Brazilian Journal of Science
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Training occupational therapy students in wheelchair service provision: Essential steps for new rehabilitation professionals (Mini-Review)
No full textRehabilitation professionals face challenges in delivering wheelchair services due to insufficient education of occupational therapy students and related professionals. Inadequate preparation in both technical and communication skills can negatively impact the quality of care and the psychosocial well-being of individuals with disabilities. Gaps in theoretical knowledge, professionalism, empathy, and ethical practice limit students’ clinical readiness, reducing trust between providers and service users. This review presents the World Health Organization’s (WHO) eight-step best practice framework for wheelchair service provision and examines educational strategies implemented in university programs worldwide. Data were drawn from recent studies (2021–2025) evaluating the effectiveness of occupational therapy education before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivering high-quality wheelchair services enhances mobility, independence, and quality of life. Incorporating evidence-based, personalized training programs into academic curricula can significantly strengthen care delivery and promote social inclusion for individuals with mobility impairments
Genetic diversity of ghrelin gene SNPs in Nigerian Indigenous chickens and its influence on growth traits
No full textGenetic diversity in functional genes, such as the ghrelin gene, plays a significant role in understanding growth and productivity traits in chickens. This study investigates the genetic variability of the ghrelin gene in Nigerian indigenous chickens (NICs) and evaluates its potential influence on growth traits. Nigerian indigenous chickens are renowned for their adaptability to harsh environments, disease resistance, and cultural significance, but they are characterized by low productivity compared to exotic breeds. Blood was collected from samples of three major ecotypes of NICs: Naked Neck, Normal Feather, and Frizzle Feather. DNA was extracted, and polymorphisms in the ghrelin gene were identified using PCR amplification and sequencing techniques. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to assess nucleotide diversity, haplotype frequency, and evolutionary dynamics of the gene. Phenotypic data on growth traits, including body weight, body length, chest circumference, shank length, beak length, comb length, and comb height, were recorded at different growth stages and correlated with identified ghrelin gene variants using statistical models. Results revealed high genetic diversity within the ghrelin gene, with several novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected. The polymorphisms were unevenly distributed across the gene regions, with some variants significantly associated with growth traits. Specific alleles were linked to enhanced BDW, BDL, CC, SHKL, BKL, CL, and CH, suggesting their potential role as genetic markers for growth performance. This research contributes to the growing knowledge on the genetic basis of growth traits in NIC populations. It emphasizes the need for conservation and sustainable utilization of NICs' genetic resources
Effect of black seeds, African nutmeg and Negro pepper on carcass characteristics and organoleptic properties of broiler chickens
No full textThe use of herbs and spices as natural feed additives in poultry diets has increased due to their ability to improve growth without the use of synthetic antibiotics. A total of 224 one-day old Arbor acre strain of broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effect of three herbal feed additives (black seed, African nutmeg and Negro pepper) as growth promoters in place of conventional antibiotics in the diet. The birds were randomly assigned to 7 treatments consisting of 4 replicates with 8 birds each in a completely randomized design experiment. Data were collected on carcass-organs characteristics and organoleptic properties of broiler chickens. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS version 25 and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. Vaccines were given to the birds in all treatments. The treatments were T1 - control (0% additives but given conventional antibiotics), T2 - 0.5% black seed, T3 - 1.0% black seed, T4 - 0.5% African nutmeg, T5 - 1.0% African nutmeg, T6 - 0.5% Negro pepper, T7 - 1.0% Negro pepper. The inclusion of the phyto-additives had significant (P < 0.05) effect on carcass, organ and the sensory evaluation. However, at 0.5% inclusion level, the three phyto-additive did not have effect on the spleen and heart which indicates that this inclusion levels may not cause any detrimental effects on the organs of the birds but at 1% inclusion level, there was a slight increase in the organs which reflects the effects of high level of phytochemicals. It was concluded that inclusion of the three phyto-additives at 0.5% improved carcass quality parameters, reduces the abdominal fat and had no deleterious effect on the internal organs of the birds
Efficacy of fenugreek oil and black seed oil as feed additives for broiler starter chicks
