ABSTRACT Deformation intensity analysis for mechanical parts are very important data for machine design. For farm machines, these parameters present difficulties for determination due to its particularities. The Machinery industry searches for advanced technologies to determine the mechanical behavior of parts. This article shows the analysis of the reliability in the application of the laser triangulation technique (LTT) to determine the deformation of the mechanical elements of farm machines. A flat cutting disc with standardized dimension was selected as the object of study, as it is commonly used in farm machines, exhibiting a simple geometry made of steel, making the analysis procedure easier both for experimental execution and for data validation. Displacements of 1.0 mm to 10 mm were applied on the specimen. The theoretical behavior of specimen displacement was defined by finite element modelling with same condition of loading and dimension to compare the generated data by the experimental tests. Results indicated a displacement with maximum variation of 2.56% between experimental data and theoretical results and were considered satisfactory. LTT was able to determine deformation curve behavior of machine elements. It was concluded that Laser Triangulation Technique (LTT) was satisfactory to determine the deformation of a specimen. design machines particularities (LTT study steel validation 1 0 1. tests 256 2 56 2.56 25 5 2.5 2.

ABSTRACT Planting is considered one of the most essential steps in coffee growing. Lack of uniformity in planting may compromise future operations. Therefore, verifying planting operations quality is fundamental to optimizing production processes and reducing costs. This study aimed to investigate planting techniques through Statistical Process Control (SPC) and aerial images. Carried out in two areas, managed manually and semi-mechanized in the Bom Jardim Farm (MG - Brazil). Data were collected through Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Quality control charts and density maps were used to identify variations in distribution and spacing between plants and planting rows. It was found that the planting carried out manually was 4.7% wider than projected due to spacing reduction from 0.5 m to 0.48 m. The semi-mechanized system displayed a deficit of 7% compared to the projected planting system, using 0.55 m between plants. The density map showed the most significant planting alignment variations. Despite displaying lower results than the manual system, the semi-mechanized system improvements are valid for their minimal average variations. Thus, correcting points found outside the limits can increase the efficiency of semi-mechanized planting. growing Therefore costs SPC (SPC images areas semimechanized semi mechanized MG Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) RPA. RPA (RPA) rows 47 4 7 4.7 05 0 5 0. 048 48 0.4 055 55 Thus (RPA 4. 04

RESUMO A deposição adequada de sementes tem grande importância na uniformidade da emergência e no desenvolvimento inicial das culturas. Uma maior precisão na distribuição longitudinal de sementes é possível com mecanismos dosadores de sementes pneumáticos em relação aos convencionais, mas existem alguns aspectos que afetam essa precisão. Por exemplo, a qualidade física das sementes pode ser impactada pelo seu tratamento fitossanitário, que pode ser feito na propriedade ou na indústria. Nesse contexto, este estudo investigou o impacto do tipo de tratamento fitossanitário e do uso de grafite na deposição de sementes de soja por meio de dosador pneumático com acionamento elétrico em bancada estática, simulando a semeadura e monitorando a distribuição das sementes com sensor óptico. As sementes foram submetidas a quatro tratamentos distintos: sem grafite, sem tratamento com adição de grafite, tratamento on-farm com adição de grafite e tratamento industrial com adição de grafite. Foram estudados o espaçamento médio entre deposições, coeficiente de variação de semeadura, índice de precisão, espaçamentos múltiplos e falhas e percentual de espaçamento aceitável. Os resultados indicam que o espaçamento adequado no plantio não é significativamente impactado pelo método de tratamento prévio das sementes. O espaçamento entre sementes diferiu entre os tratamentos sem grafite e pelo tratamento on-farm, sendo este último mais próximo do ótimo e o tratamento sem grafite mais distante do espaçamento ideal. Um coeficiente de variação de semeadura mais baixo indica que a deposição uniforme foi alcançada com os procedimentos on-farm e industriais. Independentemente do tratamento de sementes, o dosador pneumático demonstrou eficácia. culturas convencionais exemplo indústria contexto estática óptico distintos onfarm on farm deposições aceitável onfarm, farm, ideal industriais eficácia

