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Constant changes during the seed maturation process affect its final quality and the post-harvest fruit resting, which can improve seed physiological quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological and enzymatic activities of eggplant seeds extracted from fruits harvested at different ages and resting periods after harvest. Fruits were harvested presenting different colors at 40, 50, 60, and 70 days after anthesis (DAA) and rested for 0 (freshly harvested fruits), 10, and 20 days. The experimental design was set as completely randomized, with four replications and evaluated seeds extracted from six fruits per plot. The resting periods in eggplant fruits harvested at less than 60 DAA improved the mass of 1000 seeds, germination, vigor, and protein content. Seeds with higher germination and vigor presented lower dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) enzymatic activity. The results indicated that the ideal moment of eggplant harvest for seed production is when the fruit reaches the yellowish-brown color corresponding to about 60 DAA; however, if the eggplant fruit is harvested earlier (40 or 50 DAA), it has to rest for about 10 to 20 days to achieve high physiological quality (germination and vigor). RESUMO Mudanças constantes durante o processo de maturação das sementes afetam sua qualidade final, assim como o repouso pós colheita dos frutos pode melhorar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e a atividade enzimática de sementes de berinjela provenientes de frutos com diferentes idades e períodos de repouso após a colheita. Os frutos foram colhidos apresentando cores diferentes aos 40, 50, 60 e 70 dias após a antese (DAA) e mantidos em repouso por 0 (frutos recém-colhidos), 10 e 20 dias. Foi utilizado delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições e foram avaliadas as sementes extraídas de seis frutos por parcela. O repouso dos frutos de berinjela colhidos com menos de 60 DAA possibilitou maiores massas de 1000 sementes, germinação, vigor e teor de proteínas das sementes. As sementes com maior germinação e vigor apresentaram baixa atividade enzimática da superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e peroxidase (POX). Os resultados indicaram que o momento ideal da colheita é quando o fruto atinge a cor amarelada-marrom correspondente a cerca de 60 DAA; no entanto, se o fruto de berinjela for colhido precocemente (40 a 50 DAA), ele tem que permanecer em repouso por cerca de 10 a 20 dias para as sementes alcançarem alta qualidade fisiológica (germinação e vigor).

Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several “savanna-dwelling” species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity. Resumo Os mamíferos são organismos carismáticos que desempenham um papel fundamental na função ecológica e nos serviços ecossistêmicos, como polinização, dispersão de sementes, ciclagem de nutrientes e controle de pragas. O Estado de São Paulo representa apenas 3% do território brasileiro, mas detém 33% da diversidade de mamíferos. A maior parte de seu território é dominado pela agricultura, pastagens e áreas urbanas que afetam diretamente a diversidade e a persistência dos mamíferos na paisagem. Além disso, São Paulo possui o maior porto da América Latina e o maior reservatório de petróleo costeiro do Brasil, com 600 km de extensão de litoral com diversas espécies de mamíferos marinhos. Essas infraestruturas afetam a diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e o futuro dos mamíferos no estado. Aqui, respondemos cinco perguntas principais: 1) Qual é a diversidade de mamíferos silvestres no Estado de São Paulo? 2) Onde eles ocorrem? 3) Qual é o seu impacto positivo e negativo no bem-estar humano? 4) Como os mamíferos persistem em paisagens modificadas pelo homem? 5) Qual é o futuro dos mamíferos no estado? O estado de São Paulo possui 255 espécies de mamíferos nativos, com quatro espécies endêmicas, duas delas globalmente ameaçadas de extinção. Pelo menos seis espécies (dois marsupiais, ariranha, veado-campeiro, veado-cambuta e tatu-canastra) foram extirpadas do estado devido à caça e perda de habitat. O intenso uso humano da terra no estado forçou muitas espécies de mamíferos a mudar sua dieta para lidar com a intensa fragmentação e agricultura. A monocultura em larga escala facilitou a invasão de espécies exóticas, como porcos selvagens (javaporco) e a lebre europeia. Várias espécies de áreas abertas estão expandindo suas áreas de distribuição (lobo-guará, veado-catingueiro) sobre áreas desmatadas e provavelmente refletem mudanças em direção a um clima mais seco. Como o estado possui o maior sistema rodoviário do Brasil, cerca de 40 mil mamíferos de 33 espécies são mortos por ano em colisões, causando um prejuízo econômico de 12 milhões de dólares/ano. A diversidade de mamíferos está concentrada nos maiores remanescentes florestais da Serra do Mar e no interior do Estado, principalmente nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto e Jundiaí. As lacunas amostrais estão concentradas em todo o interior do estado, principalmente na região noroeste. Os mamíferos silvestres desempenham um papel fundamental em muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, mas também podem ser uma preocupação em trazer novas doenças emergentes para as populações humanas. Embora a taxonomia de mamíferos pareça ser bem conhecida, mostramos que novas espécies estão sendo continuamente descobertas no estado. Portanto, pesquisas usando tecnologias tradicionais e novas (eDNA, iDNA, drones), monitoramento populacional de longo prazo, a investigação da interface do conflito homem-vida selvagem e a compreensão do papel único no ecossistema desempenhado pelos mamíferos são um caminho futuro para promover uma paisagem verde sustentável aliada ao bem-estar humano no estado. O plantio de corredores florestais ou de cerrado, principalmente junto aos principais sistemas fluviais, no planalto, o controle da caça ilegal nas áreas costeiras, o manejo dos regimes de fogo no Cerrado e a mitigação dos atropelamentos devem ser uma prioridade para proteger essa notável diversidade de mamíferos.

