ABSTRACT Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is the second most produced and commercialized ornamental plant in the world. Measuring leaf area through non-destructive methods is fundamental for studies on its growth and production. The estimation of leaf area by linear dimensions of the leaves can be a strategy for this purpose. The objective of this study was to find allometric equations to estimate the leaf area of chrysanthemum. The linear, linear without intercept, quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential regression models were used for the analysis. The choice of equations was based on the highest coefficients of determination. The non-destructive method using allometric models has accuracy for estimating the leaf area (LA) of chrysanthemum from the product between leaf length (L) and leaf width (W). The LA of chrysanthemum can be estimated using the equation ŷ = 0.6611*LW0.9490 (L - leaf length; W - leaf width). This equation will allow researchers and producers to determine leaf area non-destructively.

RESUMO O crisântemo (Dendranthema grandiflora) é a segunda planta ornamental mais produzida e comercializada no mundo. A medição da área foliar por métodos não destrutivos é fundamental para estudos sobre seu crescimento e produção. A estimativa da área foliar por dimensões lineares das folhas pode ser uma estratégia para este fim. O objetivo deste estudo foi encontrar equações alométricas para estimar a área foliar do crisântemo. Os modelos de regressão linear, linear sem intercepto, quadrático, cúbico, potência e exponencial foram utilizados para a análise. A escolha das equações foi baseada nos maiores coeficientes de determinação. O método não destrutivo por meio de modelos alométricos tem acurácia para estimar a área foliar (AF) do crisântemo a partir do produto entre o comprimento da folha (C) e a largura da folha (L). A AF do crisântemo pode ser estimada pela equação ŷ = 0,6611*CL0,9490 (C - comprimento da folha; L - largura da folha). Essa equação permitirá que pesquisadores e produtores determinem a área foliar de forma não destrutiva.

Resumo A sonicação é amplamente utilizada para dispersão de nanomateriais em matrizes cimentícias. Aditivos superplastificantes à base de policarboxilato (SP) são geralmente incorporados na suspensão aquosa de nanomateriais antes da sonicação para melhorar a dispersão desses materiais. No entanto, o efeito da sonicação na estrutura molecular e no desempenho de dispersão do SP não foi totalmente investigado. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito da sonicação de um SP comercial a 20 kHz, potência de 750 W, amplitude de 50 e 80%, durante 15 e 30 min. Inicialmente, o efeito de sonicação foi avaliado em suspensão aquosa, determinando a distribuição de tamanho do SP (através de espalhamento dinâmico de luz – DLS) e potencial zeta. Posteriormente, as suspensões aquosas de SP foram utilizadas para a produção de pastas de cimento Portland. Foram realizados ensaios reológicos durante os primeiros 120 minutos de hidratação e a resistência à compressão foi avaliada aos 14 e 28 dias. Os resultados do potencial zeta e DLS sugeriram que a sonicação reduz o tamanho das cadeias de SP. Como resultado, a sonicação do SP aumentou a tensão de escoamento dinâmica inicial, a viscosidade e a área de histerese das pastas de cimento. Em contraste, a sonicação SP melhorou seu desempenho de dispersão ao longo do tempo, resultando em pastas com viscosidade reduzida a partir de 80 minutos. Finalmente, a sonicação SP não afetou a resistência à compressão das pastas de cimento aos 14 e 28 dias de hidratação. Em geral, quando o SP é disperso via sonicação juntamente com nanopartículas para aplicação em matrizes cimentícias, o efeito de sonicação do aditivo químico deve ser levado em consideração quando as propriedades de estado fresco do compósito são avaliadas.

