South Region Of Brazil Research Articles

Dynamics of river plumes in the South Brazilian Bight and South Brazil

The plumes from the rivers of the South Brazilian Bight (SBB) and South Brazil (SB) were studied using a realistic model configuration. River plume variability on continental shelves is driven by the input of river runoff into the shelf, by wind variability, and also by ambient currents and its seasonal variability, especially the Brazil Current, which are realistically modelled in this study. It is presented a simulation of 4 years using a nested configuration, which allows resolving the region around Florianópolis with very high resolution (∼150 m). The dispersion of river plumes was assessed not only with the hydrodynamical model results but also by using passive tracers whose dynamics was analyzed seasonally. Several dyes were released together with the river discharges. This approach allowed calculating the depths of the riverine freshwater, and the resulting regions affected by the plumes. Northward intrusions of waters from the southern region, under the potential influence of the distant La Plata river plume, were evaluated with a Lagrangian approach. The local river plumes are confined to the inner shelf, except south of 30°S where discharges from Lagoa dos Patos disperse over the shelf in the spring and summer. The Brazil Current flowing southward over the slope prevents the river plumes from interaction with oceanic mesoscale dynamics. The river plumes are, thus, mainly controlled by the wind forcing. The plumes from SBB are able to disperse until SB following the southward wind regime typical of the summer. And both the SB and La Plata river plumes are also able to reach SBB, forced by the northward wind typical of the winter season, until the latitude of 25.5°S. A low salinity belt (below 35) is present along the coastal region of SB and SBB year-round, supported by contributions from both the large and small rivers. The interaction between the different plumes influences the dispersion patterns, shielding the Florianṕolis coastal region from plumes of distant rivers, and dispersing the plume of SBB rivers away from Santa Catarina Island as it disperses southward during the summer months.

Energy use efficiency in soybean crops in different regions of Brazil

The soybean crop in Brazil has been growing in area and productivity in recent years and the analysis of its energy efficiency is very important to guarantee the sustainability of the production system. Assessment of energy efficiency (EE) enables the evaluation of the sustainability of agrosystems, as well as decision-making regarding the reduction in production costs and negative environmental impacts. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess energy efficiency of soybean in different regions of Brazil. For this purpose, 29 areas of soybean across the major producing states were assessed. Energy inputs and outputs of agricultural operations and/or agricultural inputs were calculated by multiplying the amount used by their calorific value or energy coefficient at each stage of production. Energy efficiency was calculated as the ratio between the total output energy and the total input energy during the production process. For every MJ of energy consumed in the production of soybean crop, 6.1; 6.7; 7.1 and 7.2 MJ of energy were produced in the form of grain, respectively in the areas assessed in the Midwest, northeast, southeast and south regions of Brazil. Generally, the main energy expenditure on soybean cultivation in different regions of Brazil was with fertilizers, seeds and herbicides. The adverse weather conditions of the year / harvest evaluated in the south-central region of Brazil resulted in low soybean yields and consequently resulted in lower energy efficiency in these regions. The evaluation of energy efficiency in soybean crops to be representative must be carried out in different regions and edaphoclimatic conditions.

Capital social no Brasil: uma análise de seus determinantes

O artigo analisa os fatores determinantes do capital social no Brasil. Com o intuito de atender esse objetivo, calculou-se inicialmente um índice de capital social com base na técnica dos componentes principais. São considerados para construção desse índice um total de vinte indicadores extraídos da WVS, onze deles relacionados a participação do entrevistado em organizações/associações e nove referentes a confiança interpessoal. A análise é feita a partir dos efeitos marginais do modelo logit. Dentre os resultados obtidos, constatou-se que a variável que mais tende a contribuir para a formação de capital social é a educação. Ter um curso superior tende a aumentar as chances de um indivíduo possuir, por exemplo, uma dotação “muito alta” de capital social em 14%. Observou-se também que quem mora nas regiões Centro-Oeste e Sul do Brasil são mais propensos a possuir um nível mais elevado desse capital. Já as variáveis dummies relacionadas ao gênero e a raça não apresentaram significância do ponto de vista estatístico. Deste modo, o fator discriminação, tendo como base essas variáveis, parece não interferir no processo de formação de capital social dos brasileiros. Como proposição de política, recomenda-se a intensificação de políticas públicas direcionadas fundamentalmente a expansão e a qualidade da educação no Brasil, uma vez que esse é o principal fator contribuinte para a formação de um alto nível de capital social no país.

