Search

Environmental risks connected with the combustion of paper/cardboard briquettes are still not sufficiently known. This paper aims to bring attention to the risks related to the utilisation of paper briquettes in local boilers and to characterise these risks by means of the identification of organic compounds in deposits from exhaust flues. The identification of the chemical compounds was performed by pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Paper/cardboard briquettes contain 119 compounds of biogenic origin derived from major biomass components and 53 additives. Additives are used both for improving the properties of paper and in printing inks. By burning the paper briquettes, the same 53 compounds from the additive group were caught in the deposits from the flue gas pathway, occurring in the range of 1–10% of the concentration of individual compounds (additives) contained in the input fuel. Compounds that are very stable during the combustion process have an enrichment factor (EF) > 30, which corresponded to approximately 3% of the additive capture in deposits. The highest values were found for plasticisers (phthalates). Many of the primary organic compounds contained in the input raw material do not decompose during combustion and can have adverse effects on human health.

Submitted by Yanna Sousa (yanna_gomes@yahoo.com.br) on 2022-05-03T12:11:15Z No. of bitstreams: 2 QUEIMADAS NA AMAZÔNIA 2020 UM ESTUDO SOBRE AS CAUSAS E CONSEQUENCIAS EM LONGO PRAZO.pdf: 715150 bytes, checksum: f03fc348f0b7d94b53d5d018c62b31a3 (MD5) Ata de defesa_Rita Sousa Mangueira.pdf: 472939 bytes, checksum: 3bda348e69a5c4301781c7f1ee6caf5c (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Thiago Oliveira (thiago.oliveira@ifpb.edu.br) on 2022-05-05T15:33:18Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 QUEIMADAS NA AMAZÔNIA 2020 UM ESTUDO SOBRE AS CAUSAS E CONSEQUENCIAS EM LONGO PRAZO.pdf: 715150 bytes, checksum: f03fc348f0b7d94b53d5d018c62b31a3 (MD5) Ata de defesa_Rita Sousa Mangueira.pdf: 472939 bytes, checksum: 3bda348e69a5c4301781c7f1ee6caf5c (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-05T15:33:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 QUEIMADAS NA AMAZÔNIA 2020 UM ESTUDO SOBRE AS CAUSAS E CONSEQUENCIAS EM LONGO PRAZO.pdf: 715150 bytes, checksum: f03fc348f0b7d94b53d5d018c62b31a3 (MD5) Ata de defesa_Rita Sousa Mangueira.pdf: 472939 bytes, checksum: 3bda348e69a5c4301781c7f1ee6caf5c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021-03 Há décadas, o território brasileiro tem sido cenário de desmatamento proveniente de queimadas, principalmente no bioma Amazônia devido a fatores como a expansão da fronteira agrícola, a práticas de manejo e uso do solo e até mesmo de fenômenos naturais, como ocorrência de raios. Os episódios de queimadas na Amazônia acontecem há centenas de anos, com certa periodicidade, e isso fez com que causassem danos irreparáveis a sua fauna e flora. As queimadas nessa região são, na maioria das vezes, causadas por ação antropogênica. O avanço da tecnologia constituiu-se em um passo importante para a prevenção, permitindo a detecção dos focos de calor, bem como estudar o comportamento de queimadas e incêndios por meio de imagens de sensores orbitais. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo geral investigar os impactos que as imensas queimadas na Amazônia devem gerar direto ou indiretamente no bioma, por meio de coleta de dados, verificando os prejuízos causados nas vidas dos animais que vivem no referido bioma, como também análise dos índices de destruição na flora da Amazônia. Foi feito o uso da pesquisa bibliográfica. Utilizou-se desse tipo de pesquisa para levantar informações sobre o desmatamento da Floresta Amazônica. Chegando a conclusão de que o uso do fogo na região Amazônica, tem repercutido de forma negativa, pelo impacto ambiental causado em sua maioria, pelo desmatamento desenfreado provocando a erosão no solo e comprometendo a fauna e a flora da região. E com isso pôde-se perceber que o ecossistema é prejudicado com as queimadas, assim como também os problemas relacionados à saúde como problemas respiratórios, aumento da poluição e da sensação térmica na região.

No semiárido brasileiro, onde se insere o bioma caatinga, a precipitaçãos é um dos fator limitante para seu desenvolvimento sócioeconômico e ambiental, este estudo avaliou a correlação existente entre o nível de cobertura vegetal e as variáveis pluviométricas locais, considerando a climatologia de 2005 e 2015, utilizando-se imagens dos sensores TM e OLI dos satélites Landsat 5 e Landsat 8, respectivamente. O ano de 2005 apresentou maiores valores de NDVI em relação a 2015, com valores máximos de 0,71 e 0,78 no período seco e úmido, respectivamente. No ano de 2015, os valores máximos são de 0,64 e 0,61, para o período seco e úmido, respectivamente. Os maiores valores foram observados no período chuvoso de 2005, nas áreas de influência das estações meteorológicas de Matureia, Salgadinho e Areia de Baraúnas. No período seco, nota-se a baixa variabilidade dos valores de NDVI, sendo as maiores leituras observadas nas estações de Matureia, Salgadinho e Teixeira. As estações que apresentaram as maiores reduções nos valores de NDVI de 2005 para 2015, no período chuvoso, foram Matureia, Santa Teresinha e Salgadinho, com reduções de 41,9%, 38,2% e 32,7%, respectivamente. As correlações mais significativas foram estabelecidas para os períodos secos. As menores correlações foram verificadas no período chuvoso. A elevação dos níveis pluviométricos na região não implicou o aumento progressivo nos valores de NDVI. Palavras-chave: semiárido; geoprocessamento; índice de vegetação normalizada. Normalized difference vegetation index associated with pluviometric variables for Espinharas River sub-basin - PB/RN States ABSTRACT: In the Brazilian semiarid, where the caatinga biome is inserted, precipitation is a limiting factor for its socioeconomic and environmental development, This study evaluated the correlation between the level of vegetation cover and the local rainfall variables, considering the climatology of 2005 and 2015, using images from the TM and OLI sensors of the Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellites, respectively. The year 2005 presented higher NDVI values compared to 2015, with maximum values of 0.71 and 0.78 in the dry and wet periods, respectively. In 2015, the maximum values are 0.64 and 0.61, for the dry and wet periods, respectively. The highest values were observed in the rainy period of 2005, in the weather stations of Matureia, Salgadinho and Areia de Baraúnas. In the dry period, the low variability of NDVI values is noted, with the highest readings observed in the Matureia, Salgadinho and Teixeira platforms. The platforms that showed the greatest reductions in NDVI values from 2005 to 2015, in the rainy season, were Matureia, Santa Teresinha and Salgadinho, with reductions of 41.9%, 38.2% and 32.7%, respectively. The most significant correlations were established for the dry periods. The smallest correlations were found in the rainy season. The increase in rainfall levels in the region did not imply a progressive increase in NDVI values. Keywords: semiarid; geoprocessing; normalized difference vegetation index.

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2022-12-14T20:33:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Vaniele da Silva Barros.pdf: 1997698 bytes, checksum: a18bc6d58e21416c070998f49eb98e8a (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2022-12-14T20:33:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vaniele da Silva Barros.pdf: 1997698 bytes, checksum: a18bc6d58e21416c070998f49eb98e8a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021-02-15 The scientific interest in studies that use recurrence analysis to approach the transitions between regular and chaotic behaviors, as well as, in the identification of structures of dynamic systems, has spread over the years. Among the main tools of this analysis, we highlight the Recurrence Graph method and the Recurrence Quantification Analysis, which are widely used in the analysis of time series supposedly coming from non-linear and even non-stationary dynamic systems. In particular, this work analyzed or evaluated the large and small scale patterns in the Recurrence Graphs of the series of hot pixels in the Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes and to obtain the quantitative measures by the method of Recurrence Quantification Analysis. Daily series of hot pixels derived from data provided by National Institute of Space Research – INPE, of the biomes were analyzed for the period from July 4, 2002 to December 31, 2019. In Brazil, the annual average of number of hot pixels, between 2002 and 2019, is approximately 241,866 detections, being these most frequent events between the months of July to October. Considering the absolute values referring to the number of hot pixels in each biome, the highest concentration occurs in the Amazon biome, as it has the largest territorial extension, however, considering the number of hot pixels and the area of each biome, the Cerrado has the highest record per 2. The structures present in the Recurrence Graphs of the daily series of hot pixels of the biomes indicate low predictability, while for the series of anomalies, they indicate high predictability, in addition to presenting abrupt changes in the dynamics of the systems in both cases. The values of the various indices that serve as measures of process quantification confirm these results, were obtained through the application of the Recurrence Quantification Analysis method. O interesse científico em estudos que utilizam a análise de recorrência na abordagem das transições entre comportamentos regulares e caóticos, bem como, na identificação de estruturas dos sistemas dinâmicos vem se difundindo ao longo dos anos. Dentre as principais ferramentas desta análise, destacam-se o método Gráfico de Recorrência e a Análise de Quantificação de Recorrência, que são constantemente empregadas na análise de séries temporais supostamente provenientes de sistemas dinâmicos não-lineares e até não-estácionarios. Em particular, este trabalho buscou analisar os padrões de larga e pequena escala nos Gráficos de Recorrência das séries das queimadas nos biomas Amazônia, Cerrado, Caatinga e Mata atlântica e obter as medidas quantitativas pelo método da Análise de Quantificação de Recorrência. Foram analisadas séries diárias dos focos de calor dos biomas, registrados no período de 04 de julho de 2002 a 31 de dezembro de 2019, geradas a partir de dados disponíveis pelo Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas espaciais – INPE. No Brasil, a média anual de focos de calor, entre 2002 e 2019, é de aproximadamente 241.866 detecções, sendo esses eventos mais frequentes entre os meses de julho a outubro. Considerando os valores absolutos referentes a quantidade de focos de calor de cada bioma, a maior concentração de focos ocorre no bioma Amazônia, por ter a maior extensão territorial, no entanto, considerando a quantidades de focos de calor e a área de cada bioma, o Cerrado apresenta o maior registro por 2. As estruturas presentes nos Gráficos de Recorrência das séries diárias de focos dos biomas indicam uma baixa previsibilidade, enquanto para as séries de anomalias, indicam alta previsibilidade, além de apresentarem mudanças abruptas na dinâmica dos sistemas em ambos os casos. Os valores dos vários índices que servem como medidas de quantificação do processo confirmam esses resultados, e foram obtidos através da aplicação do método Análise de Quantificação de Recorrência.

Combustion-derived particles (CDPs), in particular from traffic, are regarded as a central contributor for adverse health effects linked to air pollution. Recently, also biomass burning has been recognized as an important source for CDPs. Here, the effects of CDPs (PM10) originating from burning of pellet, charcoal and wood on key processes associated to lung carcinogenesis were explored. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT) were exposed to 2.5 μg/cm2 of CDPs for 24 h and biological effects were examined in terms of cytotoxicity, inflammation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related effects, DNA damage and genotoxicity. Reduced cell migration, inflammation and modulation of various PM-associated genes were observed mainly after exposure to wood and pellet. In contrast, only particles from pellet burning induced alteration in cell proliferation and DNA damage, which resulted in cell cycle alterations. Charcoal instead, appeared in general less effective in inducing pro-carcinogenic effects. These results illustrate differences in the toxicological profile due to the CDPs source. The different chemical compounds adsorbed on CDPs seemed to be central for particle properties, leading to an activation of various cellular signaling pathways involved in early steps of cancer progression.

