title, abstract, key words, and reference lists, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The overall results revealed that increases in Aβ are related to lower hippocampal volume and worse performance on EM tests. The results of this systematic review revealed that high levels of Aβ may be related to EM deficits and the progression to Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: We discussed the strengths and pitfalls of various tests and techniques used for investigating EM and Aβ deposition, methodological issues, and potential directions for future research.
Population normative data for three cognitive screening tools for older adults in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gray William Keith , Paddick Stella-Maria , Ogunniyi Adesola , Olakehinde Olaide , Dotchin Catherine , Kissima John , Urasa Sarah , Kisoli Aloyce , Rogathi Jane , Mushi Declare , Adebiyi Akindele , Haule Irene , Robinson Louise , Walker Richard
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),cognitive screening is complicated by both cultural and educational factors, and the existing normative values may not be applicable. The Identification of Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA) cognitive screen is a low-literacy measure with good diagnostic accuracy for dementia. Objective: The aim of this study is to report normative values for IDEA and other simple measures [i.e., categorical verbal fluency, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) 10-word list] in representative community-dwelling older adults in SSA. Methods: Individuals aged ≥60 years resident in 12 representative villages in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and individuals aged ≥65 years resident within three communities in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria underwent cognitive screening. The normative data were generated by the categories of age, sex, and education. Results: A total of 3,011 people in Tanzania (i.e., 57.3% females and 26.4% uneducated) and 1,117 in Nigeria (i.e., 60.3% females and 64.5% uneducated) were screened. Individuals with higher age, lower education, and female gender obtained lower scores. The 50th decile values for IDEA were 13 (60–64 years) vs. 8/9 (above 85 years), 10–11 uneducated vs. 13 primary educated, and 11/12 in females vs. 13 in males. The normative values for 10-word list delayed recall and categorical verbal fluency varied with education [i.e., delayed recall mean 2.8 [standard deviation (SD) 1.7] uneducated vs. 4.2 (SD 1.2) secondary educated; verbal fluency mean 9.2 (SD 4.8) uneducated vs. 12.2 (SD 4.3) secondary educated], substantially lower than published high-income country values. Conclusions: The cut-off values for commonly used cognitive screening items should be adjusted to suit local normative values, particularly where there are lower levels of education.
Memory complaints, clinical aspects, and self-esteem in adult people with epilepsy
Authors: Tedrus Glória Maria de Almeida Souza , Lange Laura Annoni
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT Memory complaints are common in adult people with epilepsy (PWEs). However, the associated clinical aspects are not yet fully understood. Objective: This study aims to relate the occurrence of memory complaints in PWEs with clinical aspects and self-esteem. Methods: To relate the data obtained from the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) with clinical aspects, 71 PWEs were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu. These data were compared with 55 individuals in a control group (CG). Results: Memory complaints (MAC-Q≥25) were significantly higher in PWEs, when compared with individuals in the CG [35 (49.3%) vs. 15 (27.2%); Student’s t-test; p=0.012]. Objective cognitive performance was lower in PWEs. Memory complaints were associated with a lower educational level, the presence of depression, SES, MMSE, incidental memory, and the clock-drawing test scores in PWEs. Conclusions: Memory complaints were more frequent in PWEs than in individuals in the CG, and there was a relationship with cognitive deficit, educational level, depression, and low self-esteem.
Reading fluency as a measure of educational level
Authors: Fernandez Alberto Luis , Arriondo Gabriel Jauregui
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT Education exerts a powerful influence on the performance on neuropsychological tests. Recently, the number of years that a person attends school has been the preferred method to operationalize educational level (EL). However, reading fluency (RF) has emerged as an alternative method that can define the quality of education. Objective: To compare the influence of the number of years of education with RF on the cognitive performance in a control sample. Methods: Fifty-six control participants with varying ages (17–87 years) and levels of education (3–19 years of formal schooling) were administered a neuropsychological scale along with an RF task. This scale measured attention, memory, language, executive functions, and constructional praxis. The RF task consisted of a short text. The score was the number of words read correctly per minute. Pearson’s r was used to compute correlations. Results: Results showed that RF had a higher correlation (0.53) than the years of schooling (0.38) with the scores of the neuropsychological scale. Conclusions: Reading fluency is a short, practical task that is easy to use in different languages and is a promising tool for EL assessment. It is also an adequate alternative to the reading of irregular words as a qualitative measure of EL.
Applicability of tactile memory examination as an option to visual- and verbal-based batteries
Authors: Arambula Omar Gurrola , Padovani Flavia Helena Pereira , Corrente Jose Eduardo , Schelp Andreas Batista , Sanches Felipe Jacques , Amorim Rogerio Martins , Schelp Arthur Oscar
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT The validity and applicability of tactile battery tests for the diagnosis and medical follow-up of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia syndromes do not have their usefulness well understood in clinical practice. While haptic abilities in older individuals receive less attention, in earlier stages of human life they are well focused on. There are even fewer studies on tactile memory, including episodic memory of demented individuals with or without sensorial limitations. The applicability of a new haptic memory battery was evaluated in patients with Alzheimer’s disease with mild or moderate commitment. Objective: The aim of this study is to apply a battery based on tactile perception, recognition, and recollection of everyday objects in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, testing tactile delayed recall memory discrimination and late recognition to compare validated visual and verbal tests. Methods: Tactile-, visual-, and verbal-based memory performance was registered in 21 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Results: Except for tactile identification, it showed that there was a close relationship between the three sensory modalities of memory, with an apparent better performance of tactile incidental memory and recognition compared with the test with pictures. Conclusions: The haptic evaluation of memory demonstrated applicability in the evaluation of memory dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Further studies are needed to establish the sensibility and specificity of the proposed test that had a small sample size and many limitations.
