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The Training & Development (T&D) sector is gaining increasing importance on organizations' day, acting as a tool for improving organizational performance. The objective of this paper is, through the application of the Momentum method, to analyze the demand of customers for a company in the field of corporate training in Brazil, considering different contexts and, from this, to propose a decision-making process to the increase efficiency and effectiveness of its procedures, prioritizing T&D courses that present more return and relevance to the organization. For this purpose, we use the Momentum method to prospect scenarios, establishing a relationship between the variables that make up each scenario and the portfolio of courses offered by the company. Besides, we applied the ELECTRE-MOr Multicriteria Decision Support (MDS) method to propose a line of action taken by the company, taking into account the trend scenario. The results obtained were satisfactory, providing support to strategic decision making in the composition of the courses portfolio offered, resulting in a classification of them, presenting those who should be prioritized, maintained or discarded by the company's management. It is emphasized that the methodology presented in this work can be applied in other sectors - tactical, operational or strategic - presenting relevance to academia and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technical qualification is required to adequately meet the responsibilities related to solid waste management (SWM). Given that the successful SW policies requirements implementation at the local level relies on the ability to plan and the efficient management of public services, this paper aims to verify if municipalities have working teams that are prepared for this challenge. To accomplish this goal, three indicators were proposed to evaluate these human resources: Professional Qualification Level (PQL), Multidisciplinary Level (ML) and Leadership Level of Education (LLE). A proportional stratified sample with SWM leaders from 156 Brazilian municipalities participated in a survey. The results showed that although some municipalities were able to provide teams and find solutions to implement plans and actions, some smaller municipalities were not able to organize themselves adequately for this implementation. This paper provides a diagnosis of the human resources dimensions associated with the administrative capacity of municipal governments for the successful implementation of the Brazilian Solid Waste Policy (BSWP) at the local level. There is a need to improve the administrative capacity of municipalities to ensure the satisfactory implementation of the BSWP. The shortcomings identified in this paper should be addressed by the government to ensure that the constitutional right to waste management is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane ethanol is an alternative to fossil fuels that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and offer socioeconomic benefits, but at the same time have a series of negative impacts. Brazil is the second largest producer of fuel ethanol globally, with this production predicted to almost double over the next 15 years. However sugarcane ethanol production in the country has been shown to interact with a range of ecosystem services. It is only when such interactions are understood that we can fully determine the potential trade-offs, synergies and sustainability outcomes of biofuel production in the country. This paper explores the local perceptions about the impacts of sugarcane production on ecosystem services in two municipalities in the state of Sao Paulo with significant sugarcane production: Capivari and Rancharia. Impact perceptions have been elicited through interviews with local residents, with the results showing that perceptions vary between the two study sites and are affected considerably by the different local experiences with sugarcane production. For example, although sugarcane farming has been traditionally performed in Capivari, it has been Rancharia that has experienced more recently a rapid sugarcane expansion that has caused considerable changes in land use and farming patterns. Interview results also suggest that the negative effects of sugarcane farming can be reduced through the adoption of good agricultural practices and the enforcement of existing laws, as many respondents cited considerable improvements in ecosystem health from such actions. Assessing the perception of local communities such as the one reported in this paper can be crucial in designing policies and planning land uses that enhance the sustainability of biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of relevant aspects concerning the Brazilian cold chain, such as its infrastructure, energy sources and expenditures, legislation and technology. Some refrigerated products with nationwide relevance were selected to assess the cold chain. Their production and consumption is presented based on available data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). An overview of the cold chain infrastructure is presented and described, followed by the estimation of its required storage capacity and the associated refrigerated fleet size. Energy consumption and system efficiency are assessed for livestock products based on both the Final and Useful Energy, based on the Brazilian Useful Energy Balance. An overview of the country legislation and government ordinances are presented, followed by R&D actions and industrial structure. Data assessment shows an expanding of the volumetric capacity, from 5.7 mm 3 in 2010 to 16.0 mm 3 in 2014, but still below the required capacity of 54.6 mm 3 , calculated in this paper. The 38.5 mm 3 deficit is an opportunity for new industrial investment followed by an effort in quality improvement of the installed infrastructure. Refrigerated vehicle fleet is estimated to be around 7500 vehicles for internal distribution, with a 43% share for long-haul trunks and 57% for short-haul trunks. Electricity drives the cold chain, with 24.5 TJ in 2014. The energy efficiency index indicates an improvement on the cold chain quality due to replacement of old refrigerated systems by new ones. An overview of the Brazilian legislation, composed by a set of laws and ordinances, shows a relation between different actors, as regulation agencies, heath ministry, industrial and civil sectors, regarding different aspects of the cold chain. Legislation in some cases extends from international restrictions, which can be more rigorous in some cases than the national one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of public policies have emerged worldwide as a response from governments facing climate change effects, drawing the attention of the scientific community to the outcomes and actual effects/benefits these policies have brought so far. One of the challenging aspects related to this context is the integration of the objectives set by climate change policies within the sectoral and regional planning. In this respect, the literature recognizes the relevance of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as an instrument to deal with climate change issues in the planning process and to support the development of alternatives to respond to climate change policies. The influence of climate change policies on the plans and programs supported by SEA in emerging economies is yet to be verified. The paper relies on the case of Brazil, recognized by its relevance in terms of biodiversity, water resources and climate regulation. In 2009, Brazil introduced the National Policy of Climate Change (NPCC), which established guidelines to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2020. The present paper is based on the analysis of the current SEA practice and the corresponding level of integration of climate change issues, considering the objectives of the NPCC. A set of 29 statements, delivered by the literature, was applied, combined to the content analysis techniques to review the quality of 35 SEA reports produced in Brazil between 1997 and 2014 (out of 40-odd cases). The outcomes indicate the performance is similar to what was found in other contexts, i.e., SEA areas barely address climate change issues. This thus reveals an important gap between the objectives of NPCC and sectoral/regional planning. SEA can contribute to reducing this gap, but it needs more strength to influence the development of sectoral and regional policies and plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the end of 2013 to the end of 2015, Brazil faced serious challenges to supply its demand for electricity due to a prolonged drought in the Southeast and Northeast regions with the consequent loss of hydroelectric generation. This paper presents an historical analysis of major world energy crises from 1988 to 2015 and in Brazil from 1924 to 2015. Analysing the natural river flow of key Brazilian dams from 1931 until 2017, this paper suggests that hydropower generation in Brazil has a 10–15 years cyclical pattern of hydropower generation. The periods of drought in this cyclical pattern usually coincides with energy crises due to the reduction in hydropower generation. It was found that the drought in 2015 had an impact of 110 TWh in hydropower generation, from which 25 TWh are due to head loss and 70 TWh are from lack of stored hydropower in July of 2014. In addition, 48 TWh were not generated due to delays in the construction of new power plants. Other causes of the Brazilian energy crisis of 2015 are presented and the overall electricity generation impact of these causes are compared. In addition, this paper presents the impacts on the energy, water and food supply sectors in Brazil, and the strategies employed to reduce the impact of the crises. With the intention of preventing future energy crises, the paper then shows the potential alternatives to improve electricity supply security in Brazil, particularly in terms of diversifying and widening the share of renewable sources and increasing the energy storage potential of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immediate effects of asymmetric warming (i.e., day- and night-time warming) on terrestrial ecosystems have been well documented, but the time-lag effects remain poorly understood. In this paper, we investigated the global inter-annual hysteretic responses of