International Journal of Managerial Finance

ABSTRACT: The chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass determine its suitability as an energy source, affecting its combustibility, flame stability, and overall energy efficiency. Therefore, this study assessed the correlation between the chemical characteristics and higher heating value (HHV) in Eucalyptus biomass components (wood, bark, branches, and leaves) of three species (E. benthamii, E. dunnii, and E. saligna). The results revealed varying chemical compositions among the components and species, which impacted the HHV differently. Notably, volatile materials positively influenced the HHV, whereas excessive ash content negatively affected the energy potential. Positive correlations with HHV were observed for the total extractives content in the bark, total lignin content in the leaves, volatile materials content in the bark, leaves, and stem, and fixed carbon content in the stem. Conversely, the holocellulose content reduced the bark HHV. Volatile materials, except in the branches, efficiently increased the HHV. None of the chemical characteristics had a significant impact on the branches HHV.

ABSTRACT: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR) are unexpected dermatological reactions caused by medications. CADRs may mimic any type of dermatosis, including contact dermatitis (CD). This paper described a case of a CADR resulting from the topical use of benzyl benzoate in a dog. A two year old unneutered male Pit Bull was referred for a medical consultation due to skin lesions in the cervical region. The owner reported bathing this dog routinely using 10% benzyl benzoate (BB)-based scabicidal soap, without rinsing it off at the end. An ulcerative, draining maculopapular skin lesion was observed in the dorsal region of the neck extending to the interscapular region. A surgical skin biopsy was then performed and microscopically an area of ulcerated epidermis was observed with apoptosis of transepidermal keratinocytes associated with a mixed infiltrate. Interface dermatitis with a predominance of lymphocytes in the hair follicle region, multifocal areas of mild spongiosis, mild vacuolar degeneration of keratinocytes and sub-corneal pustule was also identified. Bathing with the BB-based scabicidal soap was discontinued and a new shampoo was introduced. Topical dexamethasone, neomycin sulfate, bacitracin zinc, griseofulvin, and benzocaine treatment was started. Within 48 hours of treatment, skin revitalization was already significant and total healing took place approximately three weeks after the first appointment. Considering the findings observed in this case, it can be concluded that prolonged topical exposure to BB, due to misuse of the product, may cause a CADR characterized by irritant CD in dogs.

ABSTRACT: Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important weed in irrigated rice cultivation, being one of the main factors limiting cereal productivity in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Thus, this study determined the effect of pre-emergent herbicide use in autumnal management on the control and reduction of the weedy rice seed bank. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a commercial rice production area in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 growing seasons in Dom Pedrito (RS). The scheme used was factorial, with factor A consisting of different herbicide application times, namely June, July, and August, and corresponding to 100, 78, and 26 days and 42, 26, and 10 days before rice sowing for the agricultural years 2021/22 and 2022/23, respectively. Factor B consisted of the application of the herbicides s-metolachlor (1440 g a.i. ha-1), sulfentrazone + diuron (210 and 420 g a.i. ha-1), piroxasulfone (170 g a.i. ha-1), and flumioxazin (50 g a.i. ha-1), in addition to the control (no application). The evaluated variables were control (%), number of plants (m-2) at crop pre-harvest, number of full, viable, and non-viable wild rice seeds m-2 in the soil, crop injury (%), and grain yield (kg ha-1). The herbicides showed control values below 25% and low reduction of the seed bank in the soil, being considered ineffective in this application modality. The herbicides s-metolachlor, sulfentrazone + diuron, and flumioxazin exhibited the highest injury values; however, they did not significantly affect crop productivity. Thus, when applied before rice sowing, the herbicides s-metolachlor, sulfentrazone + diuron, pyroxasulfone, and flumioxazin did not provided satisfactory control and do not significantly reduce the wild rice seed bank.

ABSTRACT: Human mining contributes to increasing the release of chromium (Cr) into the environment. For the phytoremediation of soil with high Cr content, sunflower is the right choice because the Cr in its seeds can be removed during the production of sunflower seed oil. However, the high content of Cr in the soil will inhibit the growth of sunflower, so the soil remediation agents commonly used with sunflower planting are ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA). This study conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of EDTA and CA on the development of sunflower under Cr stress. It will provide a reference for sunflower to improve Cr-contaminated soil or a reference to produce crops in Cr-polluted cultivated areas. A total of 97 articles were found, and 7 studies were used in this meta-analysis from January 1990 to January 2022. The results showed that EDTA treatment had no effect on the leaf weight, shoot weight and root weight. CA treatment had a positive effect on the leaf weight, shoot weight and root weight. EDTA and CA increased the Cr concentration in the root, leaf and shoot. This study recommends the addition of any chelating agent or activator, but the content of toxic metals in the soil must first be measured carefully. Unfortunately, in this study, we did not obtain a reference dose, and future research should focus on this problem.

