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• Comparison of crystalline-Si PV systems from 2-different PV manufacturers. • Identification of degradation mechanisms associated with EVA. • Mechanisms of chemical degradation are presented associated with loss of performance. • Comparisons using EL and UV to highlight performance differences. This paper reports on a unique evaluation-opportunity for comparing modules from two-different manufacturers that were deployed for a long-period (~15 years) under similar circumstances: (a) for the same distributed, rural-power applications, (b) operating under the same climate-conditions and geographical area, (c) with devices manufactured and installed at the same time. But these modules had very different resulting observed changes in their operational and physical characteristics over their long field-exposures. The PV modules were dispersed in a tropical climate-zone (northern-region of Minas Gerais, Brazil). Visual inspections of the two-module sets concluded that one module source (SET A) had almost no encapsulant discoloration and few indications of delamination and corrosion. In contrast, the other module source (SET B) had significant yellowing/browning, widespread-areas of delamination, and fairly extensive interconnect-corrosion. The corresponding measured changes in the electrical characteristics were: SET A having average annual loss in power of 0.4–0.5%, and SET B with 2.3–3.7%/year over their installation times. Encapsulant discoloration and delamination provided the first clues to the measured differences in module performance and are attributed to the existing climate conditions of high-ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposures and high-ambient temperatures. The bases for the performance differences of these two module sets were examined using complementary electrical, physical and chemical characterization of the module materials. The primary goal of this paper is to identify the root causes for the degradation differences (one set meeting specifications, the other not), based upon the critical module materials properties/processing and climatic exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe poisoning outbreaks of Xanthium strumarium in cattle on the borders of the Araguari River, Southeastern Brazil. In this region, several hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding, which creates a favorable environment for the invasion of X. strumarium in extensive areas, often as the predominant species in those areas. The outbreaks occurred between July and September (dry season). Bovines of all ages were affected, including suckling animals. Mortality varied from 2% to 5.5%. The animals exhibited ataxia, weakness, loss of balance, recumbency, and the majority were found dead. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Histological and ultrastructural changes in the liver consisted of centrilobular necrosis and hemorrhage. On toxicological evaluation, the dicotyledons contained 0.30 μg/mg of atractyloside and 0.37 μg/mg of carboxyatractyloside. Considerable economic loss has occurred in this region due to the lack of knowledge regarding X. strumarium as a toxic plant and its adaptation to the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, which have made the condition endemic. • Xanthium strumarium , which contains carboxyatractyloside, is a cause of hepatic liver necrosis in ruminants and horses. • The poisoning has been reported sporadically in temperate areas due to the ingestion of the seedling or the burs of the plant. • The poisoning became very important after the introduction of the plant where hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding. • The seedlings sprout after flooding, during the dry period, when the water returns to its normal level. • To prevent severe losses, it is important to reduce the infestation of X. strumarium in such areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vulnerability of electric potential generation from water resources has been evidenced due to uncertainties of climatic origin and energy planning. Changes in rainfall regimes are multifactorial phenomena difficult to model. Rainfall is the main natural way of restoring the reservoir levels of hydroelectric power plants. The reduction in rainfall levels may increase in the coming years, resulting in a probable change of the energy matrix configuration of the state of Minas Gerais (MG). This could reduce the share of renewable sources increasing dependence on the importance of energy from fossil fuels, which are the immediate primary sources of energy available. Prior examinations have portrayed the depletion of hydroelectricity in Brazil, or its macro-regions, however this work tries to supply a more focused look at the effects on the electricity and social sectors of the state of Minas Gerais. The study developed in this paper aims to investigate the hydrological potential alteration impacts and consequences on the energy matrix of the state, the greenhouse gas emissions and the social reflexes of these changes due to scenarios motivated by climate change. The investigation intends to show the importance of the water-energy-emissions nexus for energy planning and decision-making, in order to evaluate the best options for dealing with adverse and potentially destabilizing conditions. The results of the analyses show that while hydropower demand was 5.24 Mtoe in 2015, in 2030 the supply of hydropower will be 5.81 Mtoe and 4.72 Mtoe, for the conservative and severe scenarios, respectively. In addition, the effect of climate change may require an increase in the share of non-renewable sources in the energy matrix, which could increase CO 2 e emissions from 4.2% to 7.4% by 2030, compared to the levels in 2016. • Reduction in rainfall levels will change the energy matrix configuration of MG state. • Population growth will boost demand for energy. • It is shown the importance of the water-energy-emissions nexus for energy planning and decision-making. • The energy matrix may considerably increase the CO 2 e emissions by 2030, compared with 2016 levels in the MG state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The environmental efficiency of pasture-based dairy farming is assessed. • Farmers can increase their environmental efficiency, producing more milk and less methane. • The abatement cost per tonne of methane was US $2,254. • GHG policy should take a precautionary approach regarding food security and nutrition. Increasing dairy farm productivity while simultaneously mitigating greenhouse gases emissions is a common policy goal in many countries. In this paper, we assess trade-offs and synergies between these goals for pasture-based dairy farms in Brazil. We apply stochastic frontier analysis within a translog hyperbolic distance function specification, including methane emissions as an undesirable output and accounting for annual climatic types. Our results indicate that on average, farmers can improve their production by 9.4% while simultaneously reducing methane emissions by 8.7%. The adoption of more productive cows and improved pastures have a positive effect on the environmental efficiency of the farms. Farmers operating in warmer and dryer climate types tend to have lower environmental efficiency. Calculating shadow prices for methane emitted on farms indicates that the mean abatement costs of methane are US $2,254 per tonne. Overall, by reducing inefficiency, dairy farmers can significantly increase farm production while simultaneously reducing emissions and thus contribute to national commitments to eradicate hunger and mitigate methane emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present new field, geophysical, petrographic, geochemical and geochronological data from granitic rocks newly recognized at the northern Guanhães block, one of the basement inliers of the Araçuaí orogen, eastern South America. Our data allowed the identification of two granitic units, namely Amaros and Dois Córregos plutons, intrusive in the Archean orthogneisses of the Guanhães Complex. In the studied area, the Guanhães Complex comprises muscovite-biotite gneisses, hornblende-biotite gneisses and clinopyroxene-hornblende-biotite gneisses. These rocks