International audience; Cyanobacteria and microalgae are considered as interesting feedstocks for either the production of high value bio-based compounds and biofuels or wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, the high costs of production, mainly due to the harvesting process, hamper a wide commercialization of industrial cyanobacteria and microalgae based products. Recent studies have found in autoflocculation and bioflocculation promising spontaneous processes for a low-cost and environmentally sustainable cyanobacteria and microalgae biomass harvesting process. In the present work, bioflocculation process has been studied for three different inocula: filamentous cyanobacteria, microalgae and their mixture. Their cultivation has been conducted in batch mode using two different cultivation media: synthetic aqueous solution and urban wastewater. The removal of nutrients and flocculation process performance were monitored during the entire cultivation time. Results have proved that bioflocculation and sedimentation processes occur efficiently for filamentous cyanobacteria cultivated in synthetic aqueous solution, whereas such processes are less efficient in urban wastewater due to the specific characteristics of this medium that prevent bioflocculation to occur. Besides different efficiencies associated to cultivation media, this work highlighted that bioflocculation of sole microalgae is not as effective as when they are cultivated together with filamentous cyanobacteria.

Little is known about environmental variables and pressures that shape this microbiota. The objective of this research was to analyze the susceptibility to antimicrobials among bacteria present in the superficial mucosa microbiota of specimens of the Amazonian fish mapará (Hypophthalmus sp.) captured for industrial benefit and in local popular fairs. Surface mucosa samples from 86 mapara specimens were collected using sterile swabs. Material was plated using the pour plate technique in TSA culture medium and following isolation were made from grown colonies. Isolated bacteria were differentiated according to the structure of the cell wall and subjected to an antibiogram test against representatives of various antibiotic classes. The isolates presented mono and multidrug resistance profiles to the tested antibiotics typical for environments where aquaculture activity is not yet established. Penicillin resistance was the most frequent phenotype for the set of strains. The growth of riverside populations without sewage treatment infrastructure and the presence of heavy metals may have been decisive for the profiles found. A comunidade microbiana presente no muco de diferentes espécies de peixes marinhos e de água doce já é estudada, mas pouco se sabe sobre variáveis e pressões ambientais que moldam essa microbiota. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos entre bactérias presentes na microbiota do muco superficial de espécimes do peixe amazônico mapará (Hypophthalmus sp.) capturado para beneficiamento na indústria e em feiras populares locais. Amostras do muco superficial de 86 espécimes de mapará foram coletadas com uso de swabs esterilizados. O material foi plaqueado pela técnica de pour plate em meio de cultura TSA e feitos isolamentos a partir das colônias crescidas. As bactérias isoladas foram diferenciadas de acordo com a estrutura da parede celular e submetidas a teste de antibiograma contra representantes de várias classes de antibióticos. Os isolados apresentaram perfis de mono e multirresistência aos antibióticos testados, típicos para ambientes em que a atividade de aquicultura ainda não está estabelecida. A resistência a Penicilina foi o fenótipo mais frequente para o conjunto de cepas. O crescimento das populações ribeirinhas sem infraestrutura de tratamento de esgotos e presença de metais pesados podem ter sido determinantes para esses perfis .

Mestrado IPB-ESTG BIOma - Integrated solutions in BIOeconomy for the Mobilization of the Agrifood chain project is structured in 6 PPS (Products, Processes, and Services) out of which, a part of PPS2 is covered in this work. This work resulted in the second deliverable of PPS2 which is defined as PPS2.A1.E2 - IT infrastructure design and graphical interface conceptual design. BIOma project is in the early stage and this deliverable is a design task of the project. For defining the system architecture, requirements, UML diagrams, physical architecture, and logical architecture have been proposed. The system architecture is based on microservices due to its advantages like scalability and maintainability for bigger projects like BIOma where several sensors are used for big data analysis. Special attention has been devoted to the research and study for the authentication and authorization of users and devices in a microservices architecture. The proposed authentication solution is a result of research made for microservices authentication where it was concluded that using a separate microservice for user authentication is the best solution. FIWARE is an open-source initiative defining a universal set of standards for context data management that facilitates the development of Smart solutions for different domains like Smart Cities, Smart Industry, Smart Agrifood, and Smart Energy. FIWARE’s PEP (Policy Enforcement Point) proxy solution has been proposed in this work for the better management of user’s identities, and client-side certificates have been proposed for authentication of IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The communication between microservices is done through AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol), and between IoT devices and microservices is done through MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol.

In this chapter we discuss the possibility of using biomass as reagents for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. The selected examples only scratch the surface on the volume of research being carried out on the topics, but are significant of its strengths and challenges. As is delineated below, the data collected so far offers significant support for the continuation of an interdisciplinary research for the development of new pharmaceutically relevant products from biomass.

In early studies, northern vegetation response to global warming recognised both increases in biomass/cover and shrinking of species’ distributional ranges. Subsequent field measurements focussed on vegetation cover and biomass increases (“greening”), and more recently decreases (“browning”). However, satellite observations show that more than 50% of arctic vegetation has not changed significantly despite rapid warming. While absence of change in remote sensing data does not necessarily mean no ecological change on the ground, the significant proportion of the Arctic that appears to be stable in the face of considerable climate change points to a greater need to understand Arctic ecosystem stability. In this paper, we performed an extensive review of the available literature to seek balances or imbalances between research focussing on “greening”, “browning” and “stability/no change”. We find that greening studies dominate the literature though two relatively small areas of the Arctic are disproportionately represented for this main change process. Critically, there are too few studies anywhere investigating stability. We highlight the need to understand the mechanisms driving Arctic ecosystem stability, and the potential longer-term consequences of remaining stable in a rapidly changing climate. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-021-01607-w.

Background & Aims Systemic inflammation and organ failure(s) are the hallmarks of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), yet their pathogenesis remains uncertain. Herein, we aimed to assess the role of amino acids in these processes in patients with ACLF. Methods The blood metabolomic database of the CANONIC study (comprising 137 metabolites, with 43% related to amino acids) – obtained in 181 patients with ACLF and 650 with acute decompensation without ACLF (AD) – was reanalyzed with a focus on amino acids, in particular 9 modules of co-regulated metabolites. We also compared blood metabolite levels between ACLF and AD. Results The main findings in ACLF were: i) Metabolite modules were increased in parallel with increased levels of markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. ii) Seventy percent of proteinogenic amino acids were present and most were increased. iii) A metabolic network, comprising the amino acids aspartate, glutamate, the serine-glycine one-carbon metabolism (folate cycle), and methionine cycle, was activated, suggesting increased purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. iv) Cystathionine, L-cystine, glutamate and pyroglutamate, which are involved in the transsulfuration pathway (a methionine cycle branch) were increased, consistent with increased synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. v) Intermediates of the catabolism of 5 out of the 6 ketogenic amino acids were increased. vi) The levels of spermidine (a polyamine inducer of autophagy with anti-inflammatory effects) were decreased. Conclusions In ACLF, blood amino acids fueled protein and nucleotide synthesis required for the intense systemic inflammatory response. Ketogenic amino acids were extensively catabolized to produce energy substrates in peripheral organs, an effect that was insufficient because organs failed. Finally, the decrease in spermidine levels may cause a defect in autophagy contributing to the proinflammatory phenotype in ACLF. Lay summary Systemic inflammation and organ failures are hallmarks of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Herein, we aimed to characterize the role of amino acids in these processes. The blood metabolome of patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis, and particularly those with ACLF, reveals evidence of intense skeletal muscle catabolism. Importantly, amino acids (along with glucose), are used for intense anabolic, energy-consuming metabolism in patients with ACLF, presumably to support de novo nucleotide and protein synthesis in the activated innate immune system.

Intercropping-dedicated biomass crops can significantly contribute to the sustainable development of advanced biofuels while improving yield stability. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of intercropping of the legume sunn hemp (SH; Crotalaria juncea; cv. Ecofix) on the productivity of pearl millet (PM; Pennisetum glaucum; cv. ICMV I707) and biomass sorghum (S; Sorghum bicolor (L.); cv. Triton), with or without nitrogen fertilisation (150 kgNha−1). The intercrops were SxSH and PMxSH. Quantitative and qualitative biomass traits were evaluated for each cropping system. Land equivalent ratio (LER) and species evenness were used to evaluate the performance of the intercrops. Across fertilisation levels, average biomass yields in 2018 and 2019 were: 23 and 19 Mg ha−1 (SxSH), 18 and 17 Mg ha−1 (PMxSH), 21 and 12 Mg ha−1 (PM), 24 and 20 Mg ha−1 (S), and 14 and 13 Mg ha−1 (SH). Overall, LER showed an increase of 22% in PMxSH and 6% in SxSH over the years. Within the intercrops, S showed a larger competitive effect over SH than PM did; species evenness ranged between 0.56 and 0.67 in SxSH and between 0.89 and 0.92 in PMxSH. Moreover, compared to monocropping, intercropping led to improved qualitative feedstock characteristics for bioenergy applications: intercropped PM showed a higher Si/K ratio (+32%), while intercropped SH showed increased cellulose content (+17%) and reduced N (−39%), Mg (−54%), and Na (−15%) contents. Intercropping-dedicated lignocellulosic crops may be feasible alternatives for providing a mixture of dedicated feedstocks with improved sustainability, yield stability, and biomass quality.

To colonise other planets, self-sufficiency of space missions is mandatory. To date, the most promising technology to support long-duration missions is the bioregenerative life support system (BLSS), in which plants as autotrophs play a crucial role in recycling wastes and producing food and oxygen. We reviewed the scientific literature on duckweed (Lemnaceae) and reported available information on plant biological traits, nutritional features, biomass production, and space applications, especially of the genus Wolffia. Results confirmed that the smallest existing higher plants are the best candidate for space BLSS. We discussed needs for further research before criticalities to be addressed to finalise the adoption of Wolffia species for space missions.

This paper deals with a new heterogeneous catalyst for the second step in the two‐step oxidative cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids triglycerides derived from vegetable oil, a reaction aimed at the synthesis of azelaic and pelargonic acids. The former compound is a bio‐monomer for the synthesis of polyesters; the latter, after esterification, is used in cosmetics and agrochemicals. The reaction studied offers an alternative to the currently used ozonization process, which has severe drawbacks in terms of safety and energy consumption. The cleavage was carried out with oxygen, starting from the glycol (dihydroxystearic acid triglyceride), the latter obtained by the dihydroxylation of oleic acid triglyceride. The catalysts used were based on Cu2+, in the form of either an alumina‐supported oxide or a mixed, spinel‐type oxide. The CuO/Al2O3 catalyst could be recovered, regenerated, and recycled, yielding promising results for further industrial exploitation., Triglyceride cleavage: Two copper‐based catalysts are employed for the selective oxidative cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids triglycerides to obtain pelargonic and azelaic acid, valuable products for bio‐based polymers and agrochemicals. Using oxygen as safer oxidant instead of ozone, promising results are obtained, both in terms of conversion and yields. A regeneration procedure is applied for the CuO/Al2O3 catalyst, allowing its successfully reutilization.

