Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 38

AABC - Volume 92.1 - 2020

The first issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) is already available. A total of 66 articles covering a variety of fields from Mathematical to Engineering Sciences were published. The largest amount of contributions came from Biological Sciences (28) followed by Health (18) and Social Sciences (7).

As always, it is very difficult to choose the highlights. Biological Sciences shows articles from population studies of crustaceans aiming at conservation efforts to genetic diversity of fish populations in the Amazon and Tocantins-Araguaia basins. There is also a review addressing the causes of bird-window collisions, a detailed molecular characterization of yerba mate, and two studies on the impacts of the Amazon deforestation that is not limited to the question of biodiversity loss.

In Biomedical Sciences, there is discussion of a biomarker for early breast cancer diagnosis and a suggestion on how to classify skin cancer.

Another interesting article focuses on the geochemistry of tourmaline present in the Ibaré ophiolite that might help to better understand the evolution of the oceanic crust during deep time (Earth Sciences).

Health Sciences shows studies on the methods to stimulate osteogenesis in rats, the effects of vitamin D, and the differences of the 2009 influenza pandemic between equatorial Brazil and temperate regions.

There is also a noteworthy study using an unusual biomonitor to test the air quality in the Peruvian Andes (Chemical Sciences).

I would also like to invite you to check the editorial (Living in pandemic times).

Please keep in mind that since 2000 all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site and previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website.

During these pandemic times, lay back, scroll through this text, and click on the title of the article that interests you!

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

1- On Maurício M. Peixoto and the arrival of Structural Stability to Rio de Janeiro, 1955.
Author: Jorge Sotomayor

This essay is a historical exploration of the circumstances, and subsequent mathematical consequences, of the encounter, in 1955, of Maurício M. Peixoto (1921 - 2019) with the work of Henry F. DeBaggis (1916 - 2002) on Structural Stability, Princeton 1952, developing a fundamental notion introduced by Alexander A. Andronov and Lev S. Pontrjagin, Gorkii 1937. The reader will glimpse into some of the crucial initial steps of Maurício M. Peixoto into the domain of Dynamical Systems. Key bibliographic references are provided to allow further penetration into the fascinating career of one of the greatest Brazilian Mathematicians of the 20th century. A handy diagram illustrates the remarkable mathematical fruitful contacts –which include the names of Solomon Lefschetz, René Thom and Stephen Smale – that he established around the development of his work on Structural Stability.

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CHEMICAL SCIENCES

2- Air quality biomonitoring of trace elements in the metropolitan area of Huancayo, Peru using transplanted Tillandsia capillaris as biomonitor
Authors: Alex Rubén H. de la Cruz, Rodolfo Franklin O. Ayuque, Rony William H. de la Cruz, Javier L. López-Gonzales & Adriana Gioda

This study aims to assess trace elements content in a metropolitan area of the Peruvian Andes using epiphytic Tillandsia capillaris as a biomonitor. Trace elements content were not reported in the scientific literature in this area spite notable air pollution. Findings of this first trace element study in Peruvian Andes - may add new information above air quality and content levels of different trace elements (some toxic even lower concentrations, e.g., Pb, As) in Peru and thus to take preventive and correction actions.

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EARTH SCIENCES

3-  Modelling the impact of sediment management on the trophic state of a tropical reservoir with high water storage variations
Authors: Camila C.S. Lira, Pedro H.A. Medeiros & Iran E.L. Neto

This work presents the impact of the silted sediment management on the trophic status of a tropical surface reservoir with intense temporal variability of water storage. The sediment reuse as soil fertilizer has been proposed to increase productivity in small scale agriculture, which should also enhance the water quality.  The complete mixing model, which describes the total phosphorus budget in the water and sediments, was used for a 40-years period. The results indicate that sediment management may improve water quality, changing from poor to acceptable trophic state during roughly 10% of the time when the reservoir is not empty.

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4- Wave energy distribution at inlet channel margins as a function of ebb tidal delta morphology: Cananéia Inlet, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Bruna G. Ambrosio, Paulo H.G.O. Sousa, Marcelo H. Gagliardi & Eduardo Siegle

Coastal zones are very dynamic and its morphology is mainly controlled by forces such as waves, tides, currents, winds, etc. In this study, we assess how waves are transformed when they cross sandbars that form an ebb tidal delta at the Cananéia inlet, located in the southern coast of the São Paulo State, Brazil. Results show the importance of the morphology of the ebb tidal delta in defining the waves that reach the margins of the adjacent inlet channel. The form of the sandbars varies during the analyzed period (1939 to 2004) and influences the incoming waves. 

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5- Geochemistry and δ¹¹B evolution of tourmaline from tourmalinite as a record of oceanic crust in the Tonian Ibaré ophiolite, southern Brasiliano Orogen
Authors: Karine R. Arena, Léo A. Hartmann, Cristiano Lana, Gláucia N. Queiroga & Marco P. Castro

The isotopic and geochemical evolution of tourmaline constrain the processes of paleo-oceanic lithosphere in ophiolites. We made a pioneering investigation of tourmaline from a tourmalinite in the Ibaré ophiolite by integrating field work with chemical analyses of tourmaline. Remarkably massive tourmalinite (>90 vol.% tourmaline) enclosed in serpentinite has homogeneous dravite in chemical and isotopic composition (δ¹¹B = +3.5 to +5.2‰). These results indicate a geotectonic environment in the altered oceanic crust for the origin of the tourmalinite. This first δ¹¹B characterization of tourmaline from tourmalinite sets limits to the evolution of the Neoproterozoic to Cambrian Brasilian Orogen and Gondwana evolution.

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6- A close look at above ground biomass of a large and heterogeneous Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest - Caatinga in North East of Brazil
Authors: Andrea D.A. Castanho, Michael Coe, Eunice M. Andrade, Wayne Walker, Alessandro Baccini, Diego A. Campos & Mary Farina

This work is focus in the biomass of Caatinga a semiarid region in northeastern Brazil. Better characterization of biomass is important to improve forest management, understand how they relate to climate, and support numerical modeling experiments. The region biomass spatial distribution is extremely heterogeneous. Satellite-derived biomass products can address the region spatial heterogeneity but have not been validated for seasonally dry tropical forests. Here we combine a compilation of published field phytosociological observations with a 30m spatial resolution satellite biomass product. Both data were significantly correlated, satellite estimates consistently captured the wide variability of the biomass across the different physiognomies.

