ABSTRACT The use of brackish water in semi-arid regions is sometimes necessary, as water is the most limiting factor for agricultural production in these regions. The present study was conducted aiming to evaluate the production of bunches of Coriandrum sativum L., cultivar Tabocas, in hydroponic system plants exposed to nutrient solutions prepared with brackish water, obtained by mixing water from a community dam (electrical conductivity of 9.93 dS m-1) with rainwater. The treatments consisted of four values of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution (1.49, 3.14, 4.87, and 6.44 dS m-1) and three seeding densities (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g of seeds per cell), arranged in a completely randomized experimental design in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with three replicates. Plant height was not affected up to the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution of 6.44 dS m-1 with increasing seeding density. The electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution up to 6.44 dS m-1 at the seeding density of 2.0 g of seed per cell did not affect the shoot fresh and dry mass of the hydroponic coriander, mitigating the deleterious effect of salinity on water use efficiency.

RESUMO O uso de água salobra em regiões semiáridas às vezes é necessário, pois a água é o fator mais limitante para a produção vegetal nessas regiões. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a produção de maços de Coriandrum sativum L., cultivar Tabocas, em plantas do sistema hidropônico expostas à soluções nutritivas preparadas com água salobra, obtidas por mistura de água de um açude comunitário (condutividade elétrica de 9.93 dS m-1) com água de chuva. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro valores de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva (1,49, 3,14, 4,87 e 6,44 dS m-1) e três densidades de semeadura (1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 g de sementes por célula), dispostos no delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 3, com três repetições. Até à condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva de 6,44 dS m-1 com o aumento da densidade de semeadura, a altura das plantas não foi afetada. Na densidade de semeadura de 2,0 g de semente por célula, a condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva, até 6,44 dS m-1, não afetou a massa fresca e seca da parte aérea do coentro hidropônico, mitigando o efeito deletério da salinidade na eficiência do uso da água.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, melon production is distinguished by its superior quality. One of the major challenges in this sector lies in the use of fertilizers, particularly due to import dependencies. In this context, Lithothamnium, a seaweed derivative that supplies calcium and magnesium and enhances the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, presents a viable solution. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying doses (whole [W] or fractional [F]), intervals, and application modes of Lithothamnium on melon yield and quality. The experimental investigation was carried out at Fazenda Dina - Dinamarca Industrial Agrícola, located in Mossoró, Brazil. An experimental design consisting of randomized blocks with 11 treatments and four replications was implemented. Melons were harvested 75 days post-sowing. Results revealed no significant differences for most variables as per the Scott Knott test (5% probability). However, noteworthy statistical differences were observed concerning productivity, peel thickness, pulp firmness, pH, and total sugar content. All treatments involving the use of Lithothamnium demonstrated an increase in productivity (25.6 to 29.8 t ha-1) and peel thickness (0.80 to 1.02 cm). In terms of pulp firmness, treatments using Lithothamnium in nanoparticle form and as a concentrated suspension with application times of 10-20-30 and 30-50 exhibited higher values (25.66 to 27.81 N). Except for the micronized powder variant, all Lithothamnium treatments yielded the highest pH values (6.84 to 6.94). Total sugar content was found to be highest in treatments T3, T4, and T5 (11.58%, 12.50%, and 11.78%, respectively).

RESUMO No Brasil, a produção de melão se destaca pelo alto padrão de qualidade, sendo o uso de fertilizantes um dos grandes gargalos do setor produtivo. Lithothamnium é um produto derivado de algas marinhas e contribui para o fornecimento de cálcio e magnésio, bem como para a melhoria física, química e biológica do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o rendimento e a qualidade do melão produzido por diferentes doses (inteiro [W] ou fracionado [F]), intervalos e modo de aplicação de Lithothamnium. O trabalho experimental foi conduzido na Fazenda Dina - Dinamarca Industrial Agrícola, Mossoró, Brasil. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com 11 tratamentos e 4 repetições. As plantas foram colhidas aos 75 dias após a semeadura. Os resultados para a maioria das variáveis não diferiram pelo teste de Scott Knott a 5% de probabilidade. No entanto, houve diferença estatística para as variáveis produtividade, espessura da casca, firmeza da polpa, pH e açúcares totais. Todos os tratamentos com Lithothamnium apresentaram maior produtividade (25,6 a 29,8 t há-1) e maior espessura de casca (0,8 a 1,02 cm). Em relação à firmeza da polpa, os tratamentos que utilizaram Lithothamnium em nanopartículas e em suspensão concentrada com tempos de aplicação de 10-20-30 e 30-50 apresentaram maiores valores (25,66 a 27,81 N). Para pH, todos os tratamentos com Lithothamnium, exceto o em pó micronizado, apresentaram os maiores valores (6,84 a 6,94). A quantidade de açúcares totais foi maior nos tratamentos T3, T4 e T5 (11,58, 12,50 e 11,78%, respectivamente).

