Food contamination is a public health problem, and the search for natural additives to increase food stability and safety is challenging. This research aimed to study nanoemulsions produced with coriander essential oil and kefiran, an exopolysaccharide extracted from kefir grains. The composition of coriander essential oil was evaluated, revealing linalool as the main component. An experimental design consisting of six trials was conducted. The NE2 formulation (0.5% kefiran and 1.5% coriander essential oil) exhibited smaller particle size, monodispersity, a lower centrifugal stability coefficient, and higher absolute zeta potential values (> 30 mV), indicating high electrical stability. Morphology, thermal stability, and toxicity tests were performed. The minimum bactericidal concentration was determined and applied to commercial cheese. Thermal stability tests demonstrated an increase in the stability of NE2 compared to its individual components, and it was also proven to be non-toxic. The concentration of 25% m v-1 was identified as the minimum bactericidal concentration and was applied to commercial cheese. problem challenging grains evaluated component conducted NE 0.5% 05 0 5 (0.5 15 1 1.5 size monodispersity coefficient > ( 3 mV, mV , mV) Morphology performed cheese components nontoxic. nontoxic non toxic. toxic non-toxic 25 v1 v v- 0.5 (0. 1. 2 0. (0

Groundwater is considered an important source of water aid for human consumption. However, this water can be contaminated by impurities, such contamination spots that might reach the water tables. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of shallow groundwater in Flores neighborhood, located in the municipality of Benevides, within Belém metropolitan region, State of Pará, Brazil. Recommendations described in Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater were followed at the time to determine physical-chemical parameters such as potential hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), apparent color, turbidity, total hardness (TH), ions and trace elements. Multivariate statistical analysis has shown that most predictive water-quality parameters set for human consumption are associated with natural events involving weathering and leaching processes. Nevertheless, parameters of nitrate, phosphate, EC, TDS and pH are also influenced by anthropic conditions in the surroundings, mainly phosphate and nitrate ions. Therefore, it can be concluded that shallow groundwaters in Flores neighborhood are unsuitable for human consumption, making it necessary for municipal public authorities to take action to solve the problem of water shortage in the borough, thus preventing the population from use those shallow groundwaters, as their consumption can bring health problems. However impurities tables Benevides region Pará Brazil physicalchemical physical chemical pH, , (pH) EC (EC) TDS, (TDS) color turbidity TH, TH (TH) elements waterquality processes Nevertheless surroundings Therefore borough problems (pH (EC (TDS (TH

RESUMO: O presente estudo avaliou a eficácia do uso de máscaras descartáveis na mitigação da propagação de Staphylococcus aureus durante o processo de corte de frango em um grande abatedouro de aves. Foi realizada a identificação de portadores de S. aureus e influência do tempo de uso de máscaras descartáveis. A contaminação em utensílios e equipamentos por S. aureus e produtos por aeróbios mesófilos foi determinada, com e sem uso de máscaras. A eficiência de diferentes máscaras comerciais foi avaliada contra S. aureus em condições simuladas. Os resultados revelaram que 36% dos trabalhadores das linhas de processamento no frigorífico eram portadores de S. aureus. Foi observado aumento na contagem de S. aureus em máscaras usadas pelos funcionários até 3 horas. A transferência de carga microbiana para utensílios foi potencializada na ausência da máscara e com o passar do tempo. Os filés de peito avaliados não apresentaram diferença na contagem de bactérias mesófilas com e sem o uso de máscaras pelos funcionários, por outro lado, os cortes de coxa e sobrecoxa, filé de coxa e sobrecoxa e asas apresentaram diferença significativa com contagens médias inferiores a 2,96 Log de UFC/g. Testes de condições simuladas demonstraram a eficácia das máscaras comerciais na retenção de microrganismos. A máscara teste utilizada pelo frigorífico mostrou-se ineficiente, permitindo a passagem de pulverizações contendo S. aureus, a 6, 15 e 25 cm, com 2,53, 1,74 e 0,66 Log UFC/placa, respectivamente. Essa máscara saturava, criando um efeito barreira que aumentava a contaminação na área de trabalho dos funcionários. RESUMO aves S determinada 36 horas lado 296 2 96 2,9 UFCg UFC g UFC/g microrganismos mostrouse mostrou se ineficiente 6 1 cm 253 53 2,53 174 74 1,7 066 0 66 0,6 UFCplaca placa UFC/placa respectivamente saturava 29 9 2, 5 2,5 17 7 1, 06 0,