ABSTRACT: Wine industry by-product (WIBP) encapsulated in alginate beads were incorporated to beer to increase antioxidant properties. The phenolic profile, in vitro bioaccessibility and gut metabolism were assessed. Scanning electron micrographs of the beads with WIBP revealed a relatively rough surface with large pores with craters, but without cracks, which ensures the protection of the encapsulated compounds. X-ray diffraction profiles showed the attenuated of the crystalline peaks, indicating the interactions between alginate and Ca2+. The WIPB antioxidant activity was assessed by FRAP (0.13 mmol Fe2+/g WIBP) and TEAC (0.078 mmol Trolox/g WIBP). The phenolic profile of the craft beer was not altered after the immersion of the beads for 60 days, maintaining its six free phenolic compounds (gallic, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic, ferulic, and salicylic acids). The phenolic compounds observed in WIBP and not in the craft beer (quercetin, rutin and syringic acids) were only detected after simulated digestion of WIBP beads that had been immersed in the beer, showing that the encapsulation of WIBP with calcium alginate beads protected the phenolic compounds until consumption. Total phenolic content increased after simulated digestion, and after gut fermentation. During this process the phenolic compounds diversity in each digestion step also increased. Therefore, the enrichment of beer with alginate beads containing the WIBP not only increases the content of phenolic compounds ingested by the consumer, but also the bioaccessibility of those compounds in relation to beer without the beads.

ABSTRACT: Pereskia aculeata, commonly known as ora-pro-nóbis, is a Non-Conventional Food Plant (NCFP) native to Brazil. Considering the limited number of studies on species propagation and the importance of more sustainable practices for small-scale farmers, the objective was to evaluate the growth of P. aculeata saplings cultivated in substrates with different proportions of organic compost. The saplings were obtained by cuttings and cultivated in four distinct substrates, comprising three treatments and one control group. The substrates were prepared from a mixture of ant mound soil and commercial substrate, with the treatments determined by the amount of organic compost added. In the control group, no organic compost was incorporated, while in the other treatments, the compost represented 25, 50, and 75% of the total substrate mass. Mixed linear models were applied to morphological and physiological variables. It was possible to observe that, the higher the amount of organic compost in the substrate, the greater the growth of the shoots that developed from the cuttings, a result reflected primarily in the increased length and number of leaves on the largest branch, and the dry mass of the above-ground part. The rate of net photosynthesis and effective quantum efficiency of Photosystem II also significantly increased with the incorporation of organic compost into the substrate. It can be concluded that the addition of organic compost promoted the growth of P. aculeata cutting saplings, as well as their photosynthetic performance.

ABSTRACT: In the investigation of crimes involving animals and animal-origin products or by-products, forensic veterinary medicine plays a crucial role through examinations and analyses of evidence related to the cases. In addition to veterinary forensics, other forensic sciences frequently contribute to solving these types of crimes. Drawing on the extensive experience of the Federal Police’s criminal investigations in Brazil and the specialized forensic veterinary and scientific expertise developed at the stricto sensu Graduate level at the University of Brasília, this review provides an updated and comprehensive analysis of the most relevant expert examinations supporting investigations into animal-related crimes, with a focus on the Brazilian context. The review covers key aspects of forensic examinations conducted by criminal experts, including forensic entomology, forensic toxicology, imaging techniques, taxonomic identifications, bird rings, investigations of mistreatment, forensic veterinary pathology, forensic genetics, and isotope ratio analysis. The field of veterinary forensics, with its diverse resources, established techniques, highly trained and continually updated experts, and the latest advancements in criminalistics, is essential for properly addressing judicial demands.

