Uso de indicadores hidrológicos para classificação de trechos de estradas florestais quanto ao escoamento superficial

Forest roads are frequently pointed as source of environmental problems related to erosion and they also influence harvest cost due to maintenance operations. Roads not well designed are sources of hydrological problems on catchments and the current attention to sustainability of forest exploration projects point out to the need of diagnostics tools for guiding the redesign of the road system. At this study, runoff hydrological indicators for forest road segments were assessed in order to identify critical points of erosion and water concentration on soils. A road network of a forest production area was divided into 252 road segments that were used as observations of four variables: mean terrain slope, main segment slope, LS factor and topographic index. The data analysis was based on descriptive statistics for outliers' identification, principal component analysis and for variability study between variables and between observations, and cluster analysis for similar segments groups' identification. The results allowed classifying roads segments into five mains road types: road on the ridge, on the valley, on the slopes, on the slopes but in a contour line and on the steepest slope. The indicators were able to highlight the most critical segments that differ of others and are potential sources of erosion and water accumulation problems on forest roads. The principal component analysis showed two main variability sources related to terrain topographic characteristics and also road design, showing that indicators represent well those elements. The methodology seems to be appropriated for identification of critical road segments that need to be redesigned and also for road network planning at new forest exploration projects.

Facies sedimentares e ambientes deposicionais da Formação Barbalha no vale do cariri, bacia do araripe, nordeste do Brasil

The Aptian Barbalha Formation represents the first unit of the post-rift sequence of the Araripe Basin and crops out at the slopes of the Aranpe plateau in the eastern part ot Aranpe Basin. The unit has also been named Kio da Batateira Formation, but this name is here used in its original definition as Batateira Beds, an interval of great lateral continuity and characterized by the presence of bituminous shales of the Alagoas Stage (P-270 palynological biozone). This paper presents the results of a stratigraphic analysis carried out along the outcrop belt in order to establish the facies architecture and to interpret deposicional environments of the siliciclastic Barbalha Formation. Detailed stratigraphic vertical sections were measured and correlated. They allowed the recognition of two depositional sequences characterized by fining upward arrangement of facies, beginning with fluvial deposits and ending with lacustrine deposits at their tops. The end of the first cycle is represented by black shales and brecciated limestones of the Batateira Beds that record a geologic event of regional magnitude and serve as meaningful long-distance stratigraphic mark. The second deposicional sequence overlies disconformably the Batateira Beds and begins with clast-supported conglomerates, which are covered by a succession of fluvial sandstones and minor intervals of pelitic rocks. The sandstone content diminishes towards the top and the upper part of the unit is characterized by the presence of ostracode-rich green shales. The Barbalha Formation is conformably overlaid by Late Aptian lacustrine limestones belonging to the Crato Member of the Santana Formation.

Oxygen reduction on PtFe/C electrocatalysts prepared in microemulsions

PtFe/C nanocatalysts of different compositions and nearly constant particle size were prepared by a microemulsion method. Crystallite sizes and degree of alloying were determined by X-ray diffraction. Particle size and distribution were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and average composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Measurements of electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction were done using the rotating disk electrode technique in O2 saturated 0.5 mol L-1 sulfuric acid solutions, at room temperature. For all catalysts oxygen reduction begins at ̃ 0.90V. Tafel plots show slopes of c.a. 60 and 120 mV dec in the regions of low and high overpotentials, respectively. The best results for the ORR were obtained for the PtFe/C catalyst of composition Pt:Fe 70:30. This catalyst was also found to exhibit the largest methanol tolerance. © The Electrochemical Society.

Mapping hazard risk: A case study of Ubatuba, Brazil

Steep slopes in subtropical zones are always at risk from landslides. The risk greatly increases when there is rapid, unplanned urban growth. This has happened at Ubatuba on the Brazilian coast - tourism-related development has forced local people into narrow valleys with steep slopes. In this article the authors describe how the hazard risk can be mapped, helping the local authorities to control the problem.

Análise multivariada na determinação do risco de erosão em solos sob irrigação

The objective of this work was to verify the application of cluster analysis to evaluate soil erosion risk for different soil classes, soil slopes and soil managements. The study was conducted in a 33 ha section of a large field located in Carmo do Rio Claro County, MG, Brazil. The field had been managed in a corn/bean rotation under conventional tillage and under coffee plantation for seven years, both under sprinkle irrigation. Soil samples were obtained at every 10 m at 0.20 m depth along a transect of 1050 m. Soil erosion risk (A), natural potential erosion (PN), and erosion expectation (EE) were determined and submitted to a cluster and principal component analysis. The application of clustering analysis showed high correlation between the clusters and soil types. With clustering analysis plus principal components analysis, it was possible to identify groups of high and low soil erosion expectation, showing that the areas with higher soil erosion expectation are correlated to the soil class, soil slope and soil management. Among the studied variables, the natural potential erosion (PN) showed to be the most important factor to identify different soil erosion groups. The cluster analysis showed that 98% of the variables were classified within each group, and that they should be managed differently due to the soil erosive potential of each group,.

