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Analysis of the Sugarcane Biomass Use to Produce Green Hydrogen: Brazilian Case Study
No full textConventional hydrogen production processes, which often involve fossil raw materials, emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This study critically evaluates the feasibility of using sugarcane biomass as an energy source to produce green hydrogen. In the 2023/2024 harvest, Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, processed approximately 713.2 million metric tons of sugarcane. This yielded 45.68 million metric tons of sugar and 29.69 billion liters of first-generation ethanol, equivalent to approximately 0.0416 liters of ethanol per kilogram of sugarcane. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, resulting in the assessment of 335 articles. The study has identified seven potential biohydrogen production methods, including two direct approaches from second-generation ethanol and five from integrated bioenergy systems. Experimental data indicate that second-generation ethanol can yield 594 MJ per metric ton of biomass, with additional energy recovery from lignin combustion (1705 MJ per metric ton). Moreover, advances in electrocatalytic reforming and plasma-driven hydrogen production have demonstrated high conversion efficiencies, addressing key technical barriers. The results highlight Brazil’s strategic potential to integrate biohydrogen production within its existing bioenergy infrastructure. By leveraging sugarcane biomass for green hydrogen, the country can contribute significantly to the global transition to sustainable energy while enhancing its energy security.School of Engineering and Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)Institute of Mechanical Engineering Federal University of ItajubáInstitute of Drilling Engineering and Fluid Mining (IBF) TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF)Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division King Abdullah University of Science and TechnologySchool of Engineering and Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP
Barley vulnerability to climate change: perspectives for cultivation in South America
No full textBarley (Hordeum vulgare) is a globally significant cereal crop, widely used in both food production and brewing. However, it is particularly vulnerable to climate change, especially extreme temperature fluctuations, which can severely reduce yields. To address this challenge, a detailed climate zoning study was conducted to assess the suitability of barley production areas across South America, considering both current conditions and future climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The study utilized historical climate data along with projections from the CMIP6 IPSL-CM6A-LR model for the period 2021–2100. Several indices, such as evapotranspiration, were calculated, and factors like soil composition and topography were integrated into the classification of regions based on their agricultural potential. Critical variables in this assessment included temperature, precipitation, and water or thermal excess. The results showed that 6.59% of South America's territory is currently suitable for barley cultivation without additional irrigation, with these regions concentrated primarily in temperate southern areas. In contrast, 18.62% of the region is already unsuitable due to excessive heat. Projections under future climate scenarios indicate a shrinking of suitable areas, alongside an expansion of unsuitable regions. In the worst-case scenario, only 1.48% of the territory would remain viable for barley farming. These findings emphasize the crop's vulnerability to climate change, underscoring the urgency of developing agricultural adaptation strategies. The predicted contraction in suitable barley cultivation areas demonstrates the profound impact of climate change on agriculture and highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure sustainable barley production in South America.Federal Institute of Sul de Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS) – Campus MuzambinhoFederal Institute of Mato Grosso Do Sul - Campus of Naviraí IFMSFaculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - Câmpus de Jaboticabal UNESPFaculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - Câmpus de Jaboticabal UNES
Study of water governance and availability in the Pontal do Paranapanema watershed (UGRHI-22)
No full textA governança da água configura o estabelecimento de processos e mecanismos pelos quais distintos grupos sociais articulam seus objetivos e decisões sobre como gerir os recursos hídricos. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a gestão dos recursos hídricos na Bacia Hidrográfica do Pontal Paranapanema (UGRHI-22), com base nos Princípios de Governança da Água da Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE), em que foi realizada a avaliação integrada do monitoramento de variáveis climáticas. Para isso, foram utilizados modelos climáticos globais e produtos do sensoriamento remoto, comparados com os dados existentes, disponibilizados pelo Comitê de Bacia Hidrográfica do Pontal do Paranapanema (CBH – PP), além dos resultados dos monitoramentos de poços tubulares. Foram analisados os relatórios de situação da bacia no período de 2010 a 2022 e o plano de bacia hidrográfica, buscando avaliar a evolução histórica do balanço hídrico e a governança da água na bacia. Na região da UGRHI-22 existem dois poços de monitoramentos no Sistema Aquífero Bauru, que