ABSTRACT Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds have attracted great economic interest for their high levels of linoleic and α-linolenic acids. In Brazil, there is a lack of studies on the agronomic characteristics and physiological quality of chia, necessitating research on germination processes and strategies to enhance yield under field conditions. There are no studies assessing the development of seeds with different coat colors in the presence of fungicides. This study aimed to assess the physiological quality of chia seeds as a function of coat color and fungicide treatment. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and six replications. For this, seeds were divided into two groups according to coat color (black and white) and subjected or not to treatment with carboxin + thiram. Germination speed index, germination rate, and shoot length were evaluated in plants sown at 0, 90, and 180 days after seed treatment. Germination rate and speed index differed significantly between coat colors, with white seeds having higher vigor than black seeds. Shoot length, however, differed only for seeds sown on the day of treatment, indicating that treated seeds were more vigorous.

Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus pandemic and the rise in climate disasters have fueled a surge in disposable mask production, exacerbating waste challenges. The study proposes a sustainable pathway for recycling Non-Woven Fabric (NWF) originating from masks made of Polypropylene (PP) used as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Eco-friendly blends of virgin polypropylene (vPP) and recycled non-woven fabric (NWF) were produced through extrusion, and the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the blends were evaluated. The addition of NWF resulted in lower tensile and flexural strengths than vPP. However, from 50%wt of recycled NWF, the blends proved to be as stiff as, or even stiffer than, the virgin polymer. While slightly lower, the 50%wt NWF blend achieved properties close to those of vPP, making it the ideal composition for replacing PP in conventional applications. This approach offers a sustainable solution for mask recycling, reducing disposal impacts and supporting a circular economy.

ABSTRACT Cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are essential elements with a fundamental role in biological nitrogen fixation in legumes. Vitamins such as thiamine, despite being required in small quantities, influence plant growth. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of different doses of thiamine applied as seed treatment, combined or not with Co and Mo, in enhancing the development of soybean crops. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse according to a randomized block design with a 6 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising six thiamine doses (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1) in the presence or absence of Co and Mo at the recommended rate of 100 mL ha-1. At 40 days after sowing, plants were analyzed for root length, root dry weight, shoot length, shoot dry weight, nodule number, and nodule dry weight. Principal component analysis showed that combined application of Co and Mo with thiamine was negatively associated with all variables and that the thiamine doses most positively associated with the analyzed variables were 50 and 200 mg kg-1. In treatments containing thiamine alone, there was a linear direct relationship between thiamine dose and nodule dry weight. Root and shoot lengths and dry weights were highest in plants treated with thiamine only at a dose of 122 mg kg-1. Application of Co and Mo combined with thiamine via seed treatment does not promote the development of soybean crops. Thiamine application is a promising treatment to increase shoot length, root dry weight, and nodule dry weight in soybean.

Resumo O fósforo (P) é um macronutriente essencial para o desenvolvimento das plantas. Os solos do Cerrado possuem alta capacidade de adsorção de P, e o manejo convencional pode aumentar a fixação, perdas e reduzindo sua disponibilidade no solo. O objetivo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes práticas de manejo sobre as frações de P do solo em áreas cultivadas no cerrado de Goiás. Foram coletadas amostras deformadas nas profundidades de 0-5 e 5-10 cm, em duas áreas (Boa Vereda - BV e Mata do Lobo - ML). Foi quantificado os teores de carbono orgânico total, pH, e as fracções de P (solúvel, disponível, inorgânico, orgânico, ligado ao cálcio, ocluso e total). O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado. Foi realizada análise de componentes principais (ACP). Em BV, o P disponível, e inorgânico foram maiores a 0-5 cm na área de cerrado, enquanto a 5-10 cm, o disponível destacou-se em soja e cerrado. O sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta apresentou altos teores de P ocluso. Em ML, predominou P ocluso, exceto na agrofloresta a 0-5 cm, onde o disponível, inorgânico, ligado ao cálcio e total foram maiores, e o ocluso e orgânicos, em soja e pastagem. A 5-10 cm, o P disponível foi menor no cerrado, enquanto ocluso e total, maiores na soja. A ACP confirmou a diferença entre as áreas e sistemas de manejo. Os sistemas de manejo menos intensivos promovem maiores teores de frações de P mais disponíveis às plantas.