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of using disposable masks in mitigating the spread of Staphylococcus aureus during the chicken cutting process in a large poultry abattoir. The identification of carriers of S. aureus and the influence of the time of use of disposable masks was carried out. Contamination of utensils and equipment by S. aureus and products by mesophilic aerobes was determined, with and without the use of masks. The efficiency of different commercial masks was evaluated against S. aureus under simulated conditions. The results revealed that 36% of workers on processing lines at the abattoirs carried S. aureus. An increase in S. aureus counts was observed in masks worn by employees for up to 3 h. The transfer of microbial load to utensils was enhanced in the absence of the mask and over time. The breast fillets evaluated showed no difference in the count of mesophilic bacteria with and without the use of masks by employees, conversely, the cuts of thigh and drumstick, thigh fillet and drumstick and wings showed a significant difference with average counts lower than 2 .96 Log CFU/g. Tests under simulated conditions demonstrated the effectiveness of commercial masks in retaining microorganisms. The test mask used by the abattoirs proved to be inefficient, allowing the passage of sprays containing S. aureus, at 6, 15 and 25 cm, with 2.53, 1.74 and 0.66 Log CFU/plate, respectively. This mask saturated, creating a barrier effect that increased contamination in the employees’ work area. ABSTRACT abattoir S out determined 36 h conversely 96 .9 CFUg CFU g CFU/g microorganisms inefficient 6 1 cm 253 53 2.53 174 74 1.7 066 0 66 0.6 CFUplate plate CFU/plate respectively saturated area 9 . 5 2.5 17 7 1. 06 0. 2.

RESUMO: A principal via de transmissão do coronavírus bovino (BCoV) é o contato direto com secreções e fezes, podendo ocorrer também por meio de superfícies contaminadas. Uma revisão sistemática, seguindo as recomendações PRISMA, foi realizada para avaliar a presença de BCoV em superfícies ambientais. A busca na literatura foi realizada em março e abril de 2023 e as bases de dados utilizadas foram Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct e Springer. A revisão sistemática seguiu a estrutura PEO: População - superfícies ambientais; Exposição - contato com BCoV; Resultado - identificação da presença ou infectividade de BCoV. As informações primárias foram registradas por meio de um formulário de extração, organizando métodos para detectar a presença de BCoV, avaliar a infectividade de BCoV, tipos de superfícies avaliadas e tipo de estudo. Os termos de pesquisa “coronavírus bovino” e “BCoV” resultaram em 2703 artigos. Após remover 964 duplicatas e excluir 1546 artigos que não mencionavam o BCoV nos títulos, 193 estudos foram submetidos à leitura de resumos. Seguindo os critérios de exclusão, que não abordavam a presença do BCoV no ambiente, três artigos foram selecionados para revisão abrangente. Nestes artigos foi identificada a presença de BCoV em vários tipos de superfícies, sendo possível a detecção até 81 horas após a contaminação, dependendo do tipo de superfície. Apesar do número limitado de estudos que investigam a presença de BCoV em superfícies, os resultados sugerem o potencial de transmissão de BCoV por meio de superfícies contaminadas, devido à capacidade do vírus permanecer infeccioso por até 24 horas em fômites. Esta revisão destaca a necessidade de mais pesquisas sobre a persistência de BCoV em locais de criação de bovinos, uma área atualmente carente de estudos específicos. RESUMO (BCoV fezes contaminadas PRISMA ambientais 202 PubMed Scopus Springer PEO extração estudo “BCoV 270 96 154 títulos 19 resumos exclusão ambiente abrangente 8 contaminação superfície 2 fômites bovinos específicos 20 27 9 15 1

ABSTRACT: The main transmission route of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is direct contact with secretions and feces, and potentially also via contaminated surfaces. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the presence of BCoV on environmental surfaces. A literature search, conducted between March and April 2023, utilized databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Springer. The review adhered to the PEO structure: Population - environmental surfaces; Exposure - contact with BCoV; Outcome - identification of presence or infectivity. Primary data were recorded using an extraction form organizing methods for detecting BCoV presence, assessing BCoV infectivity, types of surfaces evaluated, and study type. Search terms “Bovine coronavirus” and “BCoV” yielded 2703 articles. After removing 964 duplicates and excluding 1546 articles not mentioning BCoV in titles, 193 studies underwent abstract reading. Following exclusion criteria not addressing BCoV presence in the environment, three articles were selected for comprehensive review. These articles identified BCoV presence on various types of surfaces, with detection possible up to 81 hours after contamination, depending on surface type. Despite limited studies on BCoV presence on surfaces, findings suggested potential transmission via contaminated surfaces due to the virus’s ability to remain infectious for up to 24 hours on fomites. This review underscores the need for further research on BCoV persistence in farm environments, an area currently lacking focused studies. ABSTRACT (BCoV feces guidelines search 2023 PubMed Scopus Direct Springer structure infectivity evaluated type Bovine “BCoV 270 96 154 titles 19 reading environment 8 contamination viruss virus s 2 fomites environments 202 27 9 15 1 20

