ABSTRACT Purpose: The epithelial–mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells plays a role in posterior capsule opacification, a fibrotic process that leads to a common type of cataract. Hyaluronic acid has been implicated in this fibrosis. Studies have investigated the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 in epithelial–mesenchymal transition. However, the role of TGF-β2 in hyaluronic acid-mediated fibrosis of lens epithelial cell remains unknown. We here examined the role of TGF-β2 in the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells. Methods: Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLEB3) were infected with CD44-siRNA by using the Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent. The CCK-8 kit was used to measure cell viability, and the scratch assay was used to determine cell migration. Cell oxidative stress was analyzed in a dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay and by using a flow cytometer. The TGF-β2 level in HLEB3 cells was examined through immunohistochemical staining. The TGF-β2 protein level was determined through western blotting. mRNA expression levels were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Treatment with hyaluronic acid (1.0 μM, 24 h) increased the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of HLEB3 cells. The increase in TGF-β2 levels corresponded to an increase in CD44 levels in the culture medium. However, blocking the CD44 function significantly reduced the TGF-β2-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition response of HLEB3 cells. Conclusions: Our study showed that both CD44 and TGF-β2 are critical contributors to the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells, and that TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition is regulated by CD44. These results suggest that CD44 could be used as a target for preventing hyaluronic acid-induced posterior capsule opacification. Our findings suggest that CD44/TGF-β2 is crucial for the hyaluronic acid-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells. Purpose epithelialmesenchymal mesenchymal opacification cataract TGFβ2 TGFβ TGF β2 β (TGF)-β However TGF-β acidmediated mediated unknown Methods HLEB (HLEB3 CD44siRNA CDsiRNA siRNA CD 300 reagent CCK8 CCK 8 CCK- viability migration dichlorodihydrofluorescein dichloro dihydro fluorescein cytometer staining blotting realtime real time reaction Results 1.0 10 1 0 (1. μM 2 h CD4 medium TGFβ2mediated TGFβmediated Conclusions acidinduced induced CD44/TGFβ2 CD44TGFβ2 CDTGFβ CD44/TGF CD44/TGF-β (HLEB 30 1. (1 CD44/TGFβ CD44TGFβ CD44TGF CDTGF 3 (

ABSTRACT Moringa oleifera Lam. is an arboreal forest species of great economic potential, adapted to the climatic conditions of the Brazilian semi-arid region, whose multiplication is mainly by seeds. Rapid viability and vigor tests help in the choice of lots. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of the pH of exudate and primary root protrusion tests in the evaluation of viability and vigor, respectively. Two seed lots were initially evaluated for moisture content, germination, first count, germination speed index, seedling length, seedling dry mass and electrical conductivity. For the pH of exudate test, phenolphthalein (1%) and sodium carbonate (2 and 4 g L-1) solutions were prepared, with three soaking periods (1, 3 and 5 h) and three temperatures (25, 30 and 35 °C). Exudate solution in strong to light pink color indicated viable seeds, whereas very light pink color to colorless indicated non-viable seeds. The primary root protrusion test was performed under 25, 30 and 35 °C, evaluating the primary root protrusion of at least 2 mm, every 12 h until 196 h. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates. pH of exudate test with 1 h of soaking at 25 or 30 °C with 2 g L-1 sodium carbonate solution was promising, but further studies are needed before it is indicated as routine use for the species. Primary root protrusion test is efficient and can be conducted at 35 °C with evaluation after 48 h. Lam potential semiarid semi arid region seeds Thus respectively content count index length conductivity 1% (1% ( L1 L prepared 1, (1 (25 °C. C . °C) nonviable non mm 19 randomized replicates L- promising

