Desempenho de pontas de pulverização quanto a indução de ar nas gotas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Adjuvantes na deposição de aplicações aéreas e terrestres

The Asian rust currently is the main disease of soybean culture, having as characteristics the difficult control, by start at the bottom of plants where penetration of the droplets is harder. The fine droplets has been used with the intention of improve the penetration and increase efficiency of agrochemicals, but that are losses by drift easily. New products have been developed to increase deposition of the drops at targets. The aim of this work was evaluate the TA- 35 capacity to improving the deposition of fungicides spray solution with or without mineral oil by aerial and ground applications. Was used a factorial 3x2, three spray solutions composed by Priori Xtra (concentrated suspension of azoxystrobin 200 g L-1 + cyproconazole 80 g L-1 ) mixed with adjuvants, Nimbus (emulsifiable concentrate containing aliphatic hydrocarbons 428 g L-1 ) and TA-35 (soluble concentrate containing sodium lauryl ether sulfate, surfactants, sequestering agents and emulsifiers), in aerial and ground applications. In ground applications was used 50 L ha-1 , TXA 8002 VS spray nozzles and on aerials was used 15 L ha-1 , Turboaero atomizer, both applying fine droplets. Was utilized the Brilliant Blue (FD & C n. 1) tracer to determine the deposits. There were used glass slides as targets to collect spray droplets. After to extract the tracer of the targets using distilled water, the samples were analyzed by spectrophotometry, thereby was possible quantify the tracer deposited on each glass slide. A study to evaluate possible losses of the tracer by degradation or retention also was done. The comparative analysis of treatments was done by statistical method "Confidence Interval for Differences Between the Averages" with 95% of confidence degree (IC95%). There was degradation or retention of the tracer between the processes of application of the droplets and the processing of the samples. The deposition averages with the presence of TA-35 were greatest for both sprayers however, there were not significant differences among the treatments. The viability of TA-35 use may consider other parameters or complementary studies.

Caracterização física e química e potencial de deriva de caldas contendo surfatantes em pulverizações agrícolas

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different surfactants in physical and chemical properties of spray solutions, droplets spectra and drift potential on agricultural spraying. The surfactants and concentrations (v v-1) were: Haiten (0.1%), Antideriva and Intec (0.05% and 0.1%). The following characteristics were analyzed: surface tension, viscosity, density and electric conductivity. The droplet size spectrum was determined by a laser particle analyzer (Mastersizer S®, version 2.15) including measurements of volume medium diameter (VMD), the percent of droplets below 50 and 100 μm (V50 e V100) and index span. In order to estimate the drift potential, a series of wind tunnel tests were performed with a Teejet XR 8003 flat fan nozzle at 200 kPa (medium droplets) used to apply the spray solutions containing water, the adjuvants and a food color dye (Brilliant blue FD & C no 1) at 0,6% m v-1. The drift was collected on nylon strips transversally fixed along the tunnel at different distances from the nozzle and different high from the bottom part of the tunnel. Drift deposits were evaluated by spectrophotometry. The results showed that the addition of adjuvants changed physical and chemical properties of spray solutions in different magnitudes according to the surfactant. Surfactants changed the droplet spectrum and drift potential, indicating that higher VMD and smaller V100 induced higher percentage of drift.

Aproveitamento energético de uma planta de sulfatação

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Nanopartículas de CeO2 modificadas com Er obtidas pelo método hidrotermal microondas: estudo fotoluminescente

The development of nanostructured materials have aroused great interest of the industries all over the country, since they enable the development of devices that can be used as gate insulators on silicon transistors, electrochromic devices, solid electrolyte oxygen sensors and as a photoluminescent materials . In this project, it is proposed to investigate the optical properties of CeO2 modified with rare earth Er processed in hydrothermal-microwave. The synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures (1D) was measured from dilute aqueous solutions of acids and salts of starting reagents in the presence of chemical basis, after these aqueous solutions were processed on hydrothermal-microwave to particle growth. The particles obtained after processing were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Rietveld Analysis and Raman Spectroscopy. The particle morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun. The synthesis of 1D nanostructures are evaluated for different surfactants and starting precursors (ceria different salts), pH, temperature and pressure which can modify the morphology of the nanostructures. Combining laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations it was desired to understand the organization of the nanoparticles and their resulting structure. Strict control of chemical homogeneity, crystal structure, microstructure and interaction of the CeO2 cluster with different surfactants using the Hartree-Fock method, was intended to obtain properties compatible with their use in catalysts and optical devices. The use of mineralizer agent KOH and 8 minutes of processing time synthesis conditions were chosen to evaluate the effect of Er dopant. It has been proved that this doping with rare earth increases the photoluminescent properties of the compound obtained without change the structural and morphological propreties of ceria

