Brachiaria decumbens supresses the initial growth of Coffea arabica

Brachiaria decumbens vem se tornando uma das plantas daninhas mais freq��entes na infesta����o de cafezais em forma����o, pois al��m de sua elevada agressividade e dificuldade de controle, est�� ocorrendo expans��o das ��reas cafeeiras para locais anteriormente ocupados por pastagens. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar os efeitos desta planta daninha, em densidades crescentes, sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de mudas de caf�� (Coffea arabica L. cv. Catua�� Amarelo). O experimento foi conduzido em condi����es semi-controladas, sem limita����o de ��gua. Uma muda de caf�� foi transplantada em caixa de amianto com capacidade para 70 L, preenchida com terra coletada da camada ar��vel de um Latossolo Vermelho. Os tratamentos constaram de diferentes densidades de transplante de capim-braqui��ria, a saber: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48 e 60 plantas m-2. O ensaio foi conduzido por um per��odo experimental de 120 dias ap��s o plantio (DAP). Todas as caracter��sticas analisadas foram afetadas negativamente pela interfer��ncia da planta daninha, mas as que se mostraram mais sens��veis a essa interfer��ncia foram �� ��rea foliar e a biomassa seca das folhas. Houve redu����o de 41,8% na ��rea foliar do cafeeiro quando conviveu com o capim-braqui��ria a partir da densidade de 8 plantas m-2, chegando a 68,7% na densidade de 60 plantas m-2. Tamb��m a partir da densidade de 8 plantas m-2, a redu����o na biomassa seca das folhas em rela����o �� testemunha foi de 41,4% e na densidade de 60 plantas m-2 chegou a 72,8%. Brachiaria decumbens, a partir da densidade de 8 plantas m-2, interfere negativamente sobre as mudas de caf�� at�� os 120 DAP.

Efeito da densidade e da dist��ncia de caruru-de-mancha e amendoim-bravo na cultura do feijoeiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a interfer��ncia causada pelo caruru-demancha (Amaranthus viridis) e amendoim-bravo (Euphorbia heterophylla), em fun����o das densidades e dist��ncias, no feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivar P��rola. Como recipientes, foram utilizadas caixas de cimento-amianto, com capacidade para 50 litros, preenchidas com LatossoloVermelho-Escuro. As mudas foram formadas em bandejas de 128 c��lulas preenchidas com substrato hort��cola; quando as pl��ntulas atingiram o est��dio V2, foram transplantadas para as caixas, sendo as de feijoeiro numa linha central, reproduzindo a semeadura em campo, e as das plantas daninhas nas densidades de 8, 16 e 32 plantas m-2, distanciadas de 0, 12 e 24 cm das plantas de feij��o e igualmente entre si. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com os tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial 3x3+2T, com quatro repeti����es, constituindo as parcelas experimentais. Foram avaliadas caracter��sticas de crescimento e de produtividade da cultura e das plantas daninhas. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos �� an��lise de vari��ncia pelo teste F, e as m��dias, comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Observou-se que as plantas daninhas obtiveram maior desenvolvimento quando em maior dist��ncia da cultura. O caruru-de-mancha causou redu����es no n��mero de vagens e na produtividade estimada do feijoeiro. Para o caruru-de-mancha, o aumento da densidade s�� causou redu����o na produtividade da cultura quando as plantas estavam distanciadas em pelo menos 12 cm. A 0 cm, o feijoeiro tornou-se mais competitivo e n��o sofreu interfer��ncia das plantas daninhas, independentemente da densidade destas.

Thermal comfort indices in individual shelters for dairy calves with different types of roofs

Dentre os materiais de constru����o utilizados nas instala����es rurais, merecem destaque as coberturas, pois s��o grandes respons��veis pelo conforto t��rmico, influenciando no balan��o t��rmico no interior das instala����es. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a influ��ncia das coberturas sobre a entalpia (H), Carga T��rmica Radiante (CTR) e no ��ndice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade (ITGU), em abrigos individuais para bezerros leiteiros. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado com tr��s tratamentos: Z - telha de zinco; CA - telha de cimento amianto, e CAB - telha de cimento amianto pintada de branco na face superior. As m��dias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott, a 1% de probabilidade. Os resultados mostraram que n��o houve diferen��a estat��stica entre os tratamentos (P<0,01) e o ambiente externo, para a H. Para a CTR, houve diferen��a estat��stica entre todos os tratamentos, em que CAB demonstrou menor CTR, 489,28 W m-��, seguido do tratamento CA, 506,72 W m-��, e Z com maior valor de CTR, 523,55 W m-��. Para o ITGU, observaram-se menores valores para CAB (76,8) e CA (77,4), diferindo-se, significativamente do Z, que obteve maior valor (81,6). As telhas com pintura branca em sua face superior promoveram menor CTR e menor ITGU, favorecendo o ambiente t��rmico da instala����o.

