Comparison of non-linear growth models to describe the growth curve in West African Dwarf sheep

The objectives of this study were to compare the goodness of fit of four non-linear growth models, i.e. Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy, in West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. A total of 5274 monthly weight records from birth up to 180 days of age from 889 lambs, collected during 2001 to 2004 in Betecoucou breeding farm in Benin were used. In the preliminary analysis, the General Linear Model Procedure of the Statistical Analysis Systems Institute was applied to the dataset to identify the significant effects of the sex of lamb (male and female), type of birth (single and twin), season of birth (rainy season and dry season), parity of dam (1, 2 and 3) and year of birth (2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004) on the observed birth weight and monthly weight up to 6 months of age. The models parameters (A, B and k), coefficient of determination (112), mean square error (MSE) were calculated using language of technical computing package Matlab(R), 2006. The mean values of A, B and k were substituted into each model to calculate the corresponding Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Among the four growth functions, the Brody model has been selected for its accuracy of fit according to the higher R(2), lower MSE and A/C Finally, the parameters A, B and k were adjusted in Matlab(R) 2006 for the sex of lamb, year of birth, season of birth, birth type and the parity of ewe, providing a specific slope of the Brody growth curve. The results of this study suggest that Brody model can be useful for WAD sheep breeding in Betecoucou farm conditions through growth monitoring.

Deposição da calda de pulverização em cultivares de soja no estádio R1

Com o objetivo de quantificar a quantidade e a uniformidade dos depósitos da calda de pulverização em duas cultivares de soja ('CD 208' e 'CD 216'), no estádio R1, por meio de diferentes pontas e volumes de pulverização, foram conduzidos dois experimentos na área, na Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas UNESP- Botucatu, São Paulo (SP). Os tratamentos avaliados foram: pontas de jato plano (AI 110015 a 150L ha-1, AI 11002 a 200 e 250L ha-1); pontas de jato plano duplo (TJ 60 11002 a 150, 200 e 250L ha-1); pontas de jato cônico (TX-6 a 150, TX-8 a 200 e TX-10 a 250L ha-1) e pontas de jato plano duplo e baixa deriva (DGTJ 11002 a 200L ha-1). O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Para a avaliação da deposição, foi utilizado na pulverização o corante Azul Brilhante FDC- 1 (500mg L-1). Foram coletadas 25 plantas em cada repetição, divididas em região basal e apical. A determinação do conteúdo depositado foi realizada com a leitura de absorbância no comprimento de onda de 630nm, e os dados transformados em depósitos por grama de matéria seca foram ajustados às curvas de regressão, por meio do modelo de Gompertz. Os maiores depósitos avaliados nas cultivares 'CD 208' e 'CD 216' corresponderam aos tratamentos AI 11002 250L ha-1 e TJ 60 11002 250L ha-1, respectivamente. Os resultados da uniformidade da distribuição da calda de pulverização foram contraditórios aos da quantidade de depósitos. em todas as avaliações, o tratamento de maiores depósitos apresentou menor uniformidade na distribuição.

Spray deposition on weeds of common bean crops

A.C.P. Rodrigues-Costa, D. Martins, N.V. Costa, and M.R.R. Pereira. 2011. Spray deposition on weeds of common bean crops. Cien. Inv. Agr. 38(3): 357-365. Weed control failure in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production may be related to inappropriate herbicide application techniques. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the amount of spray solution deposition that occurred on the weeds, Bidens pilosa L. and Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitch., both within and between rows of common beans. The research was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. The following 6 spray nozzles were used: flat fan nozzles XR 110015 VS (150 L ha(-1)) and XR 11002 VS (200 L ha(-1)); cone nozzles TX VK 6 (150 L ha(-1)) and TX VK 8 (200 L ha(-1)); and twin flat fan nozzles TJ60 11002 VS (150 L ha(-1)) and TJ60 11002 VS (200 L ha-1). The results showed that the loss of the spray solution on the soil occurred mainly within the bean rows and with a high intensity when using a nozzle spraying 200 L ha(-1). At 30 days after sowing, the TX (150 L ha(-1)) nozzle was the only nozzle that promoted deposits of less than 210.0 mu L g(-1) of dry mass. The spray nozzles showed a good performance in the deposition of the spray solution on the weeds that occurred both within and between the rows. However, for both species there was great variation in individual deposits depending on their location in relationship to the plants.

