Filtros de areia aplicados à irrigação localizada: teoria e prática

The application of sand filters in localized irrigation systems is recommended in the presence of organic and algae contamination. The proper design and maintenance of these equipments are essential to assure an effective water quality control, in order to reduce the emitters clogging, to keep its water application uniformity, and to prevent increasing in the system operation costs. Despite the existence of some references about design, operation and maintenance of these filters, they are dispersed, with not enough details to guarantee the optimization of its hydraulics structure design and the proper selection of porous media to be used. Therefore, the objective of this work was to report a current literature review, relating practical information with scientific knowledge. The content of this review would help to induce and intensify the research on this subject and to contribute so the operational functions for the equipment are reached. It is also expected to assist the improvement of the filtration and flushing processes in the agricultural irrigation and the development of original design procedures and the rational use of these devices.

Evaluation of the performance of different plastics used to seal nylon cDNA arrays

cDNA arrays are a powerful tool for discovering gene expression patterns. Nylon arrays have the advantage that they can be re-used several times. A key issue in high throughput gene expression analysis is sensitivity. In the case of nylon arrays, signal detection can be affected by the plastic bags used to keep membranes humid. In this study, we evaluated the effect of five types of plastics on the radioactive transmittance, number of genes with a signal above the background, and data variability. A polyethylene plastic bag 69 μm thick had a strong shielding effect that blocked 68.7% of the radioactive signal. The shielding effect on transmittance decreased the number of detected genes and increased the data variability. Other plastics which were thinner gave better results. Although plastics made from polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride (both 13 μm thick) and polyethylene (29 and 7 μm thick) showed different levels of transmittance, they all gave similarly good performances. Polyvinylidene chloride and polyethylene 29 mm thick were the plastics of choice because of their easy handling. For other types of plastics, it is advisable to run a simple check on their performance in order to obtain the maximum information from nylon cDNA arrays.

Caracterização sensorial de amêndoas de castanha-de-caju fritas e salgadas

Shelled, roasted and salted cashew nut kernels were packaged in three different flexible materials (PP/PE= polypropylene / polyethylene; PETmet/PE= metallized polyethylene terephthalate / polyethylene; PET/Al/LDPE= polyethylene terephthalate / aluminum foil / low density polyethylene ), with different barrier properties. Kernels were stored for one year at 30° C and 80% relative humidity. Quantitative descriptive sensory analysis (QDA) were performed at the end of storage time. Descriptive terms obtained for kernels characterization were brown color, color uniformity and rugosity for appearance; toasted kernel, sweet, old and rancidity for odor; toasted kernel, sweet, old rancidity, salt and bitter for taste, crispness for texture. QDA showed that factors responsible for sensory quality decrease, after one year storage, were increase in old aroma and taste, increase in rancidity aroma and taste, decrease in roasted kernel aroma and taste, and decrease of crispness. Sensory quality decrease was higher in kernels packaged in PP/PE.

Sistema, estrategia e tatica de jogo : uma analise dos profissionais que atuam no futebol

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Retention force of T-bar clasps for titanium and cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures

The objective of this study was to evaluate the retention force of T-bar clasps made from commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy by the insertion/removal test simulating 5 years use. Thirty-six frameworks were cast from CP Ti (n=18) and Co-Cr alloy (n=18) with identical prefabricated patterns on refractory casts from a distal extension mandibular hemi-arch segment. The castings were made on a vacuum-pressure machine, under vacuum and argon atmosphere. Each group was subdivided in three, corresponding to 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm and 0.75 mm undercuts, respectively. No polishing procedures were performed to ensure uniformity. The specimens were subjected to an insertion/removal test and data was analyzed statistically to compare CP Ti and Co-Cr alloy in the same undercut (Student's t-test for independent samples) and each material in different undercuts (one-way ANOVA) (p=0.05). Comparisons between materials revealed significant differences (p=0.017) only for the 0.50-mm undercut. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found when comparing the same material for the undercuts. It may be concluded that for different undercuts, both Co-Cr alloy and CP Ti had no significant differences for T-bar clasps; CP Ti showed the lowest retention force values when compared to Co-Cr alloy in each undercut, but with significant difference only for the 0.50-mm undercut; and both materials maintained the retentive capacity during the simulation test.