vegetation to asymmetric warming over the period of 1982–2013. The net primary production (NPP) was employed as the indicator of vegetation growth, and accumulated monthly average daily maximum temperature and minimum temperature (ATmax and ATmin) were used to reflect the asymmetric warming condition. Additionally, partial correlation analyses were conducted to examine the correlations between NPP and ATmax/ATmin on a monthly scale. Furthermore, the best time lags that ATmax/ATmin had on NPP and the optimal correlations between ATmax/ATmin and NPP were analyzed by time-lag analyses. The results showed that (i) vegetation responded to the asymmetric warming with near 12-month delays at a global scale, and vegetation exhibited larger lags in responding to recent warming over temperature-limited areas or semiarid and subhumid regions compared to other places; (ii) compared with ATmin, ATmax had longer time-lag effects on biomes over mid-high latitudes (45 °N–90 °N, 23 °S–60 °S) and high altitudes (i.e., the Tibetan Plateau and the Brazil Plateau) and smaller delay impacts on biomes in other regions; (iii) with hysteretic impacts considered, ATmax correlated positively with vegetation in temperature-limited areas and negatively in heat-sufficient and water-deficit places, and the reverse was mostly true for ATmin. These phenomena may be associated with the intrinsic differences in the mechanisms that day- and night-time temperatures have on vegetation growth. Our paper gives new insights into the non-uniform responses of the terrestrial ecosystem to asymmetric warming. Looking ahead, terrestrial ecosystem models are highly recommended to incorporate such non-uniform time-lag impacts and distinguished correlations so as to improve their performances in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the impact of land reforms on household agricultural investments, livelihood strategies, and income levels in Brazil. Given the persistence of rural poverty in Northeast Brazil and the existence of both land and credit market failures, land reforms remain important policy tools for alleviating poverty and increasing growth. This paper evaluates the impact of the recent National Program of Land Credit, a controversial market-assisted land reform program that provides access to land through private land markets. Household-level panel data covering similar beneficiary and control groups allows for identification using both propensity score weighting and difference-in-difference methodologies. The evidence indicates that the Land Credit successfully transitions households into agriculture, with land holdings and investments increasing as a result of the program. As with many earlier land reform programs in Latin America, the new wave of market-assisted land reforms does not increase access to private credit. While land reforms have the potential to drive redistribution, poverty reduction, and growth, these findings suggest that ensuring greater access to credit, irrigation, and higher return economic activities remains important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new service development process model for transport services for the inclusion of wheelchair users. In line with the principles of Universal Design, the new model aims to develop services for the widest possible range of users, including people using wheelchairs. The model is based on existing models, case studies in Brazil and Germany, and complemented with specific support material regarding wheelchair users, ultimately devised to guide the development of services that include such users. The paper illustrates a demonstration of the model in a real situation in Germany, with the development of a service for wheelchair users where early consideration of their needs results in clear benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy (bioeconomy) requires more efficient utilization of the biomass generated from agricultural production. This can be achieved through the cascading use of biomass, which also offers the potential of creating additional value from biomass by developing novel products. Taking sugarcane as a case study example, this paper aims to analyze how well Brazil, the world’s leader in sugarcane production, is positioned to reach these goals. The paper combines two conceptual tools: one is the ‘biomass-based value web’, which was developed as an extension of the value chain concept with the aim to capture the links within and between value chains that arise from the cascading and joined use of biomass. The other concept is that of the ‘national innovation system’ (NIS), which serves to identify the different types of actors involved in the biomass value web and the linkages between them. For empirical data collection, the study combined three methods: a mapping of the physical biomass flows in the value web, in-depth interviews with the actors involved, and the application of the ‘Net-Map’ tool to identify the actors in the NIS and their linkages. The findings show that the development of Brazil’s international competitiveness in sugar and ethanol was based on political incentives that resulted in a strong network of institutions that focused on these two products. However, to become a front-runner in the future bioeconomy, the existing innovation network needs to be expanded. In particular, it is important to integrate national and international private sector organizations. The findings also suggest that industries need stronger incentives to collaborate with knowledge institutions. Long-term consistent policies and funding opportunities for risky investments are also required to further strengthen Brazil’s innovation network to meet future opportunities and challenges of the bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the significance of international conferences for higher education institutions (HEIs)’ promotion of sustainability. The paper has undertaken a detailed review of the scientific literature on strategies of HEIs to promote sustainability, hence identifying eight HEIs strategies that these institutions can adopt to become more sustainable (developing an Institutional Agenda, promoting Research, improving Teaching, enhancing green Campus Operations, stimulating community Outreach, and promoting Knowledge Dissemination). Based on this review, and focusing on knowledge dissemination, particularly on the academic events (conferences, seminars and workshops), 69 international academic conferences on sustainability were selected for analysis (from 2012 to 2016). From these conferences 21 proved suitable for a text mining analysis due to the data availability - i.e. articles published online. These articles were organized and submitted to the Collocations Extraction process, creating a list of important terms for each conference, based on their frequency in the articles. Furthermore, the relevance of these terms was tested using the Google Trends tool, to evidence the frequency of their Google searching. Finally, two conferences were selected for a more in-depth analysis, exploring their results and contributions (REGSA and LINKS conferences) to promote sustainability. The main results of the paper outline that international conferences have become important HEIs’ strategies to promote various issues of sustainability, through sharing knowledge, experiences, projects, initiatives and methods. It can be noticed a high interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary character of these events, illustrated by the multitude of promoted topics and participation, but also an increasing interest to actively involve stakeholders in discussing and promoting sustainability and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two economic activities have been integrated in southern Brazil: olive cultivation and sheep farming. The favorable edaphoclimatic conditions in the southern region for cultivating olive trees and cultural preferences for the consumption of sheep meat make this integration a valuable strategy. Considering that every activity causes environmental impact and the exploitation of natural resources, new systems that promote sustainable development and the efficient use of these resources become necessary. This paper presents the first study of the carbon footprint of the life cycle of integrating of sheep and olive farming, with the objective to build an inventory based on primary data collected on olive and sheep farms in Brazil, determine the carbon footprint of the conventional and integrated system and estimate the potential for mitigating GHG emissions. The evaluation was performed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The study focuses on the detailed analysis of the processes and activities that are responsible for GHG emissions, including enteric methane emissions, methane emissions from manure management, emissions from nitrogen fertilizer use and limestone application and energy consumption. For this, two major scenarios were considered, the first centered around on the traditional olive cultivation and sheep farming systems individually, and the second involved their synergistic integration. The findings indicate that the conventional system is associated with a global warming impact of 6.8 kg CO 2 eq per liter olive oil and kg live weight. In contrast, the integrated system demonstrates a significant mitigation potential of 27.7%, resulting in a reduced global warming impact of 4.92 kg CO 2 eq. This advantage is a consequence of the synergy between the systems, as they now occupy the same area, which allows the sharing of agricultural activities and agrochemical inputs, in addition to optimizing nutrient recycling and complementing each other. Additionally, the results of a sensitivity analysis showed that enteric methane from sheep and the application of limestone to the soil are the most influential parameters on the carbon footprint, indicating that they are key parameters for the development of GHG mitigation strategies, some of which were discussed in the article. • First life cycle assessment of integration between olive and sheep farming in Brazil. • The inventory was constructed with primary data collected in situ. • The study assesses the carbon footprint of the olive and sheep farming system. • The results show environmental advantages of the integration of olive and sheep farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we developed and evaluated the potential