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Making plant breeding programs less expensive, fast, practical, and accurate, especially for soybeans, promotes the selection of new soybean genotypes and contributes to the emergence of new varieties that are more efficient in absorbing and metabolizing nutrients. Using spectral information from soybean genotypes combined with nutritional information on secondary macronutrients can help genetic improvement programs select populations that are efficient in absorbing and metabolizing these nutrients. In addition, using machine learning algorithms to process this information makes the acquisition of superior genotypes more accurate. Therefore, the objective of the work was to verify the classification performance of soybean genotypes regarding secondary macronutrients by ML algorithms and different inputs. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, municipality of Chapadão do Sul, Brazil. Soybean was sown in the 2019/20 crop season, with the planting of 103 F2 soybean populations. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with two replications. At 60 days after crop emergence (DAE), spectral images were collected with a Sensifly eBee RTK fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), with autonomous takeoff control, flight plan, and landing. At the reproductive stage (R1), three leaves were collected per plant to determine the macronutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) levels. The data obtained from the spectral information and the nutritional values of the genotypes in relation to Ca, Mg, and S were subjected to a Pearson correlation analysis; a PC analysis was carried out with a k-means algorithm to divide the genotypes into clusters. The clusters were taken as output variables, while the spectral data were used as input variables for the classification models in the machine learning analyses. The configurations tested in the models were spectral bands (SBs), vegetation indices (VIs), and a combination of both. The combination of machine learning algorithms with spectral data can provide important biological information about soybean plants. The classification of soybean genotypes according to calcium, magnesium, and sulfur content can maximize time, effort, and labor in field evaluations in genetic improvement programs. Therefore, the use of spectral bands as input data in random forest algorithms makes the process of classifying soybean genotypes in terms of secondary macronutrients efficient and important for researchers in the field.

Cyanobacteria are microorganisms that grow rapidly in an aquatic medium, showing the capacity of accumulations of biocompounds subsequently converted into value-added biocompounds. The cyanobacterium Spirulina maxima can produce pigments besides accumulating significant amounts of carbohydrates and proteins. An alternative to reducing biomass production costs at an industrial scale is the use of landfill leachate in the growing medium, as well as the mitigation of this pollutant. The objective of this work was to cultivate Spirulina maxima in a medium supplemented with leachate, using the design of experiments to evaluate the effects of leachate concentration (% v/v), light source, and light intensity in an airlift photobioreactor, analyzing them as a response to the productivity of biomass, phycocyanin, carbohydrates, and biochar. The highest values of productivity (mg L−1d−1) were 97.44 ± 3.20, 12.82 ± 0.38, 6.19 ± 1.54, and 34.79 ± 3.62 for biomass, carbohydrates, phycocyanin, and biochar, respectively, adjusted for experiment 2 with the factors of leachate concentration (5.0% v/v), light source (tubular LED), and luminosity (54 µmol m−2 s−1), respectively. The use of leachate as a substitute for macronutrients in Zarrouk’s medium for the cultivation of Spirulina maxima is a viable alternative in the production of biocompounds as long as it is used at an appropriate level.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal with cottonseed cake in the diet offered to Santa Inês sheep on their performance, carcass yield and economic viability. Thirty-two uncastrated male sheep (27.48 ± 4.96 kg and 12 months old) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with 4 treatments (replacement of 0, 14, 28 and 42% of soybean meal with cottonseed cake in dry matter basis) and 8 replications. The inclusion levels of cottonseed cake in their diet provided a reduction in performance, thoracic perimeter, body capacity (measured in vivo), slaughter body weight, hot and cold carcass weights, external length, rump perimeter, thoracic perimeter, carcass compactness index, and leg compactness index (p < 0.05). The weights of the left half carcass, shoulder, neck, loin, and leg were reduced with increasing levels of cottonseed cake in their diet (p < 0.05). The quadratic effect was observed for the rib weight and the yield (p < 0.05). Diets with cottonseed cake had lower total feed costs/animal, revenue, gross margin, and leveling price, and had a higher benefit/cost. Under experimental conditions, despite reducing the feed costs and presenting an improvement in the cost ratio benefit, the use of levels up to 42% of cottonseed cake in sheep diets is not recommended, as it negatively affects the animal performance, carcass weights, and commercial cuts.

Knowledge of how certain crops respond to water stress is one of the prerequisites for choosing the best variety and best management practices to maximize crop water productivity (WPc). The selection of a more efficient protocol for managing irrigation depths throughout the cultivation cycle and in the maturation process at the end of the growth period for each sugarcane variety can maximize bioethanol productivity and WPc for bioethanol, sugar and biomass, in addition to the total energy captured by the sugarcane canopy in the form of dry biomass. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four irrigation depths and four water deficit intensities on the maturation phase for eight sugarcane varieties under drip irrigation, analyzing the responses related to WPc for bioethanol, sugar and biomass. These experiments were conducted at the University of São Paulo. The plots were positioned in three randomized blocks, and the treatments were distributed in a factorial scheme (4 × 8 × 4). The treatments involved eight commercial varieties of sugarcane and included four water replacement levels and four water deficits of increasing intensity in the final phase of the crop season. It was found that for each variety of sugarcane, there was an optimal combination of irrigation management strategies throughout the cycle and during the maturation process. The RB966928 variety resulted in the best industrial bioethanol yield (68.7 L·Mg−1), WPc for bioethanol (0.97 L·m−3) and WPc for sugar (1.71 kg·m−3). The energy of the aerial parts partitioned as sugar had a direct positive correlation with the availability of water in the soil for all varieties. The RB931011 variety showed the greatest potential for converting water into shoots with an energy of 1.58 GJ·ha−1·mm−1, while the NCo376 variety had the lowest potential at 1.32 GJ·ha−1·mm−1. The productivity of first-generation bioethanol had the highest values per unit of planted area for the greatest water volumes applied and transpired by each variety; this justifies keeping soil moisture at field capacity until harvesting time only for WR100 water replacement level with a maximum ethanol potential of 13.27 m3·ha−1.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of 40 endophytic bacteria isolates on the control of Meloidogyne javanica in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana seedlings. Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. In each trial, 20 bacteria isolates and control were evaluated. Bacterial suspensions were applied to substrates during the acclimatization of seedlings at 15 and 30 days. On the 31st day, seedlings were transplanted into pots and soil was infested with M. javanica egg suspension at 8 days. After 90 days, the following variables were evaluated: number of galls, egg masses, eggs per root, reproduction factor (RF), second-stage juveniles, and shoot dry matter. The results of nematological variables were submitted to Principal Components Analysis. In trial I, the variables that most contributed to data variability were as follows: number of eggs and RF. In trial II, RF had greater influence. Of the 40 isolates evaluated, 39 reduced RF, and of the 20 isolates evaluated in the first trial, all reduced the number of eggs per root. Bacillus methylotrophicus EB26, Bacillus cereus EB25, and Bacillus sp. EB37 isolates stood out in the control of nematodes, with RF reduction above 80%.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the combination of olivine melilitite powder with bacterial inoculation on soil microbiological attributes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (n = 4), with the following treatments: chemical fertilizer (CF), fertilizer reduction + remineralizer (FRR), fertilizer reduction + remineralizer + Azospirillum (FRA), fertilizer reduction + remineralizer + Bacillus (FRB), and fertilizer reduction + remineralizer + co-inoculation of Azospirillum and Bacillus (FRC). A 25 % reduction of chemical fertilizer was tested in FRR, FRA, FRB, and FRC for two years. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil basal respiration (SBR), microbial quotient (qMIC), metabolic quotient (qCO 2 ), and grain yield (GY) of maize were evaluated. The results indicated that the soil from treatments FRA (515.72 mg microbial C (carbon) and 2.28 %), FRB (547.43 mg microbial C and 2.65 %), and FRC (529.64 mg microbial C and 2.38 %) exhibited the greater values of MBC and qMIC. The highest qCO 2 values were found in the soil of FRR (5.55 µg C-CO 2 µg MBC) and CF (5.84 µg C-CO 2 µg MBC), indicating stress effects on the microbial community. However, following the first cultivation, this effect was reduced in FRR due to the application of olivine melilitite. Moreover, MBC (R 2 = 0.46), qMIC (R 2 = 0.35), and SBR (R 2 = 0.79) exhibited a positive correlation with maize GY, while qCO 2 (R 2 = –0.33) presented a negative correlation with GY. This suggests that bacterial inoculation associated with olivine melilitite may have influenced the results. In conclusion, the application of olivine melilitite and inoculation with beneficial bacteria has been demonstrated to enhance soil microbiological attributes and maize yield.