Resumen La corrosión es un problema recurrente en la industria del gas natural, debido a la presencia de gases corrosivos como el CO2 y el H2S que en presencia de agua pueden atacar el acero y producir daños y fugas que generen accidentes y contaminación, es por ello que la predicción de la tendencia del gas natural hacia la corrosión es fundamental para desarrollar estrategias de inhibición y mitigación de este proceso. El objetivo del estudio fue desarrollar una Red Neuronal Artificial (RNA) entrenada con datos de composición de muestras de gas natural para predecir la tendencia corrosiva, como método alternativo que pueda ser utilizado como una herramienta predictiva eficiente. La RNA se entrenó con una muestra de 46 gases naturales y 11 componentes por cada una, además de la presión y la temperatura como condiciones operacionales, lo que representa un total de 598 datos de entrenamiento de la RNA, además se utilizaron 8 muestras adicionales para la validación externa del modelo. La RNA que desarrolló fue dentro de los principios de la estadística Bayesiana, con una arquitectura de Perceptrón Multicapa. Se obtuvo que la RNA es capaz de clasificar correctamente el 95,65% de la tendencia corrosiva de las muestras, siendo aquellas con tendencia no corrosiva las que presentaron el menor porcentaje de predicción (75%). La predicción de las muestras externas siguió la tendencia esperada, con menor capacidad para clasificar a las no corrosivas, y las muestras con posible corrosión y corrosivas fueron predichas en 80%. Se concluye que la RNA es una herramienta eficiente para la predicción de la tendencia corrosiva del gas natural en presencia de CO2 y su efectividad depende de que se utilicen muestras con todos los componentes necesarios para entrenar la misma, además puede ser mejorada al introducir otros parámetros como la cantidad de agua presente.

Abstract Corrosion is a recurrent problem in the natural gas industry, due to the presence of corrosive gases such as CO2 and H2S that in the presence of water can attack steel and produce damages and leaks that generate accidents and contamination, that is why the prediction of the tendency of natural gas towards corrosion is essential to develop strategies to inhibit and mitigate this process. The objective of the study was to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained with composition data of natural gas samples to predict the corrosive tendency, as an alternative method that can be used as an efficient predictive tool. The ANN was trained with a sample of 46 natural gases and 11 components for each one, in addition to pressure and temperature as operational conditions, representing a total of 598 training data of the ANN, also 8 additional samples were used for external validation of the model. The ANN that developed was within the principles of Bayesian statistics, with a Multilayer Perceptron architecture. It was obtained that the ANN is able to correctly classify 95.65% of the corrosive tendency of the samples, being those with non-corrosive tendency the ones that presented the lowest prediction percentage (75%). The prediction of the external samples followed the expected trend, with lower capacity to classify the non-corrosive ones, and the samples with possible corrosion and corrosive were predicted in 80%. It is concluded that ANN is an efficient tool for predicting the corrosive tendency of natural gas in the presence of CO2 and its effectiveness depends on using samples with all the necessary components to train it, and it can be improved by introducing other parameters such as the amount of water present.

Summary: The castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) is a plant that has dif ferent benefits, such as the production of biodiesel and soil bioremediation. Due to the above, the castor plant’s ability to extract arsenic (As) was evaluated. For this, a randomized block experimental design with four repetitions was carried out. The evaluated treatments consisted of two types of biosolids (oxidation lagoon biosolids (BLO) and activated sludge biosolids (BLA) and four doses of As (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1), under greenhouse conditions. As concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). From the quantification of As, the translocation factor (TF) and the bioaccumulation factor (FB) were estimated. The total nitrogen (N) content was quantified by the combustion method. Phosphorus (P) was analyzed by colorimetry using the metavanadate method, and the content of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was quantified by atomic absorption. For percentage of oil The Soxhlet method was used in the seed. The plant height and the dry weight of biomass did not vary due to the treatment ef fect (P ≤ 0.05). The Translocation Factor (TF) and the Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) registered ranges of 0.20 - 0.63 and 0.28 - 0.75, respectively. The applied doses of As did not af fect the biomass and nutrient absorption in the castor plant, which indicates that this plant species is tolerant to toxicity with productive potential in soils contaminated with this element, in concentrations up to 100 mg kg-1.