Psychological Factors Predicting Sedentary Behavior of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the psychological factors that might predict the sedentary behavior of 654 older adults from the South Region of Brazil. The participants were evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; Mini-Mental State Exam; Geriatric Anxiety Scale; and the scales Geriatric Depression, Purpose in Life, Perceived Stress, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, and Satisfaction with Life. Data analysis was conducted through Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis (p < .05). No significant (p > .05) correlation was found between the sedentary behavior variables with self-esteem. Multiple regression analysis revealed that psychological variables explained 6% of the variance of sitting time during the week (R2 = .06; F = 11.546; p < .01). Depression showed a positive prediction (β = -0.10; p = .040), while life satisfaction (β = -0.16; p = .001) and purpose in life (β = -0.10; p = .026) showed negative prediction. Psychological variables predicted only 3% of the variance of sitting time during the weekend (R2 = .03; F = 5.629; p < .01), showing that life satisfaction had significant (p = .007) and negative (β = -0.13) association. Life satisfaction and purpose in life can be considered protector factors to sedentary behavior, while depression is a potentiating factor.

Qualidade do sono e workaholism em docentes de pós-graduação stricto sensu

Resumo Objetivo investigar a associacao entre a qualidade do sono e o workaholism em docentes de pos-graduacao stricto sensu. Metodos estudo transversal desenvolvido com docentes de todas as grandes areas de conhecimento de uma universidade publica localizada na Regiao Sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu no periodo de maio a agosto de 2018, por meio de formulario eletronico contendo um questionario de caracterizacao sociodemografica e ocupacional, a Dutch Work Addiction Scale e o Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Foram convidados os 790 docentes de pos-graduacao stricto sensu da referida instituicao, dos quais 196 consentiram a participacao na pesquisa. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e por regressao logistica binaria univariada e multipla, adotando-se nivel de significância de 95%. Resultados a qualidade do sono ruim esteve associada ao trabalho excessivo (ORaj:2,056; p=0,026) e ao workaholism (ORaj:2,056; p=0,040). Qualidade subjetiva do sono, latencia do sono, duracao do sono, disturbios do sono e sonolencia diurna associaram-se significativamente ao trabalho excessivo e compulsivo, bem como ao workaholism. Conclusao as altas demandas de trabalho caracteristicas do processo de trabalho dos docentes em nivel stricto sensu podem repercutir na baixa qualidade do sono, visto que os docentes workaholics apresentaram duas vezes a chance de apresentarem ma qualidade do sono.

Physical processes analysis of contrails formation over the South Brazil Region

Contrails are clouds in the shape of condensation trails formed from hot air and particles exiting the engines of airplanes. These clouds form from the isobaric mixing of hot and humid air masses emitted by airplanes with cold ambient air. Their formation can alter the sky through cirrus clouds and the radiation balance. In this study, photographic images, satellite data and atmospheric reanalysis and radiosonde data were used to assess the occurrence of these events in the South Brazil region. The results showed that there were observed several cases of contrails in the region, mainly when the upper layer where the aircraft passed was colder and moister. Initially, several cases were selected from the observations and the Terra, Aqua and Suomi satellite images. Also, radiosonding data from Curitiba, Florianópolis and Porto Alegre were applied to the thermodynamic Appleman diagram to study the physical processes involved. The results showed that temperatures below -50 °C from cold advection and moister air at the cruising level of airplanes contribute to formation of more persistent contrails and cirrus clouds. Therefore, monitoring the environmental conditions may improve the prediction of contrails formation and better understanding the impacts on the radiation balance and climate.

