Sirvi Autor "Cecchin, D." järgi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 23

Acoustic analysis of cement composites with lignocellulosic residues
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2021) Ferraz, P.F.P.; Abreu, D.H.S.; Huallpa, B.N.; Santana, L.S.; Cecchin, D.; Rabelo, G.F.; Rossi, G.; Barbari, M.
The concept of environmental sustainability has been seeking a way to develop projects that reduce the impacts provided by agricultural development and the excessive consumption of natural resources. However, there is still little knowledge about the acoustic insulation/absorption behaviour of lignocellulosic materials. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the acoustic properties of five cement panels reinforced with the following lignocellulosic materials: eucalyptus, sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell, coffee husk, and banana pseudostem, which ones have as a reference a commercial plaster used as sealing in civil constructions. The proposed panels were produced with each lignocellulosic material residue. It was produced three replicates for each type including plaster (being 18 panels in total). The sound insertion loss (SIL) measurement of the above-mentioned panels have been performed using an acoustical treated inexpensive facility developed based on the literature. The characterization of the acoustic behaviour of the studied materials were analysed according to the IEC (61260-1). The acoustic measurements have been done in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and the analysis in octave bands have been performed. To make the analysis easier, the overall range of frequencies mentioned above was divided as ‘low’, ‘middle’ and ‘high’ ranges. Additionally, the measurement of thickness, density and porosity structure parameters of the lignocellulosic samples have been performed. According to the results and doing a trade-off analysis, the eucalyptus presented the overall best performance considering the overall range of analysis, being the banana pseudostem and sugarcane bagasse materials as good competitors.
Agroindustrial wastewater: recent advances and perspectives on the use of constructed wetlands
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Castelo, L.L.; Cecchin, D.; do Carmo, D.F.; Hüther, C.M.; Rodrigues, C.P.; Machado, T.B.; da Silva, L.D.B.; da Silva, F.C.; da Silva, J.P.; Hamacher, L.S.
The treatment of wastewater generated by agro-industrial activities, such as dairy production and animal slaughter, represents a significant environmental challenge due to the complexity of pollutants. This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on recent advances in the application of constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater from agro-industrial activities. The bibliographic survey was carried out using the Scopus database, where the following keywords were used: ‘Cattle wastewater’, ‘Fertigation’, and ‘Constructed Wetlands’, covering the period from 2014 to 2024. After applying filters and inclusion/exclusion criteria, the search resulted in 82 articles. The distribution of publications over the analyzed period was examined, and a keyword co-occurrence map was created using the VOSviewer software. The results indicate that the use of constructed wetlands combined with techniques such as photobioreactors and anaerobic digestion demonstrates high efficiency in pollutant removal while enabling resource recovery, such as biogas and nutrients. The analysis of the co-occurrence map revealed interconnected themes, suggesting a convergence of studies around hybrid solutions for wastewater treatment in dairy production, livestock farming, and slaughterhouses. Finally, the study highlights the main challenges related to the removal of emerging contaminants and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for rigorous monitoring and the implementation of effective public policies to ensure environmental safety and the sustainable use of water resources.
Application of pineapple fiber in the development of sustainable mortars
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2021) De Azevedo, A.R.G.; Rocha, H.A.; Marvila, M.T.; Cecchin, D.; Xavier, G.C.; Da Silva, R.C.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
Due to the great worldwide increase in pineapple production, countries like Brazil and India have problems regarding the correct disposal of residues from the production of this fruit. One of the possibilities is the reuse of these residues in the form of fibers in cementitious materials, as is the case with mortars. As a result, the objective of this work is to evaluate the application of pineapple fibers in mortars in the proportion of 1: 4 (cement: sand) with addition of fiber treated in NaOH in the proportion of 3 and 6%. The properties of mechanical resistance, water absorption, mass density and adhesion were evaluated, aiming to apply the mortar in coatings of rural environments. The results indicate that the fibers reduced the mortar density and increased the mechanical strength. However, there was a reduction in adherence, especially with the use of 6% fiber, in addition to an increase in water absorption. Based on the results, it is concluded that it is feasible to use 3% of pineapple fiber for the production of coating mortars in rural environments because the results obtained in the investigation are compatible with this application and with the established normative limits.
