Interpretation of Resistivity Piezocone Tests in a Contaminated Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Site

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

Influência da adição no comportamento reológico da pasta autoadensável de alto desempenho

Influence of admixture on the rheological behavior of high performance self-compacting paste. This research proposes to study the influence of the specific area, mould and surface texture of admixtures on the rheological behavior of high performance self-compacting paste (HPSCP). The selected admixtures are calcareous filler and basalt filler, which are industrial residues, thus contributing to sustainable development. The paste is made up of cement, silica fume, calcareous filler or basalt filler, water and superplasticizer additive. For this study, the water/cement ratios are fixed = 0.40 L kg(-1); silica fume/cement = 0.10 kg kg(-1); the filler/cement and superplasticizer/cement ratios are determined through Marsh cone and mini-slump tests. The results show that for same filler/cement ratios, the ratios of superplasticizer to paste with calcareous filler are significantly lower than those of paste with basalt filler. The results show that the specific area, mould and surface texture of these admixtures significantly influence the rheological behavior of HPSCP.

Papel de sinais cromáticos na identificação de parceiros sexuais em sagüi comum (callithrix jacchus)

The literature concerning color vision shows a trichromatic advantage in detecting ripe fruits and young leaves, but there are contradictory results. There is also the suggestion of this type of vision being adapted to perceive socio-sexual signals. Indeed, Old World primates utilize the skin color of conspecifics as a factor of attraction. But in New World primates there is no record of a coloration signal in the body that can be utilized by other group members. The present study aims to: 1- test whether there is a relation between coloration of body regions and ovulatory cycle in female Callithrix jacchus; 2- Determine if this species uses visual signals to choose mates that are sexually receptive. We collected feces from six females during one month to quantify progesterone concentration by EIA. Body region coloration was measured using a portable spectrometer and modeled to obtain the quantum catch of each photoreceptor, the opponency channels and chromatic distance between the points in units of JND. We recorded the behavior of six males exposed to three pairs of females with a cycling and a non-cycling female in each pair using a transparent plexiglass apparatus. The color of different body regions presented a correlation between progesterone concentration and the yellow-blue and red-green visual axes, with the genitalia as the region showing the highest correlation. The visual axis more apt to see the color variations was the yellow-blue in dichromats, and in trichromats were the red-green to face, yellow-blue to abdomen and both chromatic axes to genitalia. There was no difference in the signal detectability between trichromats and dichromats, but the perception pattern differed between the phenotypes, with a better signal detection by the dichromat phenotype 562 and the trichromat phenotype 543/562. During the behavioral experiments males presented longer gaze duration in periods of experimental manipulation and gaze duration was always longer towards cycling females compared to non-cycling females. Male locomotion during experimental manipulation was greater than in the control only during the periovulatory period of the female, indicating greater excitement. The behavior of cycling females was more active than the behavior of the non-cycling ones regarding locomotion and touching of the plexiglass division of the apparatus. Male gaze duration to cycling females increased with decreasing progesterone concentration, but none of the coloration parameters was correlated to the mate preference exhibited. This coloration signal can transmit information to animals of the group about fertility of female. Different from the intense red of the genitalia swellings of Old World primates, marmoset female genitalia became more bluish-green in the fertile period. Males chose fertile females and were able to visually identify the periovulatory period of females. Choice is related to progesterone concentration, but our results do not show relation between coloration and mate preference. Maybe some behavioral measure is associated with the choice

Use of electrical resistivity to identify collapsible soils in Brazil

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

Aspectos da produtividade do feijão correlacionados com atributos físicos do solo sob elevado nível tecnológico de manejo

No ano agrícola de 2006/07, no município de Selvíria (MS), foi analisada a produtividade do feijão em função de alguns atributos físicos de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, cultivado nas condições de elevado nível tecnológico de manejo pelo sistema plantio direto irrigado com pivô central. O objetivo foi selecionar, entre os atributos pesquisados do solo, aquele com a melhor representatividade para explicar a variabilidade da produtividade agrícola. Foi instalada a malha geoestatística, para a coleta de dados do solo e da planta, com 117 pontos amostrais, numa área de 2.025 m² e declive homogêneo de 0,055 m m-1. do ponto de vista linear e espacial, a produtividade de feijão foi explicada em função da densidade de partículas e da umidade gravimétrica do solo, respectivamente. Assim, os valores de densidade de partículas entre 1,95 e 2,20 kg dm-3 e de umidade gravimétrica entre 0,205 e 0,239 kg kg-1; ambas coletadas na camada intermediária, resultaram em sítios com as mais elevadas produtividades (2.200-2.600 kg ha-1). Entretanto, para as condições do elevado nível tecnológico de manejo empregado, a produtividade média do feijão não atingiu seu máximo potencial, uma vez que o agravado estado de compactação no qual o solo se encontrava proporcionou à produtividade redução de 26,6 %. Dessa forma, os valores médios da densidade do solo e da resistência do solo à penetração, respectivamente nas faixas de 1,36-1,41 kg dm-3 e de 1,56-3,24 MPa, típicos de solos argilosos compactados, atestaram a substancial queda da produtividade de grãos de feijão.