synergistic effect of a hybrid two-step sequential modification of a coconut shell activated carbon (AC) by oxidative treatment with HNO 3 (ACO), followed by aluminum impregnation (ACO-Al) by incipient wetness method (Al(NO 3) 3.9 H 2 O - 2% of Al) aiming to improve the adsorbent properties (i.e diffusivity, adsorption capacity and adsorbent-adsorbate affinity) for desulfurization of tiophenic compounds. Characterization of the adsorbent (TPD, FTIR, XPS) confirmed acidic oxygenated functional groups (carboxylic acids, anhydrides, lactones, phenols, and quinones) and aluminum compounds (AlO(OH) and Al 2 O 3) on the adsorbent's surface, which promoted enhanced interactions between adsorptive and adsorbent (i.e., sulfur-metal (S-M) interactions) that improved the performance of the adsorbent on dibenzothiophene (DBT) adsorption, besides π-π stacking interactions with the aromatic structures of the DBT molecule. Textural properties were slightly affected, indicating that the modifications provided surface modifications Aiming to support the understanding of the phenomena involved in the process, a phenomenological modeling approach was used, wherein adsorption equilibrium data was described by Langmuir isotherm and kinetic data by applying mass transfer kinetic models. The equilibrium and kinetic experiments showed an increment of 59% in the maximum adsorption capacity and 23% in the adsorption rate (controlled by the internal diffusion), respectively, for ACO-Al compared with the ACO adsorbent. Furthermore, the ACO-Al adsorbent showed a remarkable potential to remove different thiophenic compounds in binary systems (for benzothiophene (BT), dimethyldibenzothiophene (DMDBT), besides the DBT), and also to operate in adsorption-desorption cycles. Overall, the proposed hybrid adsorbent modification proved to be efficient in boosting the performance of activated carbon performance towards desulfurization given the specific oxygen groups and sulfur-metal interactions provided. [Display omitted] • Activated carbon (AC) derived from a coconut shell (abundant residue in the Brazil). • Efficient functionalization of AC with oxygenated groups and aluminum species. • Improvement of the adsorption capacity and kinetics of the functionalized AC. • Functionalized AC exhibited potential of adsorption in multicomponent systems. • Functionalized AC showed ability of regeneration and reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastureland maintenance is seen as a land-based measure to reduce dependency on feed concentrates and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock production in the EU, while providing other ecosystems services. This paper assesses potential market-mediated impacts, including global Land Use Change (LUC) and GHG emissions, from increased subsidies to pasture-based livestock production in the EU. A tax recycling strategy (TRS) is simulated against a baseline up to 2030 under the shared socioeconomic pathway 2 (SSP2). This implies a budget-neutral increase in the level of pasture subsidies in individual Member States, as land subsidies for other cropping activities decrease. We employ the computable general equilibrium (CGE) model GTAP in its recursive-dynamic version, GTAP-RDEM, extended with the Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) database FABIO to disaggregate agri-food sectors from 21 to 31. This approach allows considering price- and income-dependent feedbacks when assessing long-run changes in the global economy, improving the sectoral resolution relative to GTAP v10. The policy increases pastureland areas and cattle production in almost all EU Member States, whereas cropland and crop production decrease, causing significant changes across EU agri-food markets. Crop prices increase, leading to the reduced output of intensive animal production sectors, mainly pig and poultry. Cropland areas decrease and most EU countries increase imports of grain, oilseeds, and cakes, essentially soybean cake from Brazil and North America. While GHG emissions decrease in those EU countries where pasturelands expand mainly at the cost of croplands, GHG emissions increase in those countries where pastureland expansion comes with forest loss. As a result, net GHG emissions increase in the EU-27 in 2030 (+2.49 Mt CO 2 -eq). Emissions from LUC in major non-EU grain- and oilseed-exporting countries increase, e.g., by 102.52 Mt CO 2 -eq in Brazil and by 129.17 Mt CO 2 -eq in North America. The simulated policy shows that promoting extensive livestock per se does not meet the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy and the EU Green Deal. The TRS should be complemented with policies to foster crop diversification and promote the use of domestic feed sources (e.g., legumes) to effectively ensure feed self-sufficiency and that extensive cattle production in the EU does not lead to deforestation in carbon-rich countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the geomorphological features of four areas of subtropical, southernmost Brazil displaying striking landforms developed upon Precambrian Camaquã Basin conglomerates in the southern Brazilian shield areas. The distinctive and unique features of the Serra do Segredo cuesta, the Rincão do Inferno canyon, the Casa de Pedra inselberg, and the Pedra da Cruz cap-shaped hills are important examples of such conglomerate geomorphology in South America and in Brazil, where few occurrences were available so far. They are the first documented conglomerate landforms in southernmost Brazil, widening the distribution of such terrains in South America and in the subtropical, southern hemisphere areas, considering recent global reviews. Besides the high scientific relevance for geomorphology as a whole, such features are important also for (1) evidencing the decisive role of lithology, structure, and water flows in the formation of such landforms; as well as (2) ecology and tourism, being distributed within and in the vicinity of the Caçapava UNESCO Global Geopark of southernmost Brazil. • Novel description of conglomerate geomorphology developed upon Ediacaran alluvial/fluvial deposits of the Camaquã Basin in subtropical, southernmost Brazil. • Different landforms developed according to bed tilting and arrangement, as well as to tectonic structures "pre-design". • Decisive role of lithology and water in shaping ranges and hills. • Contribution to a global distribution of conglomerate landforms, especially in humid, subtropical areas. • Geological heritage potential, features within and in the surroundings of the Caçapava UNESCO Global Geopark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal stresses produced on TCABR tokamak during baking analyzed for the first time. • Maximum equivalent stress on vacuum vessel below limit calculated by ASME BPVC. • Stress on other components below ASME limit, but above material yield strength. • Stress on vacuum vessel below ASME limit, despite high rigidity support structure. TCABR is a small-sized tokamak located at the University of São Paulo, in Brazil. It is planned to undergo an extensive upgrade, which includes a baking system. However, this tokamak wasn't designed considering baking as a possible wall conditioning technique. This paper analyzes whether a baking system with ohmic heating could in principle be installed on TCABR, considering the thermal stresses that it might produce on the vacuum vessel. An analytical steady-state heat transfer model was used to estimate the heat fluxes required to reach a target temperature of 200 °C. Thermal and structural transient finite element method models were developed using ANSYS Workbench®. The temperature distribution was used to calculate the thermal stresses, also considering the effects of gravity and vacuum pressure. The stresses produced in the vacuum vessel by baking were below the limit defined by the ASME stress code, but the graphite tiles' support rails reached stress values above their material's yield strength. The resulting temperature distribution was not uniform, with some regions far from the 200 °C target. A redesign of the baking system will be required to reach a more uniform temperature field and avoid stresses above yield strength for some components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterized by strong coordination between farmers, food processors or traders, and between processors and retailers, agri-food global value chains (GVCs) need to govern their inter-organizational ties with the aim of strengthening their competitiveness and global presence. In this sense, this paper presents an integrative conceptual framework based on global value chain governance (GVC) models and resource orchestration from the Triple-A approach perspective. A multiple case study based on three Brazilian-born global companies was used as empirical evidence to test the proposed framework. The results indicated that, regardless of the adopted governance model, the companies are embedded in a fragmented beef sector and technological diversity. The five governance models (market, modular, captive, hierarchical and relational) were reflected diversely in the companies' inter-organizational strategies. Additionally, the companies responded to threats and salient challenges in the domestic market from the global perspective with agility, adaptability and alignment in different levels and tactical actions. The study contributes to GVC prior literature proposing an integrative framework that proved insightful in analyzing the companies' strategies and their chosen path to pursue competitiveness and differentiation in the global value chain. • The beef sector aims for optimal resource orchestration to gain competitive advantage. • Company's bargain power is based mostly on its financial and technological resources and performance. • Brazil's domestic production fragmentation and global market specificities requires precise alignment of orchestration and governance for optimal performance. • Firms must adapt Triple-A orchestration for continued competitive advantage amid environmental pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria continues to be a serious global public health problem in subtropical and tropical countries of the world. The main drugs used in the treatment of human malaria, quinine and artemisinin, are isolates of medicinal plants, making the use of plants a widespread practice in countries where malaria is endemic. Over the years, due to