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7-  Spatial-temporal variability of rainfall and mean air temperature for the state of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Caique C. Medauar, Samuel A. Silva, Luis Carlos C. Carvalho, Ícaro M. Galvão & Philype V. Macedo

This article is of great importance, since it is a study of the spatial-temporal variability of two essential climatic variables which have different applicabilities for the state of Bahia, Brazil. In view of the long database of historical series, the tools used in the manuscript showed interesting results about the spatial and temporal variation of rainfall and temperature.

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8- Non-Hyperbolic Velocity Analysis of Seismic Data from Jequitinhonha Basin, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Francisco G. Ortega, Amin Bassrei, Ellen N.S. Gomes & Andrei G. de Oliveira

Normal moveout (NMO) velocity is used in seismic data processing to correct the data from the inevitable moveout effect. The NMO velocity is estimated from the adjustment of a hyperbolic function that approximates the reflection time, and this approximation is reasonable for media formed by isotropic layers. However, for deeper exploration targets, which effectively behave as anisotropic media, the NMO velocity estimate from the hyperbolic approximation becomes imprecise. In this work we use two non-hyperbolic approximations for the reflection time in data from Jequitinhonha Basin. The results are more consistent than the conventional approach, which ignores the medium anisotropy.

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

9- Population structure of Callichirus major (Say 1818) (Crustacea: Callianassidae) and conservation considerations at Southeast coast of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Fernanda A. Moschetto, Luis Felipe A. Duarte & Roberto P. Borges

The knowledge is limited about management and conservation of Callianassidae family. Their catches seem to be recently increasing in several parts of the world and evidences raise concern on the need of specialized literature focused on populations monitoring. This paper alert to some evidence of C. major structure population disturbance resulting from its exploitation at Southeast of Brazil. Recommendations were also addressed to conservation management considering the species' ecological importance.

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10- Structures related to resprouting potential of two Myrtaceae species from Cerrado: morpho-anatomical and chemical studies
Authors: Gabriela S. da Silva, Alexandre Ferraro, Felipe I.B. Ogando, Claudio L. de Aguiar & Beatriz Appezzato-da-Gloria

This study was carried out in a Cerrado area under regeneration after clear-cutting of a long-term pine plantation and burning of pine needles. Three years after the fire, two Myrtaceae species: Eugenia dysenterica and E. punicifolia resprouted and their belowground organs and aerial buds were analysed to verify what morphological traits enabled them to resprout so quickly. It is noteworthy that both species exhibited woody rhizome (sobole) in its upper portion joined to a lignified root. To the best of our knowledge, these organs could not be originated in such a short time. Probably, these individuals survived under the pine for several years due to their bud-bearing belowground organs (BBB), rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. The number of buds in the first 10 cm beneath soil level varied between individuals of the same species for both E. dysenterica (162, 253, 517) and E. punicifolia (24, 40, 109). Besides belowground buds and the storing and protective compounds in the BBB, the protective morphological traits of aerial buds such as colleters and oil cavities may have favored the resprouting of the species in the area.

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11- Genetic diversity and structuring in the arapaima (Osteoglossiformes, Osteoglossidae) population reveal differences between the Amazon and the Tocantins-Araguaia basins
Authors: Fabrícia Nogueira, Péricles S. do Rêgo, Helder Queiroz, Paulo Venere, Eduardo S. Varela, Iracilda Sampaio, Horacio Schneider & Juliana Araripe

We analyzed nuclear and mitochondrial markers in the Arapaima, the largest scaled freshwater fish in the world. The analyses revealed the existence of two mitochondrial lineages, which are found in sympatry in the Amazon basin, although only one is observed in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin. The existence of these two mitochondrial lineages indicates that past events separated the populations of this species and shaped their evolutionary history, as reflected in the mitochondrial DNA. Genetic variability was significantly greater in the Amazon basin than in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, although no haplotypes were shared between basins.

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12- Biotransformation of grape pomace from Vitis labrusca by Peniophora albobadia LPSC # 285 (Basidiomycota)
Authors: María I. Troncozo, Cecilia B. Figoli, Mario E.E. Franco, María V. Mirífico, Alejandra Bosch, Mario Rajchenberg, Pedro A. Balatti & Mario C.N. Saparrat

Grape pomace from Vitis labrusca is an important sub-product of the “American table wine” industry. It is recalcitrant to degradation, and its accumulation is a serious problem with negative environmental impacts. We analyzed the ability of five white-rot fungi to transform this residue in-vitro. We concluded that Peniophora albobadia LPSC # 285 isolate is a promising fungus to transform grape pomace from Vitis labrusca under solid-state fermentation conditions.

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13- Schizonyxhelea thomsenae (Wirth), description of the pupa and first records from Argentina, Brazil and Peru (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Carla G. Cazorla & Florentina Díaz

In this article the pupa of Schizonyxhelea thomsenae (Wirth, 1953) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is fully described and illustrated. The predaceous midges of the genus Schizonyxhelea Clastrier, 1984 are currently represented in the Neotropical region by 15 species, but only the pupae of four species are known. Immatures were collected in Misiones province, Argentina and subsequently reared in laboratory. We provide a key to the known pupae of Neotropical species as well a diagnosis and illustration of the adult. Finally, the species is also compared with similar congeners and its geographic is enlarged, providing the first records from Argentina, Brazil and Peru. 

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14- Main causes of bird-window collisions: a review
Authors: Lay G. Basilio, Daniele J. Moreno & Augusto J. Piratelli

Bird-window collisions are amongst the most important causes of bird mortality in the world. Estimates in North America alone cite that more than a billion birds may be dying each year. In this study, we carried out a literature survey on bird-glass windows strikes. We stress that, although the amount of papers has grown over the years, there is a huge geographical imbalance; most studies came from North America. We discuss the several causes of collisions, identify the most cited species and in the end, we suggest future directions, mainly regarding public policies that could mitigate this problem.

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15-  Influence of water volume reduction on the phytoplankton dynamics in a semi-arid man-made lake: A comparison of two morphofunctional approaches
Authors: Gustavo G. Braga & Vanessa Becker

Significant reductions in the water levels of lakes are influenced by droughts and demands, especially in semi-arid regions. Phytoplankton plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems, and they are sensitive to water level fluctuations, as well as changes in the availability of light and nutrients. Because of the brief generation and replication times, these organisms can respond quickly to environmental changes. A useful way of studying changes in phytoplankton is based on their adaptive strategies. This study also corroborates the predictions regarding climate change scenarios; that is, in shallow lakes during extended droughts, the dominance of cyanobacteria (in functional approaches). 

