The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of storage time on the levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in frozen cassavaroots from the cultivars BRS 400 (pink pulp), Cacau (yellow pulp) and Jari (white pulp). The roots were packed in polyethylene packaging, frozen at -20± 2°C and stored for 180 days. Samples were analyzedevery 45 days of storage to determinetotal phenolics, lycopene, β-carotene, total carotenoids and antioxidant activity. Pink-fleshed roots exhibited the highest levels of phenolic compounds, lycopene, and antioxidant activity,whileyellow-fleshed roots presented thehighest β -carotene content. In contrast, white-fleshed roots presentedthe lowest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The cultivars BRS 400 and Cacau showed significant losses in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity during storage, whereas Jari showedno significant changes in these variables, except for a decrease in lycopene.Additionally,pink-and yellow-fleshedroots exhibited a reduction in total carotenoid content over time. Overall, the white-fleshed cultivar had the lowest initial levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, as well as the smallest losses during storage.
The application of ultraviolet light (UV) using Light-Emitting Diodes(LED) is a technology with the potential to inactivate a wide range of microorganisms and may representa promising possibilityfor water disinfection. This researchaimed to studythe development and validation of UVC-LED equipment for water disinfection underdifferent turbidity levels, followed by its application in water from different sources. A continuous flow prototype was built with a 275 nm LED, and the inactivation of Escherichia coliwas evaluated. A logarithmicinactivation value of 4.64 was observed at a UV dose of 854 mJ cm-2, with a reactivation rate of only 0.03%. No significant difference was observed inbacterial inactivation amongwaters with different turbidity levels (p<0.05), demonstratingthe efficiency of the equipment for treatingwaterlevels of up to 1000 NTU. After UV treatment, countsof<1.0 log CFU mL-1were observed amongwaters with different physicochemical characteristics and initial microbiological counts. The present results demonstratedthe effectiveness of the prototype developed under the conditions of this research, which can be a promising alternative for water disinfection.
Sustainable agriculture requires effective alternatives, and enzyme-based biocontrol strategies derived from Trichoderma represent a promising approach. However, field application of enzymatic supernatants is often limited by low stability and rapid lossof activity. This study aimed to optimize the encapsulation of enzymatic supernatants from native strains Trichoderma koningiopsisLBM 116 and LBM 219 using sodium alginate, and to evaluate the functional performance of the resulting formulations.A Box–Behnken response surface design identified optimal encapsulation conditions (1% alginate, 1% CaCl₂, 0.5 mm cannula diameter), yielding spherical capsules (~1300 μm). Proteases exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (up to 84.8%) and strong operational stability, whereas β-1,3-glucanases showed moderate retention and progressive activity loss. Chitinase activity was not retained within the alginate matrix. Despite partial enzyme leakage, encapsulated formulations significantly inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporumLBM 232, maintaining antifungal efficacy comparable to free supernatants.These findings demonstrate that alginate-based encapsulation is a viable strategy for stabilizing mycolytic enzymes; however, matrix reinforcement will be necessary to achieve full retention of the enzymatic complex and enhance long-term performance in agricultural systems.
This study presents results from a detailed bibliometric analysis of constructed wetlands for treatingindustrial effluents, usingthe Bibliometrixcomputational package. These systems are designed to replicate natural processes involving macrophytes, soil, and microorganisms forwastewater purification. The research encompassed a critical review of the literature, highlighting the effectiveness of these systems acrossvarious industrial sectors, including oil, brewing, and tanning, among others. It was observed that countries such as Ethiopia, Malaysia, and China are at the forefront of these innovations. This study not only underscored the growing adoption of constructed wetlands as a sustainable alternative to conventional effluent treatment technologies but also identified key areas for future research and development.
Tarumã (Vitex megapotamica) fruit may serve as a valuable source of several bioactive compounds. In this study, tarumã pulp was freeze-dried to evaluate its bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as tooptimize the aqueous extraction process for total phenolics and antioxidants. The extraction parameters were optimized through experimental design, and analyses of total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects were performed. Tarumã proved to be a potential source of bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds (5,438.59 mg GAE/100 g-1). The experimental design showed that the optimal extraction conditions were 15 minutes, a solid-to-waterratio of 4.33 g:100 mL-1, and a temperature of 90 °C, highlighting critical parameters for future research. Overall, all results demonstrate the great potential of ripe tarumã pulp for application in future food preparations.