Abstract Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant development. Cerrado soils have a high P adsorption capacity, and conventional management can increase fixation, losses and reduce its availability in the soil. This study assesses the influence of different management practices on soil P fractions in cultivated areas in the Cerrado of Goiás. Deformed samples were collected at depths of 0-5 and 5-10 cm in two areas (Boa Vereda - BV and Mata do Lobo - ML). The total organic carbon content, pH, and phosphorus fractions (soluble, available, inorganic, organic, calcium-bound, occluded, and total) were quantified. The design was entirely randomized. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out. In BV, available and inorganic P levels were higher at 0-5 cm in the Cerrado area, while at 5-10 cm, available P was more prominent in soybean and Cerrado. The crop-livestock-forestry integration system showed high levels of occluded P. In ML, occluded P was predominant, except in the agroforestry system at 0-5 cm, where available, inorganic, calcium-bound, and total P levels were higher, while occluded and organic P levels were more prominent in soybean and pasture. At 5-10 cm, available P was lower in the cerrado, while occluded and total P levels were higher in soybean. The PCA confirmed the difference between the areas and management systems. Less intensive management systems promote higher levels of P fractions that are more available to plants.

ABSTRACT Stress caused by defoliation can compromise the physiological quality of soybean seeds. However, there is evidence that the application of nitrogen (N) can be an alternative to reduce the qualitative losses in seeds caused by defoliating insects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topdressing N fertilization in improving the physiological quality of soybean seeds from plants subjected to artificial defoliation. The experimental design was a randomized block arranged in a 2×4 factorial scheme with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two levels of defoliation (33 and 66%) and four doses of N (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1), using urea (45% N), applied two days after defoliation. Artificial defoliation was performed during the R3 stage by removing one (33%) and two leaflets (66%) from each trifoliate leaf under field conditions. At stage R5.1, leaf area was quantified, and after harvesting, germination, emergence, length, total dry mass, electrical conductivity, total protein content, mass of 1000 seeds, and tetrazolium (vigor and viability) tests were carried out. It was concluded that increasing the defoliation from 33 to 66% impaired the physiological quality of soybean seeds. The use of nitrogen fertilization for coverage after defoliation at the beginning of the reproductive phase cannot minimize qualitative losses in seeds.

ABSTRACT Agroecological management is considered a model of sustainable agriculture that offers social, environmental and economic benefits. The hypotheses of this study were that agroecological production systems can promote changes in the physical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) associated with aggregates of different origins, and that the greater diversity of plant species in the production system may favour an increase in the carbon concentration of these aggregates. The aim of this study was to a) determine the mass of the free light fraction (FLF), intra-aggregate light fraction (ILF) and light organic matter fraction (LOM) of biogenic and physiogenic soil aggregates; and b) quantify the organic carbon content of the three light SOM fractions and the residual particulate SOM fraction. Five production systems were evaluated: AgF - Agroforestry system; CSun - Coffee grown in full sun; CSha - Coffee grown in shade; FLE - Flemingia grown in alleys; and NT - No-tillage. The aggregates were separated, identified and classified according to their origin or formation pathway into biogenic (formed by biological processes) or physiogenic aggregates (resulting from chemical and physical actions). From these, the mass and carbon content of the FLF, ILF, LOM and residual particulate fractions were quantified. The greater diversity of plant species found in the AgF system has not yet favoured an increase in the carbon content of the aggregates. The longer set-up time and the management practices of the CSun system has led to an increase in the carbon content of the organic fractions of the aggregates (3.44-1.63 g kg-1 for C-LOM; 1.93-1.13 g kg-1 for C-FLF). The lowest overall mean values for LOM and ILF were found mainly in the aggregates of the NT system (1.22-1.67 and 1.55-2.20 g kg-1, respectively), being associated with the shorter time and greater mobilisation of the arable layer. Biogenic aggregation afforded the highest overall mean values for LOM, and increased the mass of the light fractions (15.5%-27.8% for FLF; 23.4%-8.0% for ILF) and the carbon in the C-LOM, C-FLF and residual particulate fractions (42.3%, 12.9%, and 35.0%, respectively) in the surface layer, suggesting an improvement in soil quality.

RESUMO O diálogo da obra de Machado de Assis com a religião, notadamente a cristã, foi contínuo, recorrente, quase sistemático, e marcado, predominantemente, pela ironia. A tradição religiosa (judaico-cristã) faz-se presente, das mais diversas formas, em inúmeros textos do autor, romances, contos e crônicas, e, ainda assim, são relativamente escassos os comentários críticos que tratam especificamente desse assunto, sobretudo aqueles que se organizem de modo a ir além do levantamento quantitativo acerca da presença da religião nas produções machadianas. Diante disso, procura-se, no presente trabalho, discutir a profunda e constante reflexão acerca da religião na obra machadiana, bem como a apropriação sistemática do universo religioso, o qual se torna um válido ponto de vista para a abordagem crítica e compreensão de muitas das questões trazidas pela obra do autor de Brás Cubas, especialmente ao se analisar como a religião revela-se ponto importante no que tange também à dialética universal x local, tão presente em Machado de Assis.