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16- The distribution of the freshwater crab Fredius reflexifrons (Ortmann, 1897) (Brachyura, Pseudothelphusidae) in an Environmental Protection Area of the Planalto da Ibiapaba, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Livanio C. dos Santos, Whandenson M. do Nascimento, Helaine S. Matos, Allysson P. Pinheiro & José R.F. Silva

Freshwater crabs are important elements of aquatic biota, the preservation of these organisms is related to conservation of their habitats. The aim of this study was to expand the distribution of Amazonian crab, Fredius reflexifrons (Ortmann, 1897), in humid forest patches located in the Environmental Protection Area in Brazilian semiarid region and to identify the main impacts of anthropization, suggest potential actions to mitigate these impacts. Eleven sites were recorded, of which nine are new records and five are not located within the APA. These findings evidence the need of expanding the Conservation Unit. 

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17- An oviposition trap to collect immatures of coprophagous moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Dayana A. Lima, Danilo P. Cordeiro & Elizabeth Franklin

Studies regarding immatures of coprophagous moth flies are scarce, with few available taxonomic descriptions. To facilitate research on this field we developed a low cost oviposition trap using cattle dung as attractant. The proposed trap was highly specific for moth flies of the tribe Psychodini. The data suggested a minimum period of trapping exposition of three days and five to eight days as the most efficient period of capture. The trap is an efficient tool to promote studies on how different attractants and environmental factors influence the attractiveness of bait. 

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18- Population dynamics and reproductive phenology of a harvestman in a tidal freshwater wetland
Authors: Patricia P. Iglesias & Martín O. Pereyra

Few studies on terrestrial arthropods have focused on populations living in complex environments as tidal freshwater wetlands. During a two-year field survey, we study the temporal dynamics of the harvestman Discocyrtus prospicuus inhabiting a freshwater wetland exposed to predictable tides and unpredictable floods. We also explored the effects of temperature, precipitation, and tide level on the population dynamics and reproductive phenology. Our findings markedly differ from reports in other harvestman species living in different habitats and also from conspecific populations in the mainland. Contrary to the general pattern in harvestmen, no climatic variables were significant predictors of abundance fluctuations.

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19- Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) extract reverses lipid oxidative stress in rats
Authors: Bruno Veber, Anderson Camargo, Ana Paula Dalmagro, Henrique Luis P. Bonde, Débora D. Dal Magro, Daniela D. de Lima & Ana Lúcia B. Zeni

The effect of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. rubra DC) aqueous extract (RC) or fenofibrate (FF) in the oxidative stress induced by acute hyperlipidemia in rats was investigated. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through the activity of antioxidant enzymes and, protection of lipids and proteins against oxidation in erythrocytes, liver, kidneys, cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The alterations promoted in antioxidant defense were reversed by RC or FF treatments in the liver, kidneys, cerebral cortex and hippocampus demonstrating potential of red cabbage extracts as therapy to treat diseases not only involving dyslipidemia but also oxidative stress.

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20- Influence of low-protein diet with different levels of amino acids on laying hen performance, quality and egg composition
Authors: Mahmoud Alagawany, Mohamed M. El-Hindawy, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Mumammad Arif & Sabry A. El-Sayed

Several factors affect production of laying hens. Nutrient levels in the diet should be optimized not to exceed the optimum level in order to optimize profits. Increased feeding costs have resulted in poultry producers focusing on precision nutrition. This focus is typically concerned with assessing least cost formulation, thereby avoiding nutritional excesses. Thus, the objective of this study was investigated to describe the effect of low-protein diet with different levels of amino acids on laying hen performance, quality and egg composition.  From our results, dietary level of 16 or 18 % CP with 0.72% TSAA is recommended for feeding hens.

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21- Acute and chronic toxicity of the benzodiazepine diazepam to the tropical crustacean Mysidopsis juniae
Authors: Allyson Q. da Silva, Jeamylle Nilin, Susana Loureiro & Leticia V. Costa-Lotufo

Pharmaceuticals occur in the environment due to their excessive consumption and the inefficiency of treatment plants to degrade, inactivate or remove them. Diazepam (DZP) stands out as the most consumed benzodiazepine, and induces sedative effects and reduces anxiety. So, we aimed to determine the effects of DZP in the survival (96h) and growth (7d) on the marine microcrustacean Mysidopsis juniae. We have shown that DZP decreased the survival and growth of the microcrustacean on concentrations above 0.25mg/L. The results motivate us to understand the effects of DZP on other marine organisms, since studies are still scarce.

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22- Bryophyte communities across the ecological succession process in the Caxiuanã National Forest, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Tássia T.G. Takashima-Oliveira, Priscila S. de Medeiros & Ana Cláudia C. Tavares-Martins

The article “Bryophyte communities across the ecological succession process in the Caxiuanã National Forest, Pará, Brazil” was developed due to the need to know ecological aspects of bryophytes in view of the landscape dynamics that the Brazilian Amazon has experienced due to the increase of secondary forests. Thus, ecological aspects such as species composition, luminance tolerance guild and substrate colonization are showed in this work for secondary forests. And also species that indicate succession stages.

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23- Histological Changes in Category 2 Animal Byproducts under the Influence of a Ferment Preparation
Authors:  Aleksandr Lukin, Natalia Naumova & Ksenia Bitiutskikh

The paper deals with the possibility of processing category 2 animal byproducts with a ferment preparation. We chose collagen-rich cattle lips and ears as the category 2 byproducts. The selected samples were processed in the following sequence: fixation, rinsing, densifying, slicing, dying, and enclosing the sections under cover glass. The pathohistomorphologic changes found in the control samples differ both before the processing and after the use of the ferment preparation Protepsin, which caused destructive metabolic and hydrolytic processes in the dense connective tissue of the ear and lip framework and led to softening of the muscle parenchyma of the organs.

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24- Behavioral response of Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to a sublethal concentration of Euphorbia milii var. hislopii latex
Authors: Anna Carla Alberto-Silva, Rodolfo A. Cunha, Valdir A. da Costa, Everton Gustavo N. dos Santos, Maurício C. de Vasconcellos, Clélia Christina Mello-Silva & Cláudia P. Santos

The objective of this work was to study the locomotor and reproductive behaviors of B. glabrata exposed to E. milii var. hislopii latex. Snails were exposed individually for 24 hours. The locomotor parameters were observed by biomonitoring for image analysis. All locomotor and reproductive activities decreased one day after exposure, but the locomotor parameters increased after 30 days, returning to normal and reproductive decreased. The short time of the effects of E. milii latex on the snails indicates low toxic effects, reducing the risk to environment and can be a tool for the control of schistosomiasis.