Biomass residues are often considered as a resource if conveniently converted in fuel and alternative feedstock for chemical processes, and their conversion into valuable products may occur by different pathways. This work is focused on the thermochemical conversion at moderate temperature and in steam atmosphere, a mild process in comparison to hydrothermal liquefaction, followed by extraction of soluble products in a solvent. Such process has been already applied to various residues and here extended to the case of marc, the residual pomace from wine making, largely produced worldwide. A pressurized batch reactor was used for the quantitative determination of produced solid and liquid fractions, and their qualitative characterization was performed by instrumental analyses. The pressurized steam conversion of marc was effective, providing a yield in liquid fraction, upon extraction in solvent, up to 30% of the raw dried biomass. The use of polar and nonpolar solvent for the extraction of the liquid fraction was inspected. Applied operating conditions, namely residence time in the batch reactor and extraction modality, showed a significant influence on the process performance. In particular, long residence and extraction times and use of nonpolar solvent substantially improved the yield in liquid fraction.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) crops are important agricultural commodities in water-limited environments across the globe, yet modeling of CAM productivity lacks the sophistication of widely used C3 and C4 crop models, in part due to the complex responses of the CAM cycle to environmental conditions. This work builds on recent advances in CAM modeling to provide a framework for estimating CAM biomass yield and water use efficiency from basic principles. These advances, which integrate the CAM circadian rhythm with established models of carbon fixation, stomatal conductance, and the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, are coupled to models of light attenuation, plant respiration, and biomass partitioning. Resulting biomass yield and transpiration for Opuntia ficus-indica and Agave tequilana are validated against field data and compared with predictions of CAM productivity obtained using the empirically-based Environmental Productivity Index (EPI). By representing regulation of the circadian state as a nonlinear oscillator, the modeling approach captures the diurnal dynamics of CAM stomatal conductance, allowing the prediction of CAM transpiration and water use efficiency for the first time at the plot scale. This approach may improve estimates of CAM productivity under light-limiting conditions when compared with previous methods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Chemical companies are willing to show that they are doing their best to address the sustainability issue, not only because of more stringent laws but also because of customers and market demand. Three are the main approaches employed: (i) the use of renewable resources (biomass) to produce chemicals, (ii) the use of renewable resources for energy production, and (iii) the limitation of CO2 emissions, including carbon dioxide capture and reuse. Bio-based monomers for bioplastics (which however should also be compostable and biodegradable) are being intensively studied, and a few examples either have been already implemented at a commercial level or are close to commercialization.

Recently, the marketable value of ω-3 fatty acid, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), increased considering their health effects for human consumption. Microalgae are considered a valuable and “green” source of EPA alternative to fish oils, but considerable efforts are necessary for their exploitation at an industrial level. Due to the high operation costs of photoautotrophic microalgae cultivation, heterotrophic growth represents a promising economic solution. Marine diatoms are the major ecological producers of ω-3 fatty acids. Few species of diatoms are capable to grow in the dark using organic carbon sources. The marine diatom Cyclotella cryptica was cultivated for 14 days under photoautotrophic and heterotrophic conditions to define the effects on growth parameters, lipid production, total fatty acids and EPA content. Photoautotrophic conditions led to a total EPA production of 1.6% of dry weight, 12.2 mg L−1 culture and productivity of 0.9 mg L−1 day−1. The heterotrophy cultures reported a total EPA production of 2.7% of dry cell weight, 18 mg L−1 culture, a productivity of 1.3 mg L−1 day−1, which are promising values in the prospective of improving culture parameters for the biotechnological exploitation of dark cultivation. C. cryptica could be a potential candidate for the heterotrophic production of EPA, also considering its robustness, capacity to resist to bacterial contaminations and plasticity of lipid metabolism.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had strong impacts on national and international freight, construction and tourism industry, supply chains, and has resulted in a rapid decline in the demand for traditional energy sources. In fact, research has outlined that urban areas depend on global supply chains for their day-to-day basic functions, including energy supplies, food and safe access to potable water. The disruption of global supply chains can leave many urban areas in a very vulnerable position, in which their citizens may struggle to obtain their basic supplies, as the COVID-19 crisis has recently shown. Therefore, solutions aiming to enhance local food, water and energy production systems, even in urban environments, have to be pursued. The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted in the scientific community the problem of people’s exposure to outdoor and indoor pollution, confirmed as a key element for the increase both in the transmission and severity of the contagion, on top of involving health risks on their own. In this context, most nations are going to adopt new preferential policies to stimulate the development of relevant sustainable energy industries, based on the electrification of the systems supplied by renewable energy sources as confirmed by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Thus, while there is ongoing research focusing on a COVID 19 vaccine, there is also a need for researchers to work cooperatively on novel strategies for world economic recovery incorporating renewable energy policy, technology and management. In this framework, the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) conference provides a good platform for researchers and other experts to exchange their academic thoughts, promoting the development and improvements on the renewable energy technologies as well as their role in systems and in the transition towards sustainable energy systems. The 14th SDEWES Conference was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It brought together around 570 researchers from 55 countries in the field of sustainable development. The present Special Issue of Energies, specifically dedicated to the 14th SDEWES Conference, focuses on four main fields: energy policy for sustainable development, biomass energy application, building energy saving, and power plant and electric systems. The global COVID-19 pandemic has had strong impacts on national and international freight, construction and tourism industry, supply chains, and has resulted in a rapid decline in the demand for traditional energy sources. In fact, research has outlined that urban areas depend on global supply chains for their day-to-day basic functions, including energy supplies, food and safe access to potable water. The disruption of global supply chains can leave many urban areas in a very vulnerable position, in which their citizens may struggle to obtain their basic supplies, as the COVID-19 crisis has recently shown. Therefore, solutions aiming to enhance local food, water and energy production systems, even in urban environments, have to be pursued. The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted in the scientific community the problem of people’s exposure to outdoor and indoor pollution, confirmed as a key element for the increase both in the transmission and severity of the contagion, on top of involving health risks on their own. In this context, most nations are going to adopt new preferential policies to stimulate the development of relevant sustainable energy industries, based on the electrification of the systems supplied by renewable energy sources as confirmed by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Thus, while there is ongoing research focusing on a COVID 19 vaccine, there is also a need for researchers to work cooperatively on novel strategies for world economic recovery incorporating renewable energy policy, technology and management. In this framework, the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) conference provides a good platform for researchers and other experts to exchange their academic thoughts, promoting the development and improvements on the renewable energy technologies as well as their role in systems and in the transition towards sustainable energy systems. The 14th SDEWES Conference was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It brought together around 570 researchers from 55 countries in the field of sustainable development. The present Special Issue of Energies, specifically dedicated to the 14th SDEWES Conference, focuses on four main fields: energy policy for sustainable development, biomass energy application, building energy saving, and power plant and electric systems.

Native pastures have a greater potential in relation to the maintenance of biodiversity, besides presenting high adaptability to the climate conditions of each biome, but to obtain high productive rates, they require adequate agricultural management, so that land degradation decreases and pasture resilience increases. Due to the great diversity regarding the set of animal and plant life, Brazil contains six biomes, where much of the natural pastures have already been altered because of burning and deforestation, in order to originate plantations of large crops and cultivated pastures. Considering the worldwide influence of Brazilian livestock, this narrative review was carried out with the objective of verifying the relevance and potential of the main native pastures of Brazilian biomes, besides highlighting the importance of their preservation, being, therefore, a viable alternative its use as fodder. Los pastos nativos tienen un mayor potencial en relación con el mantenimiento de la biodiversidad, además de presentar una alta adaptabilidad a las condiciones climáticas de cada bioma, pero para obtener altas tasas productivas, requieren una gestión agrícola adecuada, de modo que la degradación de la tierra disminuya y aumente la resiliencia de los pastos. Debido a la gran diversidad con respecto al conjunto de vida animal y vegetal, Brasil contiene seis biomas, donde gran parte de los pastos naturales ya han sido alterados debido a la quema y la deforestación, con el fin de originar plantaciones de grandes cultivos y pastos cultivados. Teniendo en cuenta la influencia mundial de la ganadería brasileña, esta revisión narrativa se llevó a cabo con el objetivo de verificar la pertinencia y el potencial de los principales pastos nativos de biomas brasileños, además de destacar la importancia de su preservación, siendo, por lo tanto, una alternativa viable su uso como forraje. As pastagens nativas possuem um maior potencial com relação à manutenção da biodiversidade, além de apresentar alta adaptabilidade às condições do clima de cada bioma, porém para obter altos índices produtivos, necessitam de manejo agrícola adequado, para que a degradação da terra diminua e a resiliência das pastagens aumentem. Devido à grande diversidade quanto ao conjunto de vida animal e vegetal, o Brasil contém seis biomas, onde grande parte das pastagens naturais já foram alterados por causa de queimadas e desmatamentos, a fim de originar plantios de grandes culturas e pastagens cultivadas. Considerando a influência mundial da pecuária brasileira, esta revisão narrativa foi realizada com o objetivo verificar a relevância e potencial das principais pastagens nativas dos biomas brasileiros, além de destacar a importância de sua preservação, sendo, portanto, uma alternativa viável sua utilização como forragem.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da distância na exatidão do dendrômetro digital Criterion RD 1000®, na estimativa do diâmetro e volume de Qualea sp. no bioma Amazônia. Foram selecionadas 30 árvores e cubadas pelo método de Smalian até a altura comercial com escalada e com Criterion RD 1000®, nas distâncias entre observador e a árvore de 11 m, 13 m, 15 m e à maior distância que o observador conseguiu instalar o equipamento em relação a árvore. Para avaliar o diâmetro ao longo do fuste, o volume comercial e por segmento, realizou-se o teste t pareado, com 95% de probabilidade, a análise de resíduos e as estatísticas complementares. Não houve diferença significativa entre os valores médios das variáveis analisadas, obtidos com a escalada e os estimados pelo Criterion. Houve menor amplitude dos resíduos nas seções inferiores do fuste com tendência em subestimar os menores diâmetros. As estatísticas complementares demonstraram maiores erros quando o equipamento estava mais próximo da árvore e menores quando estava a 15 m, correspondendo a uma distância superior à média da altura comercial das árvores. O equipamento permitiu estimar com exatidão diâmetros e volumes de árvores em pé, viabilizando a cubagem não destrutiva de Qualea sp. no bioma Amazônia. Palavras-chave: mensuração; volumetria; Criterion RD 1000®. INFLUENCE OF DISTANCE ON THE ACCURACY OF THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE OF Qualea sp. IN THE AMAZON BIOME ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the effect of distance on the accuracy of the digital dendrometer Criterion RD 1000®, on the estimate of the diameter and volume of Qualea sp. in the Amazon biome. Thirty trees were selected and scaled by the Smalian method to commercial height with climbing and with a Criterion RD 1000®, in the distances between the observer and the 11 m, 13 m, 15 m and the longest distance that the observer managed to install the equipment in relation to the tree. To analyze diameter along the stem, commercial volume and volume per segment, the t test for dependent samples was performed, with a 95% probability, as well as residual analysis and complementary statistics. There was no significant difference between the mean values ​​of the variables analyzed, obtained with the climb and estimated with a Criterion. There was a smaller amplitude of residues in the lower sections of the stem with tendency to underestimate smaller diameters. The complementary statistics showed greater errors with the equipment closest to the tree and smaller when it was 15 m away, corresponding to a distance greater than the average commercial height of the trees. The equipment made it possible to accurately estimate the diameters and volumes of standing trees, enabling the non-destructive scaling of Qualea sp. in the Amazon biome forest. Keywords: measurement; volumetry; Criterion RD 1000®.

