ABSTRACT Plant factory is a production system characterized by high control and efficiency of the production factors, in which the cultivation of microgreens has increased. Photoperiod and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) are two of the main factors to be investigated in order to obtain maximum yield. In this context, an experiment was conducted in indoor environment to evaluate the influence of photoperiod (12, 16 and 20 h d-1) and PPFD (150, 250, 350 and 450 μmol m-2 s-1) with two harvest times (4 and 6 d of light) on the growth and yield of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) microgreens. Early harvest, photoperiod and PPFD affected hypocotyl length (HL), cotyledon area (CA) and yield individually and in interaction. Two-day earlier harvest resulted in reductions of 10.0%, 32.0% and 16.5% in HL, CA and yield, respectively. In general, higher PPFD and photoperiod caused decrease in HL and increase in CA and yield. With the combination of these factors, 315 μmol m-2 s-1 with 20 h light promoted the highest yield of red cabbage microgreens. In one year of production, early harvest promotes a greater number of production cycles and higher yield of red cabbage microgreens (616 kg m-2), which was 27% higher than that obtained with harvest carried out 2 d later, when the first leaf appeared.

ABSTRACT Medicinal plants (MP) are used in various forms (teas, tinctures, creams, food supplements, etc.), with a single purpose, that of improving the quality of human life from birth to senescence. The choice of the species Cassia angustifolia Vahl, to be introduced into culture and for the development of mechanized cultivation technology is argued by the high demand for ecological raw material, correlated with climate changes. Establishing the optimal planting distance is very important in crop management to improve plant growth and yield. In this study, the effects of planting density on the growth and yield of C. angustifolia plants were evaluated in the edaphoclimatic conditions of Brasov, Romania. The experiment included three factors: Factor A - experimental year: 5 April 2016 (A1), 11 April 2017 (A2), 4 April 2018 (A3). Factor B - Distance row by row (RR): 25 (B1), 50 (B2), and 70 cm (B3). Factor C - Distance plant by plant (PP): Continuous row (C1), 15 cm (C2), and 25 cm (C3). Three years’ data indicated that plant density of 25 (RR) × continuous row (PP) resulted in obtaining the highest yield of fresh (48.33 t ha-1) and dry (7.93 t ha-1) biomass. Increasing planting density increased individual plant development (height, number of branches and weight), but reduced yield of biomass.

Resumo Este artigo realiza uma abordagem cruzada de números e mapas de modo a evidenciar o poder performativo que emerge de suas interseções tecnopolíticas, como o conceito de densidade populacional e o recorte regional do território. Aplicada ao caso brasileiro, a análise combinada ilumina aspectos relativos à construção da autoridade do Estado e seu poder de criar categorias de pessoas e lugares. Para tanto, examinamos as tendências que aproximam a estatística da cartografia no Brasil Império e que indicam um estatuto comum a mapas e números enquanto instrumentos descritivos do poder soberano, como suas modalidades de uso, e suas condições de produção e validação da verdade. Na sequência, abordamos os fatores que levam à crescente importância dos números e dos mapas para a ação coletiva e para a produção de identidades compartilhadas. Com base nas referências da sociologia da quantificação, enfocamos a emergência da cartografia estatística e a crescente regionalização dos dados oficiais, entre as décadas de 1920 e 1940, ligadas a um novo modo de definir a brasilidade, ordenar o território e gerir a população. Concluímos que quantificar é também visualizar quantidades demográficas e econômicas em uma espacialidade coerente e unitária, uma vez estabilizada por convenções de equivalência. tecnopolíticas brasileiro lugares tanto soberano uso verdade sequência compartilhadas quantificação oficiais 192 1940 brasilidade população unitária equivalência 19 194 1

