Main Structuring Research Articles

Pedobiological properties of a lignite spoil heap in the Provence coal mine basin (south-east of France)

The aim of this study was to investigate the bio-physico-chemical properties of soils developed on dumps originating from lignite extraction and to decipher the respective roles of the geomorphology and the presence of lignite on the biogeochemical characteristics of these soils. Soils from the Armand spoil heap, located in Peypin (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), and natural neighboring Mediterranean soils without lignite were sampled and compared. Lignite presence was assessed by 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy allowing for the quantification of C pools such as aromatic C groups, which are characteristic signature of lignite. Physico-chemical (texture, pH, organic C, carbonate, total N, total S, CEC), mineralogical and biological (enzyme activities: β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, acid phosphatase, arylamidase, lipase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase; Oxitop basal respiration and Biolog® catabolic profile) parameters were analyzed in the two types of soil. Microbial activities were higher in the natural soils than in the spoil heap soils, while spoil heap samples exhibited enriched aromatic-C pools. Some variables exhibited a gradient along the slope: carbonate and sand contents were larger at the bottom of the heap while clay content, CEC, organic C and C/N ratio were larger at the top of the heap. On the contrary, microbiological activities did not follow any structured pattern according to the slope and appeared distributed as patches. Variance partitioning combined with multiple linear regressions demonstrated that the 13C NMR quality of soil organic matter was the main structuring factor of microbial properties, which were in most cases reduced by the presence of lignite.

Assessment of the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community under Maize Growth Using Various Agricultural Technologies with Biomodified Mineral Fertilizers

Biomodified mineral fertilizers (BMFs) were produced by enriching the ammophos fertilizer with PGPR Bacillus velezensis BS89 with the use of two technologies: BMF 1, the ammophos fertilizer with the addition of spores of Bacillus velezensis BS89 on a dry carrier (diatomite); and BMF2, ammophos granules treated with spores of Bacillus velezensis BS89 in a cell suspension. The effects of BMFs on maize growth and productivity and the rhizosphere bacterial community were assessed. BMFs significantly increased maize growth, dry matter, minerals, starch and protein contents in maize grain. The application of biomodified mineral fertilizers resulted in the significant increase in the yield and some parameters of maize plants such as ear length and number of kernels in the row. The yield was increased by 7.5–7.6%, ear length by 9%, and number of kernels in the row by 6.7–7%, as compared with ammophos. However, we found no considerable differences in the composition of the bacterial community of the maize rhizosphere after the use of BMFs as compared with the use of ammophos at the level of the phyla, which was confirmed by the ecological indices of biodiversity: the Shannon index and the Simpson index. Comparison of the experimental variants with bulk soil showed differences in the microbiome composition of the dominant bacterial phyla. A greater abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and a lower abundance of Chloroflexi was registered in bulk soil as compared with the other experimental variants where maize plants were present. The highest percentage (5.3%) of unidentified taxonomic phyla was also found in bulk soil. Our studies showed that maize is the main structuring factor during formation of the microbiome composition in the rhizosphere. The application of biomodified fertilizers BMF1 and BMF2 considerably increased the abundance of bacteria representing the minority of the community, namely, those from the phyla Verrucomicrobia, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Chlamydiae, as compared with the use of ammophos. Thus, the application of biomodified mineral fertilizers is a promising agronomic and ecological strategy for boosting maize yield and the quality of grain under field conditions.

Cognitive-Semantic Concept Structuring in Visual Perception and Visual Imagery: Identifying a New Basic Top-Down Processing System for Visual Experience

Abstract Visual experience encompasses both visual perception and visual imagery. Using cognitive-semantic analysis, it is outlined how visual experience can be characterized as involving (among other top-down processes) a basic top-down-processing system that is organized by fundamental aspects of the four main Talmyan concept structuring systems (fundamental aspects of configurational structure, perspective, attention, and—not in principle, but quite often—force dynamics). It is proposed that this visual concept structuring represents a thus far unidentified basic top-down-processing system of visual experience which structures the conceptual content of the visual/imagistic stimulus. While Talmyan concept structuring has in the literature thus far mainly been applied to language, the main conclusion of this paper is that Talmyan concept structuring is a basic component of visual top-down processing even when language is not involved. Implications for sensory modalities other than the visual one are discussed, and possible future research is formulated.

