Factors affecting potassium leaching in different soils

A set of lysimeter based experiments was carried out during 2000/01 to evaluate the impact of soil type and grassland management on potassium (K) leaching. The effects of (1) four soil textures (sand, loam, loam over chalk and clay), (2) grazing and cutting (with farmyard manure application), and (3) K applied as inorganic fertilizer, dairy slurry or a mixture of both sources were tested. Total K losses in the clay soil were more than twice those in the sand soil (13 and 6 kg K ha(-1), respectively) because of the development of preferential flow in the clay soil. They were also greater in the cut treatment than in the grazed treatment (82 and 51 kg K ha(-1), respectively; P less than or equal to0.01), associated with a 63% increase of K concentration in the leachates from the former (6.7 +/- 0.28 and 4.1 +/- 0.22 mg K L-1 for cut and grazed, respectively; P less than or equal to0.01) because of the K input from the farmyard manure. The source of fertilizer did not affect total K losses or the average K concentration in the leachates (P >0.05), but it changed the pattern of these over time.

Equivalent noise level generated by drilling onto the ossicular chain as measured by laser Doppler vibrometry: A temporal bone study

Background: Inadvertent drilling on the ossicular chain is one of the causes of sensorineural hearing loss (HL) that may follow tympanomastoid surgery. A high-frequency HL is most frequently observed. It is speculated that the HL is a result of vibration of the ossicular chain resembling acoustic noise trauma. It is generally considered that using a large cutting burr is more likely to cause damage than a small diamond burr. Aim: The aim was to investigate the equivalent noise level and its frequency characteristics generated by drilling onto the short process of the incus in fresh human temporal bones. Methods and Materials: Five fresh cadaveric temporal bones were used. Stapes displacement was measured using laser Doppler vibrometry during short drilling episodes. Diamond. and cutting burrs of different diameters were used. The effect of the drilling on stapes footplate displacement was compared with that generated by an acoustic signal. The equivalent noise level (dB sound pressure level equivalent [SPL eq]) was thus calculated. Results: The equivalent noise levels generated ranged from 93 to 125 dB SPL eq. For a 1-mm cutting burr, the highest equivalent noise level was 108 dB SPL eq, whereas a 2.3-mm cutting burr produced a maximal level of 125 dB SPL eq. Diamond burrs generated less noise than their cutting counterparts, with a 2.3-mm diamond burr producing a highest equivalent noise level of 102, dB SPL eq. The energy of the noise increased at the higher end of the frequency spectrum, with a 2.3-mm cutting burr producing a noise level of 105 dB SPL eq at 1 kHz and 125 dB SPL eq at 8 kHz. In contrast, the same sized diamond burr produced 96 dB SPL eq at 1 kHz and 99 dB at 8 kHz. Conclusion:This study suggests that drilling on the ossicular chain can produce vibratory force that is analogous with noise levels known to produce acoustic trauma. For the same type of burr, the larger the diameter, the greater the vibratory force, and for the same size of burr, the cutting burr creates more vibratory force than the diamond burr. The cutting burr produces greater high-frequency than lower-frequency vibratory energy.

Artificial Intelligence: the basics

Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a concise and cutting-edge introduction to the fast moving world of AI. The author Kevin Warwick, a pioneer in the field, examines issues of what it means to be man or machine and looks at advances in robotics which have blurred the boundaries. Topics covered include: how intelligence can be defined, whether machines can 'think', sensory input in machine systems, the nature of consciousness, the controversial culturing of human neurons. Exploring issues at the heart of the subject, this book is suitable for anyone interested in AI, and provides an illuminating and accessible introduction to this fascinating subject.