ABSTRACT: This study determined the use of medicinal plants as an alternative therapeutic approach in Turkey. Moreover, the study identified the specific ailments for which these plants are employed and the corresponding proportion of usage. Data was collected by face to face interview with using a structured questionnaire form in all regions of Turkey. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. According to the research findings, approximately 65.4% of participants use medicinal plants into their treatment regime, asserting their significant benefits. Furthermore, it is posited that the consumption of medicinal plants has witnessed an upsurge during the Covid-19 epidemic. The participants’ attitudes towards medicinal plants are directly influenced by their level of knowledge, convenience and perceived usefulness. The study reveals that participants possess awareness of approximately 200 medicinal plants. Among the most well-known plants are garlic (Allium sativum L.), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), ginger (Crocus sativus L.), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum L.), mint (Melissa officinalis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), aloe (Aloe vera L.), linden (Colocasia esculenta L.), nettle (Achillea millefolium L.), and sage (Salvia officinalis L.). The most critical determinant fort he prevalence of medicinal plant consumption appears to be individuals’ positive beliefs regarding their efficacy in curing diseases. Additionally, promoting knowledge about medicinal plants is deemed essential in fostering informed and conscientious consumption practices.

ABSTRACT: This research compared dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, and physiological and biochemical parameters between holstein and jersey cows under heat stress. Holstein (n=8) and Jersey (n=8) cows were allocated into two treatment groups: VA, with cooling, and SVA, with no cooling. The experiment included 14 days of adaptation (all the cows were cooled) and 5 days of evaluation (only the VA cows were cooled). Dry matter intake and milk production were measured daily. On Day 0 of the adaptation period and on Days 1, 3 and 5 of the evaluation period, milk samples were collected for composition, physicochemical and somatic cell analysis; blood was collected for analysis of the contents of total proteins, albumin, urea, creatinine, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate. The physiological parameters measured were respiratory rate, surface temperature, rectal temperature and ruminal movements. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 factorial, with two treatments and three days. The data were subjected to ANOVA and tested for normality of the residuals. For dry matter intake, there was a treatment*day interaction, and the milk yield and composition of the treatments were similar. Only the protein content was greater in the VA treatment group than in the SVA group. The milk from SVA cows had greater resistance to ethanol than that from VA cows. The freezing point was greater in the VA treatment group. The concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate was greater in the VA treatment group. A short heat stress period did not immediately affect production, but it did affect the composition and physicochemical properties of milk. The active cooling of cows with ventilation and sprinkling influences the amount of heat produced and retained, impacting the physiological parameters, blood metabolites, composition, and physicochemical properties of milk.

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to understand the subject regarding the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals and food production through literature reviews covering the timespan from 2001 to 2021. Methodologically, this paper is framed as a literature review and uses the Scopus platform to get to the database, selecting 243 papers. The results pointed out that the United States presented the highest number of published documents (126). When it comes to the origin of affiliation, the universities located in the Netherlands (University of Wageningen) and Canada (University of Guelph) present together the highest number of published documents (24). Among the keywords, the most frequent are food safety, followed by the food supply, sustainability, and climate change. Finally, regarding the main subjects tackled during the analyzed time period, it was verified that the issues concerning public policies, land use, and food safety were discussed throughout the entire timespan. In turn, the most recent period, mainly covering the articles published from the year 2021 on, inserts into the discussion agenda the aspects of Covid-19, the pandemic, and its impacts, especially influenced by the setting experienced worldwide. At the same time, other subjects less discussed took the spotlight, also emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as digital agriculture and digital technology, which began to have major relevance. At last, it is possible to infer that reaching sustainable development goals is even more challenging under a pandemic context experienced by all the countries from 2020 to the present day.

ABSTRACT: Sweet potato is an important food security crop, and the world market for this root is on the rise. Based on the physiological changes in plants in response to climatic conditions and fertilization, this study evaluated the effects of the growing season (rainy and dry season) and P2O5 doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1) on total yield, marketable classes yields, as well as chemical composition of storage roots of two sweet potato cultivars. The storage roots yield was greater in the rainy season. The optimum agronomic and economic doses were 128 and 95 kg ha-1 P2O5 for the cultivar Canadense. Cultivar Uruguaiana did not respond to phosphate fertilization, but its storage roots had higher contents of dry matter, lipids, fibers, total and reducing sugars, and starch. Sweet potato cultivation in the rainy season with doses up to 100 kg ha-1 P2O5 increase root yield in marketable size classes in higher economic value and with higher carbohydrate contents. The results can help producers schedule the planting and harvesting of sweet potatoes throughout the year and contribute to the seasonal management of phosphate fertilizer application.

