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UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have become increasingly popular in the agricultural sector, promoting and enabling the application of aerial image monitoring in both the scientific and business contexts. Images captured by UAVs are fundamental for precision farming practices. They enable us do a better crop planning, input estimates, early identification and correction of sowing failures, more efficient irrigation systems, among other tasks. Since all these activities deal with low or medium altitude images, automated identification of crop lines plays a crucial role improving these tasks. We address the problem of detecting and segmenting crop lines. We use a Convolutional Neural Network to segment the images, labeling their regions in crop lines or unplanted soil. We also evaluated three traditional semantic networks: U-Net, LinkNet, and PSPNet. We compared each network in four segmentation datasets provided by an expert. We also assessed whether the network’s output requires a post-processing step to improve the segmentation. Results demonstrate the efficiency and feasibility of these networks in the proposed task.

Abstract Legal reserve areas (LRAs) are a fundamental part of the Brazilian conservation strategy, together with permanent preservation areas. The LRAs are intended to maintain biodiversity and can be managed sustainably. When these areas are home to ecosystems that depend on fire and grazing, such as native grasslands and savannas, management practices that are suitable for their conservation and for dealing with the effects of global climate change should be adopted. However, this subject is still poorly discussed in Brazil, and public policies are not clear on this matter. This review article describes the grassland and savanna ecosystems in Brazil, the legal aspects related to the management of LRAs, the current and future climate scenarios, and the relationship between climate and fire risk. It also presents a review about the use of fire and grazing in grassland and savanna ecosystems, the legal challenges related to their application in LRAs, and the use of geotechnologies to monitor these practices. The conclusion is that grazing and fire, as management tools, are adequate for LRA functions, as long as they are practiced in accordance with legal and scientifically based standards to avoid the negative effects of their incorrect use.

The study aimed to determine the chemical composition, apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, and nutrients of Dehydrated Brewery Residue (DBR) for New Zealand White rabbits, as well as evaluate performance, biochemical and immunological blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Two experiments were carried out: digestibility and performance, both in a completely randomized design. In the digestibility experiment, 20 animals of mixed sexes were used, from 45 to 60 days of age, which consumed reference feed (RF) or test feed (TF - 70% RF + 30% DBR). In the performance experiment, 50 mixed-sex animals were used from 31 to 70 days of age. For digestibility, bromatological analyses were made of total dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), gross energy (GE), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin from samples of feces, feed (RF and TF) and experimental feed (DBR). In terms of performance, the treatments were the basal feed (BF) + four TF, made up of increasing levels of DBR inclusion (10, 20, 30, and 40%). Overall, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of DM was 64.68 ±7.91%, while the ADC of GE and CP were 67.39 ±7.79% and 80.64 ±8.99%, respectively, resulting in digestible energy and digestible protein contents of 3,081 ±356 kcal/kg and 17.97 ±2.00%. There was a linear reduction (P

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.

Investigações científicas sobre a dinâmica de comunidades vegetais promovem estratégias apropriadas para o manejo de florestas naturais, com fins conservacionistas ou sustentavelmente exploratórios. O objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia de modelos de regressão para projetar o crescimento em diâmetro e calcular o tempo de passagem por classe diamétrica de fustes em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica sob recuperação. O trabalho foi conduzido em um fragmento de 2,53 ha no município de São João Evangelista (MG). O inventário foi realizado aos 80 e 104 meses após início do processo de recuperação. As informações de incremento periódico anual (IPA) em diâmetro foram utilizadas para os cálculos do tempo de passagem e idade relativa. A estimativa do IPA oscilou em torno de 1,5 a 1,7 cm ano-1 (tempo de passagem de 3 anos em amplitudes de 5 cm) no intervalo de 10 a 25 cm de diâmetro. A idade relativa para os fustes alcançarem 5 cm de diâmetro foi de, aproximadamente, 5 anos. Conclui-se que os modelos logístico e de Curtis, adaptados para a estimativa de IPA, são eficientes para a análise do tempo de passagem no fragmento em estudo. Fragmentos durante a recuperação florestal podem exibir taxas de crescimento similares entre classes diamétricas.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate how heritability and the number of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling the trait can influence the prediction of genetic value by genomic selection methods. A prediction equation was established to estimate genetic correlation based on phenotypic correlation, using an F2 population with 1,000 individuals, simulated in different scenarios. Heritability (5, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 99%) and QTL number (60, 120, 180, and 240) varied in each scenario. The following four genomic selection methods were used in the analyses: ridge-regression best linear unbiased prediction (RR-BLUP), genomic BLUP (GBLUP), Bayesian estimation method B (Bayes B), and reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces regression (RKHS). The phenotypic and genotypic predictive abilities were calculated for each method, and Tukey’s test was used to compare means. The effect of heritability and of the number of QTL controlling the trait was evaluated by the regression analysis. Tukey’s test revealed differences between the methods, with Bayes B and RR-BLUP being superior to the others in almost all scenarios. Heritability presents a positive linear relationship with phenotypic predictive ability and a positive quadratic relationship with genotypic predictive ability. The number of QTL controlling the trait has no relationship with the phenotypic and genotypic predictive abilities.