have distinct chemical characteristics, which range from TTG series to Late Archean hybrid granitoids. The Amaros pluton is composed of muscovite-bearing biotite metasyenogranites. These rocks are high-K calc-alkaline, magnesian and peraluminous, and were interpreted as a product of partial melting of an older TTG crust. U–Pb ICP-MS dating of zircons yielded a crystallization age of 2916 ± 19 Ma for Amaros pluton, which makes it the first Mesoarchean granite pluton delimited and detailed within the Guanhães block. Mesoarchean magmatism (ca. 2.9 Ga) similar in composition to the Amaros pluton is well known at the Porteirinha block, another basement inlier to the north of the Guanhães block, which raises questions about a connection between the two domains. The Dois Córregos pluton, firstly identified through geophysical analysis, is composed of hornblende-bearing biotite syenogranite crystallized at 2045.5 ± 24 Ma Ma (U–Pb in zircons, ICP-MS). These rocks are alkali-calcic to alkalic, magnesian to ferroan, ranging from per-to metaluminous and were interpreted as a product of the partial melting of continental crust, in a late-collisional stage of the Minas-Bahia orogeny, during the amalgamation of São Francisco-Congo paleocontinent. • The Amaros pluton is the first Mesoarchean (2916 Ma) granite pluton delimited and detailed within the Guanhães block. • This pluton is high-K calc-alkaline and peraluminous, and were interpreted as a product of partial melting of a TTG crust. • Orosirian (2045 Ma) Dois Córregos pluton records the late-collisional phase of the Minas-Bahia orogeny in the Guanhães block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology selection, its power and efficiency determination for electricity generation using agroforestry residues is the main goal and the novelty of this paper. It is based on the fitted efficiency vs. power curves for commercial mature technologies. The assessment of the level of maturity of biomass-based electricity generation Technologies based on Technology Readiness Levels was used as criteria to define the technologies to be considered in this study: conventional Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle and gasifier/internal combustion engine. Pretreatment technologies influence on generation costs is determined based on chippers and drum dryers cost and its energy consumption. We developed a coherent methodology for selecting the technology and calculation of power/efficiency of electricity generation projects considering biomass derived from plant-based lignocellulosic solid biomass residues derived from agricultural and forest activities. A case study based on eucalyptus forest residues availability in three microregions of the Minas Gerais State in Brazil allowed to define the technology to be used in each case and its power, efficiency and levelized cost of electricity, that includes pretreatment and logistic costs. Obtained LCOE values are compared with data from different publications, that is a validation of the presented methodology. Results allow concluding about the considerable influence of residues logistics on LCOE. [Display omitted] • Lowest LCOE corresponds to CRC:0,1652 USD/kWh. • Highest LCOE corresponds to G/ICE with 0,3080 USD/kWh. • Costs and power consumption data of pretreatment technologies are presented. • Fitted power-efficiency curves based on an extensive literature review are presented. • Only technologies with higher maturity, CRC, ORC and G/ICE, are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper set out to evaluate to what extent efficiency in production and the position of dairy farmers in the social network, formed by the Program for the Development of Dairy Farming (PDPL), affect the diffusion of technical information and technologies in the production chain. • The efficiency analysis revealed benefits when inefficient dairy farmers sought best practices and the optimal production scale; • Through the model created, it was found that the selection of technically efficient dairy farmers for the diffusion process is a good policy, but when the adoption pay-off is low and resources are scarce, selecting central farmers would be the more appropriate policy. • It was evidenced that the choice of the initial adopters, adoption and non-adoption pay-off values, and the relationship pattern all influence the diffusion process. Farmers' poor levels of knowledge are related to low rates of efficiency and productivity in milk production in Brazil due to problems of information diffusion and innovation. This paper set out to evaluate to what extent efficiency in production and the position of dairy farmers in the social network, formed by the Program for the Development of Dairy Farming (PDPL), affect the diffusion of technical information and technologies in the production chain. The data used in the study were made available by the PDPL technical staff and refer to 31 dairy farmers, located in municipalities in the Zona da Mata micro region of the state of Minas Gerais, who participated in the Program in 2016. Through Social Network Analysis, Data Envelopment Analysis and Agent-Based Modeling, a diffusion model was structured into which information on the technical efficiency of the dairy farmers was incorporated, as well as information about their relationship pattern. The efficiency analysis showed benefits when inefficient farmers sought best practices and the optimal production scale. Through the model created, it was found that the selection of technically efficient dairy farmers for the diffusion process is a good policy, but when the adoption pay-off is low and resources are scarce, selecting central farmers would be the more appropriate policy. Additionally, it was shown that the choice of the initial adopters, adoption and non-adoption pay-off values, and the relationship pattern all influence the diffusion process. The study, thus, suggests a new way of choosing policies to accelerate the diffusion of information and technology in typical dairy systems in Brazil and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Macauba palm has been studied because of increasing global interest in multipurpose resilient plants, with no food or energy competition. The crop encompasses an opportunity to social inclusion, profitable activity and environmental care in Brazil. However, for its production to be competitive, it demands a deeper analysis of how the Agroindustrial System (AIS) is currently organized and what is needed to go forward. The objectives of the present study were to characterize and evaluate the competitiveness of macauba AIS at the main Brazilian production region, the north of Minas Gerais State. Stakeholders engaged in fruit picking and processing segments were identified and characterized. In addition, strategic actions to strengthen this AIS were proposed. The framework used to evaluate the competitiveness of the AIS includes data gathering from field interviews, direct observations and analysis of the macauba AIS. Some challenges were picked from the direct observations such as the reliance of production on unfavourable environmental conditions, the deficiencies in technical assistance and the difficulty of farmers to access credit and public policies. Despite those hurdles, the examined AIS showed potential to expand and become competitive, promoting better conditions for the permanence of family farmers/ communities in the countryside. It is important to consider that macauba exploitation is getting to a point of transition from extractive activity to a systematized planting of the palm. Some strategies to boost this growth are better coordination among the agents acting in the AIS, establishment of more active R&D and technical assistance partnerships, capacity building/ training offerings, and provision of resources for investments intended for the sustainable development of the macauba AIS and market access. • Macauba is a palm native to tropical regions of the Americas. • The agroindustrial system for macauba has different structures of development. • This study analyses macauba production in the federal state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. • The macauba production can promote social inclusion in remote areas. • This paper suggests