Comparação dos resultados da fala após as cirurgias de retalho faríngeo e veloplastia intravelar para correção da disfunção velofaríngea

OBJETIVO: Comparar a fala e o funcionamento velofaríngeo após as técnicas de retalho faríngeo e veloplastia intravelar para a correção da disfunção velofaríngea residual. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo com análise de 148 casos com fissura labiopalatina operada e submetidos à correção cirúrgica da disfunção velofaríngea, sendo 77 com retalho faríngeo (média de idade: 20,4 anos) e 71 com veloplastia intravelar (média de idade: 16,2 anos). Foram avaliadas a ressonância da fala, a presença de articulações compensatórias, a emissão de ar nasal e a extensão da falha no fechamento velofaríngeo antes e após as duas técnicas. RESULTADOS: Dos 77 casos submetidos ao retalho faríngeo 64 (83%) apresentaram melhora na ressonância, enquanto que dos 71 casos com veloplastia intravelar 48 (68%) revelaram melhora, havendo diferença significativa entre os grupos. No grupo com retalho faríngeo, seis (8%) apresentaram melhora na articulação compensatória e dois (3%) no grupo veloplastia intravelar, enquanto a emissão de ar nasal melhorou em 17 (22%) casos com retalho faríngeo e em 18 (26%) com veloplastia intravelar. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à articulação compensatória e emissão de ar nasal. A falha no fechamento velofaríngeo reduziu em 75 (96%) casos com retalho faríngeo e 46 (66%) com a veloplastia intravelar, havendo diferença entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de retalho faríngeo mostrou-se mais efetiva na melhora da ressonância e no fechamento velofaríngeo quando comparada à veloplastia intravelar.

Caracterização da fala de indivíduos submetidos à palatoplastia primária

OBJETIVOS: Descrever as características de fala de indivíduos submetidos à palatoplastia primária; relacioná-las com tipo de fissura, técnica cirúrgica e idade na ocasião da cirurgia; e descrever as condutas fonoaudiológicas após a cirurgia. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 167 casos, de ambos os gêneros, com fissura labiopalatina, submetidos à palatoplastia primária. Foram coletadas informações relativas ao tipo de fissura, idade na palatoplastia, técnica cirúrgica, e as análises subjetivas sobre as características da fala, realizadas por fonoaudiólogas. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação perceptiva da fala após a cirurgia, encontrou-se inteligibilidade de fala alterada (46%), ressonância hipernasal (33%), articulações compensatórias (26%), emissão de ar nasal (14%), mímica facial (11%) e fraca pressão aérea intra-oral (8%). Na associação entre a ressonância e as articulações compensatórias com tipo de fissura, técnica cirúrgica e faixa etária, não houve diferença significativa. A conduta mais frequentemente tomada foi a de terapia fonoaudiológica (38%), para correção das articulações compensatórias e/ou outras alterações. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos indivíduos apresentou ressonância equilibrada ou hipernasalidade aceitável e ausência de articulações compensatória, independente do tipo de fissura, da técnica cirúrgica e da faixa etária, embora não tenha ocorrido diferença significativa. Dentre as condutas adotadas após a primeira avaliação pós-palatoplastia primária, a terapia fonoaudiológica foi a mais frequente.