Depression and empathy in health professionals who work in the long-term care institutions for older adults
Authors: Borges Marina Miranda , Bomfim Ana Julia de Lima , Chagas Marcos Hortes Nisihara
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT Empathy is an important factor to guarantee the quality of care provided in the long-term care institutions (LTCIs) for older adults, and depression is a factor that affects the health of the professional and, consequently, the care. Thus, it is important that studies are conducted on the relationship of these variables in this context. Objective: The aim of this study is to verify the relationship between empathy and depressive symptoms among health professionals working in the LTCIs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at LTCIs in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The final sample was constituted by 101 health professionals (i.e., caregivers and nursing technicians) with direct participation in the care of institutionalized older adults. The instruments were used as follows: the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess empathy and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for the diagnosis of depression. For the analyses, the patients were divided into groups with and without depression, according to the score of the PHQ-9. Results: The prevalence of depression among health professionals was 19.8%. Significant statistical differences were found between the groups for the total score of the IRI (p=0.029), for the emotional domain (p=0.023), and for the personal distress (p=0.009). Conclusions: The findings indicate that the presence of depression among health professionals at LTCIs is related to the higher levels of empathy, especially in the emotional domain. Thus, future studies that contribute to understanding how care must be provided with empathy, but without harming the health of the professional, should be carried out.
Inhibitory control training in healthy and highly educated older adults
Authors: Satler Corina , Faria Edison Tostes , Rabelo Gabriel Neiva , Garcia Ana , Tavares Maria Clotilde Henriques
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT. Executive function training is considered a promising tool for delaying the natural effects of aging on cognition. However, there are still few studies that propose a unimodal intervention with a focus on inhibitory control, and none of them has studied the effect of this type of intervention on older adults (OA). Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits of inhibitory control training in healthy OA by comparing the two assessment time points, namely, before and after training. Methods: Twenty-seven participants were included after interview and checking the inclusion criteria. The training was based on the stop-signal paradigm and carried out in 21 sessions. Results: Participants performed better after training by reducing the false alarm error rate (i.e., for stop-signal trials), reducing omission error rate, showing an increase in hit rate, Go response time (i.e., for go-signal trials), stop-signal response time, and showing a decrease in the level of anxiety. The executive function training had no significant impact on the scores obtained in the complementary neuropsychological tests. Conclusions: These results are consistent with previous studies that support the viability and effectiveness of cognitive intervention for executive functions in OA and suggest a positive effect of the intervention, which may be related to the learning experience of a new and challenging task.
Cognitive and balance dysfunctions due to the use of zolpidem in the elderly: a systematic review
Authors: Tavares Guilherme , Kelmann Gizela , Tustumi Francisco , Tundisi Catherine Nardini , Silveira Bárbara Regina Bruço , Barbosa Bruno Maximiliano Augusto Colombo , Winther Diana Bragança , Boutros Eduarda Conte , Villar Gabriel dos Santos , Brunocilla Giovanna , Lourenção Gustavo Rodrigues Caldas , Ferreira Jiulia Giovanna Aranha , Bernardo Wanderley Marques
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT. Zolpidem is one of the most widely prescribed hypnotic (non-benzodiazepine) agents for sleep disorder. Recently, an increase in the demand for this drug has been observed, mainly in the elderly population. Objective: This study aims to analyze the acute effect of zolpidem on cognitive and balance dysfunctions in the elderly population. Methods: A study was conducted by two independent researchers in four virtual scientific information bases and included randomized controlled trials. The studies evaluated elderly patients using zolpidem. Cognitive and balance dysfunctions were analyzed. Results: Six articles were included. The mean age of the participants in the studies was 69 years. The following zolpidem dosages were evaluated: 5, 6.25, 10, and 12.5 mg. Comparing zolpidem and placebo, relating to the cognitive dysfunctions, there is no statistically significant difference between the groups. However, in relation to balance dysfunctions, there is a statistically significant difference between the intervention and the comparison, favoring placebo. Conclusions: Zolpidem, even in usual doses (5 mg and 10 mg), has shown to increase the risk for balance dysfunctions. However, this does not occur in relation to cognitive changes.
Heterogeneity of repetition abilities in logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Macoir Joel , Martel-Sauvageau Vicent , Bouvier Liziane , Laforce Robert , Monetta Laura
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT. The differential diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is challenging due to overlapping clinical manifestations of the different variants of the disease. This is particularly true for the logopenic variant of PPA (lvPPA), in which such overlap was reported with regard to impairments in repetition abilities. In this study, four individuals with lvPPA underwent standard neuropsychological and language assessments. The influence of psycholinguistic variables on their performance of in word, nonword and sentence repetition tasks was also specifically explored. Some level of heterogeneity was found in cognitive functions and in language. The four participants showed impairment in sentence repetition in which their performance was negatively affected by semantic reversibility and syntactic complexity. This study supports the heterogeneity of lvPPA with respect to the cognitive and linguistic status of participants. It also shows that sentence repetition is influenced not only by length, but also by semantic reversibility and syntactic complexity, two psycholinguistic variables known to place additional demands on phonological working memory.
The Meanings of Pregnancy in Adolescence for Young People without a History of Pregnancies
Authors: Miura Paula Orchiucci , Santos Kedma Augusto Martiniano , Galdino Ellen Borges Tenorio , Lima Estefane Firmino de Oliveira , Pedrosa Maria Marques Marinho Peronico
Published: September 2021