Acetone is an essential ingredient in various industries, and itsdemand continues to increase, thus requiring an efficient production method. Acetone is produced mainly by the cumene hydroperoxide process, although it can also be obtained by the isopropyl alcohol (IPA) dehydrogenation route. The present work aims to simulate and conceptually design a proposed acetone production process via catalytic dehydrogenation of IPA using the ChemCAD®simulator. The temperature, pressure, mass flow rate, and vapour fraction of the main process streams were obtained, and several key operating parameters for the four shell-and-tube heat exchangers and the two distillation columns were also calculated through the simulation. Liquid acetone is obtained at the top stream of the acetone column with a flow rate of 3,123.04 kg/h and a purity of 99.70%. The results of the two sensitivity analyses indicated that increasing the process water flow rate in the washing column increases the acetone flow rate in the acetone column by 70.4 kg/h. The increment of the process water temperature in this column reduces the amount of acetone obtained in the acetone column by 3.80 kg/h.
With great accuracy regardingenergy efficiency, reduction in the rate of greenhouse gas emissions and relevant contribution to the energy transition, a current topic and whose development is increasingly necessary, techniques for the study of interchangeability of combustible gases as an application of the Wobbe Index and the Weaver Indexes were presented in a contemporary way. The study applied industrial empirical techniques to facilitate the analysis of flexibility in the use of gaseous fuels and the mass and energy balance of an industrial burner.
Bacillusand related genera produce hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases and chitinases, which have allowed their application in industry and biological control. Chitinases are capable of hydrolyzingN-acetyl-glucosamine polymers, such as chitin, and are known for their ability to degrade fungal and insect cell walls, as well as for their lytic effect on certain bacterial species. The objective of this study was to isolate Bacillusspp. and related genera from soil samples collected from parks and squares in the cities of Resistencia and Corrientes, and to characterizetheir chitinolytic capacity both phenotypically and genotypically to find strains that could be the subject of further studies due to their potential use as biocontrollers. Soil samples were collected from different locations in the city of Corrientes and Resistencia (Argentina)to isolate Bacillusspp. and related genera. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). In vitro chitinase activity was studied, and genes belonging to several chitinase families were detected by PCR using four different protocols. Among the 12 samples analyzed, 20 isolates with characteristics corresponding to the genus Bacillusand related genera were obtained, namely B. thuringiensis/cereus(7), B. cereus(4), B. megaterium(3), B. subtilis(2), B. licheniformis(2) and Paenibacillus alvei(2). Eleven isolates showed in vitro chitinase activity, and ten strains carried genes encoding chitinases from one or two different families. The presence of a gene did not always correlate with in vitro chitinolytic activity and vice versa. We found a large diversity of chitinase-producing species and variable presence of genes from different families among them. The results are consistent with those previously reported by several authors and provide the basis for studying possible future applications of these strains in the biological control of fungi and insects.
The research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of magnetized biochar of plant and animal origin in the remediation of soils contaminated with Pb. The PRISMA 2020 method was developed for the review of the literature, using scientific metasearch engines such as Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Then, the Boolean formula was determined for analysis. Finally, the relevant articles were synthesized. The results yielded 35 articles of biomass origin,biochar preparation, and remediation efficiency obtained. The result is the following: the most commonly used type of precursor material has been plant (90%); the most commonly used biochar production method was pyrolysis at 500 C° (35%), and the magnetizing agent was FeCl3(18%). The maximum lead removal efficiency was 99.50% using the oriental banana as a precursor material in 120 days, in addition to the magnetizing agent FeCl3with a removal percentage of 99.50%. Finally, a general result was obtained,that states that the remediation efficiency will depend on two important factors: the magnetizing agent and the porosity of the precursor material.
Background: The exponential growth of scientific literature hindersinfectious disease outbreak management, in whichrapid and reliable access to evidence is essential for informed decision-making. Traditional search methods struggle to process heterogeneous and fast-evolving sources, resulting in information overload and delayingthe deployment of emerging knowledge into health policiesand clinical practices. Objective: To describeboth the development and preliminary evaluation of an AI system based on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to optimise information retrieval, synthesis, and dissemination in infectious disease research, using MPOX as a pilot case. Methods: A technical, descriptive approach was used to design a prototype system integrating semantic retrieval andgenerative modelling. The system leverages state-of-the-art natural language processing and machine learning techniques to produce accurate, real-time outputs. Evaluation combined quantitative metrics andqualitative expert review by infectious disease specialists. Results: The platform was implemented through a modular microservices-based architecture and a pipeline that integrates data from PubMed, medRxiv, bioRxiv, WHO and CDC reports, as well ascurated social media sources. The RAG framework enables a scalableandevidence-basedretrieval and synthesisof the information, improving discoverability and relevanceof critical data. Conclusion: This systemhas proven astrong potential to support global outbreak preparednessand responseby enabling rapid, transparent, and reliable access to emerging scientific evidence.