ABSTRACT: Using non-destructive and low-cost methods to determine leaf area has gained important applications. The research objectives were (i) to propose a non-destructive method to estimate the leaf area of castor bean crops and (ii) to build equations that accurately and quickly estimate the leaf area of specie. One thousand healthy and expanded leaves of five castor bean cultivars (New Zealand Purple, Sipeal, Carmencita, Amarelo de Irecê, and IAC-80) were collected, and 200 leaves were collected from each. The maximum length, maximum width, and leaf area were calculated for each leaf. The product between length and width (LW) were calculated. We performed tests with different linear and non-linear regression models between leaf area and linear leaf dimensions of each cultivar. The models used were linear, linear without intercept, and power. The criteria for choosing the best models to estimate the leaf area of castor beans were a higher coefficient of determination, more elevated Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient, lower Akaike information criterion, higher Willmott agreement index, and smallest root mean square error. The equations that presented the best criteria for estimating the leaf area of castor bean cultivars were those that used the product between length and width, compared to equations that used only one leaf dimension. The model ŷ = 0.439 × LW can be used to accurately and quickly estimate the castor bean leaf area through linear measurements of the leaves, using the product between length and width (LW), regardless of the cultivar chosen.

Brazilian forestry laws do not provide specifications for the management of bamboo-dominated forests. This study aimed to characterize the bamboo population structure, its spatial distribution and the effects of shoot density on the diversity and density of dominant tree species in the southwest of the Amazon Rainforest. An inventory was carried out in forest with and without anthropogenic interference, and the height and diameter at breast height of the trees were measured, as well as the diametrical, vertical and spatial distribution of the shoots. The bamboo diametrical distribution presented an irregular behavior in the two areas under study and the vertical distribution behaved irregularly in the forest without anthropization, in an asymmetric negative way when compared to the forest that suffered anthropogenic disturbance. The bamboo spatial distribution did not show changes in its aggregate pattern between the studied environments, and its density did not present a significant correlation with the density and diversity of tree species.

ABSTRACT: Given the importance of describing the accumulation of total dry matter in garlic accessions and the advantage of Nonlinear Mixed Effect Models (NLME) in this process, the present work research compared four nonlinear equations (Gompertz, Logistic, Richards, and von Bertalanffy) in the fit of accumulation of total dry matter per plant of 30 garlic accessions. The objective was also to identify the best accessions according to each growth parameter by estimating the random effects around the mean through the best among the models. The analysis was carried out using the R software. The best model was the Logistic according to the criteria used for comparison (AIC, BIC, R a j . 2, MSE and MAE), presenting estimates closer to the actual observed values. According to the random effects estimated by this model, which represent deviations from the mean, the accessions that showed the highest asymptotic weight were 4505, 4826 and 4500, while accessions 4826, 4837 and 4491 took longer to reach the inflection point of the curve. The NLME approach used one fit per equation to obtain information on all individuals in the sample, efficiently adjusting the accumulated total dry matter and identifying the best accessions according to the estimated random effects of its parameters.

Este ensaio teórico visou trazer uma reflexão crítica sobre as aproximações entre as ideias de bell hooks e Paulo Freire em contribuição para a construção de uma Educação Alimentar e Nutricional (EAN) popular e engajada. A metodologia adotada foi a análise das obras desses autores, buscando compreender suas interseções e suas especificidades, sem a pretensão de esgotá-las. A pedagogia engajada proposta por hooks, aliada à pedagogia libertadora de Freire, buscam transformar não só a educação, mas a sociedade, tendo os sujeitos como protagonistas de seu próprio processo de aprendizagem e emancipação. Essas abordagens, ao serem incorporadas na EAN, podem ser promotoras de uma alimentação mais saudável, levando em consideração as questões de raça, gênero, cultura e poder presentes nas desigualdades alimentares nos mais diversos territórios. A EAN popular e engajada também se relaciona com a promoção da segurança alimentar e nutricional, respeitando a diversidade cultural e fomentando a participação política das pessoas e sua autonomia no processo de tomada de decisões relacionadas à alimentação e à saúde. Além disso, a formação de profissionais de saúde comprometidos com essa abordagem é fundamental para promover mudanças significativas nos paradigmas educacionais e na compreensão de lacunas importantes existentes na formação dos profissionais de saúde, no que se refere aos conteúdos do campo das ciências sociais e humanas. No contexto atual, marcado pelo fortalecimento do agronegócio e pela perda da diversidade alimentar, a EAN popular e engajada se mostra como um caminho para defender as culturas alimentares, lutar pela soberania alimentar e por uma alimentação mais diversa e sustentável.

Introdução: Documentos orientadores de alimentação adequada e saudável destacam a importância da culinária doméstica para sua promoção. Vídeos educativos vêm sendo utilizados como estratégias de educação alimentar e nutricional e são promissores para a abordagem da culinária doméstica. Objetivo: Apresentar o percurso metodológico de construção da websérie “Cidinha dá Jeito” e analisar a convergência dos conteúdos dos episódios com os guias alimentares brasileiros e com o Modelo Conceitual de Autonomia Culinária (MCAC). Métodos: Na primeira fase, elaboração da websérie, foram conduzidas seis etapas: escolha das bases conceituais; definição do público de interesse; elaboração preliminar de temas e conteúdos dos vídeos; oficinas de escuta; sistematização das contribuições, versão final dos temas e conteúdos e elaboração dos roteiros; e definição da plataforma virtual para divulgação e produção dos vídeos. Na segunda fase, analisou-se a convergência dos conteúdos dos episódios com os guias alimentares e o MCAC. Resultados: Após quatro oficinas de escuta com o público de interesse e especialistas, foi desenvolvida uma websérie composta por 21 episódios com recursos para acessibilidade comunicacional, cada um com duração de até sete minutos, tendo como audiência prioritária famílias de baixa renda e usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde. Em abril de 2024, a websérie registrou 20.773 visualizações no canal do YouTube®. Os conteúdos dos guias alimentares brasileiros e do MCAC permeiam todos os episódios. Conclusão: A websérie, com potencial de amplo alcance e avanços na acessibilidade, busca reconhecer a complexidade da culinária e favorecer a implementação das recomendações sobre alimentação adequada e saudável.

This study investigates the use of satellite-derived Christiansen Uniformity Coefficient (SDCUC) values for evaluating irrigation uniformity. In the context of global water scarcity and the imperative for sustainable water management, we explore the potential of remote sensing methods to evaluate irrigation uniformity across large agricultural areas. The findings reveal a consistent tendency for SDCUC to overestimate irrigation uniformity, with an average overestimation rate of 7.83 %. However, accuracy improved with the appropriate method, vegetation index, or spectral band selection. Employing the entire satellite image for SDCUC (SDCUCTOT) assessment improved accuracy. For Sentinel-1 (S1), using the dual-band cross-polarization horizontal transmit/vertical receive band (VH), the bias confidence interval was −0.39–0.69 %, while for Sentinel-2 (S2), using the normalized difference red edge 3 index (NDRE3), it was −1.47–0.66 %, and for Landsat 8 (L8) and Landsat 9 (L9) using the shortwave infrared water stress index (SIWSI) it ranged from 0.36 % to 2.28 %. Improved results were also observed when the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) ranged between 0.4 and 0.8 or the evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration ratio (ET/PET) ranged between 0.30 and 0.55. In these conditions, SDCUCTOT for the S2, L8, and L9 using the simple ratio index (SR) ranged from 1.00 % to 2.33 %, 0.00–1.83 %, 0.23–2.00 %, respectively, and for S2, the normalized difference water index (NDWI) and NDRE3 ranged from −1.39–0.71 %, and −1.43–2.31 % respectively. These findings underscore the potential of remote sensing techniques to revolutionize water resource management and promote sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the synergistic role of ground-based measurements and the need for continued methodological refinements to improve accuracy. Further advancements and research are warranted to refine the methodology and enhance the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing-based irrigation uniformity assessment, ultimately contributing to more sustainable agricultural irrigation practices.