Abstract In the academic literature there is lack of studies on teenage pregnancy in young people who have not experienced pregnancy. This article aimed to investigate and analyze the meanings of teenage pregnancy for adolescents without a gestation history. The participants were 37 adolescents with no pregnancy history (22 males and 15 females), aged between 12 and 18 years old. The thematic design-story procedure was used as instrument, in which the young individuals were asked to draw “a pregnant adolescent in their Community”. To systematize the data, Bardin’s content analysis was used. Thirteen themes were observed, the most frequent being related to families, relationships and/or friends and very early pregnancies, showing the relevance of these themes for adolescents. It is concluded that teenage pregnancy, in its majority, was seen as disadvantageous, but also as desired by some young individuals, pointing to the ambiguity of the phenomenon.
Zulliger R-Optimized Application in Children Victims of Sexual Violence and Cancer
Authors: Lima Eduardo dos Santos de , Scortegagna Silvana Alba , De Marchi Ana Carolina Bertoletti
Published: September 2021

Abstract Child sexual violence can cause serious damage to the psychosocial development of its victims. Assessments in this context require the use of several psychological tests with proven validity for this purpose. This study aimed to assess children victims of sexual violence using the Zulliger R-Optimized application. The sample consisted of 37 children of both sexes, aged from seven to 13 years old (M = 10.92), distributed in three groups: Sexual Violence Victims (SVV), Cancer Patients (CP) and the Non-Victim Group (NVG). The statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whiney and one-way ANOVA tests. The Zulliger variables concerning the clusters Interpersonal Relationship (GHR, PHR, GHR:PHR, p), Self-Image (MOR) and Processing (W:M) showed statistical differences when the SVV group was compared to the other groups. The Zulliger R-Optimized application shows promising results in assessing SVV children, indicating its usefulness for assessments in this context.
The Working Memory as Predictor of Performance in Arithmetic of Brazilian Students
Authors: Vieira Fernanda David , Ribeiro Denise Oliveira , Farias Heitor Blesa , Freitas Patricia Martins
Published: September 2021

