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Relacionamentos de poder, pressões institucionais e mecanismos de governança diante dos riscos ambientais e sociais: um estudo exploratório nas cadeias de carne bovina e do chocolate
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2023-06-21) Gemente, Giovanni Beccari; Silva, Andrea Lago da; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2380499339281186; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3849-9698; https://lattes.cnpq.br/4553621065598773; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0743-523X
Environmental and social risks impact the reputation of supply chain stakeholders, including the purchasing company (EC), first-tier suppliers (F1), and second-tier suppliers (F2), resulting in adverse effects on both the environment and society. Power dynamics, institutional pressures, and governance mechanisms are integral aspects of the EC, F1, and F2 triad; however, they have been addressed in a fragmented and limited manner. In this context, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of these themes concerning the emergence of risks in agribusiness supply chains. To achieve this, a literature review was conducted, followed by a field study in the beef and chocolate supply chains, both identified as susceptible to sustainability challenges in Brazil. Data collection encompassed 30 interviews with stakeholders associated with the chains. Additionally, secondary data were scrutinized to enhance and deepen the analysis. Data underwent content analysis, facilitated by the QDA Miner software. Within the beef and chocolate supply chains, the slaughterhouses and processors, respectively, exert pressure on cattle ranchers and cocoa growers to reduce costs in raw material, thereby increasing the financial vulnerability of F2. Findings reveal that the chains face difficulties stemming from governmental limitations in inspecting and penalizing offenders (enforcement deficiencies). Moreover, a state of "superficial compliance" was observed among EC and F1; although they claim to adopt sustainable practices, their initiatives barely extend to F2. Governance mechanisms of certification (contractual), cooperation, and third-party involvement (relational) were identified as means to mitigate risks, but their scope within the chains remains limited. Consequently, the scalability of these mechanisms is compromised, largely excluding the majority of F2. NGOs, universities, and the Public Prosecutor's Office can aid in risk mitigation, as these stakeholders possess the knowledge to guide and sensitize participants to prevent potential harm and implement effective mitigation strategies. Based on these results, this research advances comprehension of governance mechanisms embedded in the operations of lower-tier suppliers within the supply chain. For supply chain professionals and managers, understanding the impact of power relationships and institutional pressures facilitates the adept adoption of governance mechanisms, ensuring their efficacy across various tiers and contexts of the supply chain.
Encapsulamento de Trichoderma harzianum em matrizes à base de nanocelulose e carboximetilcelulose para aplicação na agricultura
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2023-06-21) Wolf, Mariana Govoni Brondi; Farinas, Cristiane Sanchez; https://lattes.cnpq.br/9933650905615452; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9985-190X; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2753123048179923; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2228-8960
Microbial inoculants are a sustainable alternative to increase agricultural productivity and reduce environmental and health problems caused by the exacerbated use of agrochemicals. These bio-based products are formulations with living microorganisms that are able to increase the productivity of vegetal crops. Nevertheless, for the commercial success of these bioproducts, some challenges still need to be overcome, particularly those related to increasing the inoculant shelf life, and its protection during storage and after its application. In this sense, a suitable formulation plays a crucial role in the survival and efficacy of inoculants. For instance, encapsulating microorganisms in natural polymeric matrices has shown promising results in meeting the requirements for a good formulation. These materials have advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability and can be used as a nutrient source by microorganisms. In this context, although still underexplored for this type of application, the evaluation of cellulose-based materials, such as carboxymethyl cellulose or nanocellulose, may result in positive outcomes on increasing microbial inoculants protection. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to assess the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and the CNC:carboxymethyl cellulose (CNC:CMC) composite for increasing the shelf-life and protection of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, a well-known microbial inoculant mainly due to its effect as a biocontrol agent. To this end, dispersions of 5% (w/v) CNC and a 5% (w/v) CNC mixed with a 1.5% (w/v) CMC at a volumetric ratio of 3:1 (CNC:CMC), containing a spore concentration of 109 spores/g of polymers, were dripped to a crosslinking solution of CaCl2 (1 M). After coagulation, the viability of the microorganism was evaluated, and the produced beads were stored wet under refrigeration (4 °C). Characterizations such as X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a good dispersion of the polymers in the encapsulating matrices, as well as the presence of the microorganism on the capsules’ surface. Shelf-life experiments highlighted that both matrices were able to reduce the mortality of encapsulated spores compared to the free microorganism (stored under the same conditions) after 9 and 12 months of storage. Additionally, the encapsulation increased the fungus protection when exposed to a temperature of 40 °C, a direct UV-C radiation, and during the contact with a commercial fungicide. Furthermore, after 1 year of storage, the biocontrol action of T. harzianum against the phytopathogen Fusarium solani remained preserved. Thus, the evaluated materials proved to be efficient in enhancing the protection of microbial inoculants, offering an interesting alternative for the formulation of these materials and for moving agriculture towards more sustainable practices aligned with the concepts of bioeconomy and climate change concerns.