This study investigated the effect of ozone on papaya postharvest conservation, aiming at controlling anthracnose and increasing fruit shelf life. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Product Technology, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus-AM. Fruits were treated with 0; 0.6; 1.5 and 3.3 ppm ozone and commercial fungicide. They were then stored at room temperature (27 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 5% RH). Incidence, severity, number and size of anthracnose lesions were determined, as well as postharvest quality by assessing shelf life; accumulated and daily fresh mass loss (%), peel color, electrolyte leakage (%), soluble solids (%), titratable acidity (g 100 g-1), soluble solids / titratable acidity ratio, pH and vitamin C (mg 100 g-1). Ozone reduced anthracnose severity in the short (3.3 ppm) and long term (1.5 ppm), making it as effective as a commercial fungicide. Ozone increased shelf life by seven days and maintained the postharvest quality of papaya fruits. Thus, ozone becomes a potential technology for postharvest use as a safe alternative to the use of pesticides in reducing anthracnose and increasing shelf life of papaya fruits.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotic additives for Muscovy ducks on performance, carcass traits, and serum biochemical parameters. LAB were isolated from the intestinal content of 12 Muscovy ducks, and three promising strains were identified: Enterococcus lactis, Enterococcus ratti, and Enterococcus faecium. Ninety-six male Muscovy ducks with eight days of age (weight = 158.56±2.17) were distributed in a completely randomized design, where the treatments comprised a control group and three experimental groups subjected to autochthonous LAB as a probiotic (E. lactis, E. ratti, and E. faecium) administered orally to the Muscovy ducks, with three replicates of eight birds each. Birds were monitored over 90 days, divided into starter, grower, and finisher stages. Blood was collected at 91 days of age for analysis, and at 91 days birds were slaughtered to evaluate carcass traits. Results indicated no significant effect (p>0.05) in feed intake and weight gain during the starter stage, though feed conversion ratio worsened (p<0.05) with probiotics. In the grower stage, E. lactis improved (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio. In the finisher stage and overall performance, the control group presented better (p<0.05) results. Carcass analysis showed E. faecium increased carcass and breast yield, but all probiotic groups had lower (p<0.05) slaughter weight results. Serum biochemical analysis revealed E. faecium influenced triglycerides, glucose, cholesterol, and albumin levels, suggesting metabolic changes. In conclusion, autochthonous LAB had varied effects on Muscovy duck performance and physiology, indicating that probiotic efficacy depends on the developmental stage and specific strains used.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a inclusão do farelo de açaí (FA) em dietas para poedeiras comerciais leves e os efeitos sobre o desempenho produtivo das aves, a qualidade e as características sensoriais dos ovos. Para formulação das dietas experimentais, foi realizada análise bromatológica do FA (sementes e cascas). O experimento teve duração de 105 dias divididos em cinco períodos de 21 dias. Foram utilizadas 180 poedeiras comerciais da linhagem Hisex White (com 65 semanas de idade) distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com o tratamento controle (sem inclusão) e cinco níveis de inclusão (5, 10, 15, 20 e 25 %) de FA nas dietas com cinco repetições de seis aves cada. Os resultados do presente estudo indicaram que a inclusão de até 10% de FA em dietas para poedeiras proporcionou melhores (p

This study aimed to modify poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) membranes with sodium heparin (SH) and essential fatty acids (EFA) for later application in wound healing. The electrospinning technique was used to prepare the membranes containing the maximum concentration of SH and EFA, which were then sterilized with ozone. Microbiological tests confirmed effective sterilization. The membrane characterization included scanning electron microscopy for morphological analysis, contact angle determination for wettability studies, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analysis, and thermogravimetry for thermal analysis. Results indicated that the average diameter membrane of PCL, PCL + SH, and PCL + EFA nanofibers was 1.16 ± 0.99 μm, 0.98 ± 0.66 μm and 1.53 ± 0.92 μm, respectively. Adding SH and EFA affected the fiber diameter, with PCL + SH fibers having a smaller diameter than pure PCL and PCL + EFA fibers. The contact angle of the membrane is 123° (PCL), 102° (PCL + SH), and 95° (PCL + EFA). Wettability analysis demonstrated modified surface properties with reduced contact angles. Sterilization of PCL membranes modified with SH and EFA has shown effectiveness in eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms, increasing the permeability of the membranes. Morphological analysis showed well‐formed and randomly distributed fibers, although the PCL + SH membrane exhibited beads on its fibers. FT‐IR analysis showed slight contributions of SH and EFA in the modified PCL membranes, while thermal analysis revealed no substantial changes in thermal stability. In conclusion, PCL membranes modified with SH and EFA can potentially accelerate wound healing, presenting an innovative and cost‐effective approach to treating skin injuries.

Open Innovation, which is characterized by collaboration between internal and external actors, has been an effective strategy for companies to generate new products or services. In the public sector, it has been an important approach to generate solutions aimed at Digital Transformation, especially in local contexts (e.g., city level) where resources are limited and needs are specific. This article focuses on a case study in two state capitals with more than 1 million inhabitants where Open Innovation facilitates Digital Transformation (DT) and faces unique geographical, economic, and cultural challenges. Using a qualitative methodological approach, including semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the study identifies the critical need to incorporate digital technologies to improve public services and promote digital inclusion, despite challenges such as restricted budgets and resistance to change. The results highlight the potential of Open Innovation as a catalyst for DT, emphasizing the importance of synergy among actors, effective governance, and personalized strategies for local needs. We conclude that Open Innovation can significantly boost DT in municipalities, but its success requires overcoming operational, legal, cultural, and political barriers. This study contributes to the literature by offering practical insights for the effective implementation of Open Innovation in the digital era, emphasizing collaboration and citizen participation for an inclusive Digital Transformation.