Abstract The objective of this work was to estimate the relative yield that maximizes the profitability of the soybean crop in rotation with flood-irrigated rice. For this, 13 high-yield areas (from 2.6 to 5.2 ha) in lowland soybean-rice systems in Southern Brazil were selected before sowing. The calculation of production costs included seeds, seed treatment, fertilizers, lime, pesticides, irrigation, land, operational outsourcing, labor, and fuel consumption. The observed yield was transformed into relative yield by multiplying the quotient of the observed yield by the yield potential estimated by the CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean model. Water productivity was calculated as the ratio between the observed yield and available water during the crop cycle. Yield potential ranged from 6.1 to 7.4 Mg ha−1, whereas relative yield ranged from 45.3 to 101.2%. In addition, costs ranged from US$564.86 to US$1,122.86 per hectare, and profitability from US$767.18 to US$3,149.75 per hectare. The highest profitability of the soybean crop in rotation with flood-irrigated rice occurs with a relative yield between 67 and 84%.

Excessive changes in factor levels can lead to a high cost in practice and hinder the conduction of experiments, in addition to adding a higher computational cost and loss of the orthogonality property, resulting in numerical problems in estimating the parameters of a model. The sequential specification of experimental points, seen as treatments in a 2k factorial design, results in a high-order bias in some factors, which is caused by the accumulation of −1 or +1 signals. This study aimed to propose new designs generated by the simulated annealing technique, respecting the main A-optimal and D-optimal optimality criteria as random execution orders that minimize the order bias. This approach allowed the generation of 24 and 25 factorials, which were compared to the designs in standard order. The simulated annealing technique is a viable method to generate optimal designs with the same efficiency as the usual designs to obtain A-optimal and D-optimal designs with new execution orders, which minimize the effect of order bias relative to standard order designs. Regarding efficiency, the generated designs were precise in the variance of model parameter estimates, similar to the original designs.

Este estudo, utilizando uma abordagem analítica, examinou as desigualdades enfrentadas pela população negra no mercado de trabalho durante a crise da Covid-19 na região do Nordeste do Brasil. Os resultados foram derivados da análise de dados coletados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua (PNAD-C) de 2020, que oferece uma ampla gama de informações socioeconômicas. Os resultados revelam que, embora o trabalho remoto tenha sido uma opção para alguns, ele excluiu muitos trabalhadores informais, exacerbando as disparidades preexistentes. Historicamente associada a piores indicadores sociais, a população negra enfrentou desafios adicionais devido à ausência de políticas eficazes que reconhecessem sua vulnerabilidade e promovessem a igualdade. A precariedade do trabalho, caracterizada por baixos salários e insegurança no emprego, foi um obstáculo significativo para essa população. Esses achados destacam a urgente necessidade de políticas que abordem as desigualdades estruturais no mercado de trabalho, promovendo inclusão e equidade para todos os trabalhadores. Abstract: This study, using an analytical approach, examined the inequalities faced by the black population in the labor market during the Covid-19 crisis in the Northeast region of Brazil. The results were derived from the analysis of data collected from the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (PNAD-C), which offers a wide range of socioeconomic information. The results reveal that while remote work has been an option for some, it has excluded many informal workers, exacerbating pre-existing disparities. Historically associated with worse social indicators, the black population faced additional challenges due to the absence of effective policies that recognized their vulnerability and promoted equality. Precarious work, characterized by low wages and job insecurity, was a significant obstacle for this population. These findings highlight the urgent need for policies that address structural inequalities in the labor market, promoting inclusion and equity for all workers.

Este estudo investiga o impacto da descentralização fiscal no crescimento econômico municipal, empregando modelos de crescimento com dados em painel. Além das variáveis tradicionais de controle, são incorporados indicadores de migração e descentralização fiscal. Os resultados apontam para uma relação positiva entre os indicadores de descentralização fiscal e o crescimento nos municípios de Pernambuco, em consonância com a evidência internacional. Esses resultados sugerem que uma maior autonomia fiscal dos municípios pode estimular o desenvolvimento local, reforçando a importância de políticas que promovam a descentralização fiscal como um meio eficaz de impulsionar o crescimento econômico regional. Abstract: This study investigates the impact of fiscal decentralization on municipal economic growth, using growth models with panel data. In addition to the traditional control variables, indicators of migration and fiscal decentralization are incorporated. The results point to a positive relationship between fiscal decentralization indicators and growth in the municipalities of Pernambuco, in line with international evidence. These results suggest that greater fiscal autonomy for municipalities can stimulate local development, reinforcing the importance of policies that promote fiscal decentralization as an effective means of boosting regional economic growth.

The increasing expansion and the rising demand for food require a greater intensification in the production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and genetic improvement programs are essential to achieve this goal. In managing these programs, new genetic material is introduced after several generations of selections to reduce inbreeding and enhance genetic diversity. In this sense, analyzing the zootechnical parameters of these introductions, with an emphasis on the use of nutritional additives, is of great importance for understanding their impact on breeding programs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the zootechnical parameters and hepatosomatic index of two genetic strains of Nile tilapia from the genetic improvement program fed with β-Glucan + Mannan oligosaccharide (βG+MOS). This study utilized a 2 × 2 factorial design containing two genetic groups and two treatments with βG+MOS (Control, 0.2%). The groups were formed from the 12th generation of the Tilamax genetic improvement program (TILAMAX) and by crossing Tilamax with an introduced test strain (CBTILAMAX). In total, 96 tilapias (31.1 ± 5.73 g) were distributed into 16 aquariums, with 6 fish per aquarium, 24 per group, and four repetitions. The experimental period lasted for 41 days, and the water parameters were measured daily and maintained under ideal conditions. The condition factor and hepatosomatic index were analyzed. Final weight, total length, and standard length were measured, and other zootechnical parameters were calculated based on these data. The condition factor showed that the fish in both groups exhibited adequate health and growth during the experiment, with no differences in strain or use of additives. Similarly, the hepatosomatic index did not differ between the groups, indicating that liver size was proportional to fish body size. Similarly, no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for the other zootechnical parameters evaluated (initial and final total and standard lengths, final weight, total weight gain, condition factor using total and standard lengths, and specific growth rate). Based on these results, it is concluded that there were no differences between TILAMAX and CBTILAMAX related to performance and health under the effect of feeding with βG+MOS. This result is positive regarding the introduction of the test strain into the Tilamax genetic improvement program and establishes a starting point for further research that may provide greater clarity on its future effects.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em compreender o futuro das inovações agropecuárias sustentáveis, analisando as tecnologias desenvolvidas pela EMBRAPA, à luz conceitual da inovação, do desenvolvimento econômico sustentável e do Estado empreendedor. Utilizou-se uma metodologia exploratória e qualitativa para organizar cronologicamente 1188 soluções tecnológicas, 363 patentes e 2043 cultivares. O método guiou a aplicação de questionário prospectivo de cenários adaptado à Escala SERVQUAL do tipo Likert. A partir dos resultados obtidos observou-se uma tendência de investimentos em sistemas aprimorados de captação de água, irrigação inteligente, variedades tolerantes ao calor e seca, tecnologias de manejo de solo, controle biológico de pragas, uso de matérias-primas renováveis e melhoramento genético. Por fim, priorizaram-se também investimentos em metodologias, processos e ampliação de serviços da EMBRAPA, bem como a celebração de parcerias com grupos agropecuários, empresas e institutos. Com base em todas as informações apresentadas neste trabalho, é evidente que a EMBRAPA já possui tecnologias estabelecidas. Contudo, é mais urgente e imperativo do que nunca investir e impulsionar a inovação sustentável, tornando-a acessível a todos os produtores brasileiros, garantindo um futuro próspero de produção e conservação do setor.

