Hormesis method for increasing oat straw with a view to viability of direct-seeding systems

In conservation agriculture, mainly under direct seeding, maintaining the vegetation ground cover is essential, since this serves as a reservoir of nutrients which are slowly released to plants by microorganisms. Some authors have sought to study increases in the amount of straw in the soil, in addition to slowing down the process of decomposition, with hormesis being one of the techniques used. This technique states that all chemical substances are both poisonous and nonpoisonous, with only the dosage determining whether they are lethal or not. This study aimed to evaluate the dry weight and agronomic characteristics of a crop of black oat subjected to hormesis. The experimental design was of randomised blocks, with 12 treatments and 4 replications, giving a total of 48 experimental lots. The treatments were: Haloxyfop-R Methyl Ester at dosages of 0.625, 1.25 and 2.50 g ha(-1); Glyphosate at dosages of 12.50, 25.00 and 50.00 g ha-1; 2,4-D dimethylamine salt at dosages of 100.00, 200.00 and 300.00 g ha(-1); Alterbane at a dosage of 500.00 g ha(-1); Salicylic acid at a dose of 100 g ha(-1); and a control. It was concluded that for the subdosages under test, the herbicides 2,4-D at medium dosage and Verdict at low dosage were shown to be the best treatments for conserving straw as ground cover under direct seeding.

What is the stimulus for the excavation of fungus chamber in leaf-cutting ants?

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

Thermal and spectroscopic study of the 3,4-(methylenedioxy) cinnamate compounds of transition metals in the solid state

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

Biologia comparada de populações da lagarta–do–cartucho em folhas de milho e mandioca

The fall armyworm is a pest that feeds on various botanies species. The objective of this experiment was to study the biology of this pest in corn and cassava leaves. Caterpillars were collected in area under cultivation with cassava and maintained on artificial diet for two generations. Under controlled conditions in a climatic chamber (B.O.D) in the laboratory (25 degrees, 60 +/- 10% RH and photophase 14 hours) were evaluated daily 50 caterpillars in corn treatments and 50 in cassava, where duration and viability of the larval phase and pupal, weight of pupas were observed after 24 hours, deformation percentage of pupas and adults, longevity, fecundity and total life cycle. The viability of larvae fed on leaves of maize and cassava was 74% and 60%, respectively. The larval period of the insects was shorter in maize 16.89 days (seven instars) and cassava 20.08 days (six instars). The pupal phase lasted 11.42 days in cassava treatment and 10.87 in the maize. The pupal weight of females and males was higher in corn 204.91 mg and 198.97 mg, respectively. The biological cycle varied depending on the ingested food. Adult longevity lasted 9.88 days for insects fed on cassava leaves. Therefore, cassava affected the development of S. frugiperda.

Penetration of 35% hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber in bovine teeth after LED or Nd:YAG laser activation

This aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulp chamber penetration of 35% hydrogen peroxide activated by LED (light-emitting diode) or Nd:YAG laser in bovine teeth, after an in-office bleaching technique. Forty-eight bovine lateral incisors were divided into four groups, acetate buffer was placed into the pulp chamber and bleaching agent was applied as follows: for group A (n = 12), activation was performed by LED; for group B (n = 12), activation was performed by Nd:YAG laser (60 mJ, 20 Hz); group C (n = 12) received no light or laser activation; and the control group (n = 12) received no bleaching gel application or light or laser activation. The acetate buffer solution was transferred to a glass tube and Leuco Crystal Violet and horseradish peroxidase were added, producing a blue solution. The optical density of this solution was determined spectrophotometrically and converted into microgram equivalents of hydrogen peroxide. The results were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). It was verified that the effect of activation was significant, as groups activated by LED or laser presented greater hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp chamber (0.499 +/- 0.622 microg) compared with groups that were not (0.198 +/- 0.218 microg). There was no statistically significant difference in the penetration of hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber between the two types of activation (LED or laser). The results suggest that activation by laser or LED caused an increase in hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp chamber.

A mathematical view of water table fluctuations in a shallow aquifer in Brazil

Detailed monitoring of the groundwater table can provide important data about both short- and long-term aquifer processes, including information useful for estimating recharge and facilitating groundwater modeling and remediation efforts. In this paper, we presents results of 4 years (2002 to 2005) of monitoring groundwater water levels in the Rio Claro Aquifer using observation wells drilled at the Rio Claro campus of São Paulo State University in Brazil. The data were used to follow natural periodic fluctuations in the water table, specifically those resulting from earth tides and seasonal recharge cycles. Statistical analyses included methods of time-series analysis using Fourier analysis, cross-correlation, and R/S analysis. Relationships could be established between rainfall and well recovery, as well as the persistence and degree of autocorrelation of the water table variations. We further used numerical solutions of the Richards equation to obtain estimates of the recharge rate and seasonable groundwater fluctuations. Seasonable soil moisture transit times through the vadose zone obtained with the numerical solution were very close to those obtained with the cross-correlation analysis. We also employed a little-used deep drainage boundary condition to obtain estimates of seasonable water table fluctuations, which were found to be consistent with observed transient groundwater levels during the period of study.