Resumen: La higuerilla (Ricinus communis L.) es una planta que tiene diferentes beneficios, como la producción de biodiesel y la biorremediación de suelo. Debido a lo anterior, se evaluó la capacidad de la higuerilla para extraer arsénico (As). Para ello, se realizó un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos evaluados consistieron en dos tipos de biosólidos (biosólidos de lagunas de oxidación (BLO) y biosólidos de lodos activados (BLA) y cuatro dosis de As (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1), bajo condiciones de invernadero. La concentración de As se determinó por espectrometría de masas por plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-MS). A partir de la cuantificación de As se estimó el factor de translocación (FT) y el factor de bioacumulación (FB). El contenido de nitrógeno (N) total se cuantifico por el método de combustión. El fósforo (P) se analizó por colorimetría por el método de metavanadato, y el contenido de potasio (K), calcio (Ca), magnesio (Mg), cobre (Cu), manganeso (Mn), hierro (Fe) y zinc (Zn) que se cuantificaron por absorción atómica. Para porcentaje de aceite en la semilla se utilizó el método Soxhlet. La altura de planta y el peso seco de biomasa no variaron por efecto de tratamiento (P ≤ 0.05). El Factor de translocación (FT) y el Factor de bioconcentración (FBC) registraron rangos de 0.20 - 0.63 y 0.28 - 0.75, respectivamente. Las dosis aplicadas de As no afectaron la biomasa y absorción de nutrientes en la planta de higuerilla, lo cual indica que esta especie vegetal es tolerante a la toxicidad con potencial productivo en suelos contaminados con este elemento, en concentraciones hasta de 100 mg kg-1.

Resumen: La presencia de bacterias coliformes en el agua presenta una amenaza potencial a la salud pública, ya que puede incrementar el riesgo de enfermedades infecciosas en la población más vulnerable. El asunto resulta más complicado cuando se desconoce la calidad fisicoquímica y microbiológica del agua que se consume. El presente estudio tiene la finalidad de evaluar el estado actual de la calidad de agua de consumo en tres Organizaciones Territoriales de Base (OTB’s) del Municipio de Vinto-Cochabamba y la relación de dependencia de los parámetros microbiológicos con las OTB’s. Los análisis de laboratorio de 30 muestras tomadas en los diferentes domicilios (10 muestras por OTB) muestran el cumplimiento de los límites máximos permisibles de los parámetros fisicoquímicos (pH, conductividad, alcalinidad y dureza) según la Norma Boliviana 512 (NB 512). Respecto a los parámetros microbiológicos para coliformes totales, de las 30 muestras analizadas solo 11 cumplieron con el límite máximo permisible, a diferencia del parámetro de coliformes termorresistentes, donde 25 de las 30 muestras cumplieron con el límite máximo permisible. Los parámetros microbiológicos fueron sometidos al análisis de chi-cuadrado, dando evidencia suficiente para afirmar con un 95% de confianza que los resultados de coliformes totales y termorresistentes no depende de la OTB (p=0.36). Al contrastar los resultados de agua de consumo domiciliario con la del agua suministrada, puede especularse que la contaminación de origen microbiológico ocurre ya sea en las tuberías de distribución, tanques domiciliarios y/o las prácticas de uso del agua de cada domicilio

Abstract:The presence of coliform bacteria in water presents a potential threat to public health, as it can increase the risk of infectious diseases in the most vulnerable population. The matter is more complicated when the physicochemical and microbiological quality of the water consumed is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current state of the quality of drinking water in three Territorial Base Organizations (OTB’s) of the Municipality of Vinto-Cochabamba and the relationship of dependence of the microbiological parameters with the OTB’s. Laboratory analyzes of 30 samples taken from different homes (10 samples per OTB) show compliance with the maximum permissible limits of physicochemical parameters (pH, conductivity, alkalinity and hardness) according to Bolivian Standard 512 (NB 512). Regarding the microbiological parameters for total coliforms, of the 30 samples analyzed, only 11 met the maximum permissible limit, unlike the total coliform parameter, where 25 of the 30 samples met the maximum permissible limit. The microbiological parameters were subjected to chi-square analysis, providing sufficient evidence to affirm with 95% confidence that the results of total and heat-resistant coliforms do not depend on the OTB (p=0.36). By contrasting the results of household water consumption with that of water supplied, it can be speculated that contamination of microbiological origin occurs either in the distribution pipes, household tanks and/or the water use practices of each household.

