Abstract (Introduction): The search for techniques and methods for managing sludge generated during wastewater treatment is necessary to ensure sustainable sanitation in the medium term in Latin America. An interesting approach involves converting sludge into a biosolid usable in agriculture through alkaline sanitization. (Objective): We evaluated this technique’s efficacy and economic and environmental viability for obtaining an agriculturally usable type A biosolid from municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge. (Methodology): To this end, the efficacy in reducing microbiological parameters was experimentally tested at the laboratory scale using quicklime, for anaerobic and aerobic WWTP sludge. The experimental results fed a benefit/cost analysis model and a life cycle assessment. (Results): It was confirmed that applying a 40 % lime dose allowed the obtention of a type A biosolid with non-detectable concentrations of pathogenic microorganisms, which remained in that condition for more than 30 days. Additionally, the benefit/cost and life cycle analyses concluded that this option would be more attractive than sludge disposal in a landfill, due to the corresponding savings in chemical compounds (fertilizers, agricultural lime). (Conclusions): Therefore, alkaline sanitization can be considered suitable for WWTP sludge management. Its application on a larger scale should be further investigated in the country and the Latin-American region, considering the risk associated to the presence of heavy metals too.

Resumen (Introducción): La búsqueda de técnicas y modelos de gestión del lodo generado durante el tratamiento de las aguas residuales es necesaria para garantizar un saneamiento sostenible a mediano plazo en América Latina. Una vía interesante consiste en convertir el lodo en un biosólido aprovechable en la agricultura por medio de la higienización alcalina. (Objetivo): Se evaluó la eficacia y la viabilidad económica y ambiental de esta técnica para la obtención de un biosólido tipo A aprovechable en la agricultura a partir de lodo de planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) ordinaria. (Metodología): Para ello se probó experimentalmente en escala de laboratorio la eficacia en el decaimiento de parámetros microbiológicos higienizados con cal viva, usando lodo anaeróbico y aeróbico de PTAR. Los resultados experimentales alimentaron un modelo de análisis de beneficio/costo y de ciclo de vida. (Resultados): Pudo corroborarse que la aplicación de dosis de cal de 40 % permitió obtener un biosólido tipo A con concentraciones de microorganismos patógenos no detectables, lo cual se mantuvo en esa condición por más de 30 días. Además, el análisis de beneficio/costo y de ciclo de vida permitieron concluir que esta opción sería más atractiva que la disposición del lodo en un relleno sanitario, debido al ahorro correspondiente en compuestos químicos (fertilizantes o cal agrícola) derivado de su aprovechamiento. (Conclusiones): Por lo tanto, la técnica de higienización alcalina puede considerarse como adecuada para la gestión del lodo de PTAR y su aplicación a mayor escala debe investigarse en mayor detalle en el país y la región latinoamericana, considerando también el riesgo de presencia de metales pesados en este subproducto.

ABSTRACT Proper waste management is a major worldwide concern; waste is disposed of directly into the environment, affecting water, soil and air quality. The development and production of green energy sources is strongly encouraged in modern society. The aim of this study, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2 and 7 of the 2030 Agenda of the UN, is to combine the correct disposal of animal waste with the generation of energy to mitigate the energy insecurity of families in an extremely vulnerable semi-arid region in the north-east of the country using biodigesters. To this end, a conceptual proposal was drawn up for a low-cost, easy-to-maintain and easy-to-use biodigester. A small-scale prototype was used to assess its operation by evaluating the main factors that affect biogas production (pH, temperature and the biomass properties: total solids, fixed solids, volatile solids, concentration of volatile fatty acids and C/N ratio). Evaluation of the test prototype gave satisfactory results that corroborate other studies and make it possible to propose an economically viable and efficient full-scale biodigester for biogas production. concern environment water quality society study SDGs (SDGs 1 203 UN semiarid semi arid northeast north east biodigesters end lowcost, lowcost low cost, cost low-cost easytomaintain easy maintain easytouse use smallscale small scale pH, pH (pH properties solids CN C N ratio. ratio . ratio) fullscale full 20