actions to elevate the competitiveness of the macauba agroindustrial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two of the major classification systems currently used to predict the behavior of rock masses are the RMR (Rock Mass Rating) and the GSI (Geological Strength Index).The RMR was developed with the aim of recommending conceptual engineering solutions, while the purpose of the GSI is to estimate the strength and deformability parameters of rock masses. In an attempt to quantify the GSI from, it was introduced a formula, based on RMR values. Additionally, it was defined the GSI as being 5 points lower than the RMR's 1989 proposal (RMR 89). However, since this correlation was defined only for RMR 89 values, it should not be employed with any RMR later versions. In this context, this paper presents the results obtained from quantitative and qualitative methods proposed for GSI determination applied to itabirite rock masses in different weathering grades. In addition, another paper's goal comprises the proposal of correlations for defining GSI values from different adjustments suggested for the RMR classification. These proposals were applied to the rock masses of Tamanduá and Sapecado mines, both located in the eastern part of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Even though the qualitative and quantitative methods of defining GSI values resulted in similar zones in the GSI chart, they have also presented difficulties for defining good correlations specifically for soft rock masses. The new correlations found on this paper resulted in satisfactory results and showed the potential of aiding in the decision-making process in projects involving soft (poor) rock masses, composed by low-strength lithotypes and similar weathering grades. • Correlation between geomechanical classifications. • The idea of correlating rock mass classifications has been conducting almost since the moment classifications were proposed. • Even though the qualitative and quantitative methods of defining GSI. • The classification of low-quality rock masses. • How consideration how the tropical climate influences the rock masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to establish disaggregation coefficients for the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, under the premises of i) stationarity of the disaggregation coefficients according to the return period and ii) spatial validation of the disaggregation coefficients. The regression analysis was used as a statistical procedure to verify the significance of the coefficients of disaggregation slope coefficient as a function of return period in daily and sub-daily rainfall time series in rain gauges distributed throughout the state of Minas Gerais. Most of the disaggregation coefficients (94% of the situations) did not show a tendency to change due to the return period. The detected trends modified coefficients of disaggregation by up to 21% to the average obtained for different return periods. It was also verified that there is a significant difference between rainfall ratios of different durations, for different locations, indicating that the coefficients of disaggregation are not regional, but rather local. The use of disaggregation coefficients to obtain sub-daily rainfall is possible, provided that the representative coefficients of the locality are used. In this context, the spatialization of disaggregation coefficients is an important approach. • Relations between rainfall of different durations are disaggregation coefficients. • The use of disaggregation coefficients to obtain sub-daily rainfall is possible. • Disaggregation coefficients did not show a trend to change due to return period. • The disaggregation coefficients have local validity. • The spatialization technique can favor suitable disaggregation coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties and components of the peat allow peatlands to function as water reservoirs which participate in the hydrological cycle by modulating water discharge. In particular, mountain peatlands from Serra do Espinhaço Meridional (Minas Gerais State, Brazil) provide water of good quality for the nearby cities and also serve as habitats for wildlife and flora, with unique endemic species. In this paper, we present the characterization of four mountain mires (Pau de Fruta, São João da Chapada, Pinheiros and Sempre Viva) based on morphological, physical, chemical, and elemental properties analyzed in five selected peat cores (PdF-I, PdF-II, SJC, PI and SV). Radiocarbon dating indicates that they started to form during the late Pleistocene. Principal components analysis was applied to synthesize their main peat properties and underlying processes. The first principal component, PC1, is related to the relative content in inorganic versus organic matter of the peat, most probably related to the evolution of the soils of the mires' catchments (i.e. soil erosion); PC2 seems to be related to the incorporation of inorganic material by deposition of dust from regional sources; PC3 reflects the content and preservation of plant remains; and PC4 indicates the degree of peat decomposition. Our results suggest that mountain tropical mires from Serra do Espinhaço Meridional are complex peatland ecosytems, with a large potential for the reconstruction of environmental changes (i.e. climate change) occurred since the late Pleistocene, and that they should be fully protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The vereda's Histosol began its genesis in the late Pleistocene. • A multivariate approach enables identifying four main genesis processes/drivers. • Five phases of changes in the environment could be verified. • Veredas ' deep soils are important records of past changes. • Soil properties of veredas are potencial proxies of paleoenvironmental changes. The peat properties of Brazilian palm swamps, or veredas, as they are locally known, lend these environments the character of water reservoirs and carbon stores, in addition to being important archives of past changes. In this paper, we present, in high-resolution, the stratigraphy and morphological, physical, chemical, elemental, and isotopic properties of a deep soil vereda core (Pau Grande, with 283 cm) from the Grande Sertão Veredas National Park, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The core is constituted by 10 histic horizons in the first 151 cm, and one mineral layer from 151 to 283 cm. Peat sedimentation rates were different along its depth, as follow: 0.0273 cm year−1 (109–111 cm), 0.0018 cm year−1 (85–87 cm), 0.0027 cm year−1 (59–61 cm), 0.0031 cm year−1 (45–47 cm), and 0.0042 cm year−1 (24–26 cm). Mean values of the main peat properties were: 16% for C, 44% for Si, −17.20‰ for δ13C, 3.68‰ for δ15N, 167% for gravimetric moisture, 75% for mineral material, 8% for rubbed fibres, 3.58 for pH, 0.77 Mg m−3 for bulk density, and 0.15 for bulk density of the organic matter. Principal components analysis was applied to peat properties to assist in the identification of processes/drivers that control the nature of the studied vereda , in addition to providing evidence of changes in the paleoenvironment. The first principal component, PC1, is related to the relative accumulation of organic versus local mineral matter, linked to the evolution of the catchment soils (erosion) and possible associated vegetation (C3 and C4 plants); PC2 is related to the hydromorphism conditions; PC3 is related to the incorporation of inorganic material through the deposition of dust from regional sources; and PC4 is related to the main sources of organic matter. Radiocarbon dating indicates this vereda began its formation during the late Pleistocene. Five phases of changes in the environment were also verified: I) 33,309–26,818 cal BP – formation of a lake or a shallow water body, predominance of algae, and locally and regionally unstable environment; II) 26,818–16,659 cal BP – predominance of terrestrial plants, locally stable but regionally unstable environment; III) 16,659–10,401 cal BP – oxic, drier environment with a predominance of C4 terrestrial plants, and a simultaneous increase in local instability with stabilization of the regional environment at ∼ 15.0 kyr cal BP; IV) 10,401–5,052 cal BP – return