Scenario‐based Verification and Validation of Automated Transportation Systems

ABSTRACTThe research and development activities performed by the DLR Institute of Systems Engineering for Future Mobility (DLR‐SE) are organized via so‐called assets. We present a scenario‐based verification and validation process and relate selected research activities.Verification and validation approaches of automated transportation systems based on driving a certain number of kilometers are infeasible. Therefore, the DLR‐SE asset “Scenario‐based Verification and Validation of Automated Transportation Systems” investigates methods and prototyping tools for verifying and validating automated transportation systems employing scenarios as the main structuring element to capture complex traffic evolutions. While there are many different approaches, our focus is formally specifying relevant abstract scenarios that are readable by humans while also being machine‐readable. This allows us to automatize the verification and validation process, which increases confidence in, for example, the safety of the systems due to a dramatically increased number of executed tests while reducing the manual effort from humans.

Body stores of emergent aquatic insects are associated with body size, sex, swarming behaviour and dispersal strategies

Abstract Dispersal is a determining step in the life cycle of insects and a key factor of their energy budget. If the body stores of terrestrial insects are relatively well‐documented, those of merolimnic insects (i.e., with aquatic larvae and terrestrial winged adults) remain poorly investigated. We assayed the body stores (protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents) of 18 families of merolimnic insects, encompassing a wide diversity of biological and ecological traits. We highlighted allometry between body stores and mass. The proportion of triglyceride and free carbohydrate relatively decreases with an increase in absolute insect mass, whereas protein and glycogen contents are proportional. We found a significant effect of insect order, Diptera having relatively more proteins than Trichoptera. For swarming taxa, males have relatively more triglycerides than their conspecific female. Passive dispersers are characterised by higher protein and glycogen contents Each body store was associated with specific life‐history traits, emphasising the importance of considering each body store independently to better understand the associated functions. Dispersal strategies seem to be the main structuring factor underlying body store patterns of merolimnic insects, being significantly associated with the variation in adjusted triglycerides (30%), proteins (21%), glycogen (29%) and free carbohydrates (17%). However, our study estimated the role of flight only indirectly through the biological traits of insects. Future works should focus on identifying which substrates are used for flight, by comparing the proportion of body stores before and after flight, as well as protein identification to distinguish proteins associated with flight or reproduction. These further studies will help researchers in understanding the link between body stores of emerging merolimnic insects and the various facets of their ecology.

Divorce in transnational families: Norms, networks, and intersecting categories

AbstractThis paper highlights the originality and scholarly contributions of the present Special Issue on transnational divorces in three ways. First, it examines two sets of related literature and situates the Special Issue within them: one on divorces, in general, and the other on divorces in transnational families (also called here “transnational divorce”). This exercise identifies the scholarly tendencies and gaps needing immediate attention in the study of divorce at the present age of family (re)composition. Second, the paper discusses how the special issue addresses the lacunas in the literature through “transborder intersectionality,” that is, a combination of transnational and intersectional perspectives. And third, based on its five empirically grounded case studies, it unveils the main structuring forces in transnational divorces: norms (social and legal), networks (transnational family support, local social ties…), and intersecting categories (gender, social class, legal status…). The paper ends with research directions for the future study of divorces traversing nation‐states’ borders.

Diversity and distribution of bivalve molluscs in the Central Cantabrian Sea and the Avilés Canyons System (Bay of Biscay)

Bivalve molluscs is one of the dominant benthic groups in soft-sediment communities off the Atlantic Ocean, including the European margin and the Bay of Biscay. The current knowledge of deep-sea Euro-Atlantic bivalves and their distribution is still far from comprehensive and has been the scope of several recent publications. We examined the collected bivalve samples from two oceanographic campaigns (COCACE and BIOCANT) carried out in the central Bay of Biscay, including the Avilés Canyons System (ACS), a Site of Community Importance within the Natura 2000 Network. Bivalve specimens were collected from the continental shelf, slope and bathyal zones, ranging in deep from 25 to 4700 m. This is the first study focused on bivalve diversity from the Cantabrian Sea that covers such a wide bathymetric range. Eighty-four live taxa in 36 families were identified; Cetomya neaeroides is reported for the first time in the area. We provide photographs showing the shell diagnostic features of all recorded species. The conducted Multivariate Analysis showed three species assemblages: i) samples from shallow waters (continental shelf); ii) intermediate depths (shelf and upper slope) and iii) deep water (slope and abyssal plain). Depth was the main structuring factor that influenced the distribution of the recorded species and the higher species richness was found on the continental shelf. The feeding strategy and the substrate preference appeared as not significant factors in the zonation patterns of the studied bivalves.

