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Abstract The need to transition to more sustainable agriculture that is adaptable to environmental challenges, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental impact, represents the new paradigm of the moment. In this scenario, studies with the adoption of bioinputs in corn cultivation emerge as a viable option for the sustainability of agricultural activity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of doses of neem vegetable cake on the yield components of corn crops. An experimental design was used of randomized blocks was used, consisting of four doses of neem vegetable rendering (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 and 12 kg ha-1) and a treatment control without the presence of organic fertilizer. The result indicates the presence of a significant effect of treatments with the application of neem cake on the main components of corn yield, including grain productivity, suggesting that the high carbon content present in the organic product can induce phytochemical effects and biological changes. in the soil, making it more productive. It was found that, when administering the maximum experimental dose, compared to the control group, there was a significant effect (p≤0.01) of 21.3% on grain productivity, jumping from 2,140 kg ha -1, when did not apply organic fertilizer, to 2,596 kg ha-1 with the application of 12 kg of neem cake per hectare. It is noted that the increase in grain productivity was in the proportion of 38 kg ha-1 of corn for each kilo of neem cake applied. To facilitate interpretation and decision-making, an analysis of the economic viability of neem cake for rainfed corn was also determined, also identifying the maximum experimental dose of 12 kg ha-1, as the most economically viable, providing an increase in profit of around R$ 119.92 per hectare, in relation to the control.

Abstract Planting with higher density in sugarcane is one of the practices used to overcome low productivity. However, this planting material is equivalent to 25% of the total cost of production, being one of the main expenses for cultivation. In this sense, the present work aims to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of sugarcane as a function of planting density. The experiment was carried out at Usina Monte Alegre in the municipality of Mamanguape, Paraíba, Brazil, from March 2021 to January 2022 with the variety RB92579. Seven planting density were studied: T1: 7 gems m-1, T2: 10 gems m-1, T3: 12 gems m-1, T4: 11 gems m-1, T5: 15 gems m-1, T6: 17 gems m-1, T7: 24 gems m-1, in randomized blocks with four replications. Growth, productivity and economic viability were evaluated. The highest productivity of cane and sugar, 77.69 ton ha-1 and 10.390 ton ha-1, respectively, was with planting density of 17 and 24 gems-1. While the minimum productivity of cane (61.313 ton ha-1) and sugar (7.924 ton ha-1) was recorded at sowing density of 7 and 11 gems-1. However, cultivation density with 7 and 10 gems m-1 were the ones that provided the highest profitability around 50%, followed by density of 12, 15 and 17 gems m-1 with an average of 45% profit and 11 and 24 gems m-1 with the lowest proportion of profit on average 38%. The cultivation with 17 gems m-1 of cane provides in cane-plant, variety RB92579, greater productivity with a profit rate of 45%, being the most suitable.

Abstract Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

This research pioneers the application of microwave irradiation as an innovative strategy for one-pot synthesis and surfactant elimination (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide—CTAB) from MCM-41, introducing a rapid and efficient methodology. MCM-41 silica is widely utilized in various applications due to its unique textural and structural properties. Nonetheless, the presence of residual surfactants after synthesis poses a challenge to its effective application. MCM-41 synthesis, conducted in a microwave reactor at 60 °C, provided a result within 0.5 to 1 h. Comprehensive analyses of structural, chemical, morphological, and surface characteristics were undertaken, with a focus on the impact of synthesis time on these properties. Surfactant extraction involved the use of ethanol as a solvent at 120 °C for 6 min within the microwave reactor. The acquired particles, coupled with the properties of textural and structural features, affirmed the efficacy of the synthesis process, resulting in the synthesis of MCM-41 within 36 min. This study presents the first instance of one-pot synthesis and surfactant removal from MCM-41 using a microwave reactor. The proposed method not only addresses the surfactant removal challenge, but also substantially accelerates the synthesis process, thereby enhancing the potential for MCM-41’s application in diverse fields.

Abstract Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128μg/mL and 256 μg/mL and MBC between 256 μg/mL and 512 μg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae.

