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The purpose of the work was to characterize, from the chemical, physical, granulometric and mineralogical point of view, an industrial residue of calcium hydroxide generated in the acetylene manufacturing process. Samples were first analyzed without neutralization; then the same procedure was performed using 98 % purity sulphuric acid. For both cases, the heating temperatures used were 500 °C and 900 °C. To identify the phases, diffraction patterns were obtained using copper radiation source (CuKa, 1 = 1.5418 Å). It was determined that residual contains CaO and MgO, which guarantees its purity; heated at 500 °C, and without neutralizing, calcium hydroxide is transformed and there is loss of water and carbonate at 900 °C. In both untreated and neutralized waste, calcium hydroxide is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the traditional mix design fails to adequately optimize the times involved. Therefore, it is proposed to use the neural network method to improve efficiency in terms of time and access to difficult places, as well as transport to the laboratory. The main objective is to apply deep learning techniques to evaluate the quality of a quarry aggregate and determine if it meets the specifications required for its specific use, in accordance with current regulations. The methodology consisted of collecting 20 images per sample, obtaining the granulometry analysis, 2 quarries from the department of Junín Satipo (Sonomoro and Llaylla) and 1 quarry from the department of Cusco (Vicho) were considered, with a total of 13 samples, in The present article carried out is located within a type of experimental research with a quantitative approach. The results were obtained through the execution of the Yolo algorithm, with image detection, obtaining 93.20%, according to the Peruvian technical standard (NTP 400.12, 2001), with a standard deviation of 0.96%. The algorithm was trained according to the sieves given in the Peruvian technical standard (NTP 350.001, 1970). In conclusion, the use of the algorithm in the data analysis has allowed to significantly reduce the time required to carry out the physical evaluation and has effectively improved the study of the aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of specifications for the granulometry a quarry must produce causes a serious problem, making it difficult for quarries to adjust their processes to produce within the range required by clients, and for costumers, making it a difficult process to design asphalt mixes and concretes that conform to the granulometric curves established in regulations. It is essential to develop limit granulometric curves for quarries, adapted to customer requirements. In this paper, a methodology for granulometric control in the quarry is proposed, which includes the collection of process information, the preparation of control charts and the process capability analysis according to the established specifications. Moreover, an example of the development of limit granulometric curves is proposed for the quarry under study located in Argentina, in the province of Buenos Aires, which would allow to produce aggregates whose granulometry can be used in asphalt mixes CAC D19 and concrete pavements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lima culture developed between 200 and 700 A.D. and is located between the Chanchay and Lurin valleys in Peru. They had several governmental and ceremonial centers including the architectural complex known as Huaca Pucllana, located in Lima, which was built and inhabited between 450 and 700A.D. The construction was constant during the years of activity, generating extensions and modifications in the structures. For this, adobes were used as the main construction unit, which were elaborated by hand in large quantities. For this reason, and in order to study the composition of the adobe units, a group of them was taken to the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at Universidad Nacional Agraria "La Molina". The units were subjected to three types of analysis: resistance to unconfined compression, granulometry and organic matter content. The purpose of these tests lies in the need to know and understand the proportions of soil particles used in the elaboration of adobes as well as the qualities of blocks obtained throughout the period of use of the huaca. In the experimentation phase, standardized laboratory tests were applied but adapted to this type of adobes, considering them as soil. The results found show a variation of qualities according to the age of each block that could be a parameter to consider when studying the splendor and decadence indicators of the inhabitants of Huaca Pucllana. On the other hand, the results could help in terms of conservation activities and protection of the complex against climatic agents. Finally, it is important to highlight that the research was carried out by a multidisciplinary team formed by archaeologists and an agricultural engineer. Thanks to the exchange of knowledge, experiences and different points of view, a broader panorama of construction in ancient Peru is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unavailability of chemical fertilizers to obtain high yields in Cuban agriculture has led to the development of other