Behavioural and physiological responses of rabbits
(2019) Ferraz, P.F.P.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Barbari, M.; Silva, M.A.J.G.; Damasceno, F.A.; Cecchin, D.; Castro, J.O.
The profitability of a rabbit farming system must consider the thermal environment that the animal will be exposed during the productive period. The goal of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses and behaviours of 26 New Zealand rabbits during seven days of their lives at three times a day. The experiment was carried out in rabbit house in the Federal University of Lavras at Lavras, Brazil. To characterize the thermal environment sensors were used to measure the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity at 48 points inside the rabbit house, at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In addition, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated. The respiratory rate and the superficial temperature of the rabbits' ears were measured. Behaviour evaluations were monitored in punctual record, with duration of two min/cage. Later an ethogram was made with the main behaviours identified. Similar data of behaviour and data of physiological responses were identified by using Ward’s method of cluster analysis. It was observed the period of 6 a.m. showed more comfortable conditions of THI values than the others analysed. Besides, physiological responses presented better values at 6:00 a.m. in comparison to 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. Furthermore, in general, a similar behaviour was observed in the rabbits at 12:00 and 6:00 p.m., while at 6:00 a.m. was different. But rabbits demonstrated to be more comfortable at 6 a.m. maybe because at this time environment conditions were better than the rest of the day. Besides, it can be observed that rabbits were more active in sunrise and sunset than in the rest of the day.
Bibliometric analysis on the use of natural fibers in construction materials
(2021) Ferreira, G.M.G.; Cecchin, D.; Azevedo, A.R.G.; Valadão, I.C.R.P.; Costa, K.A.; Silva, T.R.; Ferreira, F.; Amaral, P.I.S.; Huther, C.M.; Sousa, F.A.; Castro, J.O.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Teixeira, M.A.
Due to the increasing interest of the population in the sustainability theme, there was a consequent growth in publications related to the theme in the area of civil construction. Agroindustrial waste has become an environmental problem, and with that natural fibers have found space in the reuse of waste due to its characteristics and possibilities of improving the mechanical properties of its products. In order to achieve sustainable construction demand, along with the need to reuse waste, studies have begun to analyze the application of natural fibers in construction materials. The documents provided by the Web of Science (WOS) database through research carried out with the search for the terms ‘Natural Fibers’ and ‘Building materials’ restricted to the period 2010–2020 in the main WOS collection. The institutions involved with the publications, the countries of origin of the documents, the year of publication, the keywords used by the authors and the number of citations for each document were analyzed using bibliometrics in the VOSVIEWER (VOS) software. The result of the analysis shows an increase in documents related to the theme over the years, and that the countries with the most studies in the area are China (16), USA (14) and Brazil (11), respectively. The results presented after analysis of the keywords show that natural fiber (61 occurrences), mechanical properties (44 occurrences) and composites (31 occurrences) are the words with the highest occurrence among the analyzed documents. The present study shows the growth of research related to the theme, in addition to discriminating countries, institutions and authors, which allows monitoring the scientific expansion of the theme and guiding future studies.
Characterization of materials used in the manufacture of ceramic tile with incorporation of ornamental rock waste
(2020) Luiz, N.F.; Cecchin, D.; Azevedo, A.R.G.; Alexandre, J.; Marvila, M.T.; Silva, F.C.; Paes, A.L.C.; Pinheiro, V.D.; Carmo, D.F.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Hüther, C.M.; Cruz, V.M.F.; Barbari, M.