foram comparados com os dados de precipitação e balanço hídrico. Os poços, localizados em Narandiba (SP) e Teodoro Sampaio (SP), possuem comportamentos característicos e os seus picos de alta e estresse hídrico se coincidem quando analisados os comportamentos desses dois indicadores, em que foi possível identificar a influência da recarga na disponibilidade hídrica subterrânea. Essa avaliação permite identificar os impactos das atividades humanas e das mudanças climáticas sobre esses sistemas. Ao comparar os produtos de sensoriamento remoto do modelo FLDAS (Famine Early Warning Systems Network Land Data Assimilation System) e dados do Mapbiomas de uso e cobertura da terra, foi possível identificar que a Unidade de Planejamento Hídrico (UPH) – Laranja Doce é uma região que apresenta condições de alta vulnerabilidade ambiental, com escoamento elevado e intensa atividade agrícola, especialmente com culturas como a cana-de-açúcar, que agrava a fragilidade do solo. Para a UPH Baixo Paranapanema Margem Direita foram identificados elevados níveis de estresse hídrico no mapa do balanço hídrico e níveis de fragilidade do solo, e a região possui o maior índice de vegetação nativa da UGRHI-22, sendo em sua maioria pequenos fragmentos, que são alvos de efeito de borda, resultado direto de alterações morfoclimáticas no contato entre os remanescentes e o seu entorno. Como análise da governança hídrica, foi possível observar deficiências dos dados quantitativos nos documentos fornecidos pelo CBH-PP, sendo notória a falta de dados relacionados a eventos climáticos. Dessa forma, torna-se essencial a coleta e sistematização de dados ambientais por meio de tecnologias de monitoramento, como o sensoriamento remoto, a fim de aprimorar a governança hídrica na bacia.Water governance involves the establishment of processes and mechanisms through which different social groups articulate their goals and decisions regarding how to manage water resources. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate water resources management in the Pontal do Paranapanema Watershed (UGRHI-22), based on the Water Governance Principles of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), through an integrated assessment of the monitoring of climatic variables. For this purpose, global climate models and remote sensing products were used and compared with existing data made available by the Pontal do Paranapanema River Basin Committee (CBH–PP), in addition to results from monitoring tubular wells. The basin situation reports from 2010 to 2022 and the River Basin Plan were analyzed to assess the historical evolution of the water balance and water governance in the basin. In the UGRHI-22 region, two monitoring wells in the Bauru Aquifer System were evaluated and compared with precipitation and water balance data. The wells, located in the municipalities of Narandiba and Teodoro Sampaio (São Paulo State), showed characteristic behaviors, with peaks of high and low water availability coinciding when these two indicators were analyzed, allowing the identification of recharge influence on groundwater availability. This assessment enables the identification of human activities and climate change impacts on these systems. By comparing remote sensing products from the FLDAS model (Famine Early Warning Systems Network Land Data Assimilation System) with MapBiomas land use and land cover data, it was possible to identify that the Water Planning Unit (UPH) – Laranja Doce is a region with high environmental vulnerability, marked by high runoff and intensive agricultural activity, especially with crops such as sugarcane, which further exacerbates soil fragility. In the UPH Baixo Paranapanema Right Bank, high levels of water stress and soil fragility were observed in the water balance maps. This region also has the highest rate of native vegetation within UGRHI-22, mostly composed of small forest fragments subject to edge effects, a direct consequence of morphoclimatic changes in the interface between forest remnants and their surroundings. As part of the water governance analysis, deficiencies in quantitative data were observed in the documents provided by CBH-PP, particularly a notable lack of information related to climatic events. Therefore, the collection and systematization of environmental data through monitoring technologies such as remote sensing are essential to improve water governance in the basin
In Situ Printing of Polylactic Acid/Nanoceramic Filaments for the Repair of Bone Defects Using a Portable 3D Device
No full textIn situ 3D printing is attractive for the direct repair of bone defects in underdeveloped countries and in emergency situations. So far, the lack of an interesting method to produce filament using FDA-approved biopolymers and nanoceramics combined with a portable strategy limits the use of in situ 3D printing. Herein, we investigated the osseointegration of new nanocomposite filaments based on polylactic acid (PLA), laponite (Lap), and hydroxyapatite (Hap) printed directly at the site of the bone defect in rats using a portable 3D printer. The filaments were produced using a single-screw extruder (L/D = 26), without the addition of solvents that can promote the toxicity of the materials. In vitro performance was evaluated in the cell differentiation process with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) by an alkaline phosphatase activity test and visualization of mineralization nodules; a cell viability test and total protein dosage were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. For the in vivo analysis, the PLA/Lap composite filaments with a diameter of 1.75 mm were printed directly into bone defects of Wistar rats using a commercially available portable 3D printer. Based on the in vitro and in vivo results, the in situ 3D printing technique followed by rapid cooling proved to be promising for bone tissue engineering. The absence of fibrous encapsulation and inflammatory processes became a good indicator of effectiveness in terms of biocompatibility parameters and bone tissue formation, and the use of the portable 3D printer showed a significant advantage in the application of this material by in situ printing.