No full textThis study investigated the efficacy of fenugreek oil and black seed oil as feed additives for broiler starter chicks. For four weeks, 240 day-old broiler chicks without sexes were divided into five treatments, each with four repetitions, using a randomized design. Each replicate contains 12 birds. The dietary group had diet 1 (control, without oil additive), diet 2 (vaccinated control without oil additive), diets 3, 4, and 5 were supplemented with Fenugreek and Black seed oils at a ratio of 10:10, 10:20, and 20:10 mL per kilogram diet. Data were collected on growth indices, digestibility of nutrients, blood profile, and primal cuts. There was no significant (P > 0.05) change in any of the growth metrics. Ether extract and ash digestibility differ notably (P < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded on PCV, hemoglobin, RBC, lymphocytes, heterocytes, and eosinophil counts. Values obtained for albumin, globulin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, creatinine, and urea were significantly (P < 0.05) affected. The pancreas was significantly influenced (p < 0.05). The values of dressing percentage, head, breast, drumstick, and wings showed substantial variations (P < 0.05) in the. From this study, the supplementation of broiler starter chicken diets with fenugreek seed oil and black seed oil at (1:1) 10 mL to 10 mL of diets is recommended for better oxygen transport, overall health, and dressing percentage. The use of fenugreek oil and black seed oil at the finished phase and layer production can also be investigated
Prevalence, risk factors, zoonotic significance, and infection patterns of gastrointestinal helminths in pigs in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
No full textIn regions with inadequate control measures and poor biosecurity, helminth infections constitute a significant threat to the swine industry and contribute to the transmission of zoonotic helminths. These infections result in substantial economic losses through reduced weight gain, poor feed efficiency, and condemnation of affected carcass parts at slaughter, among other impacts. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on commercial pig farms in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, to investigate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths in intensively raised pigs. A total of 250 faecal samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique on the selected farms. The samples were examined for helminth eggs using coprological analysis, which included simple floatation and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques. One hundred and twenty-two (48.8%) pigs were positive for one or more helminth species. Prevalence rates were 54.47% in females and 43.31% in males. Adults, growers, and piglets had prevalence rates of 49.38%, 49.68%, and 33.33%, respectively. There were no significant associations between age or sex and prevalence of infection (p > 0.05). Seven helminth species were identified, with Oesophagostomum spp. (20%, 95% CI = 14.45-24.95) being the most prevalent and Trichostrongylus spp. (2.4%, 95% CI = 0.48-4.29), the least prevalent. This study provides the first report of Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus spp. in pigs in Ogbomoso. These findings call for strengthened parasite control programs, improved farm hygiene, stricter meat inspection practices in slaughter facilities, and increased public awareness on safe pork handling and consumption
Incidence of foreign bodies in quaternary hospital patients
No full textForeign bodies in the ENT area are very common, in our experience, in low-income countries, for several reasons, including a lack of appropriate and suitable toys for children. The study aims to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients assisted in the ENT Service with an initial diagnosis of FB, during the period 2007-2011. A descriptive, retrospective study, which goes through a collection and analysis of the data available in several registry books of patients with foreign bodies consecutively in 5 years. Results: In this study, it was observed a total of 2615 patients with foreign bodies. Most cases occur from August to November. At the end of the week, fewer cases were observed. Most of the patients were male. The most frequent complaint of patients with foreign bodies in this study was dysphagia. Metals were the most found foreign bodies and most of them were found in the esophagus. This study presents a compilation encompassing a relatively long period, constituting an important source of information on the subject. On the other hand, if we take into account the evidence of this study and the existing evidence in the literature, we can draw some conclusions that can be useful in defining prevention and control strategies of incidents by foreign bodies in natural orifices of the head and neck
O uso de drones na agricultura 4.0
Get PDFPrecision agriculture is gaining more and more space in rural production, and drones have been a widely used technology in this context. Studies highlight that the use of drones in agriculture brings several benefits, such as improved efficiency in the use of inputs, cost reduction, increased productivity and profitability. Drones are able to collect real-time data and provide accurate information about plant health, allowing growers to make data-based decisions. Additionally, drones are capable of covering large areas of land in high resolution quickly and efficiently, allowing growers to monitor their crops in real time and identify problem areas that need immediate attention. In Brazil, current legislation requires authorization for the use of drones in rural areas, but initiatives are underway to improve regulation and make it easier to use drones in agriculture. Spraying with drones is a promising technique but requires specific care in relation to the preparation of the mixture, choice of equipment and definition of flight plans.La agricultura de precisión está ganando