A technological innovation for capsicums production in Peru: the mechatronics arms

Peru agricultural exports have increased in recent years due to (i) free trade agreements with many countries (United States, Canada, European Union, China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Chile, among others), (ii) an increasing international demand for healthy products, (iii) country´s economic development and (iv) more private investments in this sector (Velazco 2012). Also, if we can compare among Peru three main regions (Coast, Andean highlands and the Jungle), It is the Coast (western region) that has a developed agricultural production due to unique weather conditions, private investments, public infrastructure, transport costs and quality of land (Gomez, 2008). This country development is also related to the production of non-traditional products for export like asparagus, artichokes, capsicums, bananas, grapes, among others; produced by agro industrial companies and small farmers and that are mainly labor intensive (Gomez, 2008 and Velazco, 2012). This very successful export diversification and self-discovery process was the result of a combination of strong natural comparative advantages (mainly excellent agro climatic conditions) and a significant innovation effort. It meant the introduction and expansion of new products and markets, the entry of new firms, and experimental research and the adoption of new techniques and process technologies developed abroad (in irrigation, crop management, post-harvesting, sanitary control, storage and packing) to produce high-quality, niche (gourmet) and higher value-added products, in line with consumer trends in sophisticated food markets. In products such as asparagus, mango, organic coffee and capsicums, Peru has become a leading world exporter (OECD). For this reason one of the government main tasks for the next years is to meet urgent agriculture producer’s needs in the areas of technological Innovation and business management (MINAG). In this context, this thesis analyzes the applicability of a new technology – the mechatronic arms – specifically to capsicums production sector in Peru. We chose Capsicums production sector (paprika, chilli pepper) because is mainly labor intensive and is the sector where my family company (DIROSE SAC) operates. This innovation consists in a 40 arms mechatronic combine, and it was first created in order to improve the efficiency on the labor intensive phase of harvest for this kind of agriculture products. It is estimated that a laborer with brief training operating the machine would be equivalent to 40 people that not only would work during daytime, but also on the night shift as well. Also, using this new technology can allow a company to make additional crops that would increase their yields and annual revenues. This thesis was developed as a business plan to make this new product available for other agriculture companies that operates in the capsicums production sector in Peru; however, this new technology has the potential to be modified in order to be available to other kind of agriculture products, in Peru and other countries.

Global supply chain risk management: a multicase study in the mango exportation chain

The purpose of this study is to understand how different members manage risk in the global supply chain. Through a multi-case study of the Brazilian mango exportation chain to the United States, four actors of this chain were investigated: supplier, exporter, importer and logistics operator. A research protocol was developed based on previous research conducted by Christopher, et al. (2011). Main results show that risk management is heterogeneous among members of the mango chain, the exporter is the most penalized by the results of the risk chain and collaboration is the main mitigation strategy observed

O processo de urbanização de Mossorò: dos processos históricos à estrutura urbana atual

The general objective of this academic work is to analyze the relationship between the territorial division and the urban expansion process of Mossoró city, understood here as the production and occupation of space. The urban expansion in Mossoró, since its formation as settlement in 1772 until current days, identifies with the Brazilian urbanization process whose growth is determined by the capitalist development. Thus, the expansion was determined by several economical specializations imposed by the territorial division of work which occurs at an interregional level, and, sometimes at an international level. Then, each specialization determined a moment of the urban expansion of the city, as follows: a) The cattle farmer specialization, between 1772 and 1857, when the urban expansion was shy, is summarized to a commercial square that received goods from Aracati aiming to cover a wide rural area; b) The commercial emporium specialization, between 1857 and 1930, when the urban expansion took an important impulse with the concentration of public and private capitals; c) The salt industry and the agricultural-industrial exporter specialization inside a state of development policy, between 1930 and 1970, when the urban expansion, joined to the settlement of the working class in the urban soil, developed along an important axis -the railway; d) The render of services specialization inside a state of intervention policy, between 1970 and 1990, when the urban expansion was characterized by the accelerated growth rhythm, by the reuse of some spaces, and by space segregation of demanding people; e) The render of services policy inside a neoliberal state policy, since 1990 until current days, when the urban expansion reduced its rhythm abruptly, when only small alterations occurred in the existing spaces. It focused on social policies and on several slums eradication programs. Finally, the territorial structure is deeply articulated with others, no territorial, but economical, social and political, which happens at a national, regional and local rate. Only within a historical and conceptual panorama, it was possible to explain the urban expansion in Mossoró from its formation in 1772 until current days. Therefore, this work is a several discipline analysis of the urbanization process existing in Mossoró