Weekend/weekday differences in concentrations of ozone, nox, and non-methane hydrocarbon in the metropolitan area of São Paulo

Ozone and inhalable particulate matter are the major air pollutants in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Brazil, a region that has more than 19 million inhabitants and approximately 7 million registered vehicles. Proximity of roadways, adjacent land use, and local circulation are just some of the factors that can affect the results of monitoring of pollutant concentrations. The so-called weekend effect (higher ozone concentrations on weekends than on weekdays) might be related to the fact that concentrations of ozone precursors, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Non Methane-Hydrocarbon (NMHC), are relatively lower on weekends. This phenomenon has been reported in some areas of the United States since the 1970s. The differences between the concentrations of ozone in period of weekend and weekday, were obtained from analysis of data hourly average of CETESB for 2004, studied the precursors to the formation of troposphere ozone, the meteorological variables and traffic profile for RMSP. Because of the proximity to sources of emissions from the station Pinheiros showed higher concentrations of NO and NO² and greater variations to the periods weekend and weekday. With fewer vehicles circulating during the weekend, and consequently less emission of pollutants, it has cleaner air and less concentration of NO and NO², there is the ideal setting to the formation of troposphere ozone, despite the lower concentration of NO². The proximity with the source emissions, aided by the increased availability of solar radiation and the presence of ozone precursors, were factors conditions for the occurrence of weekend effect.

Conteúdos de biologia em vestibulares seriados

A adoção de novos processos seletivos para o acesso de alunos às universidades só foi possível com a promulgação da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional n. 9.394/96. O vestibular seriado é uma dessas propostas alternativas, que prevê uma avaliação sistemática dos alunos ao término de cada ano do ensino médio. O propósito deste estudo foi caracterizar o vestibular seriado, hoje presente em 22 instituições públicas, quanto ao seu objetivo, estilos de avaliação e conteúdos da disciplina de Biologia distribuídos nos módulos referentes às três séries do ensino médio. Averiguamos que os diferentes programas analisados não apresentam uniformidade em diversos aspectos, tais como número de vagas, estrutura de avaliação e conteúdo programático. Verificamos, ainda, a ausência de consenso sobre a sequência a ser adotada para o ensino de Biologia e a resultante restrição para que o aluno possa preparar-se para as provas seriadas em mais de uma instituição.

Second record of bioluminescence in larvae of Xantholinus Dejean (Staphylinidae, Xantholinini) from Brazil

Second record of bioluminescence in larvae of Xantholinus Dejean, (Staphylinidae, Xantholinini) from Brazil. Bioluminescent Xantholinus larvae (Xantholinini, Staphylinidae) were collected in the Cerrado biome of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. These larvae are morphologically similar to the first bioluminescent larvae of this genus collected in the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state; however they differ by their bioluminescent emission.

Mineralogical characterization of a highly-weathered soil by the Rietveld Method

The mineralogical characterization through mineral quantification of Brazilian soils by X-ray diffraction data using the Rietveld Method is not common. A mineralogical quantification of an Acric Ferralsol from the Ponta Grossa region, state of Paraná, Brazil, was carried out using this Method with X-Ray Diffraction data to verify if this method was suitable for mineral quantification of a highly-weathered soil. The A, AB and B3 horizons were fractioned to separate the different particle sizes: clay, silt, fine sand (by Stokes Law) and coarse sand fractions (by sieving), with the procedure free of chemical treatments. X-ray Fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, Infrared Spectroscopy and Mössbauer Spectroscopy were used in order to assist the mineral identification and quantification. The Rietveld Method enabled the quantification of the present minerals. In a general way, the quantitative mineralogical characterization by the Rietveld Method revealed that quartz, gibbsite, rutile, hematite, goethite, kaolinite and halloysite were present in the clay and silt fractions of all horizons. The silt fractions of the deeper horizons were different from the more superficial ones due to the presence of large amounts of quartz. The fine and the coarse sand fractions are constituted mainly by quartz. Therefore, a mineralogical quantification of the finer fraction (clay and silt) by the Rietveld Method was successful.