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)LIMAV−Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Advanced Materials BioMatLab Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Program UFPI−Federal University of Piauí, PiauíLAPCON─Laboratory of Polymers Conjugated Materials Technology Center CT Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Program UFPI−Federal University of Piauí, PiauíInstitute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo 777 Eng. Francisco José Longo AvenuePostgraduate Program in Materials Engineering Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology (IFPI) Campus Teresina Central, PiauíBiotechnology Research Center State University of Piauí, PiauíDepartment of Physics UFPI−Federal University of Piauí, PiauíInstitute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo 777 Eng. Francisco José Longo Avenu
Impact of Prewarming on Maintaining Perioperative Body Temperature: A Randomized Clinical Trial
No full textPurpose: To determine the prewarming effect on body temperature in the perioperative period of patients undergoing conventional abdominal surgery and the level of thermal comfort. Design: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: A Brazilian oncology hospital located in São Paulo. A total of 99 patients aged 18 years or over undergoing elective conventional abdominal surgeries, with a minimum duration of 1 hour of anesthesia. The study was carried out from 2019 to 2021. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: prewarming with a blanket and cotton sheet (control; n = 33); prewarming with a forced-air warming system for 20 minutes (intervention 1; n = 33); prewarming with a forced-air warming system for 30 minutes (intervention 2; n = 33). Central temperature was measured by a zero-heat-flux temperature sensor every 20 minutes from the preoperative period until the surgery end time. The level of thermal comfort was determined through self-report during the preanesthetic and postanesthetic periods. Findings: There was a significant difference between the temperatures between the groups (P = .048), with evidence of greater benefit in maintaining the temperature in the group that received the prewarming intervention for 20 minutes. There was no significant difference between the percentage of temperatures below 36 °C among the groups (P = .135). Patients in the intervention groups were more comfortable during the postanesthetic recovery period than those in the control group (P = .048). Only 7 (8.24%) patients had postoperative chills (P = .399) and more than half of these incidents occurred in the control group (4; 13.3%). Conclusions: Prewarming for 20 minutes obtained the best results, showing the lowest average of temperature episodes below 36 °C during the intraoperative period and greater thermal comfort as reported by patients.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Medical Surgical Department School of Nursing University of São Paulo, SPNursing Department The Medical School (FMB) of São Paulo State University “Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, SPIndiana University School of Nursing BloomingtonSurgical Department Institute of Cancer of the State of São Paulo (ICESP), SPNursing Department The Medical School (FMB) of São Paulo State University “Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, SPCAPES: 001CNPq: 408223/2018-
Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of new formulations of cariostatic agents containing nano silver fluoride: an in vitro study
No full textThe objective of the study was to assess the indirect cytotoxicity of 600 ppm and 1500 ppm nano silver fluoride (NSF) compared to other commercial cariostatic agents. 56 dentin discs with 0.4 mm in thickness were obtained from intact human molars and adapted to artificial pulp chambers (APCs). The discs were divided into seven groups according to treatment (n = 8): no treatment (positive control—PC), 29% hydrogen peroxide (negative control—NC), 30% Cariestop (CS30), 38% Riva Star (RS38), 38% Advantage Arrest (AA38), 600 ppm NSF (NSF600), and 1500 ppm NSF (NSF1500). The cariostatic agents were applied on the occlusal surface of the dentin discs (facing upward), and the pulp surface (facing downward) remained in contact with the culture medium. Immediately after the treatments, the extracts (DMEM + cariostatic agent components diffused through the discs) were collected and applied to MDPC-23 cells, which were assessed for viability (CV—alamarBlue, live/dead), adhesion/spreading (F-actin), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization nodule (MN) formation. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA/Games–Howell (p = 0.05). CV and ALP activity in CS30, RS38, AA38, and NSF600 were similar to PC (p > 0.05). MN formation significantly decreased only in NC, CS30, RS38, and AA38 compared to PC (p 0.05) with mineralization nodules, and this specific cell activity significantly decreased in all other groups (p < 0.05). NSF solutions (600 ppm and 1500 ppm) did not cause transdentinal toxicity on MDPC-23 cells.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Department of Dentistry Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), PernambucoDepartment of Dentistry (FOAr/UNESP) São Paulo State UniversityDepartment of Dentistry University of Pernambuco (UPE), R. Arnóbio Marques, 310 - Santo Amaro, PEDepartment of Chemistry Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), PernambucoDepartment of Dentistry (FOAr/UNESP) São Paulo State UniversityCAPES: 00