Abstract Working memory (WM) is a predictor of school learning. This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of verbal and non-verbal working memory (WM) on students’ performance in arithmetic. 126 children between 6 and 11 years old participated in the research. The instruments were: School Performance Test, Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices, Corsi Block-tapping Test, and Digits Subtest. The results showed strong and positive correlations of school performance with fluid intelligence r = 0.64, with verbal WM and non-verbal WM, both with r = 0.51 (p < 0.001). After multiple linear regression, it was found that the performance in visuospatial WM was a strong predictor for arithmetic, an effect not found for reading. The regression showed that WM explains 38% of the variance for arithmetic. It is concluded that WM has an expressive contribution to school performance, being more specific the contributions of visuospatial WM for arithmetic.
Teaching Methodology, Stress and Study and Learning Strategies: Interrelationships among University Students
Authors: Guedes-Granzotti Raphaela Barroso , César Carla Patrícia Hernandez Alves Ribeiro , Ribeiro Vanessa Veis , Dornelas Rodrigo , Moreira Patricia Pinatti , Silva Kelly da
Published: September 2021

Abstract Higher education can be offered by traditional or active teaching methodology, which can influence differently the study and learning strategies and the stress level of university students. This study aimed to investigate the study and learning strategies and the prevalence of stress among students of active and traditional teaching methodology and verify the influence of stress on using these strategies. 210 students in speech, language and hearing sciences from a Brazilian Federal University participated, divided into two groups, TMG (traditional methodology) and AMG (active methodology). They responded to Learning And Study Strategies Inventory and Lipp’s Stress Symptom Inventory for Adults. The teaching methodology influenced the study and learning strategies, but not the stress. Stress interfered differently in the study and learning strategies depending on the teaching methodology.
Resolución de Tareas Probabilísticas en Contexto Geométrico por Estudiantes de Educación Primaria
Authors: Solís Luis Armando Hernández , Batanero Carmen , Gea María Magdalena , Arroyo Rocío Álvarez
Published: September 2021

Resumen: Se presenta un estudio exploratorio de resolución de tareas probabilísticas de comparación de probabilidades y construcción del espacio muestral por parte de una muestra de 55 niños costarricenses de 6º curso de primaria, analizando sus estrategias y errores. Comparando con investigaciones previas, se observa un mejor desempeño en el ítem en que se puede comparar casos favorables y posibles y en el que es necesaria la comparación de áreas, pero no hay diferencias en aquel en que se introduce como distractor el orden de colocación de los casos favorables. Se observa que, en general, se construye correctamente el espacio muestral en los casos de suceso posible y equiprobable, no así en los de sucesos imposible o seguro.
A Educação nos Programas Sociais Brasileiros: pobreza e trabalho
Authors: Sordi Denise De , Gonçalves Neto Wenceslau
Published: September 2021

Resumo: Este artigo analisa o papel social da educação como condicionalidade dos programas sociais brasileiros. A abordagem centra-se na elaboração e no desenvolvimento das políticas sociais de transferência condicionada de renda no Brasil e explicita sob quais argumentos morais, políticos e culturais o acesso ao ensino formal foi elevado à centralidade das ações de combate à pobreza. Nota-se que a educação como condicionalidade atua no convencimento acerca de expectativas de mobilidade social entre os sujeitos atendidos pelos programas frente às baixas condições materiais de vida. Desta forma, a educação compõe argumento de legitimação para a transferência de dinheiro, ofuscando tensões e antagonismos entre classes.
Querela das Mulheres, Igualdade e Direito à Educação: França, 1399 a 1793
Authors: Ferraro Alceu Ravanello
Published: September 2021

Resumo: Este artigo trata da relação da querela das mulheres com a igualdade entre os sexos no que se refere ao direito à educação, definindo-se como campo de investigação a França, nos quase quatro séculos que vão de 1399 à Revolução Francesa, com distinção de três períodos de criação cumulativa: o de Christine de Pizan, a primeira mulher a viver da sua pena e a sustentar com ela a sua família; o de Marie de Gournay e Poulain de la Barre, que elevaram o termo igualdade a conceito e princípio; e o do marquês de Condorcet e Olympe de Gouges, que enriqueceram o conceito de igualdade com o de universalidade, estendendo a todos os seres humanos (Condorcet) e aos negros (Condorcet e Gouges) todos os direitos reivindicados para as mulheres.
Vegetative characterization and key of Myrtaceae species from a remnant of Araucaria Rainforest, Curitiba, Paraná
Authors: Bizarro Ollyver Mauricio Rech , Miller Daniel Zambiazzi , Blum Christopher Thomas
Published: September 2021