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25- Unraveling the genetic complexity of a cultivated breeding population of “yerba mate” (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.)
Authors: Daniela I. Paiva, Jimena Cascales, María Eva N. Rosetti, Rafael A. Scherer, María E. Gauchat & Alexandra M. Gottlieb

We report the first comprehensive molecular characterization of cultivated Ilex paraguariensis –yerba mate- plants. We have genotyped 158 individuals from four plantation sites, and detected high genetic diversity, a low but significant differentiation among plantations, and that these plants derived from at least 63 mothers. Our results indicate that most genetic variation reside within plantations (≥95%), and that these were originally founded on highly variable individuals (seeds or plantlets). We postulate that not only the interchange of plants among farmers during the establishment of each plantation, but also subsequent constraints in such movements, contributed to shape the current genetic structure.

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26-  Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from Vitex-agnus castus, Ocimum campechianum and Ocimum carnosum
Authors: Lara P. Ricarte, Gabrieli P. Bezerra, Nirla R. Romero, Horlando C. da Silva, Telma L.G. Lemos, Angela M.C. Arriaga, Péricles B. Alves, Marcelo B. dos Santos, Gardenia C.G. Militão, Thiago D.S. Silva, Raimundo Braz-Filho & Gilvandete M.P. Santiago

The essential oils from fresh leaves of Vitex agnus-castus and Ocimum campechianum, and from fresh inflorescences of Ocimum carnosum were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The essential oils were subsequently evaluated for their larvicidal against Aedes aegypti and cytotoxic activities. The results obtained show that the essential oils, especially that obtained from leaves of O. campechiamum could be considered as natural larvicidal agents. With respect to cytotoxic activity, pro-myelocytic leukemia cells lines (HL-60) were found to be the most sensitive to all the essential oils tested than the others.

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27- Taxonomic revision of the flea genus Agastopsylla Jordan & Rothschild 1923 (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae)
Authors: Maria Fernanda López-Berrizbeitia, Juliana Sanchez, Rubén M. Barquez & Mónica Díaz

Fleas of Argentina are receiving renewed systematic interest, but the identification of many species associated with small mammals can be problematic. We review the taxonomy of the flea genus Agastopsylla including the re-description of two species and one subspecies, and designate neotype and neallotype for Agastopsylla hirsutior, neotype for Agastopsylla nylota nylota from the “Colección Mamíferos Lillo Anexos” (CMLA), Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina, and neotype and neallotype for Agastopsylla pearsoni from the Natural History Museum (London, U.K.). Additionally, a key to identification of the species of Agastopsylla and a distribution map of the species of the genus are included.

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28- First record of mass wild waterfowl mortality due to Clostridium botulinum in Brazilian semiarid
Authors: Pedro C. Lima, Iveraldo S. Dutra, Francisco A.A. Araújo, Ricardo Lustosa, Caio G. Zeppelini & Carlos R. Franke

Botulism is a bacterial zoonosis that poses risk of death and debilitation to humans and both wild and domestic animals. Our study is an investigation of the first recorded outbreak of botulism in wild birds in the Caatinga biome in Brazil, confirmed by laboratory bioassays that detected the type C variant of the botulinic toxin. This outbreak is linked to the stagnant water formed after the partial drainage of the Sobradinho dam, with rapid decomposition of organic matter, creating a favorable environment for the development of Clostridium botulinum.

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29- Weedy ferns (Polypodiopsida) in Argentina: diversity, distribution and impact on human activities and ecosystems
Authors: Agustina Yañez, Diego G. Gutiérrez & Marta Mónica Ponce

This work represents the first review on native and exotic ferns from Argentina that cause an impact on human activities or disturbe native habitats. All Argentinian fern species were analyzed based on references, herbarium specimens, and field trips. As a result of our study 25 species were recorded and classified as segetal, ecological, or aquatic weeds, and ruderal and/or toxic species. Current taxonomic identity, diagnostic characters, origins, habitats, geographical distribution, common names, and impact and potential risks were indicated by species. The results provide information for the development of weed management tools and priority areas to implement them.

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30- Effects of diflubenzuron on associated insect fauna with Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in laboratory, partial-field, and field conditions in the Central Amazon
Authors: Francisco A.S. Ferreira, Adriano N. Arcos, Natalielli S.G. Maia, Raquel T.M. Sampaio, Fábio M. Costa, Iléa B. Rodrigues & Wanderli P. Tadei

This study aimed to analyze the effects of diflubenzuron on insects associated with Anopheles in laboratory, semi-field and field conditions. In the laboratory, Chironomus and Buenoa were shown to be susceptible and a strong relationship was observed between mortality and time of exposure to the insecticide. In the semi-field Euthyplociidae was more sensitive. There was no difference between the richness and diversity of aquatic insects in the field, after 15 days. The data suggest that diflubenzuron acts on insects associated with Anopheles and the environmental conditions of breeding sites may have affected its efficiency in the field. 

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31- First record of the genus Choledocystus (Trematoda: Plagiorchiidae) for amphibians of the Chacoan region in Argentina
Authors: Monika Ines Hamann, Virginia León-Règagnon, María Virginia Fernández & Cynthya Elizabeth González

Systematic studies provide the foundation for the knowledge of biodiversity that is necessary to tackle a range of increasingly urgent and applied environmental challenges. In this context, the significance of this paper was to study for the first time the genus Choledocystus in the American Chaco. This study provides new information about the parasite morphology and genetic characterization of Choledocystus species, as well as, increases the geographical range of species distribution. Amphibians become a definitive host when they ingest metacercariae of the epidermis of tadpoles and adult frogs, i.e. when they feed on tadpoles or ingest its skin after molting.

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32- Beyond diversity loss and climate change: Impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious diseases and public health
Authors: Joel Henrique Ellwanger, Bruna Kulmann-Leal, Valéria L. Kaminski, Jacqueline María Valverde-Villegas, Ana Beatriz G. da Veiga, Fernando R. Spilki, Philip M. Fearnside, Lílian Caesar, Leandro Luiz Giatti, Gabriel L. Wallau, Sabrina E.M. Almeida, Mauro R. Borba, Vanusa P. da Hora & José Artur B. Chies

Amazonia has a prominent role in regulating the Earth’s climate, with forest loss contributing to rising regional and global temperatures and intensification of extreme weather events. These climatic conditions are important drivers of emerging infectious diseases, and activities associated with deforestation contribute to the spread of disease vectors. Our review presents the impacts of Amazon deforestation on infectious-disease dynamics and public health from a One Health perspective. Because Brazil holds the largest area of Amazon rainforest, emphasis is given to the Brazilian scenario. Solutions to mitigate deforestation and infectious diseases are presented from the perspectives of researchers in different fields.