Experience Report in a Senior Citizens' Group
No full textO presente trabalho aborda a experiência de participação em grupos de bem-estar voltados para idosos, destacando a importância dessas atividades para a promoção da saúde e qualidade de vida. A pesquisa fundamenta-se em conceitos teóricos sobre envelhecimento ativo, práticas integrativas e políticas públicas de atenção à pessoa idosa. As atividades desenvolvidas incluem automassagem, rodas de conversa e dinâmicas em grupo, que visam estimular a socialização, o autoconhecimento e o exercício da cidadania. A automassagem foi aplicada como estratégia para a redução do estresse e melhora da circulação sanguínea, promovendo o bem-estar físico e emocional. As rodas de conversa abordaram temas como direitos da pessoa idosa, experiências de vida e estratégias para um envelhecimento saudável, proporcionando um espaço de escuta ativa e troca de saberes. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se na pesquisa qualitativa, com observação participante e análise descritiva das interações dos idosos nos encontros. Os resultados indicam que a participação nesses grupos contribui para a ampliação da rede de apoio social, fortalecimento da autoestima e
desenvolvimento de hábitos saudáveis. Conclui-se que atividades voltadas ao bem- estar dos idosos desempenham papel essencial na promoção da saúde e na construção de um envelhecimento mais ativo e participativo.This study addresses the experience of participating in wellness groups for the elderly, highlighting the importance of these activities in promoting health and quality of life. The research is based on theoretical concepts of active aging, integrative practices, and public policies for elderly care. The activities developed include self-massage, discussion groups, and group dynamics aimed at stimulating socialization, selfawareness, and citizenship. Self-massage was applied as a strategy to reduce stress and improve blood circulation, promoting physical and emotional well-being. The discussion groups covered topics such as elderly rights, life experiences, and strategies for healthy aging, providing a space for active listening and knowledge exchange. The methodology used was based on qualitative research, with participant observation and descriptive analysis of the interactions of the elderly during the meetings. The results indicate that participation in these groups contributes to expanding social support networks, strengthening self-esteem, and developing healthy habits. It is concluded that activities aimed at the well-being of the elderly play an essential role in health promotion and the construction of a more active and participatory aging process
Melt electrowriting of bioglass-laden poly(ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds for bone regeneration
No full textNovel and promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering have been investigated over the years. Aiming to contribute to this progress, this study developed and evaluated polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with 5% (w/w) 58S-bioactive glass (58S-BG) fabricated via melt electrowriting (MEW). Morphological and chemical characterization of the scaffolds was conducted. The biological potential was assessed in vitro with alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells through cytotoxicity, adhesion, protein production, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineral nodule formation assays. In vivo, scaffolds implanted in rats were analyzed for biocompatibility, inflammation, and degradation using H&E staining and immunohistochemical markers for angiogenesis and macrophage polarization. Statistical analysis was performed at a 5% significance level. Appropriate fiber alignment but a higher fiber diameter was found for PCL + BG5% compared to PCL scaffolds (p = 0.002). EDS spectra confirmed the presence of BG's chemical components for BG-laden scaffolds, attesting to BG particle incorporation into the filaments. Raman spectroscopy evidenced the chemical nature of the BG powder, and FTIR spectra revealed -OH stretching for PCL + BG5%, evidencing its hydrophilic potential. None of the scaffolds were cytotoxic, and BG-laden formulation increased cell viability after 7 days (p = 0.0006), also showing greater cell adhesion/spreading over time compared to pristine PCL scaffolds. BG's presence also increased the mineral matrix formation (p ≤ 0.0021) over 21 days and retained ALP activity after 14 days (p = 0.705) compared to PCL. In vivo, PCL scaffolds retained fiber alignment and preserved their volume throughout the evaluation, showing minimal structural alteration. In contrast, PCL + BG5% scaffolds showed more visible structural changes at 28 days. Despite this, the PCL + BG5% formulation remained biocompatible and significantly promoted angiogenesis compared to pristine PCL scaffolds. In sum, BG-laden