Abstract Myrtaceae is a plant family with outstanding diversity in the neotropics, which species are of difficult identification. Thus, for the differentiation between species to be possible, targeted inventories and detailed descriptions are necessary, to develop accessible and reliable identification tools. The goal of this research is to quantify the species richness and describe vegetative characters of Myrtaceae species from a Araucaria Rainforest remnant, through identification of patterns and the elaboration of an dendrological key. For the characterization of trunk and bark, up to five healthy adult individuals of each species were selected, and for branches and leaves, up to three individuals. The voucher material was deposited at the Herbarium EFC. The vegetative morphology of each species was described and an identification key was prepared. 29 species, belonging to 11 genera, were documented: Blepharocalyx (1), Campomanesia (3), Eugenia (5), Myrceugenia (5), Myrcia (8), Myrcianthes (1), Myrciaria (1), Myrrhinium (1), Pimenta (1), Plinia (1) and Psidium (2). The main dendrological characteristics used for the species differentiation were: rhytidome aspect, appearance and colour of the internal bark, venation, punctuations, indumentum and dimensions of the leaf blade. Differentiation was possible using vegetative characters, with greater difficulty for two very similar species of Campomanesia.
Macrolichens from Chaco National Park (Chaco Province, Argentina)
Authors: Rodríguez María Pía , Michlig Andrea
Published: September 2021

Abstract A study of the macrolichens diversity from Chaco National Park was conducted. Thirty-six species were identified, three of which are recorded for the first time from Argentina (Dirinaria melanocapa, Pyxine petricola var. convexula, and P. pungens). Moreover, the distribution of 27 species in the country is extended, including new records for Chaco province and, additionally, for other provinces of the region. An identification key for species is here provided and the geographic distribution of each one in Argentina was revised.
Ruehssia quirinopolensis (Apocynaceae), a new species from the Cerrado Domain, Brazil
Authors: Morais Isa Lucia de , Santo Fábio da Silva do Espírito , Rapini Alessandro , Morales Francisco
Published: September 2021

Abstract A new species of Apocynaceae, Ruehssia quirinopolensis, endemic to Serra da Confusão do Rio Preto and Serra da Igrejinha, Quirinópolis, state of Goiás, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It resembles R. rupestris, differing by the white corolla, adaxially villose and with a longer tube, and by its corona lobes with the upper portion lanceolate. Besides a distribution map for the new species, we provide a key to identify the nine species of Ruehssia that occur in Goiás. Ruehssia quirinopolensis is assessed here as Critically Endangered (CR).
Fern and lycophytes of the Taquari River riparian forests at different stages of succession
Authors: Bruxel Fernanda , Nervo Michelle Helena , Freitas Elisete Maria de
Published: September 2021

Abstract Riparian forests are important biodiversity corridors among groups. Such forests were greatly altered or suppressed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This study investigates the variation of species richness and distribution of ferns and lycophytes of eighteen study areas at different stages of succession in riparian forests of the Taquari River region. Fern and lycophyte samples were collected using the pathway methodology along the Taquari River during two years. The richness was compared at the different succession stages (advanced remnant formations, intermediate and initial) through analysis of variance and a randomized test, in which about 22 species were recorded: 19 species were at the advanced stage of succession, nine species were at the intermediate stage and seven species were at the initial stage of succession. The average richness was significantly higher in areas at advanced stage of succession. The high value of common species found at intermediate stages highlights the importance of preserving riparian forests at all stages of succession in the Taquari River as alternative for preserving the local biodiversity.
Drought responses and phenotypic plasticity of Maprounea guianensis populations in humid and dry tropical forests
Authors: Santos Marília Grazielly Mendes dos , Sousa Alexsandro dos Santos , Neves Sâmia Paula Santos , Rossatto Davi Rodrigo , Miranda Lia d’Afonsêca Pedreira de , Funch Ligia Silveira
Published: September 2021

