Estimativa da composição química corporal de tourinhos Santa Gertrudes a partir da composição química e física das 9-10-11ª costelas

Foram obtidas equações de regressão linear simples para estimar a composição química corporal de bovinos Santa Gertrudes, a partir da composição química e física do corte das 9-10-11ª costelas. Quinze tourinhos, entre nove a 15 meses de idade e de 220 a 505 kg de peso, foram mantidos confinados. Os animais foram abatidos após jejum completo de 18 horas, sendo que seis deles foram abatidos após adaptação. A composição química em água, proteína, extrato etéreo e minerais foi determinada no corte das costelas e em amostras obtidas após moagem completa e homogeneização de todos os tecidos corporais, divididos em: sangue, couro, cabeça + patas, vísceras e carcaça. A composição física do corte das costelas foi obtida por separação manual do músculo, gordura e ossos. O peso do corpo vazio foi altamente correlacionado ao peso da carcaça quente (r² = 0,99). As porcentagens de água e extrato etéreo das 9-10-11ª costelas mostraram-se altamente correlacionadas com a composição química do corpo vazio, o que não ocorreu para as porcentagens de proteína e minerais. Esses teores foram calculados pela composição do corpo vazio desengordurado. A composição física do corte das costelas foi eficiente para estimar as porcentagens de água, extrato etéreo e minerais do corpo vazio, utilizando-se a porcentagem de gordura separável das costelas, mas não para estimar o teor de proteína. A composição física do corte das costelas demonstrou ser uma técnica eficiente, mas a composição química apresentou maiores coeficientes de determinação e menores erros da estimativa. Como a porcentagem de água no corpo vazio e no corte das costelas (r² = 0,95), e as porcentagens de água e de extrato etéreo no corpo vazio foram altamente correlacionadas (r² = 0,94), a porcentagem de água no corte das 9-10-11ª costelas poderia ser a única variável para estimativa da composição química corporal.

A new model for tubular fluorescent lamps operated at high frequencies for dimmable applications

This paper presents a new static model for tubular fluorescent lamps (T12 bulb) operated at high frequencies. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the effects of ambient temperature and nominal switching frequency of operation in the static characteristics of tubular fluorescent lamps. The methodology for obtaining the model is based on several two-dimensional mathematical regressions, used to provide the behavior of the fluorescent lamp according to different independent variables, namely: power processed through the lamp and ambient temperature. In addition, the proposed model can be easily converted to a lamp equivalent resistance model, which can be useful for ballast designers. Finally, the curves obtained using the new model are compared to the correspondent experimental data, in order to verify the accuracy of the proposed methodology.

Correlação linear entre componentes da produção e produtividade do arroz de terras altas em sistema plantio direto

The rice is one of the main sources of the humanity's feeding. During the agricultural year 2009/2010, in Selviria County, Mato Grosso do Sul State, in the Brazilian Savannah, an experiment was installed with rice upland in a Dystropherric Red Latosol (Typic Acrustox) under no-tillage, irrigated by central pivot, with the purpose of selecting the best components production to explain the variability the irrigated rice yield upland. The geostatistical grid was installed, to collect the data, with 120 sampling points, in an area of 3.0 ha and and homogeneous slope of 0.055 m m(-1). The medium rice yield was of the 5980 kg ha(-1). For the simple lineal regressions, the number of spikelets grenades for panicle presented the best direct potential correlation with the yield rice, given for: PGO = 115,5.NEG(0,770). However, for the multiple lineal regressions, the equation equacao PGO = 2754,30-411,55.NEG-461,07. NEC+436,59. NET it was the one that better she came to esteem the yield rice. However, spatial, it was not possible to establish correlation between the yield rice and the components production, once none of those it presented spatial dependence in their data.

Prediction of Hevea progeny performance in the presence of genotype-environment interaction

Twenty two open-pollinated Hevea progenies from different parental clones of the Asian origin were tested at five sites in the Northwestern São Paulo State Brazil to investigate the progeny girth growth, rubber yield, bark thickness and plant height. Except for the rubber yield, the analysis of variance indicated highly significant (p<0.01) genotype x environment interaction and heterogeneity of regressions among the progenies. However, the regression stability analysis identified only a few interacting progenies which had regression coefficients significantly different from the expected value of one. The linear regressions of the progeny mean performance at each test on an environmental index (mean of all the progenies in each test) showed the general stability and adaptability of most selected Hevea progenies over the test environments. The few progenies which were responsive and high yielding on different test sites could be used to maximize the rubber cultivars productivity and to obtain the best use of the genetically improved stock under different environmental conditions.