ABSTRACT Adequate seed placement is essential for consistent crop emergence and initial growth. Pneumatic seed metering systems offer superior longitudinal seed distribution accuracy compared to traditional methods, yet certain factors can influence this precision. For instance, seed physical properties may be altered by phytosanitary treatments applied either on-farm or industrially. This study examined the effects of phytosanitary treatment type and graphite addition on soybean seed deposition using an electric-driven pneumatic feeder under simulated sowing conditions. Seed distribution was monitored with an optical sensor. Four treatment groups were established: untreated without graphite, untreated with graphite added, on-farm treated with graphite, and industrially treated with graphite. Parameters assessed included average spacing between seeds, coefficient of variation, precision index, multiple and failed spacings, and percentage of acceptable spacing. Results indicate that prior seed treatment does not significantly affect overall planting accuracy. However, seed spacing varied between the untreated and on-farm treated groups, with the latter demonstrating closer proximity to optimal values. Both on-farm and industrial treatments yielded more uniform seed deposition, as indicated by a lower coefficient of variation. Regardless of seed treatment, the pneumatic feeder consistently performed effectively. growth methods instance onfarm farm electricdriven electric driven conditions sensor established added seeds variation index spacings However values effectively

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

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.

Resumen (Objetivo) El objetivo fue analizar la composición de aves asociadas a cultivos orgánicos de cacao (Theobroma cacao) manejado debajo de 3 diferentes tipos de cobertura arbórea. (Metodología) Distribuimos 3 puntos de conteo en cada finca, para registrar todas las aves observadas y escuchadas, en muestreos de 5 minutos. Los conteos fueron realizados por triplicado, tanto en las primeras horas de la mañana como al atardecer. La diferencia en la composición de la avifauna entre las fincas fue analizada con la prueba ANOSIM. Las abundancias se transformaron por medio de la función decostand y el método Hellinger del paquete estadístico R-Vegan. La agrupación de las especies entre las plantaciones se efectuó mediante el escalamiento multidimensional no métrico (nMDS) y el índice de Bray-Curtis. La contribución de las especies a la disimilitud entre grupos fue analizada con el módulo SIMPER. Consideramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas cuando P ≤ 0,05. (Resultados) Observamos 428 individuos, clasificados en 49 especies y 23 familias. La finca donde las plantas de cacao crecen en condiciones más sombreadas, debido al desarrollo del dosel, mostró mayor cantidad de especies (34) y de individuos (146). La composición de aves varió significativamente entre las fincas (F(1,8) = 3,22; P < 0,02). La abundancia media de 19 especies (39,6 %) hizo notar diferencias significativas (P < 0,05), al comparar la finca con mayor sombra y menor sombra. (Conclusión) La composición de aves es más compleja en aquellas fincas de cacao orgánico que conservan un mayor desarrollo estructural de los árboles de dosel y que están cerca de bosque en regeneración.

Resumo (Objetivo) O objetivo foi analisar a composição das aves associadas às plantações de cacau orgânico (Theobroma cacao) manejadas sob três tipos diferentes de cobertura arbórea. (Metodologia) Distribuímos 3 pontos de contagem em cada fazenda, para registrar todas as aves observadas e ouvidas, em amostragens de 5 minutos. As contagens foram realizadas em triplicata, tanto nas primeiras horas da manhã quanto no final da tarde. A diferença na composição da avifauna entre as fazendas foi analisada com o teste ANOSIM. As abundâncias foram transformadas usando a função de costande o método Hellinger do pacote estatístico R-Vegan. O agrupamento de espécies entre as plantações foi feito usando o escalonamento multidimensional não métrico (nMDS) e o índice de Bray-Curtis. A contribuição das espécies para a dissimilaridade entre os grupos foi analisada com o módulo SIMPER. Consideramos as diferenças estatisticamente significativas quando P ≤ 0,05. (Resultados) Observamos 428 indivíduos, classificados em 49 espécies e 23 famílias. A fazenda onde as plantas de cacau crescem em condições mais sombreadas, devido ao desenvolvimento do dossel, apresentou um número maior de espécies (34) e indivíduos (146). A composição das aves variou significativamente entre as fazendas (F(1,8) = 3,2 apresentou diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) n; Paco< 0, mpa 02). A abundância média de 19 espécies (39,6%) ração entre a fazenda mais sombreada e a menos sombreada. (Conclusão) A composição das avesé mais complexa nas fazendas de cacau orgânico que mantêm árvores de dossel mais desenvolvidas estruturalmente e estão próximas à floresta em regeneração.