Orthogonal packing of identical rectangles within isotropic convex regions

A mixed integer continuous nonlinear model and a solution method for the problem of orthogonally packing identical rectangles within an arbitrary convex region are introduced in the present work. The convex region is assumed to be made of an isotropic material in such a way that arbitrary rotations of the items, preserving the orthogonality constraint, are allowed. The solution method is based on a combination of branch and bound and active-set strategies for bound-constrained minimization of smooth functions. Numerical results show the reliability of the presented approach. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of galling resistance for some selected combinations of tool steels/stainless steel sheet materials/lubricants using pin-on-disc testing

Stainless steels are well known to be prone to cold welding and material transfer in sliding contacts and therefore difficult to cold form unless certain precautions as discussed in this paper are taken. In the present study different combinations of tool steels/stainless steels/lubricants has been evaluated with respect to their galling resistance using pin-on-disc testing. The results show that a high galling resistance is favored by a high stainless steel sheet hardness and a blasted stainless steel sheet surface topography. The effect of type of lubricant was found to be more complex. For example, the chlorinated lubricants failed to prevent metal-to-metal contact on a brushed sheet surface but succeeded on a blasted sheet surface of the same stainless steel material. This is believed to be due to a protective tribofilm which is able to form on the blasted surface, but not on the brushed surface.

Análise de falhas em martelos oscilantes dos desfibradores da indústria sucroalcooleira da Região Norte-Nordeste

The failure of materials is always an unwelcome event for several reasons: human lives are put in danger, economic losses, and interference in the availability of products and services. Although the causes of failures and behaviour of materials can be known, the prevention of such a condition is difficult to be guaranteed. Among the failures, wear abrasion by the low voltage is the kind of failure that occurs in more equipment and parts industry. The Plants Sucroalcooleiras suffer significant losses because of such attrition, this fact that motivated their choice for the development of this work. For both, were considered failures in the swing hammers desfibradores stopped soon after the exchange provided in accordance with tonnage of cane processed, then were analyzed by the level of wear testing of rubber wheel defined by the standard ASTM G65-91.The failures were classified as to the origin of the cause and mechanism, moreover, were prepared with samples of welding procedures according to ASME code, sec. IX as well, using the technique of thermal spraying to analyze the performance of these materials produced in laboratories, and compares them with the solder used in the plant. It was observed that the bodies-of-proof prepared by the procedure described as welding, and the thermal spraying the results of losing weight have been minimized significantly compared to the preparations in the plant. This is because the use of techniques more appropriate and more controlled conditions of the parameters of welding. As for the thermal spraying, this technique has presented a satisfactory result, but requires the use of these coatings in the best condition for real affirmation of the results

Minimally processed guava fruits (Psidium guajava L.)

'Paluma' guavas, after internal quality evaluation using magnetic resonance tomography, were used to produce fresh-cut product. Fruits were peeled or not, cut in halves and seed removed, and they were packaged in polystyrene trays covered with PVC film or in a PET container with a lid. These packages were stored for 12 days at 5 degrees C, 10 degrees C and ambient temperature (22.6 degrees C). Tomography evaluation verified that impacts produced internal bruising with loss of cellular integrity and liquefication of the placenta tissues. Compression was more evident on the pericarp and cutting promoted superficial deformation. Storage temperature affected the weight loss, with fruit packaged in the polystyrene tray having a greater weight loss. The peeling did not influence weight loss. Product stored at 5 degrees C and 10 degrees C for 8 days had low microbial growth (< 10(3) UFC.g(-1)) and no coliforms. Rapid spoilage and a short shelf life (3-4 days) occurred when the product was stored at ambient temperature. Peeling reduced ascorbic acid concentration and total soluble solids. Use of calcium to protect fresh-cut products was not efficient. Calcium absorption capacity of 'Pedro Sato' guava was tested using Ca-45. Fruits treated with 2% CaCl2, with or without the radioisotope, were divided in four layers (epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and seed) and analyzed for the total and Ca-45 calcium. It was observed that the applied calcium remained in superficial layers of fruits, which was confirmed by autoradiography. Internal layers did not contain Ca-45, indicating that calcium was not distributed into different parts of the fruit.