Abstract Alternatives have been studied in order to minimize the major environmental impacts arising from the production of cement and steel. Alternatives include adopting composite cements with the incorporation of alternative materials, to reduce the need for cement in the mixtures. Therefore, this study worked on the viability of incorporating steel residues in the mechanical performance of mortar and durability, evaluating the partial and total replacement of Portland Cement (PC) by granulated blast furnace slag (EGAF) and residue from the Desulfurization process of flue gases (FGD). The results found show that the association of these residues in place of cement improved the mechanical performance of the mortars by around 40%. In addition to having a lower modulus of elasticity and lower absorption of water by capillarity, properties that significantly increase the durability of the matrices. The contaminant leaching results did not show any contaminants in harmful amounts. The studies presented demonstrate that the simultaneous use of FGD and EGAF to replace Portland cement were satisfactory, obtaining better mechanical and durability performances than the reference ones, enabling the use of these residues in the production of mortars with low cement content. materials mixtures Therefore PC (PC (EGAF FGD. . (FGD) 40 40% capillarity matrices amounts satisfactory ones content (FGD 4

Resumo Alternativas vêm sendo estudadas com o intuito de minimizar os grandes impactos ambientais provenientes da produção do cimento e aço. Inclusive, adotando cimentos compostos, com incorporação de materiais alternativos, diminuindo a necessidade de cimento nas misturas. Por conseguinte, este trabalho estudou a viabilidade de incorporação de resíduos siderúrgicos no desempenho mecânico e de durabilidade de argamassas, avaliando a substituição parcial e total do Cimento Portland por escória granulada de alto-forno moída (EGAF) e resíduo proveniente do processo de Dessulfurização de Gases de Combustão (FGD). Os resultados encontrados mostram que a associação desses resíduos em substituição ao cimento melhorou cerca de 40% o desempenho mecânico das argamassas. Além de apresentarem um menor módulo de elasticidade e menor absorção de água por capilaridade, propriedades que aumentam significantemente a durabilidade das matrizes. Os resultados de lixiviação de contaminantes não apresentaram nenhum contaminante em quantidade prejudicial. Os estudos apresentados demonstram que a utilização de FGD e EGAF simultâneos para substituir o Cimento Portland foram satisfatórios, obtendo desempenhos mecânicos e de durabilidade superiores aos de referência, viabilizando a utilização desses resíduos na produção de argamassas com baixo teor de cimento. aço Inclusive compostos alternativos misturas conseguinte altoforno alto forno (EGAF FGD. . (FGD) 40 capilaridade matrizes prejudicial satisfatórios referência (FGD 4

Resumo No Brasil, construções em madeira do tipo light woodframe possuem envelopamento estrutural do painel dependente do uso de chapas de OSB (Oriented Strand Board), o que implica em uma dificuldade em seu acesso por parte da população. Para ampliar a aplicação do sistema, uma possibilidade consiste em um projeto não atrelado aos monopólios de componentes construtivos. Uma possibilidade é a substituição da camada de envelopamento estrutural dos painéis por tábuas de madeira serrada convencional. Como objetivo esta pesquisa analisa a viabilidade de utilização e o comportamento de painéis de madeira serrada com envelopamento em tábuas de pinus quando solicitados a esforços horizontais, utilizando modelo numérico de simulações em software. O trabalho estuda cinco diferentes tipologias de painéis: um modelo digital de calibração baseado em experimento ensaiado em laboratório; quatro modelos de diferentes configurações, comparando entre si o desempenho estrutural de cada um com dados publicados na literatura. A modelagem digital utilizou dados experimentais já obtidos em trabalhos anteriores. Dos cinco tipos estudados quanto à tensão-deformação, apenas o Modelo 05 não se mostrou viável pela alta concentração de tensão observada nos conectores. Os demais modelos se mostraram adequados aos critérios preconizados por normas e documentos técnicos referenciados. Brasil Oriented Board, Board , Board) população sistema construtivos convencional horizontais software laboratório configurações literatura anteriores tensãodeformação, tensãodeformação deformação, deformação tensão-deformação 0 conectores referenciados