ABSTRACT Corn silage is susceptible to losses through aerobic spoilage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate increasing sweet orange essential oil levels in chemical composition, in vitro degradability, losses, fermentation parameters, microbial count, and the aerobic stability of corn silage. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with four treatment levels: Control (CON), ensiling corn without sweet orange essential oil; 200 mg kg–1,400 mg kg–1, and 600 mg kg–1 of ensiling mass with four replicates per treatment. Sweet orange essential oil affected both the dry matter (p = 0.035) and the organic matter (p = 0.021), presenting quadratic behavior. Sweet orange essential oil did not affect (p ≥ 0.05) in vitro dry matter degradability, in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability, or gross energy. Sweet orange essential oil had a quadratic effect (p = 0.022) on the acetic acid concentration in corn silage. There was a tendency (p = 0.097) for sweet orange essential oil to reduce the ammoniacal nitrogen linearly. The levels of sweet orange essential oil did not influence losses by gases or effluents (p ≥ 0.05). We observed no effect of sweet orange essential oil on Lactic acid-producing bacteria populations or fungi (p ≥ 0.05). Furthermore, increasing sweet orange essential oil levels decreased temperature (p = 0.02) over time but did not influence pH (p = 0.404). Sweet orange essential oil does not affect in vitro degradability, fermentation parameters, nor microbial count in corn silage. However, the 600 mg of ensiling mass increases corn silage’s acetic acid concentration and aerobic stability.

ABSTRACT Using organic residues and bioinputs is a promising and sustainable practice to produce seedlings with forest essences, such as Cedrela fissilis Vell. (cedar), a vulnerable species close to extinction due to intensive exploitation in native areas. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of different substrates based on organic residues associated with or without the application of Parachlorella sp. microalgae in the emergence and morphophysiology of C. fissilis seedlings. Sowing was carried out on six substrates: Oxisol with a clayey texture; Oxisol + Parachlorella sp.; Oxisol with sheep manure (3:1, v v–1); Oxisol with sheep manure + Parachlorella sp.; Oxisol with cattle manure (3:1, v v–1); and Oxisol with cattle manure + Parachlorella sp. The addition of organic residues to the soil, especially cattle manure, contributes to increasing the percentage of emergence, plant height, chlorophyll index, CO2 assimilation rate, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco due to the superior chemical attributes in the substrate, which promote greater physiological efficiency. Organic residues increased the water use efficiency of seedlings. The application of Parachlorella sp. microalgae contributes to increases in the CO2 assimilation rate and stomatal conductance when seedlings are grown only in Oxisol. C. fissilis seedlings produced in the substrate with sheep and cattle manure showed better growth and gas exchange characteristics.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the impact and duration of water stress on coffee growth, grain yield, and uniformity. The experiment was set up on Apr 2015 with water regimes denominated as follows: year-round irrigation with total water replacement (FI 100) and year-round irrigation with a 50 % reduction in total water replacement (FI 50); irrigation with application of water deficit from Apr to Sept with total water replacement (WD1 100) and irrigation with application of water deficit from Apr to Sept with 50 % of total water replacement (WD1 50); irrigation with application of water deficit from June to Sept with total water replacement (WD2 100), irrigation with application of water deficit from June to Sept with 50 % of total water replacement (WD2 50), and rainfed. A mechanized irrigation mobile Lateral Line sprinkler system was used. Irrigation management criterion was based on the climatological water balance and crop coefficients. Morphological variables, productivity, and fruit uniformity were evaluated. The growth variables had higher responses to water deficit treatment, with the highest reductions being recorded in rainfed treatments. The average productivity of the coffee tree in 2019 ranged from 14 to 120 bags ha–1. Even under low water availability, Iapar 59 was the most productive genotype, and E237 was the least productive genotype. Long periods of stress and 50 % reduction in water availability reduced plant productivity. Thus, the use of irrigation to complement rainfall is essential to the sustainability of coffee production systems in the Cerrado.

ABSTRACT: Different types of supplied roughage may cause losses in the chemical composition and digestibility of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium [Jacq.] Kunth ex Walp.) depending on their making and fed-out management. This study has summarized data from scientific studies on gliricidia and compared its nutritional value in various fed forms using a systematic review approach and principal component analysis (PCA). A robust survey of scientific papers was realized on web indexes of periodicals and databases from 1990 to 2023. Data from 100 scientific researches has been compiled and analyzed. In 40% of the trials, the gliricidia nutritional value was determined as fresh leaves, while 30% was in the form of ‘leaves + thin stems’. Gliricidia was evaluated as silage in 11% of the opportunities, followed by 10% as leaf meal and 9% as hay. Non-fiber carbohydrates, crude protein (CP), and organic matter digestibility (OM) had negative correlations with neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and lignin. Only NDF, ADF, and CP contents could explain 71% of the total data variation (PC1 and PC2). There was no discrimination among fed forms, so they showed similar nutrient compositions. Eventual nutrient losses reported in the scientific researches owing to ensilage, haymaking, and leaf meal-making processes do not mischaracterize the gliricidia nutritional value. The assorted manners of roughage making, and fed-out management traditionally performed by farmers can conserve the excellent nutritional quality of gliricidia.

ABSTRACT: Abiotic stresses, such as heat, drought and salinity, affect the development of wheat crop and hinder its expansion to the central region of Brazil. The identification of genotypes tolerant to these conditions is important for improving yield performance. The present research evaluated the impact of different abiotic stresses on germination and seedling development and selected wheat genotypes tolerant to these stresses, using multi-trait analysis. Heat, drought and salinity stresses were induced in seeds of 23 wheat genotypes. Seed germination, seedling length and dry mass were evaluated. An adaptability and stability model and a multi-trait selection index were applied to the data. Drought and salinity negatively affected the development of seedlings of the 23 evaluated genotypes. However, the VI 14055, ORS Madre Pérola and BRS 404 genotypes conferred the best adaptability and stability results and were selected by the MGIDI, which revealed that great performance can be achieved in regions with potential for abiotic stress, in the early stages of development.

ABSTRACT: In the scientific toxicity evaluations of insecticides against larvae of Tuta absoluta (Tomato pinworm), a leaf coverage rate of 100 % or very close to this value is sought to guarantee the contact of the insect with the chemical product. However, deposition can change according to the different pesticide application methods used in field productions; consequently, interfering with pest control. From this perspective, this study evaluated the mortality of Tuta absoluta and the deposited volume dispersion on tomato leaflets as a function of droplet sizes and the method of chemical treatment with abamectin. For that purpose, an experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of different chemical treatment methods: immersion, hydraulic spraying with three droplet sizes, and pneumatic spraying, in which the following parameters were evaluated: larval mortality, volume retained (deposition), surface density of active ingredient, droplet density, and coverage percentage. The different chemical treatments with abamectin provided larval mortality rates above 90%. Furthermore, the highest mortality values (98% and 95.9%) were associated; respectively, with the sprayings that provided the highest droplet densities: hydraulic spraying with average droplets (181 droplets cm-2) and pneumatic spraying with very fine droplets (256 droplets cm-2), the latter using an application volume 84% lower (80 L ha-1) than the lowest volume recommended by the manufacturer (500 L ha-1).

Staphylococcus aureus is the main etiological agent of bovine mastitis worldwide and knowledge about its diversity and virulence factors is vital in controlling infections caused by this pathogen. The present study aimed to perform molecular characterization of a population of S. aureus (n=153 strains isolated from 1994 to 2014 in seven Brazilian states) by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and evaluate their virulence profiles via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PFGE identified 93 pulsotypes, with the isolates organized into 26 clusters and 20 unique pulsotypes. Predominant pulsotypes were observed, with variations according to the years of isolation and geographic origin of the isolates. Based on the PCR results for the genes encoding agglutination factors (ClfA and ClfB), binding proteins (fibronectin binding protein - FnBPA, elastin binding protein - Ebps, collagen binding protein - Cna), and toxins (Hla, Hlb and Luk-ED), 40 virulence profiles were detected. The frequency of virulence genes ranged from 58 to 98% (clfA:84.3%; clfB and hlb both 81%; hla:71.2%; fnBA:82.3%; Can:94.7%; ebps:58%; and lukED:98%). The existence of prevalent genotypes in some of the Brazilian states and the time period studied suggests that these genotypes are better adapted, with favorable characteristics in host/pathogen relationships. Genes of proven importance for S. aureus pathogenesis in bovine mastitis were widely distributed in genetically divergent populations, suggesting that most of these genes may be interesting candidates in the development of vaccines to control bovine mastitis in Brazil.