Resumen Este artículo realiza un abordaje cruzado de números y mapas con el fin de evidenciar el poder performativo que emerge de sus intersecciones tecnopolíticas, como el concepto de densidad poblacional y el recorte regional del territorio. Aplicado al caso brasilero, el análisis combinado ilustra aspectos relativos a la construcción de la autoridad del Estado y su poder de crear categorías de personas y lugares. Para ese propósito, examinamos las tendencias que aproximan la estadística de la cartografía en Brasil Imperio y que indican un estatuto común a mapas y números como instrumentos descriptivos del poder soberano, sus modalidades de uso y sus condiciones de producción y validación de la verdad. Luego, abordamos los factores que conducen a la creciente importancia de los números y de los mapas para la acción colectiva y para la producción de identidades compartidas. Con base en las referencias de la sociología de la cuantificación, nos enfocamos en la emergencia de la cartografía estadística y en la creciente regionalización de los datos oficiales entre las décadas de 1920 y 1940, vinculadas a un nuevo modo de definir la “brasilidad”, ordenar el territorio y administrar la población. Concluimos que cuantificar es también visualizar cantidades demográficas y económicas en una espacialidad coherente y unitaria, una vez estabilizada por convenciones de equivalencia. tecnopolíticas brasilero lugares propósito soberano verdad Luego compartidas cuantificación 192 1940 brasilidad, brasilidad , “brasilidad” población unitaria equivalencia 19 194 “brasilidad 1

Abstract This article takes a cross-disciplinary approach to numbers and maps to demonstrate the performative power that emerges from their technopolitical intersections, such as the concept of population density and regional delineation of territory. Applied to the Brazilian context, this combined analysis sheds light on aspects related to the construction of State authority and its power to create categories of people and places. To do so, this paper examines trends that bring statistics and cartography together in the Brazilian Empire, indicating a common status for maps and numbers as descriptive instruments of sovereign power, including their modes of use and conditions for producing and validating truth. Subsequently, it addresses the factors leading to the growing importance of numbers and maps for collective action and the production of shared identities. Drawing on references from the sociology of quantification, this paper focuses on the emergence of statistical cartography and the increasing regionalization of official data between the 1920s and 1940s – linked to a new way of defining Brazilian identity, organizing territory, and managing population. It concludes that quantifying is also visualizing demographic and economic quantities in a coherent and unitary spatiality, once stabilized by conventions of equivalence. crossdisciplinary cross disciplinary intersections territory context places so Empire truth Subsequently identities quantification s identity spatiality equivalence

Résumé Cet article a pour but de démontrer la pertinence de l´approche transversale des chiffres et des cartes afin de mettre en évidence le pouvoir performatif qui se dégage de leurs intersections tecnhopolitiques telles que le concept de densité de population et la régionalisation du territoire. Appliquée au Brésil, l´étude croisée met en lumière des aspects du processus de construction de l´État, de la centralisation de l´autorité politique et de la création de nouvelles catégories de personnes et d´espaces de gouvernement. Pour ce faire, les tendances qui ont rapproché la statistique et la cartographie au cours de l´Empire brésilien y sont annalysées, en comprenant leur rôle en tant qu´instruments descriptifs du pouvoir souverain. De même, l´article aborde les circonstances qui conduissent à l´importance croissante des chiffres et des cartes comme une référente commune pour l´action collective et la production d´identités sociales. Basé sur le cadre de la sociologie de la quantification, l´article s´intéresse à l´émergence de la cartographie statistique et la régionalisation croissante des données officielles entre les années 1920 et 1940, liée à une nouvelle façon de definir la «brésilité », d´ordonner le territoire et de gouverner la population. On conclut que quantifier, c´est aussi visualiser et imaginer des grandeurs démographiques et économiques dans une spatialité cohérente et unitaire une fois stabilisée par des conventions d´équivalence. lapproche l approche Brésil létude étude lÉtat État l´État lautorité autorité despaces d espaces gouvernement faire lEmpire Empire annalysées quinstruments qu instruments souverain même larticle limportance importance laction action didentités identités sociales quantification sintéresse s intéresse lémergence émergence 192 1940 brésilité » dordonner ordonner quantifier cest c est déquivalence équivalence d´équivalence 19 194 1