Abstract The wide distribution of Maprounea guianensis populations in contrasting environments (dry and humid forests) in the Chapada Diamantina, northeastern Brazil, can indicate the phenotypic plasticity of this species in relation to seasonal rainfall, drought regimes, and soil characteristics at different sites. Functional traits were measured in five individuals in each vegetation types. Water potential, succulence, thickness and density leaf, were evaluated during the dry and rainy periods; wood density and the saturated water content of the wood were evaluated in rainy period. Rainfall was monitored monthly for two years. The functional traits and the phenotypic plasticity indices (PPI) were submitted to analysis of variance. Our results demonstrated seasonal and spatial variations in plant functional traits. We found a low capacity for storing water in leaves and woody tissues, associated with soil properties and the seasonal rainfall/drought regimes, conditioning water potential variations that were greatest during the rainy season. Local environmental parameters influenced variations in the functional traits of M. guianensis populations, reflecting phenotypic plasticity. We highlight the connections between drought regimes and plant responses, demonstrating the importance of functional traits associated with water availability (especially water potential). Our study evidences the factors associated with the wide distribution of M. guianensis.
Orchidaceae in a fragment of restinga on the north coast of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Barberena Felipe Fajardo Villela Antolin , Sousa Tainan da Silva , Roque Nádia
Published: September 2021

Abstract Área de Proteção Ambiental das Lagoas e Dunas do Abaeté (APA Abaeté) is an urban fragment of restinga in an environmentally protected area in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The area is impacted by irregular disposal of solid waste, clandestine removal of sand from dunes, suppression and fragmentation of original vegetation cover and urban growth of neighborhoods. A recent floristic study revealed new records of orchid species for this conservation unit but highlighted strong threats to the orchid flora. In this context, a taxonomic study of Orchidaceae in APA Abaeté was undertaken with the aim of facilitating the recognition of species in the field and supporting the establishment of more effective local conservation actions for orchids, which should include the manual dispersion of seeds and the relocation of individuals. Orchidaceae is the sixth most represented family in APA Abaeté, with 15 genera and 19 species, including Encyclia dichroma and Koellensteinia florida, endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. The most relevant morphological characteristics for the identification of species in the area are: growth type; climbing habit; caulome thickness; shape and consistency of leaf blades; inflorescence type and position; and color and resupination of flowers.
O empoderamento na reabilitação auditiva: tradução dos questionários de autoadvocacia
Authors: Carneiro Larissa de Almeida , Nery Daniele Batista , Silva Rebeca Liaschi Floro , Salimon Amanda , Angelo Thais Corina Said de , Tamura Camila Oliveira Souza , Duarte Luciana Alves , Silva Eduardo Jannone da , Lopes Natália Barreto Frederigue , Moret Adriane Lima Mortari , Jacob Regina Tangerino de Souza
Published: September 2021

RESUMO Objetivo Traduzir e adaptar culturalmente para o português brasileiro os questionários Self-Advocacy Checklist “I can”, Audiology Self-Advocacy Checklist - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ASAC-ES), Audiology Self-Advocacy Checklist - MIDDLE SCHOOL (ASAC-MS) e Audiology Self-Advocacy Checklist - HIGH SCHOOL (ASAC-HS), para avaliar os habilidades de autoadvocacia de usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos auditivos. Método A tradução foi realizada por meio de uma adaptação das diretrizes de Beaton et al. (2000). A versão pré-teste foi aplicada em dois grupos. O Grupo 1 (G1) foi composto por 14 professores de adolescentes com deficiência auditiva. O Grupo 2 (G2) foi composto por 15 pacientes adolescentes com deficiência auditiva, usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos auditivos, que fazem uso da linguagem oral como forma primária de comunicação. Resultados Os instrumentos foram traduzidos como Checklist de autoadvocacia “Eu consigo” e Checklists de Autoadvocacia em Audiologia - Ensino Fundamental I, Ensino Fundamental II e Ensino Médio. Para o G1, não houve relato de dificuldade em relação aos termos utilizados nos protocolos, porém, relataram dificuldades em relação ao preenchimento do progresso do estudante. Para o G2, as fonoaudiólogas que aplicaram os instrumentos em forma de entrevista não relataram dificuldade quanto ao uso do instrumento e sua aplicação. Após a aplicação da versão pré-teste, não houve necessidade de fazer alterações nos instrumentos, os quais foram apresentados como versão final. Conclusão As Checklist de autoadvocacia foram traduzidas e adaptadas culturalmente para o português brasileiro e são instrumentos válidos para a mensuração das habilidades de autoadvocacia de estudantes com deficiência auditiva em contexto clínico.
Síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pediátrica: estudo seccional dos casos e fatores associados aos óbitos durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil, 2020
Authors: Relvas-Brandt Laís de Almeida , Gava Caroline , Camelo Fernanda Sindeaux , Porto Victor Bertollo Gomes , Alves Ronaldo Fernandes Santos , Costa Marcela Santos Correa Da , Carvalho Sandra Maria Deotti , Carmo Greice Madeleine Ikeda do , Fantinato Francieli Fontana Sutile Tardetti , Wada Marcelo Yoshito , Mendes Yluska Myrna Meneses Brandão e , Vieira Martha Gonçalves , Steenhouwer Roselle Bugarin , Branco Klebia Magalhães Pereira Castello , Santos Maria Verônica Câmara dos , Rivera Ivan Romero , Nicoloso Luiz Henrique , Safadi Marco Aurelio Palazzi , Assis Dalva Maria de
Published: September 2021

