Modelagem matemática para seleção de conjuntos mecanizados agrícolas pelo menor custo operacional

A seleção de uma máquina agrícola pode tornar-se uma tarefa árdua, pois há diversas variáveis que devem ser consideradas. A escolha do equipamento mais adequado para uma propriedade agrícola é uma das etapas mais importantes do processo produtivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um modelo de computador por programação linear em plataforma web para seleção automatizada de conjuntos mecanizados agrícolas, baseados no menor custo operacional. O programa, desenvolvido em linguagem ASP.NET, pode ser acessado gratuitamente pela Internet (http://www.maquinas.ufms.br). O usuário pode selecionar um conjunto mecanizado agrícola dentro de uma vasta lista de opções que contém suas especificações técnicas ou deixar que o programa lhe retorne automaticamente a melhor opção, pelo menor custo operacional. O programa desenvolvido proporciona ao usuário uma seleção racional via Internet de conjuntos mecanizados, permitindo o estudo econômico do uso das máquinas e implementos, sem a necessidade da instalação de programas dedicados no computador, que dificultariam a manutenção do banco de dados.

Mayaro virus and dengue virus 1 and 4 natural infection in culicids from Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

This study aimed to verify the diversity of Culicidae species and their frequency of infection with flaviviruses and alphaviruses in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Mosquitoes were captured with Nasci aspirators and hand net in 200 census tracts, identified alive at species level and pooled in one-20 (11,090 mosquitoes, 14 species). Female pools (n = 610) were subjected to multiplex seminested-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for 11 flavivirus and five alphavirus. Positive pools were tested by single RT-PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing, by RT-PCR for E1 gene [Mayaro virus (MAYV)] and by inoculation in Vero cells (MAYV) or C6/36 cells (flaviviruses). One/171 Aedes aegypti was positive for dengue virus (DENV)-1, 12/403 Culex quinquefasciatus, and four/171Ae. aegypti for MAYV, which was isolated from two pools containing two nonengorged females of Ae. aegypti and two ofCx. quinquefasciatus. DENV-4 was detected in 58/171 pools of Ae. aegytpi, 105/403 Cx. quinquefasciatus, two/five Psorophora sp., two/11 Psorophora varipes/Psorophora albigenu, one/one Sabethes chloropterus, two/five Culex bidens/Culex interfor, and one/one Aedes sp. DENV-4 was isolated from two pools containing three and 16 nonengorged Cx. quinquefasciatus females. Phylogenetic analysis revealed MAYV belongs to genotype L, clustering with human samples of the virus previously identified in the city. Cuiabá has biodiversity and ecosystem favourable for vector proliferation, representing a risk for arbovirus outbreaks.

Petri Net approach for modelling system integration in intelligent buildings

In this paper, a Petri Net approach is introduced for modelling and simulation of control strategies in Intelligent Building. In this context, it is claimed that integration with other building systems can be achieved in a more systematic way considering a mechatronic approach (i.e. multidisciplinary concepts applied to the development of systems). The case study is the Ambulatory Building of Medical School Hospital of University of São Paulo. Particularly, the developed methodology is applied to the elevator system and to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. It is shown that using this approach, the control systems could be integrated, improving performance.

Low pH and calcium effects on net Na+ and K+ fluxes in two catfish species from the Amazon River (Corydoras: Callichthyidae)

The present study analyzes Na+ and K+ disturbances caused by low pH in two catfish species from the Amazon River. Corydoras adolfoi inhabits ion-poor, black-stained, low pH (3.5-4.0) waters, while C. schwartzi is native to ion-rich waters at circumneutral pH. Fish were exposed to pH 3.5 Ca2+-free, and Ca2+-enriched (~500 µmol/l) water to determine the protective effects of calcium. Net Na+ and K+ fluxes were measured in the water collected from the fish experimental chambers. C. adolfoi was unable to control the Na+ efflux at low pH, exhibiting Na+ loss up to -594 ± 84 nmol g-1 h-1 during the first hour. After 3 and 6 h, net Na+ flux increased by 7- and 23-fold, respectively. In C. schwartzi, at pH 3.5, the initial high Na+ loss (-1,063 ± 73 nmol g-1 h-1) was gradually attenuated. A K+ loss occurred in both species, but remained relatively constant throughout exposure. High [Ca2+] affected ion losses in both species. C. adolfoi had 70% loss attenuation, indicating incapacity to control Na+ efflux. In C. schwartzi, elevated [Ca2+] completely prevented the Na+ losses caused by exposure to low pH. Rather different patterns were seen for K+ fluxes, with C. adolfoi showing no K+ disruption when exposed to low pH/high [Ca2+]. Thus, C. adolfoi loses Na+ during acid exposure, but has the ability to control K+ loss, while C. schwartzi controls diffusive Na+ loss but exhibits a slightly higher K+ loss. Ion balance was influenced by [Ca2+] at low pH in C. schwartzi but not in C. adolfoi.