Pontas de pulverização e eletrificação das gotas na deposição da calda em plantas de crisântemo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a deposição das gotas de pulverização, dotadas de carga elétrica (eletrostática), em comparação à técnica de pulverização convencional em crisântemo, com uso de diferentes pontas de pulverização. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com oito tratamentos: combinação das pontas TXVK-3, AXI 110015, AXI 12002 TWIN e AXI 11003, com duas técnicas de pulverização (com e sem eletrostática), e quatro repetições. Cada repetição foi representada por 12 plantas, às quais foram afixados papéis do tipo mata-borrão na superfície abaxial e adaxial dos folíolos, e em duas posições da planta: ápice e base. Um corante marcador (Rodamina B) foi pulverizado na proporção de 5 g por 100 L d'água em cada um dos tratamentos. Os depósitos do marcador foram quantificados por fluorometria. As pontas com gotas de menor diâmetro mediano volumétrico (TXVK-3 e AXI 110015) apresentaram maiores depósitos na superfície abaxial da folha, quando se utilizou a pulverização eletrostática. Esse fato não foi observado, quando foram pulverizadas gotas com maior diâmetro mediano volumétrico e desprovidas de carga elétrica, nas diferentes partes da planta.

EFFECT of TYPES of NOZZLES on SPRAY DEPOSITION on TWO SOYBEAN VARIETIES IN STAGE V3

The effect of application with different nozzle types and volume rates on spray deposition in the V3 stage of two soybean cultivars was evaluated. The experiments were conducted in the Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas of the UNESP-Botucatu/SP. The nozzles evaluated were an air induced flat fan nozzle (Al 11015 at 150 L ha(-1), Al 11002 at 200 and 250 L ha(-1)), a twin flat fan nozzle (TJ 60 11002 at 150, 200 and 250 L ha(-1)), and a cone nozzle (TX 6 at 150 L ha(-1), TX 8 at 150 L ha(-1) and TX 10 at 250 L ha(-1)). To evaluate spray deposition on the plants, a tracer (Brilliant Blue FD&C-1) was added. The experimental design was random blocks with four replications. Deposition on plants was determined by absorbancy reading in 630 nm wavelength. The data were adjusted to a calibration curve and transformed into deposited spray volume in mL. The relationship deposition per unit of dry matter was adjusted to a regression curve (Gompertz model). In cultivar CD 208, the highest deposit was for the larger volumes and for the treatment TX 8 200 L ha(-1). The most uniform treatments were all the nozzles with the volume 150 L ha(-1) and the TJ60 nozzle for 200 1, ha(-1). In cultivar CD 216, the greatest spray depositions were achieved with the treatments Al at 200 and 250 L ha(-1) and TJ 60 at 250 L ha(-1), and the most uniform treatments were the TX 6 and TJ60 nozzles for the volume150 L ha(-1).

Evolução microestrutural da cerâmica KSr2Nb5O15 dopada com CuO:B2O3

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

A Comparison of Deep Drawing and Ironing of Metal Alloy Strip Produced conventionally and Non-conventionally via Semi Solid Material Processing

A semi solid thin strip continuous casting process was used to obtain 50%wt Pb/50%wtSn strip by single and twin roll processing at speed of 15 m/min. A 50%wt Pb/50%wtSn plate ingot was also cast for rolling conventionally into strips of 1.4 mm thickness and 45 mm width for comparison with those achieved non-conventionally. This hypoeutectic alloy has a solidification interval and fusion temperature of approximately 31 degrees C and 215 degrees C respectively. The casting alloy temperature was around 280 degrees C as measured by a type K immersion thermocouple prior to pouring into a tundish designed to maintain a constant melt flow on the cooling slope during semi solid material production. A nozzle with a weir ensures that the semi solid material is dragged smoothly by the lower roll, producing strip with minimum contamination of slag/oxide. The temperatures of the cooling slope and the lower roll were also monitored using K type thermocouples. The coiled semi solid strip, which has a thickness of 1.5 mm and 45 mm width, was rolled conventionally in order to obtain 1.2 mm thick strip. The coiled thixorolled strip had a thickness of 1.2 mm and achieved practically the same width as the conventional strips. Blanks of 40 mm diameter were cut from the strips in a mechanical press, ready for deep drawing and ironing for mechanical characterization. All the strips achieved from non-conventional processing had the same mechanical performance as those achieved conventionally. The limiting drawing ratio (LDR) achieved was approximately 2.0 for all strips. Microscopy examination was made in order to observe phase segregation during processing.