Cryptococcosis in HIV-AIDS patients from Southern Brazil: Still a major problem

IntroductionCryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes ∼15% mortality in AIDS patients. Rio Grande City, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, has the highest national rate of HIV/AIDS, considering cities with population more than 100,000 habitants. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of cryptococcosis in a reference service for HIV-AIDS patients in the South region of Brazil, over seven years. Material and methods A retrospective study was performed including all cryptococcosis cases diagnosed at the University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande (UH-FURG) between January 2010 and December 2016. ResultsSeventy cases of cryptococcosis were diagnosis from 2010 to 2016 in the UH-FURG in the seven years of the study. These numbers were responsible for 2.1% to 8.1% of the hospitalizations/year for HIV patients. All were caused by C. neoformans infection (95% C. neoformans var. grubii VNI and 5% C. neoformans var. grubii VNII). Neurocryptococcosis was the major clinical manifestation and cryptococcosis was the HIV- defining condition in 40% of patients. The period of hospitalization was an average of 39.3 days (SD=31.3), and more than half of patients (53%; 37/70) died after a mean of 82 days. DiscussionThe present study showed the importance of cryptococcosis as an AIDS-defining disease in HIV-AIDS patients in a tertiary hospital from Southern Brazil. More investment is necessary to reduce the impact of this opportunistic mycosis in HIV-AIDS patients from southern Brazil.

Evaluation of nonadherence to treatment among patients with schizophrenia attending psychosocial care centers in the south region of Brazil.

Introduction The treatment of schizophrenia aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and promote recovery from debilitating effects. Nonadherence to treatment is related to several factors and may lead to persistence of symptoms and relapse. Worldwide, the rate of nonadherence to treatment in individuals with schizophrenia is around 50%.Objectives To compare the clinical profile of nonadherent and adherent patients among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia receiving treatment at psychosocial care centers in a city in southern Brazil.Method The clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with schizophrenia was retrospectively analyzed based on medical records entered into the system between January and December 2016, evaluating data at one-year follow-up.Results 112 patients were included. The disease was more prevalent in men; mean age was 40.5 years, being lower among men. Most of the sample had a low level of education, was unemployed/retired, did not have children and resided with relatives. The highest rate of diagnosis was among young adults. Psychotic symptoms were most frequently described, and the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic was haloperidol. The nonadherence rate was 15.2%; only one patient required admission to a psychiatric hospital. Among nonadherent patients, the mean time of attendance was 6 months; there were more nonadherent women than men. The most prevalent age range of nonadherence was 41-64 years. Psychosocial and clinical data were similar across the whole sample.Conclusion A nonadherence rate of 15.2% was found among individuals receiving treatment for schizophrenia, suggesting that psychosocial care centers were effective in treating and monitoring these patients.

A first study on earth-air heat exchanger in Pelotas

Earth-air heat exchangers (EAHE) represent a promising option to reduce theheating/cooling load of buildings. Unlike traditional air conditioning systems, the EAHE employ a renewable source of energy and they can work using low electric power. Basically, EAHE employ underground ducts where the air is blown to exchange heat with the ground. Since the superficial layers of the Earth are warmer than outside air in winter and cooler than it in summer, the soil canbe used as a heat source or sink. Therefore, the air leaves the ducts at milder temperatures. Recent research has shown that the Brazilian south region, where prevails a subtropical climate, has a high potential for the use of EAHE. However, such references are still very limited. Hence, this work aims to analyze the thermal performance of EAHE considering the city of Pelotas, located in the south Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. As a case study, we used in situ data, covering thesoil geotechnical profiles from a site in the city, which were obtained by a standard penetration test (SPT). To make the computer simulations, we used an analytical model, which was previously tested and validated. The results point out good prospects for the installation of these devices in the city of Pelotas, taking advantage of its geological potential

Spatialization of the annual and seasonal average precipitations in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

