ABSTRACT Cocoa has contributed substantial income to the Ecuadorian economy, to the point of being called “golden nugget” since the 19th century, for being the basis of the first industries and banking entities and driving socio-economic development. Multiple actors intervene in the cocoa production and marketing chain, establishing interrelationships to position cocoa products in the domestic market, but allocating the majority to export. This study analyzes the product marketing process by identifying its main channels. Based on a mixed methodology with a descriptive approach, the product and its marketing were characterized based on the results of a survey of actors in the commerce sector in the province of Manabí. The preference for the consumption of cocoa products from local distributors with flexible payment policies, operational product replacement cycles and respect for legal and health regulations is demonstrated. Among the derivatives with the greatest consumption are chocolate powder and chocolate bars, with preferences towards packaging in cases and sachets. The results can be generalized to other locations, to enhance the marketing of cocoa products.

RESUMEN El cacao ha aportado sustanciales ingresos a la economía ecuatoriana, al punto de llamársele “pepa de oro” desde el siglo XIX, por ser la base de las primeras industrias y entidades bancarias y dinamizador del desarrollo socio-económico. En la cadena de producción y comercialización cacaotera intervienen múltiples actores, estableciéndose interrelaciones para posicionar los productos del cacao en el mercado interno, pero destinando la mayor parte a la exportación. Este estudio analiza el proceso de comercialización de productos a partir de la identificación de sus principales canales. Sobre la base de una metodología mixta con enfoque descriptivo, se caracterizó el producto y su comercialización a partir de los resultados de una encuesta a actores del sector comercio de la provincia de Manabí. Se demuestra la preferencia por el consumo de productos del cacao procedentes de distribuidoras locales con políticas de pago flexibles, ciclos operativos de reposición de productos y respetuosas de las normativas legales y sanitarias. Entre los derivados con mayor consumo se encuentra el chocolate en polvo y el chocolate en barra, con preferencias hacia los envases en funda y sachets. Los resultados pueden ser generalizados a otras localidades, para potenciar la comercialización de productos derivados del cacao.

Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) reinforced with a particulate form of reinforcement have emerged as a replacement for monolithic alloys in various engineering industries due to their superior mechanical properties and customizable thermal and electrical characteristics. Silicon Carbide (SiC), is renowned for its high-temperature strength, hardness, wear resistance, excellent oxidation resistance, chemical resistance, low thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity, and compatibility with aluminium alloy find extensive utilization in Shipbuilding industries. The necessity for joining AMMCs arises in numerous engineering applications. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) emerges as one of the most fitting welding processes for joining AMMCs reinforced with particulate forms of ceramics without compromising their superior mechanical properties. This study endeavours to establish regression models predicting the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Percent Elongation (PE), and Weld Nugget Hardness (WNH) of friction stir welded AA6092 matrix composite reinforced with Silicon Carbide particles (SiC). The models correlate significant parameters such as tool rotational speed (TRS), welding speed (WS), axial force (AF), and percentage of SiC reinforcement in the AA6092 metal matrix. Statistical software Design Expert, along with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and student’s t-test, is employed to validate the developed models. It is observed from the investigation that these factors independently influence the UTS, PE, and WNH of the friction stir welded composite joints. The developed regression models are optimized to maximize the UTS and WNH of friction stir welded AA6092/SiC composite joints. (AMMCs characteristics SiC, , (SiC) hightemperature temperature strength hardness resistance expansion conductivity applications FSW (FSW (UTS) PE (PE) (WNH AA AA609 SiC. . TRS, TRS (TRS) WS, WS (WS) AF, AF (AF) Expert ANOVA (ANOVA students student s ttest, ttest t test, test t-test joints AA6092SiC AASiC (SiC (UTS (PE AA60 (TRS (WS (AF AA6