RESUMO A estruvita (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O) é um fertilizante de liberação lenta obtido através da recuperação de fósforo e/ou nitrogênio de águas residuais geralmente pela adição de sais de magnésio. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a viabilidade da substituição de fontes comerciais de magnésio por fontes alternativas no processo de precipitação de estruvita, em termos de remoção de amônio e fosfato, e quantificação e caracterização do cristal precipitado. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em escala de bancada sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado a pH 9,5 através da precipitação de uma solução de efluente sintético com quatro diferentes fontes de magnésio: MgCl2∙6H2O, MgSO4∙7H2O, MgO e magnesita (MgCO3). Após pré-acidificação, soluções derivadas de fontes alternativas de baixo custo de magnésio removeram acima de 55 e 90% de nitrogênio amoniacal e fosfato em solução, respectivamente, e alcançaram por volta de 10 g L-1 de cristais precipitados. A proximidade dos resultados obtidos com soluções derivadas de fontes comerciais de magnésio (46ꟷ56% de remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal, 97% de remoção de fosfato, e mais de 6 g L-1 de precipitado formado) indicou que reagentes alternativos puderam facilmente substituir os comerciais se submetidos ao prévio processo de digestão, a fim de tornar o magnésio disponível em solução. A análise qualitativa por difratometria de raios-X confirmou a presença de estruvita e newberyita na maioria dos precipitados. NH4MgPO4∙6H2O NH4MgPO46H2O NHMgPOHO NH4MgPO4 6H2O NH MgPO H O (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O eou ou sentido objetivouse objetivou 95 9 5 9, MgCl26H2O MgClHO MgCl2 MgCl MgCl2∙6H2O MgSO47H2O MgSOHO MgSO4 7H2O MgSO MgSO4∙7H2O MgCO3. MgCO3 MgCO . (MgCO3) préacidificação, préacidificação pré acidificação, acidificação pré-acidificação 90 respectivamente 1 L1 L L- precipitados 46ꟷ56% 46ꟷ56 ꟷ (46ꟷ56 97 formado digestão raiosX raios X NHMgPO NH4MgPO HO (MgCO3 46ꟷ5 (46ꟷ5 (MgCO 46ꟷ (46ꟷ

ABSTRACT Struvite (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O) is a slow-release fertilizer obtained through phosphorus and/or nitrogen recovery from wastewaters, usually by adding magnesium salts. In this sense, the aim was to evaluate the viability of replacing commercial magnesium sources with alternative ones in the struvite precipitation process regarding ammonium and phosphate removal and precipitated crystal quantification and characterization. Experiments were conducted on a bench scale in a completely randomized design at pH 9.5 by precipitation of synthetic wastewater solution with four magnesium sources: MgCl2∙6H2O, MgSO4∙7H2O, MgO, and magnesite (MgCO3). After pre-acidification, derived solutions from low-cost alternative sources of magnesium removed above 55 and 90% of ammonium nitrogen and phosphate in solution, respectively, and reached around 10 g L-1 of precipitated crystals. Results proximity obtained with solutions derived from commercial sources of magnesium (46ꟷ56% of ammonium nitrogen removal, 97% of phosphate removal, and more than 6 g L-1 of precipitate formed) indicated that alternative reagents could easily substitute commercial ones if submitted to the previous digestion process, making magnesium available in solution. Qualitative analysis by X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of both struvite and newberyite in most precipitates. NH4MgPO4∙6H2O NH4MgPO46H2O NHMgPOHO NH4MgPO4 6H2O NH MgPO H O (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O slowrelease slow release andor or wastewaters salts sense characterization 95 9 5 9. MgCl26H2O MgClHO MgCl2 MgCl MgCl2∙6H2O MgSO47H2O MgSOHO MgSO4 7H2O MgSO MgSO4∙7H2O MgO MgCO3. MgCO3 MgCO . (MgCO3) preacidification, preacidification pre acidification, acidification pre-acidification lowcost low cost 90 respectively 1 L1 L L- crystals 46ꟷ56% 46ꟷ56 ꟷ (46ꟷ56 97 formed Xray X ray precipitates NHMgPO NH4MgPO HO (MgCO3 46ꟷ5 (46ꟷ5 (MgCO 46ꟷ (46ꟷ