Nefroblastoma em cão de 4 meses: relato de caso

Renal nephroblastoma is a malignant tumor composed by embryonic tissue that affects mainly puppies. This works reports the occurrence of unilateral renal nephroblastoma in a puppy with four months. The diagnosis was obtained by histopathological examination of mass obtained by exploratory laparotomy, with realization of nephrectomy. The animal died at 15 days post-operatively by the presence of pulmonary metastases. The survival rate with surgical excision of the mass, with or without complementary therapies, can vary with the stage of disease.

rho(0) photoproduction in AuAu collisions at root s(NN)=62.4 GeV measured with the STAR detector

Vector mesons may be photoproduced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions when a virtual photon emitted by one nucleus scatters from the other nucleus, emerging as a vector meson. The STAR Collaboration has previously presented measurements of coherent rho(0) photoproduction at center of mass energies of 130 GeV and 200 GeV in AuAu collisions. Here, we present a measurement of the cross section at 62.4 GeV; we find that the cross section for coherent rho(0) photoproduction with nuclear breakup is 10.5 +/- 1.5 +/- 1.6mb at 62.4 GeV. The cross-section ratio between 200 GeV and 62.4 GeV is 4.4 +/- 0.6, less than is predicted by most theoretical models. It is, however, proportionally much larger than the previously observed 15% +/- 55% increase between 130 GeV and 200 GeV.

Directed and elliptic flow of charged particles in Cu plus Cu collisions at root s(NN)=22.4 GeV

This paper reports results for directed flow v(1) and elliptic flow v(2) of charged particles in Cu + Cu collisions at root s(NN) = 22.4 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The measurements are for the 0-60% most central collisions, using charged particles observed in the STAR detector. Our measurements extend to 22.4-GeV Cu + Cu collisions the prior observation that v1 is independent of the system size at 62.4 and 200 GeV and also extend the scaling of v(1) with eta/y(beam) to this system. The measured v(2)(p(T)) in Cu + Cu collisions is similar for root s(NN) throughout the range 22.4 to 200 GeV. We also report a comparison with results from transport model (ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics and multiphase transport model) calculations. The model results do not agree quantitatively with the measured v(1)(eta), v(2)(p(T)), and v(2)(eta).

Photo-Fenton oxidation of phenol and organochlorides (2,4-DCP and 2,4-D) in aqueous alkaline medium with high chloride concentration

A highly concentrated aqueous saline-containing solution of phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2.4-DCP) was treated by the photo-Fenton process in a system composed of an annular reactor with a quartz immersion well and a medium-pressure mercury lamp (450 W). The study was conducted under special conditions to minimize the costs of acidification and neutralization, which are usual steps in this type of process. Photochemical reactions were carried out to investigate the influence of some process variables such as the initial concentration of Fe2+ ([Fe2+](0)) from 1.0 up to 2.5 mM, the rate in mmol of H2O2 fed into the system (F-H2O2,F-in) from 3.67 up to 7.33 mmol of H2O2/min during 120 min of reaction time, and the initial pH (pH(0)) from 3.0 up to 9.0 in the presence and absence of NaCl (60.0 g/L). Although the optimum pH for the photo-Fenton process is about 3.0, this particular system performed well in experimental conditions starting at alkaline and neutral pH. The results obtained here are promising for industrial applications, particularly in view of the high concentration of chloride, a known hydroxyl radical scavenger and the main oxidant present in photo-Fenton processes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of an extrapolation chamber for low-energy X-rays: Experimental and Monte Carlo preliminary results

The extrapolation chamber is a parallel-plate ionization chamber that allows variation of its air-cavity volume. In this work, an experimental study and MCNP-4C Monte Carlo code simulations of an ionization chamber designed and constructed at the Calibration Laboratory at IFEN to be used as a secondary dosimetry standard for low-energy X-rays are reported. The results obtained were within the international recommendations, and the simulations showed that the components of the extrapolation chamber may influence its response up to 11.0%. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Transcriptomic View of the Proteome Variability of Newborn and Adult Bothrops jararaca Snake Venoms