Abstract (Objective) The objective of this investigation was to analyze the composition of birds associated with organic cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crops managed under 3 different types of tree cover. (Methodology) Three census points were established in each farm to record all birds observed and heard in 5-minute sample periods. Counts were conducted in triplicate, both in the early morning and at dusk. Differences in avifauna composition between farms were analyzed using the ANOSIM test. Abundances were transformed using the Decostand function and the Hellinger method in the R-Vegan statistical package. Analysis of clustering of species among plantations was performed using non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and the Bray-Curtis index. Contribution of species to the dissimilarity between groups was analyzed with the SIMPER module. Statistically significant differences were considered when P ≤ 0.05. (Results) Four hundred and twenty-eight individuals were observed, and classified into 49 species and 23 families. The farms where cocoa plants grow in shadier conditions due to canopy development showed a higher number of species (34) and individuals (146). Bird comp P < 0.02). The mean abundance of 19 species osit (39.ion 6%) varied significantly between farms (F (1,8) = 3.22; showed significant differences (P < 0.05) when comparing the farms with the most and least shade. (Conclusion) Bird composition is more complex on organic cocoa farms, which have more developed canopies and are near regenerating forests.

Resumen La bacteria Escherichia coli causa la colibacilosis en animales de granja que actúan como reservorios de cepas patógenas. La resistencia antimicrobiana de E. coli productor de betalactamasas de espectro extendido [BLEE] es un grave problema de salud pública y se puede atribuir a factores relacionados con el consumo de alimentos y el contacto con animales domésticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la presencia y patrones de resistencia antimicrobiana de E. coli BLEE aislado en muestras fecales provenientes de bovinos productores de leche de la provincia de Pichincha. Se analizaron un total 182 muestras de heces de bovinos: 112 muestras de bovinos faenados en el Camal Metropolitano de la provincia de Pichincha y 70 muestras de la colección de la Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos y Resistencias a los Antimicrobianos [UNIETAR], se realizó el aislamiento de E. coli BLEE, la identificación bioquímica y pruebas de resistencia a los principales antibióticos utilizados. Se logró identificar 93 muestras positivas a E. coli BLEE (51 %), el análisis fenotípico reveló que los antibióticos amoxicilina más ácido clavulánico, cefepime, ceftazidima, ciprofloxacina, amikacina y tetraciclina presentaron porcentajes de resistencia mayores al 80 %. Además, se observó una baja resistencia a la nitrofurantoína, cefoxitin y ertapenem, mientras que ningún aislado fue resistente a la tigeciclina. El 100 % de los aislados presentaron fenotipos de multirresistencia y el patrón más frecuente estuvo compuesto por 7 familias de antibióticos. En conclusión, estos resultados sugieren que E. coli originaria de bovinos lecheros podría ser un reservorio de genes BLEE.

Abstract Escherichia coli causes colibacillosis in farm animals that act as reservoirs for pathogenic strains. Antimicrobial resistance of E. coli producing Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases [ESBL] is a serious public health problem that can be attributed to factors related to food consumption and contact with domestic animals. This study aimed to determine the presence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of ESBL E. coli isolated from fecal samples from dairy cattle in the Pichincha province. A total of 182 bovine feces samples were analyzed, 112 samples from cattle slaughtered at the official slaughterhouse in Quito-Pichincha province, and 70 samples from the collection of the Foodborne Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit [UNIETAR]. The isolation of ESBL E. coli, biochemical identification, and resistance tests using the main antibiotics were carried out at UNIETAR. It was possible to identify 93 positive samples for ESBL E. coli (51%), phenotypic analysis revealed that antibiotics such as amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, tetracycline, presented resistance higher than 80%. Furthermore, low resistance to nitrofurantoin, cefoxitin, and ertapenem was observed, while no isolate was resistant to tigecycline. One hundred percent of the isolates presented multi-resistance phenotypes, with the most frequent pattern being composed of 7 families of antibiotics. In conclusion, these results suggest that E. coli from dairy cattle origin could be an important reservoir of ESBL genes.

Abstract Shrimp aquaculture has rapidly expanded in the last decades, representing an important economic activity worldwide; however, infections (bacterial and viral) are one of the biggest challenges in aquaculture activity. Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) is a bacterial disease that affects shrimp farm ponds and occurs during the first 30 days after stocking in shrimp ponds, causing mortalities of up to 70 - 100 %. Microbiota has an important role in shrimp aquaculture and disease control. In the present study, pirA and pirB genes were amplified by PCR to confirm AHPND and non-AHPND in shrimp hepatopancreas; samples were sequenced using the MiSeq platform targeting the V3-V4 16S ribosomal (rRNA) hypervariable regions. Results demonstrated a diverse microbiota in the non-AHPND group, mainly composed of phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Furthermore, Proteobacteria was the dominant phyla in the hepatopancreas infected with AHPND, while Firmicutes tended to decrease. Vibrio was the most abundant at the genus level, prevailing in some genera like Corynebacterium, Weissella, Lactobacillus, Photobacterium, and Geobacillus. Results suggest that AHPND causes dysbiosis in the hepatopancreatic microbiota, and the Firmicutes phylum could require to be restored under such scenario.