The average precipitation spatialization in annual and seasonal scale provides important information for the management and maintenance of water resources. Located at the south region of Brazil the state of Santa Catarina has water as its main assets for agriculture and economic development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to spatialize the average annual and seasonal precipitation for the state of Santa Catarina, by means of a geostatistic approach based on models. Data from meteorological stations made available by the Mineral Resources Research Company (CPRM) were used. These stations have regular distribution and high density within the state. For the geostatistical modeling, some basic assumptions such as data normality and nonstationarity were verified. After accepting the assumptions it was verified through statistical tests regarding its likelihood, if the structure of spatial dependence of the geostatistical model increase its performance, justifying the use of this structure for the precipitation spatialization. To check the assumptions of good prediction, the residue dispersion of the spatial interpolations was evaluated through cross-validation. The results showed a better performance for the geostatiscal models with the spatial dependence structure, both for average annual and seasonal precipitation. Thus, these models were used to the spatial interpolation, observing a good prediction through the residual dispersion and, consequently, mapping of precipitation.

Assessing the eco-efficiency of different poultry production systems: an approach using life cycle assessment and economic value added

The consumption of poultry meat as a source of animal protein has been increasing worldwide, especially in emerging countries' economies. Due to the growing demand for this protein, we seek to evaluate the eco-efficiency of poultry production systems, namely positive pressure, dark house, and organic systems, in the South region of Brazil. To achieve the proposed objective, two methods were used: life cycle assessment and economic value added, considering the functional unit of one kg of live chicken ready for slaughter, specifically from the cradle to farm gate. The results show that most of the environmental impacts are from the production of grains for the manufacture of animal feed and, consequently, from the electric energy consumed by the equipment of the aviaries. Conventional systems show negative results for economic value added/kg, evidencing the destruction of the producers' economic value, that is, the capital invested is not remunerated proportionally to the risk assumed in the activity, with environmental impacts similar as dark house systems. Poultry produced in organic systems showed the best economic performance (economic value added/kg). However, they cause a slightly greater environmental impact than other systems. In order to minimize uncertainties regarding the results obtained, a sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation were performed, identifying net operating revenue and invested capital as the variables with the greatest and least impacts on the value of economic value added/kg in all types of production systems analyzed.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of HCV genotype 3 patients in Southern Brazil

Introduction and aim. Despite the emergence of new treatments for genotype 3 HCV (G3 HCV), there is still a lack of data about this particular subgroup in Brazil. We aimed to describe clinical and sociodemographic variables and treatment profile of G3 HCV Brazilian patients. Methods. This was a descriptive, retrospective study, performed in a specialized center for HCV treatment in Brazilian South Region. Medical charts of patients diagnosed with G3 HCV were reviewed to collect clinical, sociodemographic and treatment information. R esults. 564 subjects were enrolled, with mean age of 59.3 years (SD=10.5). Cirrhosis was present in 54.4% of patients. Most common co-existent conditions were systemic arterial hypertension (36.6%) and diabetes mellitus (30.0%). Regarding treatment, 25.2% of patients were treatment-naïve and 74.8% were currently treating (11.6%) or had received a previous treatment (87.0%). The most frequent ongoing treatment was sofosbuvir+daclatasvir(± ribavirin) (87.8%). Of the 388 patients who had at least one previous treatment, 67.0% achieved sustained virologic response in the last treatment. Caucasian/white, non-obese, transplanted patients, those with longer time since diagnosis and with cirrhosis were more likely to receive treatment, according to multivariate analysis. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had 64.1% less chance to be on treatment during the study period than those without this condition; patients with chronic kidney disease presents were 2.91-fold more likely to have a treatment interruption than those without. Conclusion. This study describes a large sample of Brazilian patients with G3 HCV. Treatment patterns were mainly influenced by presence of HCV complications and comorbidities.

Distribution and invasive potential of the black-tufted marmoset Callithrix penicillata in the Brazilian territory

Biological invasions are one of the greatest existing threats to biodiversity. Invasive species can cause economic and environmental damage. Callithrix penicillata is naturally found in the Brazilian savanna and Caatinga. Its introduced populations have become a conservation problem due to its high occupancy potential, native fauna predation, competition with native primates, congeners and hybridization. We used Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) through the Maxent software in this study in order to identify areas with a higher probability of C. penicillata occurrence. The AUC value was close to 1 (AUC=0.966), with a curve value close to 1. Through the Jackknife test we observed that temperature seasonality was the variable most related to distribution (AUC=0.86), which agrees with other studies that show climatic variables influencing primate distribution. The Atlantic Forest in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil was indicated as susceptible to invasion by C. penicillata. The marmoset C. penicillata has become a successful invader of Atlantic Forest areas, causing depreciation in many native species and other problems. However, biological invasions might be mitigated or even extinguished through successful interventions and management.