Differential Impact of the Khatanga and Lena (Laptev Sea) Runoff on the Distribution and Grazing of Zooplankton

The ecosystems of the Arctic Ocean and their expected changes in a context of Global climate processes are crucially dependent on the freshwater input. The freshwater signal is assumed to be the main structuring factor for the marine fauna on the shallow shelf of the Siberian Arctic seas. The Laptev Sea, as a part of the world’s widest continental shelves surrounding the Arctic Ocean, is a key area for understanding the land–ocean interaction in high latitude regions. The largest freshwater input is provided by the deltaic Lena river followed by the estuarine Khatanga river. The plumes of these rivers differ considerably in their hydrophysical characteristics, suggesting differential impacts on ecosystems of the adjacent shelf. The key component of pelagic ecosystems is zooplankton, which transfers energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels and modifies sedimentations processes. This study is focused on the influence of river discharge on zooplankton in the Laptev Sea at the end of productive season. We studied zooplankton biomass, species composition, distribution patterns of the dominant species and assessed herbivorous feeding rates and grazing pressure of these species along a transect from the inner Khatanga Gulf northward to the continental slope, and a transect in the Lena plume influenced area in August-September 2017. Despite large spatial extension of the Khatanga plume, the impact of river discharge on zooplankton species composition was restricted mainly to the inner Gulf where the brackish species shaped the community. Contrary to the Khatanga input, the Lena freshwater inflow was highly variable and under certain conditions (discharge rate, wind forcing) governed the structure of zooplankton community over a vast shelf area. Distribution patterns of zooplankton biomass, ingestion rates and grazing impact of the dominant species on phytoplankton over the shelf influenced by the Khatanga and Lena plumes were similar. Analysis of our results on demographic structure of Calanus glacialis suggests that seasonal development of the population was largely controlled by the time of ice retreat. Observed climatic changes in the Arctic were not reflected in the total zooplankton biomass and composition of the dominant species.

Caracterización de la vegetación en sitios con evidencias de antropización en Delta Frontal del Río Paraná

Anthropization is one of the main structuring factors of plant communities at a global scale. In particular, in the Paraná River Frontal Delta there was a strong process of settlement and transformation of the territory by productive activities during the 20th century with a process of depopulation and partial abandonment of the productive plots in recent decades. The original vegetation of the Frontal Delta was made up of flooding grasslands (“Pajonales”), open woodlands (“Ceibales”) and closed riparian forest (“Montes Blancos”), replaced in large areas by crops that after their abandonment gave rise to a secondary succession process. In this work we aimed to characterize the flora and plant communities in plots with evidence of current or past anthropization in the Frontal Delta. A total of 202 sampling plots of 25 m2 were established in which the species of vascular plants were recorded and their coverage was estimated. Taken together, 167 taxa were recorded of which 81% were native. Through multivariate analysis, 15 communities with different physiognomy and degree of invasion were identified and characterized. Some of these presented a great similarity with the original communities of the region, others were similar to secondary communities described in the bibliography and novel situations were identified. The results highlight the great local richness of the vegetation and the great diversity of plant communities, highlighting the importance of the study area for conservation.

Organization of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Republic of Northern Macedonia

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a very important economic and social role, due to their contribution to the functioning of the economic network and job creation. These contributions are very valuable in the conditions of crisis and rising unemployment. Especially in the Republic of Northern Macedonia, the development of SMEs can affect the many challenges related to economic development, the effects of inequality, high unemployment and demographic growth. In addition, the development of the SME sector can contribute to strengthening competitiveness and productivity, while increasing Gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita income growth. This development will also promote the structural transformation of the SME sector, due to its connection with innovation and technological development. The study aims to identify and analyze the main structuring that affect the success and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), ie their performance, as well as to analyze the effects that these indicators have on the economic growth of SMEs. In this research are addressed some important issues and general problems of the financing system, the financial situation of small and medium businesses in northern Macedonia. Also, this paper will present, both from a theoretical and practical point of view, the relationship between these key performance indicators, or in other words, SME growth. Therefore, the development of the SME sector is very important in Macedonia, especially considering that social problems are largely the consequence of unequal economic growth.