Abstract In Brazil, light woodframe buildings rely on the use of OSB (Oriented Strand Board), what implies a difficulty in its access by part of the population. To increase the applicability of the system one proposition consists in a woodframe project that is not bound by the monopoly over constructive components. A possible way consists in the substitution of the coating of the panels with standard Pinus boards. The objective of this research is therefore to analyze the viability and the behavior of wood panels with Pinus board coating when submitted to horizontal loads, utilizing as method digital simulations. This paper lists five different panel topologies, to calibrate it: one digital model of a previous lab experiment; four panels with different configurations, comparing them between themselves and with the literature in regards of structural performance. The utilized method was of the digital simulation with previous laboratory data calibration. Among the five types studied, only Model 05 exhibited high stress concentrations at connectors, rendering it unviable. The other models meet the criteria of referenced standards and technical documents. Brazil Oriented Board, Board , Board) population components boards loads simulations topologies experiment configurations performance calibration studied 0 connectors unviable documents

Resumo Do percurso de vida de Nuno Álvares Pereira foram sempre destacadas as ações guerreiras e as virtudes religiosas, permanecendo ainda nebuloso o seu desempenho como detentor de poderes jurisdicionais sobre vastos domínios. Quando as negociações de paz com Castela ficaram definitivamente encarreiradas e os seus serviços militares deixaram de ser indispensáveis à afirmação política de D. João I e à defesa do reino, Nuno Álvares Pereira, que, segundo é sabido, nunca se enraizou em nenhum lugar, parece centrar a sua atenção em Almada. Promoveu um paço no recinto do castelo, onde terá residido efetivamente, ainda que por um curto período, procedeu a investimentos, que motivaram o desacordo de D. João I, e interferiu na vida concelhia em diversas vertentes, ao abrigo dos seus poderes senhoriais. Foi ainda em Almada que tratou de assegurar a viabilização do empreendimento do convento do Carmo, para onde se retiraria em 1423, no ano seguinte à doação da vila e termo à neta Isabel.

Abstract From Nuno Álvares Pereira's life path, were always highlighted his warlike actions and his religious virtues, although his performance as holder of jurisdictional powers over vast domains still remains unclear. When peace negotiations with Castile were definitively in line and his military services were no longer indispensable to the political declaration of D. João I and the defense of the kingdom, Nuno Álvares Pereira, who, as is known, never took root in any place, seems to focus its attention on Almada. He promoted a palace in the castle grounds, where he effectively resided, albeit for a short period, and made investments, which led to the disagreement of D. João I, and interfered in the council's life in various aspects, under the protection of his manorial powers. It was also in Almada that he tried to ensure the viability of the Carmo convent, where he would retire in 1423, the year following the donation of the town and term to his granddaughter Isabel.

ABSTRACT Agroindustrial potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) waste mainly includes peel and pulp; however, potatoes of low industrial quality are also discarded by industry. A viable alternative to give added value to these byproducts is the use of these as seeds, as well as the use of starch. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality (germination and vigor), starch content and relationship between these variables in discarded tubers from the industry through chemical-structural analyses to better understand their influence on starch composition. The physiological quality of the potatoes was evaluated through germination and vigor tests; likewise, starch was extracted, and the yield was determined. Physicochemical characterization of the starches was carried out through proximal and structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results showed that the tubers had 100.00% germination and 98.66% vigor and were suitable for use as seeds. The starch yield did not significantly differ. However, characterization of the starch revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in moisture, ash, carbohydrate and amylose contents, which were influenced by the storage temperature (4 °C) of the tubers subjected to a vigor test, which interferes with enzymatic activity. During germination, the NMR results showed type B crystallinity, which is typical of tubers, indicating that the viability tests did not promote changes in the type of crystallinity. The results obtained can help us understand the effect of germination on the composition of starch and, accordingly, choose the most appropriate applications for this starch, whether food or nonfood.

