ABSTRACT Objective: Herein, we compared ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) between young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase enzyme (21OHase) deficiency and a control group. Additionally, we analyzed correlations between the glucocorticoid dose and androgen levels and ABP parameters. Subjects and methods: This case-control study included 18 patients (6 males and 12 females) and 19 controls (8 males and 11 females) matched by age (18-31 years). ABP monitoring was used to estimate blood pressure (BP) over a 24-h period. Results: No difference was noted between patients and controls in terms of systolic BP (males, 115.5 ± 5.6 vs. 117.0 ± 9.3, P = 0.733; and females, 106.4 ± 7.9 vs. 108.4 ± 7.6, P = 0.556, respectively) and diastolic BP during 24 h (males, 62.8 ± 7.5 vs. 66.2 ± 5.6, P = 0.349; and females, 62.7 ± 4.9 vs. 62.3 ± 4.9, P = 0.818, respectively). Systolic and diastolic BP and pulse pressure during daytime and nocturnal periods were similar between patients and controls. Furthermore, no differences were detected in the percentage of load and impaired nocturnal dipping of systolic and diastolic BP between patients and controls during the 24-h period. Additionally, the glucocorticoid dose (varying between r = −0.24 to 0.13, P > 0.05) and androgens levels (varying between r = 0.01 to 0.14, P > 0.05) were not associated with ABP parameters. Conclusion: No signs of an elevated risk for hypertension were observed based on ABP monitoring in young adults with CAH attributed to 21OHase deficiency undergoing glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

ABSTRACT This paper proposes geothermal energy as an alternative solution to the water–energy dilemma in the northeastern region of Brazil (NEB). The main application of this study was to provide a theoretical basis to support a different approach to policies minimizing water scarcity and ensuring sustainability. The analysis developed in this study compares the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for many different energy sources. The novelty of this study is the use of geothermal energy in the context of the Brazilian Northeast, focusing on water desalination processes, which are expensive in terms of energy. Therefore, this study is highly important because it offers the potential of addressing the energy/economic barrier related to water desalination in environments with economically viable geothermal energy. This is the case in Northeast Brazil with potential for reuse of abandoned oil wells. In the form of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), geothermal energy is a competitive energy source compared to other sources in the Brazilian Energy Matrix, especially when considering factors in addition to the economic benefits. In the form of EGS, geothermal energy is a suitable option for addressing water scarcity in the northeast region in a sustainable and low-emission manner. This is a strategic opportunity for NEB in the context of energy production and freshwater production through desalination.

RESUMO A atividade de experimentação agrícola pode exigir alto orçamento e longos períodos de tempo para obtenção de dados. Devido às características de produção, os processos decisórios em unidades agroindustriais que utilizam a cana-de-açúcar como matéria-prima devem ser otimizados. Nesse cenário, a modelagem de sistemas operacionais que utilizam tecnologia embarcada como automação agrícola possibilita a otimização da tomada de decisões e influencia o desempenho operacional e os custos. Este artigo apresenta um modelo de recebimento e processamento de cana-de-açúcar baseado em sua capacidade de colheita, considerando o índice de colheita e a capacidade nominal da colhedora. A análise de sensibilidade permite a avaliação de potenciais infratores e a realocação de ativos, otimizando recursos e garantindo a operação da planta. Essa análise também possibilita novas possibilidades, como colher em diferentes espaçamentos entre linhas e colheita simultânea de linhas. dados produção canadeaçúcar cana açúcar matériaprima matéria prima otimizados cenário custos colhedora ativos planta possibilidades

ABSTRACT The activity of agricultural experimentation may require high budget and long periods of time for obtaining data. Due to production features, decision-making processes within agro-industrial mills that use sugarcane as raw material must be optimized. In this scenario, modeling operating systems that use embedded technology as agricultural automation enables the optimization of decision-making and influences operational performance and costs. This article presents a model for receiving and processing sugarcane based on its harvesting capacity, considering the harvestability index and the nominal capacity of the harvester. Sensitivity analysis enables the assessment of potential offenders and the reallocation of assets, thus optimizing resources and ensuring plant operation. This analysis also enables new possibilities, such as harvesting under different row spacings and harvesting simultaneously different rows. data features decisionmaking decision making agroindustrial agro industrial optimized scenario costs harvester assets operation possibilities rows