The constrained least mean square (CLMS) algorithm is one of the most popular online linear-equality-constrained beamforming algorithms. This paper demonstrates for the first time that it solves a deterministic minimum-disturbance optimization problem in an exact manner. Such a framework is employed to insert the coefficient reusing technique into the algorithm, engendering a new low-complexity constrained adaptive filter, designated as RC-CLMS, that trades convergence rate for asymptotic performance. A stochastic model that predicts the average evolution of adaptive weights is derived. Through simulations, the advanced reusing coefficient extension of the constrained least mean-square algorithm enhanced the asymptotic signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio and decreased the steady-state mean output energy. Furthermore, the resulting beam pattern is analyzed with an antenna analysis tool, confirming the efficacy of the advanced algorithm in a realistic setting, when the electromagnetic coupling between the antennas is taken into account.

For vehicle tactical radio communications, positioning antennas along the structure is a complex task. In vessels, there are several radio systems installed operating from HF to SHF. Consequently, the antennas need to share the same restricted space while preserving electromagnetic compatibility. In this context, this work presents a parametric analysis of the positioning of HF monopole antennas on the upper bridge of a typical Navy frigate. A numerical antenna analysis tool was chosen to support the intended analysis. Six positioning scenarios were simulated, evaluating the performance change of figures of merit such as the reflection coefficient and gain, due to the mutual coupling between the antennas and the main metallic objects within their close range. Furthermore, from the analysis, it was possible to establish recommended distances of decorrelation between the antenna and the main nearby objects.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different priming treatments in the longevity of H. serratifolius seeds. Seeds were osmo-conditioned in PEG -1.0 MPa at 10, 15 and 20°C or hydro primed at 5, 10 and 15°C. Final germination, speed and uniformity of germination were assessed. Priming did not affect the final percentage nor uniformity of germination; however, the germination speed was increased after hydropriming at 15°C and osmo-conditioning at 15°C compared to the control. Primed and not primed seeds were placed into an incubator (25°C, dark, 100% RH) until they reached 15% moisture content. Then, seeds were incubated in a container at 40°C for 0 to 144 hours, so, samples were taken in each period for determination of viability. The results suggest that priming increases longevity of H. serratifolius seeds. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes tratamentos de primer na longevidade de H. sementes de serratifolius. As sementes foram osmo-condicionadas em PEG -1,0 MPa a 10, 15 e 20°C ou hidrocondicionadas a 5, 10 e 15°C. A germinação final, velocidade e uniformidade de germinação foram avaliadas. O condicionamento não afetou a porcentagem final nem a uniformidade de germinação; no entanto, a germinação velocidade foi aumentada após hidrocondicionamento a 15°C e condicionamento osmo a 15°C em comparação com o ao controle. Sementes com primer e sem primer foram colocadas em uma incubadora (25°C, escuro, 100% RH) até atingiram 15% de umidade. Em seguida, as sementes foram incubadas em um recipiente a 40°C por 0 a 144 horas, portanto, foram retiradas amostras em cada período para determinação da viabilidade. Os resultados sugerem que o condicionamento aumenta a longevidade de sementes de H. serratifolius.

Quartzite mining in Minas Gerais, Brazil, represents an important part of the state’s economy, however, the difficulties of miners in complying with environmental requirements have led to the closure of activity in many places, reflecting a social problem, increasing the class unemployment, and in an environmental problem, caused by large environmental liabilities by the tailings waste resulting from the activity. This article approaches the search for alternatives to this problem and sees in the reuse of these wastes as aggregates in construction a path for the promotion of social and environmental sustainability of the region, in addition to enabling the development of new technologies in the class of special concretes, in this case the production of Reactive Powder Concrete – RPC, considered innovator in the world scene of the civil construction by presenting high compressive strength. RPC are made using the fine fraction of the aggregate and powder reactive materials. This technology allows the incorporation of rock residues, in this case, the quartzite powder could manifest positively in view of the high percentage of silica (Si). Based on these premises, the objective of this research is to perform experimental studies with the fine fraction and quartzite powder for the production of RPC. The research was divided into the following stages: identification and collection of different types of quartzite; petrographic appreciation; production of fine fractions and powders of quartzites; calculations and production of RPC in the laboratory; technological characterization of concretes. In general, the results presented to date showed a good behavior of the quartzites, with results of compressive strength between 85 MPa and 143 MPa. In view of the above, it is worth highlighting the possibility of a noble destination for the quartzite tailings from Minas Gerais for the production of reactive powders and as a consequence contribute to the minimization of negative environmental impacts in mining.