Plants respond to biotic and abiotic pressures by changing their biophysical and biochemical aspects, such as reducing their biomass and developing chlorosis, which can be readily identified using remote-sensing techniques applied to the VIS/NIR/SWIR spectrum range. In the current scenario of agriculture, production efficiency is fundamental for farmers, but diseases such as target spot continue to harm soybean yield. Remote sensing, especially hyperspectral sensing, can detect these diseases, but has disadvantages such as cost and complexity, thus favoring the use of UAVs in these activities, as they are more economical. The objectives of this study were: (i) to identify the most appropriate input variable (bands, vegetation indices and all reflectance ranges) for the metrics assessed in machine learning models; (ii) to verify whether there is a statistical difference in the response of NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index), grain weight and yield when subjected to different levels of severity; and (iii) to identify whether there is a relationship between the spectral bands and vegetation indices with the levels of target spot severity, grain weight and yield. The field experiment was carried out in the 2022/23 crop season and involved different fungicide treatments to obtain different levels of disease severity. A spectroradiometer and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) imagery were used to collect spectral data from the leaves. Data were subjected to machine learning analysis using different algorithms. LR (logistic regression) and SVM (support vector machine) algorithms performed better in classifying target spot severity levels when spectral data were used. Multivariate canonical analysis showed that healthy leaves stood out at specific wavelengths, while diseased leaves showed different spectral patterns. Disease detection using hyperspectral sensors enabled detailed information acquisition. Our findings reveal that remote sensing, especially using hyperspectral sensors and machine learning techniques, can be effective in the early detection and monitoring of target spot in the soybean crop, enabling fast decision-making for the control and prevention of yield losses.

Mato Grosso state is the biggest maize producer in Brazil, with the predominance of cultivation concentrated in the second harvest. Due to the need to obtain more accurate and efficient data, agricultural intelligence is adapting and embracing new technologies such as the use of satellites for remote sensing and geographic information systems. In this respect, this study aimed to map the second harvest maize cultivation areas at Canarana-MT in the crop year 2019/2020 by using geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) with different spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions. MSI/Sentinel-2, OLI/Landsat-8, MODIS-Terra and MODIS-Aqua, and PlanetScope imagery were used in this assessment. The maize crops mapping was based on cartographic basis from IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) and the Google Earth Engine (GEE), and the following steps of image filtering (gray-level co-occurrence matrix—GLCM), vegetation indices calculation, segmentation by simple non-iterative clustering (SNIC), principal component (PC) analysis, and classification by random forest (RF) algorithm, followed finally by confusion matrix analysis, kappa, overall accuracy (OA), and validation statistics. From these methods, satisfactory results were found; with OA from 86.41% to 88.65% and kappa from 81.26% and 84.61% among the imagery systems considered, the GEOBIA technique combined with the SNIC and GLCM spectral and texture feature discriminations and the RF classifier presented a mapping of the corn crop of the study area that demonstrates an improved and aided the performance of automated multispectral image classification processes.

The discovery of new molecules from natural sources for the treatment of tumors such as breast cancers is of importance for the development of functional foods and to the pharmaceutical industry. A natural resource with potential activity against breast cancer is forest onion, Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., but the identity of its active constituents and their mechanisms of action remain unexplored. Therefore, this study focuses on metabolite profiling, in silico or pharmacoinformatic activity and mechanisms, as well as advanced validation on in vitro cell lines. Ten compounds identified in E. bulbosa bulb ethanolic extract (EBE) showed cancer receptor and radical inhibitory activity via network pharmacology and molecular docking simulation. The most promising compound was avenasterol binding PARP-1, HER2, iNOS receptors with values of −11.26, −8.34, and −9.17 μg/mL, respectively. EBE and avenasterol had a smaller EC50 value, or higher potency, than the control antioxidant Trolox in radical scavenging tests with ABTS and DPPH. In line with the in silico study, EBE and avenasterol showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 with LD50 217.8 μg/mL, with relatively low cytotoxicity to normal MCF-10A cells (LD50 > 1000 μg/mL). The antiproliferative mechanism of EBE on MCF-7 was associated with downregulation of TGF-β, HER2, PI3K, and AKT which are known tumor activators. Significant (p

Resumo Os direitos de acesso à água potável e ao esgotamento sanitário devem ser garantidos à população residente em áreas rurais brasileiras, mas a lei não se efetiva igualmente no país, mantendo precário o acesso em áreas rurais. O modelo de gestão estudado, adotado na cidade de Divinópolis/MG, é representado pela Copasa e ofertado sobretudo em áreas urbanas. O estudo analisou a influência do referido modelo de gestão no atendimento dos serviços de água e esgoto nas áreas rurais. Foram analisados documentos oficiais, relatos de gestores e lideranças comunitárias gerados em entrevistas, assim como discursos de moradores de duas aglomerações rurais do município produzidos mediante interações em grupos focais. O construto teórico-metodológico da Análise de Discurso Crítica (ADC) possibilitou a construção do corpus, a descrição e a interpretação dialético-relacional do material textual coletado e gerado. A análise apontou os níveis e os modos de engajamento de gestores públicos do município em relação ao saneamento rural e a necessidade de ações que integrem as demandas rurais às urbanas. Os relatos de atores envolvidos na pesquisa salientam uma visão problematizadora da atual gestão da água e do esgoto, já que a rede de discursos investigada representa práticas hegemônicas políticas atuando na persistência da fragmentação urbano/rural.

Resumo Este estudo avalia os condicionantes das internações por doenças respiratórias para a região da Amazônia Legal, no âmbito municipal, no período 2000-2019, com o emprego de modelos abordando a dependência espacial. Os resultados da Análise Exploratória de Dados Espaciais sugerem a existência de clusters em um padrão Alto-Alto na região do Arco do Desmatamento e na parte nordeste da referida região. Os resultados indicaram a ocorrência de efeitos não observados nas internações por doenças respiratórias, sendo adequada a estimação pelo modelo Spatial Autocorrelation Model (SAC). As variáveis desmatamento, densidade populacional, emissão de Gases do Efeito Estufa (GEE) e crédito rural influenciaram positivamente, ao passo que razão capital-trabalho e precipitação afetaram de maneira negativa as internações por doenças respiratórias.

Slicing of animal origin food affects the final quality of products and potentially transfers pathogenic microorganisms as it occurs after microorganism control and elimination steps, such as cooking and pasteurization. Therefore, the food industry needs to ensure the safety of food products to reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases. This requires an understanding of the dangers involved in each stage of production, along with the microorganisms transferred during processing. In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of industrial slicing on mozzarella cheese and ham by investigating the quality indicator microorganisms, aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. Samples were collected from pieces (20) and slices (20) of mozzarella cheese and ham. The number of mesophilic aerobes differed significantly before and after slicing (P 0.05). In total, 844 isolates were analyzed for pathogenic genes, and Salmonella spp. were identified in 40% of the piece and 20% of the sliced mozzarella cheese samples and in 30% of the piece and 50% of the sliced ham samples. Furthermore, S. aureus genes with the potential to produce enterotoxins C and D were identified in two sliced mozzarella cheese samples. Slicing of ready-to-eat food is an important step in food microbiology. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining hygienic practices during processing and demonstrate that the microbiological quality of the slicing sample affects the quality and safety of the sliced product.