ABSTRACT: Currently, there is a growing need to develop machines that replace human work efficiently and effectively in horticulture with the same sensibility of the human hand, since horticultural foods are notably very fragile to handle and process, especially considering machinery and systems. This work aimed to determine the mechanical properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) variety Crispa. For that, two methodologies were used in the field of material engineering: one specific for polymers and composites – the standard ASTM D3039 – Standard test method for tensile properties of polymer matrix composite materials (ASTM, 2002a) and the other specific for plastic films – the ASTM 882 – Standard test method for tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting (ASTM, 2002b). The tests were adapted for lettuce samples. The mechanical properties for the leaf and stem of head lettuce (var. Crispa) were obtained with appropriate statistical rigor, which can be considered valid initial estimates for dimensioning mechanisms and systems of machines for horticultural works specialized in lettuce. These properties provide fundamental engineering parameters to design machine elements that interact with biological materials, allowing to develop devices that generate minor damage to biological structures in lettuce.

ABSTRACT Recently, Brazilian agriculture and the mechanization process have been improved and developed, particularly in sugarcane cultivation. The developed processes should adopt suitable management practices in terms of the technical, economic, and operational logistical aspects. As a management tool, the present study aimed to measure the impact of the accumulated use of harvesters (life in h) and agricultural productivity (Mg · ha−1) on the harvesting operational capacity (HOC). Mathematical modeling was performed on data obtained from eight sugarcane production units, and equations corresponding to the HOC as a function of the harvester's life and the crop agricultural productivity were developed. The equation that best represented the phenomenon was selected. The values of the HOC depend on operational conditions and range from (17 to 44) Mg · h−1, thereby demonstrating significant operational and economic discrepancies. When the mean life of the harvester was 10,000 h and the mean productivity of the cane field was 80.0 Mg · ha−1, an HOC of 31.7 Mg · h−1 was obtained. It was found that agricultural productivity is directly proportional to the HOC, whereas the harvester's life is inversely proportional to the HOC; the parameters are not linear in both cases.

RESUMO Este paper pretende apresentar uma delimitação terminológica para a Agricultura 4.0 por meio da análise de artigos no estado da arte que abordam esta temática. Os fundamentos da Agricultura 4.0 que podem ser elencados como a Internet of Things, Conectividade e Computação em Núvem, Big Data e Inteligência Artificial e uma breve introdução à cada um deles é realizada. Como conclusão pode-se declarar que a Agricultura 4.0 é uma tendência irrefreável e sem volta no mundo agrícola moderno.

ABSTRACT This paper presents a terminological delimitation of Agriculture 4.0 by analyzing relevant articles on the state of the art in this field. The fundamentals of Agriculture 4.0, which include the application of the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and connectivity, is presented. In conclusion, it can be stated that Agriculture 4.0 is an inevitable and irreversible trend in modern agriculture.

RESUMO Máquinas agrícolas terrestres transitam em terrenos não estruturados, ou seja, um terreno cujas condições não se pode prever com exatidão ao longo de seu deslocamento. Tal característica restringe a aplicação de robôs em campo uma vez que a estabilidade pode ser comprometida por sua interação com o terreno. Por não contar com um operador capaz de observar, prever e controlar a interação do veículo com o terreno, um robô deve ser dotado da habilidade de lidar com as imprevisibilidades provocadas pela interação com o terreno, tarefa esta que era antes executada pelo operador. Dada a relevância do tema, o presente trabalho faz uma revisão da literatura sob o ponto de vista da estabilidade, além de apresentar critérios para o projeto e seleção de robôs agrícolas no que diz respeito à estabilidade.