ABSTRACT Geothermal energy is a renewable source that can assist in the thermal conditioning of constructed environments. The objective of this study was to analyze the heat transfer in a Red Latosol (Oxisol), in heat storage process, using two linear heat exchangers. The treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to three temperature differentials between soil and water (5, 10 and 15 °C), two types of materials (PVC and copper) and three radial distances (10, 20 and 25 cm), with three replicates. Soil temperature variations were obtained continuously for a period of 12 hours using DS18B20 sensors. These variations were logarithmic as a function of heat transfer time and radial distance and linear as a function of the temperature differential between soil and water (θ). The temperature differential between soil and water was the main factor that influenced soil temperature variation, and the material employed was insignificant in this variation. The minimum distance between heat exchangers should be greater than 50 cm, and PVC pipes proved to be more attractive for use involving thermal exchange with the ground as they are more viable than copper and easier to implement.

RESUMO A energia geotérmica é uma fonte renovável que pode auxiliar no condicionamento térmico de ambientes construídos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a transferência de calor em um Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol), em processo de armazenamento de calor, utilizando dois trocadores de calor lineares. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 × 3, correspondendo a três diferenciais de temperatura entre solo e água (5, 10 e 15 °C), dois tipos de materiais (PVC e cobre) e três distâncias radiais (10, 20 e 25 cm), com três repetições. As variações de temperatura do solo foram obtidas continuamente por um período de 12 horas usando sensores DS18B20. Essas variações foram logarítmicas em função do tempo de transferência de calor e da distância radial, e lineares em função do diferencial de temperatura entre o solo e a água (θ). O diferencial de temperatura entre o solo e a água foi o principal fator que influenciou na variação da temperatura do solo, sendo que o material empregado foi insignificante nessa variação. A distância mínima entre os trocadores de calor deve ser maior que 50 cm, e os tubos de PVC se mostraram mais atrativos para uso envolvendo troca térmica com o solo por serem mais viáveis que os de cobre e mais fáceis de serem executados.

RESUMO No semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro as condições edafoclimáticas podem favorecer riscos de salinização do solo, principalmente quando se utiliza água de má qualidade para irrigação. Nesse contexto, técnicas que possibilitem melhorias nos rendimentos da cultura do melão em condições adversas, como a salinidade, são, portanto, de grande relevância para o setor produtivo. Logo, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) na aclimatação do meloeiro submetido a diferentes níveis salinos na água de irrigação. Os tratamentos consistiram de duas condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação (0,3 e 5,0 dS m-1) e quatro concentrações de H2O2 (0, 5, 10 e 15 µmol L-1). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 × 4, com quatro repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação reduz o crescimento, as trocas gasosas e a produção do meloeiro. No entanto, o H2O2, na concentração de 6,35 µmol L-1 proporcionou melhorias na fisiologia, crescimento e produção, além de reduzir os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino na produção de melão.

ABSTRACT In the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, soil and climate conditions can increase the risk of soil salinization, particularly when poor-quality water is used for irrigation. Therefore, techniques that improve the yields of melon culture under adverse conditions, such as salinity, are of great relevance to the production sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in acclimatizing melon trees subjected to irrigation water with different salinity levels. The treatments consisted of irrigation water with two electrical conductivities (0.3 and 5.0 dS m-1) and four concentrations of H2O2 (0, 5, 10, and 15 µmol L-1). The experimental design used was randomized blocks, arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates and four plants per plot. Increase in salinity of irrigation water reduced the growth, gas exchange, and production of melon plants. However, H2O2, at a concentration of 6.35 µmol L-1, yielded improvements in physiology, growth, and production, in addition to reducing the deleterious effects of saline stress on melon production.

ABSTRACT The incidence and clinical characteristics of NTM diseases in Brazil remain relatively unknown. The present study describes the diagnosis of NTM isolates, the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes. We analyzed NTM isolates in patients of a tertiary hospital in the Southeast region of Brazil, from January 2008 to July 2019. The ATS/IDSA criteria for diagnosis and treatment of these patients was applied. Mycobacterium kansasii were identified in 13/113 (11.5%) patients. In 59/113 (52.2%) patients who met the ATS criteria for disease, 29/59 (49.1%) received treatment, and 22/29 (75.8%) were cured. The major species identified was M. kansasii. The most frequent symptoms among the treated patients were dyspnea and cough, and the proportion of cured patients was high.