Resumen La producción acuícola de camarón se ha expandido rápidamente en las últimas décadas, convirtiéndose en una importante actividad económica a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, algunas infecciones bacterianas y virales son un gran desafío para esta actividad. La Necrosis Hepatopancreática Aguda (AHPND) es una enfermedad bacteriana que afecta a los estanques de granjas camaroneras y se presenta durante los primeros 30 días después de la siembra en estanques de camarones, causando una mortalidad del 70 - 100 %. La microbiota tiene un papel importante en la producción del camarón y el control de enfermedades. En el presente estudio, los genes pirA y pirB fueron amplificados por PCR para confirmar tanto organismos positivos como negativos a AHPND en hepatopáncreas de camarones. Posteriormente se secuenciaron las regiones hipervariables ribosómicas (ARNr) V3-V4 del gen 16S utilizando la plataforma MiSeq. Los resultados demostraron una microbiota diversa en el grupo negativo a AHPND, compuesto principalmente por filos Proteobacteria, Firmicutes y Actinobacteria. Además, Proteobacteria fue el filo dominante en el hepatopáncreas infectado con AHPND, mientras que Firmicutes tendió a disminuir. Vibrio fue el género más abundante, prevaleciendo sobre algunos géneros como Corynebacterium, Weissella, Lactobacillus, Photobacterium y Geobacillus. Los resultados sugieren que la enfermedad de AHPND causa disbiosis en la microbiota hepatopancreática, y el filo Firmicutes podría requerir ser restaurado en dicho escenario.

Livestock farms in Kenya face pressure to increase productivity amid rising global population. Cattle farming dominates, but small to medium-sized farms struggle with cattle insemination. Currently, visual observation is used for heat detection, with farmers maintaining farm journals. Modern methods utilizing sensors to improve estrus prediction are time-consuming, costly and need constant internet connection. This research proposes a novel approach-the use of an on-controller machine learning algorithm- for estrus prediction in cattle. Motion and temperature data was collected from two zero-grazed multiparous Holstein Friesian cows in Kiambu County, Kenya for 11 months. The data was cleaned and stored. Movement intensity profiles were derived by root-mean-squaring directional accelerometer values and averaging this over time. Validation was performed by observing cow behavior for indicators such as restlessness, mounting, and vulva swelling, with farmer predictions documented in their records. The collected data was then used to train a machine learning algorithm, with several models tested, and a neural network emerged as the best fit. The TensorFlow library facilitated the implementation of the algorithm on a microcontroller, allowing for the development of an animal tag featuring the ML algorithm. Results demonstrated 83.9% sensitivity, 89.0% specificity and 89.5% accuracy in detecting estrus, compared to farmer's visual observation, which had only 37% sensitivity. These findings underscore the potential to integrate machine learning into Precision Livestock Farming for estrus prediction, with prediction occurring directly on the animal tag offline. This integration holds promise for farmers, notably heightened insemination success rates, without necessitating significant financial investment.

