Brazilian Journal of Science
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The importance of financial controls for maximizing results for small rural entrepreneurs
No full textBrazil's agricultural sector is crucial for the economy and global food security, encompassing about 41% of the country's total land area and housing over 5 million agricultural establishments. According to the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), agribusiness contributed 23.8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, highlighting its diverse production of agricultural commodities. While technological advancements have boosted productivity, a significant gap exists between large and small producers. Large producers often benefit from technological progress, whereas small producers—a significant portion of family farming—face substantial challenges. Family farming accounts for 67% of agricultural activity and 80% of global food production, yet it struggles with financial management, lack of knowledge, and limited access to credit and technology. Efficient rural management is essential for optimizing resources, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity on small farms. Implementing financial management practices, such as budgeting, cost analysis, and cash flow control, can help small producers make better use of their resources and lower expenses. Public policies like the National Program for the Strengthening of Family Farming (PRONAF) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) aim to support these producers by providing financing and securing markets for their products. Family farming holds significant potential for sustainable practices. With the right support, it can continue to play a vital role in the Brazilian economy and global food security, fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector
The impact of STEAM education using robotics on the executive function of typical and ADHD students along with developmental exploration
Get PDFEducational Robotics (ER) is a novel learning approach renowned mostly for its effects on scientific academic disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). According to recent research, ER can also influence cognitive development by increasing critical reasoning and planning abilities. The purpose of this study was to quantify the potential of ER to empower Executive Functions (EF), including the ability to govern, update, and program information. Executive Function (EF) refers to a complex set of cognitive control processes required for adaptive daily functioning. EFs are more predictive of intellectual progress, health, wealth, and quality of life over the life span than IQ or socioeconomic position. Evidence suggests that EFs can be divided into three core capacities (working memory, inhibition, and shifting), which work together to support higher-order cognitive processing (e.g., planning, problem solving) required to stay on track, resist contrary impulses and distraction, and pursue more-positive (rather than most-immediate) outcomes. Given the importance of EFs, there is a growing interest in enhancing them. The current study sought also to validate the ER's efficacy on EF in children with ADHD
Use of Arduino and flute in teaching waves in a high school class
Get PDFThis work aims to use music as a teaching tool and, alongside it, utilize Arduino as a device to verify the components to be studied. The theoretical framework to be used is based on the Potentially Meaningful Teaching Units, UEPS approach, allowing for the construction of meaningful learning for students through problem-solving situations. A didactic sequence was developed for the study of the theme of sound waves and their components at the high school level. This sequence was applied over a period of four weeks, including an initial presentation of topics related to waves, the construction of an electronic system using Arduino, and the verification of phenomena based on musical notes. The data collection instruments for this research included questionnaires to assess students' prior knowledge, mind maps, and exercise lists. The Arduino programming board, which allows for the digitization of analog and digital electrical signals, was used in conjunction with a microphone module, enabling the integration of electronic physics with wave physics. As a result of this research, there were indications of learning through the interdisciplinary relationship between music and physics, which was made effective through the use of Arduino and the recorder flute
Pseudocercospora fijiensis mycelia-based infection system enhances investigational efficacy of P. fijiensis-banana pathosystem
Get PDFScreening procedures for black Sigatoka have limitations. Thus, there is need for alternative screening procedure. A robust controlled-environment methodology for testing reaction of banana genotypes to Pseudocercospora fijiensis is, thus, still required. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the effect of P. fijiensis fragmented mycelia-based inoculum on black Sigatoka development in banana under screen house conditions with the view of developing a procedure for early assessment of resistance. Black Sigatoka severity increased significantly (P < 0.05) over time in all genotypes apart from Kayinja. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in severity were also recorded among the genotypes at 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after inoculation. All east African highland banana and plantain genotypes tested exhibited susceptible reaction, characterized by rapid progression of symptoms to necrotic lesions. Kayinja and M9 hybrids exhibited resistant reactions, characterized by small necrotic specks and chlorotic or brown blotches, respectively. The fragmented mycelia-based infection system classified the banana genotypes into resistant and susceptible clones, making it a reliable and efficient infection technique to assess black Sigatoka disease damage. The infection system is recommended for early screening for black Sigatoka resistance
Formulation development and characterization of quercetin loaded poly caprolactone nanoparticles for tumors
Get PDFCancer is a formidable health obstacle, characterized by its bleak outlook. Considerable scientific investigation has shed light on the capacity to modify the dispersion of anticancer medications at various levels within tissues and cells by enclosing them within submicronic colloidal systems, often known as nanoparticles. This approach is based on the goal of enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of these medications while minimizing adverse effects on the entire body. Moreover, the theragnostic characteristics of these nanoparticles are widely acknowledged, hence enhancing their therapeutic potential. The current study is centered on exploring the potential anti-tumor effects of quercetin by utilizing its antioxidant capabilities. The quercetin nanoparticles are synthesized with great precision utilizing the nanoprecipitation approach, in which poly(caprolactone) is utilized as the polymer matrix. Following synthesis, the nanoparticles are extracted for further analysis. Further attempts are undertaken to enhance the drug loading process, and the resultant nanoparticles undergo a thorough analysis, including the examination of their morphology using scanning electron microscopy, and the evaluation of drug-polymer interactions using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The remarkable efficacy of quercetin's envelopment can be attributed to its lipophilic nature, reaching a maximum of 81%. The utilization of scanning electron microscopy allows for the observation of nanoparticles with varying forms. Conversely, the absence of noticeable interactions in Fourier-transform infrared analysis indicates the stability of poly(caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with quercetin