Abstract The marketing of microbial pesticides has increased exponentially in recent years. Almost 70 % of the products marketed use as active ingredient conidia of biocontrol fungi, and One of the most frequently used criteria to evaluate the quality of these products is conidial germination test, Specifically, this methodology is used to select and assess the viability and vigor of elite strains with biological potential. Some of the factors that influence conidial germination over time, include the selection of culture medium, temperature, incubation time, and the addition of germination synchronizing agents. The optimization for each elite strain allows the characterization of a microorganism behavior over time, ensuring its biological activity and effective management as a biological resource for commercial purposes. The main objective of this study was to identify the optimal conditions (culture media, incubation time, and synchronizing agent concentration) for the germination of three elite strains: Trichoderma koningiopsis (Th003), Lecanicillium lecanii (Vl026), and Metarhizium robertsii (Mt004), which are active ingredients in biopesticides. As a result, the optimal conditions selected are as follows: agar-water medium with 0.0003 % benomyl for Th003 with an incubation period of 18 hours, agar-water medium with 0.0003 % benomyl for Vl026 with an incubation period of 24 hours, and PDA agar supplemented with 0.0003 % benomyl for Mt004 with an incubation period of 18 hours. These conditions will allow a precise evaluation of the germination of the biological control agents ensuring over time their viability and vigor as active ingredients in biopesticides.

Resumen La comercialización de plaguicidas microbianos ha aumentado de manera exponencial en los últimos años. Casi el 70 % de los productos que se comercializan utilizan como principio activo conidios de hongos biocontroladores y uno de los criterios más utilizados para evaluar la calidad de estos productos es la prueba de germinación de conidios. Específicamente, se utiliza para la selección y la evaluación de la viabilidad y vigor de cepas élite con potencial biológico. Algunos de los factores que influyen en la germinación de los conidios incluye la selección del medio del cultivo, la temperatura, el tiempo de incubación y la adición de sustancias sincronizadoras de germinación. La optimización para cada cepa élite permite estimar el comportamiento del microorganismo, lo que garantizará su actividad biológica y eficacia, al ser un recurso biológico con fines comerciales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue seleccionar las condiciones óptimas (medios de cultivo, tiempo de incubación y concentración de sustancia sincronizadora) para la germinación de tres cepas élite Trichoderma koningiopsis (Th003), Lecanicillium lecanii (Vl026) y Metarhizium robertsii (Mt004), las cuales son principios activos de bioplaguicidas en proceso de comercialización. Como resultado se seleccionó el medio de cultivo de agar agua con benomil al 0,0003 % con un tiempo de lectura de 18 h para Th003 y de 24 h para Vl026. Para la cepa Mt004, el medio de cultivo que favoreció la germinación sincrónica de los conidios fue agar PDA suplementado con benomil al 0,0003 % con un tiempo de lectura de 18 h. Estas condiciones permitirán a través del tiempo realizar una correcta evaluación de la germinación de los agentes de control biológico y garantizar su viabilidad y vigor como principio activo de bioplaguicidas.

South Sudan is expansive and sparsely populated with over 80% of the population living in rural areas. The country has no national grid connecting its cities and towns, thus making rural areas "good candidates" for stand-alone renewable energy systems. This study was conducted to determine the technical feasibility and economic viability of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system compared to a diesel generator. A techno-economic model was developed to forecast the performance of the PV system. The system was initially designed using the IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems (IEEE P1562-2021) and the IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems (IEEE 1013-2019). The solar radiation data used for modeling were acquired from the Ineichen clear sky model and then transposed to the plane of array irradiation using pvlib python. The system optimization and sensitivity analysis was performed under various diesel fuel costs using the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. Results show that at a fuel price of $ 2 per liter, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the PV system is 64% lower than that of the diesel generator and that the system can earn 11% return on investment (ROI) and recover the investment in about 5.5 years. With a drop in price of diesel fuel to $1 per liter, the payback period increases to about 7 years. These results show that standalone PV systems are technically feasible and economically viable in rural and peri-urban areas of South Sudan.

A model was composed that integrated demand for railway services, systemic capacity design of production factors, operating efficiency, and the financial viability of the designed railway operations of a dedicated rail freight project. The design model incorporated efficiency measures essential to successfully developing new railway systems. The investment in rail infrastructure concerning the geometric parameters and their effect on the project's viability was deduced. A relationship between the geometric layout of track alignment and the hauling process of freight was determined. Results from simulation work to ascertain the operating efficiency informed the design of train-crossing capacity. The effect of inefficiencies on the performance of the production factors and the influence thereof on the rail tariff and the internal rate of return was determined. The design model covered the range of demand from low volumes of dedicated freight to the advent of heavy-haul operations, and will find its application in cases of new green-field projects. The design parameters applied in sub-models were correlated with the results of field tests and individual new railway projects undertaken in Southern Africa. The results of the effect of systemic operating efficiency on the capacity of the rolling stock fleet were illustrated.