Abstract In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is used for surface disinfection. However, little is known about its ability to improve biocompatibility of metallic surfaces when compared to thermal plasma methods. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the response of human endothelial cells (Ea.hy926) on titanium surfaces treated by non-thermal plasma method and thermal plasma method under nitriding atmosphere. The wettability was characterized by the sessile drop method, the topography and roughness were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the microstructure by grazing angle X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Endothelial cells were cultured and evaluated for morphology by scanning electron microscopy and viability by an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. CAP treatment reduced the contact angle of the Ti surface (13.43° ± 1.48; p<0.05), increasing hydrophilicity. Rz roughness was higher on the nitrided surface (220.44±20.30; p< 0.001) compared to the CAP treated surfaces (83.29 ± 11.61; p< 0.001) and polished (75.98 ±34.21a); p<0.001). The different applied plasma treatments created different titanium surfaces improving the biocompatibility of endothelial cells, however CAP results demonstrate its potential for biomedical applications, considering the low cost and ease of use of the technique, allowing surface treatments before clinical procedures.

Resumen Introducción. La información fenológica sobre Myroxylon peruiferum en Costa Rica es escasa. Además, se desconocen las características del aceite y la isoterma de equilibrio de las semillas. El conocimiento generado en este campo permitirá realizar un adecuado manejo de las semillas; y generar opciones de prospección del aceite. Objetivos. (i) Documentar un evento de floración y fructificación de un árbol de M. peruiferum. (ii) Determinar las características del aceite del fruto y la semilla. (iii) Generar una isoterma de absorción/des-absorción de agua. Materiales y métodos. De marzo a mayo de 2021, se documentó la floración y fructificación de un árbol de M. peruiferum en Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica. Los frutos maduros se recolectaron entre junio y julio. Se caracterizó el contenido de aceite de los frutos y de las semillas por separado. Se elaboró una isoterma de absorción/des-absorción de agua, con la que se probó el ajuste de la ecuación de Cromarty. Resultados. El periodo de floración, fructificación y dispersión duró cinco meses. Estas fenofases ocurrieron simultáneamente. El ácido oleico fue el principal ácido graso. Hubo una correlación significativa entre los porcentajes de ácidos grasos del aceite del fruto y el de la semilla, y entre los contenidos de ácidos grasos saturados, monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados. El aceite es amarillo, medianamente intenso y luminoso. Al incrementar la humedad relativa, el contenido de humedad de las semillas aumentó. La relación lineal entre los valores reales y los obtenidos mediante la ecuación de Cromarty fue de R2= 0,93. Conclusión. La recolección de frutos maduros puede realizarse entre marzo y agosto, y destinarlos a estudios de germinación, propagación y prospección del aceite. Ya establecida la relación entre la humedad relativa y contenido de humedad de la semilla, se pueden desarrollar estudios sobre almacenamiento de semillas y pérdida de viabilidad.

Abstract Introduction. Phenological information on Myroxylon peruiferum in Costa Rica is scarce. In addition, the characteristics of the oil and the equilibrium isotherm are unknown. The knowledge generated in this field will allow proper seed management and generate oil prospecting options. Objectives. (i) To document a flowering and fruiting event of a single M. peruiferum tree. (ii) To determine the characteristics of the fruit and seed oil. (iii) To generate a water absorption/de-absorption isotherm. Materials and methods. From March to May 2021, the flowering and fruiting of M. peruiferum tree was documented in Montes de Oca, San Jose, Costa Rica. Mature fruits were collected between June and July. The oil content of fruits and seeds was characterized separately. A water absorption/de-absorption isotherm was elaborated, with which the fit of the Cromarty equation was tested. Results. The flowering, fruiting, and dispersal period lasted five months. These phenophases occurred simultaneously. Oleic acid was the main fatty acid. There was a significant correlation between the percentages of fatty acid in the fruit and seed oil, and between the contents of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oil is yellow, moderately intense, and luminous. As relative humidity increased, seed moisture content also increased. The linear relationship between the actual values and those obtained using the Cromarty equation was R2= 0.93. Conclusion. Mature fruit can be harvested between March and August, and be used for germination, propagation and oil prospecting studies. Once the relationship between relative humidity and seed moisture content is established, studies on seed storage and viability loss can be developed.