Resultados Perinatais de Gêmeos com Pesos Discordantes ao Nascer

Objetivo: estudar as influências da diferença de pesos entre gêmeos, no nascimento, sobre o resultado perinatal. Métodos: analisaram-se, retrospectivamente, as informações referentes aos partos gemelares ocorridos na Maternidade do Hospital Regional de Clínicas de Sorocaba, SP, de julho de 1997 a junho de 1998. A amostragem foi composta de 89 mães e seus gêmeos, divididos em três classes de diferença de pesos ao nascer: com concordância (diferença <15%), discordância leve (de 15 a 25%) e discordância grave (>25%). As variáveis independentes analisadas foram essas três classes e as dependentes foram: baixo peso ao nascer, índice de Apgar menor que 7 no primeiro e quinto minuto, nascimentos pré-termo, tempo médio de internação do recém-nascido no berçário e coeficiente de mortalidade perinatal I. Para análise estatística utilizaram-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, complementado pelo teste de Hollander, e o teste de Blackwell. Resultados: a incidência de discordância de pesos entre pares de gêmeos foi de 30,3%, sendo 19,1% de discordância leve e 11,2% de discordância grave. Observamos nas classes, respectivamente, os números de gestações (62, 17 e 10) e de nascimentos pré-termo (32, 9 e 7). Para o primeiro e o segundo gêmeo, observamos: baixo peso ao nascer (39/41, 13/12 e 8/9), Apgar <7 no primeiro minuto (16/13, 3/7 e 2/3), Apgar menor que 7 no quinto minuto (4/4, 0/2 e 1/2), tempo médio (dias) de internação no berçário (3,7/3,7, 4,6/6,0 e 7,3/8,7) e coeficiente de mortalidade perinatal I (22,4/16,8, 0/16,8 e 5,6/5,6). Conclusões: o baixo peso ao nascer e nascimentos pré-termo foram mais freqüentes nos gêmeos da classe com discordância grave. Houve tendência ao agravamento progressivo do resultado perinatal, respectivamente, nas classes com concordância, discordância leve e discordância grave.

Mola Completa em Gravidez Gemelar: relato de Caso

A gravidez gemelar na qual coexistem um feto normal e uma mola completa é um evento raro. Complicações clínicas e aumento de risco de malignização são de importância nesta patologia. Este trabalho descreve um caso de diagnóstico tardio em decorrência da presença do feto. Este diagnóstico foi feito no momento da resolução da gestação e confirmado por estudo histopatológico e citometria de fluxo. A resolução da gestação foi por via transpélvica em decorrência de hemorragia uterina maciça. O seguimento pós-molar evidenciou a persistência de níveis elevados de bhCG, obtendo-se remissão completa da doença com o uso do metotrexato. À luz deste caso, discutem-se o diagnóstico, a história natural e a conduta desta rara intercorrência na clínica obstétrica.

Single-embryo transfer reduces clinical pregnancy rates and live births in fresh IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles: a meta-analysis

Background: It has become an accepted procedure to transfer more than one embryo to the patient to achieve acceptable ongoing pregnancy rates. However, transfers of more than a single embryo increase the probability of establishing a multiple gestation. Single-embryo transfer can minimize twin pregnancies but may also lower live birth rates. This meta-analysis aimed to compare current data on single-embryo versus double-embryo transfer in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with respect to implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.Methods: Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1995 to 2008. Data management and analysis were conducted using the Stats Direct statistical software. The fixed-effect model was used for odds ratio (OR). Fixed-effect effectiveness was evaluated by the Mantel Haenszel method. Seven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: When pooling results under the fixed-effect model, the implantation rate was not significantly different between double-embryo transfer (34.5%) and single-embryo transfer group (34.7%) (P = 0.96; OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.78, 1.25). on the other hand, double-embryo transfer produced a statistically significantly higher ongoing clinical pregnancy rate (44.5%) than single-embryo transfer (28.3%) (P < 0.0001; OR: 2.06, 95% CI = 1.64,2.60). At the same time, pooling results presented a significantly higher live birth rate when double-embryo transfer (42.5%) (P < 0.001; OR: 1.87, 95% CI = 1.44,2.42) was compared with single-embryo transfer (28.4%).Conclusion: Meta-analysis with 95% confidence showed that, despite similar implantation rates, fresh double-embryo transfer had a 1.64 to 2.60 times greater ongoing pregnancy rate and 1.44 to 2.42 times greater live birth rate than single-embryo transfer in a population suitable for ART treatment.