to being an algal source in even more oxic conditions, and beginning of greater stability in both the local and regional environments; and V) 5,052 cal BP until present – consolidation of the stable environment initiated in the previous phase, characteristic reducing environment to that currently found in the Pau Grande vereda , and changing the contribution of organic matter sources, initially with terrestrial plants and, subsequently, algae. Our results suggest that the Pau Grande vereda is a complex ecosystem. These environments have a large potential for studies on environmental reconstruction and climate changes that have occurred since the late Pleistocene, and they should be fully protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to report the study of hepatogenous photosensitization in buffaloes during two outbreaks provoked by ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Ten young buffaloes in outbreak 1 and seven buffaloes in outbreak 2 were intoxicated by B. decumbens. Nine clinically healthy buffaloes raised under the same conditions as the sick animals served as the control group. All animals were subjected to clinical examination, and serum was collected to measure gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin (DB), indirect bilirubin (IB) and total bilirubin (TB) as indicators of liver function and urea and creatinine as indicators of renal function. Histopathology of liver fragments from five different animals was carried out. During the outbreaks and every two months for one year, samples of grass from paddocks where the animals got sick were collected for quantitative evaluation of the saponin protodioscin, combined with observations of pasture characteristics and daily rainfall. Clinical signs included apathy, weight loss, restlessness, scar retraction of the ears and intense itching at the skin lesions, mainly on the rump, the tail head, neck and hindlimbs, similar to the signs observed in other ruminants. Only the GGT enzyme presented significantly different (P < 0.01) serum levels between intoxicated animals (n = 17) and healthy animals (n = 9), indicating liver damage in buffaloes bred in B. decumbens pastures. Microscopy of the liver showed foamy macrophages and lesions of liver disease associated with the presence of crystals in the bile ducts, which have also been found in sheep and cattle poisoned by grasses of the genus Brachiaria. During the outbreaks, protodioscin levels were higher than 3%, and shortly after, these levels were reduced to less than 0.80%, suggesting a hepatic injury etiology. The outbreaks took place at the beginning of the rainy season, and there was a positive correlation between saponin and the amount of rainfall, as well as between saponin and the amount of green leaves in the pasture. These findings indicate that the grass was more toxic in this period. This is the first report of photosensitization by B. decumbens in buffalo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports the development and use of a Real Time PCR for detection of Babesia canis canis, B. canis rossi, and B. canis vogeli in endemic areas of Brazil. The sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of several organisms were aligned and five primers and four probes were designed for amplification of a fragment (around 125bp) which differentiates subspecies of B. canis. Blood samples collected from dogs living in farms in three distinct rural regions within the State of Minas Gerais (Lavras, Belo Horizonte and Nanuque) were tested. Blood samples had been collected during a dry season (Lavras, n =100; Belo Horizonte, n =50; Nanuque, n =102); the dogs were re-sampled in the subsequent rainy season (Lavras, n =71; Belo Horizonte, n =29; Nanuque, n =66). From each sample, DNA was extracted and Giemsa stained smears were microscopically examined for direct detection of Babesia parasites. B. canis vogeli was the only subspecies found, with an overall prevalence of 9.9% during the dry season and 10.8% during the rainy season. Dogs living in Nanuque and Belo Horizonte showed significantly higher prevalence rates than those living in Lavras (13.7%, 12.0% and 5.0%, respectively). The Real Time PCR developed proved to be appropriate to detect B. canis subspecies in endemic areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides evaluations of the radiometric behavior and exhalation patterns of radon gas in decorative and dimension stones explored in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, given the importance of determining radon gas concentrations in human-inhabited environments. A total of 10 silicate rock types were studied, featuring different petrographic/petrophysical characteristics given by seven magmatic rocks (three of which are granitic pegmatites) and three metamorphic rocks. The study, comprising radiometric data of U and monitoring of 222Rn gas exhalation, shows a strong correlation between petrographic parameters and the physical properties of rocks. U levels ranged between 2.9 and 37ppm, revealing a good coherence between the presence and the absence of radioactive element-bearing accessory minerals for each rock type. The rate of radon exhalation from the stones is related to the petrographic/petrophysical features of each material. By comparing the 222Rn level generated by a rock to the amount effectively emanated by it, the rate of emanated gas proves to be insignificant; also, a rock that produces more Rn will not always emanate more. Simulations performed to estimate the radon levels inside residences or any given indoor environment showed that nine samples attained values below the 4pCi/L EPA limit, whereas one was above that limit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kimberlite pipes are significant source rocks that form primary diamond deposits. Usually, the low resistivity of kimberlite produces a significant contrast in electrical resistivity, which can be mapped using electromagnetic EM methods. The Regis kimberlite is located in a well-known diamondiferous province in central Brazil. The main tectonic feature of the area is a northwest–southeast major crustal fracture zone that extends for more than 3000km within the Brazilian territory, where Regis and several other kimberlites have intruded. In this paper, we present an audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) study at the Regis pipe. AMT data were collected in the 10Hz–100kHz frequency range at 111 stations on a grid, and three-dimensional (3D) inversions were used to generate a resistivity model of the pipe. Our interpretation was corroborated by available geological information of six drill holes. The final model shows an asymmetric conically shaped body with a conductivity range of 2 to 70ohm.m and a depth of 0 to 550m. These conductive sources were associated with crater lake sediments in the upper part and the main kimberlite diatreme at depth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In much of the world, there is increasing demand for electricity to serve rural communities, isolated from the existing grids and typified by low-density electrical consumption. Because these non-urban consumer markets require rather high implementation investments (as well as high operation and maintenance costs), new technological and policy options are required to meet the needs of these markets. These consumers typically use energy in daytime peak hours of electricity, typically for lighting, television, and communication—as well as for a variety of cultural habits such as hot water that impose high demands on the utility''s power distribution and generation system. This has been the case in Brazil, making it necessary to identify decentralized generation technologies to meet the potential markets, typically serving rural and poorer areas. The government itself provided the impetus with the passage of the Brazilian “Universalization Law” that mandated supplying electricity access for the entire population by the year 2010. This law allows the use of both the distribution grid and renewable energy off-grid technologies. In response, Brazil''s largest state utility, Energetic Company of Minas Gerais (CEMIG) has aggressively implemented the use of decentralized photovoltaic systems to supplement