Determination and fractionation of barium in Brazil nuts

Several sample preparation strategies were employed for determination and fractionation of barium in Brazil nuts using measurements by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with axial view (ICP OES). This food is widely consumed because of its nutritional value and good taste. The chemical analysis of Brazil nuts is not trivial due to their complex matrix. The fractionation of barium in Brazil nuts was studied owing to the toxicity of this element and the strong correlation between chemical form and absorption. Total concentrations of barium varied from 860 to 2084 mg kg-1. Sequential extractions were performed based on solubility in different media and also according to lipids, proteins and low molecular weight fractions (LMW). The greatest contents of barium were determined in the LMW and in the water insoluble fractions with concentrations in the range 778 to 1606 and 551 to 1520 mg kg-1, respectively. Based on these results it can be inferred that Ba is not absorbed when Brazil nuts are ingested. Considering both the contents of barium and sulfur in different fractions and stoichiometric calculations it was also possible to assume that barium occurs mainly in the BaSO4 form. The presence of this chemical form was also confirmed by thermogravimetric measurements.

Metallochlorophylls of magnesium, copper and zinc: evaluation of the influence of the first coordination sphere on their solvatochromism and aggregation properties

In this study the role of different metal centers (magnesium, zinc and copper) on the enhancement of the hydrophilic character of metallochlorophylls, was evaluated. The solvatochromism as well as the aggregation process for these compounds in water/ethanol mixtures at different volume ratios were evaluated using Fluorescence, and Resonant Light Scattering (RLS) measurements, aiming to characterize the behavior of these compounds. Independently on the studied metallochlorophyll, the presence of at least 60% of water results in a considerable increase in the fluorescence emission, probably a direct consequence of a lower aggregation of these compounds, which is confirmed by the results from RLS measurements. Additionally, the results suggest that magnesium and zinc chlorophyll should be promising phototherapeutic agents for Photodynamic Therapy.

Composição química dos frutos de Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg-Myrtaceae

Frutos in natura de C. xanthocarpa (Myrtaceae), coletados em diferentes estádios de amadurecimento na Floresta Estadual de Assis, município de Assis - SP, foram avaliados por meio de métodos tradicionais de análise, técnicas cromatográficas e de espectrometria de massas e de emissão ótica quanto à composição nutricional, ao perfil químico do óleo volátil e ao teor de elementos inorgânicos. Os resultados mostraram alto teor de água (81,4%); lipídios (1,9%); carboidratos totais (8,9%); fibra alimentar (6,3%); além de quantidades razoáveis de ácido ascórbico (17,8 mg.100 g-1); e traços de riboflavina (0,09 mg.100 g-1). No óleo volátil (0,2%), pôde-se identificar 62 componentes, correspondendo a 100% dos constituintes do óleo, destacando-se dentre eles os monoterpenos α-pineno (15%), o-cimeno (10,8%), β-pineno (10,5%). Entre os minerais (16), os principais elementos foram o K (2084 mg.kg-1), P (149 mg.kg-1), Mg (135 mg.kg-1) e, como microelementos, o Fe (6,4 mg.kg-1), Cu (93,3 mg.100 g-1) e Pb (1,3 mg.kg-1). O valor energético do fruto (57,3 kcal.100 g-1) deve-se quase que exclusivamente aos teores de carboidratos totais (8,9%).

Association between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis in women: a cross-sectional study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis has frequently been observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate factors associated with osteoporosis among women with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, carried out in a public hospital in São Paulo. METHODS: The participants were 83 women with rheumatoid arthritis (53.7 ± 10.0 years old). Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The patients were divided into three groups according to BMD: group 1, normal BMD (n = 24); group 2, osteopenia (n = 38); and group 3, osteoporosis (n = 21). Tests were performed to compare differences in means and correlations, with adjustments for age, duration of disease and cumulative corticosteroid. The relationships between clinical factors, physical activity score, dietary intake, body composition and biochemical parameters were analyzed using linear regression models. RESULTS: Mean calcium, vitamin D and omega-6 intakes were lower than the recommendations. Associations were found between BMD and age, disease duration, parathyroid hormone concentration and fat intake. The linear regression model showed that being older, with more years of disease and lower weight were negatively correlated with BMD [Total femur = 0.552 + 0.06 (weight) + 0.019 (total physical activity) - 0.05 (age) - 0.003 (disease duration); R² = 48.1; P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that nutritional factors and body composition are associated with bone mass in women with rheumatoid arthritis.