Abstract In this present examination, AA6092 alloys are friction-stir welded at various welding conditions to develop a welded joint with optimal ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and microhardness. This work deals with replacement of application of AA6061 alloys as bumper and bonnet by means of AA6092 alloys and this alloys tensile strength and microhardness is further increased by performing friction stir welding. This study investigates the performance of the friction stir welded butt joints of AA6092 alloys by varying the FSW process parameters such as tool rotational speed (TRS), welding speed (WS), axial load (AL), tool tilt angle (TTA), tool pin profile (TPP), shoulder diameter (SD), etc. In the current investigation, the empirical relationships are developed between most contributing FSW process parameters (TRS, WS, and AL) and their output responses (UTS and weld nugget microhardness (WNH)). The optimal UTS and WNH is predicted by the desirability approach of response surface methodology (RSM). The conforming values of input FSW process parameters are TRS of 1451.67 rpm, WS of 42.22 mm/min, and AL of 5.29 kN. For the existing examination, calculated UTS and WNH are 465.6 MPa and 151.8 HRB respectively, and the results of validation experiments are also invariable with these values. examination AA AA609 frictionstir AA606 TRS, , (TRS) (WS) AL, (AL) TTA, TTA (TTA) TPP, TPP (TPP) SD, SD (SD) etc investigation (TRS WNH. . (WNH)) RSM. RSM (RSM) 145167 1451 67 1451.6 rpm 4222 42 22 42.2 mmmin mm min mm/min 529 5 29 5.2 kN 4656 465 6 465. 1518 151 8 151. respectively AA60 (WS (AL (TTA (TPP (SD (WNH) (RSM 14516 145 1451. 422 4 2 42. 52 5. 46 15 AA6 (WNH 14 1

RESUMEN La soya es actualmente la oleaginosa más cultivada en el mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los atributos químicos de Oxisol correlacionados con la productividad de soya. Los atributos evaluados fueron productividad de grano y las propiedades edáficas contenido de materia orgánica, fósforo, pH, potasio, calcio, magnesio, hidrógeno + aluminio, aluminio, suma de bases, capacidad de intercambio catiónico (CIC), saturación de bases, requerimiento de encalado; resistencias a la penetración 0.0-0.40 m, 0.10-0.20 m, 0.20-0.30 m y 0.30-0.40 m. Los atributos químicos fueron sometidos a un análisis descriptivo clásico, con la ayuda del programa RBio. En el análisis del semivariograma, los atributos calcio, magnesio, aluminio, suma de bases, saturación de bases, requerimiento de encalado y resistencia a la penetración 0.30-0.40 m mostraron un efecto pepita puro, es decir, sin dependencia espacial. En conclusión, la CIC es la propiedad que mejor describió los datos de rendimiento de soya en el Latosol Rojo distrófico. La productividad del grano, contenido de materia orgánica, fósforo, pH, potasio, hidrógeno + aluminio, CIC, y la resistencia a la penetración de 0.00 a 0.30 m mostraron dependencia espacial.

ABSTRACT Soybean is currently the most cultivated oilseed in the world. The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical attributes of Oxisol correlated with soybean productivity. The attributes evaluated were grain productivity, soil properties of organic matter contents, phosphorous, pH, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen + aluminum, aluminum, sum of bases, cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation, liming requirement; penetration resistance at 0.0-0.10 m, 0.10-0.20 m, 0.20-0.30 m, and 0.30-0.40 m. Soil chemical attributes were submitted to a descriptive classic analysis with the help of the RBio software. In the semivariogram analysis, the attributes calcium, magnesium, aluminum, sum of bases, base saturation, liming requirement, and penetration resistance at 0.30-0.40 m showed a pure nugget effect, meaning no spatial dependence. In conclusion, CEC was the attribute that best described the soybean yield data in dystrophic Red Latosols. Attributes of grain productivity, soil organic matter, phosphorus, pH, potassium, hydrogen + aluminum, CEC, penetration resistance at 0.00 to 0.30 m showed spatial dependence.