RESUMO: O uso de métodos não destrutivos e de baixo custo para determinação de área foliar tem ganhado importantes aplicações. Os objetivos da pesquisa foram (i) propor um método não destrutivo para estimar a área foliar da cultura da mamona e (ii) construir equações que estimem com precisão e rapidez a área foliar da espécie. Foram coletadas mil folhas sadias e expandidas de cinco cultivares de mamona (New Zealand Purple, Sipeal, Carmencita, Amarelo de Irecê e IAC-80), sendo coletadas 200 folhas de cada uma. O comprimento máximo, largura máxima e área foliar foram calculados para cada folha. Foi calculado o produto entre comprimento e largura (LW). Foram realizados testes com diferentes modelos de regressão linear e não linear entre área foliar e dimensões lineares das folhas de cada cultivar. Os modelos utilizados foram linear, linear sem intercepto e potência. Os critérios para escolha dos melhores modelos para estimar a área foliar da mamona foram maior coeficiente de determinação, maior coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson, menor critério de informação de Akaike, maior índice de concordância de Willmott e menor raiz do erro quadrático médio. As equações que apresentaram melhores critérios para estimativa da área foliar das cultivares de mamona foram aquelas que utilizaram o produto entre comprimento e largura, em comparação às equações que utilizaram apenas uma dimensão foliar. O modelo ŷ = 0,439 × LW pode ser utilizado para estimar com precisão e rapidez a área foliar da mamona por meio de medidas lineares das folhas, utilizando o produto entre comprimento e largura (LW), independente da cultivar escolhida. RESUMO aplicações i (i ii (ii espécie New Purple Sipeal Carmencita IAC80, IAC80 IAC 80 , IAC-80) 20 máximo folha LW. . (LW) potência Pearson Akaike médio 0439 0 439 0,43 LW, escolhida IAC8 8 IAC-80 2 (LW 043 43 0,4 IAC-8 04 4 0, IAC-

ABSTRACT: Using non-destructive and low-cost methods to determine leaf area has gained important applications. The research objectives were (i) to propose a non-destructive method to estimate the leaf area of castor bean crops and (ii) to build equations that accurately and quickly estimate the leaf area of specie. One thousand healthy and expanded leaves of five castor bean cultivars (New Zealand Purple, Sipeal, Carmencita, Amarelo de Irecê, and IAC-80) were collected, and 200 leaves were collected from each. The maximum length, maximum width, and leaf area were calculated for each leaf. The product between length and width (LW) were calculated. We performed tests with different linear and non-linear regression models between leaf area and linear leaf dimensions of each cultivar. The models used were linear, linear without intercept, and power. The criteria for choosing the best models to estimate the leaf area of castor beans were a higher coefficient of determination, more elevated Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient, lower Akaike information criterion, higher Willmott agreement index, and smallest root mean square error. The equations that presented the best criteria for estimating the leaf area of castor bean cultivars were those that used the product between length and width, compared to equations that used only one leaf dimension. The model ŷ = 0.439 × LW can be used to accurately and quickly estimate the castor bean leaf area through linear measurements of the leaves, using the product between length and width (LW), regardless of the cultivar chosen. ABSTRACT nondestructive non destructive lowcost low cost applications i (i ii (ii specie New Purple Sipeal Carmencita Irecê IAC80 IAC 80 IAC-80 20 (LW nonlinear intercept power determination Pearsons Pearson s criterion index error dimension 0439 0 439 0.43 LW, , chosen IAC8 8 IAC-8 2 043 43 0.4 IAC- 04 4 0.

Serial numbers are marks present on several day-to-day objects, created by manufacturers for purposes such as quality control, product tracking and to prevent counterfeiting. In the case of firearms, these characters can be obliterated or damaged by natural processes or intentionally by criminals to prevent positive identification of stolen property. One non-destructive method employed by crime laboratories for the restoration of obliterated characters is the magnetic particle method. The present work aims to study the synthesis and application of waste-made magnetic nanoparticles in the recovery of adulterated markings. A set of analytical-grade materials and metallic waste magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized for comparison purposes. Chemical characterization tests by X-ray fluorescence, morphological tests by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and magnetization tests by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were performed. The efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles was tested on 1020 steel plates previously engraved and adulterated by sanding. Both homemade magnetic nanoparticles demonstrated superior performance compared to commercial magnetic particles. The application of homemade magnetic particles, especially using waste as the source of production, decreases the cost of the material and is environmentally friendly. The development of this material makes magnetic serial number restoration a better option for widespread use in forensic procedures. daytoday day objects control counterfeiting firearms property nondestructive non destructive wastemade made markings analyticalgrade analytical grade Xray X ray fluorescence SEM, SEM , (SEM) VSM (VSM performed 102 sanding particles production friendly procedures (SEM 10 1