The Cerrado is formed by a set of ecosystems containing great biodiversity, although it is the Brazilian biome most threatened by anthropic action. The need for a critical look at human actions towards the environment makes the school an ideal place for discussions related to environmental preservation and sustainability, issues that must be worked on in an interdisciplinary way. Thus, this study aimed to understand the perceptions of first year students of a Federal Educational Institution located in the municipality of Uruçuí-PI related to the Cerrado, as well as the importance of a field class for learning specific content related to this biome and stimulate environmental education. The students were informed about the purpose of the research and received a term of responsibility that was duly signed by their parents. At first, a semi-structured questionnaire related to the characterization of the Cerrado biome was applied and later a field class was held with the participating students. At the end of the class, the students answered a new questionnaire identical to the first, but with four more questions. From the responses observed in the two questionnaires, it was noticed that the contents related to the Cerrado biome were not worked properly in the school context of the participants, and that the field class stimulated an improvement in the students' performance on knowledge related to the Cerrado and preservationist attitudes, since it allowed them to associate theoretical concepts to their daily lives and to a practical Cerrado experience. El Cerrado está formado por un conjunto de ecosistemas que contienen una gran biodiversidad, aunque es el bioma brasileño más amenazado por la acción antrópica. La necesidad de una mirada crítica a las acciones humanas hacia el medio ambiente hace de la escuela un lugar ideal para discusiones relacionadas con la preservación y sostenibilidad ambiental, temas que deben ser trabajados de forma interdisciplinar. Así, este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las percepciones de los estudiantes de primer año de una Institución Educativa Federal ubicada en el municipio de Uruçuí-PI relacionada con el Cerrado, así como la importancia de una clase de campo para el aprendizaje de contenidos específicos relacionados con este bioma y estimular la educación ambiental. Los estudiantes fueron informados sobre el propósito de la investigación y recibieron un término de responsabilidad que fue debidamente firmado por sus padres. En un primer momento se aplicó un cuestionario semiestructurado relacionado con la caracterización del bioma del Cerrado y posteriormente se realizó una clase de campo con los alumnos participantes. Al finalizar la clase, los alumnos respondieron un nuevo cuestionario idéntico al primero, pero con cuatro preguntas más. A partir de las respuestas observadas en los dos cuestionarios, se notó que los contenidos relacionados con el bioma del Cerrado no se trabajaron adecuadamente en el contexto escolar de los participantes y que la clase de campo estimuló una mejora en el desempeño de los estudiantes en conocimientos relacionados con el Cerrado y actitudes preservacionistas, ya que les permitió asociar conceptos teóricos a su vida cotidiana ya una experiencia práctica del Cerrado. O Cerrado é formado por um conjunto de ecossistemas contendo grande biodiversidade, embora seja o bioma brasileiro mais ameaçado pela ação antrópica. A necessidade de um olhar crítico das ações humanas ao meio ambiente torna a escola um local propício para discussões relacionadas à preservação ambiental e sustentabilidade, questões essas que devem ser trabalhadas de forma interdisciplinar. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer as percepções de alunos do primeiro ano de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino localizada no município de Uruçuí-PI relacionadas ao Cerrado, bem como a importância de uma aula de campo para o aprendizado de conteúdos específicos relacionados a esse bioma e estímulo a educação ambiental. Os discentes foram informados sobre os fins da pesquisa e receberam um termo de responsabilidade que foi devidamente assinado pelos seus responsáveis. Em um primeiro momento, aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado relacionado à caracterização do bioma Cerrado e posteriormente realizou-se com os alunos participantes uma aula de campo. Ao término da aula, os alunos responderam a um novo questionário idêntico ao primeiro, porém acrescido de mais quatro questões. A partir das respostas observadas nos dois questionários, percebeu-se que os conteúdos relacionado ao bioma Cerrado não foram trabalhados adequadamente no contexto escolar dos participantes e que a aula de campo estimulou uma melhoria no rendimento dos alunos sobre conhecimentos relacionados ao Cerrado e atitudes preservacionistas, uma vez que os permitiu a associação de conceitos teóricos ao seu cotidiano e a uma vivência prática do Cerrado.

O Cerrado é formado por um conjunto de ecossistemas contendo grande biodiversidade, embora seja o bioma brasileiro mais ameaçado pela ação antrópica. A necessidade de um olhar crítico das ações humanas ao meio ambiente torna a escola um local propício para discussões relacionadas à preservação ambiental e sustentabilidade, questões essas que devem ser trabalhadas de forma interdisciplinar. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer as percepções de alunos do primeiro ano de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino localizada no município de Uruçuí-PI relacionadas ao Cerrado, bem como a importância de uma aula de campo para o aprendizado de conteúdos específicos relacionados a esse bioma e estímulo a educação ambiental. Os discentes foram informados sobre os fins da pesquisa e receberam um termo de responsabilidade que foi devidamente assinado pelos seus responsáveis. Em um primeiro momento, aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado relacionado à caracterização do bioma Cerrado e posteriormente realizou-se com os alunos participantes uma aula de campo. Ao término da aula, os alunos responderam a um novo questionário idêntico ao primeiro, porém acrescido de mais quatro questões. A partir das respostas observadas nos dois questionários, percebeu-se que os conteúdos relacionado ao bioma Cerrado não foram trabalhados adequadamente no contexto escolar dos participantes e que a aula de campo estimulou uma melhoria no rendimento dos alunos sobre conhecimentos relacionados ao Cerrado e atitudes preservacionistas, uma vez que os permitiu a associação de conceitos teóricos ao seu cotidiano e a uma vivência prática do Cerrado.

Submitted by MARCIA CRISTINA SCHEID (marcia.scheid@universo.univates.br) on 2020-12-14T20:20:23Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2020ElisianeFabrim.pdf: 1435236 bytes, checksum: 4c6e7a1187825f2db91c2b5fc5584c4f (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by DANUSA VICENTE (nuia@univates.br) on 2021-05-28T20:21:23Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2020ElisianeFabrim.pdf: 1435236 bytes, checksum: 4c6e7a1187825f2db91c2b5fc5584c4f (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-05-28T20:21:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2020ElisianeFabrim.pdf: 1435236 bytes, checksum: 4c6e7a1187825f2db91c2b5fc5584c4f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020-06 Os biomas brasileiros são ricos em biodiversidade, essenciais para o equilíbrio ambiental e o fornecimento de bens essenciais à sobrevivência de populações humanas. Para a perpetuação da vida nos biomas, é necessário o estabelecimento de políticas públicas ambientais, a identificação de oportunidades para a conservação e uso sustentável. Neste sentido, a gestão pública municipal é responsável pelas ações que envolvem o patrimônio pertencente à população local. Para que esta gestão seja sustentável é necessário realizar planejamentos e implementar legislações adequadas às características do município e que regrem seus usos. Para isso, a gestão pública conta com o Plano Diretor. Nesse contexto, entende-se a importância deste planejamento levar em consideração o bioma no qual o município está inserido para a conservação de suas características, muitas vezes endêmicas, e essenciais para o equilíbrio do ecossistema local, que assegura o desenvolvimento do município de forma sustentável. Desta forma, considerando, que um dos objetivos do Plano Diretor é o desenvolvimento sustentável das cidades, buscou-se verificar se o Plano Diretor do município de Três de Maio/RS, localizado no Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, atende à Legislação que estabelece a proteção do bioma em que o município está inserido, no caso a Mata Atlântica. A pesquisa de natureza qualitativa com procedimentos bibliográfico e documental analisou o Plano Diretor do município e a legislação do bioma Mata Atlântica, bem como, referenciou a literatura científica sobre planejamento municipal, biomas, biodiversidade e sustentabilidade. Na verificação dos elementos semelhantes presentes em ambas as legislações foi possível compreender que apesar de no documento do Plano Diretor não constar de forma explícita o bioma ao qual o município pertence, o plano atende, em partes, a legislação pertinente na sua elaboração, que foi baseada no Código Florestal Brasileiro- lei no 4.771, de 15 de setembro de 1965, (o qual foi revogado pela Lei Federal no 12.651/2012) e a lei estadual no 9.519, de 21 de janeiro de 1992, que institui o Código Florestal do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, cumprindo, portanto, seu papel de proteção e promoção do desenvolvimento sustentável deste município. Além disso, no decorrer da pesquisa ocorreu a atualização do conceito de biomas e consequentemente readequação de seus espaços geográficos, o que incorreu no acréscimo do bioma Pampa na área territorial de Três de Maio. O pertencimento do município em mais um bioma implica na adequação, portanto, do Plano Diretor, a fim de proteger tais características do bioma. Brazilian biomes are rich in biodiversity, essential for environmental balance and the provision of essential goods for the survival of human populations. For the perpetuation of life in biomes, it is necessary to establish public environmental policies, to identify opportunities for conservation and sustainable use. In this sense, the municipal public management is responsible for actions involving the heritage belonging to the local population. For this management to be sustainable, it is necessary to carry out planning and implement legislation appropriate to the characteristics of the municipality and which govern its uses. For this, public management relies on the Master Plan. In this context, it is understood the importance of this planning to take into account the biome in which the municipality is inserted for the conservation of its characteristics, often endemic, and essential for the balance of the local ecosystem, which ensures the development of the municipality in a sustainable way . Thus, considering that one of the objectives of the Master Plan is the sustainable development of cities, we sought to verify whether the Master Plan of the municipality of Três de Maio / RS, located in the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, meets the Legislation which establishes the protection of the biome in which the municipality is inserted, in this case the Atlantic Forest. The qualitative research with bibliographic and documentary procedures analyzed the Municipal Master Plan and the legislation of the Atlantic Forest biome, as well as referenced the scientific literature on municipal planning, biomes, biodiversity and sustainability. In verifying the similar elements present in both laws, it was possible to understand that although the Master Plan document does not explicitly contain the biome to which the municipality belongs, the plan partially complies with the relevant legislation in its preparation, which was based on the Brazilian Forest Code - law No. 4,771, of September 15, 1965, (which was revoked by Federal Law No. 12,651 / 2012) and state law No. 9,519, of January 21, 1992, which instituted the Forest Code of State of Rio Grande do Sul, fulfilling, therefore, its role of protection and promotion of the sustainable development of this municipality. In addition, in the course of the research, the biomes concept was updated and, consequently, the geographic spaces were readjusted, which resulted in the addition of the Pampa biome in the territorial area of Três de Maio. The municipality's membership in yet another biome implies, therefore, the adequacy of the Master Plan in order to protect such characteristics.