Resumen El derecho a la no discriminación y el respeto a la diferencia han presentado avances significativos en el nivel global durante las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, aun con su incorporación en los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible la mejora, en materia de equidad económica, ha sido escasa. La situación se agrava más en el mundo en desarrollo. Ante la incapacidad de respuestas efectivas de los organismos multilaterales de escala global, la respuesta de los mecanismos de integración regional pareciese estar, más directamente, en sintonía con el imperativo de la justicia social. Los países de Asia oriental y Oceanía, a través de esquemas de integración como ASEAN y RCEP, ofrecen expectativas valiosas en materia de equidad, dados algunos avances en términos de objetivos y metas que podrían explicar, de forma concreta, las condiciones actuales de desarrollo de los países que los integran. En este contexto, el presente artículo se propone abordar la siguiente pregunta: ¿cómo se encuentra la asociación RCEP en términos de equidad y qué perspectivas se vislumbran desde su situación actual? A partir de un análisis de la complejidad social, se evalúan los avances y los desafíos redistributivos, con el fin de determinar la viabilidad del proceso hacia el futuro. De acuerdo con los indicadores analizados y el ejercicio prospectivo, la integración es susceptible de profundizarse, siempre y cuando el grupo logre responder al triple desafío de la legitimidad interna, la transformación política y la seguridad regional.

Abstract The right to non-discrimination and respect for difference have made significant progress at the global level in recent decades. However, there has been slight improvement in terms of economic equity, even with their incorporation into the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. The situation is even worse in developing world. In the absence of effective responses from multilateral mechanisms on a global scale, the response of regional integration mechanisms seems to be more directly in tune with the imperative of social justice. The countries of East Asia and Oceania, through integration mechanisms such as ASEAN, APEC and more recently RCEP, offer valuable expectations in terms of equity, given some advances in terms of objectives and goals that could respond more directly to the current development conditions of the countries that make up the partnership. In this context, the present article proposes to address the following question: how is the RCEP partnership doing in terms of equity and what perspectives can be envisaged from its current situation? Based on an analysis of social complexity, progress and redistributive challenges are evaluated to determine the viability of the process in the future. According to the indicators analysed and the prospective exercise, integration is likely to deepen, if the group can respond to the triple challenge of internal legitimacy, political transformation, and regional security.

Abstract While not endangered, the future and importance of the consecrated life for society today is not entirely clear or convincing. Among its most important attributes have been its creative potential, innovation as a way of life, and charismatic and apostolic manifestations as an alternative to society. With its importance for today in question, its viability as a proposal for the future arises. This dimension has been labeled the “political” dimension of the consecrated life. The present study aims to outline several answers in terms of the Latin American context. Based on a specialized bibliography, statistical data, the contributions of other related disciplines such as geography, ethics, and anthropology, and experiential reflection, this article sketches some possibilities for how the political dimension of the consecrated life can continue to be a viable alternative for creating other worlds.

Resumen La vida consagrada está lejos de extinguirse, sin embargo, tanto su futuro como su significancia para la sociedad actual, no son del todo claros ni convincentes. Uno de los atributos más importantes ha sido su posibilidad creativa, su innovación como forma de vida y el ser una alternativa en sus múltiples manifestaciones carismáticas y apostólicas, respecto de la sociedad. Hoy aquello tampoco es tan claro y por lo tanto la pregunta por el futuro y, mejor aún, por ser propuesta de futuro está en cuestión. A esta dimensión se le ha denominado “política”, y el siguiente estudio busca esbozar algunas respuestas en lo referente al contexto latinoamericano. A partir de bibliografía especializada, de datos estadísticos, del aporte de otras disciplinas afines, –como la geografía, la ética y la antropología–, y una reflexión experiencial se presentan algunos potenciales caminos en vistas de que la dimensión política de la vida consagrada continúe siendo alternativa para otros mundos posibles.

