Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Modeling double bounded data based on correlated gamma random variables

Abstract Many types of bounded data defined on the unit interval arise naturally as ratios of the form $$X/(X + Y)$$ . In the existing literature, the main statistical models proposed for this type of bounded data are typically based on the assumption that the random variables X...

Macrophyte litter diversity affects microbial respiration but not litter mass loss

Abstract Litter mixing effects (LME) may alter microbial-mediated decomposition in aquatic ecosystems, but it remains unclear whether these effects are related to the chemical diversity of litter and leachates or whether they change over time. Furthermore, most aquatic studies of...

Mapping the lingual artery: a scoping review and proposed imaging-informed risk classification for surgical and radiological practice

The lingual artery (LA) shows significant morphological and topographical variation that can affect the safety and results of head and neck surgeries, carotid interventions, and free flap reconstructions. Traditional descriptions such as the thyrolingual trunk (TLT), linguofacial...

Desenvolvimento empático e percepção de cuidadores

The first emotional relationship in humans occurs between the baby and their primary caregiver, being strengthened and expanded with other family members. This initial interaction is crucial for the development of empathy, a social skill deeply rooted in emotional bonds and the a...

Influence of Polymers, Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles, and Organophilized Palygorskite on Heat Storage and Filtrate Volume of Water-Based Drilling Fluid

Abstract The application of nanofluids has gained prominence in the oil industry, particularly in the improvement of drilling fluids. The incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as cobalt oxide, contributes to enhanced thermal, rheological, and fluid-loss control propert...

Comparative Effects of Behavioral Analysis Therapy of Feelings and Brief Focal Psychotherapy: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Assessor-Blinded Clinical Trial

Background: Brief psychotherapies have been shown to improve clinical symptoms within a limited number of sessions without compromising treatment quality. Objectives: This study aims to test the effects of the experimental Behavioral Analysis Therapy of Feelings (BATF) in a rando...

Search for axions and dark photons using single molecule magnets

Molecular magnets, although analogous to familiar macroscopic magnets, offer a platform for next generation magnetic storage technologies with far higher data densities and prospective applications in quantum information science. When exposed to an external magnetic field, single...

Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) from vegetable oils and animal fats via non-catalytic photodecarboxylation

The transition toward low-carbon fuels demands efficient routes for converting renewable feedstocks into drop-in hydrocarbons. In this work, we report an alternative, metal-free photodecarboxylative protocol for the production of hydrocarbons within the Sustainable Aviation Fuel...

The Colina do Horto Geosite in the Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark, Brazil: Archaeology of the Contemporary and Cultural Landscape

Abstract This article analyzes the Colina do Horto Geosite, located within the Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark (Northeastern Brazil), through an integrated approach that combines geodiversity, archaeology, and cultural landscape approaches, grounded in the theoretical and methodolo...

Interactive effects of warming, nutrient enrichment, and substrate type on zooplankton communities associated with submerged macrophyte

Abstract Warming and eutrophication can alter the structure of aquatic communities. In shallow lakes, zooplankton associated with submerged macrophytes exhibit high species richness and play a key role in maintaining clear-water conditions and enhancing water quality. However, th...

Recycling and reuse of flexible polyurethane foams from discarded mattresses for oil spill recovery in marine environments

During oil exploration, spills can cause significant environmental damage if not contained quickly. This study introduces an innovative solution that repurposes discarded polyurethane mattress foam for oil recovery from seawater, addressing two environmental issues simultaneously...

Chemical profile and bacterial potential of Psidium cattleyanum leaf extract against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus represents a major challenge for global public health and highlights the urgent need for new antimicrobial strategies. In this context, plant-derived compounds have emerged as promising sources...

A near-sunset atmospheric sounding during the 14 October 2023 annular solar eclipse over Natal

Abstract. Solar eclipses are transient atmospheric events that cause rapid localized reduction in solar radiation, which produces complex changes associate with the vertical coupling of the layers. This study investigates the vertical response of the neutral atmosphere to the 14...

Sexual dimorphism of the human calcaneus: a cross-sectional morphometric study

Sex estimation from skeletal remains is a fundamental step in forensic anthropology. The calcaneus, the largest tarsal bone, is robust and may serve as an alternative indicator when the skull and pelvis are unavailable. This study evaluated sexual dimorphism in the calcaneus of a...

Topiramate ImpairsSpermatogenesis, Sperm Parameters,and Epididymal Duct Contractility in Rats

Abstract Topiramate is a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug with a multimodal mechanism of action. However, its effects on male reproductive function remain poorly characterized. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of this drug on testicular and epididymal functi...

PLCG2 downregulation impairs synaptic function and increases Alzheimer’s disease hallmarks in neuronal cultures

We developed a high-content screening to investigate how Alzheimer’s disease (AD) genetic risk factors may affect synaptic mechanisms in rat primary neuronal cultures. Of the target genes identified, we found that Plcg2 downregulation in mouse dentate gyrus neurons consistently d...

Second-Order Chemometric Classification of Candida Species Using Excitation–Emission MatrixFluorescence Spectroscopy: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract Microorganisms of the genus Candida are responsible for a wide range of fungal infections and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Although several clinical methods are available for the diagnosis of candidiasis, they have limitations related to r...

Systems biology analysis reveals miRNA–mRNA networks associated with cardiomyocyte responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Cardiac complications are common and clinically significant in COVID-19, yet their underlying molecular drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we integrate post-mortem histopathology with transcriptomic and microRNA (miRNA) analyses to delineate the regulatory architecture of SA...

Intrinsic fire safety margins in reinforced concrete columns and shear walls resulting from ambient-temperature design

Fire design procedures for RC columns and shear walls assume that structures are designed according to ambient-temperature (AT) standards, whose partial safety factors can provide an intrinsic fire safety margin. However, the magnitude of this margin in fire behavior has not yet...

Effect of different finishing/polishing protocols and aging on flexural strength, roughness, and surface characteristics of definitive restorative materials for CAD/CAM

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of finishing/polishing and aging on the flexural strength, roughness, and surface characteristics of CAD/CAM restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three CAD/CAM materials were tested: Nanoceramic resin (CR), Polymer-infiltrated ceramic (P...