In an array of nonlinear waveguides, quantum states can be generated from classical states through spontaneous parametric down-conversion of photons. This work simulates and analyzes the effect of disorder on light propagation and its quantum correlations, implementing disorder in three system parameters: coupling, injection amplitude, and injection phase. It is determined that when light is injected into only one waveguide, disorder in the coupling increases localization and reduces dispersion. Moreover, in this case, propagation tends to remain ballistic, a characteristic feature of waveguide arrays. Conversely, disorder in the injection amplitude and phase tends to delocalize the wave function, with the latter having a more pronounced effect. Finally, it is observed that quantum correlations, obtained from the correlation matrix, are robust in the presence of disorder, particularly the null elements. – En un arreglo de guías de onda no lineales se pueden generar estados cuánticos a partir de estados clásicos mediante la conversión paramétrica descendente espontánea de fotones. En este trabajo se simula y analiza el efecto del desorden en la propagación de la luz y sus correlaciones cuánticas, implementando desorden en tres perfiles del sistema: acoplamiento, amplitud de inyección y fase de inyección. Se determina que, cuando se inyecta solamente una guía de onda, el desorden en el acoplamiento aumenta la localización y disminuye la dispersión. Además, en este caso se preserva la propagación con tendencia a ser balística, lo cual es característico de arreglos de guías de onda. Contrariamente, el desorden en la amplitud y fase de inyección tienden a deslocalizar la función de onda, siendo el efecto mayor en el último caso. Finalmente, se observa que las correlaciones cuánticas, obtenidas a partir de la matriz de correlación, son robustas ante la presencia de desorden, en particular los elementos nulos.
Minquartia guianensis and Hyeronima alchorneoides are two valuable woody species in the Costa Rican tropical wet forest. Little is known about the genetic diversity of these species. Using 20 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, we estimated the levels of diversity and variance within and among three distinct areas for each species within La Selva Biological Station. Genetic diversity was calculated using classical and Bayesian estimators, and their values were similar. The results indicated high levels of variance within patches (78% in M. guianensis and 87% in H. alchorneoides). We also estimated the genetic distance, and the dendrograms indicated a lack of differentiation between the patches for both species. Our data are consistent with studies of genetic variation in other tropical trees.
This research problematizes the field of biomaterials, examining their production rationale in the context of climate and ecological crises. The initial section outlines eleven fundamental categories to understand the production and research of biomaterials in Costa Rica, juxtaposed with theoretical discussions of global scope about how these categories are understood and conceptualized. The second part proposes a conceptual framework that organizes these approaches and redefines four key concepts. The research takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating methods and subjects from the biological sciences, materials engineering, design, and art, along with tools from the social sciences and philosophy. It is concluded that conceptual distinctions extend beyond the scientific realm; biomaterial productions also imply political, socio-environmental, and ecological dimensions that must be differentiated through new concepts. Likewise, it is argued that inter/transdisciplinary research and the application of new biomaterials must constantly explore the concepts they engage with and critically assess the inherent production logic and its impact on the global environmental crisis and local ecosystems.
Phthalic anhydride (PA) is a key industrial compound, particularly relevant for the large-scale production of plasticizers. This study aimed to develop the conceptual design of a proposed PA production process using the ChemCAD 7.1.2 simulation software, in which maleic anhydride (MA) wasidentified as the principal byproduct. Several parameters were obtained for the heat exchangers, including heat curves, heat duty, logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD), and overall heat transfer coefficient. Additionally, the mass flow rate and composition of the main process streams were determined through simulation, along with their temperature, pressure, and vapor fraction. Design parameters for both distillation columns were also calculated, as well as the heat duty of the catalytic reactor.Finally, the total purchase and installation costs of selected equipment were estimated. The mass flow rate of the bottom stream from the purification column was 10,921.083 kg/h, composed primarily of PA (99.19% purity) and o-xylene (0.80%), while MA was recovered in the top stream with a mass flow rate of 973.342 kg/h and a purity of 83.36%.
The need for studies on interchangeability prediction arose when street gas, generated from mineral coal, began to be replaced bynatural gas or petroleum-derived gases. This need emergedmainly from the fact that burners have limited flexibility in responding to variations inthe composition of their fuel. Subsequently, it was necessary to evaluate the performance of burners with different natural gas compositions. The current study assessed the feasibility of substituting fuel gas used in the furnace.
