Comparação de métodos de determinação da gravidade específica de ovos de poedeiras comerciais

The objective of this work was to compare the results of measuring the specific gravity (SG) of laying hen eggs by using a weighing apparatus and the saline flotation method (SFM). Two hundred eggs from two genetic lines were distributed randomly into two groups of 50 eggs per genetic line and were submitted to two different sequences of SG measurement. Not significant differences were found between the two methods. The weighing apparatus measured the SG of the eggs accurately as the SFM.

Semi-automatic modeling of buildings from digital surface models

Semi-automatic building detection and extraction is a topic of growing interest due to its potential application in such areas as cadastral information systems, cartographic revision, and GIS. One of the existing strategies for building extraction is to use a digital surface model (DSM) represented by a cloud of known points on a visible surface, and comprising features such as trees or buildings. Conventional surface modeling using stereo-matching techniques has its drawbacks, the most obvious being the effect of building height on perspective, shadows, and occlusions. The laser scanner, a recently developed technological tool, can collect accurate DSMs with high spatial frequency. This paper presents a methodology for semi-automatic modeling of buildings which combines a region-growing algorithm with line-detection methods applied over the DSM.

Identificação de Enterobacter spp. através de técnicas convencionais e do sistema semi-automatizado Microscan (Autoscan-4)

A hundred and ninety-five (195) strains of Enterobacter spp., isolated from diverse clinical specimens - urine, feces, cateter, blood, wound, tracheal aspirate, vaginal fluid - were submitted to the conventional identification by biochemical tests, and were also submitted to the identification by panels NegCombo 20 of the system automated MicroScan - AutoScan- 4 (Dade Behring Inc., West Sacramento, CA, USA). The samples were from patients of the Clinical Laboratory from the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry of UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, and from patients hospitalized at the University Hospital Domingos Leonardo Cerávolo, UNOESTE. Of the total of strains tested, 191 (97.9%) presented agreement between the two approaches utilized and 4 strains (2.1%) presented identification disagreement, that is, the genus identified was different in each approach. By this study, the conclusion is that both the approaches utilized for the identification presented advantages and disadvantages related to the cost, facility of execution, quickness, reliability and some other characteristics. Even so, our results showed that conventional methods represent a reliable tool for Enterobacter identification.

Extração semi-automática de rodovias em um par de imagens aéreas digitais utilizando geometria epipolar e programação dinâmica

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology for semi-automatic road extraction from aerial digital image pairs by using dynamic programming and epipolar geometry. The method uses both images from where each road feature pair is extracted. The operator identifies the corresponding road featuresand s/he selects sparse seed points along them. After all road pairs have been extracted, epipolar geometry is applied to determine the automatic point-to-point correspondence between each correspondent feature. Finally, each correspondent road pair is georeferenced by photogrammetric intersection. Experiments were made with rural aerial images. The results led to the conclusion that the methodology is robust and efficient, even in the presence of shadows of trees and buildings or other irregularities.

Orientação semi-automática de imagens CBERS usando rodovias como controle de campo

In this paper is proposed a methodology for semiautomatic CBERS image orientation using roads as ground control. It is based on an iterative strategy involving three steps. In the first step, an operator identifies on the image the ground control roads and supplies along them a few seed points, which could be sparsely and coarsely distributed. These seed points are used by the dynamic programming algorithm for extracting the ground control roads from the image. In the second step, it is established the correspondences between points describing the ground control roads and the corresponding ones extracted from the image. In the last step, the corresponding points are used to orient the CBERS image by using the DLT (Direct Linear Transformation). The two last steps are iterated until the convergence of the orientation process is verified. Experimental results showed that the proposed methodology was efficient with several test images. In all cases the orientation process converged. Moreover, the estimated orientation parameters allowed the registration of check roads with pixel accuracy or better.

Estimativa do padrão de preferência térmica de matrizes pesadas (frango de corte)

Female broiler breeder productivity is based on the principles of thermal comfort that are directly related with the microclimate inside the housing. This research had the objective of monitoring the behavior of female broiler breeders, using the technology of radio-frequency, injectable transponders and readers in different existing microclimates inside a small scale distorted housing model. Eight birds with electronic identification were used. Three readers were used, in three different points inside the model: on the floor of the nest, in the passage besides the lateral wall and below the water facility. Dry bulb (DBT), wet bulb (WBT) and black globe (BGT) temperature were measured continuously. The results point out a distinct behavioral pattern of the birds regarding the environment exposition during the experiment. Three probabilistic models of behavior were developed from the recorded data: probabilistic model for the passage use: FP = 1.10 - 0.244 ln(DBT), probabilistic model for the water facility use: FB = 0.398 + 0.00866(DBT), and probabilistic model for the nest use: FN = 2.22 - 0.272 DBT + 0,011 DBT 2 - 0.000144 DBT 3.