Aspectos econômicos da produção de bovinos de corte

O Brasil ocupa as posições de maior produtor e exportador mundial de carne bovina, com a região Centro-Oeste respondendo por 35% do abate nacional, em 2010. Entretanto, faz-se necessário valorizar o planejamento, o controle e a gestão empresarial nas propriedades produtoras, visando ao lucro na atividade. O presente estudo objetivou analisar e avaliar a viabilidade econômica da produção de bovinos de corte, em Camapuã (MS), a fim de identificar os itens relevantes aos custos da atividade. Como direcionador dos custos variáveis, no custo operacional efetivo, o suplemento mineral fornecido aos animais e a mão de obra mostraram-se relevantes para a gestão do sistema de produção, representando, aproximadamente, 71% dos custos. Com base nos resultados apresentados, pôde-se concluir que a propriedade apresenta boa lucratividade (superior a 20%). Verificou-se, ainda, com base no fluxo de caixa, taxa interna de retorno de 13,13% e capital inicial investido retornando em, aproximadamente, 7 anos, com resultados atrativos para o investimento, neste segmento agropecuário. O estudo proporcionou um parâmetro de custo para o produtor pecuarista, podendo contribuir para um melhor planejamento de atividades, em que, apesar dos altos investimentos iniciais, possivelmente, poderá reduzir seus custos, com o manejo racional no sistema produtivo, o que seria mais atrativo para o mercado, tornando mais viáveis as suas atividades de produção e comercialização do produto.

Equilíbrio líquido-líquido para o sistema biodiesel de óleo de semente de melão (Cucumis melo l.) + metanol + glicerina

Rio Grande do Norte, northeast state from Brazil, it is the greatest producer and exporter of yellow melon, well known as Spanish melon. Despite the consumption of this fruit to be mainly its pulp, melon seeds are an important source of lipids considered an industrial residue it has been discharge product. The use of oilseeds in order to produce biodiesel establishes an important raw material and the increase of its production promotes the national development of the agriculture. In this background, the aim of this work has been to use oil from seeds of yellow melon to produce biodiesel and to accomplish a study of the phase equilibrium of the system evolving biodiesel, methanol and glycerin. The biodiesel was obtained by oil transesterification through methylic route with molar ratio 1:9.7 (oil:alcohol) and with a mass of NaOH of 0.5% from the oil mass; the reaction time was 73 minutes at 55 °C. A yield of 84.94% in biodiesel was achieved. The equilibria data present a well-characterized behavior with a great region of two phases. The tie lines indicate that methanol has a best solubility in the phase that is rich in glycerin. Consistency of the experimental data was made based on Othmer-Tobias and Hand correlations which values above 0.99 were found to correlation coefficients, this fact confers a good thermodynamic consistency to the experimental data. NRTL and UNIQUAC models were employed to predict liquid-liquid equilibrium of this system. It was observed a better concordance of the results when NRTL was applied (standard deviation 1.25%) although the UNIQUAC model has presented a quite satisfactory result either (standard deviation 2.70%). The NRTL and UNIQUAC models were also used to evaluate the effect of temperature in the range of 328 K to 358 K, in which a little change in solubility with respect to the data obtained at 298 K was observed, thus being considered negligible the effect of temperature