SEASONAL, HABITAT AND SEX-SPECIFIC PATTERNS OF FOOD UTILIZATION BY RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS (Agelaius phoeniceous) IN EASTERN ONTARIO AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Crop depredation by red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) causes serious economic losses to agricultural crops each year in both Canada and the United States. The concentration of vulnerable, monocultural crops, particularly corn, during periods when large flocks of blackbirds congregate in roosting areas prior to migration has invariably led to heavy feeding pressure (Stone et al., 1972; Wiens and Dyer, 1975; Tyler et al., 1978). Efforts to reduce damage levels by mechanical and chemical dispersal agents have been largely unsuccessful, at least in terms of a long-term solution to the problem. Recently, the lethal control of blackbird populations using surfactants has been proposed. However, the potential repercussions of the removal of substantial numbers of birds from northern breeding areas are virtually unknown (Robertson et al., 1978). Much of the research dealing with the feeding ecology of red-winged blackbirds has been limited to fall and winter periods when large aggregations of birds are actively involved in crop depredation (Goddad, 1969; Williams, 1976; Dolbeer et al., 1978) or pose a potential health hazard (Monroe and Cronholm, 1976). However, what is not known is the degree to which the removal of deleterious weed seed and insect pests cited in several studies (Bird and Smith, 1964; Mott et al., 1972; Robertson et al., 1978) might be of potential value to agriculture. The issue of whether the benefits derived from redwing foraging compensate for the negative aspects associated with crop depredation and health hazards remains largely unresolved. The present study attempted to evaluate the pest status of this species using diet information derived from food habits analysis conducted during the residency of red- winged blackbirds in a northern breeding area. By determining how the feeding ecology of red-winged blackbirds varies on a seasonal basis, among different breeding habitats and between sexes, we hoped to determine more realistically which segments of the population might be responsible for the greatest benefits or detriments and, thereby, more accurately evaluate the economic impact of the species as a whole. To achieve this aim, the study provides an accurate description of the common insects and weed pests utilized by redwings. By determining the relative proportions of those items known to be detrimental, we hoped to illustrate, at least qualitatively, the degree to which redwing foraging is comprised of both beneficial and harmful components.

Nanopartículas de CeO2 modificadas com Er obtidas pelo método hidrotermal microondas: estudo fotoluminescente

The development of nanostructured materials have aroused great interest of the industries all over the country, since they enable the development of devices that can be used as gate insulators on silicon transistors, electrochromic devices, solid electrolyte oxygen sensors and as a photoluminescent materials . In this project, it is proposed to investigate the optical properties of CeO2 modified with rare earth Er processed in hydrothermal-microwave. The synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures (1D) was measured from dilute aqueous solutions of acids and salts of starting reagents in the presence of chemical basis, after these aqueous solutions were processed on hydrothermal-microwave to particle growth. The particles obtained after processing were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Rietveld Analysis and Raman Spectroscopy. The particle morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun. The synthesis of 1D nanostructures are evaluated for different surfactants and starting precursors (ceria different salts), pH, temperature and pressure which can modify the morphology of the nanostructures. Combining laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations it was desired to understand the organization of the nanoparticles and their resulting structure. Strict control of chemical homogeneity, crystal structure, microstructure and interaction of the CeO2 cluster with different surfactants using the Hartree-Fock method, was intended to obtain properties compatible with their use in catalysts and optical devices. The use of mineralizer agent KOH and 8 minutes of processing time synthesis conditions were chosen to evaluate the effect of Er dopant. It has been proved that this doping with rare earth increases the photoluminescent properties of the compound obtained without change the structural and morphological propreties of ceria

Variations in Structure Explain the Viscometric Behavior of AOT Microemulsions at Low Water/AOT Molar Ratios