An evaluation of the productivity of mischocyttarus drewseni in a semi-urban environment (Hymenoptera: Polistinae)

The biology and productivity of Myschocytarus drewseni were studied in semi urban conditions at Rio Claro, S P - Brazil. We observed 51 nest foundations, of which 24 (47%) were destroyed or predated, 13 (25.5 %) were abandoned and 14 (27.5%) completed the cycle. The life-span of colonies ranged from 44-427 days with a mean of 216.7 ± 140.6 days, producing 8-390 cells with a mean of 125.7 ± 137.9 cells, and 2-303 adults with a mean of 89.4 ± 110.36 adults. We observed a maximum of 3 utilizations/cell. This showed that the species presents asynchronous foundation and abandoningoccurs throughout the year. Also, the chance of a colony utilizing the same cells two or three times for adult production is highly dependent on the colony size/age, and the relation between them is positive, meaning that there is a greater chance of cell re-utilization in larger/older colonies.

Uso de polinômios segmentados para o estudo da curva de lactação de búfalos da raça Murrah e seus mestiços em sistema de criação semi-intensivo, no estado de São Paulo

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

Helmintos parasitos de mocós (Kerodon rupestris Rodentia: Caviidae) de vida livre e de cativeiro, no semi-árido nordestino Brasileiro

This study shows the helminthic fauna of 16 rock cavies (Kerodon rupestris) from the semi-arid region in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Nine animals were captured from the wild and seven from a captive population located at the Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres, city of Mossoró, were examined in this study. The animals were slaughtered, and post mortem analysis of the digestive tract, trachea, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, and kidneys were done in search for the presence of parasites. Five species of nematode (Paraspidodera uncinata, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichuris gracilis, Trichuris muris, and Vianella lenti) and one species of cestode (Thysanotaenia congolensis) were identified.

Efeito do cálcio na qualidade óssea e de ovos de poedeiras

The experiment was carried out, with hens of the Shaver Brown strain in production, during 27 weeks. The objective was to evaluate the mobilization of bone calcium and phosphorus for the formation of the shell eggs, as well as to follow the variations in the bone quality along the production cycle. 64 birds had been used. The experimental desing was entirely randomized with two treatments (calcium percentage in the diet) and four repetitions of eight birds each. The used diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic adequate (3.8%) and low (1.8%) calcium levels. Analysis of bone (tibiae and femurs) mineral density (DMO) were done at 16, 22, 28, 34 and 40 weeks of age were developed. After each radiographic collection, 4 birds/treatment, were abated for the analysis of bone resistance (RO), Seedor index (IS), dry matter (MS), total mineral (MIN) and calcium and phosphorus (Ca and P). The values of egg production, production of egg mass and quality of the egg shell were also evaluated. It was possible to conclude that the birds mobilized bone minerals for the egg production, independently of the treatment and the birds receiving diets with low levels of calcium had the quality of the eggs shell damaged.

Semi-selective culture medium for Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum detection in cotton seeds (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The cotton disease known as angular leaf spot, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum (Xam) has been causing cotton losses in several producing regions around the world. Xam is transmitted by seeds, which may be infected both externally and internally. Infected seeds constitute the main long-distance dissemination mode of the pathogen. In view of this, the use of healthy seeds is a must. To accomplish that, detection methodologies for the bacteria must be developed be used in seed health analysis laboratories. This study aimed to develop a semi-selective medium for Xam detection in cotton seeds. The semi-selective culture medium was named MSSXAN and it was consisted of peptone (5.0 g), beef extract (3 g), sucrose (5 g), soluble starch (10 g), agar (15 g), CaCl 2 (0.25 g), Tween 80 (10 mL), distilled water (1,000 mL), crystal violet solution at 1% (150 μL), cephalexin (50 mg 1*), methyl thyophanate (10 mg*) and chlorothalonil (10 mg*) - *added after culture medium autoclaving. This MSSXAN medium shows low repressiveness to Xam and it be used for isolation of this bacteria in cotton seeds health analysis. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.