Abstract Sonication is widely used for nanomaterials dispersion in cementitious matrices. Polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer (SP) admixtures are usually incorporated in the aqueous nanomaterials suspension before sonication to improve the dispersion of these materials. Nevertheless, the effect of sonicating SP on its molecular structure or dispersing performance has not been fully investigated. This work assessed the effect of sonicating a commercial SP at 20 kHz, 750 W power, 50 or 80% amplitude, during 15 and 30 min. Initially, the sonication effect was evaluated in aqueous suspension by determining the SP size distribution (through dynamic light scattering – DLS) and zeta potential. Subsequently, the aqueous SP suspensions were used for Portland cement paste production. Rheological tests up to 120 minutes and compressive strength at 14 and 28 days were conducted. DLS and zeta potential results suggested that sonication reduce the size of SP chains. As a result, SP sonication increased the initial dynamic yield stress, viscosity, and hysteresis area of cement pastes. In contrast, SP sonication improved its time-dependent dispersing performance, resulting in pastes with reduced viscosity from 80 minutes onwards. Finally, SP sonication did not affect the compressive strength of cement pastes at 14 and 28 days of hydration. Overall, when SP is sonicated together with nanoparticles for application in cementitious matrices, the effect of sonicating the chemical admixture must be considered when the fresh-state properties of the composite are evaluated.

Abstract WC-Co cutting tools are widely used by the metalworking industry. In order to improve the properties of these tools, research on the application of wear-resistant coatings, such as polycrystalline diamond, are of great importance to several applications. It is known that the occurrence of high-stress levels between the coating and the substrate can lead to adhesion failures. One strategy to minimize these failures is applying an intermediate layer of SiC. In this work, the deposition of a SiC layer was carried out by a novel two-step laser cladding approach. Instead of cladding directly the pre-synthesized SiC on the substrates, a 200 µm silicon powder layer was pre-deposited on the WC-Co substrates and then irradiated with a 30 W CO2 laser. To improve metallurgical bonding between the tungsten and the Si layer, all substrates were chemically attacked. This attack allows cobalt removal from the surface and increases surface roughness, improving the laser cladding process. After the SiC laser cladding, samples were coated with a 200 µm graphite powder layer and irradiated again by a CO2 laser. The samples were characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis. The results showed that in the first step, an irradiation energy of about 0.27 J was enough to fuse the silicon powder to the substrate and in the second step, 0.13 J was enough to promote the reaction between silicon, carbon and the WC substrate, resulting in the in-situ synthesis of SiC. Finally, a new method was proposed for the deposition of SiC on WC-Co based substrates and the observed results allowed the proposal of an empirical equation to describe the chemical reactions of the process.

ABSTRACT Differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from other febrile diseases is one of several challenges imposed by the pandemic. We present a case of severe malaria and COVID-19 coinfection in a non-malaria-endemic region. A 44-year-old female with malaise, fever, hypotension, jaundice, and enlarged liver and spleen was admitted to the intensive care unit. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were positive. Rapid tests, microscopy, and quantitative PCR were positive for Plasmodium vivax. Cytokine storm profiles were identified. We could not determine whether the severe vivax malaria in our patient was triggered by COVID-19 coinfection.

Ti alloys are widely used in severe corrosion environments where corrosion resistance is required, as biomedical industry. Additive manufacturing produces customized and complexes products. Laser texturing is a process of structuring surfaces using laser pulses, that allows the creation of periodic patterns on the surfaces of materials, to modify them, functionally and/or aesthetically, in a precise and direct way, allowing parameterization, versatility and repeatability. Consequently, bringing together metallic additive manufacturing with laser texturing process could be an alternative to obtain parts with functional hydrophilic surfaces, which improves osteointegration and reduces bacteria adhesion. Thus, the aim of this work is to characterize and evaluate the influence of LASER parameters in as-built additive manufactured potential biomedical components. Ti6Al4V specimens were produced by L-PBF, using Ytterbium LASER with maximum power of 500 W, varying the laser power from 61 W to 244 W. The samples were characterized by SEM, Microhardness, and wettability. After that, some specimens were Laser textured using an Ytterbium optical fiber laser, and then evaluated by SEM, wettability, and 3D roughness. It was possible to observe that the surface of all studied samples was flattened after Laser texturing in comparison with as-built condition, due to the melting of the powder particles.