ABSTRACT The dialogue between Machado de Assis's work and religion, notably Christian religion, was continuous, recurrent, almost systematic, and marked, predominantly, by irony. The religious tradition (Judeo-Christian) is present, in the most diverse forms, in countless texts by the author, novels, stories and chronicles, and, even so, critical comments that specifically deal with this subject are relatively scarce, especially those that organize themselves to go beyond the quantitative survey about the presence of religion in Machado's productions. In view of this, the present work seeks to discuss the deep and constant reflection on religion in Machado's work, as well as the systematic appropriation of the religious universe, which becomes a valid point of view for the critical approach and understanding of many of the questions raised by the work of the author of Brás Cubas, especially when analyzing how religion reveals itself to be an important point in terms of the universal x local dialectic, so present in Machado de Assis.

Abstract This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of forest restoration consortium or not with eucalyptus in the recovery of edaphic attributes. Three of them were managed with the following forest restorations: natural regeneration after clear cutting of eucalyptus planting (RP), planting of native species after clear cutting of eucalyptus planting (RA) and planting of native species after cutting 50% of eucalyptus planting (RAE), and of a secondary forest (FR). Sixteen (16) soil samples were collected in each area for the analysis of the physical and chemical attributes. The restoration with RA promoted a less acidic pH, lower Al 3+ content, higher P content and higher V%, similar to FR. The RAE and RP restorations favor an increase in SB, CTC, N and in the organic carbon content.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to carry out the extraction and chemical characterization of oil from crambe treated with resistance inducers during its cultivation to promote greater efficiency in the defense system of plants. For this purpose, Agromos® and Ecolife® inducers were applied at rates of 0.5 and 1.0 L hectare−1 during crambe cultivation. Crambe seed oil was obtained in a Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane as a solvent and the oils were characterized in terms of fatty acid composition and minority compound contents (phytosterol and tocopherol). The oil obtained from seeds without the application of inducers (control) was also characterized. We determine the oxidative stability of oils with inducer application that presented higher minority compound contents. Crambe seeds that received the treatment with the Agromos® resistance inducer had higher oil content. However, in general, the fatty acid profile of the obtained oils was similar and showed a predominance of erucic and oleic acids (which represent ~82% of the composition). The application of the Agromos® inducer allowed obtaining seeds that provided oil with higher contents of phytosterols and tocopherols and higher oxidative stability.

Abstract Studies on Brazil’s helminthological fauna began in the early 20th century, and since then several zoologists from different parts of the country have focused on parasitology. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of helminthological biodiversity in the Amazon region, especially in fish, which is essential for the Amazonian economy. This study aimed to inventory the platyhelminth fauna Cuniculus paca (paca). The viscera of 30 pacas were analyzed, and 60 specimens of platyhelminths were identified, including 52 cestodes and 8 trematodes. Cestodes belonging to the family Davaneidae, identified as Raillietina spp., with an occurrence of 26.67% (n = 8), mean abundance 1.83 and mean intensity of 6.5, were found in the small intestine. The trematodes found in the large intestine were identified as Stichorchis spp., with an occurrence of 6.6% (n = 2), mean abudance 0.32 and a mean intensity of four. To the genus Raillietina, we provide new insights into the helminth fauna of this game rodent in the Western Amazon. The discovery of a new site of occurrence for the genus Stichorchis highlights the gap in knowledge regarding the parasitic diversity of consumed animals in the extreme western Amazon region, emphasizing the need for more in-depth scientific investigations in this area.