ABSTRACT Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) exhibits remarkable adaptability to different agroecological conditions, but there are still challenges in introducing it to new environments, especially those in northern latitudes. This study investigates the impact of genotype, season, sowing density (5 and 10 cm between plants), and their interaction on agro-morphological traits of quinoa cultivars (Puno and Titicaca). Seasonal variations, primarily influenced by precipitation, significantly affected all analyzed traits (plant height, number of side branches and flower branches, biomass and grain yield per plant) with the highest values recorded in a favorable season. The season factor had the greatest influence in the variation of grain yield, with a share of 89.7% in the total variation. Grain yield per plant was 31.41 g in the favorable season compared to 14.64 g in the less favorable season. The significance of the Genotype × Season interaction in variation of plant height, number of side branches and biomass production per plant, as well as the significance of the Season × Sowing density interaction in biomass production, highlighted the importance of these factors to optimize cultivation practices and increase quinoa productivity in different environmental conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted the interrelationships among agro-morphological traits, where in less favorable environments grain yield was most closely related to biomass, number of side branches and number of flower branches. Lower sowing density (10 cm between plants) may be more favorable for achieving high values across all analyzed traits, particularly increasing the number of flower branches (16.75 at lower density and 14.61 at higher density). The ‘Puno’ genotype stands out with a pronounced adaptability to less favorable environmental conditions, especially at lower sowing density. In contrast, the ‘Titicaca’ genotype stands out for its high biomass production, especially in the second season (74.9 g).

PURPOSE: Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are expected to rise in a rapidly aging South African population. However, currently, there are limited prevalence studies available for this population METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of osteoporosis from all Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans on referral to a tertiary academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. All DEXA scans were analyzed between January 01, 2006, and December 31, 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to diagnose osteoporosis RESULTS: Of the 2264 DEXA scans analysed, 880 were osteoporotic (96.4% females, 3.6% males), with an overall osteoporosis prevalence of 38.8% (CI 38.6-40.8). The prevalence increased with age. Bone mineral density T-scores were lower in subjects with lower body mass index. The vertebral body with the highest prevalence of fractures was thoracic level T12. There were no significant differences when comparing T-scores by various bony regions between males and females above age 50 CONCLUSION: In those referred for DEXA scans, this study found a high prevalence of osteoporosis, especially in the older South African population, with notable levels in postmenopausal women. Being underweight was associated with increased severity. We also found a higher incidence of vertebral deformities with increasing age

Water scarcity is a global problem exacerbated by the ever-increasing population and climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Different water resource management strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, have been proposed and implemented worldwide to combat water shortage. Mapping of the optimum sites where these rainwater harvesting structures can be constructed is very important. The main objective of this study was to map and identify, using GIS, optimum sites for the construction of rainwater harvesting structures (farm ponds, check dams and percolation ponds) for agricultural and peri-urban purposes in Eswatini. The optimum sites were identified by overlaying various thematic layers including land use and cover, slope, runoff potential, soil texture and depth and drainage density using ArcGIS 10.8. A general rainwater harvesting suitability map was produced for Eswatini, then potential sites for different rainwater harvesting structures were identified. The results of the study indicated that all three rainwater harvesting structures have suitable sites where they can be constructed. Check dams have potential sites which cover 22.7% of the suitable area in Eswatini, while farm pond and percolation pond sites covers 19.7% and 65%, respectively. Information on existing structures such as dams and earth dams for water storage may need to be gathered to verify the proposed sites of the rainwater harvesting structures. This study was able to identify new sites where structures can be constructed for rainwater harvesting which can improve water availability during dry seasons. Further evaluation may need to be done before implementation of these structures. Moreover, implementing this is subject to a number of other factors, such as the economy, feasibility studies as well as social implications. However, the results of this study will assist policy and decision makers in planning for potential sites for water storage as an adaptation to drought and climate change.

