Photosynthetic performance of freshwater Rhodophyta in response to temperature, irradiance, pH and diurnal rhythm

Responses of net photosynthetic rates to temperature, irradiance, pH/inorganic carbon and diurnal rhythm were analyzed in 15 populations of eight freshwater red algal species in culture and natural conditions. Photosynthetic rates were determined by oxygen concentration using the light and dark bottles technique. Parameters derived from the photosynthesis-irradiance curves indicated adaptation to low irradiance for all freshwater red algae tested, confirming that they tend to occur under low light regimes. Some degree of photoinhibition (β = -0.33-0.01 mg O2 g-1 DW h-1 (μmol photons m-2 s-1)-1) was found for all species/populations analyzed, whereas light compensation points (lc) were very low (≤ 2 μmol photons m- photons s-1) for most algae tested. Saturation points were low for all algae tested (lk = 6-54 μmol photons m-2 S-1; lS = 20-170 μmol photons m-2 s-1). Rates of net photosynthesis and dark respiration responded to the variation in temperature. Optimum temperature values for net photosynthesis were variable among species and populations so that best performances were observed under distinct temperature conditions (10, 15, 20 or 25°C). Rates of dark respiration exhibited an increasing trend with temperature, with highest values under 20-25°C. Results from pH experiments showed best photosynthetic performances under pH 8.5 or 6.5 for all but one species, indicating higher affinity for inorganic carbon as bicarbonate or indistinct use of bicarbonate and free carbon dioxide. Diurnal changes in photosynthetic rates revealed a general pattern for all algae tested, which was characterized by two relatively clear peaks, with some variations around it: a first (higher) during the morning (07.00-11.00 hours.) and a second (lower) in the afternoon (14.00-18.00 hours). Comparative data between the 'Chantransia' stage and the respective gametophyte for one Batrachospermum population revealed higher values (ca 2-times) in the latter, much lower than previously reported. The physiological role of the 'Chantransia' stage needs to be better analyzed.

Performance of constructed wetland system for public water supply

The project is being conducted in the town of Analândia, São Paulo, Brazil. The constructed wetlands system for water supply consists of a channel with floating aquatic macrophytes, HDS system (Water Decontamination with Soil - Patent PI 850.3030), chlorinating system, filtering system and distribution. The project objectives include investigating the process variables to further optimize design and operation factors, evaluating the relation of nutrients and plants development, biomass production, shoot development, nutrient cycling and total and fecal coliforms removal, comparing the treatment efficiency among the seasons of the year; and moreover to compare the average values obtained between February and June 1998 (Salati et al., 1998) with the average obtained for the same parameters between March and June 2000. Studies have been developed in order to verify during one year the drinking quality of the water for the following parameters: turbidity, color, pH, dissolved oxygen, total of dissolved solids, COD, chloride, among others, according to the Ministry of Health's Regulation 36. This system of water supply projected to treat 15 L s-1 has been in continuous operation for 2 years, it was implemented with support of the National Environment Fund (FNMA), administered by the Center of Environmental Studies (CEA-UNESP), while the technical supervision and design were performed by the Institute of Applied Ecology. The actual research project is being supported by FAPESP.

The influence of fluid ingestion on performance of soccer players during a match

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink on soccer performance. Twenty soccer players volunteered to participate in the study. Players were allocated to two assigned trials according to their positional roles in the team: CHO group (ingesting a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution at regular 15 minutes intervals) and NCHO (ingesting no fluid) during 75 min on-field soccer game. During the trials, body mass loss, heart rate, time spent running, number of sprints and core temperature were measured. There were statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in body mass loss (CHO: 1.14 ± 0.37 kg vs. NCHO: 1.75 ± 0.47 kg) and number of sprints performed (CHO: 14.70 ± 4.38 vs. NCHO: 10.70 ± 5.80) between groups. The main finding of the present study indicates that supplementation with a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink during a soccer match is beneficial in helping to prevent deterioration in performance. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2004).