Resumo Os estudos sobre a fauna helmintológica do Brasil começaram no início do século 20 e, desde então, vários zoólogos de diversas partes do país têm se concentrado na parasitologia. Estudos recentes avançaram na compreensão da biodiversidade helmintológica na região amazônica, especialmente em peixes, essenciais para a economia amazônica. Este estudo teve como objetivo inventariar a fauna de platelmintos em Cuniculus paca (paca). Foram analisadas as vísceras de 30 pacas e identificados 60 espécimes de platelmintos, sendo 52 cestódeos e 8 trematódeos. Os cestódeos, pertencentes à família Davaneidae, foram identificados como Raillietina spp., com ocorrência de 26,67% (n = 8), abundância média de 1,83 e intensidade média de 6,5, encontrados no intestino delgado. Os trematódeos, encontrados no intestino grosso, foram identificados como Stichorchis spp., com ocorrência de 6,6% (n = 2), abundância média de 0,32 e intensidade média de quatro. Para o gênero Raillietina, foram fornecidas novas informações sobre a helmintofauna desse roedor cinegético na Amazônia Ocidental. A descoberta de um novo local de ocorrência do gênero Stichorchis destaca a lacuna no conhecimento sobre a diversidade parasitária de animais, consumidos no extremo oeste da Amazônia, enfatizando a necessidade de investigações científicas mais aprofundadas nessa área.

Abstract Water erosion is one of the primary causes of agricultural soil degradation in Brazil, leading to diminished crop productivity and soil acidification, thereby impairing its ability to store carbon, nutrients, and water. Identifying the intensity of erosion can be achieved by utilizing indicator attributes that are highly sensitive to changes in the edaphic environment. The study analyzed the physical and chemical attributes of soil in areas with gullies exhibiting varying degrees of degradation/stabilization. The study was conducted across four areas with varying degrees of gully formation: a) initial, intermediate, mature, and senile. Samples were collected from both the external and internal sides of each gully at the end of the dry season. Among the physical attributes assessed, soil density and total porosity were found to be the most significantly altered. Evaluation of microaggregates provided insights into soil quality through fractions including water-dispersible clay, water-reflocculable clay, and non-water-dispersible clay. Total carbon, total nitrogen, and the C/N ratio elucidated the dynamics of soil and nutrient loss across different stages of erosion formation and stabilization processes, with lower values observed on the internal side of the gullies compared to the exterior side. Vegetation was observed to influence the results of the physical and chemical attributes. Overall, the values tended towards equilibrium between the faces at the senile stage, indicating greater stabilization.

Resumo A erosão hídrica é uma das principais causas da degradação das terras agricultáveis brasileiras, levando à diminuição da produtividade das culturas e à acidificação do solo, prejudicando sua capacidade de armazenar carbono, nutrientes e água. O manejo inadequado do solo é um dos principais responsáveis por esse tipo de degradação. A identificação da intensidade da erosão pode ser feita por meio da utilização de atributos indicadores que são altamente sensíveis as mudanças no ambiente edáfico. O estudo teve como objetivos: i) analisar os atributos físicos e químicos do solo em áreas de voçorocas com diferentes graus de degradação/estabilização; e ii) verificar a viabilidade de utilização desses atributos como indicadores de recuperação ambiental. O estudo foi realizado em quatro áreas com diferentes graus de formação de voçorocas: a) inicial, intermédia, madura e senil. As amostras foram coletadas nas faces externa e interna de cada voçoroca no final da estação seca. Entre os atributos físicos avaliados, a densidade do solo e a porosidade total foram os mais significativamente alterados. A avaliação dos microagregados permitiu conhecer a qualidade do solo através de frações como a argila dispersável em água, a argila refloculável em água e a argila não dispersível em água. O carbono total, o nitrogênio total e a relação C/N elucidaram a dinâmica da perda de solo e de nutrientes em diferentes fases dos processos de formação e estabilização da erosão, com valores mais baixos observados na face interna das voçorocas em comparação a externa. Observou-se que a vegetação influenciou os resultados dos atributos físicos e químicos. No geral, os valores tenderam ao equilíbrio entre as faces na voçoroca SE, indicando maior estabilização. Com base nesses resultados, os atributos avaliados podem servir como indicadores de qualidade do solo, pois são mais eficientes e sensíveis em expressar a recuperação da qualidade física e química do solo, fornecendo informações valiosas para o monitoramento de processos de degradação e para a prevenção, controle e recuperação de voçorocas no Bioma Mata Atlântica.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effectiveness of using the X-ray technique to assess the viability of papaya seeds. The X-ray images were performed in eight replicates of 25 seeds, placed on transparent acrylic plates on double-sided adhesive tape, previously identified, and then submitted to radiation in X-ray equipment "HP Faxitron". After exposure to X-ray radiation, the seeds were submitted to the germination test in rolls of germitest paper and kept in a germination chamber at 20-30 °C for 30 days. Seedlings were photographed and evaluated as normal seedlings, abnormal and non-germinated seeds. Afterward, the X-ray images and the seedlings from the same seeds were visually compared, and the X-ray images clearly showed seeds with and without internal filling. All abnormal seedlings were full seeds; therefore, X-ray images were not able to separate normal and abnormal. A 100% accuracy was verified by comparing the X-ray images and their respective seedlings, full seeds originated normal or abnormal seedlings, and empty seeds corresponded to non-germinated seeds. Therefore, using X-ray images is a promising technique to identify the viability of papaya seeds. The automated analysis of X-ray images is a simple, fast, and efficient technique to provide information on seed viability and generate parameters related to their germination capacity.

