Caracterização e análise das propriedades da fibra de Macambira (Bromelia Laciniosa)

Concern for the environment and the exploitation of natural resources has motivated the development of research in lignocellulosic materials, mainly from plant fibers. The major attraction of these materials include the fact that the fibers are biodegradable, they are a renewable natural resource, low cost and they usually produce less wear on equipment manufacturing when compared with synthetic fibers. Its applications are focused on the areas of technology, including automotive, aerospace, marine, civil, among others, due to the advantageous use in economic and ecological terms. Therefore, this study aims to characterize and analyze the properties of plant fiber macambira (bromelia laciniosa), which were obtained in the municipality of Ielmo Marino, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the region of the Wasteland Potiguar. The characterization of the fiber is given by SEM analysis, tensile test, TG, FTIR, chemical analysis, in addition to obtaining his title and density. The results showed that the extraction of the fibers, only 0.5% of the material is converted into fibers. The results for title and density were satisfactory when compared with other fibers of the same nature. Its structure is composed of microfibrils and its surface is roughened. The cross section has a non-uniform geometry, therefore, it is understood that its diameter is variable along the entire fiber. Values for tensile strength were lower than those of sisal fibers and curauá. The degradation temperature remained equivalent to the degradation temperatures of other vegetable fibers. In FTIR analysis showed that the heat treatment may be an alternative to making the fiber hydrophobic, since, at high temperature can remove the hemicellulose layer, responsible for moisture absorption. Its chemical constitution is endowed with elements of polar nature, so their moisture is around 8.5% which is equivalent to the percentage of moisture content of hydrophilic fibers. It can be concluded that the fiber macambira stands as an alternative materials from renewable sources and depending on the actual application and purpose, it may achieve satisfactory results

Fertilidade do solo e nutrição de tangerineiras Ponkan manejados com resíduos sólidos e adubação química

The objective of this research was to evaluate some soil chemical attributes and the nutritional status of 'Ponkan' mandarin managed with organic residues and chemical fertilization. The experiment was carried out at the Natural Resource Department-Soil Science Area, in the College of Agronomic Sciences -UNESP/Botucatu, SP. 'Ponkan' Mandarin seedlings were cropped and managed using the organic residues sewage sludge, cattle manure and chemical fertilization. The results allow the conclusion that there was an increase in the CEC, OM, N-total, P and K values in the soil managed with organic residues. The sewage sludge application did not harm the soil quality because the input of elements As, Cd, Cr and Hg present in its constitution were not significant. The soil management with organic residues increased significantly contents of N, P, Ca and S in 'Ponkan' leaves but did not contribute to increase significantly the elements B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, As, Cd, Cr and Pb. The soil management with sewage sludge did not result in significant increase in the As, Cd, Cr and Hg content of leaves and fruits.

Water beetles in mountainous regions in southeastern Brazil

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

Determinação da composição química do molusco Anadara notabilis encontrado em Galinhos no Rio Grande do Norte

Given the large existing biodiversity in the Brazilian coast, where many species are still little known, even under the nutritional aspect, and considering that bivalve molluscs are constituted by a natural resource of well accepted by the population, chose the bivalve Anadara notabilis, it was not found in the literature any nutritional or toxicological information about it and because its size is much larger than other species of mollusks commonly found in this region. Were studied moisture, ash, protein, macro and micro minerals, and metal ions of toxicological significance. All analytical determinations followed the standards of the Institute Adolfo Lutz. The protein determination was performed by the Kjeldahl method. All metal ions were determined by optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES) method described by USEPA 6010C. The results showed that Anadara notabilis can be introduced into food for human beings, in view of its mineral wealth. Noteworthy among the macronutrients phosphorus and magnesium showed that their values in mg / kg 918.7 and 586.7. With regard to micronutrients stand out with this iron 586.7 mg / kg and zinc with 12.31 mg / kg. Was not found high content of metal contaminants to this mollusc, which would prevent their use, only this chromium 0.7 mg / kg above the value established by Brazilian legislation. The results will certainly be very useful in future studies of nutrition and to build a table of chemical composition of Brazilian foods

Cultivo de algas marinhas como desenvolvimento de comunidades costeiras

In northeastern Brazil, the extraction of agar has increased considerably in recent decades mainly using macroalgae of the genus Gracilaria. The pressure of the harvest of seaweed of this genus has compromised the sustainability of this natural resource. Given the current framework of decline in production of algae in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, it is necessary the deployment of crops that will assist in the development of coastal areas. This research aimed to develop studies on growth, productivity, efficiency and quality of agar of G. birdiae so as to provide subsidies for crops on commercial scale. The study was carried out in dry and rainy periods using rafts of cultivation. Algal biomass and the physical and chemical parameters of water were measured every fifteen days. In laboratory, the resistance and quality of agar were analyzed. The relative growth rate (TCR) was determined by the formula: RGR = ln (final weight / weight initial). 100 / interval time of sampling. During the study, environmental factors as salinity and temperature remained relatively constant (around 35 PSU and 28°C, respectively). The mean values of biomass ranged around 1952.67 ± 576g in the rainy period and 1925.67 ± 450g in the dry period, and they presented no significant variations. The maximum value of growth (TCR) was recorded in the dry season (7.45%.day-1), with an average over the study of 4.35%.day-1. The yield of agar ranged from 22% to 15%, and its resistance ranged from 850 to 650g. cm². The average obtained for the two periods was approximately 750 g cm². These results demonstrate the great potential of Gracilaria birdiae for mariculture can be used as an sustainable activity for coastal communities

Impactos do uso público EM atrativos turísticos naturais no município de AltinóPolis (SP)

This work was developed aiming to evaluate the environmental impacts of the public use in natural touristic attractive at Altinópolis city (SP), using the Visitor Impact Management method (VTM). In each analyzed natural resource a specific questionnaire was elaborated in accordance with the appropriate pointers that allowed to determinate environmental quality of each point. The results indicated that only two tourist areas need special attention for their preservation. Minimization methods, monitoring and educational practices are proposals in order to tourist practices be made with environmental responsibility.

Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2007

Includes bibliography

Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2007

Includes bibliography

Foreign Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2000

Includes bibliography

Latin America and the Caribbean in the World Economy 2005-2006

Includes bibliography

Latin America and the Caribbean in the World Economy 2011-2012: Continuing crisis in the centre and new opportunities for developing economies

Includes bibliography

Aglomeraciones en torno a los recursos naturales en América Latina y el Caribe: políticas de articulación y articulación de políticas

Incluye Bibliografía

The Latin American Pacific Basin initiative and the Asia-Pacific region

Includes bibliography

Opportunities for trade and investment between Latin America and Asia-Pacific: the link with APEC

Includes bibliography

Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC): new biregional trade and investment relations in a changing world economic environment$c

Includes bibliography