Caffeine (CAF) and nicotine (NIC) are emerging contaminants and are among the most consumed substances in the world, making it crucial to monitor these contaminants. In this work, an alternative electrolyte, 2-hydroxyethylammonium acetate (2HEAA) was used for the development of an electroanalytical method for determination and quantification of CAF and NIC, simultaneously, using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The system with the 2HEAA electrolyte was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the DPV parameters were optimized for the best conditions. The method was validated from a calibration curve obtained which showed limit of detection (LOD) of 0.82 and 6.26 μmol L 1 and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.73 and 20.8 μmol L-1 for CAF and NIC, respectively. In the precision analyses, values lower than 10% of relative standard deviation were obtained. In the presence of concomitant inorganic and organic species, the system proved to be selective in the determination of analytes. The method was used to determine the analytes in fortified samples (river water, synthetic urine and commercial milk), obtaining recoveries between 87.25 and 111.40%. The 2HEAA demonstrated high efficiency as an alternative electrolyte with good signal-to-noise ratio, increased analytical sensitivity of the method, in addition to presenting low cost and fast electrolyte preparation. (CAF NIC (NIC world work 2hydroxyethylammonium hydroxyethylammonium 2 HEAA (2HEAA simultaneously DPV. . (DPV) spectroscopy conditions LOD (LOD 082 0 82 0.8 626 6 26 6.2 LOQ (LOQ 273 73 2.7 208 20 8 20. L1 L- respectively analyses 10 species river water milk, milk , milk) 8725 87 25 87.2 11140 111 40 111.40% signaltonoise signal noise ratio preparation (DPV 08 0. 62 6. 27 7 2. 872 87. 1114 11 4 111.40 111.4 111.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes are commonly used as an environmental protection liner due to their good chemical and mechanical resistances and low cost. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an essential issue in durability studies for pond applications. This study evaluated a 1.5-mm thick HDPE geomembrane exposed to ultraviolet fluorescent radiation for 8760 h in a laboratory and thermoanalytical and physical analyses were conducted towards the understanding of its performance after exposure. According to the results, although the geomembrane maintained the ductile behavior, it showed a 52.48% final decrease in stress crack resistance (SCR) compared to virgin SCR. Moreover, a considerable antioxidant depletion occurred after 8760 h exposure shown by the Std. OIT (standard oxidative-induction time) results, demonstrating a Std. OIT value decrease of 89.19% compared to the virgin Std. OIT. Such a behavior contributed to the susceptibility of thermal effects in the DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) curves and the losses observed in the SCR values, attesting the geomembrane’s oxidative degradation mechanism occurred and changed the polymer’s structure. Highdensity High density (HDPE cost UV (UV applications 1.5mm 15mm mm 1.5 1 5 876 results 5248 52 48 52.48 (SCR Moreover Std standard oxidativeinduction induction time 8919 89 19 89.19 differential calorimetry values s polymers polymer structure 5mm 15 1. 87 524 4 52.4 891 8 89.1 52. 89.

In this work we explore some theoretical and practical aspects of one-pot synthesis. The focal point of the study is the preparation of the thiazole heterocycle, with an emphasis on theoretical aspects of the organic and medicinal chemistry of this important privileged structure. The entire set of experimental procedures and characterization steps explored in this work has the potential to assist in the training and/or technical improvement of undergraduate students, and contribute to the teaching of chemistry in Brazilian higher education. It is worth emphasizing these aspects because the experiments shown in the proposed practices involve simple, rapid, low-risk, and low-cost procedures, making it perfectly feasible to reproduce them in undergraduate classes, even in laboratories with limited material resources. onepot one pot synthesis heterocycle structure andor or students education simple rapid lowrisk, lowrisk low risk, risk low-risk lowcost cost classes resources