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33- Seasonal and habitat structure of an anuran assemblage in a semideciduous forest area in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Elvis A. Pereira, Matheus O. Neves, José Luiz M.M. Sugai, Renato N. Feio & Diego J. Santana

We evaluated the reproductivity activity and spatial-temporal distribution of an anuran assemblage in three environments in Southeast Brazil, at Municipality of Barão de Monte Alto, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The field activities were carried out during three consecutive days, monthly throughout the rainy seasons of 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. We have recorded 28 anurans species, distributed in eight families. We observed the spatial-temporal distribution of species, and the reproductive was associated through exploration of different sites of vocalization. The spatial-temporal distribution of the species seems to adapt to abiotic and biotic factors of the environment occupied by them.

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34- DNA barcoding identifies three species of croakers (Pisces, Sciaenidae) in the ichthyoplankton of the High Paraná River
Authors: Yanina F. Briñoccoli, Gladys G. Garrido & Alicia Alvarez

Due to the filling of the Yacyretá Reservoir, the Garupá Stream became a sub-reservoir. The larvae of the family Sciaenidae are morphologically similar, particularly among Pachyurus and Plagioscion species, making taxonomic differentiation difficult. For that, sciaenidae larvae were characterized molecularly and the results evidenced the presence of Plagioscion ternetzi and Pachyurus bonariensis larvae, and for the first time in tributaries of the region, Plagioscion squamosissimus. This incorporation to the faunistic assemblage of ichthyoplankton in the Garupá Stream supports better characterization of the species richness of this secondary watercourse and advancement in our understanding of use of this area for reproduction.

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35- Nephroprotective effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extract against cadmium chloride toxicity in rats
Authors: Mohamed A. Dkhil, Marwa S.M. Diab, Maha S. Lokman, Heba El-Sayed, Amira A. Bauomy, Esam M. Al-Shaebi & Saleh Al-Quraishy

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the methanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus in comparison with silymarin on renal function in cadmium-intoxicated rats. Cadmium treatment induced significant histopathological impairments, DNA fragmentation, and renal oxidative stress. However, treatment with P. ostreatus extract or silymarin improved the pathology, and restored DNA fragmentation. In addition, a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels, and a significant increase in the levels of glutathione and catalase activity were observed. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that treatment with P. ostreatus extract protects against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.

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36- Biodiversity – the hidden risks
Author: Adalberto L. Val

Biodiversity is much more than what we see. Biodiversity also includes a number of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. In the Amazon, many of these organisms live in the body of repository animals that are in the forest and can jump to humans, with the potential to cause new epidemics and pandemics. In the region, we cannot discard plants as repositories for these microorganisms too. It is necessary to reduce deforestation, mining, cattle ranching at the heart of the forest and strive for “One Health” approach, improving social organization, including policies, legislation and science.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

37-  Plasma miR-1273g-3p acts as a potential biomarker for early Breast Ductal Cancer diagnosis
Authors: Huan Guo, Xiangting Zeng, Haining Li, Yanxiang Guo, Tao Wang, Hongyun Guo, Gongjian Zhu, Lan Wang, Haihong Zhou, Kedan Liu, Xiaoyi Chen, Haitao Wang, Xinke Zhao, Haixiang Su & Yingdong Li

It has been found that circulating miRNAs is expressed differently in cancer patients and has been used as a diagnostic marker for cancer. Here, we identified miR-1273g-3p as a biomarker for detecting breast ductal cancer. Our research demonstrated that the plasma miR-1273g-3p level was significantly up-regulated in breast ductal cancer patients compared with healthy donors and  closely related to TNM stage. We also confirmed the higher expression level of miR-1273g-3p in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 than normal breast cells. Take together, miR-1273g-3p could represent as a potential biomarker for early breast ductal cancer diagnosis.

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38- Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α attenuates myocardial inflammatory injury in rats induced by coronary microembolization
Authors: Quan-Fang Chen, Wei Wang, Zhou Huang & Dong-Ling Huang

This work investigated the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in myocardial inflammatory injury in rats induced by coronary microembolization (CME). We found that pro-inflammatory factors of IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α increased their expression levels after CME, which indicated inflammatory responses in the myocardium. Additionally, in the inflammatory process, NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling were involved. HIF-1α stabilizer dimethyloxalyl glycine (DMOG) reverses these effects of CME, whereas HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1 aggravates these effects. HIF-1α may attenuate myocardial inflammatory injury induced by CME and improve cardiac function, which can perhaps be explained by the fact that TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation is inhibited.

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39- An Efficient Skin Cancer Diagnostic System Using Bendlet Transform and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Poovizhi S & Ganesh Babu TR

An efficient skin cancer classification system is proposed using Bendlet Transform (BT) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). BT classifies the curvature precisely than the existing systems such as Wavelets, Curvelets, Contourlets and Shearlets. A 2-phase SVM system is designed to classify the given image into normal or abnormal (SVM-I) and then benign or malignant (SVM-II) if the output of SVM-I is abnormal. The proposed system is tested with PH2 database. Experimental results show that BT is superior to other image representation systems such as Wavelets, Curvelets, Contourlets and Shearlets.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

40- Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound exposure on rats tibia periosteum
Authors: Jaqueline M. Batista, Wilson R. Nakagaki, Evelise A. Soares & José A. Camilli

The periosteum is a rich source of osteoprogenitor cells and the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has often been used as a method to stimulate osteogenesis. In this study, rats received LIPUS on the tibial periosteum for 7 and 14 days. It was observed that the number of periosteal cells was higher in stimulated periosteum at 7 and 14 days, but the number of vessels only were higher in the group stimulated at 14 days. Thus, LIPUS may be an alternative method for stimulating the periosteum when the use of periosteal grafts in bone repair is needed.

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41- Games Applied to Children with Motor Impairment using the Myo Wearable Device
Authors:  Flávia G. Fernandes, Alexandre Cardoso & Renato A. Lopes

This work have the objective of improving access to digital games for the target audience.  For the development of this work, the wearable device Myo was used to control a puzzle game as a means of providing the interaction between the individual and the game. In this context, the game is controlled with the movement of the user’s upper limb that presents the disability, through the Myo device. For the validation of this research, the game developed was made available for individuals presenting a disability in the upper limbs, from an age range between five and fifteen years old.