Ractopamine hydrochloride in formulated rations for barrows or gilts from 94 to 130 kg

Foi realizado um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho, a composição de carcaça e a viabilidade econômica do uso de 5 e 10 ppm de cloridrato de ractopamina (RAC) em rações formuladas para suínos machos castrados ou para fêmeas dos 94 aos 130 kg. Utilizaram-se 60 suínos, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 3 × 2, composto de três níveis de ractopamina e dois sexos. Não houve interação significativa entre a ractopamina e o sexo para as variáveis analisadas. Observou-se, nos animais que receberam ractopamina, maior peso final, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar. As fêmeas apresentaram menor peso final, consumo médio diário de ração e conversão alimentar. Para rendimento de carcaça, área de olho-de-lombo e rendimento de carne na carcaça, o nível de 10 ppm foi superior ao controle. A ractopamina, independentemente do nível utilizado, reduziu a espessura de toucinho e melhorou o rendimento de filezinho, pernil e carne no pernil. As fêmeas apresentaram maior rendimento de carne na carcaça, menor espessura de toucinho, maior flexibilidade da barriga e menor espessura de toucinho da barriga. As carcaças de suínos sob suplementação com ractopamina apresentaram melhor índice de bonificação, receita bruta e receita líquida. Houve redução no custo total e aumento no índice de bonificação das carcaças das fêmeas, o que melhorou a receita líquida. Dessa forma, a suplementação com 5 ppm de ractopamina é suficiente para melhorar o desempenho, a composição de carcaça e o rendimento de cortes da carcaça de suínos machos castrados e fêmeas. Além disso, a suplementação com 5 ou 10 ppm de ractopamina, nas condições estudadas, é economicamente viável, e o abate de fêmeas aos 130 kg, mais rentável que o de machos castrados.

Formas de propagação de espécies de uso medicinal popular em cinco municípios do estado do Amazonas

This work was carried out in five counties of Amazon State, Brazil, along the Solimoes/Amazonas and Negro Rivers. The objective was to identify the several forms of natural and induced propagation with medicinal plants, natives and exotics. The peoples were interviewed, with visit and recollection of botanical materials to herborization and reproduction. The greatest parts of plants propagate by seeds (65,8 per cent) and cutting (23,5 per cent). It was showed several species that reproduce by other strategies, like bulbs, rhizomes or brotations. The Amazonian species, in general, propagate by seeds, with some exceptions.

Desenvolvimento de um sistema para análise de integridade estrutural de equipamentos estáticos baseado em cad vps micro cracks e ultrassom

In general, the designs of equipment takes into account the effects and processes of deterioration it will undergo and arrives at an approximate useful life. However, changes in operational processes and parameters, the action of external agents, the kind of maintenance conducted, the means of monitoring, and natural and accidental occurrences completely modify the desired performance of the equipment. The discontinuities that occur in anisotropic materials often and due to different factors evolve from being subcritical to critical acquiring the status of defect and compromising the physical integrity of the equipment. Increasingly sophisticated technological means of detection, monitoring and assessment of these discontinuities are required to respond ever more rapidly to the requirements of industry. This paper therefore presents a VPS (Virtual Pipe System) computational tool which uses the results of ultrasonic tests on equipment, plotting the discontinuities found in models created in the CAD and CAE systems, and then simulates the behavior of these defects in the structure to give an instantaneous view of the final behavior. This paper also presents an alternative method of conventional ultrasonic testing which correlates the integrity of an overlay (carbon steel and stainless steel attached by welding) and the reflection of ultrasonic waves coming from the interface between the two metals, thus making it possible to identify cracks in the casing and a shift of the overlay

A relação trabalho e saúde no setor calçadista de Franca, São Paulo

Este texto busca evidenciar a relação trabalho e saúde em um lócus determinado: a produção calçadista em Franca, interior do estado de São Paulo. A discussão privilegia o processo sócio-histórico da referida atividade econômica em Franca, com ênfase na reestruturação produtiva que, a partir na década de 1990, disseminou parte da produção para as residências dos trabalhadores, constituindo as denominadas Bancas de Pespontos e de Corte em Calçados. Desse modo, a partir do conhecimento empírico, subsidiado pelas visitas a estes empreendimentos e de entrevistas com os trabalhadores e ainda com um relato de caso, enfatiza-se as relações sociais de trabalho que podem agredir à saúde. Todavia, diante da informalidade acabam não sendo consideradas na relação entre saúde e a atividade funcional exercida, ficando estes infortúnios distantes das negociações coletivas, fiscalizações, ou seja, de possíveis mudanças.