Produtividade da soja e resistência mecânica à penetração do solo sob sistema plantio direto no cerrado brasileiro

A resistência mecânica à penetração do solo pode influenciar, negativamente, o crescimento radicular da soja, afetando, sobremaneira, sua produtividade. No ano agrícola 2008/2009, no município de Selvíria (MS), no Cerrado brasileiro, foi analisada a produtividade da soja, em função da resistência mecânica à penetração de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, no sistema de semeadura direta. O objetivo foi selecionar, entre os atributos pesquisados do solo, aquele com a melhor correlação, linear e espacial, para explicar a variabilidade da produtividade da soja. Foi instalada uma malha geoestatística, para a coleta de dados do solo e da planta, com 120 pontos amostrais, em área de 8,34 ha e declive homogêneo de 0,055 m m-1. Dessa forma, visando-se a auxiliar futuros trabalhos voltados à agricultura de precisão, os quais venham a utilizar os mesmos atributos do presente estudo, os valores dos alcances da dependência espacial a serem empregados deverão estar compreendidos entre 38,1 m e 114,7 m. do ponto de vista linear, a resistência mecânica à penetração do solo, quando avaliada na camada 0,10-0,20 m, apresentou boa correlação exponencial inversa com a produtividade de grãos de soja. Entretanto, do ponto de vista espacial, o número de vagens por planta apresentou-se como bom indicador da produtividade de grãos de soja.

Pensamento brasileiro e integração regional

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a forma como algumas escolas de pensamento, representadas por figuras significativas, percebem no Brasil o tema da integração regional. O foco é a segunda metade do século XX, buscando compreender as concepções de projeção regional e internacional do país, que fundamentam as possibilidades de integração. Para isso, serão discutidos os seguintes temas: o papel do Estado, a visão de país, o nacionalismo, o desenvolvimento econômico e o subdesenvolvimento, o reconhecimento internacional e a percepção dos vizinhos. A ideia da especificidade frente aos países vizinhos é um elemento presente na obra de intelectuais e de formuladores de políticas. Ela se faz presente em muitos países, inclusive em outros dessa região. Buscaremos entender como essa ideia evoluiu no Brasil, chegando, nos anos 1980, à aceitação da existência de uma comunidade de interesses com os países do Cone Sul e da América do Sul.

Charles Sanders Peirce: ciência enquanto semiótica

O diagrama do signo, quando aplicado no entendimento da ciência, dá lugar a uma correlação original entre abdução, dedução e indução. A união da abdução e da dedução consiste numa Forma geral de possibilidade lógica. Enquanto que a indução estabelece, no decorrer da experiência, a razão de freqüência no universo dos fatos das conseqüências previstas na representação geral. Como uma construção formal, a ciência enquanto semiótica sustenta-se, mesmo tendo por objeto um universo do puro acaso. Todavia, no interior do conjunto total do sistema filosófico de Peirce, a ciência só adquire significado se corresponder à realidade da Natureza. A garantia desta correspondência estatisticamente relevante seria o fato de o instinto humano pertencer ao mesmo estágio de evolução do universo todo.

Avaliação da eficiência da técnica de obturação pela compressão hidrùlica vertical após instrumentação automatizada