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42- 200.000 IU of vitamin D does not reduce resting Blood Pressure and Inhibit Post-Exercise Hypotension in elderly women: a pilot study
Authors: Maria da Conceição R. Gonçalves, Manoel Miranda Neto, Isa G.M. Cavalcante, Vittória R.R.J. Sebadelhe, Michele F. Souza, Juliana P.R. Neves, Flavia TL. Souza, Renata L. Tavares, Matheus S. Costa & Alexandre S. Silva

Because high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in several population groups, especially elderly, vitamin D administration has been performed in clinical studies. Although cardiometabolic health improvement (such as reduced blood pressure and oxidative stress) has been noted, these data are not consensual. In this study, supplementation was done with hypertensive elderly, but the results surprised us, since there was no reduction in blood pressure, and vitamin D still inhibited post-exercise hypotension, one of the most important beneficial effects of hypertensive exercising. In this article, we try to explain this adverse effect and point out future studies to better clarify this phenomenon.

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43- Respiratory syncytial virus causes more hospitalizations and deaths in equatorial Brazil than influenza (including during the 2009 pandemic)
Authors: Wladimir J. Alonso, James Tamerius & André R.R. Freitas

There is a significant risk in importing conclusions from temperate regions to equatorial climates. This retrospective study, which took advantage of the 2009 influenza pandemic conditions, shows that contrary to current belief, in equatorial Brazil the burden of mortality due to influenza is lower than that due to RSV. These findings on the differential burden of respiratory viruses across regions in a country encompassing a wide range of tropical and subtropical latitudes, yet exposed to relatively uniform health care, immunisation policies and surveillance systems, have implications not only for Brazil, but can also help guide public health policies in other equatorial regions.

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44- β-galactosidase Encapsulated in Carrageenan, Pectin and Carrageenan/Pectin: Comparative Study, Stability and Controlled Release
Authors:  Renata Cristina Silva, Marcello G. Trevisan & Jerusa Simone Garcia

The β-galactosidase encapsulation employing carrageenan, pectin and hybrid hydrogels was investigated. The effects of pH, temperature and storage time were evaluated in terms of the catalytic activity of free and encapsulated enzyme. The pectin hydrogel showed the higher β-galactosidase activity in pH and temperature tests. The carrageenan hydrogel exhibited best stability after been stored for three months. Carrageenan and pectin hydrogels were 2.0 and 2.4 times more efficiently than commercial tablet in the releasing β-galactosidase under in vitro conditions, respectively. The results suggest that pectin and carrageenan hydrogels may be useful for the development of new formulation of β-galactosidase.

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45- Nutritional and non-nutritional habits and occurrence of malocclusions in the mixed dentition
Authors: Eliane Traebert, Francielle A. Zanini, Rodrigo D. Nunes & Jefferson Traebert

Malocclusions are changes in the development of craniofacial structures. The aim was to estimate the prevalence in the mixed dentition and to study possible association with practices of breastfeeding and suction habits among Brazilian schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study with 664 6-year-old children was carried out. The prevalence of overjet over 4 mm was 21.1% and of posterior crossbite was 12.2%; 91.9% of the children were breastfed, 79.0% used a nursing bottle and 49.4% used a pacifier. Significant and independent associations were observed between father's unemployment, private school, interruption of breastfeeding before the fourth month and pacifier use with certain malocclusions.

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46-  Longitudinal study of the sympathovagal balance in women submitted to bariatric surgery
Authors: Cristina M.S. Lucas, Divanei Zaniqueli, Rafael O. Alvim, Gustavo P.S. Miguel & José Geraldo Mill

Studies have shown improvement of the cardiac autonomic balance in post-bariatric patients. Most of these studies included patients using drugs interfering in the autonomic nervous system. This study assessed the time course of changes in the sympathovagal balance after bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) in 26 women free from drugs. Both temporal and spectral domains of heart rate variability improved progressively from baseline to the end of the follow-up. Progressive shift towards predominance of vagal tonus was detected in the follow-up. Most of the patients recovered low frequency/high frequency at 6 months after surgery.

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47-  Characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Uncaria tomentosa extract
Authors: Ana F. Ribeiro, Juliana F. Santos, Rômulo R. Mattos, Eliane G.O. Barros, Luiz Eurico Nasciutti, Lúcio M. Cabral & Valeria P. de Sousa

Poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) and poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) were employed to generate nanoparticles loaded with UT extract in a single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, morphology and entrapment efficiency along with stability and release profiles. The nanoparticles presented entrapment efficiencies above 60% and a mean diameter below 300nm. Two prostate cancer cell-lines, LNCaP and DU145, served as model systems to assess cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activity. In vitro, both formulations reduced the viability of DU145 and LNCaP cells. The results highlight the potential of nanostructured systems to enhance the activity of natural extracts.

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48- Swimming exercise changed the collagen synthesis and calcification in calcaneal tendons of mice
Authors: Angela A.M. Carvalho, Francyelle B.R. de Moura, Pedro Augusto S. Nogueira, Aline Maria N. Gonçalves, Fernanda A. Araújo, Renata G. Zanon & Tatiana Carla Tomiosso

Obesity is characterized by the excess of body fat and, therefore, may cause musculoskeletal alterations that can negatively influence the tendons. Such overweight influenced alterations are exercise sensitive though. Morphological and biochemical alterations were reported in the calcaneal tendon of mice submitted to a lipid-rich diets along with practicing exercises. Groups submitted to exercises showed higher amount of collagen and non-collagenous protein deposition. The lipid-rich diet without exercise group had a more disorganized collagen matrix with intense basophilia. The same group had areas of calcification confirmed by Von Kossa technique. Practicing physical activity, such as swimming, can improve the changes caused in the calcaneal tendon in mice submitted to a lipid-rich diets, having a better collagen organization and the synthesis.

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49-   In vivo biocompatibility of silicon dioxide nanofilm used as antimicrobial agent on acrylic surface
Authors: Rogério Lacerda-Santos, Antonia Bárbara L. Lima, Elizandra S. da Penha, Antonielson dos Santos, Fabíola G. Carvalho, Matheus M. Pithon & Antônio Flávio M. Dantas

The silicon dioxide based nanofilm (SiO2) has been used as a bioprotective substance for surfaces susceptible to colonization by microorganisms. In this context, the SiO2 has been suggested as an antimicrobial bioprotective coating for dental devices made of acrylic resin. So, this study to evaluate the in vivo biocompatibility of the nanofilms NP-Liquid glass and that enriched with antibacterial substances-Bacterlon, used as inhibitors of cellular growth in surface. NP-Liquid Glass demonstrated great biocompatibility to tissues and a highest viability for clinical use in humans as an antimicrobial bioprotective coating compared to Bacterlon for dental devices made of acrylic resin.