Potential use of the veris apparent EC sensor to predict soil texture under the semi-arid conditions of central Arizona

The operational details of the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensor manufactured by Veris Technologies have been extensively documented in literature reports, but the geographical distribution of these research studies indicate a strong regional concentration in the US Mid-west and Southern states. The agricultural lands of these states diverge significantly to the soil conditions and water regime of irrigated land in the US South-western states such as Arizona where there is no previous research reports of the use of this particular sensor. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the performance of this sensor under the conditions of typical soils in irrigated farms of Central Arizona. We tested under static conditions the performance of the sensor on three soils of contrasting texture. Observations were collected as time series data as soil moisture changed from saturation to permanent wilting point. Observations were repeated at the hours of lowest and highest temperatures. In addition, this study included soil penetration resistance and salinity determinations. Preliminary results indicate that soil temperature of the upper layer caused the most dynamic change in the sensor output. The ECa curves of the three soil textures tested had well defined distinctive characteristics. Final multivariate analysis is pending.

Índice de infestação e fatores de mortalidade do bicudo-do-algodoeiro (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) no semi-árido do sudoeste da Bahia, Brasil

The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman, 1843) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a pest that limits the production of cotton, especially in the North East of Brazil. The present study aimed to estimate the infestation index and natural mortality of boll weevil at Caraibas County, located in the semi-arid of the Southwest ofBahia. The experiment was performed using the cultivar BSR Aroeira, at Fazenda Lagoa Seca, in 2006. Weekly evaluations were performed, in five sampling areas 25m2, collecting blossoms fallen on the ground. The infestation was estimated by counting the oviposition punctures and /or the feeding on blossoms, and also by the presence of one of the phases of the boll weevil in the inside. Mortality factors were studied through the dissection of blossoms, estimating predation, parasitism, dissection and disease. The results obtained allowed to conclude that the boll weevil determines high infestation levels in the region. Parasitism, dissection and predation, following this order, determine high rates of real mortality of the pest. Catolaccus grandis Burks, 1954 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Bracon sp.(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are parasitoids of boll weevil reported in sothwestern Bahia, being the first one the predominant species. © 2009, Sociedad Venezolana de Entomología.

Avaliação do efeito do tempo de desossa sobre a qualidade da carne de peito de matrizes pesadas de descarte

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of deboning time on broiler breeder hen meat for in natura consumption. Eighty samples of breast fillets with bone (Pectoralis major muscle) were collected and divided into four groups of 20 samples each; each group represented a different post-mortem deboning time: 0 (immediately after cooling), 4, 8 and 12h post-mortem. At 24h post-mortem, all samples were evaluated for the following parameters: pH, color (L*, a* and b*), cooking loss, water retention capacity, shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation index and fiber diameter. Color (L*, a* and b*), cooking loss, water retention capacity and shear force were significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) among the evaluated deboning times. The shear force value of breast fillets deboned at 0h post-mortem (8.478) was significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) from those deboned at 4, 8 and 12h post-mortem (5.154; 5.375 and 4.819, respectively). Therefore, an increase in the tenderness of breast fillets was observed, when deboning was performed at least 4h post-mortem.

Mango flower induction in the brazilian northeast Semi-arid with gibberellin synthesis inhibitors

Mangoes in the Brazilian semi-arid stands out in the national scenario due to high yields and fruit quality, and also to the possibility of all-year production taking advantage of the climatic conditions as well as management technique (irrigation, pruning and growth regulators application) for plant growth and blossom control. Paclobutrazol soil drench applied is normally used for production management of mangoes. This research deals with the evaluation of the effect of foliar applied growth regulators to mango, cultivar 'Kent', as regard to their efficiency for blossom management, in order to allow off season mango production. Three growth regulators (prohexadione-Ca, trinexapac-ethyl and chlormequat chloride) were foliar applied, at two dosages and compared to paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench. In order to compare the effects of the treatment, data were recorded related to panicle emission (percentage and length), period of time until blossom and production, yield (number and plant weight) and post-harvest quality of the fruit (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness, flesh and skin color and appearance). The results showed that prohexadione-Ca and chlormequat chloride induced a 15-day early harvest, while paclobutrazol, alone or combined with prohexadione-Ca, allow to harvest 25 days in advance, when compared to trinexapac-ethyl and control trees. Growth regulators foliar applied and paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench delayed mangoes fruit ripening in post-harvest.