ABSTRACT Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a spectroscopy technique widely used by chemists and physicists to determine the chemical structure of molecules that was adapted to generate imaging, known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is widely used in medical diagnosis. The importance of NMR in chemistry, physics, medicine, materials, and agriculture has been recognized with several Nobel Prizes in Physics, 1952, Chemistry, 1991 and 2002, and Medicine in 2003. Therefore, NMR can be applied to obtain: i) imaging of the human body, animal and materials; ii) high-resolution spectra to obtain structural and dynamical information of chemicals, materials etc.; and iii) quantitative and qualitative information of chemical composition of products such as food and agricultural products, using low-resolution relaxometry. High-resolution NMR and MRI have been applied in agri-food products, mostly as a research tool as they typically rely on expensive and bulk instruments, which restrict their uses in routine applications. The NMR sensors that have been more frequently used in agri-food products are based on low-resolution or low-field or time-domain NMR (TD-NMR) instruments. These low-cost instruments have been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of agri-food products such as intact seeds and grains, intact fruits, meat, oils, and processed foods. In this paper, an overview of the NMR techniques and its main instrumentation aspects are presented, and some applications of TD-NMR and MRI in the non-invasive analysis of food, seeds, and others agricultural products are discussed. (NMR MRI, , (MRI) diagnosis chemistry physics medicine Physics 1952 Chemistry 199 2002 2003 Therefore i body ii highresolution high resolution chemicals etc. etc iii lowresolution low relaxometry Highresolution High agrifood agri lowfield field timedomain time domain TDNMR TD (TD-NMR lowcost cost grains fruits meat oils foods paper presented noninvasive non invasive discussed (MRI 195 19 200 1 20 2

RESUMO A ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) é uma técnica de espectroscopia amplamente utilizada pelos químicos e físicos para determinar a estrutura química de moléculas que foi adaptada para gerar imagens, conhecidas como tomografia por imagem de ressonância magnética nuclear (IRM), amplamente utilizada em diagnóstico médico. A importância da RMN na química, física, medicina, materiais e agricultura tem sido reconhecida por vários Prémios Nobel de Física, 1952, Química, 1991 e 2002, e Medicina em 2003. Portanto, a RMN pode ser aplicada para obter: i) imagens do corpo humano, animais e materiais; ii) espectros de alta resolução para obtenção de informações estruturais e dinâmicas de produtos químicos, materiais etc.; e iii) obter informações quantitativas e qualitativas da composição química de alimentos, produtos agrícolas, utilizando relaxometria de baixa resolução. A IRM e a RMN de alta resolução tem sido aplicadas em produtos agroalimentares, principalmente na pesquisa, uma vez que normalmente dependem de instrumentos caros de grandes dimensões, o que restringe a sua utilização em aplicações rotineiras. Sensores de RMN que têm sido utilizados com mais frequência em produtos agroalimentares baseiam-se em instrumentos de baixa resolução ou de baixo campo ou domínio de tempo TD-NMR. Esses instrumentos de baixo custo tem sido utilizados para análises qualitativas e quantitativas de produtos agroalimentares, como sementes e grãos intactos, frutas intactas, carnes, óleos e alimentos processados. Neste artigo, é apresentada uma revisão das técnicas de RMN, seus principais aspectos da instrumentação, e discutidas algumas aplicações de TD-RMN e IRM na análise não invasiva de alimentos, sementes e outros produtos agrícolas. (RMN IRM, , (IRM) médico física medicina Física 1952 Química 199 2002 2003 Portanto i humano ii etc. etc iii agrícolas pesquisa dimensões rotineiras baseiamse baseiam se TDNMR. TDNMR TD NMR. NMR TD-NMR intactos intactas carnes processados artigo instrumentação TDRMN (IRM 195 19 200 1 20 2

Abstract Introduction: The initial treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis is usually conservative. When there is no good response, it must be resolved by surgically releasing the A1 pulley, traditionally with open release (OR). However, there is the alternative of ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release (UPAR), which has shown similar results. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and costs of UPAR compared to OR at our center. Method: A retrospective study was carried out in patients undergoing UPAR. Information on pain scale, mechanical symptoms (Quinnell grades), and disability (QuickDASH) was obtained before and after the procedure. The costs of UPAR and OR alternatives were evaluated. Results: A statistically significant improvement in pain, mechanical symptoms and disability was observed after the procedure. No complications were reported. UPAR was found to be 63% less expensive than the most economical OR alternative. Conclusion: UPAR is a safe and effective alternative to treat “trigger finger or thumb”, with low costs and a shorter recovery period compared to OR. UPAR should be considered as the initial treatment when other options have not been successful.