Social support and infant malnutrition: a case-control study in an urban area of Southeastern Brazil

The relationship between malnutrition and social support was first suggested in the mid-1990s. Despite its plausibility, no empirical studies aimed at obtaining evidence of this association could be located. The goal of the present study was to investigate such evidence. A case-control study was carried out including 101 malnourished children (weight-for-age National Center for Health Statistics/WHO 5th percentile) aged 12-23 months, who were compared with 200 well-nourished children with regard to exposure to a series of factors related to their social support system. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out, odds ratios being adjusted for per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The presence of an interaction between income and social support variables was also tested. Absence of a partner living with the mother increased risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 2.4 (95 % CI 1.19, 4.89)), even after adjustment for per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The lack of economic support during adverse situations accounted for a very high risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 10.1 (95 % CI 3.48, 29.13)) among low-income children, but had no effect on children of higher-income families. Results indicate that receiving economic support is an efficient risk modulator for malnutrition among low-income children. In addition, it was shown that the absence of a partner living with the mother is an important risk factor for malnutrition, with an effect independent from per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children.

Análise preditiva da densidade mineral óssea em adolescentes brasileiros eutróficos do sexo masculino

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Caracterização fenotípica e genética da produção de leite e do intervalo entre partos em bubalinos da raça Murrah

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as correlações, herdabilidades, repetibilidades, tendências genéticas e fenotípicas, e avaliar as distribuições univariada e bivariada da produção de leite e do intervalo entre partos, em fêmeas bubalinas da raça Murrah, paridas no período de 1982 a 2003. As tendências genéticas e fenotípicas foram estimadas pelas regressões das variáveis dependentes sobre o ano de parto, pelos métodos: regressão linear e regressão não paramétrica, utilizando-se a função de alisamento Spline. As herdabilidades estimadas foram 0,21 e 0,02, e as repetibilidades, 0,32 e 0,06, para a produção de leite e intervalo entre partos, respectivamente. As correlações genética, fenotípica e ambiental foram -0,22, 0,01 e 0,03, respectivamente. As tendências genéticas (regressão linear) foram significativas e iguais a 1,57 kg por ano e 0,085 dia por ano, e as tendências fenotípicas foram 27,74 kg por ano e 0,647 dia por ano, para a produção de leite e intervalo entre partos, respectivamente, tendo sido significativa apenas para a produção de leite. A correlação negativa sugere a existência de antagonismo favorável entre produção de leite e intervalo entre partos; assim é possível selecionar animais com altos valores genéticos para a produção de leite e com menores valores para o intervalo entre partos.

Evolutionary and biogeographic history of the subfamily Neoplecostominae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Possible causes of spatial variability in Diatraea saccharalis Fabr. (Lep., Crambidae) and its parasitoid populations in sugarcane fields in Brazil

Based on the large data set stored in some sugarcane mills regarding the biological control programme of Diatraea saccharalis using the parasitoids Cotesia flavipes and tachinid flies, the aim of the present study was to determine whether sugarcane varieties, number of cuts and plant ages are major determinants in promoting spatial variability in D. saccharalis, C. flavipes and tachinid fly populations in sugarcane fields in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). The data set used to support this study was provided by the Sao Joao and Barra sugarcane mills. Coefficient of variation was adopted as a measure of the spatial variability of population density. Spatial variability was estimated for the total density of D. saecharalis (parasitized + unparasitized larvae), and also for D. saccharalis larvae parasitized by tachinids and by C. flavipes. Statistical analysis revealed that the spatial variation in D. saccharalis populations was influenced by the number of cuts and by plant ages in the Barra and Sao Joao Mills, respectively. Similar results were obtained for D. saccharalis larvae parasitized by tachinids; however, in the Sao Joao Mill, the spatial variability of these populations was also influenced by the different number of varieties. Finally, considering D. saccharalis larvae parasitized by C. flavipes, no significant regressions with any of the three categories were observed for both sugarcane mills. The multitrophic implications for this agricultural system are also discussed.

Vertebrate dispersal syndromes along the Atlantic forest: broad-scale patterns and macroecological correlates

Aim To assess the geographical variation in the relative importance of vertebrates, and more specifically of birds and mammals, as seed dispersal agents in forest communities, and to evaluate the influence of geographical and climatic factors on the observed trends.Location One hundred and thirty-five forest communities in the Brazilian Atlantic forest.Methods We collected data on dispersal modes for 2292 woody species. By combining species x site with species x trait matrices, we obtained the percentages of endozoochory, ornithochory, mastozoochory and the mean fruit diameter for the local forest communities. We used Spearman's correlation to assess bivariate relationships between variables. Subsequently, we performed paired t-tests to verify if variations in frequency of dispersal modes and mean fruit diameter were influenced by altitude or temperature. Then, we applied multiple linear regressions to evaluate the effect of geographical and climatic variables on variation in the relative frequency of dispersal modes and mean fruit diameter across communities.Results We found no consistent latitudinal or longitudinal trend in the percentage of vertebrate-dispersed species, neither bird- nor mammal-dispersed species along the Atlantic forest. Endozoochory was affected chiefly by annual mean rainfall, increasing towards moister sites. Forest communities located at higher altitudes had a higher percentage of bird-dispersed species. Even when sites with identical values of annual mean temperature were compared, altitude had a positive effect on ornithochory. Conversely, we found a higher percentage of mammal-dispersed species in warmer forests, even when locations at the same altitudinal belts were contrasted. Fruit diameter was clearly related to altitude, decreasing towards higher elevations.Main conclusions This is the first analysis of a large data set on dispersal syndromes in tropical forest communities. Our findings support the hypotheses that: (1) geographical variation in the relative number of fleshy fruit species is mainly driven by moisture conditions and is relatively independent of geographical location, and (2) broad-scale trends in fruit size correspond to geographical variation in the relative importance of mammals and birds as seed dispersal agents at the community level.