Abstract Aspergillus niger HPD-2 has interesting growth characteristics, it grows at a temperature of 38 ºC and pH of 3, it is also known to produce various enzymes of commercial interest such as glucoamylase, which is present in the medium even under non-inducible conditions and has important activity characteristics such as an optimum temperature of 70 ºC and an optimum pH of 3-4. These features are very important because they will help to minimize microbial contamination risk in industrial hydrolysis processes. For the characterization of A. niger HPD-2 glucoamylase, the presence and activity of the enzyme were verified in a non-inducing medium. The apparent kinetic parameters K m , K i and V max were determined at 6.66 mM, 0.601 M and 66.5 mM/min, respectively, as well as its optimum pH and temperature activity (pH 3 and 70 °C). Comparatively speaking, these data are competitive against those reported for similar purified enzymes. On the other hand, DNA sequence analysis of A. niger HPD-2 glucoamylase gene showed no changes in the promoter region or starch-binding domains. Therefore, the presence of the enzyme in a non-inducing medium could be related to changes in a repressor protein CreA.

Resumen Aspergillus niger HPD-2 presenta características particulares de cultivo, crece a una temperatura de 38 ºC y a un pH de 3, además se sabe que produce diversas enzimas de interés comercial como la glucoamilasa, que se encuentra presente en el medio aún bajo condiciones no inducibles y tiene características de actividad interesantes como son, una temperatura óptima de 70 ºC y un pH óptimo de 3-4. Estas características son muy importantes porque ayudarán a minimizar el riesgo de contaminación microbiana en procesos de hidrólisis industrial. Para la caracterización de la glucoamilasa de A. niger HPD-2 se comprobó la presencia y actividad de la enzima en un medio no inductor. Se determinaron los parámetros cinéticos aparentes K m , K i , y V max , 6.66 mM, 0.601 M y 66.5 mM/min respectivamente, así como su temperatura y pH óptimos de actividad (pH 3 y 70 °C). Comparativamente hablando, estos datos son bastante competitivos que aquellos reportados para enzimas similares purificadas. Por otro lado, el análisis de la secuencia de ADN del gen de la glucoamilasa de A. niger HPD-2 mostró que no existen cambios en la región promotora ni en los dominios de unión al almidón. Por lo que la presencia de la enzima en un medio no inductor podría estar relacionada con cambios en una proteína represora CreA.

ABSTRACT Soil contamination with toxic metals brings along severe environmental issues. Among these metals, copper (Cu) is harmful to plant development when it reaches high contamination levels in the soil. Thus, identifying species capable of resisting this contamination type helps these sites’ revegetation and decontamination processes. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the tolerance of Cedrela fissilis plants to excess Cu through morphophysiological and biochemical variables. C. fissilis seedlings were subjected to five concentrations of Cu (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg L-1). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and four repetitions. Morphophysiological (number of leaves, shoot height, root length, dry weight, morphological variables of the root system, and leaf area) and biochemical (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and photosynthetic pigments) traits and Cu accumulated in roots and shoot were evaluated. High concentrations of Cu had a negative effect on the shoot and root dry weight, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Overall, Cu increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Therefore, Cu incidence in the nutrient solution has negatively influenced the biochemical and physiological traits of C. fissilis seedlings to the detriment of their growth. Thus, it was possible to identify sensitive behavior by the investigated species. Because of these features, C. fissilis seedlings can be used as markers for copper-contaminated areas. issues (Cu soil Thus sites processes Therefore C 0, 0 (0 2 4 6 L1. L1 L 1 . L-1) randomized repetitions number leaves height length weight system area peroxidation concentration pigments evaluated rate conductance Overall growth features coppercontaminated contaminated areas ( L-1 L-