ABSTRACT Agricultural ground vehicles often have to traverse unstructured terrain, i.e., terrain whose conditions cannot be precisely predicted during its displacement. Such characteristics restrict the use of robots in the agricultural field because their stability could be compromised by their interaction with the terrain. As it does not have a human operator capable of observing, predicting, and controlling the interaction of the vehicle with the terrain. Therefore, a robot must deal with the unpredictability caused by this interaction, a task that was previously performed by the human operator. Given the relevance of the topic, this study investigates the literature on agricultural unmanned ground vehicles from the stability point of view, and also presents relevant criteria for dealing with the stability of agricultural robots in terms of their design and selection.

RESUMO O conceito de conservação de precisão pode ser definido como um conjunto de tecnologias espaciais e outros procedimentos ligados as variáveis ambientais mapeáveis, que podem ser utilizadas para programar práticas de gestão da conservação recursos naturais que levam em consideração a variabilidade dessas variáveis no espaço e tempo dentro de sistemas naturais ou agrícolas. Nesse contexto, considera-se a perda estrutural do solo por meio de atividades antrópicas, como com um processo com variação espacial e temporal. A gestão da condição de agregação do solo pode contribuir para processos agrícolas mais regenerativos e sustentáveis, pois permite a utilização das tecnologias de análise espacial, por meio de indicadores visuais georreferenciados ou mesmo a utilização de sistemas com aprendizado automático, conhecidos como deep learning. Nesse sentido, foi desenvolvido um método visual justaposto com uma análise de lógica fuzzy para a classificação dos agregados quanto à forma, rugosidade superficial e estruturas biogênicas. Assim, numa segunda etapa foi desenvolvido um modelo de rede neural artificial capaz de detectar e classificar diferentes formas de agregados do solo, permitindo dessa maneira, uma breve discussão da temática e seu potencial de aplicação na gestão conservacionista por meio da análise de agregados via sistemas automáticos de classificação. Dessa maneira, são apresentados elementos para a motivação de pesquisas e desenvolvimento em tecnologias adaptativas, no apoio à decisão que possam auxiliar a integração de informações dinâmicas e espaciais no entendimento da condição estrutural do solo com a finalidade de uma conservação dos solos com mais precisão.

ABSTRACT The concept of precision conservation can be defined as a set of space technologies and other procedures linked to mappable environmental variables, which can be used to program conservation management practices for natural resources that consider the variability of these variables in space and time within of natural or agricultural systems. In this context, structural loss of soil through human activities is considered, as with a process with a spatial and temporal variation. The management of soil aggregation conditions can contribute to more regenerative and sustainable agricultural processes. It allows spatial analysis technologies through georeferenced visual indicators or even the use of systems with automatic learning, known as deep learning. In this sense, a fair visual method was developed with an analysis of fuzzy logic to classify aggregates in terms of shape, surface roughness, and biogenic structures. Thus, in a second stage, a model of the artificial neural network was developed, capable of detecting and classifying different forms of soil aggregates, thus allowing a brief discussion of the theme and its potential for application in conservation management through the analysis of aggregates via systems automatic sorting. In this way, elements are presented for the motivation of research and development in adaptive technologies in supporting decision-making that can help integrate dynamic and spatial information in the understanding of the soil’s structural condition to preserve the soil more precisely.

RESUMO A agricultura familiar busca utilizar práticas agrícolas menos agressivas, entretanto existem poucas máquinas adequadas à realidade deste segmento, isso tem levado ao uso de práticas tecnicamente incorretas, que vem contribuindo para o empobrecimento, compactação e desertificação dos solos agrícolas. Diante disso, as semeadoras puncionadoras apresentam-se como uma possibilidade promissora para realizar o processo de semeadura para agricultura familiar, visto que realiza a distribuição de semente de forma pontual, contribuindo para a menor mobilização do solo e consequente preservação e conservação da estrutura do mesmo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de distribuição de sementes por uma semeadora puncionadora para a agricultura familiar. O ensaio foi realizado em um solo classificado como Argissolo Vermelho-amarelo. Foi utilizada a estatística descritiva para avaliar a qualidade da distribuição de sementes pelo sistema puncionador. O Controle Estatístico do Processo foi adotado para avaliar o controle de qualidade do processo de distribuição de sementes. Os resultados demostraram que a semeadora puncionadora apresentou desempenho semelhante à semeadora de precisão pneumática, obtendo 90,2% de espaçamentos aceitáveis, sendo uma alternativa viável para realizar o processo de semeadura para a agricultura familiar, fato comprovado pelo estudo do CEP que indicou a adequação do processo de semeadura aos padrões de qualidade, pois obteve 88,4% de precisão no processo, possibilitando a elevação da qualidade de semeadura. O sistema puncionador proporcionou menor mobilização do solo quando comparado ao sulcador de disco e semeadora manual, mostrando-se como uma solução eficaz para a agricultura conservacionista.