the increased resistance of the parasite to chloroquine and artemisinin in certain regions, new strategies for combating malaria have been employed, including research with medicinal plants. This review focuses on the scientific production regarding medicinal plants from Brazil whose antimalarial activity was evaluated during the period from 2011 to 2022. For this review, four electronic databases were selected for research: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scielo and Periódicos CAPES. Searches were made for full texts published in the form of scientific articles written in Portuguese or English and in a digital format. In addition, prospects for new treatments as well as future research that encourages the search for natural products and antimalarial derivatives are also presented. A total of 61 publications were encountered, which cited 36 botanical families and 92 species using different Plasmodium strains in in vitro and in vivo assays. The botanical families with the most expressive number of species found were Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae (14, 14, 9 and 6 species, respectively), and the most frequently cited species were of the genera Psychotria L. (8) and Aspidosperma Mart. (12), which belong to the families Rubiaceae and Apocynaceae. Altogether, 75 compounds were identified or isolated from 28 different species, 31 of which are alkaloids. In addition, the extracts of the analyzed species, including the isolated compounds, showed a significant reduction of parasitemia in P. falciparum and P. berghei , especially in the clones W2 CQ-R (in vitro) and ANKA (in vivo), respectively. The Brazilian regions with the highest number of species analyzed were those of the north, especially the states of Pará and Amazonas, and the southeast, especially the state of Minas Gerais. Although many plant species with antimalarial potential have been identified in Brazil, studies of new antimalarial molecules are slow and have not evolved to the production of a phytotherapeutic medicine. Given this, investigations of plants of traditional use and biotechnological approaches are necessary for the discovery of natural antimalarial products that contribute to the treatment of the disease in the country and in other endemic regions. [Display omitted] • Malaria continues to be a serious global public health problem. • Malaria is endemic in the Amazon and, in Brazil, 99.9% of notifications of cases and deaths from malaria occur in this region. • A total of 61 papers on Brazilian plants with antimalarial activity were published from 2011 to 2022. • 75 compounds were identified or isolated from 23 different species, 31 of which are alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century, South America faces unique challenges in carbon mitigation due to its distinct socio-economic, technological, and institutional backgrounds compared to developed and other developing economies. Previous research on South America's carbon emissions has limited country and sector coverage and typically adopts a top-down approach that focuses on the overall emissions of an economy, neglecting individual energy sources and emission sectors. Therefore, this paper compiles a comprehensive inventory of CO 2 emissions for South American countries based on a meticulous bottom-up approach and multi-source data integration, followed by a thorough analysis of their temporal evolution patterns and the driving forces behind them. Between 2010 and 2020, South America's overall emissions peaked in 2014 at 1092.3 Mt., led by emissions from oil consumption and from the transport and electricity sectors, and dropped to 865.6 Mt. in 2020, due to the economic fluctuations and COVID-19. Specifically, Brazil was the largest emitter, Chile experienced the most significant increase in emissions, and Paraguay recorded the highest emission growth rate. Generally, expanding population was constant driver of emission growth. High energy intensity led to significant emission increases in Brazil and Ecuador, while elevated carbon intensity was the main driver in Argentina. Energy structure changes played a positive role in most countries to different extents (e.g., much more significant in Brazil than in Chile) but aggrevated emissions in Paraguay and Guyana. Therefore, carbon mitigation strategies should be tailored to each country's unique national circumstances. • During 2010–2020, South America's CO 2 emissions from fossil fuels peaked in 2014. • Transport and electricity sectors comprised over 60% of total emissions. • Brazil was the top emitter, while Chile saw the largest increase in emissions. • Emission patterns and driving factors varied significantly across countries. • Carbon reduction strategies should be tailored to local circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in environmental systems is gradually more studied worldwide. However, in Latin America, the presence of contaminants of emerging concern, together with their environmental and toxicological impacts, has recently been gaining wide interest in the scientific community. This paper presents a critical review about the source, fate, and occurrence of distinct emerging contaminants reported during the last two decades in various countries of Latin America. In recent years, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are the main countries that have conducted research on the presence of these pollutants in biological and aquatic compartments. Data gathered indicated that pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and personal care products are the most assessed CECs in Latin America, being the most common compounds the followings: atrazine, acenaphthene, caffeine, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, diuron, estrone, losartan, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. Most common analytical methodologies for identifying these compounds were HPLC and GC coupled with mass spectrometry with the potential to characterize and quantify complex substances in the environment at low concentrations. Most CECs' monitoring and detection were observed near to urban areas which confirm the out-of-date wastewater treatment plants and sanitization infrastructures limiting the removal of these pollutants. Therefore, the implementation of tertiary treatment should be required. In this tenor, this review also summarizes some studies of CECs removal using electrochemical advanced oxidation processes that showed satisfactory performance. Finally, challenges, recommendations, and future perspectives are discussed. [Display omitted] • Occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in Latin America. • Pharmaceuticals, pesticides and personal care products are the most assessed CECs. • The presence of CECs were predominantly observed in close proximity to urban areas. • Electrochemical technologies are an important alternative for CECs elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a model of coastal barrier progradation where the development of a prograded plain was a product of the successive formation of foredune ridges followed by their burial by transgressive sand sheets and dunefields. The results are based on direct lithological data from drill holes and geomorphological analyses, indirect geophysical data (GPR), and 14C and OSL dating. Barrier progradation started at 6.69 ka (OSL) or 7.2 ka (14C), under sea-level rise. At around 5.0 ka (OSL), or thereabouts, a forced regression condition started to operate, when sea-level started to fall after it reached a maximum of 2.34 ± 0.8 m. During barrier progradation sets of foredunes were formed, and at least some of them were buried by sands of transgressive dunefields (TDF), which later evolved to transgressive sand sheets (TSS). A total of 11+ phases of TSS and a modern phase of TDF were formed in a time span of 6.69 ka (OSL) or 7.2 ka (14C), corresponding to one phase formed at each 560 or 600 yrs. Two models of possible development of the surface of Curumim barrier are proposed. • Arare record of aforedune plain buried by transgressive sandsheets formation. • The cyclic formation of transgressive dunefieldsand transgressive sand sheets. • The foredune/beach contact as a proxy of sea-level position. • Distinct contributions of normal and forced regressionon barrier progradation. • Possibletransformation of a transgressive dunefield in a transgressive sand sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent disastrous tailings dam failures have heightened public concerns about the safety of these structures. Typically, tailings are disposed of as a slurry in a loosely saturated state, making them susceptible to static liquefaction. The widely used limit equilibrium method for analysing tailings dams may overlook potential failures and is incapable of simulating static-liquefaction-type dam failures. This paper presents simulations of the initiation of progressive failure within a finite element framework, using a well-described tailings dam in Brazil as a basis. Three different constitutive models (Hardening Soil, SANISAND2004, and NorSand) were employed to demonstrate a numerical modelling procedure for simulating tailings dam static liquefaction and a practical approach to numerically account for the effects of fines content in slime layers. Models that incorporate the state parameter (ψ) as an integral part can realistically depict the loss of strength in loose granular materials during a liquefaction process. Stress–strain paths of representative points in critical zones of the studied tailings dam indicate localized shear deformations that lead to progressive failure due to static liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir characterization is extremely important for understanding and determining the behavior of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The geophysical well logging, widely applied in the oil industry, helps to obtain essential physical properties (acoustic, electrical, mechanical, radioactive and thermal) by deploying measurement devices in the drilled well. This project aims to carry out the geological characterization of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Amazonas Basin through the analysis of well geophysical logs. Despite the oil-producing potential of the basin, there are few published papers that use geophysical well logging for reservoir characterization. For this study, composite log data publicly provided