Oxygen Diffusion in an Nb-Ta Alloy Measured by Mechanical Spectroscopy

When metals that present bcc crystalline structure receive the addition of interstitial atoms as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon, they undergo significant changes in their physical properties because they are able to dissolve great amounts of those interstitial elements, and thus form solid solutions. Niobium and most of its alloys possess a bcc crystalline structure and, because Brazil is the largest world exporter of this metal, it is fundamental to understand the interaction mechanisms between interstitial elements and niobium or its alloys. In this study, mechanical spectroscopy (internal friction) measurements were performed on Nb-8.9wt%Ta alloys containing oxygen in solid solution. The experimental results presented complex internal friction spectra. With the addition of substitutional solute, interactions between the two types of solutes (substitutional and interstitial) were observed, considering that the random distribution of the interstitial atoms was affected by the presence of substitutional atoms. Interstitial diffusion coefficients, pre-exponential factors and activation energies were calculated for oxygen in this alloy.

Nitrogen diffusion in the Nb-2.0wt%Ti measured by mechanical spectroscopy

Metals that present bcc crystalline structure, when receiving addition of interstitial atoms as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon, undergo significant changes in their physical properties, being able to dissolve great amounts of those interstitial elements, thus forming solid solutions. Niobium and most of its alloys possess bcc crystalline structure and, as Brazil is the largest world exporter of this metal, it is fundamental to understand the interaction mechanisms between interstitial elements and niobium or its alloys. In this paper, mechanical spectroscopy (internal friction) measurements were performed in Nb-2.0wt%Ti alloys containing nitrogen in solid solution. The experimental results presented complex internal friction spectra and with the addition of substitutional solute, it was observed interactions between the two types of solutes (substitutional and interstitial), considering that the random distribution of the interstitial atoms was affected by the presence of substitutional atoms. Interstitial diffusion coefficients, pre-exponential factors and activation energies were calculated for nitrogen in the Nb-2.0wt%Ti alloys.

DINÂMICAS MERCANTIS COLONIAIS : Capitania do Rio Grande do Norte (1760-1821)

The size and dynamics of the market producer, consumer and exporter of the Captaincy of Rio Grande do Norte, in the period between 1760 and 1821 is the primary goal of this dissertation. In order to establish relations between the founding of new towns built from 1750 and its incorporation into the water supply and domestic market, showing more specifically the colonial economic relations established between the coast and the hinterland of the Province. Based on references by authors such as Edward Shils and Immanuel Wallerstein have investigated topics such as formation of colonial space, deployment-action of colonial institutions regarding business practices, and the dynamic market of the Province of Rio Grande do Norte.

Evaluation of figs mutant selections cv. roxo-de-Valinhos

The fig (Ficus carica L.), belonging to the Moraceas family, is one of the most important fruit crops, bringing Brazil to the condition of the tenth largest fig producer and exporter in the world. But the culture presents some problems with plant protection, and in Brazil, it is all implanted with an only cultivar, Roxo-de-Valinhos, which produces seedless fruit, not permitting the conventional improvement. In this sense, the genetic improvement by using mutagenic becomes a very important research line, that can greatly contribute to the culture development. Considering this, this study aimed to evaluate selections of fig originated from mutant plants formed by cuttings from buds irradiated with gamma ray and compare them with the main varieties of the culture in commercial plantation. By using plants originated from 5 traditional fig cultivars cuttings and 5 fig mutant selections (formed by cuttings from Roxo-de-Valinhos buds irradiated with gamma ray, in the dose of 30 Gy), spaced by 2.5 x 1.5 m. The experimental layout was a completely randomized block design, with 10 treatments, 3 repetitions and 5 plants per plot. The evaluations are made from the plants vegetative growth as well as the fruit characteristics. Through data analysis, it seems that there is variability between the mutant selections and with the traditional cultivars, and the treatment PI-189 was superior to the standard cultivar Roxo-de-Valinhos on great commercial characteristics importance, such as "number of fruit per plant", "average weight per fruit" and "productivity", having the same traits, showing itself with enormous potential for future studies.

