Caracterização completa da madeira da espécie amazônica Paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum Herb) em peças de dimensões estruturais

A espécie amazônica Paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum Herb) apresenta rápidos incrementos em altura e diâmetro em poucos anos de cultivo e desenvolve uma madeira com pequena quantidade de nós e defeitos, característica fundamental na sua utilização para fins estruturais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as propriedades de resistência e rigidez de peças da madeira Paricá em dimensões estruturais, de acordo com a norma ABNT NBR 7190: 2011, bem como realizar a classificação visual das peças para determinação de defeitos como: nós, inclinação de fibras, empenamentos, rachas e fendas. Conclui-se que a madeira de Paricá é classificada como classe C 20 das dicotiledôneas e possui baixa densidade, boa resistência à compressão paralela, grande potencial de utilização na construção civil quando comparada com outras espécies e, em relação à classificação visual, poucos nós, grã direita e poucos empenamentos e distorções.

Biomass allocation and water use efficiency in fertigated sweet pepper

The use of productivity information and efficiency of water use is important for the economic analysis of production and irrigation management, and also helps the economy of water use, which is essential to plant life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass allocation, the water use efficiency and water content in fruits of sweet pepper cropped under the influence of irrigation blades and potassium doses. The statistic design was a completely randomized factorial scheme (5 x 2) and four replications, with five irrigation blades (80; 90; 100; 110 and 120% of crop evapotranspiration) and two levels of potassium (80 and 120 kg K2O ha-1 ), applied according to phenological phase, through a system of drip irrigation with self-compensated drippers, installed in a battery of 40 drainage lysimeters cultivated with sweet pepper (Maximos F1), at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The dry biomass production of sweet pepper was influenced by fertigation regimes; when it was set the lowest dose, estimates of the efficiency of water use and moisture in the fruit occurred with the use of irrigation depth of 97 and 95% of ETc, respectively.

Effects of light intensity modification by reflective aluminized screenhouse on sweet pepper growth and yield

Sweet pepper is one of the ten most consumed vegetables in world. Although it develops better under protected environment, the cultivation in tropical countries is practiced in open field due greenhouse structure higher costs. Unfortunately, such practice has compromised the crop to reach either best yield or fruit quality. Since production and cost are the most important criteria for agricultural production, we aimed to evaluate reflective aluminized polypropylene shading net influence on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and production as intermediary alternative for low/middle income producers from Brazilian tropical regions. Sweet pepper Magali R hybrid was cultivated in two environments: FC - field conditions (control) and RS - reflective shading net with 40% shading rate. RS caused reductions in incident solar radiation (SR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the amount of 46.3% and 48.3%, respectively. There were no significant changes in temperature and relative humidity recorded for the two environments. In addition, RS allowed best use efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation since it promoted higher values of plant height, leaf number and area index than those reached on FC on the amount of 29%, 22% and 80 %, respectively. Similarly, plants grown under RS showed higher yield and marketable fruits and promoted less loses by sunscald.

Sweet grape mini tomato grown in culture substrates and effluent with nutrient complementation

The objective of this study was to evaluate production of Sweet Grape mini tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) using culture substrates and nutrient solution sewage effluent, applied by drip irrigation (fertigation). The experiment was conducted at the University of Goiás State (UEG-UnUCET), from June to November 2011 in Anápolis-GO, Brazil. The experimental design was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with four repetitions. The plots were made by combining two nutrient solutions, effluent supplemented with mineral fertilizers (EcS); conventional nutrient solution (SnC); in addition three cultivation substrates: 60% of fine sand washed + 40% substrate composed by 20% coconut fiber plus 80% pine bark (S1); 20% coconut fiber and 80% pine bark (S2) and natural coconut fiber (S3). Sewage effluent were determined nitrate, calcium, potassium, manganese, total phosphate, total iron, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, boron, zinc and molybdenum. We evaluated average mass and average number of fruits per bunch, total fruit and total yield per plant. Statistical difference absence among tested solutions indicates sewage effluent can be used as an alternative source of nutrients in growing mini tomatoes in hydroponics.