Introdução: Existe uma relação entre inflamação e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, que geralmente se manifestam na fase adulta. Entretanto, já é possível perceber alterações inflamatórias no público infanto-juvenil.Sendo assim, torna-se necessário o estudo dos fatores associados à inflamação ainda nessa fase, a fim de que sejam feitas intervenções cabíveis para impedir que taisalterações se prologuem até a vida adulta. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre marcadores inflamatórios, indicadores de excesso de peso e marcadores de consumo alimentar em crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal com indivíduos de 8 a 14 anos, de escolas públicas de Vitória/ES. Para avaliar inflamação, utilizaram-se leucócitos, proteína C reativa e ácido úrico. Os indicadores de excesso de peso utilizados foram perímetro da cintura, razão cintura/estatura, IMC-para-idade e percentual de gordura corporal. Para estimar as probabilidades de associação, calcularam-se razões de prevalência e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%, por meio de modelos de regressão de Poisson, ajustados para características sociodemográficas. Resultados: Avaliaram-se 296 indivíduos, com média de 10,7 anos, sendo 54,4% do sexo feminino e 53,7% adolescentes. Todas as variáveis com risco dos indicadores de excesso de peso mostraram-se significativas com o risco de ácido úrico elevado, além do risco de elevação da razão cintura/estatura (RP = 1,14), do IMC-para-idade (RP = 1,08) e da gordura corporal (RP = 1,10) serem significativos com o risco de PCR elevado. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o risco de alterações nos indicadores de excesso de peso esteve relacionado com o risco de elevação dos marcadores inflamatório sem escolares.

Compared with single application, the split application of phosphorus during sowing can enhance the efficiency of phosphate fertilization. In view of this, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of phosphorus split application on the growth, dry matter, and production components of the cotton plant. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Faculdade de Tecnologia of the Instituto Centro de Ensino Tecnológico Cariri (Fatec Cariri), located in the municipality of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (DIC), with four replications. The treatments were composed of a combination of different phosphorus split application strategies: T1 = no phosphorus; T2 = application of 100 % of the phosphorus at sowing (conventional way); T3 = application of 50 % of the phosphorus at sowing and of 50 % at 35 days after sowing; T4 = application of 70 % of the phosphorus at sowing and of 30 % at 35 days after sowing; and T5 = application of 30 % of the phosphorus at sowing and of 70 % at 35 days after sowing. The following variables were evaluated: plant height; absolute growth rate; stem diameter; number of leaves; root dry matter; total dry matter; and number of flower buds and bolls. The treatments significantly influenced all the variables analyzed. Based on the outcomes, it was found that the split application of phosphorus did not improve the growth, dry matter and production components of the cotton plant compared to the single application.

Studies on reproductive tract score (RTS) and antral follicle count (AFC) in Senepol cattle are limited. These traits are essential as they are linked to the reproductive ability and reproductive performance of animals. Understanding the heritability and genetic correlation of these traits is crucial for guiding selection programs and selecting animals with greater reproductive efficiency and higher production potential. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of weight, RTS, and AFC in Senepol cattle using transrectal ultrasonography. Reproductive data were collected from 850 female Senepol cattle aged 10-16 months. At the time of evaluation, the following were measured: RTS traits (scores from 1 to 5), AFC (0 to 100), and female weight (kg). Variance and covariance components, genetic heritability, and correlations were estimated by univariate and bivariate analyses using the bull model. Heritability estimates were moderate for AFC (0.52) and weight (0.46), and low for RTS (0.12). The genetic correlation between RTS and AFC was almost zero (-0.05). The estimated genetic correlation between weight and AFC was -0.41, while the correlation between weight and RTS was 0.48. Selective breeding of AFC and RTS can enhance the reproductive efficiency of the herd and result in animals with earlier pubertal age and increased fertility.

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer management in irrigated potato crops grown on sandy soils in subtropical regions such as in northeastern Florida, USA is essential to sustain a high yield and to minimize leaching. N applications in this region typically occur at approximately 25–30 days prior to planting (Npre), at emergence (Neme), and at tuber initiation (Nti). However, recent studies suggest that applying N near planting (Npl) enhances fertilizer N use efficiency (FNUE). We combined experimentation with modeling to assess irrigation and N management options for potato in northeastern Florida. We first aimed to evaluate the DSSAT/CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato model using two-year irrigated field experiments conducted on sandy soils with variable N rates and application timings. CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato accurately simulated aboveground plus tuber dry weight [Relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) = 26.4%, Willmott’s index (d) = 0.98] and N accumulation (RRMSE = 28.6%, d = 0.97). Soil moisture and mineral N were captured well overall, but they were often underestimated due to a water table influence that is currently not considered in DSSAT. Subsequently, CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato was applied to simulate tuber yield, N leaching, and FNUE under scenarios of irrigation scheduling and N-fertilizer application (rate/timing) strategies, focusing on Npre versus Npl aiming to improve resource use efficiency. The simulations indicated that a target of 60% and 70% of the available soil water can be safely used as an irrigation strategy to achieve a high yield, while reducing irrigation water applied and N leached to the environment. Overall Npl increased crop N uptake by 10%, tuber yield by 7%, reduced N leached by 13%, and consequently increasing FNUE by 9%, compared to Npre across the irrigation treatments. Thus, Npl should be preferred in sandy soils and climate-risky subtropical environments, along with Neme and Nti as key timings to synchronize N supply with potato growth.

This study aimed to identify the bacterial and fungal organisms in the conjunctival fornix of healthy cattle in a microregion located in midwestern Brazil. Additionally, we evaluated whether seasonality and cattle category (dairy vs. beef) play a role in our findings. The conjunctival fornix of 74 Holstein x Gyr and 70 Nelore cattle were sampled from February to March (rainy season) and August to September (dry season) of 2017. Bacterial and fungal strains were isolated by classical bacteriological and mycological methods. Some bacterial species were also identified by polymerase chain reaction. From the 144 animals included in the study, a total of 12 bacterial genera were identified, with Bacillus cereus being the most prevalent agent in both seasons and cattle categories. The total number of bacteria was not influenced by seasonality or cattle category (P = 0.25). The number of Moraxella bovoculi identified in dairy (5/74) and beef cattle (7/70) did not differ statistically (P = 0.76). However, seasonality played a role in M. bovoculi identification, being found only during the rainy season in the dairy cattle (P = 0.01), and only during the dry season in the beef cattle (P = 0.04). During the dry season, the number of gram-positive bacteria was significantly higher than the number of gram-negative bacteria in beef cattle (P = 0.009). Fungi were isolated in 20/144 samples. The number of fungi isolated in dairy cattle (16/144) was significantly higher than that isolated in beef cattle (4/144) (P = 0.007). Although a higher number of fungi were isolated in both cattle categories during the rainy season, this finding was not significant (P = 0.53). In this microregion located in midwestern Brazil, Bacillus cereus was the most prevalent and Corynebacterium spp. and Streptococcus spp. the least prevalent bacteria found in the conjunctival fornix of healthy cattle. The prevalence of the conjunctival fungal microbiota (11.8%) was lower than previously reported, with a higher number of isolates found in dairy cattle. Trichosporon spp. (41.2%) and Aspergillus spp. (35.3%) were the most frequent genera, being most commonly isolated in the rainy season.

Avaliou-se o desenvolvimento pós-descongelamento de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro (PIV) criopreservados pela técnica de vitrificação e de congelamento lento em diferentes dias após a fertilização in vitro (FIV). Foram realizadas 9 réplicas de PIV. Nos dias 7; 7,5 e 8 após a FIV, foram selecionados embriões no estágio de blastocisto expandido de grau de qualidade 1 e 2 (de acordo com o manual IETS). Os embriões (n=472) foram divididos aleatoriamente para serem criopreservados por congelamento lento (n=257) ou vitrificação (n=215). Organizou-se os embriões em 6 grupos de acordo com a técnica de criopreservação e o dia: 1) Grupo DT7 (embriões submetidos ao congelamento lento no D7, n= 140); 2) Grupo DT7,5 (embriões submetidos ao congelamento lento 12 horas após o D7, no D7,5; n= 61); 3) Grupo DT8 (embriões submetidos ao congelamento lento no D8, n=56); 4) Grupo VIT7 (embriões vitrificados no D7, n= 127); 5) Grupo VIT7,5 (embriões vitrificados 12 horas após o D7, no D7,5; n= 49); 6) Grupo VIT8 (embriões vitrificados no D8, n= 39). Os dados foram transformados para arcoseno e analisados por Análise de Variância utilizando o procedimento GLIMMIX do SAS (SAS 9.2) com P0,05). Porém embriões de grau 1 re-expandiram mais rapidamente (às 24 h) que embriões grau 2. Embriões grau 1 apresentaram melhores resultados com a técnica de vitrificação do que com congelamento lento. Os grupos experimentais representaram a interação técnica*dia e não diferiram entre si quanto as taxas de re-expansão e eclosão (P>0,05).