Nitrogen fertilization of fall panicum cultivars (Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.): biochemical and agronomical aspects

S��o escassas as informa����es sobre cultivares melhoradas e t��cnicas culturais adequadas �� cultura do pain��o. Este experimento objetivou avaliar o efeito da aplica����o de n��veis de nitrog��nio (N) em cobertura no desenvolvimento e nos atributos bioqu��micos de duas cultivares de pain��o. Para tanto, instalou-se um experimento em Botucatu (SP), em caixas de cimento amianto, mantidas em t��nel pl��stico. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2x6, com dois cultivares de pain��o (AL Mogi e AL Tibagi) e seis n��veis de aduba����o nitrogenada (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 e 200 mg L-1), aplicada em cobertura, no in��cio do perfilhamento. Os dois cultivares utilizados tiveram comportamento semelhante em rela����o ��s vari��veis avaliadas, em resposta �� aplica����o de N em cobertura. A aplica����o de doses de N na cultura do pain��o proporcionou incrementos nos teores relativos de clorofila, amino��cidos totais, nitrog��nio total e altura das plantas, e redu����o dos teores de a����cares na mat��ria seca, at�� o intervalo entre 120 e 160 mg de N L-1. O perfilhamento e produ����o de gr��os tiveram aumento linear com a aplica����o de N. A aduba����o nitrogenada n��o afetou a produ����o de mat��ria seca.

Participa����o do colmo principal e dos afilhos na produtividade do arroz irrigado, em fun����o da densidade de semeadura

Entre as pr��ticas culturais a serem consideradas na implanta����o da cultura do arroz destaca-se a densidade de semeadura, que deve estabelecer, em grande parte, a participa����o do colmo principal e dos afilhos nos componentes da produ����o, possibilitando a obten����o da m��xima produtividade. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a participa����o do colmo principal e dos afilhos na produtividade de gr��os de arroz, cv. IAC 102, no sistema irrigado por inunda����o, em fun����o da densidade de semeadura. O experimento foi desenvolvido sob t��nel pl��stico, em Botucatu (SP), em caixas d'��gua de cimento amianto de 500 L, contendo Neossolo Fl��vico Ta Eutr��fico, com profundidade de 30 cm. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repeti����es. As densidades de semeadura foram: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 e 600 sementes vi��veis por m��, em 4 linhas de 1 m por caixa, espa��adas com 20 cm. A eleva����o da densidade de semeadura diminui o afilhamento e proporciona a maior participa����o dos colmos principais, por��m, n��o resultando em incremento de produtividade, devido �� plasticidade das plantas de arroz, que proporciona o ajustamento dos componentes da produ����o.

Desenvolvimento de um secador spray para obten����o de p��s finos de precursores de ni��bio

This work presents a spray-dryer designed to oxalate-niobate precursors and suitable for the production of Niobium Carbide. The dryer was intended to produce powders of controlled particle size. First, the precursor is dissolved in water to produce a solution of known concentration and then it is atomized on the spray-dryer to produce the powder. This equipment consists of a 304 stainless steel chamber, 0.48 m x 1.9 m (diameter x length), with a conical shape at the lower portion, which is assembled on a vertical platform. The chamber is heated by three 4 kW electrical resistances. In this process, drying air is heated as it flows inside a serpentine surrounding the chamber, in contrary to more traditional processes in which the hot drying air is used to heat the component. The air enters the chamber at the same temperature of the chamber, thus avoiding adherence of particles on the internal surface. The low speed flow is concurrent, directed from the top to the bottom portion of the chamber. Powders are deposited on a 0.4 m diameter tray, which separates the cylindrical portion from the conical portion of the chamber. The humid air is discharged though a plug placed underneath the collecting tray. A factorial experimental planning was prepared to study the influence of five parameters (concentration, input flow, operation temperature, drying air flow and spray air flow) on the characteristics of the powders produced. Particle size distribution and shape were measured by laser granulometry and scanning electronic microscopy. Then, the powders are submitted to reaction in a CH4 / H2 atmosphere to compare the characteristics of spray-dried powders with powders synthetizided by conventional methods

Electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopic investigation of monazite from chromitites of Cedrolina (Goias State, Brazil)