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pediátrica temporalmente associada à COVID-19 (SIM-P) e identificar fatores associados aos óbitos de SIM-P no Brasil, 2020. Métodos Estudo seccional, utilizando dados do monitoramento nacional da SIM-P. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razões de chances (OR, odds ratios ) brutas e ajustadas. Resultados Os casos (n=652) apresentaram mediana de idade de 5 anos; 57,1% eram do sexo masculino e 52,0% de raça/cor da pele parda; 6,4% evoluíram a óbito. A chance de óbito foi significativamente maior nos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% (ORa=4,35 – IC95% 1,69;11,20) e resultado alterado de ureia (ORa=5,18 – IC95% 1,91;14,04); e menor na ausência de manchas vermelhas pelo corpo (ORa=0,23 – IC95% 0,09;0,62), com uso de anticoagulantes (ORa=0,32 – IC95% 0,12;0,89) e imunoglobulinas (ORa=0,38 – IC95% 0,15;1,01). Conclusão A letalidade foi maior entre casos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% e ureia alterada; e menor nos que apresentaram manchas vermelhas, usaram imunoglobulinas e anticoagulantes.
A practical method to design thermally stressed piles
Authors: Iodice Chiara , Di Laora Raffaele , Mandolini Alessandro
Published: September 2021

The paper deals with the analysis and design of energy piles subjected to a cyclic temperature variation under constant mechanical axial load. The problem is first investigated through fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical analyses using the finite-element code ABAQUS. A single pile, whose head is either free or restrained, is embedded in a normally consolidated clay obeying different constitutive models. Numerical results are reported and discussed with emphasis on the role of the different constitutive assumptions on the development of the pile axial force due to the thermal load. Further, a design procedure is proposed to derive the maximum thermally induced axial load by using recently developed analytical solutions, worked out to obtain explicit formulae that can be readily employed in a spreadsheet for the direct computation of axial force in a multilayer soil. The method consists of employing these expressions after identifying some rules to: (a) select the soil stiffness profile as a function of the mechanical load and (b) establish the effect of the actual restraint condition at the pile head as a function of the stiffness ratio between the inactive and the active pile subgroups. The main advantage of the proposed procedure is that it requires only the load–settlement curve under the mechanical axial load, which is always assessed in pile design, through analytical, numerical or experimental means. After a comparison with the results of the finite-element analyses, the procedure is also applied to a number of field tests on groups of energy piles available in the literature, and provides a satisfactory match between measurements and predictions.
Control of screw pile installation to optimise performance for offshore energy applications
Authors: Cerfontaine Benjamin , Brown Michael John , Knappett Jonathan Adam , Davidson Craig , Sharif Yaseen Umar , Huisman Marco , Ottolini Marius , Ball Jonathan David
Published: September 2021

Screw piles can be used as foundations for offshore energy applications, thanks to their silent mode of installation and considerable uplift capacity, although a significant upscaling of onshore dimensions is necessary. However, the crowd (vertical) force necessary to install upscaled screw piles was previously shown to be far too great for practical installation. Although guidance recommends that the pile's vertical displacement must be one helix pitch (helix height) per each pile revolution, it is shown in this paper that a lower vertical displacement per revolution can significantly reduce the necessary crowd force during installation or even generate some pull-in. In addition, it was shown that the uplift stiffness and capacity of the pile were enhanced by this installation process, at a shallow (relative) depth in sand. This paper gathers 19 centrifuge tests, with varying screw pile geometries (shaft diameter, base shape), sand relative density and advancement rates. A predictive framework for the pull-in potential of a given pile geometry was proposed to assess its ability to be installed with a reduced crowd force.
Locality in the acquisition of object A’-dependencies: insights from French
Authors: Durrleman Stephanie , Bentea Anamaria
Published: September 2021