RESUMO A contaminação do solo com metais tóxicos traz consigo graves problemas ambientais. Dentre esses metais, o cobre (Cu) é prejudicial ao desenvolvimento das plantas quando atinge elevados níveis de contaminação no solo. Assim, identificar espécies capazes de resistir a esse tipo de contaminação auxilia nos processos de revegetação e descontaminação desses locais. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a tolerância de plantas de Cedrela fissilis ao excesso de Cu através de variáveis morfofisiológicas e bioquímicas. Mudas de C. fissilis foram submetidas a cinco concentrações de Cu (0, 2, 4, 6 e 8 mg L-1). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Características morfofisiológicas (número de folhas, altura da parte aérea, comprimento da raiz, massa seca, variáveis morfológicas do sistema radicular e área foliar) e bioquímicas (enzimas antioxidantes, peroxidação lipídica, concentração de peróxido de hidrogênio e pigmentos fotossintéticos) e Cu acumulado nas raízes e folhas foram avaliados. Altas concentrações de Cu tiveram efeito negativo no peso seco da parte aérea e das raízes, na taxa fotossintética, na condutância estomática e na taxa transpiratória. No geral, o Cu aumentou a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes e a peroxidação lipídica. Portanto, a incidência de Cu na solução nutritiva influenciou negativamente as características bioquímicas e fisiológicas das mudas de C. fissilis em detrimento do seu crescimento. Assim, foi possível identificar o comportamento sensível da espécie investigada. Devido a essas características, mudas de C. fissilis podem ser utilizadas como bioindicadoras de áreas contaminadas por cobre. ambientais (Cu Assim locais Portanto C 0, 0 (0 2 4 L1. L1 L 1 . L-1) casualizado repetições número raiz seca foliar lipídica fotossintéticos avaliados fotossintética transpiratória geral crescimento investigada ( L-1 L-

Remote areas that lack conventional water-provisioning infrastructure often rely on rainwater harvesting, rivers, pans, reservoirs and borehole-extracted water to meet domestic water requirements. These water sources often have poor microbial quality and chemical composition, the quality of which is not routinely monitored. This study explored citizen science as a tool for Engaged Research and Responsible Research and Innovation, detailing the co-creation of a sustained community-based water quality monitoring program in collaboration with communities in villages in Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Without access to other water sources, participants predominantly used rainwater for drinking and cooking (80%), while borehole water was mainly used for cleaning and gardening due to its salty or bitter taste. A hydrogen sulfide (H2S) water testing kit was used by the citizen scientists to monitor the water quality. The H2S kits were effective in estimating bacterial contamination, showing a proportional relationship with Colilert® test results conducted in a laboratory. The alignment observed between community-based monitoring results and those derived from scientist-led testing underscores the value of data produced through citizen science initiatives. Sustained participant engagement throughout this research reflected a sense of community empowerment through access to tools that inform their decision-making around water use and treatment as well as investment in the research, indicative of the perceived relevance of the research to community interests. This integration of transdisciplinary data sources holds promise for informing evidence-based decision-making processes, facilitating more effective and contextually informed water management strategies that value and integrate community perspectives alongside scientific insights. SIGNIFICANCE: Drawing on the principles of Engaged Research and Responsible Research and Innovation, we applied citizen science tools to engage researchers and communities in the co-development of a water quality monitoring program. In addressing a specific area of concern, raised by the remotely situated community around the need for knowing their water quality, the project successfully trained communities in applying water testing tools and fostered agency in decision-making around water treatment. Combined with continuous feedback and communication loops, a high rate of continuity was sustained among the participants.

ABSTRACT Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by different Fusarium species, is the most devastating disease of small cereal grains, including barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) This study aimed to investigate the influence of N fertilization rates (0 kg N ha-1 - N0, 50 kg N ha-1 - N50, and 100 kg N ha-1 - N100) on Fusarium and mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol - DON and zearalenone - ZEA) contamination and some agronomic traits (plant height - PH, spike length - SL and thousand kernel weight - TKW) in two barley cultivars, NS 565 and Etincel, harvested in 2019 and 2020. Climatic conditions during two successive seasons were favourable for Fusarium infection, providing a high incidence of FHB-causing species, of which F. graminearum species complex (FGSC) strains were the most frequent (on average > 34% per treatment). The N rates and barley cultivars had nonsignificant effects on the incidence of FGSC strains. However, N rates significantly influenced mycotoxin levels in 2019, with the highest DON at N100 (5209.67 μg kg-1) and ZEA levels at N50 (47.11 μg kg-1). In 2020, there were nonsignificant differences between N rates for DON levels, while ZEA was not detected. In both years, the six-row barley ‘Etincel’ had significantly higher DON and ZEA levels than the two-row barley ‘NS 565’. Agronomic traits, PH and SL, were affected by barley cultivars, and TKW was affected by N rates and barley cultivars. The highest TKW was at N100, followed by N50 and N0.