Is Gibrat's law robust when cities interact each other?

AbstractGibrat's law asserts that the growth of a city is independent of its initial size, but the populations of cities display a pattern of systematic agglomeration. This pattern may emerge because some cities are more attractive than others. We analyse the relationship between the growth and size of 1,188 cities in the South Region of Brazil using municipal data between 2000 and 2010. The selected model is the spatial Durbin model (SDM) that controls for temporal and spatial dependence, relevant omitted variables, economic factors, local amenities and externalities. The results indicate that Gibrat's law is not robust when cities interact.

Key locations for soybean genotype assessment in South Brazil region

Mitigating the high costs of soybean breeding programs requires constant improvement of all the involved processes. Identifying representative and discriminating test locations, as well as excluding redundant and/or non-representative locations, makes it possible to select genotypes with more accuracy while reducing the costs of the multi-environment trials (MET). Therefore, this study had three objectives: to evaluate the representativeness and discriminating power of test locations; to identify similar test locations for each Edaphoclimatic Region (ECR) and locations that did not contribute to genotype evaluation; and to recommend the best locations for evaluating MET in order to reduce breeding program costs in the soybean macro regions 1 (M1) and 2 (M2). Grain yield (GY) data from ‘Value-for-Cultivation-and-Use’ (VCU) trials obtained during the 2012-2016 crop seasons were used, totaling 132 environments (location x year) and 43 genotypes. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Representative and discriminant locations were identified by GGL (genotype main effects plus genotype × location interaction) + GGE (genotype main effects plus genotype × environment interaction) analysis, using GGEbiplot software. Representative and discriminant locations were identified for each ECR and can be used as core locations for breeding programs. Similarly, locations that were not representative and discriminant, or that present redundancy in the results, should be excluded from or replaced in MET. The most recommended locations for conducting VCU trials in M1 are: Cachoeira do Sul (ECR 101); Ronda Alta, Passo Fundo, Santa Bárbara do Sul, and Ciríaco (ECR 102); and Castro (ECR 103). For M2, the most suitable locations are Rolândia, Marechal Cândido Rondon, Campo Mourão, Santa Terezinha de Itaipu, Palotina, Floresta, and Londrina (ECR 201); Naviraí (ECR 202); and Ponta Porã and Maracajú (ECR 204).

Gender and Regional Differences in Lung Cancer Mortality in Brazil.

Background and Objective:This was a population-based ecological with data of deaths from the Mortality Information System. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal trends of mortality induced by bronchi and lung cancer in Brazil and its geographical regions between 2001 and 2015 and secondly to calculate predictions for 2016-2030. Material and Methods:The mortality trends were analyzed by the Joinpoint regression and calculation of predictions was used the Nordpred software. Results:There was a reduction trend in lung cancer mortality among Brazilian men living in South and Southeast regions of Brazil. However, there was an increasing trend in lung cancer mortality among Brazilian women living in Northeast, Southeast, and South regions of Brazil. When comparing the last observed period and the last foreseen period for males, it is expected an increase of 12.86% in the number of deaths, justified mainly by the change in population structure, with a reduction in the risk of death by the disease. For women, the expected increase is 26.22%, justified both by population structure, and the increased risk of deaths from the disease. The higher rates will be observed in the southern region of the country, for both sexes. Conclusion:The mortality induced by lung and bronchial cancer in Brazil was unevenly distributed. However lung cancer incidence had a reducing trend, the mortality caused following it was increased among men. For women, the rates are rising, and until 2030, the mortality load will continue to rise for both.