Influência da abertura de trilhas antrópicas e clareiras naturais na fenologia reprodutiva de Gymnanthes concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The shared influence of phylogeny and ecology on the reproductive patterns of Myrteae (Myrtaceae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Spatial and temporal population interactions between the parasitoids Cotesia flavipes and Tachinidae flies: considerations on the adverse effects of biological control practice

Biological control of Diatraea saccharalis is regarded as one of the best examples of successful classical biological control in Brazil. Since the introduction of the exotic parasitoid Cotesia flavipes, the decrease of D. saccharalis infestation in sugarcane fields has been attributed to the effectiveness of this agent. Recently, the native tachinid fly parasitoids (Lydella minense and Paratheresia claripalpis) have also been implicated in the success. Here, we investigated the spatial and temporal population interactions between C. flavipes and the tachinid flies, and provide a critical analysis of the biological control practice, focusing on the undesirable effects of introductions of exotic natural enemies. To investigate these questions, a large data set comprising information from two sugarcane mills located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil (Barra and Sao Joao Mills), was analysed. Analysis of the correlation between C. flavipes and tachinid fly population densities through time revealed that such populations were inversely correlated in the Sao Joao Mill and not correlated in the Barra Mill. Logistic regressions were computed to investigate the proportion of sites occupied by the parasitoid species at both mills as a function of time. An increasing trend in the proportion of sites occupied by C. flavipes was observed, with a concomitant decrease of the sites occupied by tachinid flies. This effect was more intense in the Sao Joao Mill. Thus, there is a convincing possibility that constant releases of C. flavipes decreased the tachinid fly populations, resulting in an undesirable effect of biological control practice.

Economic valuation of the Emas waterfall, Mogi-Guaçu River, SP, Brazil

A Cachoeira de Emas, no Rio Mogi-Guaçu, é reconhecida regionalmente como um importante local para a pesca e o turismo. Os primeiros registros da pesca profissional e esportiva no local datam da década de 30, que é o mesmo período em que a atividade do turismo teve seu início. O presente artigo fornece uma valoração ambiental deste local e identifica as diferenças entre os principais grupos de pessoas que o frequentam. Durante o ano de 2006 nós entrevistamos 33 pescadores profissionais, 107 pescadores esportivos, 45 turistas e 103 excursionistas para estimar a Disposição a Pagar ( P) de cada categoria e para analisar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos através de regressões logísticas e ANCOVAs. A DAP dos pescadores profissionais foi significativamente influenciada pela idade e escolaridade e a DAP dos pescadores esportivos foi significativamente influenciada pela renda familiar. As variáveis que influenciaram a DAP dos turistas e excursionistas fora o sexo e a escolaridade. valor anual total agregado para manter a Cachoeira nas condições atuais foi estimado em US$ 81.080,00, e US$ 44.055.911,46 para recuperá-la.

Efeitos do estado e especificidade do treinamento aeróbio na relação %VO2max versus %FCmax durante o ciclismo

OBJETIVO: Determinar os efeitos do estado e especificidade de treinamento aeróbio na relação entre o percentual do consumo máximo de oxigênio (%VO2max) e o percentual da frequência cardíaca máxima (%FCmax) durante o exercício incremental realizado no cicloergômetro. MÉTODOS: Sete corredores, 9 ciclistas, 11 triatletas e 12 sedentários, todos do sexo masculino e aparentemente saudáveis, foram submetidos a um teste incremental até a exaustão no cicloergômetro. Regressões lineares entre %VO2max e %FCmax foram determinadas para cada indivíduo. Com base nessas regressões, foram calculados %FCmax correspondentes a determinados %VO2max (50, 60, 70, 80 e 90%) de cada participante. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre todos os grupos nos %FCmax para cada um dos %VO2max avaliados. Analisando-se os voluntários como um único grupo, as médias dos %FCmax correspondentes a 50, 60, 70, 80 e 90% %VO2max foram 67, 73, 80, 87, e 93%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Nos grupos analisados, a relação entre o %VO2max e %FCmax durante o exercício incremental no ciclismo não é dependente do estado e especificidade do treinamento aeróbio.