Background Eucalyptus is the primary cultivated wood species in Brazil, covering 7.5 million hectares. Weed competition in eucalyptus plantations reduces yield and increases operational costs. FuturaGene/Suzano has developed genetically modified (GM) eucalyptus varieties with glyphosate herbicide tolerance (HT) as a modern tool for improving weed management practices in plantations. The first event received regulatory approval for commercial deployment in 2021. However, the introgression of a new GM trait into eucalyptus, a non-isogenic species, cannot be achieved through selfing or backcrossing. To overcome this limitation and expedite the introgression of HT into the breeding population, multiple GM events were generated, in various genetic backgrounds and genomic locations, enabling simultaneous crossing with numerous elite parents. Objective To characterize the newly developed HT GM eucalyptus events and assess their safety for the environment and wood production. Methods HT GM eucalyptus events were subjected to genome sequencing and glyphosate tolerance testing. Biosafety analyses and environmental impact assessments were conducted through field trials in various eucalyptus cultivation regions, comparing the HT GM eucalyptus with conventional clones. Results The new events proved highly tolerant to glyphosate and displayed different genomic insertion sites. No adverse effects on non-target organisms were observed, and there were no significant differences in the soil microbiota or decomposition profile.Conclusions: The HT GM events have been proven to be safe, posing a low risk to the environment, humans, and animals. Consequently, these HT GM eucalyptus varieties can be confidently utilized for wood production.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar as condições térmicas a que os animais estão submetidos, seu efeito no conforto/desconforto de rebanhos leiteiros em sistema de pastejo, no município de Sena Madureira-Acre. Foram avaliadas oito propriedades e o total de 113 vacas mestiças em lactação. As medições ocorreram nos meses: janeiro, fevereiro e março (inverno amazônico), mensurando-se: temperatura do bulbo seco (TBS, °C), umidade relativa do ar (UR, %) e temperatura de globo negro (TGN, °C), velocidade do vento (v, km/h) para cálculos dos índice da temperatura e umidade (ITU), índice da temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU) e carga térmica radiante (CTR), além da temperatura retal (TR), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR). Entre as propriedades analisadas, houve diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para ITU, ITGU e CTR. Destaca-se que o ITU na propriedade G, em janeiro, atingiu o valor médio de 80. A propriedade F, em fevereiro, teve valor de 79 para o ITGU. A CTR apresentou carga elevada (510 W.m-²). A TR e a FC não apresentaram diferença entre os meses analisados. Concluiu-se que o ambiente ao qual as vacas leiteiras estão alojadas na hora da ordenha encontraram-se poucas vezes em situação de desconforto térmico, sendo a propriedade , a mais afetada pelo ITU.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the thermal conditions to which animals are exposed and their effect on the comfort/discomfort of dairy herds in a grazing system in the municipality of Sena Madureira, Acre State, Brazil. Eight farms and a total of 113 lactating crossbred cows were evaluated. Dry-bulb temperature (DBT, °C), relative humidity (RH, %), black globe temperature (BGT, °C), and wind speed (v, km h−1) were measured in January, February, and March (rainy season) to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI), black globe-humidity index (GTWBI), and radiant heat load (RHL). Moreover, the animals were measured for the physiological variables: rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for THI, GTWBI, and RHL. THI reached a mean value of 80 on farm G in January. Farm F had a GTWBI value of 79 in February. RHL reached the highest value (510 W m−2). RT and HR showed no differences among the analyzed months. Thus, the environmental conditions in which dairy cows are housed at milking time rarely promoted thermal discomfort, with farm G being the most affected by THI.