The Pantanal is an extensive area located in the Center-West of Brazil, recognized for being an active sedimentation basin, of depression relief with seasonally flooded plains. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) considers Pantanal as one of the six Brazilian biomes, of national and international relevance. Its main economic activity is agriculture and cattle raising, favored by the characteristics of the relief. The demand for pastures makes land property fundamental in the Pantanal. Thereby, the representation of the land structure is a technique that allows the understanding of the agrarian question that surrounds the Pantanal. The objective of this work was to represent the land structure of the Pantanal, based on a spatial database of regularized properties and made available by the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA), motivated by the unexplored potential of geoinformation applied in Agrarian Geography. The results point to a control of the land by the private properties that allows, consequently, the control of nature in the Pantanal, far beyond the public and protected areas. From the cartographic representation, it was also verified that the public properties are concentrated, in general, in the extremities of the Pantanal, as well as the small properties that, in the majority of the cases, are concentrated in the limits to the North of the Pantanal. In contrast, large estates and large land holdings control the central part of the biome., LA ESTRUCTURA FUNDIARIA DEL PANTANAL BRASILEÑO. El Pantanal es un área extensa ubicada en el centro-oeste del Brasil, reconocida por ser una cuenca de sedimentación activa, de depresión geográfica con llanuras inundadas estacionalmente. El Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística (IBGE) considera el Pantanal como uno de los seis biomas brasileños, de relevancia nacional e internacional. Su principal actividad económica es la agricultura y la ganadería, favorecida por las características del relieve. La demanda de pastos hace que la propiedad de la tierra sea fundamental en el Pantanal. Con esto, la representación de la estructura de la tierra es una técnica que permite la comprensión de la cuestión agraria que rodea el Pantanal. El trabajo estaba dirigido a representar la estructura de la tierra del Pantanal, basada en una base de datos espaciales de propiedades rurales regularizada y puesta a disposición por el Instituto Nacional de Colonización y Reforma Agraria (INCRA), motivada por el potencial inexplorado de la geoinformación aplicada en la Geografía Agraria. Los resultados apuntan a un control de la tierra por parte de las propiedades privadas que permite, en consecuencia, el control de la naturaleza en el Pantanal, mucho más allá de las áreas públicas y protegidas. A partir de la representación cartográfica, también fue encontrado que las propiedades públicas se concentran, en general, en los extremos del Pantanal, así como las pequeñas propiedades que, en la mayoría de los casos, se concentran en los límites al norte del Pantanal. En contraste, los latifundios y las grandes propiedades controlan la parte central del bioma., O Pantanal é uma extensa área localizada no Centro-Oeste do Brasil, reconhecido por ser uma bacia de sedimentação ativa, de relevo em depressão com planícies sazonalmente inundáveis. O Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) considera o Panantal como um dos seis biomas brasileiros, de relevância nacional e internacional. Sua principal atividade econômica é a agropecuária, favorecida pelas características do relevo. A demanda por pastagens faz com que a propriedade da terra seja fundamental no Pantanal. Com isso, a representação da estrutura fundiária é uma técnica que permite a compreensão da questão agrária que envolve o Pantanal. O trabalho teve como objetivo representar a estrutura fundiária do Pantanal, a partir de um banco de dados espaciais dos imóveis regularizados e disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária (INCRA), motivado pelo potencial inexplorado da geoinformação aplicado na Geografia Agrária. Os resultados apontam para um controle da terra pelas propriedades privadas que permite, consequentemente, o controle da natureza no Pantanal, muito além das áreas públicas e protegidas. A partir da representação cartográfica, constatou-se ainda que as propriedades públicas se concentram, em geral, nas extremidades do Pantanal, assim como as pequenas propriedades que, na maior parte dos casos, concentram-se nos limites ao Norte do Pantanal. Em contrapartida, latifúndios e grandes propriedades controlam a parte central do bioma.

This research aims to identify and describe the legally established environmental compensations to which persons and legal entities are subjected to due to use of specially protected areas and natural resources for the development of economic activities within the Brazilian territory. The methodology used for the research was a qualitative approach using bibliographical and documentary data, such as articles and standards stipulated in Brazilian environmental laws. Through this study, considering the current environmental standards, it is possible to identify the compensations provided for by the law of the National System of Conservation Unit no. 9985/2000; the environmental compensations for the use of permanent preservation areas, removal of threatened flora species, suppression of native vegetation encountered in the Atlantic Forest biome, as well as intervention in natural cavities. All these compensations were instituted by standards that regulate the use and protection of such natural resources - it remains to be verified whether such obligations have been fulfilled by users of these resources and whether the Public Power has been monitoring their compliance by exercising its supervisory power. Keywords: specially protected areas and vegetation; natural resources; environmental balance; environmental regulations. Resumo Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar e descrever as compensacoes ambientais estabelecidas legalmente as quais pessoas fisicas e pessoas juridicas estao sujeitas devido ao uso de areas especialmente protegidas e recursos naturais para o desenvolvimento de atividades economicas no territorio brasileiro. A metodologia utilizada para a pesquisa foi uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando dados bibliograficos e documentais, como artigos e normas estipuladas nas leis ambientais brasileiras. Por meio deste estudo, considerando as normas ambientais vigentes, e possivel identificar as compensacoes previstas na lei da Unidade do Sistema Nacional de Conservacao no. 9985/2000; compensacoes ambientais pelo uso de areas de preservacao permanente, remocao de especies ameacadas da flora, supressao da vegetacao nativa encontrada no bioma Mata Atlântica, bem como intervencao em cavidades naturais. Todas essas compensacoes foram instituidas por normas que regulam o uso e a protecao desses recursos naturais - resta verificar se essas obrigacoes foram cumpridas pelos usuarios desses recursos e se o Poder Publico vem monitorando sua conformidade exercendo seu poder de supervisao. Palavras-chave: areas especialmente protegidas e vegetacao; recursos naturais; equilibrio ambiental; regulamentos ambientais.

La valorizzazione delle biomasse, siano esse di origini naturale o vegetale, è una tematica che negli ultimi anni ricopre un ruolo centrale nel campo della bioeconomia ed è fortemente sostenuta da numerosi report internazionali. Oggigiorno, infatti, la società richiede il preservamento dell’equilibrio ambientale mediante la riduzione dell'uso dei combustibili fossili per la produzione di carburanti, additivi per carburanti, prodotti chimici e polimeri. Pertanto, la sostituzione dei prodotti petrolchimici con composti derivati da biomasse è vista come un’attraente soluzione eco-sostenibile. Tenendo conto di queste osservazioni, la tesi di dottorato qui presentata descrive delle nuove tecnologie sviluppate per la valorizzazione delle biomasse e dei prodotti chimici da esse derivate. In primo luogo, è stata affrontata la tematica del recupero di biomasse animali da importanti processi industriali e il loro utilizzo per la produzione di prodotti chimici per l’industria. Nella fattispecie, le proteine animali recuperate da scarti dell'industria conciaria sono state identificate come potenziale biomassa ad oggi non pienamente sfruttata. In questo lavoro viene descritto un nuovo protocollo per la produzione di agenti riconcianti per la produzione di pellami sintetizzati a partire da proteine animali. Lo scopo principale è quello di sostituire gli agenti riconcianti utilizzati comunemente e derivati per la maggior parte da combustibili fossili. Il protocollo utilizzato sfrutta inoltre il glicerolo, un altro composto derivato dalla biomassa. Tuttavia, la materia prima più abbondante fornita direttamente dalla Natura è la biomassa lignocellulosica. Parte di questo lavoro si concentra sulla conversione di platform chemicals ottenuti dalla frazione cellulosica, e.g. furfurale, acido levulinico, 5-idrossimetilfurfurale (5-HMF), acido itaconico. Tali prodotti sono stati oggetto di studio attraverso reazioni di idrogenazione mediante l’uso di complessi organometallici a base di metalli di transizione. Diversi leganti azotati, sintetizzati mediante reazioni di click chemistry, sono stati sintetizzati e la loro chimica di coordinazione a determinati metalli di transizione è stata ampiamente investigata. In prima istanza ci si è concentrati sulla sintesi di una piccola libreria di complessi di palladio coordinati a ligandi chirali triazolil-ossazolinici (TryOx). La particolare chimica di coordinazione di questi nuovi leganti è stata investigata mediante spettroscopia NMR e FTIIR, spettrometria ESI-MS, calcoli DFT e raggi X. Con i complessi caratterizzati in mano, sono stati effettuati test preliminari sull'idrogenazione del furfurale derivato da biomassa che hanno determinato la potenziale attività catalitica dei complessi sintetizzati. Parallelamente, sono stati sintetizzati e caratterizzati complessi di rutenio contenenti ligandi che presentano la funzionalità amino triazoliche. Con tali complessi è stata condotta un'indagine approfondita sulla loro attività catalitica in reazioni di idrogenazione. Una vasta gamma di composti carbonilici è stata ridotta con, in alcuni casi, eccellenti selettività. Tra gli altri, il furfurale 5-idrossimetilfurfurale, derivati da biomasse, sono stati selettivamente idrogenati in alcool furfurilico e 2,5-diidrossimetilfurfurale in rese elevate. Infine, è stata descritta l'idrogenazione dei composti carbonilici, inclusi i prodotti chimici derivati dalla biomassa, in solvente acquoso. Un legante triazolo-tioetere solubile in acqua, sintetizzato mediante la combinazione di due approcci click, come la CuAAC e la thiol-ene, ha dato buoni risultati nell’idrogenazione di composti carbonilici. I risultati sperimentali, inoltre, hanno mostrato un'interessante riciclabilità della specie catalitica attiva. The valorisation of animal and vegetable biomass is a core topic of bioeconomy and is presently supported by several international reports. It’s relevance significantly increased in the last decades due to the environmental issues related to the massive use of oil for the production of fuels, fuel additives, fine chemicals and polymers, which are a threaten for modern society. Thus, the replacement of petrochemicals by biomass derived compounds is seen as an attractive and eco-friendly solution to preserve the environmental equilibrium. The PhD thesis here presented describes new solutions for the valorisation of biomass and biomass derived platform chemicals. For instance, animal proteins recovered as a waste byproduct from leather industry have been identified as a biomass to be exploited. Starting from this feedstock, the work here presented provides a novel protocol for the production of biobased retanning agents for leather production aiming to replace commonly used petrochemical derived retanning agent. The method developed takes advantage of glycerol, a biomass derived compound. However, the most abundant biomass feedstock directly provided by Nature is lignocellulosic biomass. This work focuses on the conversion, via catalytic hydrogenation, of platform chemicals obtained by cellulosic fraction, such as furfural, levulinic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The reduction of these platform chemicals to the corresponding high-value alcohols makes use of novel organometallic species. We designed a series of click based ligands and studied their coordination behaviour with transition metal complexes. In particular, a small library of mononuclear and dimeric palladium complexes bearing chiral triazolyl-oxazoline (TryOx) ligands have been synthetized and fully characterized by means of NMR and FTIIR spectroscopies, ESI-MS spectrometry, DFT calculations and X-rays. Moreover, preliminary test on the hydrogenation of biomass derived furfural have been carried out. In parallel, ruthenium complexes bearing pyridilaminotriazole NNN click based ligands were synthetized and characterized. Furthermore, a deep investigation on the catalytic activity of these complexes has been performed. A broad range of carbonyl compounds have been reduced with excellent selectivity observed in some depicted cases. Inter alia, biomass derived furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural have been selectively hydrogenated to furfuryl alcohol and 2,5-bis(hydroxymethillfurfural) respectively in high yields. Finally, hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds, included biomass derived chemicals, in aqueous media has been described. A water soluble triazole-thioether ligand has been successfully used for the in situ hydrogenation of biomass derived carbonyls compounds. Experimental results showed interesting recyclability of the active catalyst.