Monazite from chromitites of Cedrolina (Goias State, Brazil) was investigated by electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy. Monazite has been rarely encountered in chromitites. In Brazil, it was previously reported from chromitites of the Campo Formoso layered intrusion. Comparison between the two occurrences indicates similar morphology and textural characteristics, but remarkable differences in chemical composition. In both cases, monazite occurs as irregular grains (up to 200 mu m) preferentially located in the chlorite-serpentine matrix of the chromitite, more rarely included in chromite. However, the monazite from Cedrolina is characterized by higher Ce/La ratio, and Pr, Nd, Th contents, compared with the monazite from Campo Formoso. The obtained Raman spectra are very similar in the two cases, suggesting that the compositional variation of monazites and the spectral resolution of the Raman do not allow a conclusive chemical analysis with Raman spectra. Textural evidence indicates that, in both occurrences, monazite precipitation did not take place at high temperature, concomitantly with the host chromitite. In the Campo Formoso chromitites, precipitation of monazite has been related with percolation of hydrothermal, aqueous and acid fluids emanating from a granite batholith. on the contrary, the Cedrolina monazite probably formed during one of the metamorphic events that affected the area in which the host chromitite occurs.

Evolu����o geoqu��mica e mineral��gica em perfis de altera����o sobre rochas serpentinizadas no sudoeste de Minas Gerais

Estudou-se a evolu����o geoqu��mica e mineral��gica em tr��s perfis distintos de altera����o de rochas serpentinizadas que ocorrem nas imedia����es dos munic��pios de Alpin��polis e Fortaleza de Minas, no sudoeste do Estado de Minas Gerais, sob regimes de umidade e de temperatura ��dico e t��rmico, respectivamente. Nas condi����es atuais, o grau de evolu����o qu��mica e mineral��gica �� moderado em rela����o ao desenvolvido sobre outros tipos de rochas b��sicas e ultrab��sicas da mesma ��rea, caracterizando-se por uma importante perda de Na e Mg e, em menor propor����o, de Ca e Si. O Al (localmente tamb��m o Fe) �� o elemento menos m��vel dos sistemas. O K �� escasso no material de origem e nas zonas de altera����o, e ocorre enriquecimento desse elemento nos horizontes superficiais por aporte externo. Os minerais prim��rios mais facilmente intemperiz��veis, como o talco, a tremolita e a clorita triocta��drica, s��o abundantes ainda na fra����o argila desses solos tropicais com composi����o mineral��gica pouco comum, mas s��o todos termodinamicamente inst��veis. do ponto de vista geoqu��mico, o processo de altera����o atual pode ser definido como uma bissialitiza����o, que pode coincidir com ferruginiza����o, com forma����o de minerais triocta��dricos secund��rios por transforma����o direta de estrutura e tamb��m por neoforma����o, todos coexistindo com os minerais prim��rios residuais. No entanto, as fases de maior evolu����o, em volumes com drenagem mais eficiente, tendem �� monossialitiza����o, com forma����o de caulinitas de diferentes graus de cristalinidade. A assembl��ia mineral��gica existente evidencia a metaestabilidade e o car��ter incipiente do sistema pedogen��tico.

Thermal comfort in reduced models of broilers' houses, under different types of roofing materials

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes tipos de coberturas em instala����es para aves, por meio do ��ndice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade (ITGU), Carga T��rmica de Radia����o (CTR) e Entalpia (H). O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Estadual de Goi��s, entre os meses de abril e maio de 2011, sendo composto por cinco tratamentos (coberturas): CA -Telha de cimento-amianto; BA -Telha de bambu; BAP -Telha de bambu pintada de branco; FB -Telha de fibra vegetal e betume; FBP -Telha de fibra vegetal e betume pintada de branco, com 15 repeti����es, sendo as repeti����es os dias de medi����o. Dentre os hor��rios estudados, o considerado menos confort��vel foi ��s 14h, sendo que a cobertura de fibra vegetal e betume foi a que apresentou maior valor de ITGU (84,1) quando comparada ��s demais coberturas, caracterizando uma situa����o de menor conforto t��rmico, n��o sendo observada diferen��a para CTR e H entre os tratamentos na regi��o estudada.

beta-carotene and other carotenoids as antioxidants

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. There are several dozen carotenoids in the foods that we eat, and most of these carotenoids have antioxidant activity. beta-carotene has been best studied since, in most countries it is the most common carotenoid in fruits and vegetables. However, in the U.S., lycopene from tomatoes now is consumed in approximately the same amount as beta-carotene. Antioxidants (including carotenoids) have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease, beta-carotene and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties in vitro and in animal models. Mixtures of carotenoids or associations with others antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) can increase their activity against free radicals. The use of animals models for studying carotenoids is limited since most of the animals do not absorb or metabolize carotenoids similarly to humans.Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relationship between presence of various cancers and dietary carotenoids or blood carotenoid levels. However, three out of four intervention trials using high dose beta-carotene supplements did not show protective effects against cancer or cardiovascular disease. Rather, the high risk population (smokers and asbestos workers) in these intervention trials showed an increase in cancer and angina cases. It appears that carotenoids (including beta-carotene) can promote health when taken at dietary levels, but may have adverse effects when taken in high dose by subjects who smoke or who have been exposed to asbestos. It will be the task of ongoing and future studies to define the populations that can benefit from carotenoids and to define the proper doses, lengths of treatment, and whether mixtures, lather than single carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene) are more advantageous.