Infuěncia do relevo na produtividade e custos do harvester

Among the several variables that influence timber harvesting is the slope, which influences the productivity of forest machines. In this experiment the harvester was evaluated technically and economically while cutting and processing eucalyptus activity on different slope classes. The technical analysis included a study of time and movements by the method of continuous time; productivity was determined by the volume in cubic meters of wood processing. The economic analysis included the parameters of operational cost, production cost and energy consumption. The analysis of the data showed that productivity decreased according to the increase of the percent slope inclination, resulting in an effective work hour productivity increase from 18.72 to 39.71 m 3sc, with a mean of operating cost of US$ 78.78 per work hour.

Geographic distribution and parturition of mabuya arajara Rebouças-Spieker, 1981 (Squamata, sauria, scincidae) from Ceará, northeastern Brazil

Mabuya arajara Rebouças-Spieker, 1981 has been considered an endemic species from the southern of state of Ceará, restricted to the Deciduous Dry Forests in the slopes of Plateau of Araripe (Chapada do Araripe). Here, we present an updated distributional map for the species and demonstrate that its range is not restricted as formerly believed. In addition, we had an opportunity to observe a gravid female and we describe aspects regarding parturition and number of offspring for the species.

Optimized dynamic response of parallel operation of two single phase inverters based on evolutionary theory

In this work it is proposed an optimized dynamic response of parallel operation of two single-phase inverters with no control communication. The optimization aims the tuning of the slopes of P-ω and Q-V curves so that the system is stable, damped and minimum settling time. The slopes are tuned using an algorithm based on evolutionary theory. Simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed approach. © 2010 IEEE.

Mapeamento de Paleosuperfícies associadas a identificação de depósitos supérgenos de cobre como ferramenta de exploração mineral na região de Itapeva e Ribeirão Branco- Vale do Ribeira, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

A few examples of supergene ore formation and their interaction with morphogenesis (palaeosurfaces) and weathering mineralogy are discussed. Geomorphological and mineralogical records to characterize palaeosurfaces associate the weathering of primary minerals and their relationship with concentrations of cooper and iron ore deposits in southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil. We have distinguished two palaeosurfaces generated by several weathering phases and controlled by the geological framework. The first and oldest upper palaeosurfaces (900 - 1000 m a.s.l.), situated in Riberão Branco (Alto do Brancal), were developed on silico-limestones. It is formed by typical iron laterites enriched by secondary products of cooper. The second and younger level palaeosurfaces located in Itapeva (Santa Blandina and Bairro do Sambra). This palaeosurface is formed by copper percolating through the weathered rock (saprolite). Other features can be observed like neo-formed products in laterites. They are classified into two types: clay like silico- cupriferous products (with noticeable amounts of iron) and copper minerals (crysocolla, in their flat slopes). These features allowed the presence of copper ores and their morphogenesis control will help in the exploration and prospecting of supergene ore mineral.

Cavas históricas de ouro do Jaraguá: o que resta para se preservar?

The Historical Jaraguá Gold Caves are vestiges of excavations in weathered rock, dating back to the Brazilian colonial times, situated NW of Jaraguá peak, in the São Paulo municipality (SP). The areas were investigated to support historical preservation innitiatives. The excavations have lateral steep slopes and a narrow fat bottom zone, occupied by dense vegetation. The trace of the excavations is sinuous, trending N40-50W, in accordance to a transition zone of Neoproterozoic rocks: metapelites and metapsamites by the SW side and calc-silicate rocks and amphybolites at NE. The structural control results from three successive deformation phases. Urban expansion and road construction, during the last 30 years, have strongly impacted the areas: (I) Base of Quebra-Pé hill; (II) Jardim Britânia; (III) Morro Doce; (IV) Nova Anhangüera Park. A 5 th site was disfgured by earthworks. The Jardim Britânia area is partly discharacterized by earthflls; this however does not impede further protection actions. This framework allows to recommend authorities: (1) to permit immediate preservation of these areas; (2) to develop programs to build an integrated site for scientifc diffusion or an educational center for exhibition of rocks, ores and mineral samples; (3) to support the interest of some owners to preserve the area called Morro Doce, (4) to put forward a few proposals for educational use of the excavations, by production of feld guides on the historic sites. The alternatives will help keeping alive the memory of mining in the São Paulo State.

Power flow optimization for grid connected inverter using evolutionary algorithm and additional control loop

In this work it is proposed to validate an evolutionary tuning algorithm in plants composed by a grid connected inverter. The optimization aims the tuning of the slopes of P-Ω and Q-V curves so that the system is stable, damped and minimum settling time. Simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed approach. However, experimental results demonstrate a compromising effect of grid frequency oscillations in the active power transferring. In addition, it was proposed an additional loop to compensate this effect ensuring a constant active power flow. © 2011 IEEE.