Resumen Introducción: El tratamiento inicial de la tenosinovitis estenosante suele ser conservador. Cuando no hay buena respuesta debe resolverse liberando quirúrgicamente la polea A1, tradicionalmente con liberación abierta (LA), sin embargo, existe la alternativa de la liberación percutánea de la polea A1 guiada por ultrasonido (LPAUS), que ha mostrado similares resultados. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y costos de LPAUS en comparación con la LA en nuestro centro. Método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo en pacientes sometidos a LPAUS. Se obtuvo información sobre escala del dolor, síntomas mecánicos (grados de Quinnell) y discapacidad (QuickDASH) antes y después del procedimiento. Se evaluaron los costos de este y las alternativas de LA. Resultados: Se observó una mejora estadísticamente significativa en dolor, síntomas mecánicos y discapacidad después del procedimiento. No se informaron complicaciones. La LPAUS resultó ser un 63% menos costosa que la alternativa de LA más económica. Conclusión: La LPAUS es una alternativa segura y efectiva para tratar el «dedo o pulgar en gatillo», con bajos costos y un periodo de recuperación más corto en comparación con la LA. La LPAUS se debe considerar como tratamiento inicial cuando otras opciones no han tenido éxito.

ABSTRACT The ‘RD6’ glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.), developed from the popular aromatic rice ‘KDML105’ through gamma irradiation, is a key economic cultivar widely consumed in Thailand and exported throughout Asia. However, cultivation of the ‘RD6’ faces challenges due to its low grain yield and growth performance. The objective of this study was to use biostimulant chitosan and brassinosteroids to promote growth performance, nutrition, and yield of the ‘RD6’ rice. Chitosan (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mg L-1) and brassinosteroids (0.00005, 0.0005, 0.001, and 0.002 mg L-1) were sprayed twice at 40- and 75-d-old rice plants in paddy fields. The results demonstrated that foliar spraying with 7.5 mg L-1 chitosan can promote leaf growth of ‘RD6’ and improve grain yield by 24% as compared with the control. More pronounced effects were observed with 0.002 mg L-1 brassinosteroid, improving not only growth but also ‘RD6’ yield by 41.8% compared to the control. Moreover, 0.002 mg L-1 brassinosteroids can enhance antioxidant capacities (total phenolic contents), elemental K and Ca contents, and the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) contents in the rice grains. Furthermore, the use of 0.002 mg L-1 brassinosteroids proved to be a financially sound investment, yielding superior net returns and an advantageous benefit-cost ratio compared with 7.5 mg L-1 chitosan. Therefore, the use of exogenous brassinosteroids on glutinous rice in this study offers promising advantages for promoting the growth and physiological performance of rice plants.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the two conditions that cause blindness and that can frequently coexist in the same patient are glaucoma and cataract. Cataract surgery plus trabeculectomy is very useful in Latin American countries due to its good visual results and low cost for patients with limited economic resources. Being a cost-effective alternative for this type of population. Objective: to describe the results of small incision cataract surgery combined with trabeculectomy in patients with glaucoma refractory to maximum therapy at Fundación Visión. Methodology: a retrospective observational study was carried out that included patients who underwent combined cataract and glaucoma surgery at Fundación Visión from May 2021 to April 30, 2022. The following variables were analyzed; visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of hypotensive medications, pre and post surgery, in addition to operative complications. Results: before surgery, 51 % of patients had an IOP between 21 to 30 mmHg, and 57 % used triple drug therapy. After surgery, 98 % of patients had IOP <20 mmHg and 41 % did not need to use hypotensive medications. IOP was significantly reduced (p <0.001) from 28.59 mmHg pre-surgery to 11.18 mmHg post-surgery. In 41% of patients (n = 21) the success was complete, in 57% (n = 29) the success was partial and in one patient there was no success. There was only one case of intraoperative complication with zonulodialysis and the postoperative complications were choroidal detachment and flat bulla, with two cases each. Conclusion: small-incision cataract surgery combined with trabeculectomy is a safe, effective, and lower-cost treatment for people suffering from cataract and glaucoma.