Abstract The soil-crop systems of the peri-urban area allow the recovery of chemical elements from the manure generated in intensive livestock production, reducing the risk of contamination of groundwater. This study evaluated the effect of the application of different doses of feedlot waste compost on the lettuce crop (Lactuca sativa L.) and on the chemical, physicochemical, and biological properties of the soil. In two consecutive years, greenhouse experiments were carried out applying doses equivalent to 128 and 500 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, determining fresh weight and apparent efficiency of nitrogen recovery in the crop, and in the soil, nitrate content, organic matter, activity overall biological, electrical conductivity, and pH. The yield of the lettuce crop increased between 29 and 55%, with apparent N recovery efficiencies of less than 5%. In the soil, the effects were mainly manifested in the first centimeters, with increases in the contents of organic matter, global biological activity, and electrical conductivity. On the other hand, there were no significant changes in the pH or nitrate content at depths greater than those reached by the roots of the crop.

Resumen Los sistemas suelo-cultivo del periurbano permiten recuperar elementos químicos del estiércol generado en la producción pecuaria intensiva, disminuyendo el riesgo de contaminación de aguas subterráneas. Este estudio evaluó el efecto de la aplicación de diferentes dosis de compost de residuos de feedlot en el cultivo de lechuga (Lactuca sativa L.) y en propiedades químicas, fisicoquímicas y biológicas del suelo. En dos años consecutivos se realizaron experimentos en invernadero, aplicando dosis equivalentes a 128 y 500 kg ha-1 de nitrógeno, determinando peso fresco y eficiencia aparente de recuperación de N en el cultivo, y en el suelo, contenido de nitratos, materia orgánica, actividad biológica global, conductividad eléctrica y pH. El rendimiento del cultivo de lechuga se incrementó entre el 29 y 55%, con eficiencias de recuperación aparente de nitrógeno menores al 5%. En el suelo, los efectos se manifestaron principalmente en los primeros centímetros, con aumentos en los contenidos de materia orgánica, actividad biológica global y conductividad eléctrica. Por otro lado, no hubo cambios significativos en el pH ni en el contenido de nitratos a profundidades mayores a la alcanzada por las raíces del cultivo.

Resumen Os sistemas solo-cultivo do periurbano permitem recuperar elementos químicos do estrume gerado na produção pecuária intensiva, disminuindo o risco de contaminação de águas subterrâneas. Este estudo avaliou o efeto da aplicação de diferentes doses de compost de resíduos de feedlot no cultivo de alface (Lactuca sativa L.) e nas propiedades químicas, fisicoquímicas e biológicas do solo. Em dois anos consecutivos realizaram-se experimentos em estufa, aplicando doses equivalentes a 128 e 500 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, determinando peso fresco e eficiência aparente de recuperação de N no cultivo, e no solo, conteúdo de nitratos, matéria orgânica, atividade biológica global, condutividade elétrica e pH. O rendimento do cultivo de alface incrementou-se entre o 29 e 55%, com eficiências de recuperação aparente de nitrogênio menores ao 5%. No solo, os efeitos manifestaram-se principalmente nos primeiros centímetros, com aumentos nos conteúdos de matéria orgânica, atividade biológica global e condutividade elétrica. Por outro lado, não teve câmbios significativos no pH nem no conteúdo de nitratos em profundidades maiores à conseguida pelas raizes do cultivo.

Abstract The aim of this work is to identify the main taphonomic processes that contribute to the degradation and contamination of collagen in faunal remains from archaeological sites located in fluvial-lacustrine environments. This problem has made it difficult to radiocarbon date bones and therefore to chronologically assign human occupations. The first results of the diagenetic analyses of bone samples from the archaeological sites Cerro Tapera Vázquez, Calera and Las Brusquillas 4, located in central-east Argentina, are presented. Protein content, collagen quality, porosity, crystallinity, carbon/phosphorus content and calcite percentage were analyzed. The results indicated that chemical hydrolysis and dissolution generated modifications in the bones, which led to low preservation in the quantity and quality of collagen, a fundamental material to guarantee radiocarbon dating.