Thirty-six Nellore steers at 20 months of age on average and initial body weight of 360 kg were fed ad libitum for 78 days and two levels of feed restriction for 58 days and posterior ad libitum feeding for 78 days were used to estimate body composition using the methods of indirect deuterium oxide or the 9th-10th-11th ribs cut. The body water content was calculated with equations established for Nellore steers. The chemical body composition was different for the ether extract content. The animals subjected to feed restriction presented higher body fat content when estimated by deuterium than by the rib cut. The deuterium oxide or 9th-10th-11th ribs cut methods used for body composition determination were effective to estimate body contents for animals fed ad libitum, however, not for animals on feed restriction. Comparatively, the indirect method of deuterium oxide was better than the 9th-10th-11th ribs cut method to estimate body composition in Nellore steers submitted to feed restriction; however, both methods were similar in animals fed ad libitum.

The aim of this study was determine the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and gain of Nellore steers. Thirty six Nellore steers with a average weight and age of 359±13 kg and 20 months at the beginning of the trial were individually fed for 56. The steers were fed the same diet (76.43% TDN and 13.62% CP) in three levels of dry matter (DM) intake, ad libitum, 75 g DM/kg BW0.75 and 60 g DM/kg BW0.75. The initial and final body composition was estimated with the marker deuterium oxide that allowed repeated water estimate in the same animal. Deuterium in blood samples was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The effects of intake levels, comparison of intercept and slope among feeding level, and equations were evaluated by the analysis of variance, adopting P

Abstract In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established.

Thirty six Nellore steers, with an average initial age and weight of 20 months and 360 kg, were fed the same diet in three levels of dry matter intake: ad libitum or in two quantitative restriction levels 75g DM/kg BW0.75 or 60g DM/kg BW0.75 during 58 days (Phase 1) to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on performance and composition of weight gain in restriction and re-alimentation phases. All steers were fed ad libitum for 78 days (Phase 2). Body composition was estimated with the marker deuterium oxide, which allowed repeated measurements of the same animal and to study of its response to re-alimentation. Average daily gain in restriction phase reflected different weight gain rates provided by feed levels, being them 0.288 kg, 0.656 kg and 1.169 kg, respectively for 60g DM/ BW0.75, 75g DM/ BW0.75 and ad libitum. Feed efficiency raised according to level of feed intake in Phase 1 and no differences between treatments were observed in Phase 2. Dry matter digestibility did not differ between treatments in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, but was different between Phases for the same treatment with 78.8% in Phase 1 and 68.7% in Phase 2 for the treatment 60 g DM/BW0.75 and 77.8% in Phase 1 and 71.3% in Phase 2 for treatment 75 g DM/BW0.75. The empty weight gain, the daily deposition of water, ether extract, protein, ash and energy had an increase in their deposition according to the elevation of the level of feed intake in Phase 1. In Phase 2 there was no difference between the levels of diet intake for empty weight gain, chemical components deposition and retained energy in the gain. A short period of quantitative feed restriction imposed to Nellore steers could be used in beef cattle production system.

Blood parameters of 18 Nellore steers submitted to high concentrate diet in two sequential feeding regimes (Phase 1: restriction and Phase 2: ad libitum feed) were evaluated. In the first phase, steers were fed during 56 days in three intake levels of dry matter (ad libitum, 75 g dry matter (DM)/kg metabolic body weight (BW0.75) or 60 g DM/kg BW0.75. In the second phase, from the 57th day of confinement, animals fed 60 g DM/kg BW0.75 and 75 g DM/kg BW0.75 received feed ad libitum until the 136th day. In the 8th, 27th, 55th (first phase), 71st, 84th, 112th and 132nd (second phase day of experimental period, blood samples were collected and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), glucose, plasma ureic nitrogen (PUN) and total protein (TP) were determined. In the first phase IGF-I, T4, glucose and total protein concentration was not different among treatments (P>0.05) and there was no interaction between treatment and time (P>0.05). There was an interaction among treatments and time on T3 and plasma ureic nitrogen (P0.05). For plasma ureic nitrogen concentration there was an interaction among treatments and time (P=0.02). Lower levels of diet intake can be used to improve animal performance in feedlot.

