Ent-kaurane diterpenoids and other constituents from the stem of Xylopia laevigata (Annonaceae)

Phytochemical investigation of the hexane extract from the stem of Xylopia laevigata led to the isolation of the ent-kaurane diterpenoids, ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, 4-epi-kaurenic acid, ent-16β-hydroxy-17-acetoxy-kauran-19-al, ent-3β-hydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, and ent-16β,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid, as well as spathulenol and a mixture of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. The identification of the compounds was performed on the basis of spectrometric methods including GC-MS, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR. Potent larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae with LC50 of 62.7 µg mL-1 was found for ent-3β-hydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid. This compound also showed significant antifungal activity against Candida glabrata and Candida dubliniensis with MIC values of 62.5 µg mL-1.

Variação na cobertura vegetal nativa em São Paulo: um panorama do conhecimento atual

Studies in several countries have shown the occurrence of forest transition, when forest cover increase overcomes the loss by deforestation. In Brazil, although deforestation is still higher than afforestation, this relationship may be inverse in some regions. Recent assessments suggest the tendency of the state of São Paulo towards forest transition. Aiming to analyze forest transition evidence and facilitate the use of existing information, we review data on native vegetation cover variation in São Paulo from four data sources (Instituto Florestal, SOS MataAtlântica/INPE, IBGE and CATI/IEA). Our results indicate that discrepancies among these assessments may be accounted by differences in methodologies and objectives. We highlight their common grounds and discuss possibilities to harmonize their information.

Avaliação de danos mecânicos causados em banana Nanicão durante as etapas de beneficiamento, transporte e embalagem

This study had as objective the evaluation of mechanical damages occurred in banana Nanicão during the improvement process, packing and distribution, identifying the probable critical points. The mechanical damages caused by transport, first cleaning; cleanness and sorting; preservation in the packing, transport, and mature were evaluated. The studied packing had been: torito wooden packing (18 kg), wood type ½ box, (13 kg) and cardboard (18 kg). The stage of preservation and transport of the fruits to the distribution center duplicated the light defects and quintupled the serious defects, causing rottenness after the acclimatization. The cardboard packing did not support the piling up and presented deformations, that resulted in the kneading the fruits of the inferior packing, causing a significant increase of the serious defects. The fruits conditioned in the involved packing of plastic bubble had presented an inferior number of serious damages when compared with the others packing, without the plastic.

Índice de previsão de produção de leite para vacas Jersey

In Brazil the adoption of several models of cattle confinement leads to special conditions for management methods in dairy production, which can be improved by the use of technology that assures better herd management. Indexes relating environmental variables to production are applied for the prediction of milk production. The values of temperature and relative humidity, rain index, solar radiation and pasture soil temperature are generally considered potential stress agents for cows. The objective of this research was to develop an index for predicting milk production for high productivity Jersey milking cows lodged in semi confinement in tropical conditions. The experiment considered two treatments: A - the cows waited for 30 minutes prior to milking in a room with a shower associated to a fan; B - the cows did not have access to this room (control). Other than the waiting period, the cows had access to pasture. Differences in the effect of average production were not statistically significant. The analysis for studying the effect of the variables and designing the model led to a statistical model relating the variables milk production and rain index, as well as the maximum soil temperature of pasture, and milk production.

Influência da embalagem de polietileno de baixa densidade e da temperatura na conservação do repolho minimamente processado

This research studied the effect of low density polyethylene packaging and storage temperature on the preservation of fresh-cut (minimally processed) cabbage. The cabbages, previously cooled to a temperature of 10 ºC, were selected, washed, cut in four parts (with the central stalk removed), sanitized, cut in strips, rinsed, put in the centrifuge, weighed and stored in plastic packaging of low density polyethylene (70 µm), and then stored in cold chambers at temperatures of 1 and 10 ºC for 20 days. The following aspects were evaluated: carbon dioxide, oxygen and ethylene in the internal atmosphere of the package as well as, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, loss of fresh mass and the total soluble solids/acidity in the fresh-cut cabbage ratio. The experimental design was entirely casual, with three repetitions. The analysis parameters, except for the vitamin C, loss of fresh mass and ethylene, presented significant variation between the temperatures and days of storage. The cabbage stored at a temperature of 1 ºC presented a shelf life of around 15 days, significantly higher than that stored at 10 ºC. At this temperature, on the 8th day of storage, the product was completely decayed, unfit for commercialization or consumption.