Resumen: Los cormos de malanga son tallos subterráneos con alto valor nutrimental por su contenido de carbohidratos y proteínas, además de ser altamente digestivos. El almidón que se extrae de ellos puede ser utilizado en la encapsulación de microorganismos probióticos, de gran importancia para la salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar un suplemento alimenticio con características funcionales, usando bacterias ácido lácticas (BAL) (Lactobacilos casei), encapsuladas en almidón de malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium). El suplemento se realizó mezclando 150 mL de pulpa de fruta cocida (mango o manzana) con 400 mL de suero de leche (pH de 6.0), a 45 ± 1 °C, hasta conseguir la consistencia deseada (449.9 mPas/s a una temperatura de 25 ºC). Posteriormente, se adicionaron 1 % o 2 % de almidón de malanga (p/v) y 10 mL de cultivo probiótico por cada 100 mL de mezcla. Se deshidrató a 80 ºC y 150 ºC con flujo de aire de 20 mL/min para manzana y 8 mL/min para mango mediante secado por aspersión. El rendimiento fue de 12 %, con una viabilidad de las BAL en el suplemento deshidratado a los 3 meses de almacenamiento superior a 1 x 108 UFC/g. La ausencia de bacterias coliformes, así como de salmonella y shigella, indican que los suplementos son inocuos y aptos para consumo. La composición nutrimental del suplemento de manzana obtenido fue2.23 % de fibra, 5.93 % de grasa, 4.95 % de proteína y un 79 % de hidratos de carbono; el suplemento de mango, el contenido fue 0.59 % de fibra, 7.6 % de grasa, 4.2 % de proteína y 80.20 % de hidratos de carbono. El almidón de malanga permitió la microencapsulación de las BAL y mantener su viabilidad durante el almacenamiento de los suplementos alimenticios desarrollados con base en suero de leche y fruta.

Abstract: Malanga corms are an underground stem with a high nutritional value as it contains carbohydrates and proteins, in addition to being highly digestive; The starch extracted from them can be used in the encapsulation of probiotic microorganisms, which are of great importance for human health. The objective of this work was to develop a food supplement with functional characteristics, added with lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus casei) (LAB), using malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) starch. The supplement was obtained by mixing 150 mL of cooked fruit pulp (mango or apple) with 400 mL of sweet whey (pH of 6.0), at a temperature of 45 ± 1 °C until the desired consistency (449.9 mPas/s at a temperature of 25 °C) was achieved. Subsequently, 1 % or 2 % of malanga starch (p/v) and 10 mL of probiotic cultures were added per each 100 mL of mixture. it was then dehydrated at 80 ºC and 150 °C with an air flow of 20 mL/min for apple and 8 mL/min for mango by spray drying. The yield was 12 %, with viability of LAB in the dehydrated supplement at 3 months of storage higher than 1 x 108 CFU/g. The absence of coliform bacteria, as well as Salmonella and Shigella, indicate that the supplements are safe and suitable for consumption. The nutritional composition of the apple supplement was 2.23 % fiber, 5.93 % fat, 4.95 % protein and 79 % carbohydrates; the mango supplement content was 0.59 % fiber, 7.6 % fat, 4.2 % protein and 80.20 % carbohydrates. The malanga starch allowed the LAB microencapsulation and the maintenance of their viability during the storage of sweet whey and fruit-based food supplements.