Abstract This paper presents the resistance spot welding process test and numerical simulation analysis of medium manganese steel TRIP steel (7MnSteel) and DP590 steel plate. The results show that the failure mode is PF-TT failure, and IF and PF-TT are investigated. At the same time, based on the numerical simulation under the typical welding parameters, the welding plate has the stress concentration at the electrode edge at the beginning of the welding. Along with the welding, there is the stress concentration in the heat-affected zone of the medium manganese TRIP steel, which may also be the reason for the failure of the joint here. The current density is concentrated at the contact surface between the electrode and the weld plate, and the error in the diameter of the nugget measured by simulation and experiment is within 7%, which verifies the accuracy and reliability of the model.

Abstract The dwarf pequi tree, Caryocar brasiliense subsp. intermedium, is extremely restricted to ecological niches in the Cerrado biome. Thus, understanding the conditioning factors of the micro-endemism of this sub-species through its spatial distribution and the physical-chemical attributes of the soil was the objective of this research. The research was carried out in a fragment of rupestrian field. The area was divided into quadrants in which the number of pequi trees was quantified and the physicochemical characteristics of the soil were determined. The modeling of semivariograms was performed using semivariances, and ordinary kriging was used for spatial interpolation of variables with spatial dependence. The number of pequi trees, the altitude, the remaining phosphorus and the humidity showed a strong degree of spatial dependence, unlike the pH, the calcium and the magnesium, all of which had a pure nugget effect. The other variables showed a moderate degree of spatial dependence. The greater availability of bases (SB > 0.1 cmolc dm-3) and phosphorus (> 1.05 mg dm-3), the reduced percentage of moisture (< 5%) and low potential acidity (< 4.0 cmolc dm-3) were the factors positively related to the establishment and development of the dwarf pequi tree in the area. subsp intermedium biome Thus microendemism micro endemism subspecies sub species physicalchemical physical chemical field determined semivariances dependence altitude pH magnesium effect SB 01 0 1 0. dm3 dm 3 dm-3 ( 105 05 1.0 dm3, , < 5% 5 40 4 4. dm- 10 1.

RESUMO: O lúpulo é uma espécie multifuncional, entretanto, grande parte de sua produção é destinada ao mercado cervejeiro. No Brasil, toda a demanda de lúpulo é importada, o que tem despertado interesse pela produção nacional. Fatores como o material genético e sistemas de produção podem influenciar na produção do lúpulo, sendo assim, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho morfológico e produtivo de variedades de lúpulo cultivadas sob manejo orgânico e convencional na região centro-oeste paulista, Brasil. O campo de lúpulo foi instalado na área experimental da FCA/UNESP - Botucatu, em novembro de 2018 e os dados coletados no segundo ano de produção. Foi adotado o delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas 2 x 5, sendo o fator principal os dois sistemas de cultivo (orgânico e convencional) e fator secundário as cinco variedades selecionadas (Columbus, Chinook, Nugget, Cascade e Hallertau Mittelfrüeh), com quatro blocos e quatro plantas por parcela. Foram avaliados os parâmetros morfológicos e produtivos específicos da cultura. Os resultados demonstraram que os sistemas de cultivo não promovem alterações significativas nos parâmetros morfológicos. Quanto às variedades, destaca-se Chinook, Cascade e Nugget para comprimento de cone. Columbus, Chinook e Cascade apresentaram maiores produções quando cultivadas em sistema orgânico, obtendo 1100,66; 1088,27 e 940,40 g de cones por planta, respectivamente. Enquanto que, a variedade Hallertau Mittelfrüeh foi a menos produtiva em ambos os sistemas, no sistema orgânico com produção de 160,50 g por planta, enquanto que no convencional 267,84 g por planta, apresentando também menor ciclo quando comparada com as demais. RESUMO multifuncional entretanto cervejeiro Brasil importada nacional assim centrooeste centro oeste paulista FCAUNESP FCA UNESP Botucatu 201 casualizados 5 Columbus (Columbus Mittelfrüeh, , Mittelfrüeh) parcela cultura destacase destaca se cone 1100,66 110066 1100 66 108827 1088 27 1088,2 94040 940 40 940,4 planta respectivamente 16050 160 50 160,5 26784 267 84 267,8 demais 20 1100,6 11006 110 6 10882 108 1088, 9404 94 4 940, 1605 16 160, 2678 26 8 267, 1100, 11 10 9 1