organ-mineral fertilizers, such as Agromena - G, produced by the Empresa Geominera del Centro in Villa Clara. The objective of this work was to characterize the organ-mineral fertilizer Agromena - G, based on the determination of the main physical and chemical properties of the fertilizer for its mechanized application in the improvement of soils and the increasing of crops yield. The methodology included the determination of physical properties as granulometry, apparent density and humidity of the organ-mineral fertilizer. In addition, chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus and organic matter were determined. The physical properties of the organ-mineral fertilizer Agromena - G, show that its granulometry (approximately 50% of the grains smaller than 1 mm) favors its use since it facilitates its acquisition by the plants. The other determined properties behave within acceptable values for the most common granular fertilizers. The physical properties of this fertilizer favor its mechanized application both by broadcast fertilizing machines and with machines for localized fertilization. The chemical properties of this organ-mineral fertilizer demonstrated its potential use as an alternative for managing plant nutrition although it is recommended the surveillance of indicators as electrical conductivity and cations concentrations, especially Na+, in clayed soils susceptible to salinity problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle size distribution (PSD) is a relevant property of soils since its physical behavior depends on it, and because of its relationship with other soil properties and its usefulness as a key parameter of pedotransfer functions (PTF). The objective of this research was to compare the Bouyoucos and modified Bouyoucos (Bouyoucos-Day) methods to quantify the particle size distribution in soils of a hillside located in the municipality of La Plata, district of Lusitania, department of Huila, Colombia. For this, disturbed soil samples were taken from 6 areas of the same hillside, where 4 samples were taken randomly in each area, for a total of 24 sampling sites. The samples were analyzed using the 2 methods, considering that the main difference laid in the times of the readings with the hydrometer followed by taking the temperature of the suspension, as well as the use of different correction factors. The data analysis was carried out considering a factorial design with two levels (methods). Likewise, the analysis was carried out considering the differente. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The saline lakes are typical environment in the Nhecolândia a region of the Pantanal wetland. Recent research demonstrates a climatic chance with increase of humidity last 3,000 years and alkalinization of saline lakes last 910 years. This process of the climatic change for wetland environment can to interfere in pedostratigraphic organization. So, the aim this paper is presents the pedostratigraphic characteristics of the two saline lakes of the Nhecolândia. Using remote sensing selected the area sampling and in fieldwork was measured the pH and electric conductivity for to validate the basic characteristics of the saline lake. Were collected two samples of lakes: one inside near water and one in area more elevated topographically which has the local name of "cordilheira". After in laboratory the samples were fractionated using color and texture. This fractionated material was analyzed granulometric and statistic. As a result we have predominant texture in all profile are fine sand but in inside of saline lake there is greater variation of the grain characteristic while in the cordilheira the distribution of type of grain is homogeneous. The color of samples evidence the relationship with hydromorphism because inside of lake is Gley color. While cordilheira with elevation the process pedogenic it is related interaction with vegetation that are less intense preserving the depositional records better than in environments under influence of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical behavior of cement pastes was evaluated using Portland Cement Type II 30R from five brands, to identify the optimal relationship of the cements with different types of sand to make mortars. Five series of pastes and mortars were made with each brand of cement, varying the type of sand per series in the mortars. The resistance of cement pastes is different for each brand. The same brand of cement will have a different behavior depending on the sand used. Sand influences compressive strength. To improve the mechanical performance of the mortar, the component materials are analyzed. A specific mix design optimizes the mortar in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to establish a relation between the size, afterwards of process of fragmentation of the materials, by means of the determination of the D80 and the index of punctual load Is (50), for of this form characterize the rock in terms of resistance and avoid the sending of samples permanently to laboratories. It initiated the proposal with the taking of samples of rock of a specific sector designated Cojitambo, in the province of Cañar (Ecuador), in which it emerges an andesite of fine grain. These samples were taken preventing them from being weathered, so that they are the