Abstract The environmental impact of polystyrene and other petrochemical packaging has increased interest in researching biodegradable materials as alternatives. The main objective of this research was to develop biodegradable trays from five formulations of Poraqueiba sericea Tulasne (known as umari) seed starch and corn cob meal. The trays were produced using the thermoforming process applying temperatures of 135°C and 145°C for each side of the tray for a time of 6.5 min. Physical analysis of the trays showed that the increase in the percentage of corn cob flour caused changes in color (L*: 68.69 - 64.94), thickness (2.20 - 3.17 mm), density (0.251 - 0.414 g/cm3), moisture (3.85 - 5.68%), water absorption (21.86 - 39.05%), volatile solids (95.33 - 98.31%). Regarding mechanical properties, it was also evidenced the increase in hardness (67.70 - 90.97 N), fracturability (1.43 and 3.19 mm), tension (2.84 to 3.43 MPa) and elongation (1.54 to 2.04%). The formulation of 87.5% umari seed starch and 12.5% tusa flour presented more favorable physical and mechanical properties. Further analysis of this formulation was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which identified bands characteristic of starch (1055 and 1027 cm-1); X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed characteristic peaks (2θ = 16.83° and 2θ = 22.69°) associated with cellulose crystallinity in the biodegradable tray; and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed cellulosic voids with irregular distribution due to the addition of fibers. Future research should examine the potential applications of these biodegradable trays for the packaging of raw materials in the food industry.

ABSTRACT The search for cropping systems that aim to have the best area use, optimize production, and guarantee financial profitability to the producer and their establishment in the field are challenges of modern research. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and monetary viability of intercropping radish and coriander fertilized with equitable amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass from the Caatinga ecosystem at different coriander population densities in two cropping seasons. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replications. The first factor was constituted by four equitable amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass (20, 35, 50 and 65 t ha-1 on a dry basis), and the second factor was constituted by coriander population densities (40, 60, 80 and 100% of the recommended density for monocropping, RDM). The greatest agronomic and monetary advantages of intercropping radish with coriander were obtained with a land equivalent coefficient and a monetary equivalence ratio of 0.42 and 0.76, respectively, in the amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass of 20 and 39 t ha-1 added to the soil, in the coriander population density of 100% of the RDM. The coriander green mass yield and commercial productivity of radish roots optimized in the intercropping were 1.25 and 14.90 t ha-1 when fertilized with 65 t ha-1 of green manures biomass in the coriander population density of 100% RDM.

Abstract This article describes the development and validation of a linear viscoelastic model 2S2P1D for silty sand mixed with 16% asphalt emulsion. Experimental data from creep tests were employed to propose and validate the model. The methodology involved soil collection and characterization, after which it was mixed with asphalt emulsion, and exposed to air for 24 hours, followed by the Superpave rotary compaction of the soil-emulsion mixture. Test samples were then exposed to air until a constant density loss was detected, followed by conducting complex modulus tests at thirty different temperature-frequency pairs. Based on these results and the smooth construction of the master curve of the mixture, it was confirmed that the material studied is thermorheologically simple, and the parameters of the linear 2S2P1D model were defined. After defining the constitutive model, a creep test was conducted on the material at a temperature of 0°C for 7200 seconds. The model exhibited satisfactory adjustments to the creep test results, even in the nonlinearity domain. The differences between the strains predicted by the model and those defined experimentally were considered within an acceptability limit for geotechnical materials, and the introduction of a modulus decrease coefficient of approximately 65% was sufficient to simulate the nonlinearity effect in the 2S2P1D model.

Abstract To produce metallic copper with high quality, it is important to have all impurities present in the electrorefining cell under control. Antimony is present in the copper refining electrolyte as an impurity coming from pyrorefinated anodes. The antimony capture from the electrolyte is usually carried out by an ion exchange (IX) process. After that, an elution stage of Sb by means of a hydrochloric acid solution is accomplished, being the antimony eluate liquor sent for precipitation with gypsum and then landfilled. This article proposes an alternative to this classical antimony co-precipitation process, using a membrane electrolysis (ME) cell with a cation exchange membrane. This alternative route allows the recovery of metallic antimony at the ME cathode. ME experiments on lab scale were conducted to recover antimony as the cathode and using as an electrolyte, a real industrial hydrochloric eluate from the IX process. The ME tests were carried out with cathodes of stainless steel or cooper, at 200 and 300 A/m2, room temperature, without organic additives, and with different cell designs. The best results obtained were a stainless steel 316L cathode, faradaic efficiency of 92.46 % at current density of 200 A m-2, voltage 3 V and cathodic composition of Sb 75%. These results were obtained in a cell with the catholyte compartment closed at the top, showing the importance of the fluid-dynamic effect of the cell design on the Sb recovery.