ABSTRACT: Hop is a multifunctional specie; however, a large part of its production is destined for the beer market. In Brazil, all hop demand is imported, which has aroused interest in national production. Genetic material and cultivation systems can influence hops production. Thus, this study evaluated morphological and productive performance of hop varieties grown under organic and conventional management in the central-west region of São Paulo, Brazil. The hop yard was installed in the experimental area of the FCA/UNESP (São Paulo State University, School of Agriculture) - Botucatu, in November 2018, the data were collected in second year of production. A randomized block design was adopted, in 2 x 5 Split-Plot, being the main factor: cultivation systems (organic and conventional), and secondary factor: hop varieties (Columbus, Chinook, Nugget, Cascade, and HallertauMittelfrüeh), with four blocks and four plants per plot. Crop-specific morphological and productive parameters were evaluated. The results showed no significant influence of cultivation systems in morphological parameters. Regarding the varieties, Chinook, Cascade, and Nugget stand out for cone length. Columbus, Chinook and Cascade showed higher yields when grown in organic system, obtaining 1100.66, 1088.27 and 940.40 g of cones per plant, respectively. While, HallertauMittelfrüeh variety was the least productive in both systems, in organic system with 160.50 g per plant production, and 267.84 g per plant in conventional system, and, also showing lower cycle compared to the others. ABSTRACT specie however market Brazil imported Thus centralwest central west FCAUNESP FCA UNESP University Agriculture Botucatu 2018 adopted SplitPlot, SplitPlot Split Plot, Plot Split-Plot factor conventional, , conventional) Columbus (Columbus HallertauMittelfrüeh, HallertauMittelfrüeh) plot Cropspecific Crop specific length 110066 1100 66 1100.66 108827 1088 27 1088.2 94040 940 40 940.4 respectively While 16050 160 50 160.5 26784 267 84 267.8 others 201 11006 110 6 1100.6 10882 108 1088. 9404 94 4 940. 1605 16 160. 2678 26 8 267. 20 11 1100. 10 9 1

Abstract Advanced materials and automated processes in manufacturing pose a challenge in terms of adaptability. Introduction of 3rd-generation advanced high strength (3rd-gen AHSS) steels aimed for weight reduction in the automotive without compromising its strength and efficient fuel consumption. Nevertheless, welding 3rd-gen AHSS using resistance spot welding (RSW) is often affected by liquid metal embrittlement (LME) or other quality matters. Identifying the process window to control and produce defect-free welds, requires huge experimental work with an enormous time. Therefore, this paper aimed to use machine learning (ML) to identify the process window by computing the relationship between the input parameters and output weld defect categories like 'Splash', 'LME', 'Insufficient nugget size' and 'Good weld'. Classification-based algorithms, K-nearest-neighbour (KNN) and Naive Bayes algorithms were used. Among these, Naive Bayes exhibits better prediction efficiency of 71% and KNN has 63%. Using these models, predicting the incidence of weld spot defects with the fore-mentioned predictability is possible. Therefore, this work supports the industry experts and researchers to study and predict the process window for the welding process to produce defect-free welds and this idea could implement in different manufacturing processes.