by ANP were used. Six exploratory wells drilled in AM-T-84 and AM-T-85 exploratory blocks in the Amazonas Basin were selected. By analyzing the geophysical logs of gamma ray, resistivity, density and neutron from these wells, it was possible to identify the hydrocarbon reservoir interval within the Monte Alegre formation and obtain estimates of thickness, shale volume and porosity. The identified reservoir is relatively thin, with an average thickness of 16 m. The obtained shale volume values were relatively high, due to the influence of shale layers present in the Monte Alegre formation. The effect of clay content affected the interpretation process of the well logs; however, it did not significantly impact the reservoir porosity estimation, which ranged between 10.4 and 23.4 %. • The analysis and interpretation of well logs can provide petrophysics properties of the petroleum reservoir. • The Amazonas Basin is one of the pioneering areas for hydrocarbon exploration in northern Brazil. • Despite the clay content present in the formation, relatively good porosity values were obtained for the reservoir. • The temperature values obtained range from 70 to 95 °C. They are contained in the oil generation range (65–165 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow Fever (YF) is a viral arbovirosis of Public Health importance. In Brazil, surveillance is focused mainly on detecting epizootic events of Platyrrhini. Herein, we compared the detection and phylogenetic analysis of YF virus in two neotropical primates (NTP), a Callithrix detected in the previous epidemic period (2016–2020), and a Callicebus nigrifons , showing a new introduction of YF in 2023. This paper illustrates the importance of joint actions of laboratory and field teams to ensure quick response to Public Health emergencies, such as the intensification of vaccination of susceptible human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the world's leading charcoal producer, mainly used as an energy source and reducing agent for iron ore in the pig iron and steel industry. Despite its vast production, much of the Brazilian charcoal production remains low-tech and inefficient, with limited utilization of by-products. To address potential environmental impacts, promote a circular economy, and reduce energy waste in the charcoal production chain, this study presents the benefits of using wood carbonization by-products through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The analysis was performed by comparing four scenarios: i) Current wood carbonization; ii) Wood carbonization with combustion of non-condensable gases; iii) Wood carbonization with energy recovering of non-condensable gases for electricity generation; and iv) Assessing the utilization of insoluble tar and biomass waste for generating additional electricity, and the use of Pyroligneous Extract (PE) in eucalyptus cultivation. The results demonstrate that by-product utilization prevents energy waste, with an estimated potential to generate 0.19–0.26 MWh per ton of charcoal in Scenarios 3 and 4. Furthermore, 3.3 t of CO2 eq./t of charcoal are sequestered from the atmosphere, and Scenarios 2, 3, and 4 can increase this amount by 5.06%, 6.7%, and 0.48%, respectively. This paper introduces an innovative assessment of PE utilization during eucalyptus cultivation, resulting in a 6.16% reduction in greenhouse gas emission and a 46.98% decrease in abiotic resource consumption, attributed to PE's potential to partially reduce pesticide consumption. [Display omitted] • Photochemical Oxidation is the main impact category due to CO emissions in carbonization kilns. • Potential to generate 0.19–0.26 MWh of electricity per ton of charcoal through by-products utilization. • Forest residues and insoluble tar increase electricity generation potential by 36%. • Charcoal by-products offset GHG emissions from 14 to 203 kg/ton of charcoal. • Pyroligneous Extract use leads to 6% lower GHG emissions and 47% decrease in abiotic resource consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed generation (DG) plays a strategic role in transitioning from a fossil to a renewable energy matrix, encouraging the reduction of energy poverty and access to green energy in traditional communities. This paper proposes a statistical model based on structural equations to analyze the influence of DG on Well-Being (CWB), and to estimate the causal relationships between the latent variables: economic (ECO), environmental (ENV), social (SOC), distributed generation system (DGS) and well-being (CWB) in a rural area in Brazil. The research is carried out in a Quilombola Community located in the south of Brazil. In the data collection process, a questionnaire was used in a Likert scale format, applied in loco to the residents of the Quilombola community. This database was imported into the SmartPLS software for analysis using a partial least squares approach. Structural equation-based modelling (SEM) results confirmed 66% of the hypotheses. The latent variables SOC and DGS directly and positively affected CWB with (β = 0.573) and (β = 0.433), respectively. The Economic variable with (β = 0.396) had a direct and positive effect on the DGS variable, and the DGS variable with (β = 0.404) had an immediate and positive impact on the CWB. The variables observed with the highest participation in the latent variables were: belonging (62%), social capital (31%), greenhouse gases (56%) and incentive policies (45%). The proposed model demonstrates that socioeconomic changes, carried out from specific public policies around the installation of DG, should contribute to the well-being of traditional communities and the reduction of energy poverty. • An analysis of the well-being development of a rural community was done. • For data collection process was used a Likert scale. • Only the social dimension had a direct effect on the well-being of the community. • The designed model demonstrated that the variables are susceptible to changes, influencing on public policies. • DG promotes well-being beyond technical issues and should encourage its installation in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An improved shear test is used to replace the traditional direct shear test to avoid the interference of the traditional direct shear test on AE signal acquisition. • The rock fracture process has an obvious piecewise variation characteristic and a significant increasing period. • The AE data (RA-AF values) collected in Brazil splitting test and improved shear test are coupled to determine the tensile and shear crack boundaries of rock. The mechanical and AE information of the whole process of rock damage and fracture are obtained by uniaxial compression test, Brazil splitting test and improved shear test on marble, granite, limestone and sandstone. The internal relationship between the damage and failure mechanism of brittle rock and AE signal is revealed based on these tests. Moreover, in this paper, the improved shear test is used to replace the traditional direct shear test to avoid the interference of the traditional direct shear test on AE signal acquisition. The experimental results show that the rock fracture process has an obvious piecewise variation characteristic and a significant increasing period. A variety of AE signals are screened by coupling the main frequency and its amplitude, and the values of b and CV (r) can be used as the precursor signals of rock critical failure. Based on KDE method and K-means algorithm, the AE data (RA-AF values) collected in Brazil splitting test and improved shear test are coupled to determine the tensile and shear crack boundaries of four kinds of rocks. Based on the determined boundary of AE data between tensile and shear cracks, the corresponding precursor index CV (r) of rock failure is proposed. When the value of CV (r) increases to more than 1, the rock is close to failure or failure has occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freight transport decarbonization is challenging due to the slow implementation of policies to meet climate goals. This paper analyzes the dynamics of the implementation of freight decarbonization measures. A System Dynamics model was developed and applied to the Brazilian freight system to simulate the use of more sustainable modes and means of transport, including electrification, increased use of biofuels, acceleration of fleet renewal, and modal shift. Significant emission reductions are found in the scenarios combining a shift to alternative modes and a rapid phase-out of diesel vehicles. Even so, the Brazilian freight sector's emission budgets towards limiting global warming to 1.5 °C and 2 °C will be depleted during the current and next decade, respectively. An absolute reduction of carbon emissions before 2050 seems unlikely. Besides confirming the need to study the dynamics of the freight system, the findings corroborate the urgency for stronger actions on freight decarbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel method forecasts interventions in deteriorating tunnel infrastructures. • Comprehensive tunnel data aids performance assessment. • Brazilian rail tunnel's degradation inspection. • Method reveals links between service levels and geology. • Inspection Digital Twin maps degradation zones, connects with database, enabling continuous digital structural oversight. Civil infrastructures inevitably undergo a degradation process due to extended periods of operation, frequent service requests, and weathering. This paper proposes a methodology for predicting necessary interventions and presents a database of inspection information for tunnels. The model developed correlates performance loss, measured by the tunnel serviceability index (TSI), to defects detected through a 2D grid composed of classified unit cells converted into a virtual representation. To support the framework developed, intervention time estimates were compared to stochastic degradation models presented in the literature. A limit analysis was performed using inverse exponential equations, utilizing data from different sources and supported by a digital representation of the analysis structure. This was done to estimate times with unitary inspection data, deterioration mapping control, and data connection to the developed inspection model. A railway tunnel for ore transport in northern Brazil was selected as a case study to apply the forecast model, as it showed an