The viscosity of AOT/water/decane water-in-oil microemulsions exhibits a well-known maximum as a function of water/AOT molar ratio, which is usually attributed to increased attractions among nearly spherical droplets. The maximum can be removed by adding salt or by changing the oil to CCl4. Systematic small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements have been used to monitor the structure of the microemulsion droplets in the composition regime where the maximum appears. On increasing the droplet concentration, the scattering intensity is found to scale with the inverse of the wavevector, a behavior which is consistent with cylindrical structures. The inverse wavevector scaling is not observed when the molar ratio is changed, moving the system away from the value corresponding to the viscosity maximum. It is also not present in the scattering from systems containing enough added salt to essentially eliminate the viscosity maximum. An asymptotic analysis of the SAXS data, complemented by some quantitative modeling, is consistent with cylindrical growth of droplets as their concentration is increased. Such elongated structures are familiar from related AOT systems in which the sodium counterion has been exchanged for a divalent one. However, the results of this study suggest that the formation of non-spherical aggregates at low molar ratios is an intrinsic property of AOT.

Lethal effects of abamectin on the aquatic organisms Daphnia similis, Chironomus xanthus and Danio rerio

Abamectin is used as an acaricide and insecticide for fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, as well as a parasiticide for animals. One of the major problems of applying pesticides to crops is the likelihood of contaminating aquatic ecosystems by drift or runoff. Therefore, toxicity tests in the laboratory are important tools to predict the effects of chemical substances in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the potential hazards of abamectin to the freshwater biota and consequently the possible losses of ecological services in contaminated water bodies. For this purpose, we identified the toxicity of abamectin on daphnids, insects and fish. Abamectin was highly toxic, with an EC50 48 h for Daphnia similis of 5.1 ng L-1, LC50 96 h for Chironomus xanthus of 2.67 mu g L-1 and LC50 48 h for Danio rerio of 33 mu g L-1. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sardinian goat's milk as source of bacteriocinogenic potential protective cultures

Goat breeding in Sardinia constitutes an important source of income for farming and shepherding activities. In this study 170 LAB strains were isolated from Sardinian goat's milk and tested for bacteriocins production against several food-borne pathogenic microorganisms. Four isolates (SD1, SD2, SD3 and SD4) were selected for their effective inhibition on Listeria monocytogenes. The strains were classified as members of Enterococcus genus, according to their biochemical and physiological characteristics, and then genetically identified as Enterococcus faecium. In MRS broth at 37 degrees C, bacteriocins SD1 and SD2 were produced at much higher levels (51200 AU/ml) compared to bacteriocin SD3 (3200 AU/ml) and bacteriocin SD4 (800 AU/ml). Their peptides were inactivated by proteolytic enzymes, but not when treated with alpha-amylase, catalase and lipase. The four bacteriocins remained stable at pH from 2.0 to 12.0, after exposure to 100 degrees C for 120 min and were not affected by the presence of surfactants and salts (N-Laourylsarcosine, NaCl, SDS, Triton X-100, Tween 20, Tween 80 and urea). Their molecular size was determined to be approximately 5 kDa by tricine-SDS-PAGE. Since the strains exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity against 21 L monocytogenes strains and 6 Salmonella spp. isolates, they should be considered as potential bio-preservatives cultures for fermented food productions. Moreover, due to their technological features, the four strains could be taken in account for using as adjunct NSLAB (non-starter lactic acid bacteria) rather than as starter culture. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Water-in-Oil Micro-Emulsion Enhances the Secondary Structure of a Protein by Confinement

A scheme is presented in which an organic solvent environment in combination with surfactants is used to confine a natively unfolded protein inside an inverse microemulsion droplet. This type of confinement allows a study that provides unique insight into the dynamic structure of an unfolded, flexible protein which is still solvated and thus under near-physiological conditions. In a model system, the protein osteopontin (OPN) is used. It is a highly phosphorylated glycoprotein that is expressed in a wide range of cells and tissues for which limited structural analysis exists due to the high degree of flexibility and large number of post-translational modifications. OPN is implicated in tissue functions, such as inflammation and mineralisation. It also has a key function in tumour metastasis and progression. Circular dichroism measurements show that confinement enhances the secondary structural features of the protein. Small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering show that OPN changes from being a flexible protein in aqueous solution to adopting a less flexible and more compact structure inside the microemulsion droplets. This novel approach for confining proteins while they are still hydrated may aid in studying the structure of a wide range of natively unfolded proteins.