In recent years, increasing automotive safety and energy efficiency has become a major concern in the automotive industry. Advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) was chosen for its weight reduction and high mechanical strength for the body in white (BIW). Specifically, it has been used in 22MnB5 steel press hardening type steel (PHS) with patchweld technology, which enables the production of reinforced and structural parts in a single stroke during the hot forming process. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance spot welding parameters for patchweld before hot stamping, considering the minimum and maximum residual stress, while ensuring a welding nugget diameter within the approved range. Microhardness and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the welding zones for phase identification and residual stress measurements. After five weeks of elapsed time, the spot weld showed cracks that were not seen immediately after welding and were probably due to a high residual stress state.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as relações de escala de artrópodes do solo e da estrutura da vegetação de fitofisionomias de Cerrado. As parcelas experimentais foram alocadas em áreas com Cerrado denso (T1), Cerrado típico (T2) e Cerrado ralo (T3). A fauna edáfica foi coletada em 128 pontos, por meio de armadilhas de queda e a vegetação avaliada em subparcelas de 9 m2. Os dados foram avaliados por meio da estatística descritiva, geoestatística, análise multifractal e joint multifractal. Os artrópodes do solo e a estrutura de vegetação se ajustaram a um modelo geoestatístico, exceto, plantas arborescentes (T1), abundância de artrópodes (T2) e plantas arbóreas (T2), que apresentaram efeito pepita puro. As variáveis estudadas apresentaram diferentes graus de multifratalidade. Os gráficos da dimensão joint multifractal mostraram linhas circulares com altos valores de correlação conjunta para riqueza de artrópodes versus abundância dos estratos vegetais (r = -0,498), riqueza de artrópodes versus herbáceos (r = 0,323) e riqueza de artrópodes versus arbóreo (r = 0,451) em T1. A fauna do solo foi influenciada pela composição dos estratos arbóreos em maior ou menor grau. As parcelas com Cerrado denso (T1) e Cerrado ralo (T3) apresentaram a maior dependência espacial entre as amostras. A análise multifractal demonstrou que a parcela com Cerrado ralo (T3) foi o sistema com maior heterogeneidade de medida ao longo do suporte geométrico; enquanto a maior assimetria do espectro de singularidade foi descrita para a parcela com Cerrado denso (T1). A utilização de ferramentas de geoestatística e análise multifractal permitiu caracterizar as relações de escala entre as variáveis.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the scale relationships of soil arthropods and the vegetation structure of Cerrado phytophysiognomies. The experimental plots were set in areas with dense Cerrado (T1), typical Cerrado (T2), and sparse Cerrado (T3). The edaphic fauna was collected at 128 points through pitfall traps, and the vegetation was evaluated in subplots of 9 m2. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, geostatistics, multifractal analysis, and joint multifractal analysis. The soil arthropods and vegetation structure were adjusted to a geostatistical model, except for arborescent plants (T1) and arthropod abundance and arboreal plants (T2), which showed a pure nugget effect. The studied variables showed different degrees of multifractality. The graphs of joint multifractal dimension showed circular lines with high values of joint correlation for the pairs of arthropod richness versus the abundance of plant strata (r = -0.498), arthropod richness versus herbaceous plants (r = 0.323), and arthropod richness versus arboreal plants (r = 0.451) at T1. The soil fauna was influenced by the composition of the plant strata. The plots with dense Cerrado (T1) and sparse Cerrado (T3) showed the greatest spatial dependence between the samples. The multifractal analysis showed that the plot with sparse Cerrado (T3) had the greatest heterogeneity of measurement along the geometric support. In contrast, the greatest asymmetry of the singularity spectrum was described for the plot with dense Cerrado (T1). The use of geostatistical and multifractal analysis tools enabled us to characterize the scale relationships between the variables.