The production of ceramic tiles, such as tiles, has a great environmental impact, either in the extraction of natural raw materials or gas emissions in the burning stages. The use of industrial solid waste in ceramic materials can contribute to the reduction of these impacts, according to the characteristics of solid waste and its interaction with ceramic materials in the processing steps. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the materials needed to make a ceramic tile with incorporation of ornamental rock waste (ORW), thus evaluating its main characteristics regarding the feasibility of this incorporation. The physical characterization of the clays used in the production of ceramic artifacts was performed, and for the waste the mineralogical analyzes were performed, through x-ray diffraction (XRD), microstructure analysis from confocal optical microscopy, after sintering the prototypes and chemical analysis by X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Soon after the raw materials went through the step of conformation and preparation of the prismatic specimens by the process of extrusion of the ceramic mass, with an incorporation of the ORW in 0% and 15% of the ceramic mass, for its subsequent The prototypes were sintered at three different temperatures (850 °C, 950 °C and 1,050 °C). The specimens were submitted to technological tests of mechanical resistance, water absorption, firing shrinkage and porosity to evaluate the incorporation viability. The results indicated the presence of quartz particles in all raw materials, and also that the clays of the study region are predominantly kaolinitic. The presence of these materials in the ceramic masses directly influences the micrographs, because they result in the formation of liquid phase, inert particles that can turn the site into a stress concentration point and when incorporated in the ORW the specimens met the technical specifications of the Brazilian standard for application on ceramic tiles. The results found in the technological tests carried out, that the incorporation of 15% of ornamental rock waste in both clays did not affect the tile properties, indicating the feasibility of incorporating this waste in civil construction, minimizing the impacts generated.
Comparison between the thermal properties of cement composites using infrared thermal images
(2020) Ferraz, P.F.P.; Mendes, R.F.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Damasceno, F.A.; Silva, I.M.A.; Vaz, L.E.V.S.B.; Mendes, L.M.; Cecchin, D.; Castro, J.O.
The use of agribusiness residual lignocellulosic fibres can be a good alternative in the development of lignocellulosic composites. The current work aimed to investigate the thermal performance of cement-based composites with lignocellulosic materials: Eucalyptus, sugarcane bagasse, coconut fibre in comparison with commercial gypsum board to be used as internal partitions of the building using infrared thermal images. Three repetitions for each kind of lignocellulosic material were made, and three commercial gypsum boards were used. In the production of the panels, the following parameters were applied: material and cement ratio, 1:2.75; water and cement ratio, 1:2.5; hydration water rate of 0.25; additive, 4% (based on cement mass). The calculations were performed for a nominal panel density of 1,200 kg m- ³. The thermal analysis was performed in a chamber composed of MDP (Medium-Density Particleboard) and with an internal layer of rock wool and the heat source (thermal resistance). For the superficial temperature measurement, a FLIR E75 camera was used to capture the infrared images. When the internal temperature of the chamber stabilized at 50 °C, an infrared thermal image was collected from each side of the composite. Thermal properties were analysed: thermal conductivity, resistivity, resistance, and transmittance. Based on the results, sugar cane cement composites were characterized by higher values of thermal conductivity. Related to thermal resistivity, thermal resistance, and thermal transmittance, only the coconut panel presented similar behaviour to the commercial gypsum board. Thus, cement composite using coconut can be a potential alternative that might solve energy and environmental concerns simultaneously.
Compost barn system and its influence on the environment, comfort and welfare of dairy cattle
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Nepomuceno, G.L.; Cecchin, D.; Damasceno, F.A.; Amaral, P.I.S.; Caproni, V.R.; Rossi, G.; Bambi, G.; Ferraz, P.F.P.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the thermal environment on behavioral and physiological parameters of crossbred cows of different productivity levels confined in a compost barn system. For this, air temperature (Tdb) and relative humidity (RH) data were measured using sensors/registers and wind speed (Vair) was recorded with the aid of an anemometer. Subsequently, these data were used to calculate the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI). Bedding material variables (pH and humidity) were also evaluated. The animals were evaluated for physiological variables (respiratory rate – RR and surface temperature – ST), scores (body condition, locomotion and dirt) and behavior. The analyses were carried out on two groups of cows (Group 1: high production vs. Group 2: medium and low production). The average pH of the bedding material was 8.5, within the recommended range. In the case of the physiological responses of the cows, the respiratory rate (RR) of Group 1 indicated better conditions of thermal comfort in the morning vs. the afternoon. The system was efficient in both groups based on body condition score, indicating favorable conditions for the health of the animals. Regarding the behavioral evaluation, Group 1 and 2 were statistically similar and had the longest rumination times, in relation to the other evaluated behaviors. Regarding active periods, medium production were the most active. Regarding idle time, low production spent more time idle than the other animals.