Sistema de monitoramento de perdas visíveis de cana-de-açúcar em colhedora de cana picada

In the last few years the sugar-cane mechanical harvested area has increased, especially in regions with appropriated slop. The use of this technology brings some inconveniences, such as, the increase in the percentage of extraneous matter, which causes the reduction of technological quality of the raw material, and losses in the field. Extraneous matter (trash) is composed of tops and leaves in major percentage, plus soil and roots, and eventually some metal parts. In the green cane harvest system the percentage of extraneous matter has a tendency to increase due to the great amount of vegetal matter to be processed. The increase in the blower fan speed to reduce the amount of extraneous matter can lead to an unacceptable economic level of raw material losses. The main objective of this work was, using a cane loss monitor, to evaluate and quantify the amount of visible losses of sugar cane through the primary extractor at two different fan speeds. Afterwards these losses were related to the harvester cleaning efficiency. The piezoelectric transducer shows a reasonable sensibility. The results show that the cleaning efficiency in the primary extractor (85% mean), the cane losses (between 5.68% and 2.15%) and fan speed are interrelated. The total losses and specially splinters (between 3.19% and 0.91%), showed a significant difference among the treatments.

Teores de nutrientes na alface irrigada com água residuária aplicada por sistemas de irrigação

A trial was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition in the aerial part of lettuce, cv. 'Elisa', irrigated with wastewater treated with constructed wetland and source deposit water, grown on a Rhodic Hapludox Soil, using the irrigation systems sprinkle, subsurface drip and surface drip irrigation. The experiment was carried out from August 17th to October 3rd of 2001 and the chemical analyses of the lettuce were accomplished to 47 days after transplanting of the seedling. The aerial part of the lettuce was analyzed as for the levels of total nitrogen, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, sodium, boron, cobalt and molybdenum. The sodium and the sulfur presented higher levels than the maximum suitable in the aerial part of the lettuce and the smallest level of magnesium, while other chemical elements analyzed were normal and appropriate considering the standard for well-nourished plants, not being influenced by the water type. The sodium was the chemical element that presented the highest levels in the aerial part of the lettuce in the treatments irrigated with wastewater, presenting significant difference in relationship to the treatments irrigated with source deposit water in the three irrigation systems. The use of the different irrigation systems by the application of wastewater treated with constructed wetland did not interfere in the levels of nutrients in the aerial part of the lettuce.

Determinação da difusividade efetiva de raiz de chicória

Inulin is a fructooligosacharide found in diverse agricultural products, amongst them garlic, banana, Jerusalem artichoke and chicory root. Inulin generally is used in developed countries, as a substitute of sugar and/or fat due to its characteristics of fitting as functional and dietary food. Chicory root is usually used as source and raw material for commercial extration of inulin. The experiments consisted on drying sliced chicory roots based on a factorial experimental design in a convective dryer whose alows the air to pass perpendicularly through the tray. Effective diffusivity (dependent variable) has been determined for each experimental combination of independent variables (air temperature and velocity). The data curves have been fitted by the solution of the second Fick law and Page's model. Effective difusivity varied from 3.51 x 10-10 m² s-1 to 1.036 x 10-10 m² s-1. It is concluded that, for the range of studied values, air temperature is the only statistically significant variable. So, a first order mathematical model was obtained, representing effective diffusivity behavior as function of air temperature. The best drying condition was correspondent to the trial using the highest drying air temperature.

Durabilidade de compósito biomassa vegetal-cimento modificado por polímero

The durability of the cellulose-cement composites is a decisive factor to introduce such material in the market. Polymers have been used in concrete and mortar production to increase its durability. The goal of this work was the physical and mechanical characterization of cellulose-cement composites modified by a polymer and the subsequent durability evaluation. The work also evaluated the dispersion of acrylic polymer in composites made of Pinus caribaea residues. The physical properties observed were water absorption by immersion and bulk density. Rupture modulus and toughness were determined by flexural test. The specimens were obtained from pads, produced by pressing and wet curing. Samples were subjected to accelerated aging tests by repeated wetting and drying cycles and hot-water bath and natural aging. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed verifying the fiber and composite characteristics along the time. For the composite range analyzed, it was observed the polymer improved the mechanical properties of composites besides a significant decreasing in water absorption. The use of polymer improved the performance of vegetable fiber-cement composites when compared to the conventional mortar, due to water absorption decreasing.

Efeitos da temperatura do ar, linhagem e período do dia nas freqüências de ocorrências e tempos de expressão comportamental de matrizes pesadas

Behavioral adjustments may occur fast and with less cost than the physiological adaptations. Considering the social behavior is suggestive that the frequency and the intensity of aggressive interactions, the total social cohesion and the extent of vicious attitudes may be used to evaluate welfare. This research presents an analysis of the interactions between the experimental factors such as temperature, genetic and time of the day in the behavior of female broiler breeders under controlled environment in a climatic chamber in order to enhance the different reaction of the birds facing distinct environmental conditions. The results showed significant differences between the behaviors expressed by the studied genetics presenting the need of monitoring them in real-time in order to predict their welfare in commercial housing, due to the complexity of the environmental variables that interfere in the well being process. The research also concluded that the welfare evaluation of female broiler breeders needs to consider the time of the day during the observation of the behaviors.