Background: Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in communities in rural areas of several countries. Bothrops jararaca causes many snake bites in Brazil and previous studies have demonstrated that the pharmacological activities displayed by its venom undergo a significant ontogenetic shift. Similarly, the venom proteome of B. jararaca exhibits a considerable variation upon neonate to adult transition, which is associated with changes in diet from ectothermic prey in early life to endothermic prey in adulthood. Moreover, it has been shown that the Brazilian commercial antibothropic antivenom, which is produced by immunization with adult venom, is less effective in neutralizing newborn venom effects. On the other hand, venom gland transcripts of newborn snakes are poorly known since all transcriptomic studies have been carried out using mRNA from adult specimens. Methods/Principal Findings: Here we analyzed venom gland cDNA libraries of newborn and adult B. jararaca in order to evaluate whether the variability demonstrated for its venom proteome and pharmacological activities was correlated with differences in the structure of toxin transcripts. The analysis revealed that the variability in B. jararaca venom gland transcriptomes is quantitative, as illustrated by the very high content of metalloproteinases in the newborn venom glands. Moreover, the variability is also characterized by the structural diversity of SVMP precursors found in newborn and adult transcriptomes. In the adult transcriptome, however, the content of metalloproteinase precursors considerably diminishes and the number of transcripts of serine proteinases, C-type lectins and bradykinin-potentiating peptides increase. Moreover, the comparison of the content of ESTs encoding toxins in adult male and female venom glands showed some genderrelated differences. Conclusions/Significance: We demonstrate a substantial shift in toxin transcripts upon snake development and a marked decrease in the metalloproteinase P-III/P-I class ratio which are correlated with changes in the venom proteome complexity and pharmacological activities.

A swirler stabilized combustion chamber for a micro-gas turbine fuelled with natural gas

Micro-gas turbines are a good alternative for on-site power generation, since their operation is very reliable. The possibility of operating with various fuels increases versatility and, as a result, the usage of these devices. Focusing on a performance improvement of a tri-fuel low-cost micro-gas turbine, this work presents investigations of the inner flow of its combustion chamber. The aim of this analysis was the characterization of the flame structure by the temperature field of the chamber inner flow. The chamber was fuelled with natural gas. In the current chamber, a swirler and a reversed flow configuration were utilized to provide flame stabilization. The inner flow investigations were done with numerical analysis, which were compared to experimental data. The analysis of the inner flow was done with numerical simulations, which used the RSM turbulence model. A β-PDF equilibrium model was adopted to account for the turbulent combustion process. Different models of heat transfer were compared. Thermal radiation and specially heat conduction in the liner walls played significant roles on results.

Modellazione e simulazione di sistemi meccanici ad elevato numero di gradi di libertà mediante metodi non convenzionali e sistemi CAD

Recent developments in piston engine technology have increased performance in a very significant way. Diesel turbocharged/turbo compound engines, fuelled by jet fuels, have great performances. The focal point of this thesis is the transformation of the FIAT 1900 jtd diesel common rail engine for the installation on general aviation aircrafts like the CESSNA 172. All considerations about the diesel engine are supported by the studies that have taken place in the laboratories of the II Faculty of Engineering in Forlì. This work, mostly experimental, concerns the transformation of the automotive FIAT 1900 jtd – 4 cylinders – turbocharged – diesel common rail into an aircraft engine. The design philosophy of the aluminium alloy basement of the spark ignition engine have been transferred to the diesel version while the pistons and the head of the FIAT 1900 jtd are kept in the aircraft engine. Different solutions have been examined in this work. A first V 90° cylinders version that can develop up to 300 CV and whose weight is 30 kg, without auxiliaries and turbocharging group. The second version is a development of e original version of the diesel 1900 cc engine with an optimized crankshaft, that employ a special steel, 300M, and that is verified for the aircraft requirements. Another version with an augmented stroke and with a total displacement of 2500 cc has been examined; the result is a 30% engine heavier. The last version proposed is a 1600 cc diesel engine that work at 5000 rpm, with a reduced stroke and capable of more than 200 CV; it was inspired to the Yamaha R1 motorcycle engine. The diesel aircraft engine design keeps the bore of 82 mm, while the stroke is reduced to 64.6 mm, so the engine size is reduced along with weight. The basement weight, in GD AlSi 9 MgMn alloy, is 8,5 kg. Crankshaft, rods and accessories have been redesigned to comply to aircraft standards. The result is that the overall size is increased of only the 8% when referred to the Yamaha engine spark ignition version, while the basement weight increases of 53 %, even if the bore of the diesel version is 11% lager. The original FIAT 1900 jtd piston has been slightly modified with the combustion chamber reworked to the compression ratio of 15:1. The material adopted for the piston is the aluminium alloy A390.0-T5 commonly used in the automotive field. The piston weight is 0,5 kg for the diesel engine. The crankshaft is verified to torsional vibrations according to the Lloyd register of shipping requirements. The 300M special steel crankshaft total weight is of 14,5 kg. The result reached is a very small and light engine that may be certified for general aviation: the engine weight, without the supercharger, air inlet assembly, auxiliary generators and high pressure body, is 44,7 kg and the total engine weight, with enlightened HP pump body and the titanium alloy turbocharger is less than 100 kg, the total displacement is 1365 cm3 and the estimated output power is 220 CV. The direct conversion of automotive piston engine to aircrafts pays too huge weight penalties. In fact the main aircraft requirement is to optimize the power to weight ratio in order to obtain compact and fast engines for aeronautical use: this 1600 common rail diesel engine version demonstrates that these results can be reached.