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50- Effect of Rutin on Cytarabine-Associated Pulmonary Oedema and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Asli O. Bilgin, Renad Mammadov, Bahadir Suleyman, Edhem Unver, Fatih Ozcicek, Mehmet Soyturk, Ferda K. Cimen, Nezahat Kurt & Halis Suleyman

Cytarabine is effectively used in the treatment of adult acute leukemia, but it has a doselimiting side effect of fatal pulmonary oedema because it increases the vascular permeability of the alveolar capillaries. The aim of the present study was to conduct a radiological, biochemical and histopathological investigation of the effect of rutin on cytarabine-associated pulmonary oedema in rats. The findings suggest that rutin may be a beneficial adjunct that can minimise the development of cytarabine-associated pulmonary oedema.

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51- Identification of caffeic acid and rutin by UHPLC MS/MS and antioxidant activity of Commelina erecta Lineu. in cell culture
Authors: Felipe A.M. Otsuka, Rodrigo B. Santos, Larissa F. Chaves, Rosangela S. Santos, Adriano B. Chaves Filho, Sayuri Miyamoto & Humberto R. Matos

Medicinal herbs for thousands of years have been used to treat diseases and provide health benefits to people. Commelina erecta L. is popularly called erva-de-santa-luzia and is used against eyes infections, skin rashes, hepatic disorders. In this study two extracts of Commelina erecta L. leaves (aqueous and ethanolic) were phytochemically analysed and evaluated for their in-vitro antioxidant activities and cell viability assays. Results revealed positive antioxidative activity and presence of antioxidant species in the extracts.

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52- Studies on the characterization and polymorphic stability of Fosamprenavir
Authors: Cleydson F. Cordeiro, Ingrid Bettio & Marcello G. Trevisan

In this manuscript, we use FT-IR, DSC, TGA, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to characterize two polymorphs of calcium fosamprenavir and liquid chromatography for quantitative determination. The stability of these polymorphs was evaluated at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity for three and six months and compared with the commercial product. As foramprenavir is a drug widely used in the treatment of AIDS patients, this study offers an interesting contribution to the development of new pharmaceutical products for fosamprenavir.

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53- Where does the cranial base flexion take place in humans?
Authors: Ricardo V. Botelho, Pedro B. Botelho & Juliete M. Diniz

In Humans, the skull base is formed by a cartilaginous template, created by several ossification centers joined by synchondrosis, known as chondrocranium. It is the most complex bone structure of the skeleton. The modern human skull (Homo sapiens sapiens) has the most angled skull base among all living animals. The cranial flexure (angulation) allowed increase in volume to accommodate a greater brain, the frontal positioning of the eyes, vocalization and erect position. Spheno-occipitalis synchondrosis (SOS) has been largely responsible for cranial base flexion, between the sphenoid and the Pars basilaris of the occipital bone. The objective of this work is to evaluate the real place of skull base flexure. Analysis based on 50 magnetic resonance imaging from normal adult subjects were used to evaluate normal place for cranial base angulation (CBA). As results, the vertex of the cranial base angle (flexion) in all individuals occurred intrinsically in the sphenoid bone. In humans, cranial base flexure had a specific pre-chordal origin, rather than in the transition between pre-chordal and chordal plates. The sphenoidal bone is responsible for cranial base flexion and not Spheno-occipitalis synchondrosis.

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54- Anti-hyperalgesic properties of ethanolic crude extract from the peels of Citrus reticulata (Rutaceae)
Authors: Adriele C.A. Schneider, Ana P. Batisti, Bruna l. Turnes, Thiago C. Martins, Maria E.M. Lisbôa, Kauê M. Custodio, Jasper Zanco, Karen S.C. Wilson, Ana Caroline Heymanns, Luiz A. Kanis, Rachel F. Magnago, Daniel F. Martins & Anna P. Piovezan

Therapeutic effects from Citrus reticulata on pain are associated to flavonoids existent in peels of Citrus genus. This research investigated the influence of ethanolic crude extract from the peels of Citrus reticulata (ECE-CR) and its possible mechanism of action in different animal models of pain. The extract reduced hyperalgesia in formalin test, in carrageenan model and in Complete Freund's Adjuvant model. The opioidergic and adenosinergic systems seems to contribute to the effects of ECE-CR since antagonists for both systems produced reversal effects. In conclusion, these properties of ECE-CR suggest a potential therapeutic benefit in treating painful conditions.

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55- Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with risk factors in patients with established atherosclerosis disease
Authors: Aline Longo, Bruna L.P. Ribas, Silvana P. Orlandi, Bernardete Weber, Eduardo G. Bertoldi, Lúcia R. Borges & Renata T. Abib

Risk factors can lead to clinical conditions, like metabolic syndrome, that predisposes the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study describes which risk factors cause more impact in metabolic syndrome in 82 patients with established atherosclerosis disease. Overweight was responsible for raising by 0.64 the number of components of metabolic syndrome, while former/current smoker status was associated with an increase by 0.48. Overweight and former/current smoker status are associated with metabolic syndrome, increasing the probability of atherosclerotic events. A healthy lifestyle, that includes avoiding tobacco exposure and proper weight control, must be encouraged in this high-risk population.

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56-  Immunological Memory to Zika Virus in a University Community in Colombia, South America
Authors: Denny M. Cárdenas, Miguel A. Jaimes, Leidy D. Vega, Nicolas L. Oliveros, Javier A. Soto, Claudia R. Chía, Jorge E. Osorio & Karl A. Ciuoderis

Zika virus infection caused alarm after its emergence in South America in 2015 due to its neurological involvement. This work evaluated the characteristics of the specific humoral and cell-mediated immune memory response resulting from the epidemic in 328 individuals in northeastern Colombia employing LIA and ELISpot techniques. We found IgG reactivity against NS1/E viral antigens in > 60% of population (even > 80% specifically against NS1 and with high intensity). We revealed cellular memory response in 86.3% of a population subgroup analyzed (n = 22) through the production of IFN-γ and IL-2, which was multifunctional in 50% of the cases.  

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57- Plasma Protein Binding of Herbal-Flavonoids to Human Serum Albumin and Their Anti-proliferative Activities
Authors: Ibrahim Halil Gecibesler & Murat Aydin

Herbal-flavonoids (HF) as polyphenolic secondary metabolites are taken in the daily diet to join in many metabolic processes in the human organism. Anti-proliferative activities and human serum albumin (HSA) binding capacities of herbal-flavonoids namely 7,5'-dimethoxyisoetin (HF1), homoorientin-6''-4-O-methyl-myo-inositol (HF2), (2R,3R)-(+)-dihydrokaempferol-7,4'-dimethylether (HF3), eriodictyol-7,4'-dimethylether (HF4) and flavonoids isoorientin (HF5) and genkwanin (HF6) were investigated. The studies revealed that the flavonoids form the basis of in vivo preclinical studies as important nutraceuticals of the daily diet, as well as modelled in medical and pharmacological applications.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

58- Electrospun novel nanocomposite comprising polyurethane integrated with ayurveda amla oil for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Saravana Kumar Jaganatham & Mohan P. Mani

Oil contains numerous source of biological constituents which plays an important role in reducing the pain relief caused during bone fracture. This study aims to fabricate the polyurethane (PU) scaffold for bone tissue engineering added with amla oil using electrospinning technique.  The PU/amla oil composites showed enhanced physico-chemical properties compared to the pristine PU.  Further, the addition of amla oil into PU delayed the blood clotting times and exhibited less toxicity to red blood cells.  Hence, the PU/amla oil composites may serve as a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering.