The purpose of this study was to evaluate through radiographic and microscopic analysis the efficiency of the filling techniques by vertical hidraulic compression after the root canal mechanical instrumentation in vitro as well to evaluate the marginal apical leakage through macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Thirty human mandibular molars were used , they were divided on three groups, these were subdivided on six subgroups with five specimens each, come down to 106 root canals filled. Initially, the teeth were instrumented with Profile system series 29 and filled with two ways: single accessory cone or single cone associated with gutta-percha secundary cone, with Fill Canal sealer or Sealer 26. Completed the filling, the teeth were coated with araldit and finger -nail polish except for the apical 2 mm and dried for 3 hours, thep radiographs were taken of the teeth in orto and disto-radiai directions. Next, the coronal seal was carried out with composite resin photopolymerized and with their process of making impermeable. Teeth of positive controls were used without araldit and finger-nail polish whereas the negative controls were used with total coat of araldit and finger-nail polish. The specimens were placed in 2% Methylene Blue dye for 24 hours and thermocycled for 7 days. Afterwards, sections were made of each tooth at mesial and distal roat, after this the teeth were radiographed at buccolíngual direction for a macroscopic analysis and at buccolingual and mesiodistal directions for assessment of the marginal apical leakage. Cross sections were made 3 mm to 3mm since the tooth apice. The sections obtained for each group were observed with a stereomicroscope to evaluate the quality of the root canal filling and the marginal apical leakage. The results showed that: In the four techniques the marginal dye leakage was present in the apical third; in all groups the quality of the root canal filling in the radiography was better at mesial root canal and the single cone technique showed inefficient when only a single distal root canal was present. In the radiographic evaluation the best quality of the root canal filling was observed in the 1A group (single accessory cone + FiIl Canal), as in the mesial root as in the distal root wich Shcwed twe root canals: when the distaI root had only one canal. the best result was showed by 28 group (single accessory cone associated with secundary cone + Fill Canal) In the macroscopic analysis of longitudinal !eaKage (outside surface). less leakage was showed as In the mesial root as in the distal root in the negative control group (3) followed 2A group (single accessory cone + Sealer 26). When the microscopic analysis of tranversal leakage of both roots (inside surface) was carried out. the groups that showed less dye leakage were the negative control (38) followed the 28 group (single acessory cone associated with secundary cone + Sealer 26). The homogeneity o filling was best noted in the 1 A group (.single accessoty cone + Fill Canal). The groups that showed less dye penetration in the tranversal leakage (total area) were negative control (3B) and 2B

Effect of intravaginal electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle strength

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IES) on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength in patients with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Between January 2001 and February 2002, 40 MUI women (mean age: 48 years) were studied. Urge incontinence was the predominant symptom; 92.5% also presented mild stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Selection criteria were clinical history and urodynamics. Pre-treatment urodynamic study showed no statistical differences between the groups. Ten percent of the women in each group had involuntary detrusor contractions. Patients were randomly distributed, in a double-blind study, into two groups. Group G 1 (n=20), effective IES, and group G2 (n=20), sham IES, with follow-up at 1 month. The following parameters were studied: (1) clinical questionnaire, (2) examiner's evaluation of perineal muscle strength, (3) objective evaluation of perineal muscle by perineometry, (4) vaginal weight test, and (5) urodynamic study. The IES protocol consisted of three 20-min sessions per week over a 7-week period using a Dualpex Uro 996 at 4 Hz. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic data of both groups. The number of micturitions per 24 h after treatment was reduced significantly in both groups. Urge incontinence, present in all patients before treatment, was reduced to 15% in G1 and 31.5% in G2 post-treatment. The subjective evaluation of PFM strength demonstrated a significant improvement in G1. Objective evaluation of PFM force by perineometer showed a significant improvement in maximum peak contraction post-treatment in both groups. In the vaginal weight test, there was a significant increase in average number of cone retentions post-treatment in both groups. With regard to satisfaction level, after treatment, 80% of the patients in G1 and 65% of the patients in G2 were satisfied. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. There was a significant improvement in PFM strength from both effective and sham electrostimulation, questioning the effectiveness of electrostimulation as a monotherapy in treating MUI.

Effect of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones, and on sperm production and semen quality in AI bulls in Brazil

The objectives were to determine the effects of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones (TVC), and on sperm production and semen quality in 107 Bos indicus, B, taurus and cross-bred bulls at three artificial insemination (AI) centers in Brazil. In addition, predictors of sperm production and semen quality were identified. In general, scrotal circumference (SC), scrotal shape score, scrotal neck perimeter, and testicular size (length, width and volume) increased (P < 0.05) with age. Although there were no significant differences among genetic groups for SC or testicular size, B. indicus bulls had the least pendulous scrotal shape, the shortest scrotal neck length, and the greatest scrotal neck perimeter (P < 0.05). Fat covering the TVC was thinner (P < 0.05) in bulls <= 36 months of age and in B. taunts bulls than in older bulls and B. indicus bulls, respectively. Age and genetic group did not affect testicular ultrasonic echotexture. B. indicus bulls tended (P < 0.1) to have the lowest average scrotal surface temperature (SST). In general, ejaculate volume, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa increased (P < 0.05) with age. However, there was no significant effect of age on sperm concentration, motility, major and total defects. The proportion of spermatozoa with minor defects was highest (P < 0.05) in bulls 37-60 months of age. B. indicus bulls had higher (P < 0.01) sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa than B. taunts bulls, with intermediate values for cross-bred bulls. Increased sperm production was associated with increased testicular volume, SC, TVC fat cover, and SST top-to-bottom gradient. Decreased semen quality was associated with increased SC and bottom SST, and decreased scrotal shape, scrotal neck perimeter and vascular cone diameter. In summary, age and genetic group affected the characteristics of the scrotum, testes, and TVC, sperm production and semen quality. In addition, characteristics of the scrotum, testes and TVC were associated with sperm production and semen quality in bulls and could be assessed for breeding soundness evaluation. (c) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prosthetic Platforms in Implant Dentistry