ABSTRACT: The main transmission route of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is direct contact with secretions and feces, and potentially also via contaminated surfaces. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the presence of BCoV on environmental surfaces. A literature search, conducted between March and April 2023, utilized databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Springer. The review adhered to the PEO structure: Population - environmental surfaces; Exposure - contact with BCoV; Outcome - identification of presence or infectivity. Primary data were recorded using an extraction form organizing methods for detecting BCoV presence, assessing BCoV infectivity, types of surfaces evaluated, and study type. Search terms “Bovine coronavirus” and “BCoV” yielded 2703 articles. After removing 964 duplicates and excluding 1546 articles not mentioning BCoV in titles, 193 studies underwent abstract reading. Following exclusion criteria not addressing BCoV presence in the environment, three articles were selected for comprehensive review. These articles identified BCoV presence on various types of surfaces, with detection possible up to 81 hours after contamination, depending on surface type. Despite limited studies on BCoV presence on surfaces, findings suggested potential transmission via contaminated surfaces due to the virus’s ability to remain infectious for up to 24 hours on fomites. This review underscores the need for further research on BCoV persistence in farm environments, an area currently lacking focused studies.

ABSTRACT: Acute abdomen cases are among the most prevalent and challenging illnesses in equine medicine. The diagnosis includes anamnesis and detailed clinical evaluation of the patient, allowing the gathering of several important information and, additionally, the use of complementary exams helps to define the diagnosis and prognosis of each case. This research applied the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) in data referring to clinical examination information and outcome of horses with colic referred to a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fifty eight horses were included in the analysis and, it was possible to identify significant differences between the groups, survivors and non-survivors. Related to clinical signs, non-survivor cases are distinguished by severe pain, lack of motility, mucosal alteration, capillary refill time greater than 2sec, heart rate more than 48bpm and presence of nasogastric reflux. As complementary exams, hematocrits and blood lactate demonstrate significative difference among the groups. The cardiovascular parameters, including heart rate, mucosal color and capillary refill time, were the variables with the greatest contribution to discriminate animals that non-survive from those that were discharged. Thus, clinical evaluation should not be underestimated and complementary exams should be used in conjunction to seek a better prognosis. The MCA allowed to visualize the data and predict the outcome of the patients.

ABSTRACT: There are few studies on the extraction of bioactive compounds from olive pomace by the microwave method of hydro diffusion and gravity (MHG). Therefore, this study extracted bioactive compounds from pomace by MHG using a central rotational compound (DCCR). The statistical model showed a significant difference for the variable potency (W) in the extractions of phenolic compounds, showing linear behavior. Simple linear regression analysis suggested the use of 100W of power for the extraction of phenolic compounds in olive pomace. There were no significant differences in flavonoid extractions and antioxidant capacity of the extracts, at different potencies (W) and times (min), in the olive pomace extracts.

ABSTRACT: The study was conducted on a 3-year-old female Santa Inês sheep from a property located in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Tauá, west of Pará. The affected animal had a history of exophthalmos in the left eye, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulty for more than three months. On physical examination, the animal had a low body score, apathy, unilateral facial asymmetry, moderate unilateral left exophthalmos, mixed dyspnea and unilateral profuse serosanguinous nasal discharge. At necropsy, a large nasal mass was observed, predominantly yellowish-white with blackish-red areas, with an irregular, finely granular, moist, and friable surface. The mass invaded from the mucocutaneous junction of the left nostril to the choanae, infiltrated the frontal sinuses, the cribiform plate, and reached the meninges and the frontal portion of the brain. Microscopy of the surface of the nasal epithelium showed severe destruction of the turbinates and epithelia, evidenced by extensive areas of necrosis with a large amount of cellular debris, ulceration, and secondary bacterial infection. In the central nervous system there was pyogranulomatous meningitis with marked vessel congestion, as well as foci of necrosis and granulomatous inflammation. Immunohistochemistry showed intense staining of numerous intralesional hyphae for antibodies against Conidiobolus lamprauges. The diagnosis of granulomatous rhinitis of mycotic origin associated with the Conidiobolus lamprauges was based on epidemiological, clinical-pathological, and immunohistochemical data.