‘Sweet grape’ tomato post harvest packaging

ABSTRACT This paper aims at evaluating the shelf life of mini tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) cultivar ‘Sweet Grape’, grown in hydroponics, and stored under environmental and refrigerated conditions inside different packages. We adopted a completely randomized design, in which treatments were combinations of storage conditions: environment (e) and refrigerated (r) with packaging: polyvinyl chloride film (PVC); low-density polyethylene (LDPE); biofilm of tomato fruit of Solanum lycocarpum A.St.-Hil (lobeira) (TFB); cassava starch biofilm (CSB); carnauba wax (Copernicia prunifera) (CW), and without packaging - control (C). Physicochemical and sensory tests were carried out at the beginning (day zero), and at 8, 19, and 33 days of storage (DS). Fruit stored inside PVCr, LDPEe, LDPEr, and CWr had an acceptable shelf life of 33 days. The use of cassava and tomato starches were not effective in controlling fruit fresh weight loss. ‘Sweet Grape’ tomato postharvest conservation was enhanced under refrigerated conditions. The sensory evaluation results revealed that CWr treatment most pleased appraisers, while PCV had the highest rejection rate.

Eficácia da solução reveladora de linfonodos em peças de gastrectomia com linfadenectomia por adenocarcinoma gástrico

Com o intuito de identificar um número maior de linfonodos nas peças cirúrgicas de gastrectomia com linfadenectomia por adenocarcinoma gástrico, utilizamos a solução reveladora de linfonodos (SRL), após a retirada dos linfonodos identificados pelo método tradicional de visualização e palpação, em 13 doentes. Encontramos 222 nódulos linfáticos (17,1 por doente) pela maneira habitual e, depois, aplicando a SRL, retiramos mais 123, ou seja, 9,5 (55,5%) de linfonodos a mais por doente. A histologia mostrou 39 linfonodos com invasão neoplásica entre os encontrados com o método tradicional e oito com a SRL. O diâmetro dos nódulos identificados com a SRL foi menor que o dos detectados com o outro método. O estádio da doença não se modificou após a análise dos linfonodos encontrados com a SRL. Concluímos, pela análise estatística dos dados, que a SRL é eficaz para identificar linfonodos não detectados pelo método tradicional.

Análise de peças anatômicas preservadas com resina de poliester para estudo em anatomia humana

OBJETIVO: avaliar o uso da resina de poliéster na preservação de peças anatômicas para estudo da anatomia humana. MÉTODOS: foram utilizadas 150 peças anatômicas, sendo as mesmas não fixadas (frescas), fixadas em formol a 10% e moldes vasculares de órgãos injetados com acetato de vinil e a resina de poliéster. A solução utilizada foi composta de resina de poliéster com seu diluente monômero de estireno e catalisador (peroxol). Foram obtidos, após a inclusão nesta solução, modelos em resina transparente, que permitiam a plena observação das estruturas e conservação da peça utilizada. RESULTADOS: na avaliação das peças, foi observado grau de extrema transparência, promovendo uma completa visualização das estruturas com a perfeita preservação da anatomia. A duração média para a completa finalização da inclusão foi 48 horas. Apenas 14 peças (9,3%) foram inutilizadas durante o preparo. CONCLUSÃO: a resina de poliéster pode ser utilizada para a preservação de peças anatômicas para o ensino da anatomia humana, de maneira prática, estética e duradoura.

Avaliação do uso da glicerina proveniente da produção de biodiesel na conservação de peças anatômicas

O uso da glicerina pura é amplamente empregada na conservação de peças anatômicas, a qual é muito eficiente e não tóxica para os manipuladores, porém é extremamente cara e inviável para muitos laboratórios de anatomia. O propósito do estudo foi demonstrar a viabilidade da glicerina semipurificada proveniente da produção do biodiesel na conservação de peças anatômicas. O trabalho utilizou 15 corações e 30 rins de suínos provenientes de frigorífico. A glicerina foi adquirida em usina de biodiesel e apresentava a seguinte composição: Glicerol 80,5%; Umidade 12,8%; NaCl 6,3% e Ácidos Graxos 0,4%. As vísceras foram resfriadas, dissecadas, fixadas, desidratadas e glicerinizadas. Os órgãos foram mensurados, analisados e fotodocumentados antes e após protocolo de preservação. A glicerina semipurificada promoveu discreta diminuição nas dimensões das estruturas anatômicas (massa, altura e largura), todavia não houve diferença estatística. Essa glicerina preservou as características de consistência flexibilidade das peças anatômicas, além de reduzir o custo e a eliminação dos gases tóxicos. O principal alcance deste estudo foi a preservação das características morfológicas e a melhoria do processo ensino-aprendizagem.