ABSTRACT Family farming seeks to use less-aggressive agricultural practices, however, there is little machinery available that is suitable for the reality of this sector. This has led to the use of technically incorrect practices, which have contributed to the impoverishment, compaction and desertification of agricultural soils. Punch seeders are seen as a promising alternative for carrying out sowing in family farming, as they employ localised seed distribution with less disturbance of the soil and the consequent preservation and conservation of its structure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of seed distribution by a punch seeder used in family farming. The experiment was carried out in a soil classified as a Red-Yellow Argisol. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the quality of seed distribution by the punch system. Statistical Process Control was adopted to evaluate quality control in the seed distribution process. The results showed that the performance of the punch seeder was similar to that of the precision pneumatic seeder, with 90.2% acceptable spacing. As demonstrated by the SPC study that showed the process to be compatible with quality standards, the punch seeder is therefore a viable alternative in the sowing process for family farming, since an improvement in sowing quality, with a precision of 88.4% was obtained. The punch system resulted in less soil disturbance when compared to the disc harrow and manual seeder, and proved to be an effective solution for conservation agriculture.

RESUMO A agricultura brasileira tem expandido e melhorado suas técnicas nas últimas décadas, assim como a mecanização da cultura de cana-de-açúcar. Em geral, o custo da mecanização dessa cultura é o mais elevado dentre o custo total de produção em relação a outras culturas. Este custo é composto de vários componentes, tais como o custo da colhedora. Este trabalho teve por objetivo desenvolver um modelo matemático que represente o custo operacional da colhedora em função de sua vida e da produtividade agrícola, parâmetros esses associados à capacidade operacional da colhedora. Foram realizadas simulações deste custo, variando a vida útil das colhedoras entre 0 e 17.900 h e a produtividade agrícola da cultura variou de 50 a 130 Mg ha-1. Os resultados apresentaram um custo operacional entre R$ 7,23 e R$ 26,43 Mg-1. Verificou-se que o custo operacional é inversamente proporcional e não linear à produtividade e também diretamente proporcional e não linear à idade da colhedora.

ABSTRACT The brazilian agriculture has expanded and improved its techniques in the last decades as well as the mechanization of sugarcane cultivation. Overall, the mechanization cost of this cultivation is the highest of the total cost of production in relation to other crops. That cost consists of several elements such as the cost of the harvester. This study aimed to develop a mathematical model that represents the operational cost of the harvester in relation to its operating life and agricultural productivity, parameters that are associated with its operational capacity. Simulations of this cost were conducted, raging the operating life of harvesters between 0 and 17,900 h, and the agricultural productivity of the cultivation from 50 to 130 Mg ha-1. The results indicated an operating cost between R$ 7.23 (BRL) and R$ 26.43 Mg-1. It was verified that the operational cost is inversely proportional and nonlinear to productivity, and also directly proportional and nonlinear in relation to the age of the harvester.

ABSTRACT Agricultural mechanization is a significant factor of agricultural modernization, but there are few data on the technological levels of this mechanization in the State of Ceará, Brazil. To study this topic, we designed a structured questionnaire, and interviews were conducted across the state. The survey data made it possible to calculate an index of agricultural mechanization technology and study hypotheses specific to farms of Ceará. The results indicate that the technology levels are different between farms of different sizes: large and medium farms are level I-M5 (automation), while small farms ranged from level IV-M1/M2 (primary/animal) to III-M3 (preliminary). We conclude that public policy for training should be directed at small farms. There is a need to show new production alternatives to small farmers, which leads to savings, and increases the profitability of the activity.