Espécies de Vibrio spp. são responsáveis por diversas doenças, como a cólera, de importância em saúde pública e ambiental. Estes patógenos possuem veiculação hídrica e também podem ser transmitidas por alimentos, causando sérios danos à sociedade devido ao seu potencial de infectar um grande número de pessoas e em um curto espaço de tempo. A determinação da presença ou ausência de microrganismos patogênicos numa grande variedade de amostras, seja no domínio alimentar, sanitário ou ambiental, tornou-se possível graças à difusão de abordagens baseadas na biologia molecular. Em comparação aos métodos de cultura convencionais, estas metodologias apresentam vantagens, nomeadamente em termos de sensibilidade da análise e de rapidez relativa. Considerando o risco à saúde pública, visto a importância da amplitude das doenças causadas por estes patógenos, objetivou-se neste trabalho identificar as espécies de Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus e V. vulnificus em isolados oriundos de produtos de origem animal clandestinos e de amostras de efluentes hídricos do rio Lontra em Araguaína, Tocantins. Foram avaliados 565 isolados sugestivos de Vibrio spp., dos quais, 103 isolados foram confirmados utilizando metodologia PCR-Uniplex para espécies de Vibrio spp. e, entre estes, selecionados 10 isolados para sequenciamento genético. O resultado do sequenciamento confirmou as espécies Aeromonas sp., Escherichia coli e Morganella sp. como espécies para os isolados utilizados. Nas condições realizadas, não foi possível estabelecer a especificidade das técnicas PCR-Uniplex e PCR-Multiplex que fossem capazes de determinar as espécies de Vibrio spp. estudadas.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a promiscuous crop, nodulating with a wide range of rhizobia strains native to the soil, what often leads to low inoculation responses with selected rhizobia, reducing the efficiency of introduced inoculants. This study aimed to assess the nodule occupancyof the Bradyrhizobium pachyrhizi BR 3262 elite strain in two cowpea genotypes (BRS Pujante and BRS Acauã), in soil with established rhizobial population (higher than 103 g-1 of soil), in a greenhouse. For the BR 3262 nodule occupancy, a strain-specific PCR approach was applied, assessing all the 1,237 nodules obtained from the root crown and the entire root (secondary roots) regions of the inoculated plants. The BR 3262 inoculation increased the root dry mass and nodulation, but not the shoot dry mass. Both genotypes showed a nodular occupancy above 80 % in the crown and secondary roots, indicating a high competitiveness and persistence in the soil.

ABSTRACT: The study of genotypic relationships between drought tolerance indices and agronomic traits of interest in wheat breeding is useful for designing selection strategies. The objective of this research was to investigate the cause-and-effect relationships between agronomic traits and drought tolerance indices through the analysis of canonical correlations. Two trials (control and stress) were conducted in winter 2020 in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The traits evaluated were: (days for heading, plant height, mass and number of grains per spike, mass of one hundred grains, and grain yield). Grain yield data from the control and stress conditions were used to construct five drought tolerance indices. The data were subjected to mixed model analysis for estimation of genetic parameters and prediction of genotypic values (REML/BLUP), and then the genotypic values were used to calculate the correlation coefficients between the traits. Two groups of traits were established for the study of canonical correlations, the first group consisting of agronomic traits and the second by drought tolerance indices. There was a significant genotype effect for all evaluated traits. The canonical pairs were significant, which indicated the existence of dependence between the groups. Days to heading trait can be used in the indirect selection of wheat genotypes for drought tolerance.

ABSTRACT Alternative materials can be used to reduce reliance on mining for P-based fertilizers. In this sense, the pyrolysis process of bovine bones produces the “bone char”, which can be used as a source of P. This study aimed to characterize bone char and conduct a comparative analysis with both soluble (triple superphosphate) and non-soluble (Bayóvar phosphate rock) phosphate fertilizers, specifically examining its behavior in soil and uptake by plants. Bone char characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive (SEM-EDS). The XRD analyses have shown the presence of hydroxyapatite in the bone char, bands assigned to P-O stretching from phosphate have been observed in ATR-FTIR, and Ca, P, C, and O elements were identified in the materials by EDS analyses. Solubility from fertilizer extractants was higher for bone char compared to Bayóvar, and both sources showed lower solubility compared to triple superphosphate. Cumulative amount of P released from bone char was higher than Bayóvar and lower than triple superphosphate. Amount of total dry matter, total shoot P uptake, and total shoot Ca uptake were higher for triple superphosphate compared to bone char and Bayóvar. Release profile of P from bone char strongly suggests this material can be used as a slow-release P source, with intermediate solubility between soluble and non-soluble commercialized sources.