accelerated deterioration process within a few years of service. The tunnel was divided into four sections that were analyzed using the methodology developed through inspection-sensitive analysis. The section with the lowest service level (TS 1) matched the geological-geotechnical mapping, which indicated a rock mass with high metamorphic grade and susceptibility to weathering agents. The digital model resulted in an inspection digital twin (IDT) prototype that maps the zones with the greatest problems regarding the degradation process. Metadata is assigned to control elements, and there is online connection to a visual database of the tunnel. The target intervention time was set at 16 years by the developed structure, which falls within all forecast intervals calculated by the limit analyses. The inspection DT enables digital monitoring of the structure under analysis, allowing for efficient and optimized management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the investigations that defined the formation of the sedimentary deposits and the chronological sequence of the Foz do Chapecó archaeological area in the Volta Grande of the Upper Uruguay River, Southern Brazil. This research was undertaken to contribute to the definition of the diachronic, sedimentary and stratigraphic context of the archaeological occupations. To achieve these goals a geoarchaeological prospection by land and water was conducted, focusing on the valley bottoms, in the whole Volta Grande area. It comprehended the characterization of surface sedimentary deposits, the exposure and analysis of stratigraphic profiles, and sedimentological analysis. Four superficially exposed deposits were identified: i.e., fluvial conglomerates, fine sediments with sandy texture, clay colluviums and current and recent alluvial deposits. Six interesting points for the opening of stratigraphic profiles were identified, and subsequently resulted in the identification of sedimentary facies associated with river-bed, colluvial and colluvial-alluvial deposits. Three of these points presented a clear sequence of archaeological levels in the stratigraphic context. The results indicated that the local sediments are predominantly composed of a variable mixture of silt and clay, with sands occurring predominantly in an interdigitated form. The stratigraphic structure of the identified layers led to the establishment of 7 sedimentary facies, associated with colluvium (Cm), colluvium-alluvium (Sm) and alluvium and fluvial channels (Sm, Fl, Gms, Gt, Gp, Gh). The radiocarbon dating gives an age between 12.0 and 0.3 cal kBP, indicating that the filling of the local valley occurred during the end of the Pleistocene and throughout the Holocene by means of both fluvial and colluvial systems. Nine distinct archaeological levels, with a clear stratigraphic, chronological, and technological characterization were identified. The pre-ceramic archaeological sequence shows the following chronology: the oldest occupation occurred between 12.0 and 11.0 cal kBP (Cm facies); this was followed by an occupation between 10.5 and 9.5 cal kBP (Cm, Gt, Gp and Gh facies in three archaeological sites with eleven 14C data), then an occupation between 8.7 and 8.5 cal kBP (Cm facies), another between 5.7 and 5.5 cal kBP, one more between 4.8 and 4.6 cal kBP (Cm facies), and the last between 3.4 and 3.3 cal kBP (Cm and Sm facies). The ceramic phase seems to form a single dense component with the anthropogenic soil formation, and was dated between 0.5 and 0.3 cal kBP (Sm facies). These data present a previously unpublished chronostratigraphic sequence that is unique for the context of open-air sites in inner southern Brazil. • This research presents a unique example of a well-documented archaeological settlement in an open-air, multi-component site situated in a riverine setting in inland Southern Brazil. • It marks the first geoarchaeological study in Southern Brazil's subtropical oxidic environments, utilizing an integrated approach that includes sedimentology, stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, and the spatial distribution of archaeological features. • The study's sedimentary sequence aids in reconstructing the paleo-environments of the Upper Uruguay River region. • The findings suggest that prehistoric cultural dynamics throughout the Holocene in Southern Brazil were more complex than previously understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wind power has gained prominence on the world stage, especially in Brazil. In addition to generating energy free of emissions, wind technology is the second cheapest generation option in Brazil. At the same time, it has contributed to reducing hydrological vulnerability caused by climate variation. Although wind power has experienced a steady expansion in the last decade, recent poor outcomes of wind auctions produced uncertainty about the future of this technology in the country. This paper analyses the influence of contract mechanisms used in Brazilian energy auctions for the growth of wind generation. To do this, a scenario analysis based on a hybrid simulation model is used, combining agent-based modelling (ABM) and system dynamics (SD). From the hybrid simulation, the effect of the wind project cancellation policy is analysed, on the one hand, and different ceiling prices for competing sources in the auctions are assessed, on the other. Moreover, the simulation model shows how hydro conditions affect reserve energy auctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several initiatives towards the science-policy interface and the co-production of knowledge, but there is still few methodological and empirically grounded guidance helping scientists to design and implement research that actively facilitate transformative changes in ocean conflicts. In this paper, we explore the potential of the participatory scenario planning tool in the transformation of a conflict case on small-scale fishing in Brazil. We highlight the lessons learned, potential, and challenges of the scenario planning approach for conflict transformation. Despite being an approach widely applied to coastal and marine environmental and management issues, the scenarios methodology has not been explicitly applied in conflict situations, with the parties in dispute, as we did. Our methodological approach consisted of a previous research stage, based on documental analysis, direct observation of meetings and semi-structured interviews, followed by a participatory scenario planning workshop. Our results show that the participatory scenario planning was able to find the common desires as well as the uncertainties that generated doubts, mistrust, and in many moments disagreements among different groups of stakeholders that were in conflict. Previous research and the employment of multiple methods to build the history of the conflict contributed to legitimate researchers' positionality, to know the parties involved and the power dynamics. We raised some questions to advance the understanding of how the participatory scenarios planning contribute to transforming ocean conflicts in a more critical and politicized view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has an energy system with a hydrothermal characteristic that interconnects consumers and generators covering 98% of the demand for energy supplies. Most of the plants are concentrated in the southeast region, where the largest consumers and the largest population concentration are located. The expansion of this system, considering the hydroelectric contributions, will occur exploring the potentials located in the Amazon region. This analysis paper shows that the variations imposed by climate changes on some climatological variables create significant uncertainties about the power generation forecasts of the hydroelectric power plants to be installed in the Amazon, thus compromising the financial economic feasibility of these enterprises and also possibly compromising the expansion plans of the Brazilian energy system. The methodological approach uses information from various climate change scenarios and compares those with historical hydrological patterns and generation information. By exploring the characteristics of a large-scale hydrothermal system with high dependence on water resources, this paper provides valuable insights on how energy policy would address hydroelectric vulnerabilities and climate change. This analysis is focused on the Brazilian case but reveals important issues related to systems with hydro thermal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different interest groups play a role in regulatory governance. One frequently neglected is the group of professionals that run regulatory agencies and pursue regulatory goals. The objective of this paper is to give “regulocrats” center stage. It interprets data from a survey conducted by Brazilian institutions, shedding light on the major preferences of the “regulocrats”, and on how they go about implementing policy and interacting with other actors. Data is combined with a state capacity perspective so as to elaborate on the findings. The paper concludes by articulating an idea of a particular kind of hybridism in the Brazilian “regulocracy”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the legitimacy of pilot projects in Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania and the Amazon region in Brazil. The analysis is both normative – i.e., based on external criteria – and sociological – i.e., based on local people’s perceptions. Results show that the quality of decision-making in terms of local participation, balanced representation, openness and sufficient information increases local acceptability of REDD+. The research also suggests that power asymmetries may undermine legitimacy if not dealt with. Finally, the paper reveals that legitimacy outcomes differ under various contexts, which calls for REDD+ processes to be flexible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressures are mounting for the simplification of environmental impact assessment (EIA). This phenomenon is drawing increasing scholarly attention, but studies have not gone far beyond speculating what could happen as a result of recently implemented or proposed regulatory changes. This paper takes a more longitudinal look at simplified EIAs. The main objective was to analyze the perceived outcomes of a number of simplified EIA processes, using Brazil