the conventional power grid to satisfy the “universalization” targets. This paper provides a summary of the status and the future prospects of solar photovoltaic Energy in Brasil, within the context of the “universal electricity supply” policy. The focus here is to highlight the successes and the issues experienced to date in the State of Minas Gerais. This includes examining the methods implemented to ensure system reliability for the consumers, as well as the standards established under the Agéncia Nacional de Energy Elétrica (ANEEL), the national regulator electrical agency that ensures compliance with the federal regulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper looks at prospective in Brazil for the past 30years. The prospective approach and methods, with their myriad tools, were adopted by Brazilian governmental bodies and companies in a process of progressive maturation of concepts and models. They brought about major changes for the country and for the companies and governmental bodies in which they were adopted. The following examples stem from the application of the prospective process, with the participation of employees and the population. We chose to highlight results applicable to practical life and visible today: 1) the opening up of the Brazilian economy (BNDES, 1984–90); 2) the anticipation of the global warming issue (ELETRONORTE, 1987–1998); 3) the preparation of a monopolistic oil and gas company to work in a competitive environment (PETROBRAS, 1989–2010); 4) the creation of a highly successful strategic state plan (Minas Gerais state, 2002–2010, and 5) the drafting of a strategic municipal plan (Belo Horizonte Municipal Government, 2009). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports the results of an analytical study to characterize the trunk resin collected from the Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. species from the region of Minas Gerais (Brazil), popularly known as Jatobá resin. Hymenaea resins are reported to have been used in artistic applications such as protective varnishes in polychromed sculptures and paintings. Therefore, the identification of the main chemical changes that take place in the resin when it is prepared as a thin film exposed to atmospheric effects have been considered herein. Changes due to the degradation effect of light have been studied on a series of specimens prepared as a thin films and subjected to accelerated UV light ageing. The results based on GC–MS, THM–Py–GC–MS analyses, and on-line trimethylsilylation Py–GC–MS using hexamethyldislylazane as a derivatization reagent, have been compared. The study shows that eperuic acid and its Δ7 and Δ8 isomers, together with copalic acid, are the major components of the studied resin. Other compounds such as kolavenic acid, iso-ozic acid and epi-pinifolic acid are also present in this resin as minor components. This composition differs from those of resins obtained from other species of the Hymenaea genus growing in this Amazonian region. UV light ageing of the Jatobá resin prepared as a thin film results in the appearance of a new isomer of eperuic acid. Some changes in the relative content of the major components present in the resin have also been observed after ageing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• This study shows the technical and economic viability of CAES using Ethanol. • The CAES system was planned to be implemented in abandoned mines. • Geological characteristics, wind speed and thermodynamic aspects was analysed. This paper shows the results of a study that sought to verify the technical and economic viability of implanting a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) energy system that operated connected to a wind farm, in such a way as to guarantee supply even in parts of the day with low wind intensity. Because this study sought implement this system in a state located in the inland of Brazil where there were no mining caverns capable of storing the compressed air, we opted for using abandoned mines that could serve this function. However, it was difficult to find a location with an abandoned mine for storing compressed air, and a location with good air flow for energy generation, and so the endeavor was ultimately economically unviable. This study shows the geological characteristics of the state, the locations of the main wind flow areas, and the thermodynamic and energy calculations required for sizing and specifying the components for the project and gives an economic analysis of the endeavor. Contrary to initial hypothesis, it was not found any favorable sites in the state of Minas Gerais fort storing compressed air generated from wind energy. Furthermore, the cost analysis showed that this type of endeavor needs policies to gain scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Vazante Group at the western border of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, hosts the largest Zn–Pb district in South America. Several authors have classified this mineral district as Mississippi Valley-type (MVT), based on the intimate association with carbonates and the epigenetic character of most ore bodies. In this paper, we present 47 new lead isotope data from four deposits located along the 300 km N–S Vazante–Paracatu–Unai linear trend. Pb isotope ratios indicate sources with relatively high U/Pb and Th/Pb ratios. Considering the 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios as indicative parameters for the source, we suggest an upper crustal source for the metals. The small variation on the Pb isotope ratios compared to those observed in the classical MVT deposits, and other geological, fluid inclusion and sulphur isotopic data indicates a metallogenic event of long duration. It was characterized by focused circulation of hydrothermal fluids carrying metals from the basement rocks and from the sedimentary pile. The data obtained are more compatible with an evolution model similar to that of IRISH-type deposits. The existence of three Pb isotopic populations could be the result of regional differences in composition of the source rocks and in the fluid–rock interaction since the mineralization is a long-term process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the semiarid conditions of the São Francisco River Basin, Brazil, irrigated fruit crops are replacing natural vegetation, being lemon highlighted by incentives for the national and international markets. This paper aimed to support the rational water management of lemon orchards under different irrigation systems under these conditions. We present a methodology based on the use of the visible and near infrared images from Landsat 8 (L8) satellite together with weather and actual yield data (Y a), to assess the energy balance components and irrigation performance indicators (IPI) by applying the SAFER (Simple Algorithm for Evapotranspiration Retrieving) in six commercial farms under different irrigation systems inside the basin in the northern Minas Gerais state, Southeast Brazil. The ET rates averaged 2.7 mm d−1, 2.9 mm d−1, and 3.7 mm d−1, for drip, micro sprinkler, and pivot irrigated orchards, respectively. The evaporative fraction (latent heat flux by the available energy) reached above 1.00 for localized irrigation (drip and micro sprinkler), and 1.30 for pivots, during the lemon phenological stages from fruit growth to harvest peaks. Pivot irrigation systems were not recommended under the semi-arid conditions, due to large water direct evaporated from the soil and air close to the surface. For drip and micro sprinkler irrigated orchards, crop coefficient curves were modeled based on the accumulated degree-days (DD ac) to estimate lemon crop water requirements. Drip irrigated orchards presented better water productivity levels being recommended together with deficit irrigation strategies which could allow good lemon yields with saving water savings. The most important findings of the current research are that the SAFER algorithm can be applied to estimate crop ET with satellite images without the thermal bands which together with modelled Y a data, irrigation assessments can be carried out at high spatial resolution following the principles of precision agriculture. For replication of the methods in