Construction, calibration and evaluation of mini-lysimeters in the management of irrigation in a protected environment
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Matos, M.L.; Lyra, G.B.; Cecchin, D.; Hüther, C.M.; Francisco, J.P.; Jorge, M.F.; Pereira, C.R.; Hamacher, L.S.; da Silva, L.D.B.
The production of forest seedlings requires controlled environments and specific practices, highlighting the need for rational irrigation management. Historically, excessive irrigation has compromised seedling quality, underscoring the importance of developing technologies and research focused on water use efficiency in nurseries. Thus, technologies that are more financially accessible to producers contribute not only to cultivation but also to the social inclusion of these producers in broader markets. Mini-lysimeters can be effectively used to monitor the water balance in potted and tray-grown plant production, thereby reducing water waste in forest nurseries. In this study, portable electronic weighing mini-lysimeters were constructed for greenhouse evapotranspiration research using load cells (capacity: 20 kg), as sensor elements, and dataloggers for data acquisition. Calibration curves were established by correlationg standard weights and voltage readings, and were analyzed using regression analysis. The coefficient of determination (𝑟𝑟2) and the standard error of estimation (SEE) were used to evaluate model accuracy. Under field conditions, the lysimeters’ performance was assessed using the correlation coefficient (r); Willmott's index (d); performance index (c) and SEE, with pine and eucalyptus seedlings. The calibration curves were well described by linear models, with 𝑟𝑟2 values exceeding 0.994. The highest SEE (2.44 g), observedin mini-lysimeter III, remained below the 4 g detection threshold of the load cell. All performance indicators (r, d, and c) were above 0.999, with SEE values ranging from 6.2 to 36.2 g (less than 1 g per tube), demonstrating that the mini-lysimeters are suitable for monitoring daily evapotranspiration.
Different proportion of root cutting and shoot pruning influence the growth of citronella plants
(2020) Daflon, T.M.; Hüther, C.M.; Cecchin, D.; Santos, C.M.P.P.; Borella, J.; Carvalho, L.F.; Correa, N.P.C.; Oliveira, J.R.; Correia, D.M.; Pereira, C.R.; Machado, T.B.
Environment concern, sustainable products demand, and natural components conscious are currently global movement factors. Related to the global movement factors, citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus L.) is being widely used in folk medicine, and has insect repellent activity, fungal and bactericidal action. Its essential oil has high content of citronellal, citronellol, geraniol. The essential oil is mostly extracted from leaves which turns this plant with high commercial demand. However, to obtain the best therapeutic quality and productivity of medicinal plants, which culminates in greater quantity and quality of the active compounds, the proper management of the crop is fundamental, as several factors can interfere during its growth and development. Thus, we analyzed the growth of citronella plants submitted to different levels of shoot and root cuts. Five different proportions of root pruning (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%), after 145 days of seedling planting and four cuttings in the shoots: blunt; a cut at 145 DAP (days after planting) along with the root cut; a cut at 228 DAP; and cuts at 145 and 228 DAP (two cuts). Four harvesting for dry matter accumulation and photoassimilate partition data were performed. The treatment with 100% root cut, but without leaf cut, increased the total dry mass accumulation of the plant in relation to the other treatments, for the last analysis period, demonstrating a recovery. Thus, the application of two leaf cuts or no leaf cutting within the 100% root cut treatment for leaf dry mass accumulation is more effective when compared to the blunt root treatment.
Ecological footprint of beef consumption in the state of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
(2021) Cunha, J.B.; Cecchin, D.; Amaral, P.I.S.; Silva, F.C.; Azevedo, A.R.G.; Salcedo, I.L.; Hüther, C.M.; Sousa, F.A.; Carmo, D.F.
The beef production chain can cause considerable impacts on the environment depending on how it is carried out. The need to discuss the impact of the consumption of this food in a country whose production base is mainly agricultural and livestock is relevant in view of the environmental degradation and scarcity of resources. In this work, the ecological footprint of beef consumption was evaluated using the state of Rio de Janeiro as a case study. Data were collected such as population, productive capacity, annual consumption, cattle weight, grazing equivalence factor. Calculations of livestock density, consumption per capita, productivity, number of oxen, area per capita, and total area required were also carried out. The value found for Total Ecological Footprint was 1,117,995.22 gha and for Ecological Footprint per capita was 0.065 gha. It was found that the ecological footprint per capita is higher than the area destined for each inhabitant of the State which is 0.019 ha. It can be inferred that the consumption of beef as it is currently carried out harms the ecosystem in which production is inserted.