Influência da Dureza dos Discos Abrasivos no Corte de Materiais Dúcteis

O corte de materiais por disco abrasivo é um dos processos que apresentam as melhores características de economia, eficiência e rapidez sendo muito utilizado no meio industrial. Fatores como porcentagens e homogeneidade da mistura dos componentes, tamanho, forma (abrasividade), tenacidade e dureza dos grãos abrasivos, tipos de ligantes e de abrasivos, velocidade de corte e velocidade de mergulho influenciam na segurança, no desempenho e comportamento da operação. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a influência da dureza dos discos abrasivos no desempenho do processo de corte em operações do tipo remoção a seco. O aumento da dureza dos discos propiciou um aumento da força tangencial de corte e da relação G, devido à mais forte ligação entre o grão e o ligante no compósito. Os resultados mostram que a dureza dos discos abrasivos afeta a economia, pois influencia na vida útil dos discos abrasivos em termos de números de cortes proporcionados; a produtividade, pois está relacionada com o número de trocas de discos desgastados; os esforços necessários para a operação, pois estão relacionados com as forças tangenciais de corte.

STUDY of THE TURNING NICKEL BASE ALLOY PYROMET (R) 31V (SAE HEV8)

Considering the constant technological developments in the aeronautical, space, automotive, shipbuilding, nuclear and petrochemical fields, among others, the use of materials with high strength mechanical capabilities at high temperatures has been increasingly used. Among the materials that meet the mechanical strength and corrosion properties at temperatures around 815 degrees C one can find the nickel base alloy Pyromet 31V (SAE HEV8). This alloy is commonly applied in the manufacturing of high power diesel engines exhaust valves where it is required high resistance to sulphide, corrosion and good resistance to creep. However, due to its high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity its machinability is made difficult, creating major challenges in the analysis of the best combinations among machining parameters and cutting tools to be used. Its low thermal conductivity results in a concentration of heat at high temperatures in the interfaces of workpiece-tool and tool-chip, consequently accelerating the tools wearing and increasing production costs. This work aimed to study the machinability, using the carbide coated and uncoated tools, of the hot-rolled Pyromet 31V alloy with hardness between 41.5 and 42.5 HRC. The nickel base alloy used consists essentially of the following components: 56.5% Ni, 22.5% Cr, 2,2% Ti, 0,04% C, 1,2% Al, 0.85% Nb and the rest of iron. Through the turning of this alloy we able to analyze the working mechanisms of wear on tools and evaluate the roughness provided on the cutting parameters used. The tests were performed on a CNC lathe machine using the coated carbide tool TNMG 160408-23 Class 1005 (ISO S15) and uncoated tools TNMG 160408-23 Class H13A (ISO S15). Cutting fluid was used so abundantly and cutting speeds were fixed in 75 and 90 m/min. to feed rates that ranged from 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 and 0.21 mm/rev, and cutting depth of 0.8mm. The results of the comparison between uncoated tools and coated ones presented a machined length of just 30% to the first in relation to the performance of the second. The coated tools has obtained its best result for both 75 and 90 m/min. with feed rate of 0.15 mm/rev, unlike the uncoated tool which obtained its better results to 0.12 mm/rev.