Abstract The present work aimed at evaluating the microstructures and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered WC-6 wt% Co ceramic composites doped with boron (0.2 and 0.5 wt%). W-50 at% C (W-6.13 wt% C) powders produced under different milling times (20, 60, 180, and 600 min) were used as starting materials and subsequently mixed with Co (6 wt%) and B (0.2 or 0.5 wt%) powders for 5 min. The resultant WC-Co-B powder mixtures were consolidated by spark plasma sintering at 1450 °C for 10 min at 40 MPa under vacuum in order to obtain the samples with 10 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness. The starting powders and the sintered samples were characterized by laser diffraction particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, relative density, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, Vickers hardness test, and diametral compression test. Supersaturated W solid solution (WSS) with a crystallite size of <50 nm was formed in W-50C (at%) powder mixtures. The relative density of the sintered composites increased with the increasing milling time up to 180 min from 79.7%±0.6% to 86.7%±0.5% for WC-6Co-0.2B and from 86.7%±0.6% to 90.9%±0.4% for WC-6Co-0.5B. Furthermore, the WC phase appeared as the matrix in the sintered samples, and W2CoB2 precipitated homogeneously around WC grain boundaries, mainly to those containing 0.5% B. The Vickers hardness values of the sintered WC-6Co-0.2B and WC-6Co-0.5B ranged from 1790±39 to 2158±25 HV and 1858±31 to 2182±28 HV, respectively. The fracture strength (determined by diametral compression test) varied between 144-353 MPa due to the porosity and precipitates in thin-thickness cylinder samples.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the development of antimicrobial materials for different applications, especially in the biomedical field. In this context, chitosan is one of the most employed materials due to its highly attractive properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and fungi. In this review, we discuss the different methods used to obtain chitosan and point out how they affect the structural and chemical properties of this material, followed by a detailed discussion on how these properties influence its antimicrobial activities. Additionally, we summarize the most accepted antimicrobial mechanisms of action for chitosans. Specifically, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview on the last findings and progress reported in the literature on the factors that influence the antimicrobial activity of chitosan, e.g., polymeric average molecular weight ( M W ¯), average degree of acetylation ( D A ¯), water-soluble derivatization and sample degree of purity. The data available in the literature indicate that in addition to the structural properties, the effectiveness of such antimicrobial activity of chitosan is also dependent on the target microorganisms. This review will help researchers to better understand the mechanism of action of chitosan against microorganisms based on its structural characteristics.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Population growth and climate change have prompted reflection on which dietary patterns will be responsible for ensuring healthier and more environmentally sustainable foods. Greater inclusion of plant-based foods such as legumes can be part of this transition. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to monitor and characterize the consumption of legumes in the Portuguese adult population, and to compare the predisposition to include these foods as protein substitutes for meat or fish in 2014 and in 2020. METHODOLOGY: Two semi-structured questionnaires were developed with some identical questions, one in 2014 and the other in 2020, published online through social networks. There were 1741 valid participants in 2014 and 908 in 2020. The categorical variables were obtained through n and % and compared using the chi-square test. Age was described using median and interquartile range and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The analysis was conducted using the SPSS 24.0 software. RESULTS: In 2014, 19.9% of respondents reported using legumes as a substitute for meat and fish and in 2020, this percentage increased to 31.7% (p< 0.001). The percentage of the respondents that claimed not to be willing to make such a replacement decreased from 15.0% (2014) to 11.5% (2020) (p = 0.017). The main drivers and barriers for legume consumption were identified and 77.5% of the respondents were not familiar with the recommended daily intake. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the Portuguese population is increasingly available to modify their dietary habits. However, it is necessary to develop strategies to increase knowledge about dietary recommendations for a healthy and sustainable diet.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O crescimento populacional e as alterações climáticas têm motivado a procura de padrões alimentares mais saudáveis e ambientalmente mais sustentáveis. Uma maior inclusão de alimentos de origem vegetal, como as leguminosas, pode fazer parte deste caminho. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o consumo de leguminosas em duas amostras da população adulta portuguesa, e comparar a predisposição para a inclusão destes alimentos como substitutos proteicos da carne ou do pescado, em 2014 e 2020. METODOLOGIA: Foram elaborados dois questionários semiestruturados com algumas perguntas iguais, um em 2014 e outro em 2020, disseminados online, através das redes sociais. Foram participantes válidos 1741 indivíduos em 2014 e 908 em 2020. As variáveis categóricas foram descritas através de n e % e comparadas através do teste de qui-quadrado. A idade foi descrita através de mediana e intervalo interquartil e comparadas através do teste de Mann-Whitney U. A análise foi conduzida através do software SPSS 24.0. RESULTADOS: Em 2014, 19,9% dos entrevistados referiu que utilizava leguminosas como substituto da carne e do pescado e, em 2020, esta percentagem subiu para 31,7% (p< 0,001). A percentagem de inquiridos que afirmaram não colocar tal hipótese diminuiu de 15,0% (2014) para 11,5% (2020) (p = 0,017). As principais motivações e barreiras para o consumo de leguminosas foram identificadas e 77,5% da amostra mostrou não ter conhecimento sobre a sua porção diária recomendada. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de os portugueses estarem dispostos a alterar os seus hábitos alimentares, é necessário desenvolver estratégias para aumentar o conhecimento acerca das leguminosas, nomeadamente das recomendações alimentares para uma dieta saudável e sustentável.