The Use of Steel for the Design, Construction and Revitalization of the Hercílio Luz Bridge in Florianópolis / SC, South Region of Brazil

The Use of Steel for the Design, Construction and Revitalization of the Hercílio Luz Bridge in Florianópolis / SC, South Region of Brazil

Entrepreneurial orientation and cost practice in the brazilian South hotel chain

This study aims to assess the relationship between entrepreneurial guidance and cost practices in hotels. The material to carry out descriptive and relational research with a quantitative approach was a self-administered questionnaire answered by hotel managers in 16 cities in the South region of Brazil. The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA and Spearman's correlation analysis. The results of this study showed that hotels that adopt the activity-based costing method and form the price considering market values ​​are the ones that have the highest entrepreneurial orientation, respectively. Among the practical implications, the results can assist in management decision-making. At the same time, when working with the formation of the daily rate, it is found that the hotels that carry out pricing based on market values ​​are the ones that have the best cost practices. The study has originality, as it demonstrates a conservative attitude in hotels regarding risk-taking.

Modeling the Population Dynamics and Management of Italian Ryegrass under Two Climatic Scenarios in Brazil.

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) is an annual grass widely distributed in cultivated crops around the world. This weed causes significant yield reduction in many crops and has developed herbicide resistance. The aim of this study was to develop a cohort-based stochastic population dynamics model that integrates both emergence (thermal time) and dynamic population models as a tool to simulate the population dynamics of susceptible and resistant populations of L. multiflorum under the effects of climate change. The current climate scenario and the increase in the average air temperature by 2.5 °C were considered. Chemical and cultural management strategies commonly used in the South Region of Brazil during the winter and summer seasons were incorporated into the model. In the absence of control and under the current climate conditions, the seed bank population grew until reaching an equilibrium density of 19,121 ± 371 seeds m−2 for the susceptible and 20463 ± 363 seeds m−2 for the resistant populations. Considering the second climate scenario, the seed bank reaches an equilibrium density of 24,182 ± 253 seeds m−2 (+26% in relation to the current scenario) for the susceptible population and 24,299 ± 254 seeds m−2 (+18% in relation to the current scenario) for the resistant one. The results showed that the effect of the rise in temperature implies an increase in population in all the management strategies in relation to the current climate scenario. In both climate scenarios, the strategies based on herbicides application controlling cohorts 1 and 2 were the most efficient, and cropping systems including winter oat-soybeans rotation had a smaller impact on the L. multiflorum seed bank than crop rotations including winter wheat or summer corn. Crop rotations including wheat and corn for L. multiflorum management as an adaptive strategy under the future climate change are suggested.

Sustainable offers for drying and storage of grains: Identifying perceived value for Brazilian farmers

The grain drying and storage process currently practiced in Brazil is mostly accomplished by firewood combustion, with a high demand for natural resources, lack of safety for operators, and a high rate of residue and pollutant generation. Brazil is the third-largest producer of grains, and public policies should restrict the firewood drying method as of the year 2020. To solve this problem, a startup developed a technology to dries grains based on oxyhydrogen combustion, using only green energy and water. This study contemplates the assessment of farmers concerning perceived value attributes and willingness-to-pay of a Sustainable Product-Service System. This solution is a mix of tangible products and intangible services offered simultaneously to solve post-harvest problems. A large survey comprising 354 small, medium, and large farmers in the South region of Brazil was conducted to evaluate the value attributes allocated by farmers for their acceptance of a new technology of grain drying and quality preservation. In this survey, to assess farmers’ perceptions were applied offers based on three types of Product-Service System: options of purchasing equipment with corrective maintenance services (product-oriented Product-Service System), renting equipment with corrective and preventive maintenance services (use-oriented Product-Service System), and complementing services for the management of quality, information, drying and storage of grains (result-oriented Product-Service System). The survey results allowed the establishment of the attributes deemed necessary by farmers, who revealed preference towards the purchase offer (56.5%) over the rental offer (43.5%), emphasizing the inclusion of the maintenance service. It is concluded that to implement complete service (maintenances types and process management) offers investments are still necessary to educate farmers in the use of management technologies. The best offer to delivered value to Brazilian farmers is acquired in purchase modality composed by drying machines, preventive maintenance, silo storage, and corrective maintenance.