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[Display omitted] • Five Brazilian coats of arms paintings are characterized in a microanalytical approach • Artist's palette comprises traditional pigments such as ultramarine blue, indigo, Prussian blue, lead chromate and vermillion • Aluminium and brass are found in silvering and gilding instead of silver and gold, contradicting heraldic guidelines • Differences in the colorant palette and signature raise questions about the authorship of a painting • Crystalline efflorescences in one painting may indicate paint extender migration or past microbiological activity Heraldry in Latin American art of the twentieth century can be considered rare. In this context, the material composition of coat of arms paintings on paper attributed to the Brazilian painter José Wasth Rodrigues is investigated for the first time using a microanalytical approach. Microsamples from 5 municipal coats of arms dated 1932 were analysed using Raman microscopy, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). SEM-EDS results revealed the artist's choice of using metallic aluminium and brass in the representation of silver and gold colours, respectively. Raman microscopy analyses showed the use of traditional inorganic pigments, such as ultramarine blue, indigo, Prussian blue, yellow chromates and vermillion. In contrast, the results showed that the painting with an unusual signature attributed to the artist (W. instead of J.W.R, commonly found) contains synthetic organic dyes Orange 5, Red 53, and Yellow 1 (introduced in the 1900s). This discovery raised hypothesis of questioning authorship for this particular painting. ATR-FTIR analysis of a paint fragment from one painting confirmed the use of gum arabic as a binder. ATR-FTIR analyses of efflorescences collected from a blue paint layer of a particular coat of arms suggest protein and lipid content, raising suspicion of either the use of the tempera technique in this particular paint or remains of a past microorganism activity. Robust information was obtained on the chemical characterization of the coat of arms, enhancing comprehension of the painting techniques employed by the artist and providing insight into the production of heraldic art in Brazil at the beginning of the 20th-century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for determining thallium in water samples via solid sampling high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS HR-CS GF AAS) after preconcentration using chromatographic filter paper as a solid support was proposed. The effects of pH, stirring time, and sample volume in the analyte preconcentration step were studied. The presence of potential interferences in the sample and the type of masking agent were also examined. In the proposed procedure, the sample was placed in contact with the solid phase in a polypropylene tube, and after stirring for 3 min, thallium determination was performed via HR-CS GF AAS directly on chromatographic filter paper. A preconcentration factor of 55, a precision of 9.4% (n = 10; 10 μg L−1), a limit of detection of 0.018 μg L−1, and a limit of quantification of 0.059 μg L−1 were achieved. Analyte addition and recovery tests were performed, and the results ranged from 91% to 110%. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing a water reference material. The procedure was used to determine thallium in water samples collected in Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil. The results were compared with those obtained using inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Thallium concentrations in the analyzed samples ranged from <0.059 to 0.80 μg L−1. [Display omitted] • A method for Tl determination in water samples using SS HR-CS GF AAS is presented. • Thallium preconcentration using chromatographic filter paper as a solid phase was performed. • Thallium determination was carried out via HR-CS GF AAS directly on chromatographic paper. • This method was used to analyze river water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aspects related to water consumption of P. peruviana were evaluated under different managements. • P. peruviana vegetative growth is favored by high temperatures. • Mulching reduced Kc values of P. peruviana in all phenological stages. • The Kc of P. peruviana can be estimated by means of NDVI. • Recycled paper mulch reduced soil evaporation and water consumption by the P. peruviana crop by 30.6%. The application of soil mulching has been widely used to increase crop production; however, few research studies have comprehensively evaluated the use of recycled paper as soil mulch and its effects in relation to water savings and crop coefficients. The objective was to evaluate the effects of mulching with recycled paper on evaporation and evapotranspiration of Physalis peruviana and to determine the crop coefficients in its development stages. The study was carried out in two cultivation cycles at the Lysimetric Station of Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The experiments were set up in a randomized block design with four replicates, where four lysimeter treatments were applied: P. peruviana cultivation without recycled paper mulch (C); P. peruviana cultivation with recycled paper mulch (CP); lysimeter with only recycled paper mulch (P); and lysimeter cultivated with Bahiagrass (G). Irrigation and drainage volumes in each lysimeter were measured daily to calculate crop evapotranspiration (ETc), reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and, therefore, the crop coefficients (Kc). In addition, crop phenology, fruit characteristics, gas exchange, yield and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were also evaluated. For the first cultivation cycle, over 218 days, the values of water consumption in the lysimeters C, CP, P and G were 405, 291, 88 and 444 mm, respectively. For the second cycle, over 206 days, the values of water consumption were 416, 279, 94 and 331 mm, respectively. Recycled paper significantly reduced water consumption, especially in the initial and late-season stages, also reducing Kc values. The Kc values for P. peruviana were 0.25, 0.55, 1.05 and 0.46 in cultivation with mulch and 0.45, 0.85, 1.35 and 0.48 in cultivation without mulch for the initial, development, mid-season and late-season stages, respectively. NDVI can be used to estimate the Kc values of P. peruviana. Recycled paper mulch reduced water consumption by 30.6% and increased gas exchange and yield of P. peruviana in cycles 1 and 2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a cutin-like, highly chemically resistant macropolymer has been isolated from rachises of Karinopteris sp. (lyginopteridalean pteridosperm, Middle Pennsylvanian). Samples are obtained from a cuticular or "paper" coal-shale, i.e., an organic-rich and highly clastic rock associated with the Upper Block Coal Member of the Brazil Formation, Parke County, west-central Indiana, U.S.A. Karinopteris specimens are preserved as naturally oxidized compressions, termed "fossilized cuticles", and possibly represent vegetation of mineral substrate environments. Employing laboratory oxidation reactions, the fossilized cuticle of Karinopteris rachises is used to obtain the cuticle. After additional and long-term oxidation treatment, the cuticle yields the cutin-like macropolymer, here referred to as "cutin" for simplicity. The fossilized cuticle, cuticle, and cutin samples of Karinopteris sp. are chemically analyzed using semi-quantitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cutin IR spectra of Karinopteris rachises are characterized by (a) a predominantly aliphatic composition as indicated by intense aliphatic (CH al) C H stretching peaks at 3000–2700 cm−1, which are assigned to methylene (CH 2) and methyl (CH 3) groups; (b) carbonyl (C=O) groups at 1730–1640 cm−1, and aromatic carbon (C=C) absorption bands at 1600–1500 cm−1. A comparison with the cuticle, the cutin stands out due to relatively higher values of CH 2 /CH 3 and C=O/C=C, while displaying notably low values of CH al /C=O and C C contribution. Specifically, the relatively low value of CH al /C=O ratio obtained for the cutin of Karinopteris rachises is consistent with those found in the cutin of extant and fossil leaves. This lower CH al /C=O ratio indicates the important role likely played by C O groups in creating a deformable and flexible structure in both the cutin and the cuticle. Such a reduced rigidity suggests a high level of rachis flexibility of the once-living Karinopteris plant, supporting the interpretation of a climbing or liana habit. Cutin isolation and its chemical characterization shed light on the probable biomechanical (flexibility) properties of Karinopteris rachises, thereby enhancing our understanding of the plant growth habit. [Display omitted] • First-time spectroscopic study of Indiana "paper" coal (Pennsylvanian, U.S.A.). • Cutin polymer is obtained from fossilized cuticles of Karinopteris rachises. • Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy supplies chemical data. • Cutin is mainly aliphatic with highly crossed-linked ester carbonyl (C=O) bonds. • High C O contents suggest a liana-like Karinopteris plant with flexible rachises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long term annual electricity consumption forecasting is very important for country's energy planning. These forecasts are influenced by several factors (political, technological, social, environmental and economic), and brings with itself a high uncertainty degree in its results and difficulties in the evaluation of such factors over them. A methodology that eases to take into account these factors aiming improve the results and help understanding the electricity consumption annual trajectory till the forecast horizon is, therefore, very much useful and desired. So, we propose a modelling structure using the bottom-up approach to cope with these matters and to evaluate the trajectory of long term annual electricity consumption of a sector of the Brazilian industry up to 2050 considering energy efficiency (EE) scenarios. It is important to emphasize that Brazil is a developing country, and to build a bottom-up approach was a challenge, mainly due to the fact that this model is data intensive. In particular, this modelling was applied in the pulp and paper sector. The main goal was to consider technological diffusion scenarios in EE measures, and show the energy savings achieved. The results point an energy savings in the order of 25% when an actual scenario is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study of plant–plant parasitism has experienced remarkable growth in the scientific literature. • Research on plant parasites has predominantly focused on ecological and physiological aspects in the last 20 yeras. • Aspects of evolution and host-parasite interactions needs further and deeper investigations. • We hope this special issue will serve as a catalyst for further advancements in the investigation of plant-plant parasitism. The study of plant–plant parasitism has experienced remarkable growth in the scientific literature, particularly