other regions, simple calibrations of the modelling equations can be performed to infer the specific environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vazante Group comprises a Proterozoic sequence of carbonate and siliciclastic rocks located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is the host of the Vazante-Paracatu Zinc District, including world-class hypogene zinc silicate deposits, in the southern part, and several Pb – Zn sulfide deposits in the northern part, all hosted in dolomitic rocks. A recent study revealed the occurrence of base metal sulfide mineralization that formed prior to the Brasiliano orogenic event in the siliciclastic rocks (Serra do Garrote Formation) that underlie these dolomite-hosted silicates and sulfide deposits. These siliciclastic rocks were considered as potential sources of elements for the hydrothermal fluids that formed the dolomite-hosted deposits, however there was little evidence of depletion of the source rocks during the orogenic event. In this paper, Random Forest is used in unsupervised mode along with t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) and principal component analysis (PCA) over a lithogeochemical dataset of samples of the Serra do Garrote siliciclastic rocks collected throughout the basin to provide insights about processes related to the mineralizing system at the Vazante-Paracatu District. Multivariate analysis reveals that the Serra do Garrote Formation geochemical signature typical of pre-orogenic mineralization. This is characterized by PC1+ with association of Zn, Cd, Cu, Hg, In, V ± Sb, Se, Mo, Re, which corresponds to nearly 60% of the variance in the data. This suggest that these elements are related to a widespread and/or, long-living hydrothermal activity without an efficient mechanism to focus the metal-bearing fluids, causing basin-scale sub-economical Zn and related metal enrichment. Furthermore, PC2 and PC6 distinguish the zones with signatures interpreted to be related to depletion. PC2+ separates Cd-poor sphalerite, which is typical of the generation of sphalerite that occur in zones with textural evidence of remobilization. PC6+ with association of As, organic carbon and S, identified the zones where sphalerite was leached from the pyrite-rich layers. Areas with multivariate signatures of both pre-orogenic enrichment and syn-orogenic depletion in the source siliciclastic rocks include the Vazante-North Extension and Varginha zinc silicate deposits/occurrence, Ambrósia silicate zinc deposit and the Engenho Velho prospect. Preliminary exploration in this prospect revealed hydrothermal alteration typical of the zinc silicate deposits. This study is pioneering in applying these numerical models in possible source rocks to assist in identifying targets for exploration in basins. • A multivariate analysis workflow for an exploratory study is presented. • PCA allowed for the identification of evidences for possible metal source rocks. • An exploration target was identified in this study and is currently being tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of the state of Minas Gerais' GDP, which is one of the most productive Brazilian states in the agricultural sector. Given this scenario, it is essential to know the elements that affect agricultural productivity. The data manipulated in this work were obtained from the Network of Automatic Meteorological Stations (EMA's) from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) located in 51 cities from the State of Minas Gerais. There is a lack of studies to determine the most appropriate model to estimate evapotranspiration with less error in the state of Minas Gerais. Such studies are necessary because the state in question has different climatic and hydrological conditions. The objective of this paper was to evaluate whether the estimation of global solar radiation can influence the daily reference evapotranspiration by the Penman-Monteith FAO 56 method, for the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The estimated radiation data were applied to the Penman-Monteith FAO equation for reference evapotranspiration estimation, and these results were compared to the reference evapotranspiration data obtained by the Penman-Monteith FAO equation with radiation data measured at the stations. The performance indexes used were: Mean Relative Error (MRE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Willmott's d index. The solar radiation values used, when calibrated for the study site, tended to overestimate the evapotranspiration values, presented dispersion of 0.76 mm d-1 on average and the degree of precision of the calibrated models had an average of 0.65 mm d-1. The best solar radiation estimation model for the cities studied was the Thorton and Running model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of hydrogeochemical anomalies in karst water resources represents a crucial step in Brazil's water management plans. Accelerated urban and industrial development occurs in the region that includes the Carste Lagoa Santa Protection Unit, State of Minas Gerais, which may negatively impact its water quality. This paper establishes Natural Background Levels (NBL) of waters collected from deep tubular wells and springs for Si4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO 3 −, SO 4 2, Cl− to understand sources of possible geogenic and anthropogenic anomalies. Areas with surpassed thresholds were compared with geological, hydrogeochemical, and land use data. Every parameter, except for chloride, showed elevated concentrations due to lithologic origin. The NBLs for waters of wells and springs are, respectively, 17.9 and 12.7 mg/L (silica), 97.0 and 91.5 mg/L (calcium), 4.9 and 2.9 mg/L (magnesium), 6.2 and 3.8 mg/L (sodium), 1.0 and 0.3 mg/L (potassium), 285.5 and 254.6 mg/L (bicarbonate), 9.4 and 13.6 mg/L (sulfate). Chloride, analyzed only in groundwater, presented 6.7 mg/L indicating a possible influence of upstream urban areas of Lagoa Santa and Pedro Leopoldo municipalities. Volatile and Semivolatile Organic Compounds were also analyzed, but all of them were below the detection limit. This work is important to comprehend the NBL of major elements, reveal geogenic anomalies, and distinguish carbonate aquifer units from the impure ones. • We studied natural background levels under a hydrogeochemical point of view. • Most of the analyzed parameters indicated geogenic anomalies. • The Lagoa Santa and Pedro Leopoldo Members and SSH Formation are the most notorious geological influences on water quality. • When carefully determined, NBLs constitute a powerful tool for the management and protection of underground waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, renewable and sustainable energy sources have attracted the attention of various investors and stakeholders, such as energy sector agents and even consumers. It is perplexing to observe and anticipate the required levels of photovoltaic generation, which are inherent tasks for such rapid insertion into the electric grid. This distributed/renewable generation must be integrated in a coordinated way such that there is no negative impact on the electric performance of the grid, increasing in the complexity of energy management. In this article, a methodology for photovoltaic generation forecasting is addressed for a horizon of one week ahead, using a new approach based on an artificial neural network (ANN) ensemble. Two main questions will be explored with this approach: how to select the ANNs, and how to combine them in the ensemble. The design of experiments (DOE) approach is applied to the photovoltaic time series factors and ANN factors. Then, a cluster analysis is performed to select the best networks. From this point on, a mixture (MDE) is employed to determine the ideal weights for the ensemble formation. The methodology is detailed throughout the paper and, based on the combination of forecasts, the photovoltaic generation was estimated for a specific panel set located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, reaching the value of 4.7% for the weekly mean absolute percentage error. The versatility of the proposed method allowed the change of the number of factors to be used in the experimental arrangement, the forecast model, and the desired forecast horizon, and consequently enhancing the forecasting determination. • An ANN ensemble is created for medium-term photovoltaic generation forecasting. • ANNs are selected by using a new design of experiments approach. • The ANN ensemble is built by using a new mixture design of experiments approach. • We predicted the photovoltaic generation for a panel set located in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Artificial intelligence and GIS in the study of Acrocomia aculeata fruits quality. • The prediction model for macauba fruit components showed considerable reliability. • Some geographic regions revealed optimum suitability for macauba fruit development. • Temperature was the most important factor influencing six of eight fruit components. • Macauba agroclimatic zoning can lead to a more sustainable agriculture practice. Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd.) is an emergent oleaginous crop with undeniable economical potential that occurs naturally from south Mexico to south Brazil. Besides its oils, every biomass component from its fruit has a great manufacturing value, for either food or energy-based sectors. Thus, this paper main objective is to estimate the productive potential of eight fruit components (among oil content, weight, volume and internal structures dry mass) for a wide natural occurrence area of macauba trees, the Minas Gerais State, in Brazil. Prediction was based on six environmental attributes: terrain altitude; temperature; precipitation; solar radiation; distance from hydrography; and water deficit, utilizing Random Forest regression methodology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ecophysiological assumptions. All eight fruit components presented high predictability. Temperature was the most influencing factor in almost all evaluated fruit components. The generated predictive maps can support decision making regarding planting orientation or industrial implantation. It is worth mentioning that a given location may have good productivity for a specific fruit component while being disadvantageous for others. This indicates the need for proper planning, management and/or cultivation objective. The study area presents a broad variety of environmental features, suggesting a promising productive potential for the entire specie natural occurrence area. Crop cultivation in adapted ecophysiological areas require fewer resources, what leads to a more sustainable agricultural system, with reduced environmental stress and risk of economic loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the adoption of mobile banking by farmers and some of its potential determining factors. Our sample comprises 115 complete questionnaires answered through the paper-and-pencil method. The respondents are farmers who have properties located close to 20 different cities in Brazil, specifically in the state of Minas Gerais. We employed the confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the constructs and the structural equation modeling to test the study hypotheses. The main results indicate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and trust are the main constructs related to the use of mobile banking by the farmers who answered the questionnaire. However, the relationship between social influence and the use of mobile banking was negative. This result is opposite to the one usually found in the literature. This research contributes to expand the understanding about the benefits of information technology to the financial routine of farmers, since they operate in a relevant economic sector in Brazil. • The database analyzed in this research comprises questionnaires answered by Brazilian farmers. • The respondents have properties located close to 20 different cities. • The results reinforced the relevance of the construct ease of use to improve the diffusion of mobile banking in rural areas. • Social influence presented a result contrary to the one expected. • The average age of respondents was 52.4 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barreiro area at Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, has been well-known since the 19th century when started the studies of the healing properties for the tuberculosis treatment of the natural mineral waters of the springs Dona Beja (DBS) and Andrade Júnior (AJS). In addition, extensive mining activities devoted to the niobum and phosphate fertilizer exploitation have been developed there since the 60's and 70's by different companies, favoring the release of contaminants into the hydric resources of that environment. This paper reports a hydrogeochemical study of surface waters occurring at Barreiro area, comparing their major hydrochemical characteristics with those of other surface waters and rainwater occurring there for identifying possible degradation of their quality due to the anthropogenic inputs associated to the mining activities. The systematic utilized in this approach consisted on the adoption of various experimental steps: hydrochemical analysis by different methods of the several samples collected; hydrochemical data treatment and plotting using traditional statistical tests and geochemical diagrams; use of geochemical data in various sections of six sediment core for calculating the Geoaccumulation Index (I geo) taking into account sediments outside of Barreiro area for yielding background values, as well as the concentrations reported in the literature for shales and NASC (North American shale composite); leaching experiments of sediment aliquots at room temperature (~20 °C) during about 24 h and using distilled water equilibrated with the atmosphere as leachant for the analysis of the release of barium, chloride, sulfate, phosphate and nitrate. All these protocols allowed an integrated evaluation of the constituents transport at Barreiro area and nearby, improving the knowledge of the environmental impacts associated to the mining activities developed there, responsible by a production of about 20,000 tons/year of ground apatite for phosphate use in agriculture and circa 936 billion metric tons of Nb 2 O 5 ore. • Novel hydrochemical dataset in surface waters of Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. • Anthropogenic inputs due to mining activities for niobium and phosphate fertilizer exploitation. • Compatibility of the constituents transfer into the liquid and particulate matter phases. • Compatibility of two Geoaccumulation Indices. • Relevance of leaching experiments of sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments geochemical data from Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, have provided new insights on the pollutants inputs in different drainage systems of Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The sediments profiles (6) provided from a lake (Grand Hotel) and streams (Sal, Areia, Fundo, and Feio). The local municipality uses some waters (Areia, Fundo, and Feio streams) in water-supply systems. Because of the Brazilian environmental agency does not establish concentration guidelines for several heavy metals occurring in freshwater sediments, the values reported in this paper were compared with limits proposed elsewhere. Enrichment Factor (EF) values of 20–40 (very high enrichment) and EF > 40 (extremely high enrichment) were found for Ba (in two sediment core), Nb (in three sediment core) and Se (in four sediment core). The 210Pb chronological method was useful for tracking some major events that occurred in the history of Araxá city, showing concentration peaks around 1962 and 1993 for BaO, Nb 2 O 5 , Fe 2 O 3 , P 2 O 5 , SO 3 , SrO and CeO 2 and around 1972 and 1999 for SeO 2. • Application of the 210Pb chronological CRS model at drainages from Araxá city, Brazil. • Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb levels in the sediments above of the PEL standards for freshwater; -Ba concentration in sediment cores exceeding the limiting value of 750 μg/g for agricultural land use. •Enrichment Factor (EF) values suggesting extremely high enrichment for Ba, Nb and Se. •Historical fluxes of BaO, Nb 2 O 5 , Fe 2 O 3 , P 2 O 5 , SO 3 , SrO and CeO 2 showed concentration peaks around 1962 and 1993, coinciding with important events that