O crescimento da zona urbana e o aumento populacional levaram ao impacto dos recursos hí­dricos. A crescente demanda por água para abastecimento, processos industriais e a agricultura, também levaram a deterioração da água no planeta. O desenvolvimento da engenharia civil no ramo sanitarista possibilitou a introdução de novas tecnologias para tratamento do esgoto gerado pelos centros urbanos e agrí­colas. Houve a introdução de uma gama de sistemas, tais como: aeradores, decantadores, reatores, leitos cultivados, entre outros. A proposta de pesquisa atual resultou no monitoramento e analise das concentrações de fósforo em uma lagoa facultativa. As lagoas facultativas são grandes reservatórios onde, através de tempos de detenção hidráulicos distintos, pode-se resultar em uma melhora nos parâmetros de potabilidade. A presente pesquisa estudou um sistema de lagoa desenvolvido num municí­pio do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. O projeto foi desenvolvido no perí­odo de 02 de julho a 03 de setembro de 2018, que nos possibilitou avaliar os í­ndices de fósforo. As analises foram realizadas semanalmente, pelo método AOAC Official Method 973.55 – Phosphorus in water e permitiram constatar numa concentração de fósforo médio de 10,76 mg.L-1.

The diversity of edaphic mites in Brazilian natural environments is little known, especially in the Pampa biome, in southern region of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity and abundance of edaphic fauna of mesostigmatid mites in a region of the Pampa biome of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Soil samples were collected in the municipality of Aceguá, in 2012 and 2013. Mites were extracted using Berlese-Tullgren modified funnels. In total, 1900 mesostigmatid mites were collected, representing 44 species from 23 genera and 10 families. The most abundant families were Rhodacaridae, Ologamasidae and Laelapidae, with respectively 903, 578 and 214 specimens, corresponding respectively to 47.5, 30.4 and 11.3% of the Mesostigmata collected. Laelapidae was the most diverse family, being represented by 22 species. The remaining families were each represented by 1-5 species. Gaeolaelaps (Laelapidae) was the most diverse genus, with 14 species. Rhodacaridae was represented by a single species, Binodacarus aceguaensis Duarte, Castilho, Cunha & Moraes, representing 47.5% of the mesostigmatids. Ologamasidae was represented by four species, with Neogamasellevans sp. corresponding to the second most abundant species, representing 27.5% of the mesostigmatids. Further analysis of the data, in terms of mite identification to species level and the potential use of the mites collected for applied biological control are needed. RESUMO: A diversidade de ácaros edáficos em ambientes naturais brasileiros é pouco conhecida, especialmente no bioma Pampa na região sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade e abundância da fauna edáfica de ácaros mesostigmatídeos no bioma Pampa, do sul do Brasil. Coletas de solo foram realizadas no município de Aceguá, em 2012 e 2013. Ácaros foram extraídos das amostras com o uso de funis de Berlese-Tullgren modificados. No total, 1900 ácaros mesostigmatídeos foram coletados, representando 44 espécies de 23 gêneros de 10 famílias. As famílias mais abundantes foram Rhodacaridae, Ologamasidae e Laelapidae, nesta ordem, com 903, 578 e 214 espécimes, correspondendo respectivamente a 47,5, 30,4 e 11,3% dos mesostigmatídeos coletados. Laelapidae foi a família mais diversa, sendo representada por 22 espécies. O restante das famílias foi representado por 1 - 5 espécies. Gaeolaelaps (Laelapidae) foi o gênero mais diverso, com 14 espécies. Rhodacaridae foi representada por uma única espécie, Binodacarus aceguaensis Duarte, Castilho, Cunha & Moraes, correspondendo a 47,5% dos mesostigmatídeos. Ologamasidae foi representado por quatro espécies, com Neogamasellevans sp. correspondendo a segunda espécie mais abundante, representando 27,5% dos mesostigmatídeos encontrados. Mais estudos são necessários para a identificação destes ácaros a nível de espécie, bem como para avaliar o potencial de uso destes no controle biológico aplicado.

The world is confronted with the depletion of natural resources due to their unsustainable use and the increasing size of populations. In this context, the efficient use of by-products, residues and wastes generated from agro-industrial and food processing opens the perspective for a wide range of benefits. In particular, legume residues are produced yearly in very large amounts and may represent an interesting source of plant proteins that contribute to satisfying the steadily increasing global protein demand. Innovative biorefinery extraction cascades may also enable the recovery of further bioactive molecules and fibers from these insufficiently tapped biomass streams. This review article gives a summary of the potential for the valorization of legume residual streams resulting from agro-industrial processing and more particularly for pea, green bean and chickpea by-products/wastes. Valuable information on the annual production volumes, geographical origin and state-of-the-art technologies for the extraction of proteins, fibers and other bioactive molecules from this source of biomass, is exhaustively listed and discussed. Finally, promising applications, already using the recovered fractions from pea, bean and chickpea residues for the formulation of feed, food, cosmetic and packaging products, are listed and discussed.

L'inquinamento atmosferico è una considerevole minaccia, sia per l’ambiente che per la salute. È stato classificato come cancerogeno per l'uomo (gruppo 1) e contribuisce notevolmente all’aumento di morbilità, mortalità e all'esacerbazione delle malattie respiratorie e cardiovascolari. L'inquinamento atmosferico può essere generato sia da fonti naturali che antropogeniche. Tra le fonti antropogeniche i principali contribuenti sono le particelle emesse dalla combustione di biomassa e motori a diesel. Numerosi studi sperimentali ed epidemiologici sono stati condotti su queste particelle, considerate tra le principali responsabili degli effetti avversi sulla salute dopo l'esposizione al particolato (PM). Questi studi descrivono gli effetti tossicologici delle particelle riportando risposte diverse in funzione di specifici endpoint biologici studiati in sistemi in vitro e in vivo. Le proprietà del PM possono infatti variare in base a diversi parametri, tra cui le fonti di emissione. Infatti, in base alle fonti di emissione le particelle possono mostrare diverse proprietà fisico-chimiche, come dimensioni, forma, superficie, solubilità e composizione chimica. Tutte queste proprietà possono influenzare in maniera significativa la riposta biologica e quindi l'impatto finale sulla salute umana. Tuttavia, la nostra conoscenza delle diverse risposte biologiche e dei meccanismi molecolari innescati da particelle con proprietà fisico-chimiche variabili è ancora scarsa. Nella presente tesi sono state studiate le proprietà citotossiche, genotossiche e cancerogene delle particelle raccolte durante la combustione di diverse fonti di biomassa e diesel (CDP): - particelle di biomassa raccolte dall'emissione di un sistema di riscaldamento funzionante rispettivamente con pellet, carbone o legno; - particelle ultrafini di diesel (DEP) campionate direttamente da un motore leggero Euro IV senza filtro antiparticolato. Nella prima parte del lavoro, è stata prestata attenzione alle particelle raccolte dalla combustione della biomassa. È stato studiato il ruolo possibilmente svolto dalle particelle, raccolte durante la combustione di differenti biomasse in condizioni identiche nella stessa stufa (comunemente utilizzata), su diversi processi tossicologici e cancerogeni. Per esplorare ulteriormente il ruolo relativo del nucleo carbonioso delle particelle, rispetto ai composti chimici adsorbiti su di esso, nella risposta delle cellule epiteliali polmonari sono state testate anche le rispettive frazioni organiche e le rimanenti particelle lavate. Per valutare gli effetti della biomassa dopo esposizione acuta e prolungata sono state utilizzate due diverse linee cellulari: cellule epiteliali alveolari A549 (Capitoli 1 e 2) e cellule epiteliali bronchiali HBEC-3KT (Capitolo 3). Nella seconda parte del lavoro (capitolo 4), sono stati descritti gli effetti biologici indotti dalle particelle derivanti dalla combustione di diesel (DEP) focalizzandosi sugli effetti prodotti a livello respiratorio e vascolare. È stato studiato anche uno dei possibili meccanismi molecolari coinvolti nell’insorgenza degli effetti cardiovascolari indotti dal DEP. In conclusione, la presente tesi sottolinea il ruolo centrale della composizione chimica delle particelle nella manifestazione di importanti effetti sulla salute. I risultati ottenuti dimostrano che le particelle provenienti da diverse fonti di emissione e da carburanti possono influire in modo diverso sulla salute umana, sia a livello respiratorio che a livello cardiovascolare, in base alla loro composizione chimica. Pertanto, sono necessarie strategie avanzate per ridurre l'impatto biologico innescato dall'emissione di motori diesel e sistemi di riscaldamento a biomassa e per prevenire effetti dannosi sulla salute. Airborne pollution is a noteworthy environmental and health threat. It has been classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and greatly contributes to increased morbidity, mortality and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases exacerbation. Air pollution can be generated both by natural and anthropogenic sources. Among anthropogenic sources the main contributors are diesel exhaust and biomass-derived particles. Several experimental and epidemiological studies have been performed on traffic-related and biomass burning-derived particles as chief contributors to the adverse health effects reported after exposure to particulate matter (PM). These studies describe the particle toxicological effects reporting different responses on the biological endpoints investigated on in vitro and in vivo systems. PM properties indeed may vary depending on several parameters, including emission sources. According to the different emission sources, particles can show different physico-chemical properties, such as size, shape, surface area, solubility and chemical composition. All these properties might seriously affect the biological reactivity and thus the final impact on human health. Nevertheless, our knowledge on the different biological responses and molecular mechanisms triggered by particles with variable physico-chemical properties is still poor. In the present thesis, the cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-carcinogenic properties of particles collected during combustion of different biomass and diesel sources (CDPs) have been investigated: - biomass particles collected from the emission of a heating system operating with pellet, charcoal or wood respectively; - diesel exhaust ultrafine particles (DEP) directly sampled from a Euro IV vehicle run over a chassis dyno. In the first part of the work, attention was given to particles collected from biomass combustion. The role possibly played by biomass particles collected during the combustion of different fuels under identical conditions in the same stove (commonly used) on different toxicological and pro-carcinogenesis processes was investigated. To further explore the relative role of the particle core versus particle-adsorbed compounds in the lung epithelial cells response, the respective organic fractions and the remaining washed particles were also tested. Two different cell lines were used to assess biomass effects after acute and prolonged exposure: A549 alveolar epithelial cells (Chapters 1 and 2) and HBEC-3KT bronchial epithelial cells (Chapter 3). In the second part of the work (Chapter 4), the biological effects induced by diesel combustion particles (DEP) were described, focusing on their health hazard at both respiratory and vascular levels. Moreover, a possible molecular mechanism leading to cardiovascular effects induced by DEP has been explored. In conclusion, the present thesis points out the central role of the particle chemical composition in generating significant adverse outcomes. These results demonstrated that particles from different emission sources and fuels may differently affect human health at respiratory and cardiovascular levels according to their composition. Thus, advanced strategies are needed to reduce the biological impact triggered by the emission of diesel engine and biomass-propelled heating systems and prevent harmful health effects.