Eficácia do glyphosate e 2,4-D no controle de Commelina villosa

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de glyphosate e 2,4-D, isolados e em mistura, no controle de Commelina villosa. Foram estudadas duas metodologias de avaliação de absorção de herbicidas em oito intervalos de tempo para a lavagem (simulando chuva após a aplicação) e corte (simulando abortamento, como estratégia de defesa) das folhas: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 e 48 horas após a aplicação dos herbicidas, além de um tratamento sem lavagem ou corte das folhas, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, dispostos em um esquema fatorial 3 x 7 + 1 (três herbicidas x sete períodos - horas após a aplicação). Os herbicidas e doses testados foram: glyphosate (1.440 g ha-1), 2,4-D (720 g ha-1) e a mistura glyphosate + 2,4-D (1.080 + 720 g ha-1). A simulação de chuva interferiu de forma negativa no controle das plantas com o herbicida glyphosate. O controle com o herbicida 2,4-D foi influenciado apenas no período de 2 horas. Os períodos de simulação de chuva não influenciaram no controle das plantas com a mistura de glyphosate + 2,4-D. Para o estudo com corte das folhas tratadas, todos os tratamentos independente do período para corte das folhas foram influenciados de forma negativa no controle, sendo que as plantas apresentaram rebrotas quando tratadas com o herbicida 2,4-D isolado.

O tráfego de máquinas agrícolas e as propriedades físicas, hídricas e mecânicas de um Latossolo dos Cerrados

No Brasil, o tráfego contínuo e inadequado de rodados de máquinas e a ação da soleira dos implementos sobre áreas agrícolas na região dos Cerrados têm provocado alterações dos atributos físicos e mecânicos dos solos. Com este entendimento, este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência do rodado traseiro e da soleira de implementos agrícolas, usualmente utilizados na região dos Cerrados, sobre a compressibilidade de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico. Os ensaios foram realizados em parcelas preparadas com arado de discos, arado de aivecas, grade aradora e semeadora/adubadora, que, desde novembro de 1994 até à data da amostragem, novembro de 1999, estiveram sob o sistema plantio direto. As alterações na compressibilidade foram avaliadas pela quantificação das pressões de preconsolidação, assim como por algumas propriedades físicas e hídricas (densidade do solo, porosidade e condutividade hidráulica do solo saturado) no momento do preparo e depois da colheita. No momento do preparo, logo depois da passada do rodado e antes que o implemento mobilizasse o solo, o solo foi avaliado em superfície (SP - 0,00 a 0,05 m) e na profundidade média de trabalho (PMT - 0,24 a 0,27 m). A influência da soleira dos implementos foi avaliada logo depois do corte, na profundidade de trabalho abaixo da soleira de cada implemento (PT-SI). Depois da colheita, as amostragens foram repetidas, o que permitiu verificar a influência dos tráfegos subseqüentes. A intensidade de tráfego do rodado e a ação da soleira dos implementos alteraram a compressibilidade, a densidade do solo, a porosidade e condutividade hidráulica do solo saturado do Latossolo Vermelho distrófico nas profundidades: superficial (SP), profundidade média de trabalho (PMT) e profundidade de corte dos implementos (PT-SI). de maneira geral, a passada do rodado traseiro aumentou os valores de pressão de preconsolidação (sigmap) do solo na superfície (SP), enquanto o tráfego subseqüente, necessário ao cultivo, elevou esses valores em subsuperfície, tanto na PMP como em PT-SI. A passada do rodado elevou e reduziu a densidade do solo (Ds) e a macroporosidade, respectivamente, tendo sido o arado de aivecas o implemento que mais modificou essas propriedades. As soleiras dos órgãos ativos do arado de discos e da grade aradora foram as que mais elevaram a pressão de preconsolidação (sigmap), consolidando, portanto, a estrutura do solo na profundidade PT-SI. Com exceção da semeadora/adubadora, a soleira dos órgãos ativos dos demais implementos avaliados reduziram significativamente a condutividade hidráulica do solo saturado (Ks) na profundidade PT-SI, tendo o arado de aivecas se mostrado o implemento mais impactante, seguido da grade aradora e arado de discos.