occurred at Barreiro area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources management is meant to solve problems caused by the intensive use of this resource which is the consequence of economic and population growth. Water resources management is also responsible for preserving hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems, as well as ensuring that this resource will be maintained with adequate supply for future generations. In Brazil, a country with continental dimensions, streamflow gauge coverage is far from satisfactory. Therefore, the hydrological regionalization techniques are an option to estimate hydrological information in regions with few or no data. This methodology is based on the spatial similarity of functions, variables and parameters that tolerate this transference. The number of regionalization models and the need for ease of access to hydrological data transformed comparative studies of streamflow regionalization methodologies into an important topic of hydrology in Brazil. For this reason, the objective of this paper is to assess the models settled by Liazi et al. (1988), IGAM (2012) and Wolff et al. (2014) related to the variables Q 7,10 , Q 90 , Q 95 and Q ‾ in the upper Jaguari River basin, which is located between Minas Gerais and São Paulo States, and represents an important affluent to the Cantareira System. Firstly, Q 7,10 , Q 90 , Q 95 and Q ‾ were calculated using the historical flow data from five fluviometric stations located in Jaguari River basin. Then, these same variables were estimated using the regionalization methodologies proposed by Liazi et al. (1988), IGAM (2012) and Wolff et al. (2014). In order to determine the best hydrological regionalization method for the upper Jaguari River basin, the flow rates results calculated with the historical series were compared to those estimated by the models. Liazi et al. (1988) presented the best performance when compared to the other two methods. Its behavior was classified as very good by the index of agreement (d), the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). IGAM (2012) exhibited an unsatisfactory fit for the statistical indicators of NSE and PBIAS. On the other hand, this method was classified as very good when the coefficient of determination (R2) was analyzed. The proposal of hydrological regionalization of Wolff et al. (2014) presented an adjustment, classified by the index of agreement (d), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percentage bias (PBIAS), and coefficient of determination (R2) as unsatisfactory, in general. The graphical behavior, however, demonstrated a good potential for future use of this model. In conclusion, it is recommended to apply similar comparative studies in other important sub-basins located between Minas Gerais and São Paulo States in Brazil to corroborate or not with the presented results. • Models of hydrological information transfer using multiple regression and geostatistics techniques were tested. • The model that uses geostatistics has the potential to estimate the average streamflow. • The hydrologically homogenous areas, average annual precipitation and basin drainage area model presented the best performance for average flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the influence of ecological fiscal transfers (EFT) on the policy-making process of adopting local protected areas (PA) by municipal governments. Framed on the transaction-cost politics (TCP), it argues that an EFT schema designed at the state level may affect the expected payoff/costs of local level decisions and the time length to create PA. The mixed research design is composed of two parts: first, a descriptive analysis detailing the evolution of EFT in the state of Minas Gerais since the beginning until its current version; second, an event history analysis of municipal PA adoption from 1966 to 2013. The conclusion suggests that, while there is an overall increase in municipal PA after the introduction of EFT, some design aspects of the instrument such as uncertainty and monitoring costs slowed and flattened that increase. • EFT affects the adoption of protected areas by increasing the incentives to adoption, namely sustainable PAs • The introduction of the quality index reduces the probability of adoption of protected areas • There is a higher degree of transaction costs in integral group of municipal protected areas after the adoption of EFT • The uncertainty surrounding the ecological fiscal transfers increases the costs which may challenge future adoptions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mottled horizons and iron crusts are widespread in soil developed upslope on flat sedimentary plateau located in western of Minas Gerais State (Brazil). In the area, important deposits of high-alumina clays are located at lower topographic position suggesting a lateral transformation system from mottled horizons. External factors, generally linked to more humid climatic conditions, could explain the spatial variation of pedogenic materials in landscape. The objective of this paper is to discuss the genetic relation between the mottled and high-alumina clays horizons in a pedosedimentary sequence of Marilia Formation within the context of landscape evolution. Punctual observations using pits and auger were performed along typical soil transect. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), polarized light microscopy observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the affiliation between soil materials. Rietveld refinement was applied to quantify the mineralogical phases of the different layers. The results showed that both, mottled and high-alumina clays are a ferruginous depleted material, inherited from the iron crust dissolution. The horizons are aligned in the topography, despite the longer permanence of water table in depressed zones of the plateau which enhances iron dissolution and relative enrichment of gibbsite. The relative preservation of the iron crusts occurs in the altitude > 980 masl; below this level iron crusts disappear due to a generalized elevation of the groundwater in the flat plateau. • Mottled horizon in Ferralsol results from iron crust dissolution. • High-alumina clays in Gleysol is found in depressed waterlogged soils. • In the plateau, high groundwater is a response of more humid climatic conditions. • The history of soils cape is key to supergene enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the thermoluminescence (TL) emission (from 250 to 500 nm) of a 10 Gy irradiated natural Na-rich aluminosilicate from Minas Gerais (Brazil), previously characterized by Raman spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis techniques. 3D-TL spectrum of the analyzed sample displays a complex glow curves with five different emissions bands peaked at 290, 380, 420, 460 and 500 nm that could be associated with structural and point defects. The UV-blue emission bands have the following characteristics: (i) the 290 nm waveband could be due to defects-sites by the presence of Na ions; (ii) the 380 nm band, caused by intrinsic defects in the lattice (i.e. Non-Bridging Oxygen Hole Centers (NBOHCs), [AlO 4 ]o centres, alkali planar defects and Oxygen Defect Centers (ODCs), among others); (iii) the 420 nm waveband, linked to the recombination on a centre formed from a hole-oxygen atom adjacent to two aluminum atoms (Al-O-Al) and Al-O-Si complexes; (iv) the 460 nm band, associated with the presence of Ti4+ in the plagiclase crystal lattice. The green waveband could be linked to de-excitation of Mn2+ ions. The estimation of the activation energy (E a) from the 10 Gy-induced TL glow curves analyzed by means of the initial rise method display linear regressions with acceptable r coefficients (r > 0.977) that reveal three groups of components with traps at different depth in the crystal lattice of the albite with Ea values in the range of 0.5–0.64 eV. • New data on the Raman and DTA measurements of a Na-rich aluminosilicate are here reported. • UV-green TL emission of a Na-feldspar is mainly due to structural defects. • The Ea values calculated by IR method suggest three groups of components with traps in the range of 0.49(2)-0.63(1) eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]