The paper presents a life cycle assessment of energy produced by biogas obtained by biomass waste and fuelled in a tri-generation pilot plant located in Tunisia. The results, referred to 1 MJ of exergy, showed that the plant construction causes 76% of primary energy consumption and gives a contribution higher than 90% on resource depletion and ionizing radiation, and of 50% on ozone depletion. Operation causes 66% of the impact on human toxicity—cancer effects and more than 90% of the other impacts, except for ecotoxicity of freshwater mainly caused during the end of life. The study is one of the first applications of environmental analysis to tri-generation from waste in developing countries; it can be considered a guideline for similar countries for transforming the problem of waste in opportunity. Furthermore, it gives suggestions for a cleaner management of biomass waste to achieve a bio-economy based on energy from renewable sources.

The surface of our planet is unique among known planetary bodies in that it supports life. From plants to microbes, this life can modulate the creation, transport, and deposition of sediment and therefore affect the evolution of the landscapes it inhabits. In this chapter, we explore remote sensing techniques that can quantify features of living organisms, which may link to geomorphic processes. Our focus is on vegetation. We review some of the many mechanisms through which geomorphology and vegetation are linked, and their incorporation into geomorphic models, and explore how lidar, radar, optical, multispectral remote sensing, and even airborne geophysical methods can be used to quantify relevant properties such as biomass, vegetation density, and organic carbon.

With the aim of generating a strategy for biocultural conservation, we explore the structure and robustness of the botanical medical systems in the Biosphere Reserve “Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte,” Uruguay, combining ethnobotanical hypotheses and network theory. We report a heterogeneous distribution of knowledge of medicinal plants with a potential limit to the individual knowledge (truncated–power-law). The robustness analysis in the face of alternative potential scenarios of system degradation indicates that the ethnobotanical system presents a high level of resistance to the loss of agents and medicinal plants species, but also a nonlinear response with a threshold of degradation after which an abrupt collapse in system structure is expected. To counter these threats at the Biosphere Reserve, we propose to promote ethnobotanical knowledge transmission and sustainable development in rural areas, and to encourage the development of strategies for the conservation of medicinal plants., Con el objetivo de generar una estrategia de conservación biocultural, exploramos la estructura y la robustez del sistema botánico médico en la Reserva de Biosfera “Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte,” Uruguay, combinando hipótesis etnobotánicas y teoría de redes. Reportamos una distribución heterogénea del conocimiento sobre las plantas medicinales con un límite potencial del conocimiento individual (ley poder-truncada). El análisis de robustez frente a posibles escenarios alternativos de degradación, indica que el sistema etnobotánico presenta un alto nivel de resistencia a la pérdida de agentes y plantas medicinales. También se observa una respuesta no lineal con un umbral de degradación, después del cual se produce un colapso abrupto de la estructura del sistema. Para contrarrestar estas amenazas en la Reserva de Biosfera, proponemos promover los procesos de transmisión de conocimiento etnobotánico y el desarrollo sostenible en áreas rurales, así como alentar el desarrollo de estrategias para la conservación de plantas medicinales., Laboratorio de Etnobotánica y Botánica Aplicada

Nowadays most of energy supply and chemicals are produced from fossil fuels. However, environmental concerns like global warming, depletion of non-renewable resources and pollution, force to search for more sustainable alternative feedstocks. In this framework, the valorization of renewable resources is currently one of the most promising strategies for the next future. In particular, the use of biomass is ranked first for production of chemicals. One of the most attractive compounds that can be obtained from lignocellulosic biomass is Levulinic acid (LA). The present work analyses, from a technical, economic and safety standpoint, the valorization of waste biomass (OPEFB, oil palm empty fruit bunch) to LA with different methodologies. Energy demand of the plant and the separation efficiency are evaluated carrying out process simulations by the commercial software Aspen HYSYS V10. The obtained results allowed an economic analysis of the alternatives, based on the evaluation of investment and main operating costs. The alternatives were screened on the basis of net present value (NPV) of costs. Safety performance was investigated by an inherent safety assessment method. This considered toxic dispersion and fire scenarios, calculating the damage distances associated with the potential outcomes of an accident and allowing for the evaluation of a potential hazard index for each main process equipment. The choice of the optimal layout configuration for the production of LA in early phases of design allowed to address, in a time and cost-effective way, further design activities in reducing the energy demand and ensuring potentially safer plants making the whole process more sustainable.

portuguesA construcao da usina hidreletrica de Ilha Solteira, no interior de Sao Paulo, foi iniciada nos anos 1960, quando foi retirado, em media, 8,60 m de solo em profundidade, dando origem a uma area degradada. Com isso, iniciou-se em 2005 um plano de recuperacao da area no municipio de Selviria/MS com plantio de especies vegetais adaptadas ao bioma Cerrado. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a macrofauna do solo de uma area em processo de recuperacao com plantio de diferentes tipos de cobertura vegetal (1- solo nu (testemunha); 2- vegetacao nativa de Cerrado; 3- especie arborea Astronium fraxinifolium; 4- Astronium fraxinifolium + Canavalia ensiformis; 5- Astronium fraxinifolium + Raphanus sativus; 6- Astronium fraxinifolium + Brachiaria decumbens + lodo de esgoto). A macrofauna de solo foi avaliada em 2005, 2006 e 2007 utilizando o metodo de coleta direta e contagem manual. Foram determinados: quantidade de especies e indices de diversidade e uniformidade. As analises de componentes principals (PCA) e de cluster foram utilizadas para interpretacao de dados. Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento 6 (Astronium fraxinifolium + Brachiaria decumbens + lodo de esgoto) aumentou a populacao de macrofauna do solo em aproximadamente 4 a 6 vezes mais que os demais tipos de cobertura vegetal apos tres anos de avaliacao. As analises de PCA e de cluster mostraram aproximacao dos dados do tratamento 6 as condicoes ambientais naturais de Cerrado, indicando ser o tratamento mais adequado para a recuperacao do solo degradado EnglishThe construction of the hydroelectric power plant of Ilha Solteira, in state of Sao Paulo, was initiated in the 1960s, when an average, 8.60 m of soil depth was removed, resulting in a degraded area. A plan for the recovery of the area started in 2005 in Selviria /MS with the use of plant species adapted to the Cerrado biome. This study aimed to evaluate the soil macrofauna of an area under recovery by using different types of soil cover (1- bare soil (control); 2- native Cerrado vegetation; 3- specie Astronium fraxinifolium; 4- Astronium fraxinifolium + Canavalia ensiformis; 5- Astronium fraxinifolium + Raphanus sativus; 6- Astronium fraxinifolium + Brachiaria decumbens + sewage sludge). Soil macrofauna was evaluated in 2005, 2006 and 2007 using the direct collection method and manual counting. Number of species, diversity and uniformity index were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used for data interpretation. Results showed that treatment 6 (Astronium fraxinifolium+ Brachiaria decumbens+ sewage sludge) increased the soil macrofauna population by approximately 4 to 6 times more than the other types of cover after three years of evaluation. And the PCA and cluster analysis showed the approximation of the data between treatment 6 and Cerrado, which represents the most appropriate treatment for the recovery of the degraded soil

RESUMOEste trabalho intenta analisar a conexao entre remanescentes florestais de bioma do Cerrado brasileiro com Corredores Ecologicos, pretendendo a manutencao ou aumento da Biodiversidade nos centros urbanos, considerando o desenvolvimento de florestas urbanas e do Paisagismo Produtivo como uma alternativa sustentavel de implantacao de projetos multifuncionais. Fez-se, a partir de revisao bibliografica de trabalhos tecnicos que abordam temas correlatos e da legislacao cabivel, a investigacao dos Corredores no cenario brasileiro, atrelada a analise da utilizacao da Biodiversidade na Arquitetura Paisagistica como meio sustentavel de recuperacao de Ecossistemas. Tendo o Macro paisagismo como estrategia para o desenvolvimento urbano, com especies de plantas nativas que produzam frutas como alternativa para o fomento da oferta de alimento e habitat para a fauna, visando a disseminacao natural do bioma, reproduz-se cenarios mais elaborados integrando-os a outras funcoes viaveis, fornecendo eficazes instrumentos de requalificacao ambiental em territorios ecologicamente sensiveis e de reestruturacao do tecido urbano. Palavras-chave:biodiversidade, paisagismo produtivo, desenvolvimento sustentavel, corredores ecologicos.Linha de Investigacao: 2. Cidade e Ambiente.Topico: Ambiente, paisagem e alteracoes climaticas. ABSTRACTThis work intends to analyze the connection between forest remnants of the Brazilian Cerrado biome with Ecological Corridors, aiming at maintaining or increasing Biodiversity in urban centers, considering the development of urban forests and Productive Landscaping as a sustainable alternative for the implementation of multifunctional projects. Based on a bibliographic review of technical works that address related themes and applicable legislation, the investigation of Corridors in the Brazilian scenario, linked to the analysis of the use of Biodiversity in Landscape Architecture as a sustainable means of recovering Ecosystems. Having Macro Landscaping as a strategy for urban development, with species of native plants that produce fruit as an alternative for promoting the supply of food and habitat for fauna, aiming at the natural dissemination of the biome, more elaborate scenarios are reproduced integrating them to other viable functions, providing effective tools for environmental requalification in ecologically sensitive territories and for restructuring the urban network.Keywords:biodiversity, productive landscaping, sustainable development, ecological corridors.Thematic clusters: 2. City and Environment.Topic: Environment, landscape and climate change.

This paper presents a thermodynamic analysis and techno-economic assessment of a novel hybrid solar-biomass power-generation system configuration composed of an externally fired gas-turbine (EFGT) fuelled by biomass (wood chips) and a bottoming organic Rankine cycle (ORC) plant. The main novelty is related to the heat recovery from the exhaust gases of the EFGT via thermal energy storage (TES), and integration of heat from a parabolic-trough collectors (PTCs) field with molten salts as a heat-transfer fluid (HTF). The presence of a TES between the topping and bottoming cycles facilitates the flexible operation of the system, allows the system to compensate for solar energy input fluctuations, and increases capacity factor and dispatchability. A TES with two molten salt tanks (one cold at 200 °C and one hot at 370 °C) is chosen. The selected bottoming ORC is a superheated recuperative cycle suitable for heat conversion in the operating temperature range of the TES. The whole system is modelled by means of a Python-based software code, and three locations in the Mediterranean area are assumed in order to perform energy-yield analyses: Marseille in France, Priolo Gargallo in Italy and Rabat in Morocco. In each case, the thermal storage that minimizes the levelized cost of energy (LCE) is selected on the basis of the estimated solar radiation and CSP size. The results of the thermodynamic simulations, capital and operational costs assessments and subsidies (feed-in tariffs for biomass and solar electricity available in the Italian framework), allow estimating the global energy conversion efficiency and the investment profitability in the three locations. Sensitivity analyses of the biomass costs, size of PTCs, feed-in tariff and share of cogenerated heat delivered to the load are also performed. The results show that the high investment costs of the CSP section in the proposed size range and hybridization configuration allow investment profitability only in the presence of a dedicated subsidy framework such as the one available in the Italian energy market. In particular, the LCE of the proposed system is around 140 Eur/MWh (with the option to discharge the cogenerated heat) and the IRR is around 15%, based on the Italian electricity subsidy tariffs. The recovery of otherwise discharged heat to match thermal energy demand can significantly increase the investment profitability and compensate the high investment costs of the proposed technology.