as the empirical context. More specifically, this paper aimed at understanding: 1) how simplified EIAs have been conceptualized and implemented in southeastern Brazil; and 2) how developers and civil servants in that region perceive the outcomes of simplified EIAs. This study adopted a sequential mixed method research approach. Data was collected through literature reviews, 261 telephone-based interviews and 10 face-to-face interviews. Degrees of EIA simplification can vary significantly within and across jurisdictions. In any case, simplification is often framed as a win-win solution to EIA ineffectiveness, through which regulatory and procedural changes are made to ease the process, while, at the same time, maintaining or providing better environmental protection. This approach is more frequently applied to potentially low-impact processes. Chi-square tests of the data collected through telephone interviews in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais indicated that developers tend to perceive EIA processes as difficult and slow regardless of how simplified it is. Most civil servants, who were directly involved in the implementation of simplified EIAs in state environmental agencies, argued that simplified EIAs are driven mostly by environmental agencies, as these institutions have long been unable to cope with an ever-increasing load of license applications. Policy outcomes of simplified EIAs in the territory are not sufficiently monitored by state agencies. Civil servants revealed concerns about the potential long term effects of EIA simplification on the ground, as they have had limited resources for audits and inspections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) are a promising alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and ultimately, to contribute to a more sustainable society. Within the current commitments of the Brazilian Government to international agreements, in terms of emissions reductions by 2030, some new policies have been implemented, in order to incentivize the diffusion of AFV in the country. Yet, how will these policies contribute to the goal of increasing its fleet in the long-term, how long will it take and what are the differences (if any) among the policies, in terms of their effectiveness, are questions that remain unanswered. In this sense, the main aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of public policies in the long-term diffusion dynamics of AFV in Brazil. In order to do so, a system dynamics model is developed, based on the Generalized Bass Diffusion model, the Cobb-Douglas function and the learning curve theory. The model is used to test four different policies and some uncertainties related to: (i) the exemption of the import duty; (ii) the reduction of the motor vehicle property tax; (iii) the exemption of the tax on manufacturing goods; and (iv) a banning regulation for internal combustion engine vehicles in the long-term. The results highlight the importance of the current incentive policies but at the same time call for reinforcing efforts in order to increase the AFV fleet to significant values by 2030. Conversely, the banning regulation obtains a higher diffusion rate, but only achieves significant values by 2060. The paper concludes by showing the main contributions and policy implications of the effectiveness of the four policies studied as well as some suggestions for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic authentication has become an essential service in several public areas. However, although the technology related with this kind of service has evolved, the price tag of its use is not affordable for most countries. In the so-called “under developed” counties, such as Brazil, South Africa and India, for example, registration systems are often paper-based and/or cover only a fraction of the population. Thus, the reality is that there is an increasing gap into the usage of such technologies amongst different countries and it can be a factor that makes development more difficult and, therefore, less inclusive. One of the main technologies used for automatic identity prediction is based on biometrics analysis, which can distinguish physical or behavioural features to help overcome the traditional paper-based identity systems. Despite the limitations already mentioned, Brazil is known to have introduced several different uses of biometric-based technologies for authentication. However, the use of these technologies is not always ideal and, since the population size is a key factor, it is essential to select the most affordable option which is not necessarily the most adequate for the country's needs. This paper will focus on establishing what biometric-based solutions exist in Brazil today, highlighting the main challenges, as well as briefly proposing a new prototype for mobile fingerprint acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the reliability of two different models to compute acoustic impedances in the Namorado oilfield, Campos Basin, Brazil. The acoustic impedance is a physical property related to the interaction of a seismic pulse and the components of the rock. This interaction is useful to understand lithological aspects of the studied area. Numerous models have been proposed in the literature with undesirable results. Particularly for Namorado oilfield, there is few models to estimate acoustic impedances in a reliable framework, specially for lack of log data. To achieve this purpose, we use a petrophysical expression that directly estimates acoustic impedances without the need of density logs. In addition, we also discuss empirical expressions to compute compressional velocities using other log data. To validate both models, we calculate the observed acoustic impedance directly from the elastic theory and also present 2-D maps of impedances for the whole Namorado oilfield. The results show that both models are good for low values of impedance, despite of the overall sub-estimation of the acoustic impedance by the petrophysical model. The empirical model presents more dispersive estimations of acoustic impedance when faced with the observed impedance. With this paper, we are intended to present more possibilities for the poor data coverage of Namorado oilfield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several adaptive systems have been proposed that are based on the concepts of smart cities, which can be successfully adapted to natural disasters or other public safety concerns. Since these systems are embedded in a critical and dynamic environment, it is really important to have an infrastructure that is capable of providing real-time environmental information. This paper discusses two research questions that arise from adaptive ubicomp systems: ( i ) what are the key requirements to provide a reliable WSN-based system (e.g. a river monitoring system)? and ( ii ) how can an adaptable and reliable WSN-based system be developed? This paper seeks to respond to the former question with the aid of the RESS standard platform. The latter question is answered by employing a generic approach for adaptation. The term “critical systems”, means that any error may result in the loss of human life. We devised the RESS standard after deploying the WSN-based river monitoring system in Brazil for five years. Our prototype underwent several trials, sometimes leading to failure or damage, before we came up with a more reliable solution, which is outlined in this article. Finally, while our RESS platform is policy-free, it is extensible/adaptable and hence can naturally be adapted to new policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade several scientific papers have dealt with the damages fossil fuels did to our environment. Carbon dioxide has been blamed the chief culprit since it is produced by the automobile fleet that uses diesel or gasoline as a fuel. As a result, several countries are implementing public policies aimed at the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable ones, such as biodiesel. Brazil has become one of them, since the biodiesel production has increased from 736 m 3 to 3,419,838 m 3 in less than ten years. Therefore, this paper intends to briefly review the literature on the history, evolution, and the environmental aspects of biodiesel in Brazil in order to show its positive economic impact on the Brazilian economy, in addition to showing how important this biofuel is to the environment by providing an overview of its advantages when compared to fossil diesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the main challenges for the development of the natural gas industry in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo; in so doing, the paper identifies the strategies that are currently employed by industry players to encourage the use of this resource and to thus diversify the state's energy matrix. For these purposes, the following methodology was adopted: (i) analyzing bibliographic references that address the issues of infrastructure industry, regulation and the natural gas industry in Brazil – including in the Brazilian states; and (ii) employing secondary data from governmental and regulatory institutions to demonstrate the evolution of this industry in recent years in Brazil and particularly in Espírito Santo. The study concludes that, although there are challenges in expanding the gas transportation (carrier) and distribution segments ("natural monopolies") and the formation of a "consumption-anchor" for natural gas, the present is the right time to use public policies to encourage the use of natural gas and renewable sources for technological, environmental and energy security reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For native species seeds, the triphasic imbibition pattern is the rarest to occur. • The imbibition curve pattern may change according to the type of data used. • The use of single or multiple samples changes both germination speed and imbibition pattern. • More accurate imbibition curves must be established by fresh weight variations. • Use of alternative data for obtain the triphasic standard may affect future research. Although providing the basis for seed germination studies, there is little information available on seed imbibition curves for Brazilian forest species. Among the few studied species, the theoretical triphasic pattern may not apply, hampering the conduction of subsequent studies that require a clear