scaffolds were successfully melt electrowritten, retaining the scaffolds’ porous architecture, showing appropriate properties, including cell viability, adhesion, mineralized nodule deposition, biocompatibility, and angiogenesis, indicating that these materials are a promising alternative for enhancing bone tissue regeneration.Department of Cariology Restorative Sciences and Endodontics School of Dentistry University of MichiganDepartment of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics São Paulo State University, SPDepartment of Morphology and Pediatric Dentistry São Paulo State University, SPDepartment of Prosthodontics and Periodontology São Paulo University, SPDepartment of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of MichiganDepartment of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics São Paulo State University, SPDepartment of Morphology and Pediatric Dentistry São Paulo State University, S
Trace fossil analysis in a Paleogene braided river system from the Volta Redonda Basin, Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil
No full textTrace fossils serve as valuable indicators for palaeoecological and paleoenvironmental research, recording organism behaviour influenced by environmental parameters. Trace fossils within braided river systems, however, have been rarely investigated. In addition, despite the growing interest in ichnological studies within the Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil (CRSB), there remains a notable scarcity of research focusing on integrated ichno-sedimentological analysis including aspects of both trace fossils and their sedimentological context. This study analyzes and interprets ichnological data derived from two subsurface logs from the Paleogene Volta Redonda Basin. Core samples were examined for sedimentary facies, revealing four facies within the Resende Formation, related to unidirectional tractive flows and overbank deposits of a braided depositional paleoenvironment. The ichnocoenoses included Skolithos, and Beaconites. The results indicate that the Volta Redonda Basin experienced diverse depositional conditions characterized by dominant high-energy levels, while the presence of rhizohaloes in low-energy deposits suggests relative short periods of subaerial exposure. The dominance of Skolithos ichnofacies in the few bioturbated levels suggests that high-energy conditions were a barrier to intense colonization of the channels, while sparse signatures of Scoyenia ichnofacies characterizes colonization in desiccated overbank deposits.Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Museu Nacional, RJInstituto de Geociências Departamento de Geologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJDepartment of Geology São Paulo State University - UNESP, São Paulo, SPPrograma de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais (PPGERN) Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar–São Carlos Campus), SPDepartment of Geology São Paulo State University - UNESP, São Paulo, S
Evolution and spread of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri in the São Paulo, Brazil, citrus belt inferred from 758 novel genomes
No full textThe São Paulo state citrus belt in Brazil is a major citrus production region. Since at least 1957, citrus plantations in this region have been affected by citrus canker, an economically damaging disease caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc). For about 50 years, until 2017, a citrus canker eradication programme was carried out in this region. In this work, our aim was to investigate the effects of the eradication programme on genetic variability and evolution of Xcc. To this end, we sequenced and analysed 758 Xcc genomes sampled in the São Paulo citrus belt, together with 730 publicly available Xcc genomes from around the world. Our phylogenomic analyses show that these genomes can be grouped into seven major lineages and that in São Paulo, lineage L7 is dominant. Our time estimate for its appearance closely matches the date when citrus production expanded. L7 can be subdivided into lineages L7.1 and L7.2. In our samples, L7.2, which we estimate to have emerged around 1964, is by far the most abundant, showing that the eradication programme had little impact on strain diversification. On the other hand, oscillations in the estimated effective population size of L7.2 strains over time closely match the shifts in the eradication pro-gramme. In sum, we present a detailed view of the genomic diversity of Xcc in the world and in São Paulo, the largest such effort in terms of a number of genomes for a crop pathogen undertaken so far. The methods employed here can form the basis for active genomic surveillance of Xcc in major citrus production areas.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilDepartamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, São PauloDepartamento de Bioquímica Instituto de Química Universidade de São Paulo, SPDepartment of Life Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester StreetDepartment of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester StreetFundo de Defesa da Citricultura-Fundecitrus, Av. Dr. Adhemar Pereira de Barros, 201, São PauloDepartamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, São PauloFAPESP: 2017/50454-9FAPESP: 2018/21164-5CNPq: 302872/2020-5CNPq: 305961/2019-5CNPq: 307163/2020-2CNPq: 465440/2014-2Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council: BB/R022720/1Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council: BB/S018891/