Evaluation of chest circumference in 3D lateral images of dairy cattle farming for body mass prediction
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Oliveira, F.M.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Cecchin, D.; Stopatto, A.F.S.; Becciolini, V.; Barbari, M.
The advancement of precision livestock farming has underscored the importance of developing innovative and non-invasive methods for monitoring animal health and productivity. In this context, this study evaluated the application of computer vision to estimate the body mass (BM) of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows using 3D images captured laterally with the Intel RealSense D435i depth camera. The methodology involved correlating chest circumference (CC) measurements obtained in the field with those derived from lateral 3D images. A total of 250 animals were analyzed, with BM ranging from 420 to 855 kg, and the relationship between CC and BM was modeled using regression techniques. The results indicated a coefficient of determination (R² = 0.88) and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 3.94% for CC measured in the field. For CC derived from 3D images, R² was 0.847, with an MAPE of 5.29%. Although the 3D image-based method showed a slight reduction in accuracy, it demonstrated significant potential as a non-invasive and efficient alternative for estimating BM in dairy cows. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of 3D imaging technologies in acquiring detailed morphological data, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of body composition dynamics over time. These findings reinforce the potential of integrating digital technologies into dairy farming, promoting sustainable, precise, and labor-efficient management practices.
Greenhouse gas emissions in natural and constructed wetland systems
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Rochinha, I. da S. P.; do Carmo, D. de F.; da Silva, F. C.; Jabrasi, Y. D.; Cecchin, D.; Hamacher, L. da S. ; Santiago, A. da F. ; Nogueira, L. A.; Marotta, H.
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are nature-based technologies that emulate the biogeochemical processes of natural wetlands (NWs) to treat effluents enriched with organic matter and nutrients, such as those from fertilized soils and urban sewage. However, previous evidence from individual ecosystems indicated that constructed wetlands may exhibit substantially increased greenhouse gas (GHG) evasion to the atmosphere compared to natural ones, representing a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions that has not yet been accounted for. This study aimed to evaluate the first global dataset of GHG emissions, encompassing methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O), from natural and constructed freshwater wetlands. Based on an extensive literature search from 1980 to 2020, it was found that median CH4 and N2O emissions were significantly higher in constructed wetlands than in natural wetlands. These emissions reached global medians of ~6.46 ± 5.72 and 0.20 ± 1.30 mg m-2h-1, for CH4 and N2O, respectively, representing a difference of ~517% and 200% compared to natural wetlands. The median CO2 flux in constructed wetlands was ~171.20 ± 57.04 mg m-2h-1 and was not significantly different between the two groups. This indicates that effluent treatment conditions enhance the metabolic production of CH₄ and N₂O, due to intensified organic matter degradation. Furthermore, the dispersion in wetlands for CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions also reflects the substantial spatial variability in GHG emissions. Therefore, sewage treatment efficiency and GHG balance must be considered for planning the design of constructed wetlands.
Influence of coconut fiber incorporation on the mechanical behavior of adobe blocks
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) da Silva, N.A.; Cecchin, D.; Rocha, C.A.A.; Toledo Filho, R.D.; Pessin, J.; Rossi, G.; Bambi, G.; Conti, L.; Ferraz, P.F.P.
Adobe is an ancient construction technique, simple and low cost, still used in some parts of the world, mainly in rural areas. Normally, in these regions, a considerable amount of agricultural waste is generated that can be used for different purposes. An agricultural waste that has been increasingly studied in the construction sector is natural fibers. The addition of natural fibers in the soil matrix has been gaining prominence as it is a natural and easily accessible stabilizer. This work aimed to analyze and characterize adobe blocks reinforced with coconut fibers, with the addition of 1% and 2% compared to the reference block (without the addition of coconut fiber) through capillary absorption, fiber-soil adhesion, durability in the presence of water and mechanical, properties through of compression bending tests. The adobe blocks with the addition of fibers showed mechanical results above those required by the standard NBR 16814. The addition of fibers promoted higher capillary absorption results than the samples consisting only of soil and when exposed to drip erosion, no significant damage was observed in the adobe structure.