over the past two decades. Hemi- and holoparasites, in particular, have been recognized as pivotal components within plant communities, capable of upscale effects to the ecosystem. Research on plant parasites has predominantly focused on ecological and physiological aspects of parasites and hosts, with a global distribution pattern. However, some fields remain relatively unexplored, and specific regions of Asia and the Global South (with exception of Australia and Brazil) have yet to receive comprehensive attention. Here, we introduce the theme on plant hemi- and holoparasites and explore publication trends on plant–plant parasitism over the past half-century, with a particular emphasis on papers published within the last two decades. We explore our findings to extend an invitation to researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to contribute their expertise to a forthcoming Virtual Special Issue of Flora – Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants on "Plant Parasitism: Ecology, Evolution and Functional Aspects", with contributions expected from a wide range of topics related to ecology, physiology, morphology, systematics, and reproductive biology. We believe that this special issue will help in advancing our knowledge in plant-plant parasitism, fostering collaboration and facilitating the growth of this exciting area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production systems are being restructured to close production cycles via implementing circular economy (CE) practices. The planted tree industry in Brazil has shown potential for applying CE practices due to its efficient use of resources and inclination towards environmental innovation. However, some gaps and difficulties have been observed in several industrial segments so that the logic of the circular production system is put into practice more effectively and intensely. In this context, the aim was to investigate the use and impacts of CE practices in the Brazilian planted tree industry by sector of operation and scale of enterprises based on the ReSOLVE framework. Data were collected from 34 companies that answered a questionnaire, corresponding to 47.2% of Brazilian planted tree industry companies. Data analysis involved univariate and multivariate statistical techniques, considering the grouping of companies by sector of activity (forest producer, pulp and paper, and timber processing) and scale (small, medium, and large). The results revealed that "pulp and paper" and medium- and large-scale companies had the most significant application of CE practices and reported more significant impacts. [Display omitted] • Explores a segmented analysis of the circular economy by scale and sub-sector groups. • Scores of circular practices and their impacts are presented according to the groups. • The association between circular practices and impacts by group are analyzed. • Propositions to enable the adoption of circular practices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of offset paper production in Brazil. The production system is classified into two subsystems: a forest production subsystem, which involves seedling production, soil preparation, seedling planting, forest maintenance, and wood harvesting and transport processes; and an industrial production subsystem, involving wood pulp extraction and bleaching, chemical recovery, and offset paper manufacturing processes. The environmental analysis includes the primary energy demand, environmental impact assessment, and land use indicators. The primary energy demand indicated that the largest amount of both renewable and non-renewable primary energy is consumed by the industrial production subsystem, accounting for 91.0% of the total energy demand. The potential environmental impact assessment included eight impact categories: acidification, ecotoxicity, global warming, human toxicity – cancer effects, human toxicity – non-cancer effects, nutrient enrichment, ozone depletion, and photochemical oxidation. Most of the potential impacts are attributed to the processes of pulp extraction and bleaching, and offset paper manufacturing, mainly due to the production of electricity and thermal energy. As for impacts on land use during the forest activities, a recent developed approach was applied for the regionalized assessment of impacts. Land occupation impacts on erosion resistance, physicochemical filtration, and mechanical filtration showed a reduction in the soil ecological functions, whereas groundwater recharge indicated a credit for the performance of the soil function. With a view to reducing the main life cycle impacts of the industrial production subsystem, an evaluation is made of alternative production scenarios. The best scenario was the substitution of biomass and diesel in the energy generation unit by biomass gasification and optimization of the recovery boiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attribution of status carries significant social and reproductive advantages as it reflects individual qualities. However, the traits conveyed and those perceived do not always align with reality. It is crucial to understand how the status associated with different professions can influence the perception of traits, as it assists in decision-making during social interactions. This study aimed to investigate whether the status derived from university education influences the assessment of social status, mate value and personality traits among Brazilians. A quasi-experimental design with nonrandom assignment was used, employing online questionnaires administered through Google Forms. A total of 252 participants, both male and female, over 18 years of age, and residing in Brazil, took part in the study. These participants evaluated the social status, mate value, and personality traits of stimulus subjects with high and low-status university education. The results revealed that stimulus subjects with high-status university education were regarded as possessing higher status in society and scored higher on Dark Triad traits. In contrast, stimulus subjects with low-status university education were perceived as having greater agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness to experiences. In conclusion, university education signals social and personality traits, serving as a parameter to shape social perceptions. • Subjects with high-status backgrounds are rated higher on Dark Triad traits. • Low status indicates greater agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness. • University education serve as an indicator of social and personality traits. • University education affects the perception of the individuals in social hierarchy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cachaça is the popular name of sugarcane liquor obtained from fermented sugarcane mash broth. This is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Brazil and is gaining ground in the global market. One of the quality parameters established by Brazilian law is the sum of the concentrations of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural, two compounds that give the beverage an unpleasant taste and have mutagenic potential. These two substances are usually determined by chromatographic techniques that employ toxic organic solvents that can be damaging to the health of the operator and to the environment. This paper describes the development of a new methodology to determine furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural in sugarcane liquor using a diffuse reflectance technique coupled with limited-area spot-testing on a paper platform. The new method presented LOQ values of 0.74 mg L − 1 for furfural and 1.27 mg L − 1 for hydroxymethylfurfural. Recoveries in the ranges 89.5–108% (furfural) and 96.3–106% (hydroxymethylfurfural) indicated that there was no significant influence of the matrix in determination of the analytes. The method was applied using eleven sugarcane liquor samples from different locations in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity markets offer considerable promise but are accompanied by controversies. Here, we map the utilization of native species (NS) from Brazil's biodiversity across eleven industrial sectors: foodstuffs, beverages, textiles, clothing, leather, wood, pulp and paper, biofuels, pharmochemicals, rubber and furniture. We show that there exists a diverse range of NS use in industrial products (48%) and activities (73%). These economic activities represent potential annual exports of approximately USD $50 billion. However, we found that only 1% of the potential business, USD $500 million of annual exports, is consolidated and can be traced to such products. We show that biodiversity markets and larger annual revenues locate in municipalities away from places in which biodiversity products originate. Therefore, the biodiversity business in Brazil remains largely untapped. This prompts a critical examination of the role of biodiversity within the Brazilian industry and its alignment with the Brazilian Biodiversity Law and the Nagoya Protocol. Our study is a pioneering effort that provides strategic recommendations. We suggest that the responsibility for sustainable NS utilization predominantly falls on sectors dominated by major corporations, most notably pharmochemicals and biofuels. These industry sectors possess the potential to lead the transition towards responsible and sustainable biodiversity practices within Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global waste generated by industrial activities poses significant environmental challenges. Eco-waste management emerges as an economically viable solution for converting, valorizing, and repurposing these byproducts, aligning with circular economy principles, and aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Construction, known for its unsustainability due to high energy consumption, non-renewable resource utilization, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from cement production, has led to the exploration of alternative materials. Magnesium oxide (MgO)-based cement, an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), has gained attention, leveraging Brazil's prominence as a major magnesite producer. This study explores the valorization of waste from kraft pulp mills of the paper industry, specifically lime sludge (LS) and lime slaker grits (grits), to produce magnesium oxysulfate (MOS)-based fiber cement boards. The effect of accelerated carbonation on cementitious composites produced with formulations containing grits and LS was investigated. Replacing 25% of the limestone with grits showed no noticeable differences in the properties of the boards, and MOR values close to 11.17 MPa were obtained. However, the physical-mechanical performance showed a decrease with the use of LS and higher concentrations of grits, associated with Na 2 SO 4.XH 2 O formation in the system and ITZ structure formed around the aggregated particle, respectively. Carbonation in a saturated atmosphere led to the carbonation of the 5–1–7 phase, which was related to the decrease in mechanical strength of the boards after the curing process. The thermal decomposition of the Hydrated Magnesium Carbonates (HMCs) formed during accelerated carbonation corroborated with the changes in the physical properties of the composites, demonstrating that the carbonation products are formed within the voids and pores of the material and contribute to the reduction in water absorption of the boards. • Global waste requires innovative environmental solutions for sustainability. • Investigation on eco-waste management aligns with circular economy principles, reducing environmental impact. • Article focuses on MgO-based cements as an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement, highlighting global magnesite production. • Research emphasizes valorization by utilizing waste from kraft pulp mills (such as LS and grits) for MOS-based fiber cement production. • Exploration of accelerated carbonation impact on cementitious composites with LS and grits unveils shifts in physical-mechanical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lead (Pb) contamination in the black paper that recovers intraoral films (BKP) has been investigated. BKP samples were collected from the Radiology Clinics of the Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. For sake of comparison, four different methods were used. The results revealed the presence of high lead levels, well above the maximum limit allowed by the legislation. Pb contamination levels achieved after the following treatments: paper digestion in nitric acid, microwave treatment, DIN38414-54 method and TCLP method were 997μgg−1, 189μgg−1, 20.8μgg−1, and 54.0μgg−1, respectively. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed for lead determination according to the protocols of the applied methods. Lead contamination in used BKP was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). All the SEM imaging was carried out in the secondary electron mode (SE) and backscattered-electron mode (QBSD) following punctual X-ray fluorescence spectra. Soil contamination derived from this product revealed the urgent need of addressing this problem. These elevated Pb levels, show that a preliminary treatment of BKP is mandatory before it is disposed into the common trash. The high lead content of this material makes its direct dumping into the environment unwise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite ample evidence on the labor productivity impact of heat shocks, little is known about how heat shocks affect labor adjustment over time. This paper uses administrative employer–employee linked data from Brazil to examine margins of labor market adjustment to extreme heat. Tracking workers over time and across job spells, I find that quarterly heat shocks increase the probability of formal manufacturing layoffs. In the medium run, there is limited intersectoral and interregional reallocation, as well as a significant failure rate to reallocate back to formal sectors, indicating job transitional costs. Finally, the employment impact of heat shocks is larger for workers in more routine manual task intensive, less abstract occupations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application. [Display omitted] • Tityus venoms are still underexploited sources of pharmacological agents. • Only few Tityus venom sequences (of ∼3000 available at databases) have been studied in depth. • T. serrulatus venom is the most studied venom among the Tityus venoms. • Many Tityus toxins are versatile toxins presenting a broad spectrum potential. • Some Tityus venom components whose function is still unknown include the PAPE and anionic peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article estimates the potential of using depleted offshore gas fields in Brazil for hydrogen storage and the effects this may have in terms of energy security. Brazil is starting to invest in producing green hydrogen associated with offshore wind energy generation. This initiative has stimulated the search for suitable locations to store hydrogen, including in depleted offshore gas reservoirs. The methodology used in this paper allows for identifying which of the 85 assessed depleted offshore gas fields are the most suitable for hydrogen storage and evaluating the storage capacity of the selected fields. In addition, a wind speed analysis is made to investigate possible locations for prospective wind energy generation projects that can accommodate green hydrogen production. As our main result, we find that the selected depleted offshore gas fields have the potential to store around 5483 TWh worth of hydrogen. This amount is equivalent to about 10 times the total annual electricity consumption in Brazil. Hence, Brazil can comfortably leverage its offshore wind potential in connection with hydrogen production to enhance the energy security of its electricity supply. Considering that to date primarily natural gas has been used as the main source of energy security in Brazil and that its share in the electricity sector has significantly increased over the last decade, the combination of hydrogen storage and renewable energy such as offshore wind power has the potential to provide a resilient and decarbonised electricity system in the country. Furthermore, hydrogen stored in offshore reservoirs in Brazil can become an important resource in the international energy market and constitute a possible key to energy security for countries to which Brazil may export hydrogen. We end our paper by providing comments on the challenges, opportunities, and prospects of offshore hydrogen storage in Brazil. • Offshore natural gas fields in Brazil are suitable for hydrogen storage. • Depleted offshore gas fields can store around 5483 TWh worth of hydrogen. • Two main offshore storage clusters exist in the Southeast and Northeast of Brazil. • Fossil fuel dependence in Brazil can be reduced through hydrogen use and storage. • Large-scale hydrogen storage can contribute to Brazil's energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature cycling stability studies can be appropriately designed and utilized to ensure that drug product quality, efficacy, and safety are not compromised when materials are subjected to short term temperature excursions from intended storage that may occur during e.g., shipping, transport, or patient use. Some countries, such as Australia and Brazil, impose specific regulations that specify the need to conduct stability studies that are supportive of "real world" excursions as part of licensing approval requirements. These temperature cycling stability studies extend beyond what is described in ICH Guidelines Q1A(R2) and Q5C, and companies may be challenged in designing studies that not only satisfy country specific regulations, but also satisfy all global regulatory health authority expectations. This article focuses on responses to a cross-industry survey conducted within the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality (iqconsortium.org) member companies, regarding practices related to temperature cycling stability studies, in order to determine how these requirements are being interpreted and met. The results indicate that while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to performing temperature cycling stability studies, there are common and best practices that can be followed to satisfy global health authority regulatory guidelines and requirements. The purpose of this paper is to describe the outcome of an industry survey and common/best practices on temperature cycling stability studies performed on drug product (DP) to satisfy the requirements established for marketing authorizations in Australia and Brazil or any other countries that may have similar requirements. The framework is proposed within the context of late phase and commercial development of common biological and/or large molecule modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs, including bispecific antibodies), fusion proteins, complex proteins, oligonucleotides, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), but many of the general principles involved may be applied to other therapeutics, such as Virus Like Particles (VLP), gene or cell therapies (GTx or CTx), or vaccines. For the purposes of this paper, temperature cycling stability studies refer to studies that are designed, in part, to support short term temperature excursions that drug product may be subjected to during shipping and storage activities and is outside of the labeled storage condition of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stings by Polistes wasps can cause life-threatening allergic reactions, pain and inflammation. We examined the changes in microvascular permeability and neutrophil influx caused by the venom of Polistes lanio a paper wasp found in southeastern Brazil. The intradermal injection of wasp venom caused long-lasting paw oedema and dose-dependently increased microvascular permeability in mouse dorsal skin. SR140333, an NK1 receptor antagonist, markedly inhibited the response, but the NK2 receptor antagonist SR48968 was ineffective. The oedema was reduced in capsaicin-treated rats, indicating a direct activation of sensory fibres. Dialysis of the venom partially reduced the oedema and the remaining response was further inhibited by SR140333. Mass spectrometric analysis of the venom revealed two peptides (QPPTPPEHRFPGLM and ASEPTALGLPRIFPGLM) with sequence similarities to the C-terminal region of tachykinin-like peptides found in Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom and vertebrates. Wasp venom failed to release histamine from mast cells in vitro and spectrofluorometric assay of the venom revealed a negligible content of histamine in the usual dose of P. l. lanio venom (1nmol of histamine/7μg of venom) that was removed by dialysis. The histamine H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine, but not bradykinin B1 or B2 receptor antagonists, inhibited venom-induced oedema. In conclusion, P. l. lanio venom induces potent oedema and increases vascular permeability in mice, primarily through activation of tachykinin NK1 receptors by substance P released from sensory C fibres, which in turn releases histamine from dermal mast cells. This is the first description of a neurovascular mechanism for P. l. lanio venom-mediated inflammation. The extent to which the two tachykinin-like peptides identified here contribute to this neurogenic inflammatory response remains to be elucidated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Local crop coefficient of pak choi was determined in two cultivation systems. • Biodegradable mulch of recycled paper reduced water consumption by 33–41%. • The crop coefficient curve was influenced by the biodegradable mulch of recycled paper. • Crop coefficient should be corrected for the regional climatic condition. • Crop coefficient can be predicted using a vegetation index. • Water requirement is between 128 and 142 mm for unmulched pak choi and between 83 and 85 mm for mulched pak choi. Unlike plastic mulch, which has environmental concern, recycled paper as mulch has the sustainable potential to be used in the production of vegetables and can be adopted in the cultivation of pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). However, there is no information on water savings and values of crop coefficient, which are used in irrigation management, generating a demand for research. The crop coefficients (Kc) of mulched (recycled paper) and unmulched pak choi were modeled as a function of cumulative growing degree days (CGDD) over two successive cultivation seasons, winter and spring. The study was conducted at the Lysimetric Station of the Federal University of Viçosa, in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo), required to calculate Kc, was obtained in situ by means of lysimeters cultivated with Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum). The models explained a large part of the data variability, with R2 from 0.45 to 0.75. Recycled paper significantly reduced water consumption mainly at the initial stage, also reducing Kc values. Kc values ranged from 0.36 to 1.58 for mulched pak choi and from 0.75 to 1.60 for unmulched one. The evaporation coefficient (Ke) of the mulch remained constant throughout the cycle, with a mean value of 0.32. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) adequately fitted to pak choi phenology. The Kc can be estimated based on the NDVI for mulched and unmulched pak choi. Mulching did not improve pak choi yield, but significantly increased its water use efficiency. In the winter, pak choi heads became more compact. The models found in this study are a useful tool for producers to estimate the water requirements of the crop. These results represent an important contribution to improving the use of irrigation water in pak choi cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and EPD-like demands have been gaining importance, particularly due to the release of Product Environmental Footprint by the European Union (EU). EPDs could be demanded in international trade, potentially creating a technical trade barrier for emerging economy countries. Thus, those countries should evaluate their readiness to successfully meet this demand. In this sense, this paper aims to analyse and propose strategies for EPD promotion in Brazil. Brazil's situation regarding life cycle assessment (LCA) and EPD development was analysed considering its business, academic, public policy and consumers contexts. In addition, an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) was elaborated based on interviews with EPD stakeholders in the country. These allowed some strategies to be proposed considering the principle of connecting strengths and opportunities, compensating for weaknesses and neutralizing threats. The results showed that Brazil has a technical and institutional context that enables EPD growth due to the initial stage of LCA database, EPD programs, stakeholders' engagement, and availability of experts. However, in general, these aspects aren't in an adequate level for successful EPD promotion. There is still a large path for EPD understanding and life cycle data availability. Besides, financial and technical restriction, especially considering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), present structural barriers. Nevertheless, by promoting EPD, Brazil could have gains in terms of credibility, access to global markets and environmental awareness. The opposite could happen if the country doesn't seize these opportunities. Furthermore, to influence Product Category Rule (PCR) definitions was said to be a key opportunity to avoid rules that disregard Brazilian singularities. Strategies for EPD promotion should focus on sensitizing and engaging different stakeholders in strategic sectors (civil construction, paper and pulp, coffee, ingredients derived from soya and livestock), enhancing technical capacities and life cycle data generation, and strengthening EPD programs to boost the Brazilian internal market and PCR development. Brazilian institutions should be encouraged to follow international discussions on EPD and internalize them, fostering sustainable production and consumption in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indirect evaporative cooling is a technology that can be used sustainably to replace traditional cooling systems using thermodynamic compression cycles, especially in tropical countries like Brazil, which have many regions with hot climates and low relative humidity. These meteorological aspects favor the simultaneous transfer of heat and mass, allowing the thermal cooling effect characteristic of evaporative cooling processes. Thus, this paper investigates the performance of a sustainable air cooling system by combining the psychrometric effects of warm, dry air with the flow features inside a cyclone covered by a layer of a fabric moistened with water. Fluid dynamic simulations previously indicated temperature decreases of up to 12.2 K between the feed and overflow streams of the cyclone. In addition, temperature contours showed that the fluid dynamics of the cyclone provide instantaneous thermal exchange between the walls and the internal fluid. These results directed the study to execute an experimental design using the response surface methodology to evaluate the influence of some variables in the process. The decrease in air stream temperature ranged from 3.9 to 13.1 K, with relative humidity and ambient temperature being the most significant variables. The results also indicated that water consumption to maintain the fabric wet is relatively low since 16·10-3 kg of liquid is required to cool 1 m³ of air flowing through the cyclone. [Display omitted] • High inlet temperature and low relative humidity provided maximum thermal gradients. • Within 0.75 s, in average, the system provided a thermal reduction of up to 13 K. • The thermal efficiency of the wet-bulb for the new system varied from 54.8 to 67.8 %. • Dimensionless numbers for psychrometric cooling system showed a linear behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis takes blood from a variety of wild and domestic animals and transmits Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi, etiological agent of American visceral leishmaniasis. Blood meal identification in sand flies has depended largely on serological methods but a new protocol described here uses filter-based technology to stabilise and store blood meal DNA, allowing subsequent PCR identification of blood meal sources, as well as parasite detection, in blood-fed sand flies. This technique revealed that 53.6% of field-collected sand flies captured in the back yards of houses in Teresina (Brazil) had fed on chickens. The potential applications of this technique in epidemiological studies and strategic planning for leishmaniasis control programmes are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lipophilic wood extractives commonly referred to as pitch, cause significant problems for the pulp and paper industries. The reduction of these extractives is an important aspect that concerns industries around the world. In the present work the change in the amount and chemical composition of lipophilic extractives from Eucalyptus spp. stored for 20, 40, 60, 100, 140 and 180 days after harvesting was investigated. The results showed a decrease in extractives content with storage time, with the most significant decrease occurring 60 days after harvesting. In addition, fatty acids and sterols were the main classes of compounds responsible for the significant decrease in extractive content. Data were analyzed by principal component analysis. PC1 explains approximately 99% of the total variance, and β-sitosterol was the major compound responsible for the differentiation. These studies demonstrate that in terms of economical aspects, quality of the pulp and paper and minimization of pitch formation, the best period of wood storage is 60 days. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a new approach to calculating the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) using a stochastic model under an uncertainty and risk perspective. The research problem is associated with how to integrate the concept of financial risk to assess investments in small-scale green hydrogen production for more robust results, resolving issues related to underlying economic and technical factors, often overlooked, that may impact the production of green hydrogen in Brazil and Germany. The approach is applied to an investment project at two localities: Itajubá, Brazil, and Cologne, Germany, to investigate the underlying economic and technical factors that may impact the production of green hydrogen. In this stochastic approach, the Value at Risk (VaR) is calculated with a confidence level of 95% for 5000 LCOH values for each city, generated by the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). MCS results show that a correlation between assumptions (uncertainties) significantly affects LCOH with more favorable conditions to produce green hydrogen in Cologne. The risk analysis results show a significant difference concerning the deterministic approach when implementing the risk measure with VaR-LCOH of US$8.39 for Itajubá and VaR-LCOH of US$8.21 for Cologne. • Green hydrogen Investments are evaluated techno-economically in Brazil and Germany. • A Monte Carlo approach under uncertainty and risk conditions is implemented. • A stochastic LCOH based on VaR-LCOH metric is proposed to evaluate the risk. • The different nuances that the assumptions assume in calculating LCOH are discussed. • The risk analysis shows a difference regarding the deterministic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the effects of fiscal policy on economic growth in Brazil between 1999 and 2017. For this purpose, a novel methodology is applied, using a Vector Autoregressive with Mixed Frequency (MIDAS-VAR) model, proposed by Ghysels (2016), which allows for the estimation of the spending multiplier by measuring the impact of high-frequency data at low-frequency and vice versa. The impact of various types of spending on the gross domestic product (GDP) is analyzed, including primary expenditure, personnel, social benefits, subsidies, investment, and costing, while the central government's primary revenue is used as the revenue variable. The expenditure and tax revenue are the high-frequency variables (monthly observations), whereas GDP is a low-frequency series (quarterly). The estimated fiscal multipliers for primary spending are less than one, suggesting no significant Keynesian effect on output, with particular attention given to the investment multiplier, which is estimated to be close to zero. Our results suggest that the frequency of data matters, and government expenditure has no significant impact on real GDP growth in Brazil. Therefore, the ability of Brazilian fiscal policy to influence economic growth may be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 2019 wildfires raised global concern about wildfires, their causes and effects. • Fire has distinct roles in fire-prone and fire-sensitive ecosystems. • In fire-prone ecosystems, we need to overcome taboos regarding the use of fire. • In fire-sensitive