Ecological infrastructure (natural ecosystems that provide important services and save on built infrastructure costs) can have an important role in securing water supply, particularly in water-scarce areas, but this importance is not reflected in investment decisions, partly due to a lack of evidence. In South Africa, one of the main threats to water supply is the proliferation of woody invasive alien plants which significantly reduce stream flow and water yields. We used existing spatial data and estimates of the impact of woody invasive plants on flows and water yields and on restoration costs to analyse the viability of investing in ecological infrastructure at the scale of major water supply areas. The analysis involved comparison of the costs and effects on water yields of catchment restoration with those of planned built infrastructure interventions designed to meet increasing water demands in the medium to long term. The cost-effectiveness analysis used the unit reference value as a measure of comparison, which is based on the discounted flows of costs and water supplied over a defined time. Restoration could supply 24% of the combined yield of planned built infrastructure interventions by 2050, and is not only cost-effective but has the added advantage of a range of co-benefits delivered by improving ecosystem health. This finding suggests that investing in ecological infrastructure should be considered ahead of new built-infrastructure projects. SIGNIFICANCE: • Clearing invasive alien plants from South Africa's main water catchment areas could increase water yields by 997 million m³ by 2050 relative to a business-as-usual approach, equivalent to a quarter of the yield gains through implementation of built infrastructure interventions planned over the same period. • Invasive alien plant clearing would be more cost-effective than built infrastructure interventions in all water supply systems, except one, the Orange River System. • These findings add to the growing body of literature that advocates for ecological infrastructure investments to secure hydrological ecosystem services.

RESUMEN Hibiscus cannabinus L. es una especie anual cultivada por sus fibras. Se profundizó la descripción morfológica de las semillas de los cultivares 'Endora' y 'Tainung 1', se adecuó y ajustó un procedimiento de prueba de tetrazolio y se clasificaron los embriones según su viabilidad y vigor. En la coloración y ornamentación de las semillas participan células de las capas del episperma. Se identificaron la tapa de imbibición y el istmo y se analizó su función. Se reconocieron lípidos y proteínas en el mesofilo de los cotiledones y la ausencia de aréolas en la epidermis. Mediante la prueba de tetrazolio se establecieron patrones de tinción para clasificar las semillas según su viabilidad. Ambos cultivares presentaron valores de viabilidad aceptables. La prueba de germinación respaldó la metodología propuesta para tetrazolio. Se realizan aportes novedosos sobre la morfología de las semillas y se proponen relaciones estructura-función para el ingreso de agua. Las semillas de ambos cultivares comparten características morfológicas fundamentales para establecer los criterios de evaluación en la prueba bioquímica de tetrazolio. La adaptación del protocolo de la prueba de viabilidad por tetrazolio permitió la clasificación de las semillas como viables en tres categorías (vigor alto, medio y bajo) y no viables.

ABSTRACT Hibiscus cannabinus L. is an annual species cultivated for its fibers. The morphological description of the seeds of the cultivars 'Endora' and 'Tainung 1' was broadened, a tetrazolium test procedure was adapted and adjusted, and the embryos were classified according to their viability and vigor. Cells from the seed coat layers participate in the seed coloration and ornamentation. The imbibition cap and the isthmus were identified, and their function was analyzed. Lipids and proteins were recognized in the mesophyll of cotyledons and the absence of areoles in the epidermis. Using the tetrazolium test, staining patterns were established to classify the seeds according to their viability. Both cultivars presented acceptable viability values. The germination test supported the proposed methodology for tetrazolium. Novel contributions are made to seed morphology, and structure-function relationships for water intake are proposed. The seeds of both cultivars share the morphological characteristics that are fundamental to the establishment of evaluation criteria in the tetrazolium biochemical test. The adapted tetrazolium viability test protocol allowed the seeds classification as either viable into three categories (high, medium, and low vigor) and non-viable seeds.

Abstract: Solid and liquid formulations based on the plant growth-promoting bacteria Bacillus subtilis Bs006 were designed as biological inoculant for vegetable nursery production. Considering the importance of microbial survival from the production process to the soil application, spore viability (CFU) in each formulation was assessed during twelve months of storage at 20, 30, and 40°C. At the three temperature levels evaluated, survival was higher than 85 and 90% for solid and liquid formulations, respectively. The bacterial biological activity was evaluated as plant growth promotion on lettuce, broccoli, and tomato in nursery. The formulations were applied at three concentrations (1x107, 5x107, 1x108 CFU/mL) at sowing and 21 days after seeding. Root and aerial part length and dry weight were the response variables evaluated. A positive effect was observed, particularly with the liquid formulation at 1x108 spores/mL, showing the longest length of root and aerial part and the highest dry weight values in the root and foliar parts. Regarding the endophytism, B. subtilis colonized roots, stems, and leaves, achieving concentrations between 8x102 and 1x105 CFU/g.