Influence of different methods of treating natural açai fibre for mortar in rural construction
(2021) Rocha, D.L.; Azevedo, A.R.G.; Marvila, M.T.; Cecchin, D.; Alexandre, J.; Carmo, D.F.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
Açai is a typical Amazonian fruit that has enormous potential for use in medicines and foods, whose consumption has been growing year after year. One of the major environmental impacts related to Açai is the generation of agro-industrial wastes, which are disposed of in landfills. One of the major problems related to the reuse of natural fibres in cementitious materials is related to their durability due to the alkalinity of the matrix. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate three different methodologies for surface treatment of Açai fibre, by immersion in NaOH, KOH and Ca(OH)2 solution to mortar application in rural construction. After the treatments, the fibres were added in a proportion of 2.5 and 5.0% in relation to the cement mass, in addition to the reference mortar (without fibre) in the making of the prismatic specimens (40×40×160 mm) and cured for 28 days in room temperature. Right after the curing period, the specimens were evaluated according to the mechanical strength of flexion and compression, workability, water absorption by capillarity and mass density in the hardened state of each methodology. The results showed that the best treatment methodology is with NaOH solution, with the addition of 5% Açai fibre in relation to the cement mass, producing a suitable mortar for use in rural buildings.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) in construction materials – Review
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Carvalho, J.G.R.O.; Cecchin, D.; de Azevedo, A.R.G.; do Carmo, D.F.; Paes, J.L.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Hamacher, L.S.; Costa, K.A.; Rossi, G.; Bambi, G.
The construction industry is one of the most impactful sectors in terms of natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, demanding more sustainable and efficient solutions. This study systematically reviews the applicatication of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate sustainable materials and practices within the construction sector, emphasizing the replacement of tradicional materials with recycled, bioeconomic, and low-carbon alternatives. A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus database, covering studies published between 2020 and September 2024. The methodology included the use of VOS viewer software to generate keyword co-occurrence maps, aiding in the identification of emerging trends and patterns. Key findings indicate substantial environmental benefits from incorporating industrial wastes, agricultural by-products, and bioeconomic materials, demonstrating substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and natural resource usage. The analysis also highlights emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and nanotechnology, as innovative tools that further enhance sustainability in construction. However, challenges persist, including limited availability of reliable regional data, methodological complexities, and gaps in integrating socio-economic variables into LCA analyses. This paper contributes to advancing sustainable construction by identifying critical gaps and challenges, proposing strategies for improved data collection, recommending enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and suggesting increased governmental support and regulatory frameworks to promote broader adoption of LCA in industry practices.
Productive efficiency and density and viscosity studies of biodiesels from vegetable oil mixtures
(2021) Correia, R.C.B.; Silva, F.C.; Barros, M.M.; Maria, A.C.L.; Cecchin, D.; Souza, L.A.; Carmo, D.F.
Currently in Brazil the minimum content of biodiesel in mixtures is 11% and, according to Brazilian laws, the goal is to reach 15% in volume in diesel fuel available for final consumers by 2023. Therefore, studies about different matrices of biodiesel and distinct mixtures are essential. The present work had two goals, the first one was to analyse physico-chemical properties of 16 biofuels produced from soybean and cotton oils, using S10 diesel, in mixtures B8, B10, B20 and B30. The second goal was to verify the vantages and disadvantages of biodiesel production through prior mixing of the oils, before and after the transesterification process. All biofuels produced presented results of specific mass values at 20 °C and kinematic viscosity at 40 °C within the limits established by ANP Resolution no 30/2016 and International Resolutions. The soybean B20 biofuel showed the best overall results, with the second highest production yield of 65.36%, the fifth lowest kinematic viscosity with 3.48 mm s -1 . The mixture of soybean and cotton oils before the transesterification process presented the highest production yield when compared with the production from a single oil or biodiesel mixtures. The results found proved to be satisfactory and corroborate to continue with the increase of biodiesel in the mixture with diesel to B15 until 2023 and support the possibility of planning for a gradual increase of this mixture in the following years.
