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There are environmental concerns (especially regarding climate change) associated with the negative effects of some pruning waste management practices. Converting urban tree waste into valuable products can help mitigate climate change, but it is important to quantify the repercussions of tree waste scenarios in an urban context. The objective of this study was to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for six scenarios of urban pruning waste in urban areas. To this end, the life cycle assessment methodology was applied to real data obtained from five municipalities of the Paraíba state in 2012–2021 (northeast Brazil). The six scenarios were: sanitary landfill (current practice), sanitary landfill with methane capture, municipal incineration, reuse of wood, heat generation and electricity generation. Considering the 10-year period, the sanitary landfill emitted 1048 kt CO2e, and when methane was captured at the landfill, emissions decreased to 1033 kt CO2e. The lowest emissions were associated with electricity generation, with 854 kt CO2e. The municipality of João Pessoa presented the highest emissions, followed by Cabedelo, Santa Rita, Bayeux, and Conde. Transportation was responsible for the highest share of GHG emissions. Disposal of urban pruning waste at the sanitary landfill presented the highest emissions, and it has been demonstrated herein that pruning waste can be used for the production of bioenergy, with significant potential to mitigate GHG emissions at local levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep skin burn represents a global morbidity and mortality problem, and the limitation of topical treatment agents has motivated research to development new formulations capable of preventing infections and accelerating healing. The aim of this work was to develop and characterize an emulgel based on collagen (COL) and gelatin (GEL) extracted from fish skin associated with Chlorella vulgaris extract (CE) and silver nitrate (AgNO3). COL and GEL were characterized by physicochemical and thermal analyses; and CE by electrophoresis and its antioxidant capacity. Three emulgels formulations were developed: COL (0.5%) + GEL (2.5%) (E1), COL+GEL+CE (1%) (E2), and COL+GEL+CE + AgNO3 (0.1%) (E3). All formulations were characterized by physicochemical, rheology assays, and preclinical analyses: cytotoxicity (in vitro) and healing potential using a burn model in rats. COL and GEL showed typical physicochemical characteristics, and CE presented 1.3 mg/mL of proteins and antioxidant activity of 76%. Emulgels presented a coherent physicochemical profile and pseudoplastic behavior. Preclinical analysis showed concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity against fibroblast and keratinocytes. In addition, all emulgels induced similar percentages of wound contraction and complete wound closure in 28 days. The histopathological analysis showed higher scores for polymorphonuclear cells to E1 and greater neovascularization and re‐epithelialization to E3. Then, E3 formulation has potential to improve burn healing, although its use in a clinical setting requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to characterise the surface properties of chicken breasts, and evaluate the wettability properties of edible coatings based on carrageenan and glycerol, using varying concentrations of the biopolymer and plasticiser. The surface of the chicken breasts was characterised as of low energy, with a surface tension of 54.56 mN/m, whose polar and dispersive components were 39.79 mN/m and 14.77 mN/m, respectively. The results showed that with an increase in the carrageenan concentration of the film-forming solution there was a reduction in the values for adhesion and spreading. Coatings with a higher glycerol concentration also obtained a lower spreading coefficient. Solutions 1 (carrageenan 1% and glycerol 0%), 2 (carrageenan 1% and glycerol 1%) and 3 (carrageenan 1% and glycerol 2%) did not differ statistically, obtaining the highest values for spreadability. Solution 1 (carrageenan 1% and 0% glycerol) presented the highest numerical values. For carrageenan coatings on chicken breasts, the best spreading coefficient was -4.49 mN/m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing residues are still one of the main obstacles in the fishing industry due to waste and environmental impact. With that, ways of reusing these residues are researched to generate new products with different applications. The objective of this work was to develop and evaluate protein films obtained from mechanically separated meat (MSM) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) filleting residues. To get the films, the casting technique was used, varying their composition in relation to the amount of protein (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) and glycerol (0.0, 0.1 and 0.2%), creating a 3² factorial plan, with 9 treatments. The films were characterized in terms of color, opacity, water solubility, mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP). In the end, a yield of 18.70% of Nile tilapia myofibrillar proteins (MPs) and a post-lyophilization protein content of 87.33% were obtained. It was concluded that the film that presented the best result in all the characteristics analyzed was the one with 1.0% of MPs and 0.1% of glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi‐arid regions are naturally sensitive to soil erosion due to sparse vegetation cover and concentrated rainfall regime. Absence of conservative practices increases soil loss and reduces water retention. Despite the propagation of erosive process in the Brazilian semi‐arid region, few studies address the spatial and temporal distribution of surface erosive processes. Therefore, the present study presents preliminary results of a monitored soil loss and runoff experiment in the Brazilian semi‐arid region. Four plots were set up on the dominant soil groups, Luvisols and Regosols, traditional land uses, fallow system and cactus palm cultivation. Precipitation, surface runoff and soil loss were monitored for 22 months. The plots with the fallow system were more efficient in containing the hydro‐erosive dynamics than the plots with the cactus palm. The high difference in soil erosion between fallow system plots and cactus palm indicates that the human impact on soil loss is substantial. The significant correlation between precipitation and surface runoff allows the prediction of surface runoff. The weak correlation between precipitation and soil loss indicates that erosion is complex, with a strong influence on soil properties and use. The propagation of erosive processes in the Brazilian semi‐arid region induces loss of soil fertility, acceleration of the desertification process and impoverishment of rural communities. Specific