Influence of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis)

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of drought and salinity stress, temperature, pH and planting depth on yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) germination and emergence. Base, optimum and ceiling germination temperatures were estimated as 0, 18.47 and 34.60 ºC, respectively. Seed germination was sensitive to drought stress and completely inhibited at a potential of -1 MPa, but it was tolerant to salinity. Salinity stress up to 90 mM had no effect over the M. officinalis seed germination, but the germination decreased by increasing the salt concentration. The drought and salinity required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination were 207 mM and -0.49 MPa, respectively. High percentage of seed germination (>92%) was observed at pH = 5-6 and decreased to 80% at acidic medium (pH 4) and to 42% at alkaline medium (pH 9) pH. Maximum seedling emergence occurred when the seeds were placed at 2 cm depth and decreased when increasing the depth of planting; no seed emerged from depths of 10 cm.

Unexpected effects of pigeon-peas (Cajanus cajan) in the restoration of rupestrian fields

Several degraded areas can be found along the Highway MG-010 that crosses the Espinhaço Mountain Biosphere Reserve in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Restoration by planting the legume Cajanus cajan was implemented in some of these areas. The present study compares plant species richness, diversity, abundance, equitability, similarity, and soil composition between restored and non-restored areas, in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of C. cajan in the restoration process in the mountain environment. Each treatment (restored and non-restored) had four sampling areas, each with three 300 m² plots. We counted and identified every individual plant found within these plots. We also collected soil from the superficial layer (0-10 cm) of each sampling area in both treatments. The areas where C. cajan was planted revealed lower species richness, diversity, and plant abundance. The soil of these areas also contained higher levels of Phosphorus and Magnesium. Plant equitability and similarity between plots and other soil components (pH, Nitrogen, Aluminum, Calcium, Potassium, H+Al, sum of bases - SB, cation exchange capacity - CTC, base saturation - V%, aluminum saturation - M%) did not differ between the two treatments. Contrary to the expectations, soil enhancement in the quartzitic soil poor in nutrients in the rupestrian fields can facilitate the invasion by exotic plants, which are not adapted to the lack of nutrients. As it appears, the use of C. cajan in restoration projects represents a mistake and future restoration plans should avoid the use of exotic species, given that they may cause negative effects on the native plant community, as demonstrated here in the rupestrian fields.

Selectivity of Saflufenacil for Sweet Sorghum and Potential use of Na-Bentazon as a Safener

The objective of this study was to assess the selectivity herbicide saflufenacil for two sweet sorghum hybrids, when sprayed in preemergence and postemergence, besides the use of Na-bentazon as a 'safener' for saflufenacil. Three experiments were conducted, in pots, maintained in an ambient condition (second and third experiments) and in a greenhouse (first experiment). In each experiment a completely randomized distribution was used, with four replicates. In the first (2 x 6 factorial) two hybrids of sweet sorghum (CVSW 80007 and CVSW 80147) and six dosages (0; 35; 52.5; 70; 87.5 and 105 g ha-1) of saflufenacil were studied, applied in preemergence of the plants. In the second (2 x 5 factorial) the same hybrids of sweet sorghum sprayed in postemergence with saflufenacil (0; 35; 52.5; 70 and 87.5 g h-1) were assessed. In the third (4 x 5 factorial) the association of Na-bentazon (0; 240; 480 and 720 g ha-1) to saflufenacil (0.35; 52.5; 70 and 87.5 g ha-1) was studied, when sprayed in postemergence on the sweet sorghum plants (CVSW 80007). Hybrid CVSW 80147 was more tolerant to saflufenacil than hybrid CVSW 800007, in preemergence or postemergence applications. The variables that best assessed the sensibility of the sweet sorghum to saflufenacil were number of emerged plants, for preemergence applications, and dry matter of stem for postemergence. Na-bentazon showed promise for use as 'safener' in postemergence applications of saflufenacil in sweet sorghum for dosages up to 70 g ha-1.