Abstract Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) constituted the main foods of the Andean countries’ peoples, linked to a socio-cultural tradition, hence a growing need to promote the sustainable development of their cultivation arises. Andean grains have a great genetic diversity and tolerance to climate change, which make them suitable for food security; however, they are underused. There is little or no knowledge about the behavior of quinoa and amaranth in nugget-type fried products. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of partially replacing wheat flour with whole quinoa and amaranth flour in the batter of giant squid nuggets over the product’s physical properties, with the potential of diversifying their use in the quinoa and amaranth crop value chains. For this purpose, wheat flour was replaced in 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%, and apparent viscosity, coating index, pickup, moisture and fat in the crust were evaluated. The best formula was 30% of inclusion, with this proximate composition: protein 12%; fat 7,8%; moisture 61,1%, ash 2% and carbohydrates 17,1%, with a good acceptance (“I like it quite a lot”). It was achieved to prepare giant squid nuggets including 30% of whole quinoa and amaranth flour, with low fat content and good sensory acceptance. The results of this study show that the binary mix of quinoa and amaranth could be interesting for the development of nugget-type, breaded products, promoting the sustainable development of Andean crops.

Resumen La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa) y el amaranto (Amaranthus caudatus) constituyeron los principales alimentos de los pobladores de los países andinos, unidos a una tradición sociocultural, con lo que surge una creciente necesidad de fomentar el desarrollo sostenible de su cultivo. Los granos andinos presentan una gran diversidad genética y tolerancia frente al cambio climático, lo cual los hace adecuados para la seguridad alimentaria; sin embargo, son infrautilizados. Poco o nada se conoce acerca del comportamiento de la quinua y el amaranto en productos fritados tipo nuggets. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar el efecto de sustituir parcialmente harina de trigo por harina integral de quinua y de amaranto en el rebozado de nuggets de pota sobre las propiedades físicas del producto, con el potencial de diversificar su uso en la cadena de valor de los cultivos de quinua y amaranto. Para ello se reemplazó la harina de trigo en 0%, 10%, 20% y 30%, y se evaluó la viscosidad aparente, el índice de recubrimiento, el pickup, la humedad y la grasa de la corteza. La mejor formulación fue 30% de inclusión, con la siguiente composición proximal: proteína 12%; grasa 7,8%; humedad 61,1%; ceniza 2% y carbohidratos 17,1%, con una buena aceptabilidad (“me gusta bastante”). Se logró elaborar nuggets de pota con inclusión de 30% de harina integral de quinua y de amaranto, con bajo contenido de grasa y buena aceptación sensorial. Los resultados de este estudio demuestran que la mezcla binaria de quinua y amaranto resultaría interesante para el desarrollo de productos tipo nuggets rebozados y empanizados, promoviendo el desarrollo sostenible de los cultivos andinos.

Resumen Este trabajo investiga la influencia del recubrimiento de zinc del acero DP600 (DP600G) en la formación del punto y las propiedades mecánicas de las uniones disímiles DP600 - AISI304 obtenidas mediante el proceso de soldadura por resistencia eléctrica por puntos (RSW). El análisis consistió en determinar, a partir de las curvas de resistencia dinámica, las diferentes etapas en la formación del punto. Los resultados experimentales mostraron que el recubrimiento de zinc del acero DP600G influye significativamente en el tiempo necesario para el inicio de la formación del punto, dos veces superior al del acero no galvanizado. El tiempo de la expulsión se retrasó 1,12 veces. La presencia de Zn en las uniones soldadas DP600G/AISI304 produjo diámetros del punto más pequeños en comparación con las uniones DP600/AISI304 para las mismas condiciones experimentales; sin embargo, se obtuvieron valores de carga máxima de fallo más altos para las primeras.

Abstract This paper studies the influence of zinc coating of galvanized DP600 steel (DP600G) on nugget development and on the mechanical properties of dissimilar DP600 - AISI304 welded joints obtained by resistance spot welding process (RSW). RSW evaluations consisted of determining, from the dynamic resistance curves, the different stages involved in nugget formation. The experimental results showed that zinc coating on the DP600G steel has a significant influence on the time needed for the start of nugget formation, producing a two times longer delay for non-galvanized steel. Expulsion time was delayed by 1.12 times. The presence of Zn in DP600G/AISI304 welded joints produced smaller nugget diameters as compared to the DP600/AISI304 joints for the same experimental conditions; however, higher peak failure load values were obtained for the former. The causes of this unusual behavior are also analyzed in this paper.