Avaliação de seleções mutantes de figueira cv. Roxo-de-Valinhos

A figueira (Ficus carica L.), pertencente à família das Moráceas, constitui-se numa das mais importantes frutíferas cultivadas, elevando o Brasil à condição de décimo maior produtor e exportador de figos do mundo. Porém, a ficicultura apresenta alguns problemas fitossanitários, além de, no Brasil, estar toda implantada com uma única cultivar, a Roxo-de-Valinhos, que produz frutos sem sementes, inviabilizando o melhoramento convencional. Nesse sentido, o melhoramento genético, com o uso de mutagênicos, passa a ser uma linha de pesquisa altamente importante, podendo contribuir enormemente para o desenvolvimento da cultura. Diante disto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar seleções mutantes de figueira originadas de plantas formadas por estacas provenientes de gemas irradiadas com raio gama, bem como compará-las com as principais cultivares da cultura em plantio comercial. Utilizou-se de plantas originadas de estacas de 5 cultivares tradicionais de figueira e de cinco seleções de figueiras mutantes (formadas por estacas originadas de gemas da cultivar Roxo-de-Valinhos irradiadas com raio gama, na dose de 30 Gy), cultivadas em espaçamento de 2,5 x 1,5 m. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados, contendo 10 tratamentos, com 3 repetições e 5 plantas por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas a partir do desenvolvimento vegetativo das plantas, bem como as características dos frutos. da análise dos dados, conclui-se que há variabilidade entre as seleções mutantes e destas com as cultivares tradicionais, e que o tratamento PI-189 foi superior à cultivar-padrão Roxo-de-Valinhos em características de grande importância comercial, como número de frutos por planta, massa média por fruto e produtividade, igualando-se nas demais características, mostrando-se, assim, com enorme potencial para posteriores estudos.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE and HUMAN CONSEQUENCES of AFRICANIZED BEE STINGS IN THE AMERICAS

In 1956, Africanized bees began to spread in the American continent from southern Brazil, where original African bees mated with European bees. A few years later, in 1990, these Africanized bees reached the United States and were found in Texas. Currently, these hybrid bees are found in several North American states and will probably reach the Canadian border in the future. Although the presence of Africanized bees had produced positive effects on Brazilian economy, including improvement in crop pollination and in honey production, turning Brazil into a major exporter, the negative impacts-such as swarming, aggressive behavior, and the ability to mass attack-resulted in serious and fatal envenomation with humans and animals. Victims of bee attacks usually develop a severe envenomation syndrome characterized by the release of a large amount of cytokines [interleukins (IL) IL-1, IL-6, IL-8], and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Subsequently, such cytokines produce an acute inflammatory response that triggers adverse effects on skeletal muscles; bone marrow; hepatic and renal functions; and cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. Finally, the aim of the present review is to study historical characteristics and current status of Africanized bees' spread, the composition of their venom, the impact of the bees on the Brazilian economy and ecology, and clinical aspects of their stings including immune response, and to suggest a protocol for bee sting management since there is no safe and effective antivenom available.

Microbiological Evaluation of Chicken Carcasses in an Immersion Chilling System with Water Renewal at 8 and 16 Hours

Since 2004, Brazil has been the leading exporter of chicken. Because of the importance of this sector in the Brazilian economy, food safety must be ensured by control and monitoring of the production stages susceptible to contamination, such as the chilling process. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in microbial levels on chicken carcasses and in chilling water after immersion in a chilling system for 8 and 16 h during commercial processing. An objective of the study was to encourage discussion regarding the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Food Supply regulation that requires chicken processors to completely empty, clean, and disinfect each tank of the chilling system after every 8-h shift. Before and after immersion carcasses were collected and analyzed for mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, conforms, and Escherichia coli. Samples of water from the chilling system were also analyzed for residual free chlorine. The results do not support required emptying of the chiller tank after 8 h; these tanks could be emptied after 16 h. The results for all carcasses tested at the 8- and 16-h time points indicated no significant differences in the microbiological indicators evaluated. These data provide both technical and scientific support for discussing changes in federal law regarding the management of immersion chilling water systems used as part of the poultry processing line.