Research that directs the way stakeholders act and how they collaborate is essential when addressing complex environmental challenges in the field of sustainability science. For example, researchers attempting to manage Prosopis invasions through biological control in South Africa have historically faced challenges from stakeholders. In this study we illustrate the importance of stakeholder engagement and social learning by outlining the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders to promote effective, integrative and sustainable management of Prosopis invasions in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Through a community of practice approach, stakeholders worked together over the past half-decade in an attempt to develop a National Strategy for Prosopis management and improve its control. This strategy aimed not only to emphasise the need for integration of biomass use (aimed at offsetting the costs of mechanical clearing and necessary herbicide use) but also to underscore the significance of biocontrol alongside other management approaches. Stakeholders also identified that adequate farm-scale planning is necessary to provide a sense of purpose and assist in monitoring of progress. We worked alongside land managers and experts to develop such plans. The engagement of local champions played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and learning among stakeholders, emphasising the significance of inclusive approaches in addressing complex sustainability challenges. In addition, we gained an understanding of how to develop the community of practice to enhance collaboration that ensures the implementation of plans to better manage Prosopis. Our findings underscore the necessity of meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in effective invasive species management. By promoting understanding and involvement of diverse stakeholders, initiatives can have a greater impact in addressing broader sustainability issues. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight the fundamental role of stakeholder collaboration in addressing environmental challenges (e.g. biological invasions), promoting sustainability and fostering social learning. Collaboration facilitates exchange of knowledge, promotes social learning and allows stakeholders to make informed decisions when addressing sustainability issues. Collaborative approaches promote the effectiveness of a community of practice in managing Prosopis invasions in South Africa. Local champions played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration, bridging communication gaps and promoting inclusive approaches. Sustained stakeholder engagement, transdisciplinary collaborations, effective biological control and market development for biomass products will be essential to improve the sustainable management Prosopis.

ABSTRACT Fossil fuels, particularly oil, face sustainability challenges due to depletion and their role in increasing atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to climate change and impacting global agriculture. Renewable energy sources like solar power offer a viable alternative. This study explores the feasibility of agro-photovoltaic (APV) systems, which integrate solar panels with agricultural land to generate electricity while cultivating crops. Specifically, the impact of APV systems on rice production and quality was investigated. Solar modules with a total capacity of 99.84 kW were installed on a 2580 m2 site, with two module configurations tested. Two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, Woonkwang and Saenuri, were transplanted and monitored for growth characteristics, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence, as well as yield and quality. Growth analysis of rice under APV systems showed minimal impact on plant height and tiller numbers, though chlorophyll content analysis indicated delayed leaf aging and extended maturation time. Rice yield decreased due to altered panicle and spikelet numbers. Quality analysis revealed changes in head rice rate and broken rice, stressing optimal harvest timing in APV systems. Shading conditions also affected physicochemical properties and taste profiles. Yields dropped by about 20% under APV systems, but the financial returns from electricity generation significantly outweighed the crop revenue loss. Despite the high initial installation costs and regulatory challenges, APV systems present a promising dual-use approach for enhancing farm income and promoting renewable energy. Continued research and investment are essential for optimizing APV systems and expanding their adoption.

The objective of this article is to discuss the main challenges in implementing integrated and systemic policies aimed at the sustainable transition of food systems. For this purpose, the Farm to Fork strategy, developed by the European Union to promote a fair and sustainable transition in the continent's food systems, was used as the subject of analysis. Through the examination of documents, plans, reports, and articles, four main challenges for the implementation of the strategy were identified: i) the prevalence of sectoral bias in investments focused on niche markets; ii) the concentration of investments in conventional sectors and the weakness of instruments to regulate corporate actions; iii) the limited impact of institutional and economic incentives on the diversity of production models; and iv) the insufficient investment in territorial policies.

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir os principais desafios para a implementação de políticas integradas e sistêmicas, com vistas à transição sustentável dos sistemas alimentares. Para tanto, foi utilizada como objeto a estratégia Farm to Fork, elaborada pela União Europeia para promover uma transição justa e sustentável nos sistemas alimentares do continente. Com base na análise de documentos, planos, relatórios e artigos, foi possível identificar quatro desafios principais para a implementação da estratégia: i) prevalência do viés setorial dos investimentos no fomento a nichos; ii) concentração dos investimentos nos setores convencionais e fragilidade dos instrumentos para condicionar as ações das corporações; iii) baixa incidência dos incentivos institucionais e econômicos sobre a diversidade dos modelos produtivos; e iv) pouco investimento nas ações de caráter territorial.