The valorization of residual biomass plays today a decisive role in the concept of &ldquo, circular economy&rdquo, according to which each waste material must be reused to its maximum extent. The collection and energy valorization at the local level of biomass from forest management practices and wildfire prevention cutting can be settled in protected areas to contribute to local decarbonization, by removing power generation from fossil fuels. Despite the evident advantages of bioenergy systems, several problems still hinder their diffusion, such as the need to assure their reliability by extending the operating range with materials of different origin. The Italian project &ldquo, INNOVARE&mdash, Innovative plants for distributed poly-generation by residual biomass&rdquo, funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MISE), has the main scope of improving micro-cogeneration technologies fueled by biomass. A micro-combined heat and power (mCHP) unit was chosen as a case study to discuss pros and cons of biomass-powered cogeneration within a national park, especially due to its flexibility of use. The availability of local biomasses (woodchips, olive milling residuals) was established by studying the agro-industrial production and by identifying forest areas to be properly managed through an approach using a satellite location system based on the microwave technology. A detailed synergic numerical and experimental characterization of the selected cogeneration system was performed in order to identify its main inefficiencies. Improvements of its operation were optimized by acting on the engine control strategy and by also adding a post-treatment system on the engine exhaust gas line. Overall, the electrical output was increased by up to 6% using the correct spark timing, and pollutant emissions were reduced well below the limits allowed by legislation by working with a lean mixture and by adopting an oxidizing catalyst. Finally, the global efficiency of the system increased from 45.8% to 63.2%. The right blending of different biomasses led to an important improvement of the reliability of the entire plant despite using an agrifood residual, such as olive pomace. It was demonstrated that the use of this biomass is feasible if its maximum mass percentage in a wood matrix mixture does not exceed 25%. The project was concluded with a real operation demonstration within a national park in Southern Italy by replacing a diesel genset with the analyzed and improved biomass-powered plant and by proving a decisive improvement of air quality in the real environment during exercise.

Given the sterility of giant reed (Arundo donax L.), mutagenesis can be a valid strategy to increase genetic diversity in the species and to enable the selection of superior genotypes with new agronomic and qualitative characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative traits of selected three-year old giant reed mutants (UniBO3; Line10; and Line11). The mutants' performance was evaluated in comparison to the local non-mutagenized ecotype (Arun11) under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Yield differences among mutants were significant: Line11 produced the highest (24 Mg ha−1), and UniBO3 the lowest (19 Mg ha−1) biomass yield, while Line10 showed intermediate yield (22 Mg ha−1). Such variable yields were in line with tiller density and WUE. Besides that, Line11 showed and enhanced plasticity in its water uptake sources and drought resistance. However, the effects of the irrigation and the genotype by irrigation treatment interaction were not significant. The irrigation treatment did not change either the qualitative characteristics of Line11: the cellulose content (42%) was higher than in the control and UniBO3 mutant. Whereas the hemicellulose and lignin contents remained unvaried, suggesting Line11 as a promising feedstock for conversion to advanced biofuels. As for the mineral composition, Line11 showed the most marked changes, especially in terms of K, Si, and Si/K ratio, suggesting a lowered quality for thermochemical conversion. The induced variability shows some promising characteristics that could lead to new specialized mutant lines with improved suitability to specific environmental conditions and conversion technologies.

High-throughput phenotyping platforms provide valuable opportunities to investigate biomass and drought-adaptive traits. We explored the capacity of traits associated with drought adaptation such as aerial measurements of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and carbon isotope composition (&delta, 13C) determined at the leaf level to predict genetic variation in biomass. A panel of 248 elite durum wheat accessions was grown at the Maricopa Phenotyping platform (US) under well-watered conditions until anthesis, and then irrigation was stopped and plot biomass was harvested about three weeks later. Globally, the &delta, 13C values increased from the first to the second sampling date, in keeping with the imposition of progressive water stress. Additionally, &delta, 13C was negatively correlated with final biomass, and the correlation increased at the second sampling, suggesting that accessions with lower water-use efficiency maintained better water status and, thus, performed better. Flowering time affected NDVI predictions of biomass, revealing the importance of developmental stage when measuring the NDVI and the effect that phenology has on its accuracy when monitoring genotypic adaptation to specific environments. The results indicate that in addition to choosing the optimal phenotypic traits, the time at which they are assessed, and avoiding a wide genotypic range in phenology is crucial.

Phytostabilization of mine soils contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) requires plants tolerant to PTE toxicity and to the poor soil physico-chemical characteristics of these areas. A pot experiment was carried out to assess the phytostabilization potential of Brassica juncea and Dactylis glomerata in mine soils amended with compost and biochar. Furthermore, the Environmental Risk of the soils and the effects of the phytostabilization process on the microbiological population size and activity in the soils were also determined. According to the Ecological Risk Index (ERI) the soils studied presented “very high risk” and As, Cd and Pb were the target elements for phytostabilization. Both amendments improved soil conditions (e.g., increasing total-N and total organic-C concentrations) and contributed to PTE (Cd, Pb and Zn) immobilization in the soil. Compost showed a more marked effect on soil microbial biomass and nutrients release in soil, which led to higher B. juncea and D. glomerata biomass in compost treated soils. Biochar treatment showed a positive effect only on D. glomerata growth, despite it provoked strong PTE immobilization in both soils. The addition of both amendments resulted in an overall reduction of PTE concentration in the plants compared to the control treatment. In addition, both plant species showed higher accumulation of PTE in the roots than in the shoots (transfer factor

Two new species of Liotyphlops are described from Brazil, one from the Cerrado Biome in central Brazil and the other from the Atlantic Rainforest Biome in south Brazil. The new species are mainly diagnosed by the arrangement of cephalic scales and bones and counts of body scales. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) was used to present data on the skull of the holotypes. In addition, meristic characters for all species of Liotyphlops are presented in comparison to the new species. Duas novas especies de Liotyphlops sao descritas do Brasil, uma do Bioma Cerrado no Brasil central e outra do Bioma Mata Atlântica no sul do Brasil. As novas especies sao diagnosticadas principalmente pelo arranjo de escamas e ossos cefalicos e contagens de escamas corporais. Tomografia computadorizada de raios X de alta resolucao (HRXCT) foi utilizada para apresentar dados do crânio dos holotipos. Alem disso, caracteres meristicos para todas as especies de Liotyphlops sao apresentados em comparacao com as novas esp...

A delimitacao geografica de um bioma engloba questoes que envolvem fatores ambientais, como clima e caracteristicas da vegetacao, alem de aspectos politicos. Consequentemente, variacoes na delimitacao de um bioma sao recorrentes. A Mata Atlântica e um dos mais importantes hotspots de biodiversidade do mundo e historicamente diversas delimitacoes territoriais foram propostas para esse bioma. Aqui tivemos como objetivo 1) discutir as quatro principais delimitacoes e 2) com base nos limites existentes, discutir sua uniao (Limite Integrativo) e Interseccao (Limite Consensual). Os principais limites apresentam areas consensuais e integrativas de 1,01 e 1,62 milhao km 2 , respectivamente. Cinco regioes de divergencia devem ser cuidadosamente avaliadas. Finalmente, sugerimos um debate sobre o uso de limites em estudos ecologicos e sua aplicacao em estudos sobre conservacao da biodiversidade. A NOTE ON THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE ATLANTIC FOREST. The geographic delimitation of a biome encompasses questions that involve environmental factors such as climate and vegetation characteristics as well as political aspects. Consequently, variation on biome delimitation is recurrent. The Atlantic Forest is one of the most important biodiversity hotspot in the world, and historically several territorial delimitations have been proposed for this biome. Here we aim on 1) discuss the four main delimitations and 2) based on the existing limits, discuss their union (Integrative limit) and Intersection (Consensual limit). The main limits present consensual and integrative areas of 1.01 and 1.62 million km 2 , respectively. Five regions of divergence must be carefully evaluated. Finally, we suggest a debate about the use of limits in ecological studies and their application in biodiversity conservation studies.

40 páginas, 4 gráficos, 3 tablas .-- The definitive version is available at http://www.elsevier.com, Soil quality is strongly affected by microbial biomass that is involved in organic matter mineralization and the supply of nutrients to plants. The effects of trace elements on soil microbial biomass and activity are still controversial, and the contents of the elements in different forms, more than the total amounts, may affect soil microbial community. Volcanic soils are peculiar environments because of their chemical characteristics. Therefore, the aims of this research were to evaluate in volcanic soils: i) the elemental composition; ii) the elemental availability; and iii) the effects of elemental fractions on soil microbial biomass and activity. In order to reach the aims, the BCR sequential extraction method was applied in order to separate 22 elements in different soil fractions: acid soluble, reducible, oxidisable and residual. The studied biological parameters were: microbial and fungal biomasses, soil respiration, metabolic quotient, coefficient of endogenous mineralization, dehydrogenase and hydrolase activities, and phytotoxicity. Among the investigated elements, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Ti, V and Zn were scarcely available; Cd appeared to be the most ready available element; Zn was mainly present in the acid soluble and in the residual fractions. Microbial biomass and activity appeared to be mainly affected by the reducible and oxidasable fractions of the investigated elements more than the acid soluble or residual ones. With the exception of La and V, the elemental content in the various fractions would seem to stimulate the microbial biomass and activity. Finally, the investigated volcanic soils showed phytotoxic properties., This research activity has been realised in collaboration of the Biology Department of University Federico II of Napleas and the Vesuvius National Park within the “Azione di Sistema - Impatto antropico da pressione turistica nelle aree protette: interferenze su territorio e biodiversità” funded by “Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare” (CUP: E65J13000030001), Direttiva Conservazione della Biodiversità. Chemical analysis has been economically supported by Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain (CTM2013-47874-C2-2-R)

Simulation modelling applied to grapevine is a promising tool to unravel the tight interactions between agricultural management and pedo-climatic conditions, and their impact on yield variability. This is an urgent need in current conditions, and in light of climate change, which is expected to deeply affect the performances of vine cropping systems. Here we present a BioMA software component (UNIFI.GrapeML), which is a model library of grapevine physiological processes. We used it to develop a new grapevine model considering the impact of soil water availability on yield, selecting a Spanish vineyard as case study (Chardonnay variety). We inspected its behavior with sensitivity analysis techniques, selecting the most relevant parameters to calibrate for matching reference data. The accuracy in reproducing phenology (average Pearson r ¯ = 0.57), soil water content ( r ¯ = 0.70) and yield (r = 0.59) proved its capability to respond to weather variability, and the efficiency of BioMA software architecture in developing agricultural models.