The fungal Hemileia vastatrix is the causal agent of coffee leaf rust, one of the worst and devastating disease in coffee cultures worldwide. As a result of our research on natural products for the development of novel agrochemicals, we found that the hexane extract from leaves of the Brazilian medicinal plant Garcinia gardneriana, at 500 μg mL-1, inhibited in 98% the germination of H. vastatrix urediniospores. This extract showed no phytotoxicity when tested for seed germination and seedling growth inhibitory activity using sensible plant species. Also, the hexane extract from leaves was tested for anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, which constitutes a mechanism of action of major commercial insecticides used in agriculture, and showed low activity even at concentrations about two times higher than the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) found in the antifungal assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the hexane extract is constituted mainly by the pentacyclic triterpene lupeol, together with a series of sesquiterpenes as minor components. This is the first report on the investigation of antifungal, phytotoxic and acetylcholinesterase activities of extracts from leaves of G. gardneriana. These findings indicate that G. gardneriana may constitute a promising source of natural products for controlling the coffee leaf rust fungus.

RECENT ADVANCES IN THE SYNTHESIS OF REMDESIVIR, MOLNUPIRAVIR (EIDD-2801) AND TENOFOVIR: PROMISING MOLECULES IN THE TREATMENT OF COVID-19. The search for new treatments to contain the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nucleoside antivirals, such as Remdesivir, Tenofovir and Molnupiravir. Over the last two years, these molecules have been intensely investigated as promising alternatives against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the increasingly demand for those substances, several research groups are intensely investigating synthetic developments in order to obtain these nucleoside derivatives and their intermediates in a fast, efficient and accessible manner. In this context, this review aims to in-depth present the recent advances concerning the preparation of Remdesivir, Tenofovir and Molnupiravir. Aspects involving differences in the starting materials and reagents, as well as the advantages and limitations of each protocol would be carefully disclosed. Moreover, the use of synthetic tools, such as flow chemistry, organocatalysis and biocatalysis, would also be detailed. Finally, this review also presents aspects involving the scale-up of these transformations, including discussions about stereo- and diastereoselectivity, as well as product isolation details. In summary, an overview of the existing synthetic strategies for these active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are presented.

Abstract The present study was based on the analysis of 10,467 trawls of the industrial piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii) fishing fleet of the Brazilian state of Pará, which were mapped by onboard GPS loggers (between February 2008 and September 2011) and the PREPS data from 40 vessels which were tracked by this system between 2008 and 2011. The variation in the mean monthly CPUE, based on Lomb’s periodogram, revealed a well-defined and constant cycle with a duration of approximately one year. Three environmental factors influenced this cycle. The El Niño 3.4 index had a negative correlation with the CPUE of the piramutaba fishery, with a time lag of 15 months, while monthly rainfall and the mean discharge of the Amazon River correlated strongly (r=0.89 and 0.87, respectively; p<0.001) with the CPUE, with time lags of 12 and 11 months, respectively. The spatiotemporal analysis of the distribution of the activity of the piramutaba fishing fleet indicated that the most intense area of operation of the fleet lies between latitudes 00º N and 02° N, and longitudes 047º40’ W and 049º40’ W. This area was divided into four geographic quadrants, although fishery operations were concentrated in only three of these quadrants. The study proposed a quadrimester fishing cycle with zoning in three of the quadrants, where fishing would be permitted for four months (occupation period), followed by an 8-month rest period for the recuperation of stocks, aiming at the sustainability of this fishing exploration.