systems, strategies to reduce fires are urgent. • Climate-change and increasing human impact change fire regimes. In the recent past, wildfires have received much attention both by science and by the media, especially in relation to deforestation, degradation and climate change and when affecting fire-sensitive ecosystems. On the other hand, fire is a natural process in many ecosystems, in particular those to be considered fire-dependent; here, maintaining natural fire regimes is important to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services. In many regions of the world we are still in the need for a better understanding of fire effects on plant populations, communities and ecosystems. For instance, responses of individuals and populations to heat and fire can differ among distinct fire-prone ecosystems, and community level responses often vary depending on historical disturbance regimes or the fire regime as such. Effects on ecosystem processes, e.g. on carbon cycles, can vary greatly in scale and are even more difficult to predict. This adds up to uncertainties regarding appropriate fire management strategies, both in fire-prone and fire-sensitive ecosystems. Here, we introduce a set of opinion papers on fires in Brazil and a forthcoming Virtual Special Issue of Flora – Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants on "Fire and vegetation", with contributions expected from a broad range of topics related to fire, plants, and vegetation. This special issue will contribute to the development not only of more knowledge on fire effects on plants and vegetation, but also to advances in fire management policies in different ecosystems around the world. The main issue, after all, is to go beyond simple classification of fires as 'good' or 'bad', but rather to develop strategies to deal with changing fire regimes and their effects in a dynamic world increasingly modified by human actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite promising reductions in mortality from infectious diseases, premature death is a still major public health problem in Brazil. However, little is known about which diseases and injury mechanisms are the main causes of premature death. This paper aimed to detail the trends in leading causes of death among children and adolescents in Brazil. Data were extracted from medical death certificates from the Brazilian Mortality Information System for children and adolescents aged 1–19 years for 2000–2020. The 10 leading causes of death for children and adolescents were defined using primary cause of death codes, grouped by death for diseases and mechanism for injury, according to the ICD-10. All analyses were completed in 2022. From 2000 through 2020, there was a total of 772,729 child and adolescent deaths in Brazil. Despite an overall 34% reduction in child and adolescent mortality from 2000 to 2020, improvements were less pronounced for injury-related deaths than for communicable diseases. Therefore, by 2020, over half of deaths were from injury-related causes. Firearm-related injury was by far the leading cause, accounting for 21% of all deaths. There was a 38% reduction in firearm deaths in the last 4 years against a previously increasing trend, and homicide accounted for over 90% of all firearm deaths because suicide by firearm was rare. Injury-related deaths among children and adolescents are a growing concern in Brazil, and firearms are the current leading cause of child and adolescent death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we described fossils from six mammal taxa (Coendou magnus Cuvier, 1823; Nothrotherium maquinense (Lund, 1839); Tamandua tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1758); Leopardus wiedii (Schinz, 1821); Didelphis sp.; and Dicotyles tajacu (Linnaeus, 1758)) found in Toca da Barriguda cave (Campo Formoso, Bahia, Brazil). To better understand the isotopic paleoecology of these taxa, AMS radiocarbon dating and carbon and oxygen isotopic analyses were performed. The radiocarbon ages indicate the occurrence of Condou magnus at 33,171–33,765 Cal yr BP, Tamandua tetradactyla at 43,944–44,496 Cal yr BP, Leopardus wiedii at 45,475–46,157 Cal yr BP, and Didelphis sp. at ∼50,227 cal yr BP. Of these taxa, five were carnivorous/omnivorous, only Coendou magnus was herbivorous and lived in low-density forest and arboreal savanna habitats (δ 13C = −12.8‰ to −8.4‰; p i C 3 = 80–90%) during the late Pleistocene. An increase in a dry climate in the region between 50 cal kyr BP (δ 18O = 27.1‰) and 27 cal kyr BP (δ 18O = 34.0‰) was suggested based on the oxygen isotopic values found in the mammalian bone fossils, which presents similarity and good correlation with the oxygen isotopic values recorded in stalagmites from two caves in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Brazilian case do not provide evidence that rises in wages squeezed markups. • Economic sectors pass on different sources of cost pressure asymmetrically to prices. • Attempts to increase competitiveness by cutting labor costs may be ineffective. • Measures to reduce service costs in the production process should be prioritized. This paper aims to empirically investigate the relationship between sectoral unit labor costs and markups for the Brazilian economy from 2000 to 2013. The underlying hypothesis is that labor costs are the sole determinant of a firm's competitiveness, a notion that has been widely accepted as conventional wisdom despite the lack of empirical evidence. Our analysis of the Brazilian economy does not provide evidence that the rises in wages squeezed markup rates over this period. Conversely, our study suggests that the compression of markups was influenced by a set of factors, including the costs of service sector inputs, stagnating labor productivity, and international trade pressure. Therefore, our study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between unit labor costs and markups by shedding some light on the asymmetric impact of different sources of cost pressures and competition on sectoral markups in the Brazilian economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The politically motivated replacement in local governments is a pervasive fact in our modern democracies. Whether it has causal effects on the quality of public services, such as education, is a critical question and yet understudied. This paper uses a regression discontinuity design (RDD) for close elections to replicate Akthari, Moreira and Trucco (2022) who find negative effects on the quality of public education in Brazil (.05-.08 standard deviations of lower test scores). I first reproduce these main results, finding minor computational differences that have no effect on the conclusions. I also show that the estimates for Brazil are in general robust to different specifications following Brodeur, Cook and Heyes (2020). Finally, I implement the same RDD framework now applied to Chilean administrative records to find null effects on test scores. Taken together, these results suggest that political turnover has weakly negative effects on service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Assessment of the status and trends of PV DG in Brazil based on big data processing; • Application of machine learning algorithms to estimate the installed power of individual systems; • Application of forecasting models to predict the installed power of PV DG over time in Brazil and its regions; • Application of the DEA method to rank Brazilian states in terms of efficiency in PV DG deployment; • The paper is expected to be valuable for regulatory agencies, researchers, and PV aggregator companies. The deployment of photovoltaic (PV) distributed generation (DG) has been increasing substantially in Brazil. In this context, the present paper exploits a robust dataset provided by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) to evaluate the status and trends concerning PV DG. As of Nov/2022, such a dataset consists of more than 1,4 million lines (one for each system) and thirty columns (various information concerning the systems). For an in-depth assessment, three items are addressed: (i) the application of machine learning algorithms to estimate the installed power of individual systems based on other information available in the dataset, (ii) the application of forecasting models to predict the installed power of PV DG over time in Brazil and its regions, and (iii) the application of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to rank Brazilian states in terms of efficiency in PV DG deployment. While items (i)-(iii) present distinct specific goals, they use the same dataset and provide essential insights concerning PV DG in Brazil. In item (i), elastic net (EN), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), extra tree (ET), AdaBoost (AB), and gradient boosting (GB) are applied to select the most accurate algorithm. In item (ii), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), Holt-Winters exponential smoothing (HWES), Bass diffusion model (BDM), and multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) are applied. In item (iii), output-oriented DEA CCR and BCC are applied. Concerning item (i), results demonstrate that estimating the installed power of individual systems is not very simple. Nonetheless, the machine learning algorithms imply a significant accuracy increase compared to taking the dataset's average as the estimation, especially the DT and RF algorithms with a coefficient of determination of 29%. Regarding item (ii), results demonstrate that the installed capacity in Brazil and its regions is expected to increase approximately linearly in the horizon of months but with weekly seasonal characteristics. Moreover, the most accurate model depends on the region, i.e., the ANN is superior for the Northeast (MAPE of 3.25%) and South (MAPE of 1.28%) regions, the HWES method is superior for Brazil (MAPE of 0.51%) and the Southeast region (MAPE of 2.26%), and the BDM is superior for the Mid-west (MAPE of 1.95%) and North (MAPE of 3.37%) regions. Concerning item (iii), results demonstrate that DEA CCR is more representative of the Brazilian reality since DEA BCC assigns several states as efficient, even if they showcase a very low installed capacity, particularly small states. DEA CCR indicates that Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso are the most efficient states in PV DG deployment relative to their inputs, closely followed by São Paulo with an efficiency of 95%. Furthermore, states located in the North and Northeast region require more attention from ANEEL since their efficiencies are generally low. A literature review demonstrated that this paper is the first of its kind in exploiting so thoroughly and robustly the dataset provided by ANEEL. Therefore, the paper is expected to assist ANEEL in the task of properly regulating the sector and also assist researchers and PV aggregator companies through in-depth insights. Moreover, the conducted procedures can also be applied to other countries with available datasets, thus ensuring high applicability for the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper tests whether personal income inequality can be considered exogenous to subsequent economic growth in Brazil. • Using a massive spatial dataset for all the 5564 Brazilian cities observed in 1991, 2000, and 2010, data reject the assumption of exogenous income inequality regarding subsequent growth. • The employed instrumental variable estimators identify causal effects from inequality to growth on average and conditional quantiles. • A decrease by 1 Gini point is associated with an increase in a cumulative economic growth of 2.5 percentage points in the following ten years. • Neglecting the endogeneity of income inequality to economic growth can lead to wrong conclusions. This paper estimates the impacts of personal income inequality on subsequent growth in a massive spatial dataset for 5564 Brazilian cities observed in 1991, 2000, and 2010 using instrumental variables methods. Based on Brazilian cities' data, the Wu-Hausman test rejects inequality exogeneity regarding growth. Instead of assuming exogenous inequality, we relax this assumption and let the data speak for themselves. Our methods identify causal effects between inequality and subsequent growth in conditional quantiles beyond the average. On average, the magnitude of the estimate implies that lowering personal income inequality by 1 Gini point would translate to an increase in a cumulative economic growth of 2.5 percentage points in the following ten years. Our findings call attention to the risk of following Litschig and Lombardi [ J. Economic Growth , 2019, vol. 24, pp. 155–187] when studying the influence of inequality on growth, neglecting the endogeneity of the former to the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent years, and as a result of the recent global health pandemic, resilience has become increasingly central to contemporary policy discourses in urban planning and development in both the Global North and Global South. Drawing from ongoing empirical studies of community resilience and everyday practices that have been co-designed and co-produced alongside Brazilian marginalised communities which are highly vulnerable to a range of natural hazards, this paper highlights the growing importance of dialogical stakeholder engagement methodologies in designing alternative urban visions – so-called resilience imaginaries or counter-cities - across the Global South based on social diversity, equity and spatial justice. More specifically, the dialogical participatory mapping approach outlined in this paper utilises citizen science approaches to develop local resilience imaginaries, building on the pedagogical work of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and the conceptualisation of dialogue as a comprehensive and progressively unfolding methodological approach. Practically, we adopted a range of community engagement approaches that allowed local citizens to become more aware of their own risk context and embed this tacit knowledge into the operation of civil protection programmes. Our empirical results highlight the potential of such dialogical participatory approaches to capture lay knowledge from local citizens and contribute to the development of enhanced resilience approaches. The paper concludes by reflecting on the role of formerly marginalised voices in the advancement of local urban policy and on the novelty and promise of critical pedagogical approaches to co-production within existing regimes of urban governance and the imagining of radically independent counter-cities. • Novel community engagement approaches based on dialogue allow local citizens to become more aware of their own risk context. • The process of geospatial data production can be a transformative moment capable of nurturing enhanced community resilience. • Dialogical participatory mapping is a method for re-imagining future city-visions. • Western resilience scholarship needs learn from emerging resilience building grounded practices in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The May 2023 version of Brazil's Fake News Bill (FNB), a proposed new statutory framework for social media regulation, heavily referenced the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). The literature on regulatory convergence points to the Brussels Effect , praising the EU for wielding unilateral soft power in shaping global regulations. Therefore, based on interviews with Brazilian experts who played a significant role in the regulatory discussion, this study applies Thematic Analysis to assess the DSA's impact on the FNB draft. The article finds limited Brussels Effect due to criticism of its incapacity to address local platform liability concerns and the absence of economic and legal drivers for convergence with EU regulation. Despite this, the study highlights the DSA's positive influence on the local debate in promoting democratic and human rights principles, leveraging the European legislative process to enrich local discussions. Finally, local political factors contributed to a narrative that differed from the DSA, framing the FNB not only as a tool against disinformation, but also as a means to protect democracy. This paper offers an unprecedented case study of the Brussels Effect reach on the global-south, presenting limitations of the EU benchmark when transposed to other regulatory and political contexts. • Two key political factors influenced the FNB's draft. • The DSA serves as a symbolic reference in Brazil's Fake News Bill debate. • The Brussels Effect is limited due to the DSA's incapacity to address local issues. • We identified the lack of economic drivers imposing convergence with the DSA. • The paper offers a case study of the Brussels Effect from a global-south perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to introduce a new sustainable business excellence model, called Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 (KMEM21), a theoretical framework that combines Knowledge Management and Business Excellence Models (BEMs), proposing an approach applicable to organizations to directly contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper through a qualitative-exploratory methodology makes an analysis and benchmarking, emphasizes the integration of Knowledge Management and three specific Business Excellence Models (Management Excellence Model (MEG) from Brazil, Baldrige Excellence Framework, and EFQM). This integration uncovers relationships between organizational concepts associated with Knowledge Management and BEMs, which contributes to new insights in the literature regarding these concepts' interplay. BEMs are presented as tools that can catalyze the power of Knowledge Management towards achieving SDGs. However, it's noted that the existing BEMs might not be adequate, as the goal extends beyond organizational improvement and excellence to encompass sustainable development aligned with SDGs. The article suggests that specific organizational concepts, identified through a literature review and aligned with Knowledge Management and BEMs, can be selected as indicators associated with the constructed KMEM21 and the SDGs. These indicators are intended to form a bridge between the new model and the SDGs. However, given the comprehensive nature of the theory, model development, application, result acquisition, and analysis, the article's primary contribution will be in its focus on elaborating the instrument and technique, demonstrating the creation of a theoretical framework for the SDGs. Future works will showcase the application of the proposed KMEM21 method in five Brazilian organizations, members of Global Compact, to compare the achieved objectives and the results obtained with the organizations' performance and their sustainability reports. [Display omitted] • There is a visible relationship between knowledge management and business excellence models, aided by shared organizational concepts. • Achieving the SDGs in organizations can be done by using the traits incorporated into knowledge management and business excellence models. • The Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 represents an original approach, acting as a new sustainable business excellence model. • A comprehensive model can be constructed using a methodology that incorporates an instrument, a technique, and a method. • KMEM21 presents a strategic path that aligns with business excellence principles and the sustainable development objectives, offering a framework for organizational success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multifractal analysis of the Ionosphere Layer. • Intermittence in Ionosphere Layer. • Ionosphere Layer out-of-equilibrium. A digital ionosonde of the type known as Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde (CADI) is operational at Jatai ( 17.2 o S , 51.9 o W), Brazil. This ionospheric sounding station is located under the equatorial ionospheric anomaly crest. The F-layer electron density profile presents considerable day-to-day variability, even during the undisturbed conditions, and is still one of the less understood aspects of the physics of the ionosphere. The propagation of waves into the ionosphere may be playing an important role in this day-to-day ionospheric variability. In this paper we used the multifractal approach in order to understand the physical process underlying to rise to plasma bubbles. Results shown that the ionosphere layer is in out-of equilibrium, independent of the presence or not of the planetary waves (PW), equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) or another ones. Wavelet techniques are also used to investigate the action of these plasma bubbles over the planetary waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, microfinance has become a pillar of economic development policies. However, despite the great popularity of micro-credit programs, the results of empirical studies are mixed. Thus, more research is needed to help us understand how effective microfinance is in achieving poverty reduction, economic development, and financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by relying on a unique dataset from one of the biggest Fintech companies in Brazil to study the impact of microcredit on small firms' outcomes. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we find that access to credit increases monthly revenues and profits by nearly 4.5%. We show that the effects are stronger for women-led businesses and less experienced entrepreneurs. In addition, we find that credit renewal strengthens the benefits of credit access. We discuss several policy implications from our results. In particular, the permanent availability of credit – as opposed to one-time/short-term interventions -- has greater potential to generate virtuous cycles of ever more reinvestment and growth, indicating larger gains from relaxing borrowing constraints in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A human-jigger parasite system with control policies is established. • A time-optimal control problem with limited resources is proposed. • A numerical method combining the control parametrization scheme with the interior point algorithm is constructed. • A trade-off between the optimal eradication time and the effective funding is provided. Tungiasis, as an epidermal parasitic skin disease, leads to long-term injury and life threats to humans in resource-limited countries. In this paper, we aim to minimize the epidemic duration of tungiasis disease with limited resources. A human-jigger parasite system with four control policies for humans and jiggers is established. We propose a time-optimal control problem, in which the eradication time and limited resources are involved. By applying the Pontryagin's minimum principle, we prove that, only bang-bang controls are admitted for all the control policies. Furthermore, a numerical scheme combining the control parametrization scheme with the interior point algorithm is constructed. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out using actual data of humans and jiggers in Brazil. From all the results, we conclude that, there is a trade-off between the optimal eradication time and the effective funding; once the effective funding is properly used, the disease can be controlled effectively; strengthening personal protections, improving treatments for humans and making adulticiding efforts contribute to keeping humans away from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper aims to study the process of intergenerational income mobility in some Latin American economies (Brazil and Panama), which have been much neglected in the relevant literature. • Our rich and detailed dataset (the IPUMS survey) allows us to provide the most reliable estimates of intergenerational mobility, after controlling for a number of additional control variables which were unavailable in previous studies, such as family size, literacy level of fathers, and location in rural versus urban areas. • In the present study, we can also eliminate co-residence and young adults' problems which are widely discussed in the current literature. This allows us avoiding complex and problematic methodologies to predict the incomes of parents for the non-co-residing children from the co-residing children. • A major advantage of our paper as compared to the previous literature, considering that the instrumental variables typically used for this methodology do not fully satisfy the exclusion restriction. • We show that behind social immobility there is also a sluggish process of structural change and an insufficiently progressive tax system. This paper aims to study the process of intergenerational income mobility in some Latin American economies (Brazil and Panama), which have been much neglected in the relevant literature. Like other countries in the area, Brazil and Panama have a stagnant economy coupled with high income inequality. Our rich dataset allows us to provide the most reliable estimates of intergenerational mobility, after controlling for a number of additional control variables which were unavailable in previous studies. We provide estimates broken down for different genders, age groups, locations, education of fathers. Our results are robust to different specifications and suggest that previous studies significantly overrated the extent of the intergenerational mobility in the countries considered. However, our figures are still compatible with an extremely low degree of social mobility. Moreover, we show that behind social immobility there is also a sluggish process of structural change and an insufficiently progressive tax system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) Lung Working Group age-period-cohort methodology to study smoking patterns can be applied to tackle important issues in tobacco control and public health. This paper summarizes the analyses of smoking patterns in the U.S. by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and family income and for each of the 50 U.S. states using the CISNET Lung Working Group age-period-cohort approach. We describe how decision makers, policy advocates, and researchers can use the sociodemographic analyses in this supplement to project state smoking trends and develop effective state-level tobacco control strategies. The all-cause mortality RR estimates associated with smoking for U.S. race/ethnicity and education groups are also discussed in the context of research that measures and evaluates health disparities. Finally, the application of the CISNET Lung Working Group age-period-cohort methodology to Brazil is reviewed with a view to how the same types of analyses can be applied to other low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impacts of emergency cash-transfers on individuals' social distancing behaviour and beliefs about COVID-19. We focus on the impacts of "Auxilio Emergencial" (AE): a large-scale cash-transfer in Brazil targeting low-income individuals who were unemployed or informally employed during the pandemic. To identify causal effects we exploit exogenous variation, arising from the AE design, in individuals' access to the cash-transfer programme. Using data from an online survey, our results suggest that eligibility to the emergency cash transfer led to a reduced likelihood of individuals contracting COVID-19, likely to have been driven by a reduction in working hours. Moreover, the cash transfer seems to have increased perceptions about the seriousness of coronavirus, while also exacerbating misconceptions about the pandemic. These findings indicate effects of emergency cash-transfers in determining individuals' narratives about a pandemic, in enabling social distancing and potentially in reducing the spread of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Brazilian economy's lack of dynamism has coincided with China's rise as a global powerhouse. • This is why we have evaluated if an increase in China´s market share in a third country's market is associated with an increase or a decrease of Brazil´s market share. • Our results suggest that Chinese manufacturing exports directly displaced Brazilian exports. • The Real's appreciation in the 2000s was an indirect transmission channel. This paper analyses the relationship between Brazil´s regressive specialisation and China´s increased international competitiveness. The Brazilian economy's lack of dynamism and competitiveness in global markets, particularly when it comes to the production and exportation of manufactured goods, has coincided with China's rise as a global powerhouse. This is why we have considered whether an increase in China´s market share in a third country's market is associated with an increase or decrease in Brazil´s market share. To test this relationship, we applied a generalised method of moments (IV-GMM) in a panel data framework. Our main results suggests that: (i) China´s market share increases were associated with decreases in Brazil´s share; and (ii) the effect of Chinas´ market share can change according to the size of the partner's economy. Finally, we have explored the implications of our findings considering Keynesian and structuralist theories, which highlight the importance of the manufacturing sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New tool, Circular Flow, tackles the lack of consistency in measuring circularity. • Circular Flow provides quantitative results for energy and material flows. • Circular Flow can be applied in any sector/system with material and/or energy flows. • Novel visual representation helps to spot opportunities for internalizing value. • A case study in a Brazilian agroindustrial cooperative was performed. Unlike the linear model "take-make-use-dispose", the circular economy model "grow-make-use-restore" intends to potentiate material and energy flows within a system with the premise of increasing environmental gains. Moreover, circular economy practices can be alternatives for closing loops in companies from different sectors, with material-, waste-, and energy-related initiatives towards promoting greater internal value-adding. However, the lack of consistent tools for measuring circularity of processes and companies is a gap yet to be covered. To tackle this gap, this paper's aims are: (i) to build a new tool, called Circular Flow, for generating greater internal value and competitive advantage in organizations and identify potential circular economy-related opportunities for closing loops based on external flows, (ii) to apply the tool in a case study, an organization that presents material and energy (electricity) flows and exchanges with other organizations, and (iii) to discuss the integration and potential opportunities for the tool in organizations. The novel, Circular Flow, tool is based on a set of circular graph visualizations, and quantitative circularity indicators. For the graphical visualization, the software tool R (using the Circlize package) was used. The graphs aid the visualization of several interconnected pieces of information, allowing to show all quantitative flows of inputs and outputs, intuitively showing the paths (origin and destination of each flow) within the boundaries of the system under study. The quantitative indicators, e.g. Circularity of the organization (Circ p) and Circularity of each process (Circ o), show a circularity index ranging from 0% to 100%, which can be assessed at different levels. The criteria to select these indicators are based on quantities of inputs and outputs regarding mass and electricity. The tool has been applied in a case study of a rural property in southern Brazil, which region holds a tradition for milk and pig farming. The use of the tool showed the involvement of the rural property with its neighbors and with an agroindustrial cooperative. Keeping these flows within the system may increase environmental gains by reducing transportation, using renewable sources of energy, reducing costs, and boosting the generation of jobs and income in the region due to new market opportunities and business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Development of a fault detection algorithm on aIRT images highlighting its main challenges, shortcomes, and workarounds; • Utilization of an orthomosaic reconstruction software package describing the challenges that the workflow impose for the automatic fault detection algorithms; • Evaluation of the impact of different flight configurations and dataset on the processing time and results; • Application of the proposed framework in real cases, evaluating the challenges imposed by real datasets. As large-scale Photovoltaic (PV) power plants are being expanded in installation number and capacity, aerial infrared thermography (aIRT) has proven to be effective in detecting at different phases of their development, construction and commissioning to operation and maintenance. However, evaluating the aerial imagery over hundreds of hectares fields of PV arrays is very time-consuming and subject to human error. This paper proposes a complete framework for automatically detecting faults in large-scale PV power plants and their physical location inside the plant site. To this end, a Mask-RCNN algorithm is developed and fine-tuned for instance segmentation using a dataset of 93 samples collected in an aIRT flight campaign in Brazil. The results are combined with orthomosaic techniques to create an orthomap of the PV system with the highlighted faults. The proposed method has been tested to automatically detect the faults in two power plants. Several tests were performed to improve the algorithm's accuracy, resulting in high-accuracy results for detecting and localizing hot spots in PV plants and disconnected substrings. The resulting maps could successfully show the location of these faults with high accuracy (10% of false positives). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of increasing integration and relevance of distributed energy resources, this paper proposes an advanced public policy to maximize their long-term benefits through optimal regulated electricity market management. More specifically, the focus is on renewable distributed generation and energy storage systems. The proposed policy arises from three models or techniques, i.e., the optimized tariff model (regulated electricity market model), Bass diffusion model (long-term forecasting of the integration of distributed energy resources), and random walk (risk assessment technique), along with a stochastic optimization problem. The policy leads to socioeconomic welfare maximization while ensuring fairness for all the market players and enhanced control by the regulatory agency on the integration of distributed energy resources. By applying the policy to a concession area located in northeastern Brazil, where photovoltaic distributed generation systems dominate the market share, results demonstrate that it is highly valuable as a 156 (MR$) mean socioeconomic welfare gain was achieved when optimizing the design variables (compared to a non-optimal solution). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) in Brazil threatens the country's rich endemic biodiversity. The present study explored the use of DNA-based tools to monitor the Brazilian elasmobranch trade, focusing on their role in identifying processed products and supporting conservation efforts. A systematic search of literature was conducted and included 35 peer-reviewed papers published between 2008 and 2023. A shift from the development of DNA-based tools to direct trade applications has been observed since 2015. Molecular identification challenges, including costly sequencing and limited resources in national databases, were identified along with proposed solutions, such as protocol optimization and exploration of cost-effective alternatives. Biases in trade analysis papers, particularly the lack of research in the Northeast Region of Brazil, and issues with sample sizes were evident. Species identified using DNA-based tools included the critically endangered Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), which appeared in 46 % of the evaluated papers, followed by the Blue Shark (Prionace glauca), and several others threatened species, such as the critically endangered and endemic Brazilian Guitarfish (Pseudobatos horkelii) and the recently categorized as vulnerable Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus). Other species were reassessed by IUCN, including previously non-threatened species that are now at risk, emphasizing the need for fisheries management, trade monitoring and conservation measures. Our findings highlight the importance of continued genetic monitoring to analyze market trends and adjust legislation, encouraging compliance with frequent inspections to enhance wildlife conservation. We also identified gaps in research and recommended strategies for accurate species identification, broader investigation, and effective management. • Meta-analysis of DNA-based tools for monitoring trade, focusing on Brazil's elasmobranchs • Challenges in molecular identification were identified (e.g., limited database resources). • Brazil comprises 203 elasmobranch species, and 64 were molecularly detected in trade. • 83 % of species detected are threatened (IUCN), including recently updated assessments. • Ten research gaps were outlined, along with recommended practical solutions for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the potential implications of the proposed European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the recently adopted United Kingdom (UK) legislation on deforestation-free supply chains (henceforth 'the legislation') for different stakeholders in Brazil. These regulations intend to address global commodity-driven deforestation and forest degradation by ensuring that targeted commodities and products placed on (or exported from) markets are of minimal risk of being associated with - in the EU - deforestation and forest degradation or - in the UK - illegal deforestation. The paper examines potential compliance readiness in cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soybean and tropical timber supply chains in Brazil, indicating specific challenges that may arise. Through the construction of a "Compliance Likelihood Index", our research provides comparable indications to policymakers on sectors and stakeholders that may need stronger support to meet the requirements, in order to maintain Brazil's access to EU and UK markets. The paper indicates that coffee is the sector with the highest level of incentivization and smallest hurdles for compliance, while the cattle sector may face stronger challenges to rapidly adjust its production system towards a deforestation-free value chain and prove compliance. Results of our analysis also highlight the need for collaboration between the EU/UK and Brazil in order to promote alignment between domestic and demand-side legislations so that they are mutually reinforcing. Results of this exercise, which has a focus on the producer-country view of demand-side legislation, will contribute to discussions on the merits of different approaches to strengthen the governance of deforestation-risk commodity trade. [Display omitted] • Brazil's coffee sector may currently have the greatest likelihood of ready compliance. • Cattle may be the sector to which the regulations may pose the greatest challenges. • The EU and UK should focus on providing financial means and technical assistance for smallholders. • The EU and UK legislation will need to be accompanied by domestic policies and regulations in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, projections and current status of municipal solid waste generation worldwide and its collection, final destination, and waste-to-energy technologies are reviewed. Firstly, an overview of waste generation worldwide is presented comparing income levels and the material composition of residues in several regions. This paper focused on contrasting Brazil and Portugal in terms of waste production and its management from generation to disposal or treatment. Furthermore, it is presented a summary of leading waste-to-energy technologies such as incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis, co-combustion, co-gasification, among others. Technical aspects of these thermo-chemical, biological, and physic-chemical processes for the production of biofuels such as biogas, syngas, biodiesel, and hydrogen-enriched gases are presented. Additionally, current aspects of the waste-to-energy market are exposed regarding the major players, investments, and expectations for the future of this activity with the elaboration of SWOT analyses. Finally, a review of greenhouse gases emissions worldwide is presented, specifically from Brazil and Portugal, as well as some consequences of these pollutant gases on the society and the environment and which are the main technologies for carbon dioxide capturing and sequestration as promising solutions for lower pollutant gases concentration in the atmosphere. This review paper aims to provide information for the management of municipal solid waste in Brazil and Portugal considering the mutual objective of meeting sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the embedded systems along with the first in-orbit results of FloripaSat-I, a complete CubeSat mission developed at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The satellite's service module has three main subsystems, each with an embedded processor and its peripherals. This paper presents an overview of the nanosatellite architecture designed for the mission, including the embedded systems, functionalities, and components. Launched in December 2019 atop a Chinese Long March 4B rocket, FloripaSat-I has been since then transmitting mission data, which is a metric used to validate its open-source service platform through flight heritage. The results collected in orbit are presented and discussed, as well as the student's perception about the challenges in the project. With the analysis of the results, it is possible to identify technical points to be improved by external groups with interest to reuse the open-source service platform for the next missions, and the impact that this teaching–learning methodology has in the students. • We present the FloripaSat-I embedded systems. • Flight results regarding the first three months are presented. • We validate the FloripaSat-I service platform with flight inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drugs of abuse are psychoactive substances illicitly distributed and used worldwide. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, they represent a public health issue and are directly related to several social problems. The recent increase in appearances of new psychoactive substances (NPS), derived from structural modifications of existing psychoactive substances, poses a threat to public health and forensic laboratories worldwide, as little is known about these substances. This study aimed to chemically and geographically map drugs of abuse from blotter papers seized by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PCERJ) between 2006 and 2019. High-performance analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS), combined with statistical analyses, were employed to characterize the seized samples. The most common chemical compounds in NPS found in this study were synthetic phenethylamines, i.e., molecules from the 25I-NBOH (2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) and 25I-NBOMe (2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) families. Prior to 2014, the majority of seized blotter papers contained lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and were concentrated in the Metropolitan region. An upsurge in blotter paper seizures was observed from 2014 to 2017; the most common substances during this time were from the NBOMe family. NBOH compounds emerged in 2016 in coastal regions with high tourism, reaching over 1300 items only in 2017. Only one synthetic cannabinoid was found among the blotter papers seized in Rio de Janeiro between 2006 and 2019. The assembled chemical data and statistical analyses allowed the mapping and monitoring of the chemical profiles of the seized blotter papers, providing a strong foundation for the understanding of the origins and movement of these drugs around the RJ State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]