Malawi's economy heavily depends on agriculture, including both commercial and subsistence farming. Smallholder and small-medium enterprises leading the production of tomatoes in Malawi cannot satisfy local demand due to problems such as pests, diseases, unstable markets, and high costs. Many farmers lack the expertise to effectively manage these threats. To address the problem of tomato leaf disease identification, this research aimed to develop an automated system for tomato leaf disease detection by utilizing data augmentation techniques, MobileNetV3, and Convolutional Neural Network algorithms. We trained models on secondary data collected from the public PlantVillage dataset and tested the resultant classifiers on primary data of local farm images. The experimental results demonstrate that both models tested better on the PlantVillage dataset. Additionally, with an accuracy of 92.59% and a loss of 0.2805, the pre-trained MobileNetV3 model conventionally performs better than a CNN model. However, when tested on the primary field dataset, the models did not meet expectations for generalization, with the pre-trained MobileNetV3 achieving an accuracy of 9.2%, and loss of 12.91 and the CNN achieving an accuracy of 10.14% and loss of 8.11. The experiments aided in showing that the models trained on the PlantVillage dataset are not as effective when applied in real-world scenarios. Further improvements are needed to enhance the models' generalization in real-world scenarios.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a young female health worker, resident in a high Andean region of Peru, with recent exposure to farm animals and arthropods, who developed acute febrile undifferentiated syndrome, severe thrombocytopenia and pulmonary and abdominal extravasation. Subsequently, the patient developed meningitis and early onset bilateral neurosensorial hypoacusis and showed reactive serology to acute infection by Rickettsia sp. Epidemiological and clinical considerations in the differential diagnosis for early management are discussed.

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven, trabajadora de salud, residente en una región altoandina del Perú, con exposición reciente a animales de granja y artrópodos, que presenta síndrome febril agudo indiferenciado, trombocitopenia severa y extravasación pulmonar y abdominal. Posteriormente desarrolla meningitis e hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral de instalación temprana y muestra serología reactiva a infección aguda por Rickettsias sp. Se discuten las consideraciones epidemiológicas y clínicas en el diagnóstico diferencial para un manejo oportuno.

Abstract Cattle production acquired special relevance in the northeast of Río Negro province over sheep farming. The change in the sanitary status to the south of the Colorado River in 2013, favored the progressive development of the activity. In addition, the activities from irrigated areas were diversified including forage and grain production. The purpose of this work is to understand the practices and strategies developed by cattle producers, based on the following research questions, What level of homogeneity and heterogeneity do the livestock producers of the region present? How did the changes occurred in the region affected management and production management practices? The quantitative-qualitative approach oriented to the actors, allowed identifying tree livestock social types, as well as the relationship with the production systems, revealing itself as an effective methodology for understanding their specificities. The testimonies collected in this investigation give an indication of the changes that occurred in a sector that was favored by the economic conditions provided by the barrier that boosted the value of the farm, generating a greater number of opportunities.

Resumen La producción bovina adquirió especial relevancia en el nordeste de la provincia de Río Negro por sobre la ganadería ovina. El cambio en el estatus sanitario al sur del río Colorado en 2013, favoreció el progresivo desarrollo de la actividad. Además, las áreas de bajo riego se diversificaron con la producción forrajera y de granos. El presente trabajo tiene por finalidad entender las prácticas y estrategias desarrolladas por los productores ganaderos bovinos a partir de las siguientes preguntas de investigación: ¿qué nivel de homogeneidad y heterogeneidad presentan? y ¿cómo incidió, en sus prácticas de manejo y gestión de la producción, los cambios acontecidos en la región? El abordaje cuanti cualitativo orientado a los actores, permitió identificar tres tipos sociales ganaderos, así como la relación con la producción y la diversificación de actividades prediales y extraprediales, revelándose como una metodología eficaz para la comprensión de sus especificidades. Los testimonios recabados en esta investigación dan indicio de los cambios sucedidos en un sector que fue favorecido por las condiciones económicas brindadas por la barrera que impulsó el valor de la hacienda, generando un mayor número de oportunidades.

Resumo A produção bovina adquiriu especial relevância no nordeste da província de Río Negro por sobre o gado ovino. O câmbio no status sanitário ao sul do rio Colorado em 2013, favoreceu o progressivo desenvolvimento da atividade. Além disso, as áreas de baixo risco diversificaram-se com a produção de forragem e de grãos. Este trabalho tem como finalidade entender as práticas e estratégias desenvolvidas pelos produtores pecuários bovinos a partir das seguintes perguntas de investigação: qual nível de homogeneidade e heterogeneidade apresentam? e como incidiu, em suas práticas de manuseio e gestão da produção, as modificações acontecidas na região? A abordagem quanti qualitativo orientado aos atores, permitiu identificar três tipos sociais pecuários, assim como a relação com a produção e a diversificação de atividades prediais e extraprediais, revelando-se como uma metodologia eficaz para a comprenssão de suas especificidades. Os testimunhos conseguidos nesta investigação dão indícios dos câmbios acontecidos num setor que foi favorecido pelas condições econômicas brindadas pela barreira que impulsou o valor da fazenda gerando um maior número de oportunidades.