The use of implant-supported prosthesis to replace missing teeth became a predictable treatment. Although high success rate has been reported, implant treatment is suitable to complications, failures, and limitations such as peri-implant bone loss after implant loading. Stress evaluation on the bone-abutment-implant interface has been carried out to develop new designs of prosthetic platform and to understand the stress distribution in this interface. Several types of prosthetic platforms are available such as external and internal hexagon, Morse cone connection, and the concept of platform switching. Therefore, this study aimed to critically describe the different options of prosthetic platforms in implant dentistry, by discussing their biomechanical concepts, clinical use, and advantages and disadvantages. It was observed that all types of prosthetic platforms provided high success rate of the implant treatment by following a strict criteria of indication and limitation. In conclusion, a reverse planning of implant treatment is strongly indicated to reduce implant overload, and the use of advanced surgical-prosthetic techniques is required to obtain a long-term success of oral rehabilitations.

Cephalometric and three-dimensional assessment of superior posterior airway space after maxillomandibular advancement

The purpose of this study was to quantify cephalometric and three-dimensional alterations of the posterior airway space of patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement surgery. 20 patients treated by maxillomandibular advancement were selected. The minimal postoperative period was 6 months. The treated patients underwent cone-beam computed tomography at 3 distinct time intervals, preoperative (T1), immediate postoperative period up to 15 days after surgery (T2), and late postoperative period at least 6 months after surgery. The results showed that the maxillomandibular advancement promoted an increase in the posterior airway space in each patient in all the analyses performed, with a statistically significant difference between T2 and T1, and between T3 and T1, p < 0.05. There was a statistical difference between T2 and T3 in the analysis of area and volume, which means that the airway space became narrower after 6 months compared with the immediate postoperative period. The maxillomandibular advancement procedure allowed great linear area and volume increase in posterior airway space in the immediate and late postoperative periods, but there was partial loss of the increased space after 6 months. The linear analysis of airway space has limited results when compared with analysis of area and volume.

Antimicrobial potential of medicaments used in healing process in dogs' teeth with apical periodontitis

Estudou-se a influência de diferentes irrigantes no potencial antimicrobiano da pasta de hidróxido de cálcio em dentes de cães com periodontite apical. 48 pré-molares de cães adultos tiveram suas câmaras coronárias abertas e expostas à cavidade bucal por 6 meses. Os canais radiculares foram preparados, irrigados e medicados com diferentes substâncias, de acordo com os seguintes grupos: 1) 2,5% NaOCl + CHP; 2) 2% CHX + CHP; 3) vinagre + CHP; 4) vinagre + vinagre. No grupo 4, a solução irrigante e a medicação intracanal utilizada foi o vinagre. Neste grupo, a cada 7 dias, a solução era renovada. Cada amostra foi coletada, mantendo-se o cone de papel esterilizado em posição por 1 min, e a seguir transportado e imerso em 7 mL de Letheen broth, seguido de incubação a 37ºC por 48 h. O crescimento microbiano foi analisado por dois métodos, turbidade do meio de cultura e subcultura em meio nutritivo específico (brain heart infusion). Os resultados mostraram que em todos os grupos experimentais houve crescimento microbiano após 21 dias, em diferentes percentagens: grupo 1 - 30%; grupo 2 - 30%; grupo 3 - 40%; grupo 4 - 60%. Todos os materiais testados apresentaram potencial antimicrobiano. Entretanto, o processo de cura favorecido pela pasta de hidróxido de cálcio não pode ser esquecido, uma vez que muitos estudos já demonstraram sua ação antimicrobiana.

Sealability of MTA and calcium hydroxide-containing sealers

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealability of Fillapex (R), Endo-CPM-Sealer (R) and Sealapex (R). Material and Methods: Ninety-four freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were selected and decoronated. All teeth were radiographed to confirm the existence of a single and straight root canal, which was prepared using Protaper Universal and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The teeth were randomly divided in groups of 10 specimens each according to the sealer, and the canals were filled using the single cone technique and one of the sealers. Four additional teeth were used as controls. The teeth were submitted to dye leakage with Rhodamine B for 24 h but using vacuum on the initial 15 min. Thereafter, they were cut longitudinally and the leakage was measured in a linear fashion from apex to crown. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests at 5% significance level. Results: Fillapex (R) and Sealapex (R) showed significantly less dye leakage than Endo-CPM-Sealer (R) (p<0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that Fillapex (R) and Sealapex (R) were able to prevent apical dye leakage differently from Endo-CPM-Sealer (R).