Perspectives, dimensions, and references that shape the notion of nature: A semiotic model based on socioecological relations

If the significance of nature is a crucial phenomenon in understanding the forms of relations societies establish with the environment, in what way is this significance built? This paper presents the results of a case study focused on exploring how the meanings of nature and socioecological relationships relate to each other in an indigenous population. The first part of the article explains the theoretical scaffolding used to collect and analyse data, based on ecological anthropology and Ogden and Richards’ semiotic scheme. The second part describes the methodological procedures and the first findings, that is, the elements and dimensions that integrate the meanings of nature and land for the inhabitants of this population. It is also explained how those meanings are built and how they are fused to local socioecological relationships in an ontological way. The findings reveal that the inhabitants of this community configure their meanings of ‘nature’ from multiple references of biological, spiritual, axiological, and cultural character, often represented by its referent ‘land’. The notion of ‘nature’ (as land) is created from subjective and social experiences with the environment and the territory, and in turn provides meaning to the biocultural identity of the population. However, historical learning, worldview, and social organization also emerge as the main structuring elements of the social meanings of nature and land.

Environmental and spatial drivers of oligochaeta metacommunities structure along the Paraguay‐Paraná fluvial system

AbstractThe metacommunity theory is a framework that explains the interdependence of local factors and regional processes as community drivers. In rivers, it has been hypothesized that the metacommunity structure and the relative importance of dispersal and local environmental conditions may vary from headwaters toward lowlands. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the benthic metacommunity structure along the longitudinal dimension of the Paraguay‐Paraná system, and (2) to assess the relative importance of dispersal (spatial structure) and niche‐based processes as drivers of these structures. We used data of oligochaetes assemblages in the studied system and analyzed the Elements of Metacommunity Structure in different river sections. Moreover, we performed a variance partitioning analysis to determine the relative importance of spatial and environmental variables. In the upper section, we found a gradient structure (Gleasonian) and in the lower section we found random and quasi‐Clementsian structures. Similarly, environmental variables were the main structuring factor in the upper section while spatial variables were more important in the delta. The present study provides evidence that metacommunity structure and the underlying mechanisms that shape it, change along the longitudinal dimension of a large South American River. However, we emphasize the necessity of further studies assessing other taxonomic groups and other large South American Rivers.

Ciliates as bioindicators of environmental pressure in a karstic river

Ciliates (protozoa) are a very large and diverse group of microeukaryotes that occupy a central position in the trophic web of freshwater ecosystems. Ciliates exhibit high ecological sensitivity and have tremendous bioindicator potential, but they are largely ignored in routine biomonitoring, mainly due to limitations in morphological diagnosis, which is both time-consuming and costly. In this study, we combined molecular (Illumina sequencing of the hypervariable V9 region of the SSU rRNA gene) and morphological approaches to get a detailed insight into the periphytic ciliate community structure and function within a karst, tufa-precipitating hydrosystem (National Park Krka, Croatia). Periphyton (biofilm) was sampled from light- and dark-exposed lithified tufa/stones at four representative locations within the Krka River, including upstream, midstream, and downstream river sections. We identified hydrological parameters and saprobiological classification of the sampling locations as the main structuring factors for ciliate communities. The molecular approach showed a clear separation of sampling locations in beta diversity analyses, as confirmed by PERMANOVA test. In contrast, alpha diversity was mostly affected by light exposition of the lithified tufa/stones, as confirmed by morphological approach. Environmental conditions consistently affected ciliate community composition at all locations, resulting in clear separation of periphyton samples. Our results indicate that ciliates should be considered as important bioindicators in monitoring tufa-forming rivers and streams, and the molecular approach (V9 region) proved to be applicable because as it efficiently captured the diversity of ciliates in periphyton. Validation of such an approach would lead to significant progress in extending monitoring to a broader range of indicator organisms than those now included in standard monitoring.

Ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora) as bioindicators of environmental pressure: A karstic river case

Ciliates are single celled eukaryotes recognized as key players in the microbial loop of aquatic ecosystems. The present study was carried out on the Krka River (Croatia), a karst freshwater ecosystem characterized by tufa barriers, biomineralization and highly diverse aquatic communities. The main aims of the study were to investigate ciliate community structure in the biofilm (i.e. periphyton) samples collected from light- and dark-exposed lithified tufa/stones. Furthermore, by establishing links between ciliate community patterns and environmental parameters, we aimed to assess the bioindicator potential of specific ciliate taxa for environmental monitoring of freshwater habitats. The periphyton sampling was performed at four representative sites of the river source, upstream, middle and downstream river sections. Ciliate community was investigated via traditional microscopy analyses and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding (Illumina sequencing of the hypervariable V9-region of the SSU rRNA gene). The molecular approach recorded a substantially higher number of ciliate taxa, most of which taxonomically belonging to genera typically occurring in tufa barriers. The results from microscopy analyses did not show any links between ciliate community structure and sampling location. However, eDNA approach indicated significant differences among the sampling locations regarding the ciliate community structure. Thereby, hydrological parameters and saprobiological classification of the sampling sites were the main structuring factors for ciliate community. The coupling of eDNA metabarcoding with the morphological approach provides a robust, in-depth analytical system in elucidating the bioindicator potential of ciliated protists.

Pesquisa em Educação: aspectos históricos e teórico-metodológicos

A finalidade principal deste artigo é orientar e reorientar epistemológica e metodologicamente as pesquisas histórico-historiográficas no campo da Educação. Desse modo, demonstram-se com este debate, embora não de forma estanque, os principais elementos estruturantes e estruturadores que pesquisadores/as devem incluir sistematicamente por ocasião da construção de uma pesquisa científica em Educação. Discute-se acerca dos principais paradigmas que envolvem os diferentes campos científicos com seus respectivos métodos, técnicas e epistemologias de pesquisa. Deixa-se registrada a discussão, mesmo que de forma sucinta, atinente à querela entre as abordagens qualitativa e quantitativa nas pesquisas científicas. Considera-se, por último, que a composição de um trabalho científico obedece a critérios, normas técnicas e acadêmico-científicas no âmbito das várias e diferentes áreas do conhecimento.

Cluster Life Cycles: Types and Driving Factors

This paper presents a thorough theoretical scientific analysis on cluster life cycles and highlights in detail the main structuring of the life-cycle types. Moreover, based on the provided example of the maritime industry cluster conditions, the author presents a deductive analysis of the entire cluster life cycle distinguishing the main local and global driving factors. Using scientific literature analysis and synthesis, systemization, as well as deduction there are outlined the emergence and evolution of the key cluster driving forces. Finally, the paper provides the most important findings on the cluster life cycle conditions that have impact on the cluster development processes.

Testing the Two-Step Model of Plant Root Microbiome Acquisition Under Multiple Plant Species and Soil Sources.

The two-step model for plant root microbiomes considers soil as the primary microbial source. Active selection of the plant’s bacterial inhabitants results in a biodiversity decrease toward roots. We collected sixteen samples of in situ ruderal plant roots and their soils and used these soils as the main microbial input for single genotype tomatoes grown in a greenhouse. Our main goal was to test the soil influence in the structuring of rhizosphere microbiomes, minimizing environmental variability, while testing multiple plant species. We massively sequenced the 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomes of the soils, in situ plants, and tomato roots. We identified a total of 271,940 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within the soils, rhizosphere and endospheric microbiomes. We annotated by homology a total of 411,432 (13.07%) of the metagenome predicted proteins. Tomato roots did follow the two-step model with lower α-diversity than soil, while ruderal plants did not. Surprisingly, ruderal plants are probably working as a microenvironmental oasis providing moisture and plant-derived nutrients, supporting larger α-diversity. Ruderal plants and their soils are closer according to their microbiome community composition than tomato and its soil, based on OTUs and protein comparisons. We expected that tomato β-diversity clustered together with their soil, if it is the main rhizosphere microbiome structuring factor. However, tomato microbiome β-diversity was associated with plant genotype in most samples (81.2%), also supported by a larger set of enriched proteins in tomato rhizosphere than soil or ruderals. The most abundant bacteria found in soils was the Actinobacteria Solirubrobacter soli, ruderals were dominated by the Proteobacteria Sphingomonas sp. URGHD0057, and tomato mainly by the Bacteroidetes Ohtaekwangia koreensis, Flavobacterium terrae, Niastella vici, and Chryseolinea serpens. We calculated a metagenomic tomato root core of 51 bacterial genera and 2,762 proteins, which could be the basis for microbiome-oriented plant breeding programs. We attributed a larger diversity in ruderal plants roots exudates as an effect of the moisture and nutrient acting as a microbial harbor. The tomato and ruderal metagenomic differences are probably due to plant domestication trade-offs, impacting plant-bacteria interactions.