definition of imbibition phases. In this paper, we characterize the seed imbibition curves of 25 Brazilian forest species and compare them with those from other studies and with the classic triphasic pattern. We collected seeds of the chosen species in the region of Lavras, MG, Brazil, and measured their fresh weight before and during the entire germination process. Seed weight data were used to calculate the weight gain percentage of each species. We defined the imbibition curves of Peltophorum dubium seeds using seed fresh weight and seed weight gain percentage of both single and multiple samples, as well as using water content (on fresh and dry bases) to compare potential changes in imbibition patterns caused by differences in data. When only weight gain was considered, we observed the triphasic pattern in 11 species; however, only in four of them, the germination coincided with the third phase of imbibition. The triphasic pattern did not emerge for the remaining 14 species. Considering seed water content instead of weight resulted in some changes in the pattern of the imbibition curve, influencing the accuracy of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetry is a common phenom among invertebrates. A consequence of this phenom is the rise of chiral forms (or enantiomorphs), which are structures that are mirror images of each other. The asymmetry can be divided into two: directional asymmetry, when only one of the enantiomorphs exists in nature, and antisymmetry, when both chiral forms exist in nature in equal frequencies, a much rarer phenom than the prior. In this paper, I describe the unknown male and redescribe the female of Isagoras paxillus (Westwood) and a new species of Isagoras Stål from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Isagoras sobrali sp. nov. (based on males from Rio Grande do Norte: Natal). Furthermore, I also describe the first case of antisymmetry in Phasmatodea in these two species and discuss the relevance of this finding within a morphological, behavioral, and systematic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the globalized agri-food system of the 21st century, plantations of genetically modified crops have increased considerably worldwide, justified by arguments such as food security and feeding the world's population. In Brazil, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have indisputably consolidated as a hegemonic type of market-centered agriculture, despite continuous resistance. Therefore, the research question guiding this study is what are the discursive articulations that prompted GMO hegemony in Brazil, despite the distinctive counterhegemonic articulations shaping this field of struggle? Grounded on Laclau and Mouffe's political discourse theory (PDT) of hegemony formation, we qualitatively assess a corpus of mainstream newspaper articles and documental sources to develop a longitudinal analysis of the GMO arena. Our analysis of key periods helps elucidate GMO hegemony establishment in Brazil, comprising six articulation processes conducted by pro-GMO actors concerning anti-GMO discourses. Our paper contributes to a better understanding of how hegemonic actors in rural Brazil shaped articulation practices to establish GMO hegemony, diminishing state and media control, and fostering market-oriented arrangements. • GMOs represent a cornerstone of agro-neoliberalism in Brazil, despite resistance. • This hegemony developed through discursive articulations that aim at fixing meanings. • A longitudinal analysis enabled these discursive articulations to be identified. • Key periods over the last decades led to the settlement of GMO hegemony. • Pro-GMO actors followed a modus operandi, comprising six articulation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting information and discovering patterns from a massive dataset is a hard task. In an epidemic scenario, this data has to be integrated providing organization, agility, transparency and, above all, it has to be free of any type of censorship or bias. The aim of this paper is to analyze how coronavirus contamination has evolved in Brazil applying unsupervised analysis algorithms to extract information and find characteristics between them. To achieve this goal we describe an implementation that uses data about Covid-19 spread in Brazilian states (26 states and the federal district), applying a Time Series Clustering technique based on a K-Means variation, using Dynamic Time Warping as a similarity metric. We used data reported by the Ministry of Health in Brazil, referring to deaths per 100k inhabitants, during 452 days from the first reported death in each state. Two analyzes were performed, one considering 3 clusters and the other with 6 clusters. Through these analysis, 3 patterns of responses to the pandemic can be observed, ranging from one of greater to lesser control of the pandemic, although in recent months all clusters showed a highly increase in the number of deaths. The identification of these patterns is important to highlight possible actions and events, as well as other characteristics that determine the correct or incorrect public decision-making in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops empirical models to test the impact of airport privatization on airline fares. We employ a difference-in-difference approach combined with an endogenous switching regression model to account for the selection of airports to be privatized. The results suggest that prices for tickets on routes with at least one privatized airport at an endpoint are about 3–3.5% higher than on routes between two publicly managed airports. By testing moderating effects, we find evidence that market dominance enforces the privatization impact on airfares. The main conclusions are consistent using various control group classifications. • We estimate an econometric model of airline pricing. • We test the hypothesis of higher airfares due to airport privatization. • We employ difference-in-difference approach combined with a two-stage switching regression. • We select instrumental variables and regressors using fixed effects, post-double IV-LASSO. • Results corroborate the raised hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper re-examines the dependence structure between uncertainty in oil prices and sovereign credit risk of oil exporters. To address this issue, we employ a copula approach that allows us to capture asymmetric and nonlinear dependence structures. Empirical analyses involve daily data of the 5-year sovereign credit default swaps spreads and the crude oil implied volatility from January 2010 to May 2019, covering a sample of ten oil-exporting countries. Except for Brazil and Venezuela, our results provide evidence of significant positive and upper tail dependence in the relationship between oil market uncertainty and oil exporters' sovereign risk. Overall, our findings highlight that high uncertainty in oil prices coincides with large-scale increases in the sovereign credit risk of oil-exporting countries, supporting the hypothesis that investors, exposed to economic losses from risk events in oil exporters, are all the more pessimistic that prevails high uncertainty about future oil prices. Our findings have implications for oil exporter' policymakers as well as investors. • We study the relationship between oil price volatility and the sovereign risk of oil exporters. • We use daily data of the sovereign CDS spreads and the crude oil implied volatility. • We provide evidence of positive and upper tail dependence in the relationship. • High uncertainty in oil prices coincides with a surge in the sovereign CDS spreads of oil exporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we build a water conflict typology and discuss some applications for water resources planning and management. To show how a typology was built we highlight twelve well documented water conflicts historical cases in the semiarid region of Ceará state and water conflicts collectively identified by river basin committee members in four water resources river basin plans. To show how the typology works we applied it to contemporary cases of water conflicts headlined in the national media. Conflicts are separated into component characteristics such as triggers, actors, length, coverage area, mediation arena, and other useful information. As the complexity of social-environmental issues increases new tools for organizing data into useful information increase in demand. We believe that this water conflict typology can be employed as an analytical instrument capable of providing a "bird's-eye view" of diffuse sources of conflict. [Display omitted] • Typologies can play a key role in organizing diffuse but crucial information for water management. • Few typologies focus on water conflicts. • We show how a water conflict typology can reveal patterns that are vital for water management decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A variety of enzymes immobilization methods are being developed to enhance biocatalyst performance, particularly lipases, which have attracted much attention for their extensive applications. This review provides a bibliometric and patent analysis of lipase immobilization techniques by scientific papers and patents in Web of Science and WIPO databases. Immobilized lipases are being extensively used in the research areas of Chemistry and Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology, mainly for the production of flavor esters and biodiesel. China, India, and Brazil, and institutions related to these countries, stand out as the most academically productive in terms of lipase immobilization research since 1976 and in the last five years. Researchers from these countries with studies in the fields of Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Energy Fuels are highlighted in this review. Trend analysis of the last 5 and 10 years revealed that lipase immobilization techniques and materials, such as sol–gel synthesis, magnetic nanoparticles, and crosslinked enzyme aggregates, remain important; other technologies, including ionic liquids and ultrasonication, have been increasingly applied to improve lipase immobilization. Patent analysis revealed a large number of filed patents, indicative of the industrial potential of immobilized lipases. These findings underscore the importance of research on lipase immobilization for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]