Gaussian quadrature rules with simple node-weight relations

In this paper, we consider the symmetric Gaussian and L-Gaussian quadrature rules associated with twin periodic recurrence relations with possible variations in the initial coefficient. We show that the weights of the associated Gaussian quadrature rules can be given as rational functions in terms of the corresponding nodes where the numerators and denominators are polynomials of degree at most 4. We also show that the weights of the associated L-Gaussian quadrature rules can be given as rational functions in terms of the corresponding nodes where the numerators and denominators are polynomials of degree at most 5. Special cases of these quadrature rules are given. Finally, an easy to implement procedure for the evaluation of the nodes is described.

On the HBO mechanism of X-ray neutron star

We ascribe the 15-60 Hz Quasi Periodic Oscillation (QPO) to the periastron precession frequency of the orbiting accreted matter at the boundary of magnetosphere-disk of Xray neutron star (NS). Considering the relativistic motion mechanism for the kHz QPO, that the radii of the inner disk and magnetosphere-disk of NS are correlated with each other by a factor is assumed. The obtained conclusions include: all QPO frequencies increase with increasing the accretion rate. The theoretical relations between 15-60 Hz QPO (HBO) frequency and the twin kHz QPOs are similar to the measured empirical formula. Further, the better fitted NS mass by the proposed model is about 1.9 solar masses for the detected LMXBs.

Comparação entre dois tipos de suspensão passiva de barra em condições simuladas de pista de prova normalizada

In this paper we conducted several analysis of the simulated dynamic behavior of two passive suspension types of the trailed sprayer booms. The suspension analysis was conducted under conditions of a bump track test ISO 5008, with two levels of speed (5 km h(-1) and 15 km h(-1)) and two track profiles proposed in these standards (bumpy and smooth). It was used the simulations software MATLAB (R), SIMULINK (R) and Visual Nastran (R). The results obtained showed that suspensions of trapezoidal type have good performance at low frequencies input (omega < 0,2 Hz) while suspensions of simple pendulum type have good performance in others conditions.

The role of chain scission and chain branching in high density polyethylene during thermo-mechanical degradation

The mechanical and thermo-oxidative degradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was measured in a twin-screw extruder using various processing conditions. Two types of HDPE, Phillips and Ziegler-Natta, having different levels of terminal vinyl unsaturation were analysed. Mild screw profiles, having mainly conveying elements, have short mean residence times then profiles with kneading discs and left hand elements. Carbonyl and traps-vinylene group concentrations increased, whereas vinyl group concentration decreased with number of extrusions. Higher temperature profiles intensified these effects. The thermo-mechanical degradation mechanism begins with chain scission in the longer chains due to their higher probability of entanglements. These macroradicals then react with the vinyl terminal unsaturations of other chains producing chain branching. Shorter chains are more mobile, not suffering scission but instead are used for grafting the macroradicals, increasing the molecular weight. Increase in the levels of extrusion temperature, shear and vinyl end groups content facilitates the thermo-mechanical degradation reducing the amount of both, longer chains via chain scission and shorter chains via chain branching, narrowing the polydispersity. Phillips HDPE produces a higher level of chain branching than does the Ziegler-Natta type. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Grain-boundary segregation and precipitates in La2O3 and Pr2O3 doped SnO2 center dot CoO-based varistors

Structural heterogeneities in SnO2.CoO-based varistors were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. In SnO2.CoO-based system doped with La2O3 and Pr2O3 two kinds of precipitate phases at grain boundary region were found. Using energy dispersive spectrometry they were found to be Co2SnO4 and Pr2Sn2O7, presenting a defined crystalline structure. It was also identified that such precipitate phases are mainly located in triple-junctions of the microstructure. HRTEM analysis revealed the existence of other two types of junctions, one as being homo-junctions of SnO2 grains and other due to twin grain boundaries inside the SnO2.CoO grain. The role of these types of junction in the overall nonlinear electrical features is also discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.