EVALUATION of COVERING MATERIALS IN INDIVIDUAL SHELTERS and ITS EFFECTS on PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES and PERFORMANCE of DAIRY CALVES

In Tropical regions, the animal performance is often affected by climate conditions. This study aimed to evaluate covering materials in individual shelters, normally used to house dairy calves, and its influence on the calves physiology and performance. The design used was completely randomized, with a 2x3 factorial arrangement to compare the averages of 5% through the Tukey's test, i.e., both genders-and three types of covering in the shelters (Z - zinc; AC - asbestos cement; and WPAC - white-painted asbestos cement). Parameters evaluated included daily weight gain (DWG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion (FC), rectal temperature (RT), and respiratory frequency (RF). Results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among males (1.04kg/day) and females (0.74kg/day) for DWG and interaction between gender and treatment (P < 0.05) for zinc covering (0.562kg/day for females and 1.120kg/day for males). Significant differences were also observed in FI of animals housed under shelters with the covering of zinc (48.35kgDM/day for females and 96.91 kgDM/day for males). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the FC and the RT, and there were significant differences (P < 0.05) for RF in the Z treatments (56.9 mov.min(-1)), WPAC (62.2 mov.min(-1)) and FC (70.25 mov.min-1). It was concluded that different covering materials did not affect performance and dry matter intake of dairy calves. However, the animals' physiology of thermoregulation was altered by the different covering materials used in individual shelters.

��-carotene and other carotenoids as antioxidants

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. There are several dozen carotenoids in the foods that we eat, and most of these carotenoids have antioxidant activity. ��-carotene has been best studied since, in most countries it is the most common carotenoid in fruits and vegetables. However, in the U.S., lycopene from tomatoes now is consumed in approximately the same amount as ��-carotene. Antioxidants (including carotenoids) have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease. ��-carotene and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties in vitro and in animal models. Mixtures of carotenoids or associations with others antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) can increase their activity against free radicals. The use of animals models for studying carotenoids is limited since most of the animals do not absorb or metabolize carotenoids similarly to humans. Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relationship between presence of various cancers and dietary carotenoids or blood carotenoid levels. However, three out of four intervention trials using high dose ��- carotene supplements did not show protective effects against cancer or cardiovascular disease. Rather, the high risk population (smokers and asbestos workers) in these intervention trials showed an increase in cancer and angina cases. It appears that carotenoids (including ��-carotene) can promote health when taken at dietary levels, but may have adverse effects when taken in high dose by subjects who smoke or who have been exposed to asbestos. It will be the task of ongoing and future studies to define the populations that can benefit from carotenoids and to define the proper doses, lengths of treatment, and whether mixtures, rather than single carotenoids (e.g. ��-carotene) are more advantageous.

Morphology of the vas deferens of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)

A morphological study of the budgerigar vas deferens was conducted to demonstrate the electron-microscopic features of its epithelial lining. The analysis showed that the vas deferens of the budgerigar was found to be of a tubular and serpentine structure, continuous with the epididymal region and lined with stereo ciliated pseudostratified epithelium, which contained folds projecting into the tubular lumen and a characteristic brush border. The epithelium consists of ciliated and non-ciliated cells with different electron densities. Ciliated cells were characterized by two morphologically distinct configurations: some cells were columnar and other ciliated cells were longer, thinner and dark. Non-ciliated cells showed apical cytoplasmic expansions, which projected into the tubular lumen as protrusions.

Comparison of environmental indicators of two aviaries for laying Hens

Funda����o de Amparo �� Pesquisa do Estado de S��o Paulo (FAPESP)

An��lise comparativa do ambiente de avi��rios de postura com diferentes sistemas de acondicionamento

Poulty house typology and the materials used (mainly for roofing) are the determining factors for an appropriate thermal condition aiming at production. In this context, the main point of this paper was to identify differences in the internal environment of two poultry houses, using monitoring and afterwards using statistics for comparing the environmental variables. The data analyzed did not show evidence of better thermal comfort for the house which was covered with ceramic roofing tile, because this house did not have ridged vents, making the hot air exit from the house difficult by the chimney effect. The ammonia concentration measured inside both houses was within the comfort limit. The temperature and humidity index of the house covered with ceramic roofing tiles was higher than the house which was covered with cement asbestos roofing tile, even though lower temperature on the tiles' surfaces was verified, showing the positive effects of the use of ridge vents at the housing. Based on the results obtained it is recommended for the Bastos, SP region, that poulty houses should be built with the ridge vent and long eaves beyond the roof of ceramic tiles.