RESUMEN Introducción: las dos condiciones que causan ceguera y que pueden frecuentemente coexistir en el mismo paciente son glaucoma y catarata. La cirugía de catarata más trabeculectomía es de gran utilidad en países de América Latina por los buenos resultados visuales y el bajo costo para pacientes de escasos recursos económicos. Siendo una alternativa costo efectiva para este tipo de población. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la cirugía de catarata por pequeña incisión combinada con trabeculectomía en pacientes con glaucoma refractario a terapia máxima en la Fundación Visión. Métodología: se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes intervenidos con una cirugía combinada de catarata y glaucoma en la Fundación Visión de mayo del 2021 al 30 de abril del 2022. Se analizaron las siguientes variables; agudeza visual, presión intraocular (PIO), número de medicamentos hipotensores, pre y post cirugía, además de las complicaciones operatorias. Resultados: previo a la cirugía, el 51 % de los pacientes tenía una PIO entre 21 a 30 mmHg, y el 57 % usaba una triple terapia medicamentosa. Posterior a la cirugía, el 98 % de los pacientes presentaron PIO <20 mmHg y el 41 % no necesitó usar medicamentos hipotensores. La PIO se redujo significativamente (p <0.001) de 28,59 mmHg en la pre cirugía a 11,18 mmHg en la post cirugía. En el 41 % de los pacientes (n = 21) el éxito fue completo, en el 57 % (n = 29) éxito fue parcial y en un paciente no hubo éxito. Solo hubo un caso de complicación intraoperatoria con zonulodiálisis y las complicaciones postoperatorias fueron el desprendimiento coroideo y ampolla plana, con dos casos cada uno. Conclusión: la cirugía de catarata por incisión pequeña combinada con trabeculectomía es un tratamiento seguro, eficaz y de menor costo para personas que padecen catarata y glaucoma.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS) has emerged as a promising technique for the management of large and complex kidney stones, potentially offering advantages over traditional Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This study aims to evaluate best practices, outcomes, and future perspectives associated with ECIRS. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted from 2008 to 2024, using MESH terms and the following key words: "ECIRS" and "Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery" The search yielded 157 articles, including retrospective cohort studies, two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and four meta-analyses comparing ECIRS with PCNL. Most important findings were summarized regarding indications, patient positioning, kidney access, tract size, surgical outcomes, and complications. Results: ECIRS demonstrated higher stone-free rate, lower complication rate, and a reduced need for multiple procedures compared to traditional PCNL. Additionally, ECIRS has the potential to integrate new technologies to further enhance outcomes. Conclusion: ECIRS demonstrates significant advantages in the management of large kidney stones. Future research should focus on well-designed RCTs to provide robust evidence of its efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, potentially establishing ECIRS as the first option treatment for complex kidney stones. Introduction (ECIRS stones PCNL . (PCNL) practices outcomes Methods 200 2024 words "ECIRS 15 articles studies RCTs, , (RCTs) metaanalyses meta analyses indications positioning access size complications Results stonefree stone free rate Additionally Conclusion welldesigned well designed efficacy safety costeffectiveness, costeffectiveness cost effectiveness, effectiveness cost-effectiveness (PCNL 20 202 1 (RCTs 2

Abstract Introduction. Climate change adaptation measures require informed decision-making. However, small-scale agriculture shows low rates of technology adoption due to cost and lack of connectivity. Objective. To evaluate three low-cost prototypes of small-scale agriculture devices for soil moisture measurement in different soil textures, as well as to determine the respective calibration equations, and the effects of electrical conductivity and temperature on moisture measurement. Materials and methods. Three measurement and recording prototypes for soil moisture were evaluated in soils with variations in clay/sand content and electrical conductivity in productive plots at Zamorano University in Honduras and a demonstration farm in Popayán, Colombia during the first quarter of 2022. Commercial sensors were used as a reference to compare the performance of the prototypes through regression analysis of hourly sensor readings over 90 days. Electrical conductivity (dS/m) and temperature variables were collected to determine their influence on moisture reading accuracy. Results. The soil moisture measurement devices showed better performance in soils with lower sand content. The measurement from the devices overestimated moisture readings by 0.19 to 0.52 percentage points for each additional degree of soil temperature. Additionally, for each additional dS/m of electrical conductivity, the reading needed adjustment by 8 to 55 percentage points. Conclusions. Prototype A was the most accurate device, while prototype B was the most precise compared to commercial sensors. Soil moisture devices performed best in soils with lower sand content. The three models evaluated performed best in loam soil with a medium clay content.