Children’s difficulties with dependencies involving movement of an object to the left periphery of the clause (object relative clauses/RCs and wh-questions), have been explained in terms of intervention effects arising when the moved object and the intervening subject share a lexical N feature (Friedmann, Belletti & Rizzi 2009). Such an account raises various questions: (1) Do these effects hold in the absence of a lexical N feature when the object and the intervener share other relevant features? (2) Do phi-features with a semantic role modulate such effects? (3) Does the degree of feature overlap determine a gradience in performance? We addressed these in three sentence-picture matching studies with French-speaking children (4;8 to 6;3), by assessing comprehension of (1) subject and object RCs headed by the demonstrative pronouns celui/celle and matching or mismatching in number; (2) object RCs headed by a lexical N and matching or mismatching in animacy; (3) object who- and which-questions. Our results show that mismatches in number, not in animacy, enhance comprehension of object RCs, even in the absence of a lexical N feature, and confirm previous findings that object who-questions yield better comprehension than object which-questions. Comparing across studies, the following gradation emerges with respect to performance accuracy: disjunction > intersection > inclusion. The global interpretation of these findings is that fine-grained phi-features determining movement are both sufficient and necessary for locality, and the degree of overlap of these features can capture the pattern of performance observed in children, namely higher accuracy as featural differences increase.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): When Humans and Machines Might Have to Coexist
Authors: Kaplan Andreas
Published: September 2021

This chapter looks at artificial intelligence, its history, and its evolutionary stages. Furthermore, what challenges might arise in the future when humans will have to learn to live among machines and robots are discussed. This will be undertaken by analyzing challenges concerning algorithms and organisations, challenges with respect to (un)employment, and looking at democracy and freedom potentially jeopardised due to the progress of AI.
Digital Humanism: Epistemological, Ontological and Praxiological Foundations
Authors: Hofkirchner Wolfgang
Published: September 2021

It is said that the distinction between the human and the artificial gets more and more blurred. Some are in favour of that development, some in fear of it. Some say humanism is outdated, some say digitalisation is necessarily undesirable. The paper analyses those positions from the perspectives of epistemology, ontology and praxeology and give a fresh answer to the seemingly irreconcilable points of view. A new conception of Digital Humanism can conserve what are true values in humanism and, at the same time, shape digitalisation such that those values are cultivated.
The Language Labyrinth: Constructive Critique on the Terminology Used in the AI Discourse
Authors: Rehak Rainer
Published: September 2021

In the interdisciplinary field of artificial intelligence (AI) the problem of clear terminology is especially momentous. This paper claims, that AI debates are still characterised by a lack of critical distance to metaphors like ‘training’, ‘learning’ or ‘deciding’. As consequence, reflections regarding responsibility or potential use-cases are greatly distorted. Yet, if relevant decision-makers are convinced that AI can develop an ‘understanding’ or properly ‘interpret’ issues, its regular use for sensitive tasks like deciding about social benefits or judging court cases looms. The chapter argues its claim by analysing central notions of the AI debate and tries to contribute by proposing more fitting terminology and hereby enabling more fruitful debates. It is a conceptual work at the intersection of critical computer science and philosophy of language.
Algorithmic Logic in Digital Capitalism
Authors: Prodnik Jernej A.
Published: September 2021

This chapter details the key characteristics of algorithmic systems in their current hegemonic social form, which helps to shed a light on the reasons for their increasing social influence. These characteristics include: opacity/obfuscation, datafication, automation, and instrumental rationalisation. Because technologies are inevitably embedded in – and influenced by – the social context in which they develop, the author’s analysis considers these systems as a part of competitive and inherently unstable capitalist society, or to put it more narrowly, as a part of digital capitalism. This provides a critical analytic framework that points to the fact there is nothing ‘natural’ in these characteristics of algorithmic systems, while making it possible to delineate both the structural reasons for their development and their social consequences. On this basis it is claimed we can denote a specific algorithmic logic in digital capitalism that continuously reinforces itself.