Abstract This paper presents the implementation of a 3-bit microstrip fractal-based phase shifter operating in the 430 MHz to 470 MHz frequency range. The fractal structure is used to confine different delay line lengths in the same area due to the space-filling properties of the used Hilbert fractal curve. The proposed design has three bits corresponding to 45, 90, and 180 degrees phase changes selected according to the switching circuit based on a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch implemented with PIN diodes. Comparisons between simulated and measured results are shown according to the chosen degree of use of PIN diodes.

Abstract Urban centers have been under a new concept of city. Smart Cities are, in a nutshell, organized communities that feature high communication technology and conscious investments in sustainability, providing dynamic and safe environments. This paper presents a methodology to assess and rank Smart Cities based on a multi-criteria decision-making process. Methodologies that do not consider a pondered approach and filter for specific goals are commonly found in the literature, once there is a great number of criteria involved in these analyses. This work proposes filtering the criteria, considering each specific evaluation and its objectives. Our methodology is based on a multi-criteria analysis and uses AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) to support the process of weights definition and MACBAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) in an application with compensatory characteristics. Through this study, it is possible to conduct the assessment of Smart Cities according to its multiple contexts, viz. its location, decision-makers and the objectives of the analysis. All in all, this research presents novelty related to the organization of the evaluation in accord to the expected resolution and a pondered approach with reduced number of criteria, making the analysis very straightforward.

Abstract Shrimp trawling is considered a significant negative impact on the marine ecosystem, especially on the benthic community. Sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) are one of the most affected groups by unintentional catches. This study was performed at the Santana Archipelago, a Marine Protected Area in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, between 2008-2009. Sea stars accidentally caught by trawling were collected during open and closed season of the shrimp fisheries (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) at depths of 5-60 m. A generalized linear zero-inflated model was applied to test for differences in capture between fishing seasons and depths. A total of 158 sea star specimens were captured. These specimens were identified as Asterina stellifera, Astropecten acutiradiatus, Astropecten brasiliensis, Astropecten cingulatus, Luidia alternata alternata, Luidia clathrata, Luidia ludwigi scotti, Luidia senegalensis. The sea stars A. brasiliensis and L. senegalensis are currently considered as vulnerable species in the Brazilian official list of threatened species. The higher capture of sea stars was shown in deepest areas, and there was no significant difference in the number of specimens between seasons. This is the first study about asteroids accidentally captured by shrimp trawling.

ABSTRACT The state of Piauí is in a Cerrado/Caatinga transition area, which is known the richness of its fauna and flora. Therefore, this work aims to know the diversity of fruit fly species in cashew orchards and native forest fragments in the south-central region of Piauí. Fruit flies were collected in McPhail traps and by sampling fruits. The material collected from the traps and the fruits in the two areas were taken to the Laboratory of Phytotechnics from Campus Prof. Cinobelina Elvas at the Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI/CPCE), municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. In McPhail traps, six species of the genus Anastrepha: A. alveata, A. dissimilis, A. fraterculus, A. manihoti, A. obliqua, and A. zenildae were captured, of which A. fraterculus, A. obliqua, and A. zenildae were present in both areas. Anastrepha alveata, A. dissimilis and A. manihoti occurred only in the cashew orchard. In fruit sampling, A. fraterculus, A. obliqua, and A. zenildae infested wild-guava fruits, Myrcia tomentosa (Myrtaceae), in native forest. Anastrepha fraterculus, A. obliqua and A. zenildae were obtained directly from M. tomentosa fruits and from traps. The availability of host fruits is the factor that most influences the population fluctuation of fruit flies, mainly in the native forest area. Anastrepha manihoti is reported for the first time in the state of Piauí. This is the first record of A. fraterculus, A. obliqua and A. zenildae, infesting wild-guava fruits, M. tomentosa.

Resumen Para los isópodos terrestres mexicanos de la familia Armadillidae se han registrado 6 especies del género Cubaris Brandt, 1833 y 18 especies del género Venezillo Verhoeff, 1928. De ellas, solo Venezillo stuckchensis (Mulaik, 1960) ha sido reportada para la península de Baja California (PBC). Esta especie fue descrita con base en un solo ejemplar macho y desde su descripción en 1960, no existen estudios biológicos sobre esta entidad taxonómica. En este trabajo se redescribe V. stuckchensis con la designación de un neotipo y paratopotipos con especímenes de la localidad tipo. Se reporta la especie de 5 humedales adicionales del sur de la PBC en Baja California Sur. Se corrige el nombre formal y la localización geográfica de la localidad tipo. La identidad morfológica de V. stuckchensis se documenta con micrografías de MEB y se proporcionan datos sobre su identidad molecular con base en fragmentos del gene mitocondrial 16S ribosomal ARN.