Relationship between citrus productivity and indicators of uniformity in trickle irrigation system

In trickle irrigation systems, the design is based on the pre-established emission uniformity (EU) which is the combined result of the equipment characteristics and its hydraulic configuration. However, this desired value of the EU may not be confirmed by the final project (in field conditions) and neither by the yield uniformity. The hypotheses of this research were: a) the EU of a trickle irrigation system at field conditions is equal to the emission uniformity pre-established in the its design; b) EU has always the lowest value when compared with other indicators of uniformity; c) the discharge variation coefficient (VC) is not equal to production variation coefficient in the operational unit; d) the difference between the discharge variation coefficient and the productivity variation coefficient depends on the water depth applied. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between EU used in the irrigation system design and the final yield uniformity. The uniformity indicators evaluated were: EU, distribution uniformity (UD) and the index proposed by Barragan & Wu (2005). They were compared estimating the performance of a trickle irrigation system applied in a citrus orchard with dimensions of 400m x 600m. The design of the irrigation system was optimized by a Linear Programming model. The tree rows were leveled in the larger direction and the spacing adopted in the orchard was 7m x 4m. The manifold line was always operating on a slope condition. The sensitivity analysis involved different slopes, 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%, and different values of emission uniformity, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 and 94%. The citrus yield uniformity was evaluated by the variation coefficient. The emission uniformity (EU) after design differed from the EU pre-established, more sharply in the initial values lower than 90%. Comparing the uniformity indexes, the EU always generated lower values when compared with the UD and with the index proposed by Barragan. The emitter variation coefficient was always lower than the productivity variation coefficient. To obtain uniformity of production, it is necessary to consider the irrigation system uniformity and mainly the water depth to be applied.

Constrained intervals and interval spaces

Constrained intervals, intervals as a mapping from [0, 1] to polynomials of degree one (linear functions) with non-negative slopes, and arithmetic on constrained intervals generate a space that turns out to be a cancellative abelian monoid albeit with a richer set of properties than the usual (standard) space of interval arithmetic. This means that not only do we have the classical embedding as developed by H. Radström, S. Markov, and the extension of E. Kaucher but the properties of these polynomials. We study the geometry of the embedding of intervals into a quasilinear space and some of the properties of the mapping of constrained intervals into a space of polynomials. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the basic notions of interval arithmetic and interval analysis. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Avaliação de diferentes inclinações e exposições de telhado em três tipos de cobertura em modelos reduzidos de instalações zootécnicas

The present study was developed in Departamentos de Engenharia Rural e Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal da FCAV/Unesp. The objective of evaluating different roof slopes and exposure in three types of coverage in models of animal installations. Project 48 built reduced models of wood were used with dimensions of 1,00 x 1,00 x 0,50 meters. The covering was one water, lateral and wood floor, disposed in the exhibitions North-south, being 24 prototypes in the north exhibition and 24 in the south. Were used in the covering roofs of ceramic type, galvanized steel and asbestos. The slopes varied of 20, 30, 40 and 50% for ceramic tile and 10, 30, 40 and 50% for the others and with two repetitions for slope. Inside the reduced models temperature readings were accomplished, of hour in hour during one year, for the system of acquisition of Data Logger Campbell Scientific-Ínc and externally the temperature of the air, incident radiation global solar, precipitation, speed and relative humidity of the air were measured. The results obtained during the experimental period of one year were appraised statistically for the statistical package SAS in the factorial outline, where three factors were considered: tile type, slope degree and exposure. The obtained averages were compared through the test of Tukey to 5% of probability. After analyzing the data we found that with increasing slope, there was a decrease in inside temperature in the cover prototypes, therefore, using steeper slopes with 50% of tipping ceramics and asbestos, with greater coverage on display South, we have lower temperatures in poultry houses in the geographic coordinates of the city of Jaboticabal.

Reproductive biology of two macrourid fish, Nezumia aequalis and Coelorinchus mediterraneus, inhabiting the NW Mediterranean continental margin (400-2000m)

Nezumia aequalis and Coelorinchus mediterraneus are abundant species on the upper and lower continental slopes, respectively, in the Mediterranean Sea. A study on the reproductive strategy of the two species was conducted on the Catalan margin (NW Mediterranean). The reproductive cycle of both species was investigated using visual analyses of gonads and histological screening. The shallower species, N. aequalis, showed continuous reproduction with a peak of spawning females in winter months. In contrast, the deeper-living species, C. mediterraneus, showed semi-continuous reproduction with a regression period during the spring. Juveniles of N. aequalis were present in all seasons, but most abundant in the spring. Only two juveniles of C. mediterraneus were found. Both species had asynchronous oocyte development. The average fecundity of N. aequalis was 10,630 oocytes per individual, lower than known for the same species in the Atlantic Ocean. The fecundity of C. mediterraneus was measured for the first time in this study, with an average of 7693 oocytes per individual. Males of both species appear to have semi-cystic spermatogenesis. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.