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59- Integral transform analysis of radionuclide transport in variably saturated media using a physical non-equilibrium model: application to solid waste leaching at a uranium mining installation
Authors: Renato M. Cotta, Carolina P. Naveira-Cotta, Martinus T. Van Genuchten, Jian Su & João N.N. Quaresma

Uranium mining and milling is an essential activity for nuclear energy generation. Except for the parcel of uranium extracted through leaching, the waste contains around 85% of the initial radioactivity of the ore, including the uranium that could not be extracted. Regulatory bodies are always concerned about seepage from solid waste piles in view of the risk of contamination of the site and beyond. The present work reports the theoretical predictions of a long-term study of the radiological impact of leachate and sterile ore piles at the Uranium Concentration Unit of INB (Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil) in Caetité, Bahia, Brazil.

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

60- Milk production systems in Southern Brazil
Authors: Tiago S. Telles,  Matheus D. Bacchi, Gustavo V. da Costa & Amanda M.S. Schuntzemberger

We analyzed the spatial distribution, evolution and structure of dairy production systems in the dairy-specialized microregions in Southern Brazil. Location quotient analysis indicated that 36 microregions in Southern Brazil are specialized in milk production. Principal component analysis identified mechanized production and family production as the two principal components explaining the largest variation in the data. Four groups were identified by cluster analysis, that differentiated mainly by productivity levels and predominance of family production. Furthermore, results reveal a substantial heterogeneity among dairy-specialized microregions in Southern Brazil. This heterogeneity may be minimized applicating public policies focused on overcoming production bottlenecks within each microregion.

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61- Evidence on the use of internet for businesses by MSEs in a Developing Country. The Indonesian case
Author: Tulus T.H. Tambunan

This study aims to examine the development of Indonesian micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in utilizing the internet for their businesses. MSEs in Indonesia accounted for more than 90 per cent of all firms and contributed to more than 50 per cent of GDP. But, only a small fraction of them that utilize the internet, and the intensity of internet usage varies by province and type of business. Findings of this first macro-level study ever done in Indonesia may add new evidence to the literature on the utilization of internet by MSEs in developing countries.

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62- Public space, socio-environmental responsibility and citizenship: a case study on a Brazilian borough
Authors: Daniele P. Reis, Andréa Rabinovici, Zysman Neiman, Fernanda C. Romero & Luciana  A. Farias

Nowadays, the decline of public space as an important locus for exercising citizenship and rescuing socio-environmental responsibility is questioned a lot. In this sense, this article makes an important contribution to better understand the dimension of the concepts of public space from a reflection on a "public sphere of organized presence", according to the Haberma’s classification. The data were collected from participant observation and interviews carried out among the participants of the meetings held in the subprefecture of the district of Riacho Grande, located near an important water resource in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, the Billings dam.

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63-Investigating accessibility in Latin American science museums and centers
Authors: Jessica N. Rocha, Luisa Massarani, Willian V. de Abreu, Luiz Gustavo B. Inacio & Aline O. Molenzani

The paper presents an overview of accessibility in Latin American science museums and centers, based on a questionnaire comprised in Portuguese and Spanish. The findings suggest that these institutions generally offer some physical accessibility resources and fewer communicational and attitudinal accessibility resources. Data also show that there is an absence of institutional practices that might underpin any endeavor to take into consideration the inclusion of people with disabilities. Finally, we argue that more funding must be made available for practices and research in this area. We also recommend that persons with disabilities play a greater role as protagonists and professionals. You can find a video about this paper in Acessibilidade: um estudo em museus de ciências na América Latina

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64-Foreign market selection process as tool for international expansion: Case study for ecuadorian chia seeds exports to the european union
Authors: Eduardo Terán-Yépez, Luna Santos-Roldán, Beatriz Palacios-Florencio & Juan Manuel Berbel-Pineda

This article uses a case study to present a methodology which assists in the selection of the most suitable export market for Ecuadorian chia seeds a product. It is based on a diverse range of indicators grouped into 7 dimensions that were used to analyse the 27 member countries of the European Union. Germany is the biggest European importer of chia seeds with a 55% share, followed by the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Spain. It presents a methodology for market selection that can be employed as a tool for international expansion.

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65-Psychometric analysis of the Tourism Wellbeing Scale (TWS): a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Soraia Garcês, Margarida Pocinho & Saúl N. de Jesus

This paper focuses on a psychological approach to understand wellbeing in tourism. It analyses the Tourism Wellbeing Scale, a new measure in the tourism sector built from Positive Psychology variables: wellbeing, creativity, optimism, and spirituality. Results showed that this instrument has adequate goodness-of-fit indices and acceptable psychometric quality to be used in the field, being a reliable tool to evaluate tourists’ wellbeing. The innovation of this study is the development of a new instrument based on psychological principles, with the potential to help stakeholders develop new marketing products where wellbeing can be a major turn-point in the tourism industry.

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66-Trends in Brazilian Congress of Soil Science publications: An analysis of the 1947-2017 period
Authors: Julierme Z. Barbosa, Giovana C. Poggere & Fatima M.S. Moreira

The present study contributes to the understanding of Brazilian soil science development by revealing trends in 70 years of Brazilian Congress of Soil Science publications. The predominance of papers in thematic areas associated with the division of Soil Use and Management (Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition; Correctives and Fertilizers; Soil and Water Management and Conservation; Pollution, Remediation, and Recovery of Degraded Areas; Land Use Planning) was in line with the country's strong historical relationship with agriculture and soil-related issues. Yet, papers were influenced by striking changes that occurred in the universities, research institutes, and legislation.  

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LETTER

67-The world haunted by Covid-19
Authors: Hercílio Martelli-Júnior, Daniella Martelli & Renato A. Machado

In this time of confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic some reflections have been made e it has never been as clear as people can benefit from science. From the simple gesture of washing your hands like many others used during the quarantine, they have been identified by previous studies. In this way, we reinforce the need to maintain investments in the science.

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

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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