Nitroaromatic acids, ubiquitous intermediates in nitro compounds, find broad applications in pharmaceuticals and fine chemical industries, yet their safety often receives inadequate attention. This paper investigates the thermal decomposition process of three isomers of nitrobenzoic acid using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), complemented by calculations of the apparent activation energy using typical kinetic methods. The reaction type was verified using a nonlinear fitting method. Thermal safety parameters including the time to maximum rate (TMR), critical temperature of self-acceleration (TCL), and thermal risk index (TRI) were employed to elucidate the thermal hazards. The thermal decomposition mechanism was further explained using density functional theory (DFT) methods, focusing on the Mayer bond order. The findings revealed that the average apparent activation energies for p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA), m-nitrobenzoic acid (MNBA), and o-nitrobenzoic acid (ONBA) were 157.00, 203.43, and 131.31 kJ mol-1, respectively. A single n-order reaction characterized the thermal decomposition process. The TMR and TCL parameters indicated a decomposition tendency at high temperatures, with the thermal stability at elevated temperatures following the order: PNBA < ONBA < MNBA. The TRI parameter indicates the danger level of the nitrobenzoic acids. The thermal decomposition mechanism was elucidated using Mayer bond energies, offering valuable insights into storage and transportation, and contributing to developing predictive models for thermal characteristics.

Spondias tuberosa (umbu) has been studied from the perspective of natural product and pharmacology, revealing relevant biological activities. Therefore, from the point of view of chemical and biological studies, deepening knowledge about this species is of great importance. Additionally, the evaluation related to the metabolic variations of the same species during different phenological evolution stages is also an interesting aspect of the research. Thereby, ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MSE) was used to trace the chemical profile from umbu leaves at different phenological stages, allowing the detection of 40 metabolites, which 16 were annotated, such as phenolics and anacardic acids. Furthermore, the use of chemoinformatics tools allowed obtaining information on phenological development in the three leaves phases: post-flowering (young leaves), full production and senescence. The antiglycation activity assay revealed a potential inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the leaves at different phenological stages. The antioxidant activity was satisfactory and in agreement with previously reported results, evidencing the potential for using umbu leaves, currently completely discarded, as an alternative source of antioxidants, which may provide increased added value to the cultivation of umbu, stimulating family farming and the recovery of tree density in degraded areas.

Neste artigo, apresentamos uma derivação das equações relativísticas da Mecânica Quântica. Nós nos concentramos nas equações de segunda ordem (tanto a de Klein Gordon quanto a de Dirac), uma vez que a equação linear de Dirac pode ser derivada delas. Essa derivação é uma extensão do mesmo método aplicado ao caso não relativístico em série anterior de artigos de nossa autoria. Mostramos que, para estender o quadro teórico ao caso relativístico, temos apenas de estender os axiomas de uma maneira relativisticamente compatível, como deve ser o caso com qualquer extensão de um método axiomático. Evidenciamentos, ademais, que este método de quantização, de maneira distinta, lança luz à interpretação de alguns descritores do formalismo usual, principalmente aqueles relativos à expressão para a função densidade de probabilidade. Isso, por outro lado, possibilita uma abordagem didática atenta à questão epistemológica além de como tratada nos textos canônicos da Mecânica Quântica.

In this paper, we present a derivation of the relativistic equations of Quantum Mechanics. We focus on the second order equations (both Klein Gordon’s and Dirac’s), since the linear Dirac equation can be derived from these. This derivation is an extension of the same method applied to the non-relativistic case in a in a previous series of articles by us. We show that, to extend the theoretical framework to the relativistic case, we have only to extend the axioms in a relativistically compatible way, as should be the case with any extension of an axiomatic method. We also show that this quantization method throws light in a different way to interpret some descriptors of the usual formalism, mainly those regarding the expression for the probability density function. This, on the other hand, gives the teacher following this approach in classes on the subject to assess the epistemological issue of the role of manuals in the learning of Quantum Mechanics.

