Shade and sapling size influence restoration of Araucaria angustifolia

Toward improving reforestation of Brazilian pine(Araucaria angustifolia),two contrasting sapling sizes in either full sun or in the shade of a mixed plantation and the effect of opening the canopy were evaluated for survival,growth,gas exchange,photosynthetic pigments,and leaf anatomy 18 months after being planted.At 23 months after planting,a partial opening was made in the canopy in the mixed plantation,then the saplings were evaluated again after 2 months for the same morphophysiological traits.After 18 months,saplings planted in the full sun had higher survival,growth,pigments,and photosynthesis compared to the shaded saplings.Large saplings had higher survival and growth compared to the small ones.Shaded leaves were thinner and little differentiation of palisade parenchyma and hypodermis.After opening of the canopy,photo synthetically active radiation was 10 times higher,and the saplings quickly grew in height due to increased photosynthesis.Thus,although the species can tolerate shade,growth in the shade is limited.We recommend that for reforestation purposes of Brazilian pine,large saplings should be selected and planted in the open for better development.

Product development cost estimation through ontological models-a literature review

The early stages of product development are characterized by uncertainties.Designers must deal with challenges that arise unexpectedly in an agile and responsive manner.Expert information systems based on ontological models are a promising approach to capture knowledge and rationale of domain specialists,either for decision making or knowledge reuse.The present study presents a bibliometric analysis on the use of ontologies in product development for cost estimation.It identifies trends and research opportunities that can orient future works.From a general search in scientific databases,31 articles were found and selected based on criteria established using the Proknow-C method.Results indicate that there are several possibilities for solutions using ontological and hybrid,transdisciplinary approaches.Using intelligent systems is not only promising but is also challenging as a new and real transdisciplinary research area of interest.

REVIEW Digitalization and Big data in smart farming-a review

Agriculture is facing increasing challenges due to several factors such as population growth and climate change.Smart Farming is enabling the use of detailed digital information to guide decisions along the agricultural value chain.New technologies and solutions have been applied to provide alternatives to assist in information gathering and processing,and thereby contribute to increased agricultural productivity.Thus,the main objective of this article is to present a bibliometric analysis regarding digitalization and Big Data applications in Smart Farming.A total of 2401 articles were found and,based on ProKnow-C methodology criteria,thirty-nine publications were selected and analysed.Furthermore,the main solutions and opportunities about the topic were recognized aiming to direct future research.

Waste Tire Rubber-based Refrigerants for Solid-state Cooling Devices

Management of discarded tires is a compelling environmental issue worldwide.Although there are several approaches developed to recycle waste tire rubbers,their application in solid-state cooling is still unexplored.Considering the high barocaloric potential verified for elastomers,the use of waste tire rubber(WTR)as a refrigerant in solid-state cooling devices is very promising.Herein,we investigated the barocaloric effects in WTR and polymer blends made of vulcanized natural rubber(VNR)and WTR,to evaluate its feasibility for solid-state cooling technologies.The adiabatic temperature changes and the isothermal entropy changes reach giant values,as well as the performance parameters,being comparable or even better than most barocaloric materials in literature.Moreover,pure WTR and WTR-based samples also present a faster thermal exchange than VNR,consisting of an additional advantage of using these discarded materials.Thus,the present findings evidence the encouraging perspectives of employing waste rubbers in solid-state cooling based on barocaloric effects,contributing to both the recycling of polymers and the sustainable energy technology field.