ABSTRACT The umbu-cajazeira (Spondias sp.) is a fruit tree native to the semi-arid of Brazil, with significant environmental and agro-socioeconomic potential for the region. Determining leaflet area (LA) is essential for understanding the interactions between plant growth, physiology, nutrition, and environment. Thus, this research aims to construct allometric equations that non-destructively estimate the umbu-cajazeira (Spondias sp.) leaflet area, considering the leaflet dimensions (length and width). The leaflets were collected from mother plants of umbu-cajazeira (Spondias sp.) and individually measured for length (L), width (W), and LA using digitized images. These data were submitted for descriptive and regression analysis. The LA was estimated using, linear power, and exponential regression models based on the L and W of the leaflets. The best model and equation were chosen based on the following selection criteria: coefficient of determination, Willmott agreement index, root mean square error, and mean absolute error. The power model using LW presented the best equation ŷ = 0.76 * LW0.98 to estimate the leaflet area of umbu-cajazeira (Spondias sp.). This study provides a reliable, accurate, fast, and non-destructive approach for agronomic researchers and growers to determine the LA of the species.

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.

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.

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%.

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 aim of the study was to evaluate physiological variables invasively and non-invasively and heat exchange in Nordestina breed horses, and to determine which variables have the greatest discriminating power in terms of adaptive profile, using canonical and stepwise discriminant analysis. Seven adult horses were used, 3 females and 4 stallion males, which were housed from birth in the property's paddocks with ad libitum access to native pasture, concentrate in the trough and water, remaining in these conditions during the experimental period. The thermal comfort index (TCI) values ​​above 65 are considered severe heat stress for horses. The rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate of the females were similar (P > 0.05) between the periods and these variables remained within the limit for the equine species, even with the rise in air temperature in the afternoon and the high TCI, demonstrating the animals' adaptive capacity. The Nordestina breed showed physiological values within the standard for the species, even with the ambient temperature above the thermal comfort zone in both periods (30.09 and 35.05 °C), being efficient at dissipating heat through the skin and respiratory system, keeping the rectal temperature within the standard for the species

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 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).

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.

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.

Sweet cherries are among consumers’ preferred fresh fruits, known for their attractive organoleptic properties and high nutritional value. Agronomical practices, which are now shifting to more environmentally sustainable options, can influence several key quality traits of sweet cherries. In this context, reducing conventional agrochemicals and increasing the application of preharvest biostimulants has emerged as an innovative strategy. This approach can not only enhance cherry production and quality but also ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the cherry supply chain. Hence, this work is aimed at studying the effect of the application of two concentrations of glycine betaine (GB) and Ecklonia maxima-based (EM) biostimulants, and their combination, in two cultivars of sweet cherry: the early-maturing ‘Early Bigi’ and the late-maturing ‘Lapins’, both grafted onto SL-64 rootstock. Evaluated parameters included fruit weight and dimensions, color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), phenolic and anthocyanin contents, and sensory profile. Key findings highlight that, with a few exceptions, biostimulant treatments had a positive impact on the studied parameters, although the responses varied between cultivars. For instance, fruit size increased by 13.41% in ‘Early Bigi’ and 47.20% in ‘Lapins’. Additionally, reduced color values, coupled with higher TSS/TA ratios, indicate advanced fruit maturation, which could allow for an earlier harvest. The total phenolic content rose by 56.88% in ‘Early Bigi’ and 30.24% in ‘Lapins’, while anthocyanin levels surged by 88.28% and 36.10%, respectively. Fruit firmness also improved following biostimulant application. Sensory analysis further revealed enhancements in key descriptors such as “overall aspect”, “firmness”, and “cherry flavor”, underscoring the beneficial effects of these treatments. These combined results indicate that the preharvest application of glycine betaine or Ecklonia maxima-based (EM) biostimulants significantly improves key quality traits of sweet cherries. This approach offers benefits not only from a commercial perspective but also for the sweet cherry supply chain sustainability by reducing the application of chemical-based products and replacing them with ecofriendly substances while enhancing the quality of the fruit.

Water limits may have a disastrous impact on agricultural productivity, and the current climate change scenario presents additional problems for crops that rely on regular rainfall. Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are a recognized stress-sensing mechanism in plants, and may be investigated as an approach for reducing stress impact via systemic acquired acclimation. Here, we looked at how H2O2 foliar application impacts tomato plants’ photosynthetic activity, antioxidant system, sugar chemical profile, and osmotic adjustment during drought and recovery. The experiment was in randomized blocks, 3 × 2 factorial design, with no, one, or two foliar application of 1 mM H2O2, on plants that were either continually watered or subjected to drought. The plants were tested both during the drought period and after they had resumed irrigation (recovered). Leaf water potential, chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange, lipid peroxidation, H2O2 concentrations, phenols, proline, antioxidant enzyme activity, and sugar chemical profile were all measured. Our findings showed that H2O2 application generated metabolic alterations in tomato plants independent of water status, and that two applications in drought plants resulted in a 30% decrease in oxidative stress during drought and faster recovery following irrigation return, with greater production of defence-related molecules such as the APX enzyme, phenols, arabinose, and mannose. Continually watered plants also benefited from H2O2 application, which increased carbon assimilation by 35%.

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.