Benzyladenine sprays and senescent flowers removal on postproduction performance of Potted zinnia 'Profusion cherry'

'Profusion Cherry' is a dwarf zinnia with prospect for pot use in Brazil. The success of flowering potted plants depends on its performance during transport and on the period of time that it performs well indoors. Benzyladenine application may retard leaf and flower senescence, increasing postproduction longevity and quality. Senescent flowers removal by consumers, to give a fresh appearance to home flowering potted plant, could influence source-sink relationship and postproduction. This study evaluated the effect of benzyladenine and senescent flowers removal on postproduction performance of 'Profusion Cherry', and observed the senescence symptoms. When plants, produced in greenhouse at São Paulo State, Brazil, had 4 to 5 open flowers, they were sprayed to runoff a single time (20ml/pot) with benzyladenine (0.4, 0.6, 0.8 or 1.0 mmol) and placed into plastic trays, without sleeve. The experimental design was a randomized blocks with 6 treatments (control, four benzyladenine concentrations and senescent flowers removal), 4 replications (2 pots per experimental unit), totalising 12 potted plants in each plastic tray (block). To simulate highway transport, plants remained for 4 days in a dark chamber, at 20.0 °C without irrigation. To include vibration, each plastic tray, was placed in an incubator shaker for 3hr a day, at 60 rpm, 25°C and darkness. After simulated transport, plants remained indoors (10h.day-1 with 18 μmol.m-2.s-1 PPF, 21.5 to 27.0°C and, 14 h.day-1 at darkness, 18.5 to 24.0°C) during 21 days. Plants performed well during simulated transport, and also indoors for two weeks. For most of evaluated parameters there was not significant effect of benzyladenine concentrations by Tukey's test. Senescent flowers removal did not delayed senescence or improved plants quality. The symptoms associated with the loss of decorative life were ray florets color fading and wilting, without abscission of flowers or petals.

Performance of 19-year-old provenances of Liquidambar styraciflua in Paraguaçu Paulista, São Paulo

The genetic variation in the growth of seven 19-year-old Liquidambar styraciflua provenances was studied in Paraguaçu Paulista, São Paulo State, Brazil. The trial was established in a complete randomized block design with seven provenances, four replications and twelve-tree square plots. Significant differences among provenances were detected for diameter at breast height, height and volume, indicating the possibility of increasing timber yield through selection of the most productive provenances. Genetic correlations between growth traits were high and statistically significant. The provenance from Finca las Victorias, Guatemala had the best and the provenance from Franklin, Virginia, United States the poorest performance for all traits. A growth comparison of Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis with the best provenance at the same site indicated that the potential of L. styraciflua for silviculture in the region of Paraguaçu Paulista is high.

The influence of zero-value subtraction on the performance of two laser fluorescence devices for detecting occlusal caries in vitro

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of zero-value subtraction on the performance of two laser fluorescence (LF) devices developed to detect occlusal caries. Methods. The authors selected 119 permanent molars. Two examiners assessed three areas (cuspal, middle and cervical) of both mesial and distal portions of the buccal surface and one occlusal site using an LF device and an LF pen. For each tooth, the authors subtracted the value measured in the cuspal, middle and cervical areas in the buccal surface from the value measured in the respective occlusal site. Results. The authors observed differences among the readings for both devices in the cuspal, middle and cervical areas in the buccal surface as well as differences for both devices with and without the zero-value subtraction in the occlusal surface. When the authors did not perform the zero-value subtraction, they found statistically significant differences for sensitivity and accuracy for the LF device. When this was done with the LF pen, specificity increased and sensitivity decreased significantly. Conclusions. For the LF device, the zero-value subtraction decreased the sensitivity. For this reason, the authors concluded that clinicians can obtain measures with the LF device effectively without using zero-value subtraction. For the LF pen, however, the absence of the zero-value subtraction changed both the sensitivity and specificity, and so the authors concluded that clinicians should not eliminate this step from the procedure. Clinical Implications. When using the LF device, clinicians might not need to perform the zero-value subtraction; however, for the LF pen, clinicians should do so.

Performance of different genotypes of vegetable soybeans in Jaboticabal-SP

The study was conducted in the field, in the experimental area of the Section of Crop Production and Aromatic Medicinal Plants, belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal Campus-SP. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of seven genotypes of vegetable soybeans in Jaboticabal-SP. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design with seven treatments (genotypes) and four replications. The genotypes examined were: CNPSOI, JLM003, JLM010, JLM018, JLM019, JLM024 and BRS216. The seeds were obtained from EMBRAPA-Soja and EMBRAPA- Hortaliças, and planted in Styrofoam trays with 128 cells containing Plantmax Hortaliças® as substrate. Transplanting occurred 10 d after seeding when the seedlings showed 2 or 3 definitive leaves and about 12 cm in height, demonstrating that the soil had been properly prepared according to the recommendations for this crop. Pests and diseases were adequately controlled in the event of their occurrence in the experimental area and in accordance with technical recommendations for the chemical products utilized. Collections were carried out based on the maturation of the pods, according to the scale of Fehr and Caviness (1977) adapted by Costa and Marchezan (1982), when the pods reached the reproductive stage R6. The parameters determined were mean precocity, height of the first pod, mean number of pods per plant, mean number of seeds per pod, fresh weight of 100 seeds and total yield of immature grains. Based on the results obtained, the genotypes JLM003 and JLM010 were found to be most indicated for growing vegetable soybeans, because of their capacity to produce immature grains of 1090 and 848 g·m-2, respectively, and fresh weights for 100 seeds of 62.20 and 68.19 g, respectively.