Application of bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus mundtii CRL35 and Enterococcus faecium ST88Ch in the control of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh Minas cheese

Several strains of Enterococcus spp. are capable of producing bacteriocins with antimicrobial activity against important bacterial pathogens in dairy products. In this study, the bacteriocins produced by two Enterococcus strains (Enterococcus mundtii CRL35 and Enterococcus faecium ST88Ch), isolated from cheeses, were characterized and tested for their capability to control growth of Listeria monocytogenes 426 in experimentally contaminated fresh Minas cheese during refrigerated storage. Both strains were active against a variety of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms and bacteriocin absorption to various L. monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19443 and Lactobacillus sakei ATCC 15521 varied according to the strain and the testing conditions (pH, temperature, presence of salts and surfactants). Growth of L. monocytogenes 426 was inhibited in cheeses containing E. mundtii CRL35 up to 12 days at 8 degrees C, evidencing a bacteriostatic effect. E. faecium ST88Ch was less effective, as the bacteriostatic affect occurred only after 6 days at 8 degrees C. In cheeses containing nisin (12.5 mg/kg), less than one log reduction was observed. This research underlines the potential application of E. mundtii CRL35 in the control of L. monocytogenes in Minas cheese. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DNA - novel nanomaterial for applications in photonics and in electronics

Functionalization with surfactants and with active molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), thin film processing as well as their nonlinear optical and electrical properties are reviewed and discussed. On the basis of a quantum three level model, we show that the anomalous concentration variation of cubic susceptibility chi((3))(-3 omega; omega, omega, omega) in thin films of DNA-CTMA complexes doped with Disperse Red 1 chromophore can be explained by the concentration variation of two-photon resonance contribution. We show also that the DNA complexes, plasticized with glycerol and adequately doped can be processed into self standing conducting membranes with a high electrical conductivity. The measured ionic conductivity at room temperature, depending on dopant used and its concentration, is in the range of 3.5 x 10(-4)-10(-5) S/cm and increases linearly as a function of temperature, reaching 10(-3) S/cm at 358 K for the most conducting sample, obeying predominantly the Arrhenius law. Practical applications of DNA complexes are also described and discussed. (C) 2012 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Interfacial concentrations of chloride and bromide in zwitterionic micelles with opposite dipoles: Experimental determination by chemical trapping and a theoretical description

Interfacial concentrations of chloride and bromide ions, with Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, trimethylammonium (TMA(+)), Ca2+, and Mg2+ as counterions, were determined by chemical trapping in micelles formed by two zwitterionic surfactants, namely N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (HPS) and hexadecylphosphorylcholine (HDPC) micelles. Appropriate standard curves for the chemical trapping method were obtained by measuring the product yields of chloride and bromide salts with 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzenediazonium (BF4) in the presence of low molecular analogs (N,N,N-trimethyl-propane sulfonate and methyl-phosphorylcholine) of the employed surfactants. The experimentally determined values for the local Br- (Cl-) concentrations were modeled by fully integrated non-linear Poisson Boltzmann equations. The best fits to all experimental data were obtained by considering that ions at the interface are not fixed at an adsorption site but are free to move in the interfacial plane. In addition, the calculation of ion distribution allowed the estimation of the degree of ion coverage by using standard chemical potential differences accounting for ion specificity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Chameleon-Like Nature of Zwitterionic Micelles: Effect of Cation Binding

Addition of salts, especially perchlorates, to zwitterionic micelles of SB3-14, C(14)H(29)NMe(2)(+)(CH(2))(3)SO(3)(-), induces anionic character and uptake of H(3)O(+) by SB3-14 micelles. Thus, the addition of alkali metal perchlorates accelerates the acid hydrolysis of 2-(p-heptoxypheny1)-1,3-dioxolane, HPD, in the presence of SB3-14 micelles, which depends on the local proton concentration at the micelle surface. The addition of metal chlorides to solutions of such perchlorate-modified SB3-14 micelles decreases both the negative zeta potential of the micelles and the observed rate constant for acid hydrolysis of HPD. The effect of the monovalent cations Li(+), Na(+), and K(+) is smaller than that of the divalent cations Be(2+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+), and much smaller than that of the trivalent cations Al(3+), La(3+), and Er(3+). The major factor responsible for this cation valence dependence of these effects is shown to be electrostatic in nature, reflecting the strong dependence of the micellar surface potential on the cation valence. The fact that the salt effects are not identical after correction for the electrostatic effects indicates that additional secondary nonelectrostatic effects may contribute as well.