Avanços na fruticultura tropical no Brasil

Os principais aspectos que marcaram a evolução técnica das culturas do abacaxizeiro, mamoeiro e maracujazeiro no Brasil foram discutidos. em abacaxizeiro, tem-se constatado uma inovação no sistema de comercialização da cv. Smooth Cayenne, que consiste no uso de caixas de papelão ondulado para o mercado interno, cujo objetivo é propiciar uma garantia de sabor inserida em uma marca. O recente lançamento de cultivares resistentes à fusariose, pela Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) (Imperial e Vitória) e IAC (Fantástico), traz novas perspectivas de produtividade. em maracujazeiro, a maior contribuição aos pomares foi dada pelo melhoramento genético, inicialmente voltado apenas para ampliação da produtividade da cultura. No início dos anos 2000, o lançamento das primeiras cultivares de maracujá - mais produtivas e com qualidade de fruta diferenciada para os dois segmentos de mercado (frutas frescas e agroindústria), transformou o cenário produtivo brasileiro. Com a criação de um sistema organizado de produção e comercialização de sementes e mudas selecionadas, ampliou-se significativamente a qualidade dos pomares. Atualmente, a disponibilidade de novas cultivares tolerantes à virose (VEFM) e cultivares regionais passou a representar um diferencial para a cultura. em mamoeiro, destaca-se a ocorrência do Mosaico do Mamoeiro (Monte Alto-SP, 1967), que determinou a migração da cultura pelo Estado e sua expulsão para outros estados, até sua fixação na Bahia e no Espírito Santo, os maiores produtores nacionais. Comparam-se as técnicas utilizadas nos diferentes períodos de produção, antes e depois do surgimento do mosaico, que permitiram ao Brasil lançar-se no mercado externo, tornando-se o maior exportador mundial de mamão, com lavouras produtivas e frutos de ótima qualidade. Nesta evolução, soma-se a contribuição do melhoramento genético, que disponibilizou sementes de alta qualidade, com reflexos nas práticas culturais e de propagação. São apresentadas de colheita e de pós-colheita diferenciadas que resultaram em melhorias no padrão de qualidade das frutas exportadas para o mercado europeu e norte-americano.

Modelos estatísticos indicadores de comportamentos associados a bem-estar térmico para matrizes pesadas

O estudo de reprodutoras de frangos de corte é de grande importância para o País, uma vez que o frango de corte é um dos maiores itens agropecuários em exportação, sendo o Brasil o segundo maior exportador mundial dessa carne. O comportamento animal é conceituado como reflexo do efeito da interação de diversos fatores, entre os quais o ambiental. Dessa forma, o ambiente interno do galpão de produção constitui um dos elementos que fornecem indicações sobre o conforto térmico das aves. O comportamento de matrizes expressa, sob a forma de padrões específicos, a saúde e o bem-estar dessas aves. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a aplicação dos modelos estatísticos preditivos, por meio da construção de cenários, apresentando resultados do conforto animal perante diversas condições ambientais. O trabalho foi desenvolvido com dados coletados em ambiente controlado, utilizando a linhagem Hybro-PG®, submetida a diferentes níveis de temperatura ambiente, tipos padronizados de ração e idade. Foram procedidas as análises descritiva e exploratória e, posteriormente, a modelagem, utilizando as Equações de Estimação Generalizadas (EEG). A pesquisa permitiu o desenvolvimento de indicadores de bem-estar térmico por meio das equações dos modelos estatísticos de predição, sob os distintos cenários estudados.

The People's Republic of China and Latin America and the Caribbean: towards a strategic relationship

Includes bibliography