Limed in sandy soils for soybean cultivation: A mini-review
Get PDFLiming is the method in which limestone is applied to regulate the pH of the soil reducing its acidity and making the minerals labile. This study aimed to evaluate the management of liming using dolomitic limestone in sandy textured soils, on the development of soybean cultivation through a bibliographical survey. Sandy soil also, known as “light soil” is largely composed of sand and a smaller proportion of clay around 70% and 15% respectively, its grain size is higher, and the presence of nutrients is very scarce. Correcting soil acidity through liming is the first step towards obtaining a considerably productive crop, especially in recently cleared areas. Since in acidic soils, the limitation to plant development arises mainly from the indirect effects of pH. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the soil continuously as well as the weather conditions in order to obtain the desired result. Several results have been observed in which the use of liming in acidic soils, mainly in the Brazilian Cerrado, reduces the toxic action of aluminum on the plant and promotes greater absorption of nutrients and micronutrients for the plants, in addition to maintaining the soil microbiota
Comparando o concreto convencional com o concreto de alto desempenho através da avaliação do ciclo de vida
No full textIn this study, conventional concrete is compared to high performance concrete in terms of environmental performance. The Open LCA software along with the Ecoinvent database 3.1 and data from a literature review were used. The ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment methodology was applied. Results show better environmental performance for high performance concrete. Regarding climate change and water depletion results, conventional concrete turned out to have almost twice the impact of high performance concrete, while for the fossil depletion and human toxicity indicators results were even higher. In addition, it must be noted that high performance concrete also results in benefits regarding dematerialization since it is needed 0.654 m3 less than in the conventional concrete case for the same function. Nevertheless, further analysis should be conducted using primary data.Neste estudo, o concreto convencional é comparado ao concreto de alto desempenho em termos de desempenho ambiental. Utilizou-se o software Open LCA, a base de dados Ecoinvent 3.1 e dados de revisão de literatura. Aplicou-se a metodologia de avaliação de impacto do ciclo de vida do ReCiPe. Os resultados mostram melhor desempenho ambiental para concretos de alto desempenho. Em relação aos resultados de mudanças climáticas e esgotamento de água, o concreto convencional apresentou quase o dobro do impacto do concreto de alto desempenho, enquanto aos indicadores de depleção fóssil e toxicidade humana os resultados foram ainda maiores. Além disso, deve-se ressaltar que o concreto de alto desempenho também resulta em benefícios em relação à desmaterialização, uma vez que são necessários 0,654 m3 a menos do que no concreto convencional para a mesma função. No entanto, análises adicionais devem ser realizadas usando dados primários
A comparative study of the CAPM and extended models in the Indian stock market
No full textTo explain the cross section of asset returns, there are numerous asset pricing models being used which require ideal conditions in the markets around the world. An attempt has been made in the present study to estimate and compare the different versions of capital asset princing model (CAPM) using the data of sectoral indices listed in S&P BSE in the Indian stock market. The two widely used approaches i.e. Fama-MacBeth (1973) and Pettengil et al. (1995) for conditional versions have been adopted in the study. The models were compared on the basis of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and it was obtained that the AIC value of the Unconditional higher moment CAPM was obtained minimum among other models. Hence it can be said as the better model than other models estimated
Potassium silicate as a new micronutrient agent in the initial development of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
No full textSilicon (Si) is considered a non-essential micronutrient for vegetables, although it has important functions during vegetative development in some large crops of agricultural interest. This study aimed to evaluate the action of Silicon on vegetative development in a sunflower cultivar ‘Multissol’. The experiment was carried out in full sun in February 2024, with five dosages (0; 150; 300; 600 and 900 kg ha-1) using potassium silicate as a source of Si. The vigor variables for humidity, germination, accelerated aging, weight of 100 grains, electrical conductivity, cold test and emergence in sand and soil were analyzed. Vegetative parameters for plant height, root size, number of leaves, aerial and root fresh mass and aerial and root dry mass were also evaluated. The germination rate was greater than 90%, the electrical conductivity was 100 µS cm-1.g-1, emergence in sand and soil was greater than 90%, regarding the variables of the vegetative phase, there were substantial gains (p < 0.05) in all parameters analyzed, especially for the highest dosage of 900 kg ha-1 when compared between the control. Si has a positive effect on the evaluated parameters and is a non-essential element that has positive effects on sunflower crops, especially on the Multissol cultivar
Neurodevelopmental outcomes and occupational participation of preterm children at school age: a scoping review
No full textPreterm children may experience major challenges that affect their occupational participation and daily functioning, especially at school age. This scoping review aims to examining and synthesizing the available literature about adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and occupational participation restrictions of preterm children born < 37 weeks of gestation. The MEDLINE, Science Direct, CINAHL databases were searched from January 2013 to December 2023, for published cohort studies that assessed the neurodevelopmental outcomes and occupational participation of school-aged preterm children, compared to full-term born peers. Out of 6631 identified articles, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and involved 958 preterm children, aged 6-10 years old. Studies included in the current scoping review reported adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, such as cognitive impairment, executive function and sensory processing deficits, emotional and behavioral problems, language and visual perception difficulties, as well as occupational participation restrictions, like feeding difficulties, academic challenges and peer relationship problems. Findings suggest that neurodevelopmental deficits and occupational participation restrictions, especially in extremely preterm children, not only exist in early childhood but persist during school age. Future research should focus on exploring potential differences or patterns in neurodevelopmental outcomes and occupational participation between preterm groups with different gestational age ranges