Profundidade de deposição de semente de milho na região dos Campos Gerais, Paraná

No Tillage system is fully incorporated to farming in the region of Campos Gerais, state of Paraná. Accuracy and precision in the planting process are items of great importance for the success of this system. In order to evaluate the planting process, thirty eight farms were selected as sites for analysis of the placement depth of seeds. The research area was 4 or 5 planting rows, evaluating 10 plantlets per row. The average seed depth was around 46 mm, and significant differences between rows were observed in 21 areas. The average coefficient of variation was around 20%, the statistical limit between medium and high. Analyses of other parameters show that those coefficients may represent different errors in the process. The planting process in Campos Gerais can be considered efficient regarding to the average seed depth. However, the analysis of variability implies de need of actions concerning to anthropic and machinery factors.

Administração limpa e enxuta em sistemas hidráulicos de colhedoras de cana-de-açúcar

Among the important changes in the production processes, it is necessary to guarantee the sustainability of the human enterprises, what makes us to foresee changes in the managerial administration to adapt to a new model, with the insert of the concepts of Clean Production, Cleaner, Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). The main focus of this work was to elaborate a methodology that made it possible to guarantee the reliability in the waterworks of the sugarcane harvester, identifying and analyzing the manners of flaws, in order to result in the improvement of the environmental and socioeconomic quality in the atmosphere of an industry of sugarcane through the significant decrease of hydraulic oil spill. Through the existent report in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), used in a Sugarcane Industry Plant, it was possible to accompany of the operational acting of the sugarcane harvester used during 03 crops, regarding the manners of flaws in the waterworks of the same ones, and, in one of the crops it was elaborated the total control of the waterworks of 5 harvesters. Based on the obtained data and the developed methodology it was possible to develop a software that specifies the electric outlet of decisions.

The relationship between physical aspects of quality of life and extreme levels of regular physical activity in adults

This study aimed to check for any significant differences in perceived quality of life, specifically aspects of a physical nature, among volunteers who are more physically active and those less physically active in a university community. The sample consisted of 1,966 volunteers in a university community in Brazil. To assess physical activity levels, volunteers responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and to analyse the perception of quality of life they responded to WHOQOL-bref, which is classified into three groups according to level of physical activity, taking into account the metabolic equivalent index (MET) over a full week. For comparison, consideration was given to the first and third tertiles, respectively, namely groups of more and less active students. The results indicated that individuals who engaged in more physical activity had a more positive perception of quality of life compared to those who were less active in physical aspects related to the ability to work, energy for day-to-day activities and locomotion.

Brazilian multicentre study of common mental disorders in primary care: rates and related social and demographic factors

Mental health problems are common in primary health care, particularly anxiety and depression. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics in primary care in Brazil (Family Health Strategy). It involved a multicenter cross-sectional study with patients from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Fortaleza (Ceará State) and Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul State), assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The rate of mental disorders in patients from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Fortaleza and Porto Alegre were found to be, respectively, 51.9%, 53.3%, 64.3% and 57.7% with significant differences between Porto Alegre and Fortaleza compared to Rio de Janeiro after adjusting for confounders. Prevalence proportions of mental problems were especially common for females, the unemployed, those with less education and those with lower incomes. In the context of the Brazilian government's moves towards developing primary health care and reorganizing mental health policies it is relevant to consider common mental disorders as a priority alongside other chronic health conditions.

Produção de serapilheira e decomposição do material foliar em um cerradão na Estação Ecológica de Jataí, município de Luiz Antônio, SP, Brasil

We estimate litter production and leaf decomposition rate in a cerradão area, physiognomy little studied and very threatened in São Paulo State. During the period of study, litter production was 5646.9 kg.ha-1.year-1, which the 'leaf' fraction corresponded to 4081.2 kg.ha¹.year¹; the 'branch' fraction, to 1066.1 kg.ha-1.year-1; the 'reproductive structures' fraction, to 434.1 kg.ha-1.year-1; and the 'miscellaneous' fraction to 65.5 kg.ha-1.year-1. Litter production was highly seasonal and negatively correlated with relative humidity and air temperature. Leaf production was negatively correlated with relative humidity, rainfall, and air temperature. There was no significant difference between litter production found in this study and those in two other sites with cerradão and semideciduous forest, but these physiognomies differed significantly from the cerrado sensu stricto. Leaf decomposition rate (K) was 0.56. Half-life of the decomposing material was 1.8 years and turnover time was 2.3 years.