ABSTRACT The considerable volume of data generated by sensors in the field presents systematic errors; thus, it is extremely important to exclude these errors to ensure mapping quality. The objective of this research was to develop and test a methodology to identify and exclude outliers in high-density spatial data sets, determine whether the developed filter process could help decrease the nugget effect and improve the spatial variability characterization of high sampling data. We created a filter composed of a global, anisotropic, and an anisotropic local analysis of data, which considered the respective neighborhood values. For that purpose, we used the median to classify a given spatial point into the data set as the main statistical parameter and took into account its neighbors within a radius. The filter was tested using raw data sets of corn yield, soil electrical conductivity (ECa), and the sensor vegetation index (SVI) in sugarcane. The results showed an improvement in accuracy of spatial variability within the data sets. The methodology reduced RMSE by 85 %, 97 %, and 79 % in corn yield, soil ECa, and SVI respectively, compared to interpolation errors of raw data sets. The filter excluded the local outliers, which considerably reduced the nugget effects, reducing estimation error of the interpolated data. The methodology proposed in this work had a better performance in removing outlier data when compared to two other methodologies from the literature.

Abstract This research aimed to evaluate the influence of tropical fruit peel flours on the breading and quality of chicken nuggets. The treatments consisted of nuggets breaded with four different flour formulations: breadcrumbs, pineapple, bacuri, and peach palm peel. The nuggets were subjected to moisture analysis, fixed mineral residue, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, caloric value, total carotenoids, instrumental color, and sensory analysis. The breaded nugget with peach palm flour had higher lipid, protein, and carotenoid content, which were 11.21%, 17.73%, and 7.60 mg/100g, respectively. The color of the products differed, as the lightness of the nuggets breaded with breadcrumbs and peach palm peel was higher with 58.46 and 54.89. Principal component analysis showed that the most accepted nuggets formulations were those with peach palm peel flour and breadcrumbs. Pineapple, bacuri, and peach palm fruit peel flours are rich sources of carotenoids. Therefore, its use as meat breading can increase the nutritional value of chicken nuggets. Fruit peel flours can be used to prepare healthier and more nutritious meat-based products, while reducing the generation of agro-industrial residues.

Abstract Engineering always deals with uncertainties, and efforts are needed to quantify them. A probabilistic analysis considers the statistical information of the problem to this quantification. In the geotechnical area, uncertainties play a particular role in structure design because it deals with naturally formed materials. Evaluating spatial variability has become progressively important. However, studies on the correct reproduction of this variability and conditional simulations are limited. In this paper, a geostatistical-based enhancement of the Random Finite Element Method (RFEM) is presented. The main aim of this study is to incorporate an advanced multivariate geostatistical technique (i.e., Turning Bands Co-simulation, TBCOSIM) to reproduce the coregionalization model of soil properties correctly in order to investigate the effects regarding this reproduction. It is illustrated in a real case of soil slope. The results showed that, for the unconditional simulation, the presented approach reached a perfect agreement with the coregionalization model, while the conditional simulation inserted some disturbances to this agreement, but it still satisfactorily reproduced the model. The original RFEM failed to reproduce this structure, leading to lower variances than the presented approach, which would cause a non-conservative design. Furthermore, disregarding the local uncertainty (i.e., the nugget effect) may introduce bias to analysis and, depending on its magnitude, may also lead the conditional analysis to not show a worthwhile reduction in variances of results. Finally, this paper shows that correctly determining the coregionalization model and reproducing it on probabilistic analysis may meaningfully influence the results.