cada vez más espacio en la producción rural, y los drones han sido una tecnología muy utilizada en este contexto. Los estudios destacan que el uso de drones en la agricultura trae varios beneficios, como una mayor eficiencia en el uso de insumos, reducción de costos, aumento de la productividad y rentabilidad. Los drones pueden recopilar datos en tiempo real y proporcionar información precisa sobre la salud de las plantas, lo que permite a los productores tomar decisiones basadas en datos. Además, los drones son capaces de cubrir grandes áreas de tierra en alta resolución de manera rápida y eficiente, lo que permite a los productores monitorear sus cultivos en tiempo real e identificar áreas problemáticas que necesitan atención inmediata. En Brasil, la legislación actual requiere autorización para el uso de drones en áreas rurales, pero hay iniciativas en marcha para mejorar la regulación y facilitar el uso de drones en la agricultura. La fumigación con drones es una técnica prometedora, pero requiere cuidados específicos en relación a la preparación de la mezcla, elección de equipos y definición de planes de vuelo.A agricultura de precisão está ganhando cada vez mais espaço na produção rural, e os drones têm sido uma tecnologia amplamente utilizada nesse contexto. Estudos destacam que o uso de drones na agricultura traz diversos benefícios, como a melhoria na eficiência sobre o uso de insumos, redução de custos, aumento da produtividade e lucratividade. Os drones são capazes de coletar dados em tempo real e fornecer informações precisas sobre a saúde das plantas, permitindo aos produtores tomarem decisões com base em dados concretos. Além disso, os drones são capazes de cobrir grandes áreas de terreno com alta resolução de forma rápida e eficiente, permitindo que os produtores possam monitorar suas lavouras em tempo real e identificar áreas problemáticas que precisam de atenção imediata. No Brasil, a legislação atual exige autorização para o uso de drones em áreas rurais, mas iniciativas estão em andamento para aprimorar a regulamentação e tornar mais fácil o uso de drones na agricultura. A pulverização com drones é uma técnica promissora, mas requer cuidados específicos em relação ao preparo da calda, escolha dos equipamentos e definição dos planos de voo
Monitoramento passivo bioacústico como método para investigar a poluição sonora em parques urbanos
Get PDFThe acoustic landscape of a place is formed by biophony, anthropophony and geophony. Biophony comprises the sounds produced by living beings, mainly animals during their communications; geophony consists of the sounds of the geophysical environment, like a river, the rain and waterfalls. In this case study, we evaluated the effectiveness of passive bioacoustic monitoring in detecting anthropogenic pollution in an urban park in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We used the Song Meter recorder model SM2+ from the Wildlife Acoustics, the recorders were configured to receive sounds of up to 20 Hz. Each recorder was fixed in trees 1.5 m above the ground and 2 microphones were used in each of them. The collected data were submitted to the Generalized Linear Model Test (GLMM), which resulted in a strong influence of anthropic noises on the birds' vocalization. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method and point to the need for the development of public policies to mitigate the effects of noise pollution in urban parks.El paisaje acústico de un lugar está formado por biofonía, antropofonía y geofonía. La biofonía comprende los sonidos producidos por los seres vivos, principalmente animales, durante sus comunicaciones; la geofonía consiste en los sonidos del entorno geofísico. En este estudio de caso, evaluamos la efectividad del monitoreo bioacústico pasivo en la detección de contaminación antropogénica en un parque urbano en Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Se utilizó el grabador Song Meter modelo SM2+ de la marca Wildlife Acoustics, los grabadores se configuraron para recibir sonidos de hasta 20 Hz. Cada grabador se fijó en árboles a 1,5 m del suelo y en cada uno de ellos se utilizaron 2 micrófonos. Los datos recolectados fueron sometidos a la Prueba de Modelo Lineal Generalizado (GLMM), que resultó en una fuerte influencia de los ruidos antrópicos en la vocalización de las aves. Nuestros resultados demuestran la efectividad del método y apuntan a la necesidad del desarrollo de políticas públicas para mitigar los efectos de la contaminación acústica en los parques urbanos.A paisagem acústica de um local é formada pela biofonia, antropofonia e geofonia. A biofonia compreende os sons produzidos pelos seres vivos, principalmente os animais durante suas comunicações; a geofonia consiste nos sons do ambiente geofísico. Neste estudo de caso, avaliamos a eficácia do monitoramento bioacústico passivo na detecção de poluição antrópica em um parque urbano de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Utilizamos do gravador Song Meter modelo SM2+ da marca Wildlife Acoustics, os gravadores foram configurados para receber sons de até 20 Hz. Cada gravador foi fixado em árvores a 1,5m do solo e foram usados 2 microfones em cada um deles. Os dados coletados foram submetidos ao teste de Modelo Linear Generalizado (GLMM), onde resultou em forte influência dos ruídos antrópicos na vocalização das aves. Nossos resultados demonstram a eficácia do método, e aponta a necessidade da elaboração de políticas públicas para mitigar os efeitos da poluição sonora em parques urbanos
Influência do extrato foliar de chandala (Aloe vera L.) na germinação das sementes de soja (Glycine max L.)