Schools as Oral Health Promoters – Evaluation of National Sweet Selling Recommendation and Oral Health Education Material

The aims were to find out 1) if schools’ oral health practices were associated with pupils’ oral health behaviour and whether 2) the national sweet-selling recommendation and 3) distributing oral health material (OHEM) affected schools as oral health promoters. Three independently collected datasets from Finnish upper comprehensive schools (N=988) were used: longitudinal oral health practices data (n=258) with three-year follow up (2007 n=480, 2008 n=508, 2009 n=593) from principals’ online questionnaires, oral health behaviour data from pupils participating in the national School Health Promotion Study (n=970 schools) and oral health education data from health education teachers’ online questionnaires (2008 n=563, 2009 n=477 teachers). Oral health practices data and oral health behaviour data were combined (n=414) to answer aim 1. For aims 2 and 3, oral health practices data and oral health education data were used independently. School sweet selling and an open campus policy were associated with pupils’ use of sweet products and tobacco products during school time. The National Recommendation was quite an effective way to reduce the number of sweet-selling schools, but there were large regional differences and a lack of a clear oral health policy in the schools. OHEM did not increase the proportion of teachers teaching oral health, but teachers started to cover oral health topics more frequently. Women started to use OHEM more often than men did. Schools’ oral health policy should include prohibiting the selling of sweet products in school by legislative actions, enabling healthy alternatives instead, and setting a closed campus policy to protect pupils from school-time sweet consuming and smoking.

Interaction between repeated restraint stress and concomitant midazolam administration on sweet food ingestion in rats

Emotional changes can influence feeding behavior. Previous studies have shown that chronically stressed animals present increased ingestion of sweet food, an effect reversed by a single dose of diazepam administered before testing the animals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the response of animals chronically treated with midazolam and/or submitted to repeated restraint stress upon the ingestion of sweet food. Male adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups: controls and exposed to restraint 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 40 days. Both groups were subdivided into two other groups treated or not with midazolam (0.06 mg/ml in their drinking water during the 40-day treatment). The animals were placed in a lighted area in the presence of 10 pellets of sweet food (Froot loops®). The number of ingested pellets was measured during a period of 3 min, in the presence or absence of fasting. The group chronically treated with midazolam alone presented increased ingestion when compared to control animals (control group: 2.0 ± 0.44 pellets and midazolam group: 3.60 ± 0.57 pellets). The group submitted to restraint stress presented an increased ingestion compared to controls (control group: 2.0 ± 0.44 pellets and stressed group: 4.18 ± 0.58 pellets). Chronically administered midazolam reduced the ingestion in stressed animals (stressed/water group: 4.18 ± 0.58 pellets; stressed/midazolam group: 3.2 ± 0.49 pellets). Thus, repeated stress increases appetite for sweet food independently of hunger and chronic administration of midazolam can decrease this behavioral effect.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of bitter and sweet apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels

Abstract The present study describes the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels. The antioxidant properties of apricot kernels were evaluated by determining radical scavenging power, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity and total phenol content measured with a DPPH test, the thiocyanate method and the Folin method, respectively. In contrast to extracts of the bitter kernels, both the water and methanol extracts of sweet kernels have antioxidant potential. The highest percent inhibition of lipid peroxidation (69%) and total phenolic content (7.9 ± 0.2 µg/mL) were detected in the methanol extract of sweet kernels (Hasanbey) and in the water extract of the same cultivar, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the above extracts were also tested against human pathogenic microorganisms using a disc-diffusion method, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of each active extract were determined. The most effective antibacterial activity was observed in the methanol and water extracts of bitter kernels and in the methanol extract of sweet kernels against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the methanol extracts of the bitter kernels were very potent against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (0.312 mg/mL MIC value). Significant anti-candida activity was also observed with the methanol extract of bitter apricot kernels against Candida albicans, consisting of a 14 mm in diameter of inhibition zone and a 0.625 mg/mL MIC value.

Osmotic dehydration of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in ternary solutions

The aim of this work was to evaluate the osmotic dehydration of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) using hypertonic sucrose solutions, with or without NaCl, at three different concentrations, at 40 °C. Highest water losses were obtained when the mixture of sucrose and NaCl was used. The addition of NaCl to osmotic solutions increases the driving force of the process and it is verified that the osmotic dehydration process is mainly influenced by changes in NaCl concentration, but the positive effect of the salt-sucrose interaction on soluble solids also determined the decrease of solid gain when solutes were at maximum concentrations. Mass transfer kinetics were modeled according to Peleg, Fick and Page's equations, which presented good fittings of the experimental data. Peleg's equation and Page's model presented the best fitting and showed excellent predictive capacity for water loss and salt gain data. The effective diffusivity determined using Fick's Second Law applied to slice geometry was found to be in the range from 3.82 x 10-11 to 7.46 x 10-11 m²/s for water loss and from 1.18 x 10-10 to 3.38 x 10-11 m²/s for solid gain.