Remotely piloted aircraft for monitoring greenhouse gases in dairy production systems
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Aguiar, J.V.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Ferreira, J.C.; Cecchin, D.; Mattia, A.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
The monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dairy cattle facilities is essential for understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of livestock farming. Among the main gases emitted in dairy production systems, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) play significant roles in global warming. The objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial variability of CH4 (ppm) and CO2 (ppm) concentrations, as well as environmental variables (dry bulb temperature, tdb, °C, and relative humidity, RH, %), in a compost barn dairy production system. For gas concentration monitoring, an electrochemical sensor was used for CH4 and a non–dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor for CO2. For the environmental variables, a Hobo® MX2301A datalogger was used, and both pieces of equipment were attached to a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), the DJI Matrice 350. Measurements were carried out over three days, with flights conducted over the facility's roof. The data obtained were analysed using geostatistics to characterise spatial variability of the GHG. A strong spatial dependence was observed in gas concentrations and environmental variables. The highest concentrations of CH4 (129–134.4 ppm) and CO2 (434–479 ppm) were recorded on the first day. Tdb ranged between 24.2 °C and 32 °C, while RH fluctuated between 38.8% and 68%. The use of RPA proved to be an efficient tool for GHG monitoring, allowing the identification of spatial distribution patterns. This technology provides a novel approach to measuring GHG emissions, addressing the environmental challenges of the agricultural sector.
Response surface for biodiesel production from soybean oil by ethylic route
(2020) Souza, L.A.; Silva, F.C.; Maria, A.C.L.; Belem, A.L.; Cecchin, D.; Barros, M.M.
Petroleum has been the most consumed energy source in the world, but it tends to run out due its non-renewable character. Among biofuels, biodiesel has emerged as the main candidate to substitute petroleum diesel. The present study aimed to identify the maximum yield point of biodiesel production by generating a response surface using molar ratio, temperature and agitation time as independent variables, and yield as a dependent variable. From the response surface, it is observed that the increase in temperature and reaction time leads to reduced yield. The configuration that resulted in maximum yield of 93.30% was 12:1 molar ratio, 30 °C temperature and 30-minute reaction time. From the chromatographic analysis it was possible to identify five different fatty acids in the composition of the biodiesels. Total saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids) ranged from 41.53% to 42.09% and total unsaturated fatty acids including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids) ranged from 57.92% to 58.48%. According to the results of the physicochemical analyses, the specific mass at 68°F is in agreement with Brazilian, American and European specifications, ranging from 877.46 kg m-3 to 879.64 kg m-3 . The kinematic viscosity at 104 °F ranged from 4.49 mm² s -1 to 4.82 mm² s -1 . The acid value obtained did not vary within the limits established by the norms, and values between 0.54 and 2.74 mg KOH g -1 were observed.
Sustainability indicators in cooperative management of recyclable materials
(2020) Aramian, C.B.; Barcelos, F.; Silva, F.C.; Cecchin, D.; Azevedo, A.R.G.; Carmo, D.F.
Following the promulgation of the National Solid Waste Policy in 2010, legal provisions, government programs and sectoral agreements have been implemented, but without the expected efficiency in relation to recycling. It should be noted that Cooperatives of Recyclable Material Pickers (CRMP) should play a leading role in this regard, but they do not have adequate management to be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, depending on assistance to maintain the activity. Aiming to elucidate this issue, in this paper was made an institutional diagnosis of the category of waste pickers using the Gramacho region in the city of Duque de Caxias (Rio de Janeiro) as a case study. It was carried out an evaluation of the historical context of the neighbourhood, and it was drawn up a semi-structured questionnaire in 12 of the 18 cooperatives in the region. The data were interpreted through a SWOT matrix and the Venn diagram. A matrix was proposed and elaborated with 15 sustainability indicators specific to the CRMC reality in order to evaluate and monitor the management of cooperatives. After collecting the primary data, it was possible to validate the matrix of indicators with indexes of cultural, economic, political and ecological sustainability of the cooperatives. It was found that the matrix of indicators facilitated the understanding of the data and the comparison between the indicators. This tool can help decision-making, creation of action plans and identification of demands by the cooperative waste pickers themselves, without the presence of an analyst or technician.

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