As in a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces put together place before us the drama of the proliferation of new conflicts. Such are the times of today when people try to justify war on the grounds of belonging to different and incompatible cultures. Hence, there is an urgent need for a revival of intercultural dialogue and adequate education to foster it. Aware of the current challenge to peace, the two authors, who come from different geographical areas and cultures, seek through their research to highlight the educational value of Chiara Lubich’s charism, her work and that of the Focolare Movement she founded. To this end, they make use of the hermeneutic method of “text” analysis, understood as everything the person said, did and wrote. For this, they focus on what, with respect to the epistemology of education, consists in the real innovation, namely: the Lubich synoran, the Golden Rule as the axiological foundation of intercultural dialogue education, the Art of Loving as a method and the Cube of Peace as a teaching tool.

The aim of this study was determine the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and gain of Nellore steers. Thirty six Nellore steers with a average weight and age of 359±13 kg and 20 months at the beginning of the trial were individually fed for 56. The steers were fed the same diet (76.43% TDN and 13.62% CP) in three levels of dry matter (DM) intake, ad libitum, 75 g DM/kg BW0.75 and 60 g DM/kg BW0.75. The initial and final body composition was estimated with the marker deuterium oxide that allowed repeated water estimate in the same animal. Deuterium in blood samples was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The effects of intake levels, comparison of intercept and slope among feeding level, and equations were evaluated by the analysis of variance, adopting P

Thirty six Nellore steers, with an average initial age and weight of 20 months and 360 kg, were fed the same diet in three levels of dry matter intake: ad libitum or in two quantitative restriction levels 75g DM/kg BW0.75 or 60g DM/kg BW0.75 during 58 days (Phase 1) to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on performance and composition of weight gain in restriction and re-alimentation phases. All steers were fed ad libitum for 78 days (Phase 2). Body composition was estimated with the marker deuterium oxide, which allowed repeated measurements of the same animal and to study of its response to re-alimentation. Average daily gain in restriction phase reflected different weight gain rates provided by feed levels, being them 0.288 kg, 0.656 kg and 1.169 kg, respectively for 60g DM/ BW0.75, 75g DM/ BW0.75 and ad libitum. Feed efficiency raised according to level of feed intake in Phase 1 and no differences between treatments were observed in Phase 2. Dry matter digestibility did not differ between treatments in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, but was different between Phases for the same treatment with 78.8% in Phase 1 and 68.7% in Phase 2 for the treatment 60 g DM/BW0.75 and 77.8% in Phase 1 and 71.3% in Phase 2 for treatment 75 g DM/BW0.75. The empty weight gain, the daily deposition of water, ether extract, protein, ash and energy had an increase in their deposition according to the elevation of the level of feed intake in Phase 1. In Phase 2 there was no difference between the levels of diet intake for empty weight gain, chemical components deposition and retained energy in the gain. A short period of quantitative feed restriction imposed to Nellore steers could be used in beef cattle production system.

Marginal erosions in reservoirs of hydroelectric plants have caused economic and environmental problems concerning hydroelectric power generation, reduction of productive areas and devaluing land parcels. The real extension and dynamics of these erosion processes are not well known for Brazilian reservoirs. To objectively assess these problems Unesp (Univ Estadual Paulista) and Duke Energy are developing a joint project which aims at the monitoring the progression of some erosive processes and understanding the causes and the dynamics of this phenomenon. Mobile LASER scanning was considered the most suitable alternative for the challenges established in the project requirements. A MDL DynaScan Mobile LASER M150 scanner was selected which uses RTK for real time positioning integrated to an IMU, enabling instantaneous generation of georeferenced point clouds. Two different reservoirs were choose for monitoring: Chavantes (storage plant) and Rosana (run-of-river plant), both in the Paranapanema River, border of São Paulo and Paraná States, Brazil. The monitoring areas are scanned quarterly and analysed with base on the point cloud, meshes, contours and cross sections. Cross sections are used to visualize and compute the rate and the dynamics of erosion. Some examples and quantitative results are presented along with an analysis of the proposed technique. Some recommendations to improve the field work and latter data processing are also introduced.