Resumen Introducción. Las medidas de adaptación al cambio climático requieren de la toma de decisiones informadas. Sin embargo, la agricultura de pequeña escala muestra bajas tasas de adopción de tecnologías por su costo y falta de conectividad. Objetivo. Evaluar tres prototipos de dispositivos para agricultura de pequeña escala y de bajo costo para medir humedad de suelo en diferentes texturas, así como determinar las respectivas ecuaciones de calibración y los efectos de conductividad eléctrica y temperatura en la medida de humedad. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron tres prototipos de dispositivos de medición y registro de humedad de suelo, en suelos con diferencial en contenido de arcilla/arena y conductividad eléctrica en parcelas productivas de la Universidad Zamorano, en Honduras; y Finca demostrativa en Popayán, Colombia, durante el primer trimestre del 2022. Se tomaron como referencia sensores comerciales para la comparación del desempeño de los prototipos, mediante análisis de regresión de las lecturas por hora de los sensores durante 90 días. Se recolectaron las variables de conductividad eléctrica (dS/m) y temperatura para determinar la influencia en la precisión de la lectura de humedad. Resultados. Los dispositivos de medición y registro de humedad presentaron un mejor desempeño en suelos con menor contenido de arena. La medición de los dispositivos sobrestimó entre 0,19 y 0,52 puntos porcentuales la lectura de humedad por cada grado adicional de temperatura del suelo, y que por cada dS/m adicional de conductividad eléctrica la lectura se debe ajustar entre 8 y 55 puntos porcentuales. Conclusiones. El prototipo A fue el dispositivo más exacto, mientras que el prototipo B fue el más preciso, con respecto a los sensores comerciales. Los dispositivos de humedad presentaron un mejor desempeño en suelos con menor contenido de arena. Los tres modelos evaluados obtuvieron el mejor desempeño en suelo franco con contenido medio de arcilla.

Abstract Introduction. In Ecuador, there are few studies on the use of microbial inoculants for the sustainable production common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Objective. To evaluate the effect of inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on productive and economic variables of P. vulgaris. Materials and methods. The research was carried out at the La Argelia Experimental Station in Loja, Ecuador, from February to July 2022. Using loamy soil, the common bean cultivar “Mantequilla” was employed in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and four replications each. The treatments were: T1) absolute control, T2) Bacillus subtilis, T3) Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, T4) Pseudomonas fluorescens + B. subtilis, T5) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + B. subtilis, T6) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis, and T7) chemical fertilization. The effect of the treatments on growth, development, and yield components in the evaluated cultivar was assessed. Additionally, an economic analysis of the application of beneficial microorganisms versus chemical fertilization was conducted. Results. Treatment T6 (R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis) shortened the phenological phases (days), promoted a higher number of nodules, emergence percentage, plant height, leaf area, number of pods per plant, weight of 100 seeds, nitrogen content, and agricultural yield without statistical differences (p<0.05) compared to chemical fertilization (T7). The economic analysis showed that T6 generated higher income and greater profitability compared to chemical fertilization. Conclusion. Inoculation with beneficial microorganisms positively affected the productive and economic variables of common beans and can be a valid alternative to the conventional use of chemical fertilizers.

Resumen Introducción. En Ecuador, existen pocos estudios sobre la utilización de inoculantes microbianos para la producción sostenible del fríjol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la inoculación con rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (PGPR) en variables productivas y económicas de P. vulgaris . Materiales y métodos. La investigación se desarrolló en la Estación Experimental La Argelia, Loja, Ecuador, durante el periodo de febrero a julio de 2022. En un suelo de textura Franca, se empleó el cultivar de fríjol común Mantequilla bajo un diseño en bloques completos al azar con siete tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones de cada uno. Los tratamientos fueron: T1) control absoluto, T2) Bacillus subtilis, T3) Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, T4) Pseudomonas fluorescens + B. subtilis, T5) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + B. subtilis, T6) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis, y T7) fertilización química. Se evaluó el efecto de los tratamientos sobre variables de crecimiento, desarrollo y componentes de rendimiento en el cultivar evaluado. Además, se realizó un análisis económico de la aplicación de los microorganismos benéficos frente a la fertilización química. Resultados. El tratamiento: R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis (T6) acortó las fases fenológicas (días), promovió un mayor número de nódulos, porcentaje de emergencia, altura de la planta, área foliar, número de vainas por planta, peso de 100 semillas, contenido de nitrógeno y rendimiento agrícola sin diferencias estadísticas (p<0,05) con respecto a la fertilización química (T7). Mediante el análisis económico se estableció que el T6 generó mayores ingresos, y una mayor rentabilidad frente a la fertilización química. Conclusión. La inoculación con microorganismos benéficos afectó positivamente las variables productivas y económicas de frijol común y puede ser una alternativa válida al uso convencional de fertilizantes químicos.