Site factors are more important than management for indicator species in semi-natural grasslands in southern Sweden

Management of semi-natural grasslands is essential to retain the characteristic diversity of flora and fauna found in these habitats. To maintain, restore or recreate favourable conditions for grassland species, knowledge regarding how they occur in relation to grazing intensity and soil nutrient availability is crucial. We focused on grassland plant species, i.e., species selected to indicate high natural values in semi-natural grasslands. Environmental monitoring data collected at 366 grassland sites in southern Sweden between 2006 and 2010 were used to relate the occurrence of indicator species to factors describing geographic location, local site conditions related to nutrients and moisture, and management. Site productivity, soil moisture and cover of trees and shrubs were the main structuring factors, while other factors related to management had a lesser effect (grass sward height, amount of litter, type of grazer). Not surprisingly, these patterns were also reflected in species-wise analyses of the 25 most commonly occurring indicator species, with almost all species negatively related to site productivity and most also to soil moisture. Furthermore, many species were negatively affected by increasing sward height and litter. In contrast, species-wise responses varied among species in relation to increasing cover of trees and shrubs. In comparison to cattle grazing, sheep grazing was detrimental to six species and beneficial to none, while horse grazing was detrimental to no species and beneficial to four species. When evaluating species traits, taller plant species were favoured when site productivity, grass sward height and the amount of grass litter were high. There were no strong patterns related to the flowering time, leaf arrangement, or nutrient and light requirements of species. These results highlight the importance of nutrient-poor and dry sites, e.g., when selecting sites for conservation, and the importance of the type of management executed.

Depth and grazing intensity are the main drivers of subtidal hardground benthic community structure on tropical south Atlantic reefs

AbstractMarine hardground bottom (subtidal) benthic (sessile) communities (HBBC) are subjected to various biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors that can vary over space and time and interact with one another. To evaluate the main drivers of the structure of HBBC in a large tropical bay in the southwest Atlantic (Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil), a total of 98 HBBC were sampled using visually estimated quadrats. Ten variables (depth, grazing intensity, irradiance, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate), and chlorophyll a concentrations) were also measured. A total of 74 main space‐occupying taxon/functional groups were recorded which fell into six major HBBC groups. These were organized by depth/irradiance and grazing intensities which explained part of the HBBC variation: (a) Communities dominated by zoantharians occurred in the shallow, highest irradiance sites; (b) foliose and erect algae were inversely related to depth and grazing intensity; (c) crustose coralline algae dominated at greater depths and/or under higher grazing intensity; (d) zooxanthellate corals were associated with shallower and heterotrophic invertebrates with deeper stations; (e) photosynthetically efficient algae were associated with deeper stations, with more encrusting forms under higher grazing intensities; and (f) multi‐species turf‐forming algae were ubiquitous (did not present association with any of the measured variables). As communities’ components and main structuring factors were similar to those found in coral reefs, these communities represent compatible receptor habitats for poleward escape, migration, and range extension under the present global warming scenario.

Virtual and augmented reality application in production engineering teaching-learning processes

Abstract Paper aims Structure virtual and augmented reality applications in engineering teaching-learning processes, with emphasis on production engineering, highlighting application gaps. Originality First studies that, to which subjects applied virtual and augmented reality in engineering teaching-learning processes, the gaps of application in production engineering, and a discussion about the impacts. Research method The research method applied was the systematic literature review. Main findings Structuring of virtual or augmented reality applications in engineering, discussion about the application in production engineering, opportunities for future research, how low application affects graduated professional education, consequently, organizational competitiveness. Implications for theory and practice The applications of virtual and augmented reality bring developing student skills more actively and cognitively, making training more complete, increasing their skills, and supporting the competitiveness of organizations through professionals who can contribute more broadly and effectively.