O objetivo do estudo foi testar a prevalência sorológica e molecular de Babesia bovis e Babesia bigemina em búfalos da Ilha de Marajó, Pará. Foi utilizado ensaio de imunoadsorção enzimático indireto (iELISA) com antígeno total contendo proteínas de superfície externa e reação em cadeia da polimerase (qPCR), envolvendo o uso de SYBR Green com base na amplificação de um pequeno fragmento de gene do citocromo b. A prevalência de animais positivos no ELISA para B. bovis, B. bigemina e para infecção mista foi de 24.87% (199/800), 20.75% (166/800) e 18.75% (150/800), respectivamente. Na PCR foi detectado a presença de B. bovis em 15% (18/199) e de B. bigemina em 16% (19/199) dos animais, sendo que destes, 58% (11/19) apresentavam-se co-infectados pelos dois agentes. Os resultados mostram uma baixa prevalência de anticorpos anti-B. bovis e anti-B. bigemina em búfalos da Ilha do Marajó. Porém, observou-se que os agentes da babesiose bovina circulam em búfalos, podendo estes atuar como reservatórios.

O processamento de polpa e a fabricação de geleias são produtos de interesse para a região nordeste do Brasil. A baixa precipitação e os altos índices de luminosidade anuais, associado ao desenvolvimento da irrigação localizada na região, atraíram grandes empresas nacionais e internacionais para a produção de variados tipos de frutos, incluindo a acerola e o melão. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar as características físico-químicas de geleia simples e mista (50% de melão e 50% de acerola) de melão e acerola, por ocasião do preparo e após o armazenamento por 30 dias. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O tempo de armazenamento aumentou o teor de sólidos solúveis (SS) e o pH, mas reduziu a acidez titulável e o teor de ácido ascórbico das geleias. A geleia de melão apresentou o maior teor de SS após o armazenamento. E a geleia de acerola obteve valores superiores de pH, acidez titulável e vitamina C, nas duas épocas de análise. Já a geleia mista apresentou pH igual à geleia de melão, mas quanto às demais características situou-se entre às geleias simples. Physical and chemical characteristics of acerola and melon jellies during storage Abstract: The pulp processing and the manufacture of jellies are products of interest to the northeastern region of Brazil. The low rainfall and high rates of annual luminosity associated with the development of drip irrigation in the region, attracted large national and international companies for the production of various kinds of fruits, including acerola and melon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics of single and mixed jelly (50% of melon and 50% acerola) of melon and acerola, on the occasion of preparation and after storage for 30 days. We used a completely randomized design. The storage time increased the soluble solids (SS) and pH, but reduced titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content from jelly. The melon jelly had the highest SS content after storage. And acerola jelly obtained higher values of pH, titratable acidity and vitamin C, in two periods of analysis. However the mixed jelly showed pH seems to jelly melon, but to the other features it was between the simple jelly.

Detalhadas investigações macro e, especialmente, micromorfológicas foram realizadas em dois perfis de Argissolo Amarelo e um de Planossolo de uma superfície geomorfológica tabular, pertencente aos Tabuleiros Sertanejos (Interioranos) na bacia hidrográfica do médio São Francisco em Petrolina, Pernambuco. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar micromorfologicamente os solos, procurando fornecer subsídios para o entendimento da pedogênese, como uma forma de entender a diversidade dos solos na paisagem. Os resultados indicam que os três perfis foram derivados de sedimentos pós-cretáceos, em intensa mistura com resíduos de rochas cristalinas do Pré-Cambriano, provavelmente, ainda, influenciados por materiais de antigos terraços fluviais do rio São Francisco. As diferenciações entre os três perfis estão relacionadas com a heterogeneidade resultante da mistura desses materiais de origem, mas, principalmente, com o posicionamento dos solos no relevo, gerando condições diferenciadas de drenagem. Concreções de ferro herdadas do material de origem, sofreram degradações e se transfomaram em mosqueamentos plínticos, e, posteriormente, foram dissipadas no solo, eluviação/iluviação, ou perdas do sistema, parece ser um dos processos envolvidos na pedogênese.

Lower respiratory tract infections by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are frequent in childhood. Association of RSV with bronchiolitis obliterans has rarely been established. We report a 13-month-old child with bronchiolitis obliterans following co-infection by RSV and adenovirus, and suggest that complicated evolution of an acute bronchiolitis case can indicate an association of pathogens.