conservative practices should be developed to reduce soil loss and mitigate anthropic disturbance in these areas. The surface runoff in Luvisol was up to 47% higher than those measured in Regosol. The plots with cactus palm showed a loss of organic carbon and nitrogen up to seven times greater than the plots in fallow system. Regosol is more sensitive to land‐use change compared with Luvisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification is a type of intense degradation likely to occur in dry climate zones. This work aimed to survey the current state of the art on this environmental issue, highlighting how it has been processed especially in the Caatinga biome, based on the dynamic relationships between vegetation, soils and the way these resources are used by the population. The methodology was based on the analysis of several scientific works, considered the most relevant by the author of the research. The results identified that desertification is the result, in part, of the lack of knowledge of sustainable ways of using natural resources, going through issues related to national and global demands for certain commodities, as well as to various problems of historical social and economic structures. still persistent today among the inhabitants of the Caatinga, aggravated by government interventions that, in general, have intensified many negative environmental effects, with the possibility of worsening this situation, due to predicted climate changes. As a solution, it is recommended to increase investment in Science to improve the understanding of the functioning of this biome, subsidizing the forms of intervention in these lands, and a broad national political debate between managers and organized civil society, capable of bringing positive results. and sustainable use of natural resources for that part of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to present a bioclimatic classification, seeking to make an association with plant species that have greater importance in the area. The research development site was the semiarid zone of the Paraíba river basin - PB, with specific classifications in some municipalities such as: São João do Tigre, Coxixola, São Domingos do Cariri and Caturité. In methodological terms, the research made use of different methods and techniques, the main ones being the bioclimatic classification proposed by Cámara et. al. (2004), and the vegetation inventories using the proposal by Cámera (2013). The satellite images used were from the Landsat TM sensor, as well as those from the GEOEye, a high-resolution sensor, the classification was developed in ArcGis 10 and Idrisi Kilimanjaro. The results point to a bioclimatic condition of semiarid tropophyllo vegetation in most of the semiarid zone of the basin and humid mesophile in specific points, especially in the highest parts of the Inselbergs. It is important to point out the intense use of the soil for agricultural activities, goat farming and the advance of the urban areas, contributing decisively to the current environmental situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos de Investigación Geográfica is the property of Universidad de la Rioja, Servicio de Publicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cuadernos de Investigación Geográfica is the property of Universidad de la Rioja, Servicio de Publicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Jatropha curcas seed cake is a byproduct of oil extraction from biodiesel industry. Although it has high protein content, its valorization is hampered by its toxicity. Curcin is a type 1 ribosome-inactivating protein (type 1 RIP) that contributes to the Jatropha seed cake toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using Jatropha seed cake as an alternative source to obtain bioactive curcin. Extracts from the seed cake stored for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days were used to produce protein fractions (JcPFC15, JcPFC30, JcPFC45, JcPFC60, JcPFC75, and JcPFC90), which were further used in purifying curcin via size exclusion chromatography. All JcPFCs comprised curcin. The purified JcPFC curcins apparently had a molecular mass of 28 kDa, which was similar to the seed curcin. Western blot using antibody anti-curcin revealed a single band, corresponding to curcin. No significant differences were observed in the curcin concentrations in all JcPFCs throughout storage. Furthermore, JcPFCs' curcins presented conformational similarities to those of seed curcin, on evaluation by circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. The RIP characteristic activity was assayed by rRNA-N-glycosidase activity test and in vitro protein synthesis inhibition assay, which revealed that the enzymatic activity was maintained in all JcPFCs' curcins. Moreover, the toxicity test did not indicate significant differences between JcPFCs' curcins and seed curcin. Accordingly, based on the results obtained, it is possible to affirm that J. curcas seed cake is a viable source of active curcin even after 90 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Systemic Thinking rose in notoriety by the first half of the XX century, around 1950, and reverberated its precepts to every field of knowledge, including Geography. We made a theoretical revision about the evolution of this concept on the scientific field, including to the Theory of Chaos, since both became complementary and important for the understanding of the inner workings of complex systems. By being a theoretical work, discussions were realized under the the research of various authors, whose works dealt with the complexity of the topic on a scientific perspective and the complexity of its interactions between social and environmental systems, as well as the desertification of the semiarid. We took as an example of complex system and object of analysis the brazilian semiarid, by elaborating discussions and attempting to illustrate this relationship through the socioambiental and spatial dynamics associated with the desertification process that has struck some areas of Brazil. The main results reveal that this system is maintained by the interrelation of various elements, which make it complex and fit to support variations/internal and external inputs that could "shake" it's structure. However, due to constant reorganizations carried out by centuries of deforestation, those human interventions have created a chaotic pattern which, if kept, may lead the entire semiarid system to a state of disintegration/collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência Agronômica is the property of Revista Ciencia Agronomica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Featured Application: Controlled Release of Drugs. The water-in-water emulsion method has been reported as a technique able to prepare microparticles without using