Get PDFThe objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of Chandala (Aloe vera L.) on the germination of soybean seeds (Glycine max L.). The same took place from January to September 2022, in the Biology laboratory of the Instituto Superior Politécnico do Cuanza Sul, Angola. Aloe vera leaves were collected, washed in distilled water, dried and their mass determined. Aloe vera leaves were collected, washed in distilled water, dried and their mass determined. The 50% hydroethanolic extract was produced. The experiment was carried out in different doses of extract, constituting the treatments. The germination experiment was carried out in Petri dishes, in a completely Randomized Block Design, with four treatments and 15 replications (15 Petri dishes). The treatments were: Control (T0); 50% (T1); 75% (T2) and 100% (T3). The germination percentage (%G) and the germination speed index (IVG) were evaluated. Evaluations were performed between the fourth and fifteenth day, with an interval of two days. The data were analyzed using the SAS program (Statistical Analysis Systems). The concentration of 100% caused a negative effect and 75% was the most efficient on the indexes evaluated. It is concluded that higher doses of Aloe vera extracts cause destruction of the energy reserves of the seeds and, consequently, death on the seedlings.El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la influencia de Chandala (Aloe vera L.) en la germinación de semillas de soja (Glycine max L.). El mismo ocurrió en el período comprendido entre enero y septiembre de 2022, en el laboratorio de Biología del Instituto Superior Politécnico do Cuanza Sul, Angola. Se recogieron hojas de aloe vera, se lavaron en agua destilada, se secaron y se determinó su masa. Se produjo el extracto hidroetanólico al 50%. El experimento se realizó en diferentes dosis de extracto, constituyendo los tratamientos. El experimento de germinación se realizó en cajas de Petri, en un diseño de bloques completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos y 15 repeticiones (15 cajas de Petri). Los tratamientos fueron: Testigo (T0); 50% (T1); 75% (T2) y 100% (T3). Se evaluó el porcentaje de germinación (%G) y el índice de velocidad de germinación (IVG). Las evaluaciones se realizaron entre el cuarto y el decimoquinto día, con un intervalo de dos días. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el programa SAS (Sistemas de Análisis Estadístico). La concentración de 100% provocó un efecto negativo y 75% fue la más eficiente sobre los índices evaluados. Se concluye que dosis mayores de extractos de Aloe vera provocan la destrucción de las reservas energéticas de las semillas y, en consecuencia, la muerte de las plántulas.O objetivo desta pesquisa foi de avaliar a influência da Chandala (Aloe vera L.) na germinação das sementes de soja (Glycine max L.). O mesmo decorreu no período compreendido entre Janeiro a Setembro de 2022, no laboratório de Biologia do Instituto Superior Politécnico do Cuanza Sul, Angola. As folhas de Aloe vera foram coletadas, lavadas em água destilada, secas e sua massa determinada. O extrato hidroetanólico 50% foi produzido. O experimento foi realizado em diferentes doses de extrato, constituindo os tratamentos. O experimento de germinação, foi realizado em placas de Petri, em um delineamento em Blocos Inteiramente Casualizados, com quatro tratamentos e 15 repetições (15 placas de Petri). Os tratamentos foram: Testemunha (T0); 50% (T1); 75% (T2) e 100% (T3). Avaliou-se a percentagem de germinação (%G) e o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG). Avaliações foram realizadas entre o quarto ao décimo quinto dia, com intervalo de dois dias. Os dados foram analisados através do programa SAS (Statistical Analysis Systems). A concentração de 100%, provocou efeito negativo e de 75% foi a mais eficiente sobre os índices avaliados. Conclui-se que, doses superiores de extratos de Aloe vera provocam destruição das reservas energéticas das sementes e consecutivamente morte sobre as plântulas
Determination of the environmental impacts of gold mining within the scope of the circular economy: Applications of the new economic model of the European Union
No full textFollowing the Industrial Revolution wastes generated in the production and consumption processes have emerged as disruptive elements to ecosystems and threats to the safety of future generations. Resources are finite, limiting the ability to sustain the cycle for a sustainable future. With increasing population and industrial development, the single-use lifestyle of “take, use, discard” has become a significant problem in direct economic strategies. The European Union has led the way in waste management with its circular economy strategy, aiming to 'do more with less' as a long-term approach to economic growth. Today, companies in various industries must set an example for environmental awareness, lifestyle, and consumption habits in society to shift positively. This study focuses on the gold mining sector. Its objective is to examine and evaluate the impact of cyanide used in the purification process on groundwater and surface water resources. A sample facility was selected for analysis. Monthly environmental reports from 2015-2016 were obtained for this facility, allowing the study to examine the effects of cyanide on water sources by comparing available analysis results with the relevant national legislation. As a result, it was found that the cyanide levels at the treatment plant outlet and waste storage facility did not exceed the committed limits, and continuous pollution was not observed in the monitoring wells drilled to assess groundwater contamination