ABSTRACT Small rural farms are important for Brazilian agribusiness, but equipment suitable for distributing fertilizers on these properties is scarce. We studied a new fertilizer metering mechanism for use on the family farm. It combines a helical conic thread with a conventional fertilizer meter in a cylindrical section. The experimental plan was created using a 24 factorial design. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also conducted. The mechanism showed a positive result with respect to the uniformity of fertilizer flow (with a coefficient of variation of 3.1-5.8%), longitudinal distribution (with a coefficient of variation of 4%), and different types of fertilizers (in which variations between 2.7 and 3.5% were found).

RESUMO Avaliou-se, comparativamente, através da metodologia do balanço energético, a sustentabilidade da síntese do etanol da cana-de-açúcar, irrigada com diferentes níveis de reposição da evaporação estimada no tanque Classe "A" - ECA, utilizando como fontes hídricas: efluente de esgoto doméstico tratado e água subterrânea, em Aquiraz, Ceará. O delineamento estatístico adotado foi em blocos casualizados, em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas, avaliaram-se duas fontes hídricas (efluente de esgoto doméstico tratado e água subterrânea) e nas subparcelas avaliaram-se cinco diferentes níveis de irrigação (50; 75; 100; 125 e 150% da ECA). A irrigação com efluente de esgoto doméstico tratado resulta em maior dispêndio energético. A lâmina de irrigação referente a 150% da ECA é a que mais despende energia, independente da fonte hídrica. A irrigação com efluente de esgoto doméstico tratado proporciona maior rendimento energético (368,9 GJ ha-1), mediante a aplicação de uma lâmina equivalente a 781,4 mm, enquanto na irrigação com água de poço freático, a lâmina de 937,6 mm (150% da ECA) é a mais recomendada para a obtenção do maior rendimento energético (276,9 GJ ha-1). O efluente de esgoto doméstico apresenta a melhor rentabilidade energética, sendo viável sua utilização no sistema de produção da cultura.

ABSTRACT Using energy balance methodology, this study compared the sustainability of ethanol synthesis from sugarcane irrigated with different replacement levels based on the evaporation estimated in a Class A pan (ECA), using treated domestic sewage effluent and groundwater as the water source, in Aquiraz, in the State of Ceará. The adopted statistical design was of randomised blocks in split plots, with four replications. Two water sources (treated sewage effluent and groundwater) were evaluated in the plots, and five irrigation levels (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of the ECA) were evaluated in the split plots. Irrigation with treated domestic sewage effluent results in greater energy expenditure. The irrigation depth relative to 150% of the ECA expends the most energy, irrespective of the water source. Irrigation with treated domestic sewage effluent gives a higher energy yield (368.9 GJ ha-1) through the application of a depth of 781.4 mm, while for irrigation with groundwater, 937.6 mm (150% of the ECA) is the best recommended depth for obtaining the highest energy yield (276.9 GJ ha-1). Domestic sewage effluent gives the best energy return, and its use in systems of crop-production is viable.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um dispositivo robótico tridimensional, dotado de um sistema de atuadores, sensores e controladores para realizar a irrigação individual de plantas em estufas agrícolas de baixo custo para a agricultura familiar. Após o desenvolvimento foram realizadas as coletas de dados em campo, analisando-se os dados, constatou-se que não houve diferença estatística entre médias para a irrigação manual e robótica no desenvolvimento das variáveis agronômicas de altura de caule, diâmetro de caule e número de folhas, podendo concluir que a irrigação robotizada promoveu um menor coeficiente de variação e um menor desvio padrão nas amostras coletadas.

ABSTRACT: In this study was developed a three-dimensional robotic device, equipped with a system of actuators, sensors, and controllers to do the individual irrigation of plants in low-cost greenhouses for family farming. After the development were carried out the data collection in the field. In the data analyzing, reported that there was no statistical difference between means for manual irrigation and robotics in the development of agronomic variables of stem height, stem diameter and number of leaves, concluding that the robotic irrigation promoted a lower coefficient of variation and a lower standard deviation in the samples.