A novel electroanalytical approach is presented for the determination of ronidazole in environmental and food matrices by applying a cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode and the square-wave adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry technique. From the studies of cyclic voltammetry to investigate the electroactivity of the ronidazole molecule, the occurrence of an irreversible cathodic process was verifed, which was more effciently detected using the cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode compared to the anodically pretreated electrode. Still on the electrochemical response of ronidazole, the effects of pH and scan rate were studied and, its apparent diffusion coeffcient was determined by chronoamperometry (8.20 × 10-6cm2s-1). Under optimal experimental conditions, the analytical curve obtained for ronidazole was linear in two concentration ranges (12.70 to 63.40 µmol L-1 and 76.04 to 126.2 µmol L-1), with a limit of detection of 2.55 µmol L-1. For intra- and inter-day repeatabilities, relative standard deviations of only 2.7 and 3.5% were verifed, which demonstrated the stable analytical response of the electrode. Recovery percentages ranging from 96 to 100% were achieved in the analysis of natural water and whole milk samples. Therefore, the proposed electroanalytical method shows satisfactory analytical performance towards ronidazole determination in varied matrice samples.

Purpose This study aims to identify the interfaces between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and circular supply chains (CSC) in Brazilian foodtechs, focusing on key stakeholders’ perspectives to understand the efficiency and sustainability impacts of these integrations. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative exploratory research design, the study analyzes eight Brazilian foodtechs through interviews and content analysis. It identifies CSC practices and examines the adherence of I4.0 technologies within these enterprises, assessing stakeholder engagement and the implications for CSC optimization. Findings Fifteen CSC practices were identified across the foodtechs, with notable integration of three distinct I4.0 technologies. The findings suggest that while I4.0 technologies enhance efficiency in CSC, their adoption is in early stages. Stakeholder engagement emerges as a crucial element for optimizing CSC in the context of Brazilian foodtechs. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the academic discussion on the synergy between I4.0 and circular economy (CE) models, providing empirical evidence of their application in the foodtech sector and highlighting the role of stakeholders in facilitating these integrations. Practical implications The findings suggest that stakeholder engagement in circular practices is vital for both supply chain and organizational levels, with potential benefits including improved efficiency and sustainability outcomes. The research also underscores the need for public sector support, including regulatory frameworks and incentives for adopting I4.0 technologies. Social implications By demonstrating how I4.0 technologies can support CE practices in foodtechs, the study highlights the potential for these integrations to contribute to more sustainable and efficient food systems, addressing environmental concerns and promoting social well-being. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the interface between I4.0 technologies and CSC in the emerging context of Brazilian foodtechs, offering insights into the practical and societal benefits of these integrations.

ABSTRACT One of the tools used to investigate the influence of environmental contaminants and other stresses on the development of organisms is the analysis of morphometric traits used to detect changes in growth and size patterns. To evaluate the effects of the heavy metal lead (Pb) present in experimentally contaminated soil on the morphometric traits of the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) reared on cultivated Brassica oleracea L. (var. acephala), we analyzed three different metrics: morphometry, allometry, and fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Additionally, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of these analyses in detecting environmental stress. We cultivated kale plants in soil contaminated with the maximum allowable limit of Pb for local soils in Brazil, and the colonization of plants by aphids occurred naturally under field conditions. After collection, we photographed and measured the antennae, tibiae, and total body length of aphids from the control and contaminated treatments. We observed no significant differences in the allometry and morphometric analysis, and the presence of the contaminant did not result in any observed FA. The study demonstrated that the morphometric trait analyses employed were not effective in detecting environmental stress resulting from field exposure of aphids to Pb in soil, since these insects suffered a reduction in their population density in the presence of Pb, as indicated in our previous findings. This result diverges from those found in studies conducted under laboratory conditions. We discussed mechanisms of metal accumulation, detoxification in aphids, and population aspects in natural conditions.