Abstract For the Mexican oniscideans of the family Armadillidae, 6 species of the genus Cubaris Brandt, 1833 and 18 species of the genus Venezillo Verhoeff, 1928 have been recorded. Of them, only Venezillo stuckchensis (Mulaik, 1960) has been registered for the Baja California Peninsula (BCP). This species was described upon a single male and no biological studies exist on this taxonomic entity since its original description in 1960. In this work, we redescribe V. stuckchensis including the designation of a neotype and paratopotypes using specimens from the type locality. We report this species from 5 additional wetlands of southern BCP in the state of Baja California Sur. The type locality is corrected in its formal name and its geographical location. The morphological identity of V. stuckchensis is documented using SEM micrographs, and data on its molecular identity with 16S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene fragments are given.

Abstract This paper presents a compact and planar reconfigurable filtenna for application in Wireless systems. The filtenna is composed of a UWB circular antenna and a filter with two trapezoidal resonators. The filter is integrated on the antenna feed line and has a band-pass frequency response. The filtenna frequency response reconfiguration is achieved by changing the capacitance of a varactor diode, placed between filter resonators; the capacitance varies continuously from 1.32 pF to 4.09 pF according to an applied bias voltage. The varactor capacitance analog variation defines the filtenna frequency of operation, which can be varied from 2.2 GHz to 3.4 GHz with an average bandwidth of 200 MHz, while maintaining the radiation characteristics of the UWB antenna. Simulated and measured filtenna results are shown according to varactor diode bias, demonstrating multiband operation using a compact planar design.

Resumen Introducción: Una evaluación completa de citometría en el paciente enfermo crítico muestra modificaciones en las líneas celulares que estiman la gravedad y la mortalidad en la sepsis. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la utilidad de diferentes parámetros e índices citométricos como predictores de la mortalidad en pacientes sépticos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes de adultos con sepsis (Criterio 3 de la SEPSIS) hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (Quito,Ecuador). Se excluyeron los pacientes con neoplasias o estados de inmunodeficiencia. Se evaluaron diferentes parámetros citométricos y se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística para establecer el rango predictivo de la mortalidad para cada parámetro y las áreas bajo la curva (AUC) para el análisis de sensibilidad. Resultados: En más de 159 pacientes, la mortalidad fue del 25%. En los no supervivientes, la mediana del APACHE II fue de 25,20 puntos, y la mediana del SOFA fue de 11,18, 10,44 y 10,15 puntos en el momento del ingreso, 48 y 72 horas respectivamente. En cuanto al análisis de sensibilidad para la mortalidad, el punto de corte del EDW fue 14,5% (AUC 0,708), y presentó un OR ajustado de 5,25 (IC 95%: 1,64-16,76, p: 0,005). El punto de corte de MPV fue de 8,45 fL (AUC 0,666), y presentó un OR ajustado de 5,28 (95%CI: 1,72-16,21, p 0,004). Conclusiones. EDW y MPV son predictores independientes de mortalidad, y deben ser utilizados con escalas o biomarcadores para optimizar el manejo y la terapia de los pacientes con sepsis. Serían una alternativa en los centros donde sólo se dispone de citometría de sangre como prueba analítica.

Abstract Introduction: A comprehensive cytometry assessment in the critical ill patient shows modifications in cell lines that estimate severity and mortality in sepsis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of different cytometric parameters and indices as predictors of mortality in septic patients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adults with sepsis (SEPSIS Criteria 3) hospitalized in an Intensive Unit Care (Quito, Ecuador). Patients with neoplasms or immunodeficiency states were excluded. Different cytometric parameters have been assessed and logistic regression models were used to stablish the predictive range of mortality for each parameter and areas under the curve (AUC) for sensitivity analysis. Results: Over 159 patients, the mortality was 25%. In non-survivors, the median of the APACHE II was 25.20 points, and the median of the SOFA was 11.18, 10.44, 10.15 points at the time of admission, 48, and 72 hours respectively. About the sensitivity analysis for mortality, the cut-off point of EDW was 14.5% (AUC 0.708), and it presented an adjusted OR of 5.25 (95%CI: 1.64-16.76, p: 0.005). The cut-off point of MPV was 8.45 fL (AUC 0.666), and it had an adjusted OR of 5.28 (95%CI: 1.72-16.21, p 0.004). Conclusions: EDW and MPV are independent predictors of mortality, and they must be used with scales or biomarkers to optimize the management and therapy of patients with sepsis. They would be an alternative in centers where only blood cytometry is available as an analytical test.