ABSTRACT The rootstock Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa flying dragon (FD) induces dwarfism to citrus trees. Dwarfism provides several positive aspects: allows dense planting, reduces the pruning frequency, improves productivity efficiency, and makes cultural practices easier. Evaluating the compatibility of the rootstock with different scion varieties is crucial for recommending this rootstock and requires many years of field observations. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the vigor and graft compatibility of Citrus × sinensis L. Osbeck and Citrus × latifolia Tanaka grafted onto FD. The experimental was a randomized block design, with five treatments, four replications, and each plot consisting of one tree. The cultivar Tahiti acid lime IAC-5 and Seleta, Lima, Bahia, and Folha Murcha oranges were the evaluated plants. Biometric measurements of canopy and graft incompatibility were assessed, and viables spacing were estimated. No signs of incompatibility were observed in any graft combination. After 12.5 years, FD induced dwarfism in all evaluated cultivars, but not to Tahiti acid lime. In the edaphoclimatic conditions of North Fluminense, we suggest planting densities of 511, 1,387, 1,486, 792 and 1,644 plants.ha-1 to Tahiti, Seleta, Lima, Bahia, and Folha Murcha oranges trees, respectively, when these are grafted onto the FD.

RESUMO A quinoa é um pseudocereal muito importante devido ao seu conteúdo nutricional, grande adaptabilidade e ampla variabilidade genética. Na Colômbia, os estudos genéticos sobre a quinoa são escassos e não existem variedades certificadas. Em vez disso, crescem no campo misturas varietais que afetam a qualidade dos grãos e, portanto, os processos pós-colheita e de comercialização. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar morfoagronômicamente cinco cultivares de quinoa em condições de campo e casa de vegetação em Tunja-Boyacá, utilizando 21 descritores qualitativos e quantitativos, estimando sua variação com análises descritivas, multivariadas e de agrupamento. Os resultados mostram alta segregação fenotípica entre as cultivares, sendo a produtividade, o diâmetro e o comprimento da panícula as variáveis quantitativas com maior variação tanto no campo quanto na casa de vegetação. A análise multivariada mostrou que 72,54% da variância observada em casa de vegetação e 75,20% no campo foram explicadas pelos dois primeiros componentes, onde altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, densidade e cor da panícula e cor do caule foram variáveis discriminantes. No campo e em casa de vegetação, foram formados três grupos de cultivares de acordo com a produtividade e características morfoagronômicas desejáveis. Finalmente, nas atuais condições ambientais, os materiais de quinoa mais promissores para um programa de melhoramento foram Blanca Subachoque e Tunkahuan.

ABSTRACT Quinoa is a pseudocereal of great importance because of its nutritional content, great adaptability and broad genetic variability. In Colombia, genetic studies on quinoa are scarce, and there are no certified varieties. Rather, varietal mixtures that affect grain quality and, therefore, postharvest and marketing processes grow in the field. The objective of this study was to carry out a morphoagronomic characterization of five quinoa cultivars under field and greenhouse conditions in Tunja-Boyacá using 21 qualitative and quantitative descriptors, estimating their variation with descriptive, multivariate, and cluster analyses. The results show a high phenotypic segregation among cultivars, where yield, diameter, and panicle length were the quantitative variables with greater variation both in the field and in the greenhouse. The multivariate analysis showed that 72.54% of the variance observed in the greenhouse and 75.20% in the field were explained by the first two components, where plant height, stem diameter, panicle density and color, and stem color were discriminating variables. In the field and in the greenhouse, three groups of cultivars were formed according to the yield and desirable morphoagronomic characteristics. Finally, under the present environmental conditions, the more promising quinoa materials for a breeding program were Blanca Subachoque and Tunkahuan.