Fauna inventories function as a database to guide biota conservation policies, such as the creation of Conservation Units, especially in biomes that suffer from habitat loss. This work was developed to survey the butterfly fauna in a transition area of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado in the central-south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, which has potential for the creation of a Conservation Unit. The study was carried out in three forest remnants in the municipalities of Barroso and Prados, from October 2020 to March 2021, using active search and attractive traps to collect specimens. A total of 555 individuals were collected comprising 164 species of butterflies, with Nymphalidae being the richest and most abundant family. Two endemic subspecies of the Cerrado were recorded, Diaethria eluina eluina and Pseudoscada acilla quadrifasciata. In conclusion, the place is home to a relevant butterfly

Caretta caretta, one of the five sea turtle species in Brazil, is currently listed as globally endangered. While health assessments are crucial for monitoring population status, they are infrequent and lack systematic implementation. Evaluating the health condition of sea turtles can occur through examinations of both live and deceased animals. Carcasses play a pivotal role in identifying diseases and potential threats impacting the species. Therefore, this study presents the histopathological findings from 20 dead stranded C. caretta along the Paraná coast between 2015 and 2021. All individuals underwent measurements, and necropsies were conducted. The mean curved carapace length (cm) was 67.3 ± 6.9 (49.4 – 81.5). Body condition was classified as good in 13 animals, fair in four, poor in two, and undetermined in one. Fourteen females, four males, and two undetermined sexes were registered, with a mean age of 15.8 ± 3,89 (ranging from 9 – 24) years. Evidence of anthropogenic interaction (10 bycatch interactions, 6 marine debris, 2 oil interactions combined with marine debris) was noted in 80.0% of the animals. Histological changes primarily affected the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys, with prominent alterations such as inflammatory infiltrate (interstitial pneumonia, heterophilic splenitis, nephritis, endocarditis), congestion, and hepatic and renal hydropic degeneration. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of pathological findings in stranded wild C. caretta on the Paraná coast, offering valuable insights into the health of these animals and aiding in the conservation efforts to protect their populations.

ABSTRACT Shaded coffee systems may offer a series of benefits, however, studies on shaded cultivation of Conilon coffee crops are still scarce in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties of two Conilon coffee intercropping systems from southeastern Brazil. Two commercial coffee crops – one shaded by macadamia trees and the other by green dwarf coconut trees – were evaluated according to three treatments: coffee plants in the inter-row of the tree species; coffee plants in the same row of the trees; and unshaded coffee. The experimental design was a completely randomized with four replicates. Coffee plants intercropped with macadamia trees, both intra- and inter-row, resulted in less soil compaction than unshaded systems. As for intercropping with green dwarf coconut trees, the unshaded system presented lower soil resistance to penetration. Differences in physical properties between treatments allow no inferences about intercropping systems influence on green coconut trees. Intercropped coffee improves soil chemical properties, resulting in greater soil fertility than unshaded systems, and showed greater soil organisms. These findings indicate that Conilon coffee-macadamia intercropped with tree species represents a promising alternative for sustainable soil management.

The furrow-ridge system was designed to allow the cultivation of dryland crop species in lowlands, enabling rotation with rice. After harvesting the dryland species, farmers usually return with rice in the following cropping season, with costs associated with dismantling ridges before sowing rice. The possibility of sowing rice directly on residual ridges should be investigated to avoid these costs. The objective was to verify the ecophysiological adaptability of rice sown on residual ridges from the previous dryland crop in lowlands, and to identify possible factors impacting the physiological performance of rice plants in this new production system. The experiment was installed in the field in a randomized block design with 5 treatments and 12 replications. The treatments considered the plant’s position in the field and in the irrigation furrow. The parameters of the growth analysis were calculated using the classical method. There was no significant damage to rice plants in any part of the field, and there was no difference between plants at the top or bottom of the furrow. Therefore, there is no need to dismantle residual ridges from previous dryland crops before planting rice in the succeeding cropping season in the lowlands of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

A tilápia é responsável por 62% da produção piscícola brasileira. Essa cadeia, em constante crescimento, se organiza em torno de polos produtivos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo dessa pesquisa é analisar o upgrading da cadeia, a partir de uma perspectiva regionalizada. A abordagem de Cadeias Globais de Valor (CGV) foi utilizada para delimitar o conceito de upgrading, assim como para discutir sua relação com outros elementos analíticos da abordagem. A partir de dados coletados junto 567 unidades produtoras de tilápias (UPTs), em 2019, foram construídos e analisados seis indicadores de upgrading. A pesquisa aponta que as diferenças regionais nos indicadores de upgrading podem ser explicadas por diversos fatores tais como, tamanho das UPTs, modelos de governança, papel da assistência técnica, e estrutura da rede de fornecedores e processadores. Por fim, diante da crescente internacionalização da cadeia, o estudo destaca a importância do desenvolvimento de agenda de pesquisa na área.

ABSTRACT Lippia dulcis is a medicinal species used by communities in the Amazon region for the control of diabetes and as a tranquilizer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the plant biomass production, antioxidant defense, and chemical profiles of the phenolic compounds and essential oil of plants grown under different doses of cattle, quail, and chicken manure. Chicken and quail manure at a dose of 6 kg m-2 reached the highest values of dry weight and essential oil yield of the leaves and positively influenced bisabolol production. Cattle manure affected the content and yield of the essential oil of the inflorescences, the antioxidant defense performance, and the chemical composition of phenolic compounds and essential oil. Plants grown with cattle manure showed a linear increase in the amounts of these substances with increasing dose. Chicken and quail manure led to the highest values of these components at doses between 0 and 3 kg m-2. The evaluation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant defense showed the highest values at doses of 0, 1.5, and 3 kg m-2, regardless of the manure used. The essential oil concentration was higher in the inflorescences, and its total yield was higher in the leaves. The chemical composition varied between these vegetative organs.

Watermelon is one of the most commonly grown vegetable crops worldwide due to the economic and nutritional importance of its fruits. The yield and quality of watermelon fruits are affected by constant attacks from pests, diseases, and weeds throughout all phenological stages of the crop. Labor shortages and unevenness of pesticide applications using backpack and tractor sprayers are significant challenges. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different spray nozzles (XR110015 and MGA60015) and application rates (8, 12, and 16 L ha−1) on droplet distribution on different targets in watermelon plants using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Water-sensitive papers were used as targets to analyze the droplet coverage, deposition, density, and volume median diameter. Data were collected from targets placed on the leaf adaxial and abaxial sides, fruit, apical bud, and stem of each plant. The mean droplet coverage and density increased as the application rate was increased, with no significant interaction between the factors or statistical difference between spray nozzles, except for the leaf abaxial side. No significant differences were found for the variables analyzed at application rates of 12 and 16 L ha−1, whereas significant differences were observed at 8 L ha−1. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in watermelon crops is efficient; however, further studies should be conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in pest control and compare them with other application methods.