harmful solvents. However, there are few reports showing the encapsulation of small molecules into microparticles produced within this technique. The probable reason relays on the rapid diffusion of these molecules from the discontinuous phase to the continuous phase. In the present study, xylan microparticles containing mesalamine were produced and the doubled crosslinking approach, used to promote higher encapsulation rates, was disclosed. To achieve this goal, a 23 full factorial design was carried out. The results revealed that all formulations presented spherical-shaped microparticles. However, at specific conditions, only few formulations reached up to 50% of drug loading. In addition, the new xylan-based microparticles formulation retained almost 40% of its drug content after 12 h of a dissolution assay likely due to the degree of crosslinking. Thus, the doubled crosslinking approach used was effective on the encapsulation of mesalamine and may pave the way to successfully produce other polysaccharide-based carriers for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The I International Field Symposium on Biogeography gathered researchers from Brazil, Spain, Mexico and Argentina institutions in the period of 8 trough 14 of september of 2015, in João Pessoa and Cabaceiras/Brazil. At the time, phytosociological data were collected in the Atlantic Rainforest and Caatinga areas. The obtained results, although insufficient to respond to several questions about these biomes, are promising, to which we highlight the identification of differentiated floristic groups, especially in the Caartinga, in function of local conditions, linked to geomorphological and pedological aspects, that allows the existence of high hydric requirement species in a mostly semiarid climatic environment. The event also helped to intensify the rapprochement between iberoamerican institutions and researchers that dedicate themselves for the Biogeographical studies, creating opportunities for the development of international researches [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência Agronômica is the property of Revista Ciencia Agronomica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the present study was to describe the floristic composition of a rocky outcrop in Serra da Raiz, piedmont of Borborema, Paraíba, and verify the similarities or dissimilarities with other inselbergs northeastern Brazil. The work resulted in the registration of 138 plant species, and the families Fabaceae, Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae with the largest number of species. Comparing this work with other floristic studies, it appears that the rocky outcrop in piedmont Borborema shares floristic characteristics with the surrounding regions (seasonal forest) than with other inselbergs northeastern Brazil. Factors related to pediplanation, similarity to surrounding areas, geographical distances and heterogeneity of rocky outcrops were compared and discussed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, an alternative value aggregation to the residues from the industrialization of tilapia is suggested by extraction of chondroitin sulfate from the bones of the spine. Resulting materials were chemically characterized by thermogravimetry (TGA/DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Through the characterization of CS, it was possible to conclude that the methodology used to extract it generated a product with high thermal stability and purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the preparation and evaluation of safe xylan-based microparticles prepared by cross-linking polymerization using sodium trimetaphosphate. The resulting microparticles were evaluated for morphology, particle size, polymer-cross-link agent interaction, andin vitrotoxicity. The microparticles showed narrow monodisperse size distributions with their mean sizes being between 3.5 and 12.5 µm in dried state. FT-IR analyzes confirmed the interaction between sodium trimetaphosphate and xylan during the cross-linking process with formation of phosphate ester bonds. Additionally, the X-ray diffraction patterns and FT-IR analyzes suggested that little or no cross-linking agent remained inside the microparticles. Furthermore, thein-vitrostudies usingArtemia salinaand human erythrocytes revealed that the microparticles are not toxic. Therefore, the overall results suggest that these xylan microparticles can be used as a platform for new drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of liquid smoking and chitosan coating on the shelf life of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) fillets. Fillets without liquid smoked and chitosan coating (control), liquid smoked fillets (LS), and liquid smoked and chitosan coated fillets (LSCh) were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 30 days. The physicochemical (pH, moisture content, water activity-a, color, texture, total volatile bases nitrogen-TVB-N and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-TBARS) and microbiological analyses (mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts) and the electrophoresis profile of samples were carried out. Physicochemical parameters, such as TVB-N and TBARS, were reduced in the tilapia fillets with liquid smoking. The presence of the coating of chitosan was effective for the control of the microorganisms during storage. This work showed that the addition of a chitosan coating in liquid-smoked fillets further enhanced the effect of preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caatinga is inserted in the semiarid region of the Northeast and is characterized by floras adapted to live with semi-arid and seasonal rhythm of climate and hydrology. It has a long history of use and occupation that has considerably changed the natural vegetation covers that occur in this biome. Currently, with the availability of remote sensing technologies it is possible to evaluate the spatial and temporal changes in the various landscapes through the modeling of various biophysical parameters of vegetation. This study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal changes of vegetation cover in the Cariri Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) through NDVI and SAVI indexes with the processing of TM Landsat 5 sensor images during the years 1989, 2005 and 2010. Six cover classes were found in the APA, being four of them corresponding to the vegetation types of Caatingas with higher and lower level of human disturbance. The results show a progressive decline of the densest Caatingas in the analyzed period. The NDVI was closer to the real conditions of the vegetation of the study area. The vegetation indexes analyzed represent an indicator of the environmental quality of the area for future environmental planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]