Evaluation of the performance of α-SiAlON tool when turning Ti-6Al-4V alloy without coolant

Due to their high hardness and wear resistance, Si3N4 based ceramics are one of the most suitable cutting tool materials for machining cast iron, nickel alloys and hardened steels. However, their high degree of brittleness usually leads to inconsistent results and sudden catastrophic failures. This necessitates a process optimization when machining superalloys with Si3N4 based ceramic cutting tools. The tools are expected to withstand the heat and pressure developed when machining at higher cutting conditions because of their high hardness and melting point. This paper evaluates the performance of α-SiAlON tool in turning Ti-6Al-4V alloy at high cutting conditions, up to 250 m min-1, without coolant. Tool wear, failure modes and temperature were monitored to access the performance of the cutting tool. Test results showed that the performance of α-SiAl0N tool, in terms of tool life, at the cutting conditions investigated is relatively poor due probably to rapid notching and excessive chipping of the cutting edge. These facts are associated with adhesion and diffusion wear rate that tends to weaken the bond strength of the cutting tool.

The effects of stressful broodstock handling on hormonal profiles and reproductive performance of rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard) females

A stressful environment induces cortisol that might affect fish breeding and reproduction. In the present work, which aimed to mimic aquacultural conditions of the jundia (Rhamdia quelen) hatcheries in southern South America, females were submitted to normal or stressful handling and the effects of cortisol on serum levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were determined. In addition, the effect of stress on reproductive parameters such as eggs and swim-up fry production was also measured. Eight females from a group submitted to stressful handling (SH) conditions and eight females from a group with normal handling (NH) conditions were captured for blood sampling at D 0 and at D 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 of the experiment. A typical cortisol response was observed in the SH females group in that they presented higher cortisol level in contrast to the NH female group, in all days sampled, except at D 0. In the 10th and 20th d, the E2 levels were lower in SH females, but cortisol levels were higher, suggesting an effect of cortisol on E2 production and/or release. Stressful handling appeared to affect both the number and the quality of the gametes because a lower number of oocytes was stripped from SH females, and from SH fertilized eggs, a lower number of viable swim-up fry was obtained to be transferred to earthen larviculture ponds. Taken together, the results indicated that stressful handling of broodstock impairs R. quelen reproduction. © Copyright by the World Aquaculture Society 2008.

Recent trade performance of Caribbean countries

Includes bibliography

Performance of the CMS Level-1 trigger during commissioning with cosmic ray muons and LHC beams

The CMS Level-1 trigger was used to select cosmic ray muons and LHC beam events during data-taking runs in 2008, and to estimate the level of detector noise. This paper describes the trigger components used, the algorithms that were executed, and the trigger synchronisation. Using data from extended cosmic ray runs, the muon, electron/photon, and jet triggers have been validated, and their performance evaluated. Efficiencies were found to be high, resolutions were found to be good, and rates as expected. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.

Performance of the CMS drift-tube chamber local trigger with cosmic rays

The performance of the Local Trigger based on the drift-tube system of the CMS experiment has been studied using muons from cosmic ray events collected during the commissioning of the detector in 2008. The properties of the system are extensively tested and compared with the simulation. The effect of the random arrival time of the cosmic rays on the trigger performance is reported, and the results are compared with the design expectations for proton-proton collisions and with previous measurements obtained with muon beams. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.

Commissioning and performance of the CMS pixel tracker with cosmic ray muons

The pixel detector of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment consists of three barrel layers and two disks for each endcap. The detector was installed in summer 2008, commissioned with charge injections, and operated in the 3.8 T magnetic field during cosmic ray data taking. This paper reports on the first running experience and presents results on the pixel tracker performance, which are found to be in line with the design specifications of this detector. The transverse impact parameter resolution measured in a sample of high momentum muons is 18 microns. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.

Time reconstruction and performance of the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter

The resolution and the linearity of time measurements made with the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter are studied with samples of data from test beam electrons, cosmic rays, and beam-produced muons. The resulting time resolution measured by lead tungstate crystals is better than 100 ps for energy deposits larger than 10 GeV. Crystal-to-crystal synchronization with a precision of 500 ps is performed using muons produced with the first LHC beams in 2008. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.