This study investigated using Hedychium gardnerianum, an invasive plant, combined with dehydrated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with varying percentages of alfalfa: control (0% alfalfa), T1 (10%), T2 (20%), T3 (30%), and T4 (40%), to enhance nutritional parameters in silage for ruminants in the Azores. Samples were vacuum-sealed and stored for 45 days at room temperature to promote anaerobic fermentation. Chemical analysis showed that alfalfa addition increased dry matter (DM) from 12.33% to 48.04% and crude protein from 11.34% DM to 24.63% DM. Insoluble fiber levels decreased, enhancing digestibility. In vitro fermentation indicated higher gas production in 40% alfalfa silage, suggesting faster fermentation. In conclusion, incorporating dehydrated alfalfa into Hedychium gardnerianum silage particularly enhances nutritional quality and digestibility. This approach offers a practical solution for ruminant feed in the Azores, particularly during feed scarcity periods.

Spray droplet diameters play a key role in the field of liquid plant protection product (PPP) application technology. However, the availability of various measurement techniques, each with its unique operating principles for evaluating droplet size spectra, can lead to different interpretations of spray characteristics. Therefore, in this study, four measurement techniques—Liquid Immersion (LI), Laser Diffraction (LD), Phase Doppler Particle Analysis (PDPA), and Shadowgraphy (SG)—were utilized to evaluate the droplet size distribution of agricultural spray nozzles. Additionally, PDPA and SG were used to assess the average velocity of spray droplets. Experiments were conducted in three different laboratories with the main aim of comparing results obtained with various types of equipment utilized under ordinary practical conditions. Spraying tests were carried out using three flat fan nozzles and an air-induction flat fan nozzle. As a general trend, the lowest values for droplet diameters were measured using the Laser Diffraction technique, followed by Shadowgraphy. The PDPA technique provided the highest values for mean diameters (D10, D20, and D30) and the numeric median diameter (Dn0.5), whereas the Liquid Immersion method yielded the highest values for the Sauter mean diameter (D32) and volumetric diameters (Dv0.1, Dv0.5, and Dv0.9). Importantly, all measurement techniques were able to discriminate the four nozzles based on their Dv0.5 diameter. Average droplet velocities showed a similar pattern across the four nozzles with the PDPA and the SG measurement techniques. The differences in diameter values observed with the four measurement techniques underline the necessity of always including reference nozzles in spray quality assessments to base classifications on relative rather than absolute values.

Resumo Durante quase três séculos o “gerais” do Alto-Médio rio São Francisco foi ocupado com sistemas de produção adaptados às chapadas, veredas e brejos. As tomadas de terras comuns, desmates e drenagens estimuladas pela “modernização agrícola” dos anos 1970 reduziram drasticamente as fontes e o acesso às águas, e então as secas passaram a afetar o abastecimento doméstico e produtivo. Este artigo analisa a travessia da “grande seca” de 2011/2019 em três comunidades do gerais, investigando programas públicos, abastecimento de água e produção agrícola na perspectiva da população rural. A metodologia foi referenciada na classificação local de agroambientes, usando grupos focais, entrevistas com lideranças comunitárias e famílias amostradas segundo diferentes composições. Conclui que o desaparecimento das condições históricas de acesso aos recursos levou a população a rearranjar a agricultura e o consumo de água. Vivendo novas situações, a lembrança da abundância de terras e águas é a inspiração para reivindicar, negociar e adequar programas públicos à cultura e às necessidades das comunidades.

ABSTRACT: Rabies is a viral encephalitis that affects mammals, including humans. Rapid and effective laboratory diagnosis of the rabies virus is critical for public health. This study evaluated the operational, technical, and financial viability of the RT-qPCR in replacement of inoculation in mice for diagnosing rabies in the laboratory routine. A total of 316 samples of mammalian brains were analyzed, 121 positives and 195 negatives, previously diagnosed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and mouse inoculation test (MIT). The samples were submitted to the duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR technique. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of RT-qPCR were analyzed. We analyzed the costs for performing the RT-qPCR technique and compared it with the cost of MIT. The results showed 99.37% accuracy, 99.17% sensitivity, and 99.49% specificity by RT-qPCR when related to DIF and MIT results, which proved to be a robust and repeatable technique. The minimum time for a positive diagnosis was reduced in RT-qPCR (1 day) if compared to MIT (9.64 days), with a 17.7% reduction in the cost of the molecular technique. The present study demonstrated that the molecular biology technique is an efficient tool to diagnose rabies in the laboratory routine, being able to replace MIT.

Jambu, a plant native to the Amazon, is rich in essential oils, particularly spilanthols and phytols. Although hydroponic cultivation of this vegetable is practiced, the process remains relatively understudied. In this context, this study aimed to assess the influence of electrical conductivity of nutrient solutions on jambu production. Greenhouse experiments were conducted at Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF), Brazil, employing a randomized block design encompassing six blocks comprising six Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solutions with electrical conductivities of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 4.0 mS cm−1. Harvesting occurred 72 d after sowing, and the plants exhibited improved growth at electrical conductivity close to 3.5 mS cm−1. The levels of N, P, K, B, Zn, Mn, and essential oils of jambu plants increased linearly with increasing electrical conductivity. Twenty-three compounds were detected among the investigated essential oils, with spilanthol, phytol, and acmellonate present in the highest amounts. Increase in electrical conductivity led to increases in the percentage areas of several compounds, such as (Z,Z)-1,8,11-heptadecatriene, caryophyllene, 6-pentadecen-1-ol, 1-pentadecene, spilanthol isomer 1, (E)-β-ionone, kessane, and caryophyllene oxide. Furthermore, higher electrical conductivity resulted in decreasing percentages of compounds such as spilanthol, phytol, and Compound 2. Notably, a 609.74 % increase in caryophyllene and a 25.65 % reduction in spilanthol were observed with increasing electrical conductivity. These results suggest that the productivity of jambu plants is improved, including the production of essential oils, with cultivation in solutions with electrical conductivities above 2.5 mS cm−1. However, this condition may negatively affect most cultivated vegetables. The mechanisms underlying the increased tolerance of jambu to higher electrical conductivities require further investigation.

A burocracia e a falta de diligência são consideradas grandes obstáculos para a realização de negócios jurídicos. Atenta às questões decorrentes do tempo na troca de informações entre órgãos de função pública, a tecnologia blockchain e os smart contracts poderão trazer a eficiência almejada sem dispensar a fundamental segurança nas relações fundiárias. O artigo analisa como a implementação da tecnologia blockchain e dos smart contracts poderão ser efetivados e as potenciais repercussões geradas por tais mudanças. A pesquisa explora a possibilidade do compartilhamento de dados imobiliários através da tecnologia blockchain e dos smart contracts, entre órgãos públicos, desburocratizarem o sistema, por meio da simplificação, agilidade e melhoria na fiscalização. A metodologia adotada foi a de análise doutrinária. Por meio de estudo comparado, foi possível observar a tecnologia blockchain já aplicada no sistema imobiliário estoniano. Constatou-se que tais ferramentas abrem as portas para que agilidade e menor custo produzam impactos no setor empresarial do agronegócio. As repercussões que podem resultar de tal revolução no sistema imobiliário atingirão, especialmente, a confiança do empresário no funcionamento deste sistema. Desta forma, os benefícios demostrados justificam o investimento de capital e esforço, por parte do Poder Público para realizar uma modernização decisiva no Direito Imobiliário Brasileiro. Asbtract: Bureaucracy and a lack of diligence are considered significant obstacles to the execution of legal transactions. Mindful of issues arising from delays in the exchange of information among public entities, blockchain technology (a network of continuously flowing encrypted information) and smart contracts (self-executing contractual clauses) have the potential to bring about the desired efficiency without compromising a crucial element for human society: security in land relations. This article examines how the implementation of blockchain technology and smart contracts can be realized and the potential repercussions generated by such changes. Factors such as simplicity and agility in procedures, improved supervision, and enhanced information sharing were analyzed. The research explores the possibility of sharing real estate data among public entities through blockchain technology and smart contracts to streamline the system. The adopted methodology involved doctrinal analysis. Through comparative study, it was observed that blockchain technology is already applied in the Estonian real estate system. It was found that these tools pave the way for agility and reduced costs, impacting the agribusiness sector. The repercussions of such a revolution in the real estate system will particularly affect the trust of businesses in the functioning of this system. Thus, the demonstrated benefits justify the investment of capital and effort by the Public Authorities to achieve a decisive modernization in Brazilian Real Estate Law.