Background: Pure Data (Pd) is a predominantly visual programming language widely used by musicians in the process of composition and musical performance that involves sound synthesis. This visual characteristic implies poor accessibility for a visually impaired musician (VIM) because screen readers do not allow recognition and/or manipulation of language elements. Objectives: This work aims to present an inclusive strategy that enables VIM to interact with other musicians in real-time during performances. Methods: A sighted musician programmed a Pd script consisting of five patches. Switches and potentiometers of a MIDI controller matched elements of the script, activating andmodulating parameters of sound clips. The VIM uses the screen reader to access Pd, open the programmed code, configure the MIDI controller, and enable audio output. The performance is executed by the VIM. Results: The result of the elaborate composition was a live soundscape performance that had similarity in the manipulation of the MIDI controller with that of the sighted musician. Conclusion: These strategies enabled a VIM to perform autonomously in real time using Pd patches, fostering interaction with sighted musicians and expanding accessibility.
The aging of the population has led to an increased use of anticoagulants such as sodium warfarin. This study evaluated the quality of 5 mg warfarin tablets by analyzing eight samples (A1–A8) in accordance with the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, with the objective of identifying quality deviations and verifying their interchangeability with the referencemedication.The samples were subjected to the following quality control tests: average weight, friability (loss <1.5%), disintegration (within 30 minutes), dosing(content between 92.5% and 107.5%), and content uniformity (acceptance value <15). However, sample A3 failed the dissolution test, releasing less than 40% of the active ingredient within 30 minutes.The equivalence assessment indicated that samplesA1xA2 (69.97) and A1xA4 (54.43) were interchangeable, whereas samples A3, A5, A6, A7, and A8 were not.The comparison of dissolution profiles using the similarity factor (f₂) revealed that several samples exhibited quality deviations, potentially compromising treatment efficacy and safety, and suggesting deficiencies in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
This study aimed to isolate and identify entomopathogenic fungal strains of the genus Beauveriafrom agricultural soils and to evaluate their pathogenic potential as mycoinsecticides. Fungal identification was based on a multifaceted approach that included macro-and micromorphological characterization, scanning electron microscopy, and analysis of nuclear ribosomal DNA, ITS, and EF-1α sequences. Pathogenicity tests were conducted against the larval stage of Tenebrio molitor. Among all isolates examined, two fungal strains collected from yerba mate plantations in southern Misiones were identified as Beauveria bassiana(HEP 32 and HEP MSO2). Larval mortality of T. molitorwas significantly affected, particularly by the B. bassianaHEP MSO2 strain, suggesting its potential as an effective mycoinsecticide for integration into crop pest management strategies.
This research aims to analyze the practical applications of the Technology Acceptance Modelto verify whether there is a greater recurrence of the original version or itsvariations. It isbasic exploratory researchthat adopts aqualitative approachfor the analysis. Scientific bibliographic documents are analyzed through a systematicliteraturereviewand content analysis. As a result, firstly, the practical dominance of the Technology Acceptance Modelapplication comes from its extensions and adaptations rather thanfrom its original models. This does not mean that the predictors of the original versions are inadequate, but that, depending onthe technology and the researcher's point of view, they are better used when adjustmentsare made. Secondly, given the aboveresult, it is concluded that the Technology Acceptance Modelis theoretically robust; otherwise, adaptations and extensions would not occur. The third conclusion arises fromthe previous ones and is based ona reflection: is an update, called Technology Acceptance Model 4, required? Therefore, we conclude that it is not necessarysince 401 adaptations and 198 extensionswere identified, proposingan additionalstructure would not eliminatethe different perspectives of predictors to be included infuture research.
Infections by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are a significant cause of productivity losses in sheep and goat farming. Anthelmintic resistance is a growing issue, driven by the indiscriminate use of these products. This study examines the GINs in sheep and goats in the province of Misiones, Argentina, and the resistance to anthelmintic drugs. Ten farms from southern Misiones were analyzed, with fecal egg counts (FEC) and drug resistance tests were performed. A wide variability in parasite burden was observed both between and within herds, highlighting the importance of customizing treatments. The average FEC was 309 and was established as the threshold above which an individual should be treated. Strategic treatment is proposed, targeting animals with highparasite loads, considered "spreaders" of infection. This approach optimizes the use of anthelmintics, reducing selection pressure on the parasite population and helping prevent resistance. Resistance to ivermectin was detected in all evaluated farms, as well as to benzimidasole and closantel, confirming the need for laboratory diagnostics before administering treatments. The predominant GIN genus was Haemonchus, represented by H. contortusand H. placei, followed by Cooperia.Additionally, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was adapted for the rapid detection of the most common genera, which will improve parasite diagnosis and characterization. This study describes the GIN and anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goats in the province of Misiones,and underscores the need for continued research to adapt control strategies to local conditions and ensure the sustainability of production.