Resumen El objetivo general de este trabajo es identificar los principales procesos diagenéticos que contribuyen a la degradación y contaminación del colágeno de los restos faunísticos de sitios arqueológicos emplazados en ambientes fluvio-lacustres. Este problema ha dificultado la realización de fechados radiocarbónicos sobre huesos y, por tanto, la asignación cronológica de las ocupaciones humanas. Se dan a conocer los primeros resultados del análisis diagenético de muestras óseas provenientes de los sitios arqueológicos Cerro Tapera Vázquez, Calera y Las Brusquillas 4, ubicados en el centro-este de Argentina. Se analizó el contenido de proteína, la calidad del colágeno, la porosidad, la cristalinidad, el contenido de carbono/fósforo y el porcentaje de calcita. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la hidrólisis química y la disolución generaron modificaciones en los huesos, lo que condujo a una baja preservación en la cantidad y calidad del colágeno, material fundamental para garantizar la realización de dataciones radiocarbónicas y otros estudios isotópicos.

Resumen Durante las últimas décadas en Puno, Perú, la problemática de la contaminación se fue agudizando por la acción combinada del crecimiento desordenado de la población urbana, gestión deficiente de residuos sólidos, descarga de aguas servidas sin tratamiento en la bahía del lago Titicaca y prácticas de sanidad e higiene inadecuadas; situaciones que afectan severamente el ambiente y la salud humana. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar las actitudes y comportamientos proambientales de la población de la ciudad de Puno en relación al saneamiento, la contaminación y la gestión ambiental. La investigación es no experimental, cuantitativa, trans¬versal, descriptiva, correlacional y nivel de análisis micro. El universo de estudio fue la población mayor de 18 años del área urbana, que comprende 97.264 habitantes; la muestra, deter¬minada al azar simple, fue de 382 personas. Se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado. El análisis descriptivo, inferencial y prueba de hipótesis se realizó con el software estadístico SPSS. Los resultados señalan que las actitudes ambientales de la mayoría de la población son positivas respecto a factores y fuentes de contaminación y efectos en la salud humana; contrariamente, las prácticas ambientales son inadecuadas en gestión ambiental en el hogar y condiciones de sanidad e higiene en la vivienda. Se concluye, que la mejora sostenible de actitudes y comportamientos proambientales, demanda de una nueva política pública de educación ambiental, cuya implementación incorpore la participación efectiva de la sociedad civil con base a un sistema de incentivos.

Abstract During the last decades in Puno, Peru, the problem of contamination has worsened due to the combined action of the disorderly growth of the urban population, poor management of solid waste, discharge of untreated sewage into the bay of Lake Titicaca and practices of inadequate sanitation and hygiene, severely affecting the environment and human health. The objective of the study was to characterize the pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors of the city’s population of Puno in relation to sanitation, pollution and environmental management. The research is nonexperimental, quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational and micro level of analysis. The universe of study was the population over 18 years of age in the urban area, which comprises 97,264 inhabitants; the sample, determined at simple random, was 382 people. A structured questionnaire was applied. Descriptive and inferential analysis and hypothesis testing were performed with SPSS statistical software. The results indicate that the environmental attitudes of the majority of the population are positive regarding factors and sources of pollution and effects on human health. On the contrary, environmental practices are inadequate in environmental management in the home and health and hygiene conditions in the home. It is concluded that the sustainable improvement of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors demands a new public policy of environmental education, whose implementation incorporates the effective participation of civil society based on an incentive system.

Resumen Esta investigación planteó como objetivo identificar recomendaciones para reducir la contaminación visual en entornos urbanos mediante la comparación de la "Ley Ciudad Limpia" de Londrina, Brasil y la "Ordenanza que Regula la Instalación de Medios Publicitarios y Propaganda Electoral en el Espacio Público y Privado" de Portoviejo, Ecuador. Se llevó a cabo un análisis detallado y comparativo, destacando similitudes y diferencias entre ambas regulaciones, subrayando la necesidad de una adecuada gestión para proteger el paisaje urbano y a los ciudadanos que lo habitan. Se sugirió la implementación de medidas derivadas de la "Ley Ciudad Limpia" en Portoviejo para lograr un mejor manejo y control sobre aspectos técnicos de la rotulación comercial y de igual manera reducir el impacto ambiental causado en los espacios públicos de la urbe.

Abstract This research aimed to identify recommendations to reduce visual pollution in urban environments by comparing the "Clean City Law" of Londrina, Brazil and the "Ordinance Regulating the Installation of Advertising Media and Electoral Propaganda in Public and Private Space" from Portoviejo, Ecuador. A detailed and comparative analysis was carried out, highlighting similarities and differences between both regulations, underlining the need for adequate management to protect the urban landscape and the citizens who inhabit it. The implementation of measures derived from the "Clean City Law" in Portoviejo was suggested to achieve better management and control over technical aspects of commercial signage and likewise reduce the environmental impact caused in the city's public spaces.