Resumen La canola es una materia prima potencial para la producción de biodiesel debido a sus altos niveles de eficiencia energética. Sin embargo, Brasil aún no ha consolidado su producción pues se desarrolla en las regiones templadas. Este estudio tuvo la hipótesis de que es posible obtener altos rendimientos de canola en condiciones de Cerrado. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el comportamiento agronómico de los híbridos de canola en las condiciones tropicales de la Sierra brasileña - Cerrado - (15 ° 35’18 “S, 47 ° 43’57” W a 999 m) para seleccionar candidatos que contribuyan con la expansión del cultivo de canola en el país. Se evaluaron ocho híbridos comerciales de canola para siete carac terísticas agronómicas, en tres experimentos. Los datos obtenidos para cada variable se sometieron a análisis conjunto de varianza y se compararon las medias mediante la prueba de Tukey. El rendimiento de grano de los híbridos evaluados fue superior al promedio nacional, que incluye plantaciones solo en la región sur. Los híbridos que destacaron en productividad de grano fueron Hyola 61 y Hyola 76 seguidos por Diamond, que además de su alta productividad, tuvo un ciclo de cultivo más corto incluso en condiciones de secano. Por sus características, el híbrido Diamond puede considerarse la mejor opción para ser incluido en el sistema de rotación de cultivos. Estos resultados prometedores revelan la adaptabilidad y el potencial de cultivo de estos híbridos en el Cerrado Brasileño.

Abstract Given its high energetic efficiency, canola (Brassica napus L.) constitutes a potential biodiesel feedstock. However, since this crop is native to temperate regions, Brazil has not yet consolidated its production. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate agro nomic performance of canola hybrids grown in the tropical Brazilian Cerrado (15° 35’18” S, 47° 43’57” W at 999 m), aiming to select promising candidates for crop expansion. Our hypothesis states that obtaining high canola yields in Cerrado conditions is possible given a favorable agronomic adaptation of the species to this environment. Eight commercial canola hybrids were evaluated for seven agronomic traits in three experiments. Data were subjected to joint ANOVA and Tukey test. Grain yield of the evaluated hybrids resulted higher than the national average, including southern plantations. Hyola 61 and Hyola 76 hybrids outperformed regarding grain yield, followed by Diamond which, in addition to high productivity, exhibited a short crop cycle, even in rainfed conditions. Given these char acteristics, Diamond hybrid can be considered the best option for crop rotation system. These promising results reveal the adaptability and cultivation potential of these hybrids in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Ultrasonic pretreatment of cowpea bean pod biomass with addition of tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4) was used to induce the production of bio-oil enriched in phenolic compounds. An ultrasound bath operating at 40 kHz, 154 W power, and constant biomass:K3PO4 ratio of 5:1 (m/m) was used for pretreatments with different durations: 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 8, and 12 h. After the pretreatment, the biomass was pyrolyzed in a fixed bed reactor at 600 °C, under a flow of N2 at 5 mL min−1. The pyrolysis results indicated that the use of K3PO4 reduced the bio-oil yield, when compared to non-catalytic pyrolysis, and that the use of ultrasound caused increased biomass devolatilization, increasing the gas yield and reducing the formation of biochar. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the bio-oils indicated that pretreatment of the biomass led to significant increases of the phenolics contents, as well as alteration of the chemical profile of these compounds. The highest phenolics content of 8.12% m/m was obtained for the biomass submitted to 1.5 h of ultrasonic pretreatment, compared to 4.89% m/m for the untreated biomass.