coolest possible. In a second stage, test tubes were made with the samples, 60 in total, 30 with approximate dimensions of 5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm., which were to the process of split, that is to say for the determination of the Is (50), and 30 test tubes of roughly 5 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm., which subjected to the process of trituration and classification. In a final stage has determined an existent relation between the D80 and the Is (50), which allows to establish that, if the rocks or samples taken in the field are inside this relation, determine his resistance, or contrary case are sent the same to laboratory for his assessment. The proposal presents an equation for the determination of the resistance to the unconfined compressive strength of the rock of an approximate way and of easy interpretation, attaining that in a mining project exist a significant saving in economic terms and of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk meal (Oryza sativa L.) is obtained and its emulsifying capacity (CE) and emulsion stability (EE) are evaluated at two particle sizes (> 250 and < 250 µm), three pH (5.5-2.5, and 1.5) and three ionic strengths (0, 0.2 and 0.5 M of NaCl). The EE was determined at two temperatures (50 and 80 °C). Rice husk meal at particle size> 250, pH 5.5, and ionic strength of 0.5 M NaCl was found to have the best CE (3.3 ± 0.03 mL/g). The lowest EC (1.5 ± 0.0 mL/g) was obtained at a particle size < 250 µm, pH 1.5 and ionic strength of 0.5 M of NaCl. The highest EE (47.2 ± 0.03 %) is obtained at 50 °C, particle size> 250 µm, pH 5.5, and ionic strength of 0.2 M of NaCl. It is found that rice husk meal has emulsifying properties and these properties are influenced by extrinsic factors such as particle size, pH, ionic strength, and temperature. The above indicates that rice husk meal is an alternative to the use of emulsifiers of animal origin, so it could be used very particularly in vegan preparations, or in general in the food and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friability, an important quality parameter, is the ability of charcoal to generate fines when it is moved. However, there is no standard for determining the compressive strength of charcoal beds. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate some test parameters for determining the generation of charcoal fines in a manual hydraulic press. Charcoal was produced with eucalyptus logs 7 years old, diameters of 10 to 12 cm, and length of 1 m in a circular surface kiln, with a maximum carbonization temperature of 400 °C and a total time of 58 hours. For methodology evaluation, charcoal mechanical tests were performed in a manual hydraulic press, using as test variables four charcoal granulometric ranges (12.7 to 19.5; 19.5 to 25.4; 25.4 to 31.7 and 31.7 to 50.8 mm) and five compressive loads (1; 1.5; 2; 3 and 5 t). The reference was the drum test. The method of evaluating the mechanical strength using a manual hydraulic press is suitable for determining the strength of a charcoal bed, because it represents the efforts that charcoal supports in industrial systems. The test parameters recommended for determining the mechanical strength of charcoal, using a manual hydraulic press, are: compressive load of one ton; charcoal with granulometry of 19.5 to 50.8 mm; average velocity of force application of 1 mm s-1; and, charcoal time under pressure equal to 1 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the following study focuses on the granulometric analysis of soils, using a soil from the town of Cuauhtémoc, Villa Flores, Chiapas, Mexico, to determine its possible use in the elaboration of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB). The purpose of the study is to achieve adequate mechanical strength without using chemical stabilization Method: the initial characterization procedure of the soil samples was developed by means of granulometric determination and consistency limits, which made it possible to identify the soil by its granulometric curve and resistance to axial compression. The discussion arose from the identification in the existing regulations for CEB in Spain and Mexico that they establish too wide granulometric intervals and do not seem to give importance to achieving an optimal accommodation of the granulometric curve, forcing chemical stabilization. A granulometric range for CEB was idealized by adjusting maximum and minimum limits of the different sizes of particles that make up the samples and the percentage of initial water was established from the plasticity index. Afterwards, 3 series were elaborated with five samples of compressed earth in each configuration, varying the granulometric curve, percentage of water and elaboration pressure to improve their resistance to compression. Results: the results describe a notable improvement in the behavior of the soil as a compressed block when the granulometric adjustment is carried out. The CEB mix design was improved from 32.5 kg / cm² to 54.75 kg / cm² by adjusting the percentage of water and nominal brewing pressure. Conclusion: it is concluded that it is possible to optimize the use of soil for construction by controlling the granulometry, water content and nominal pressure of the raw material, achieving mechanical strengths greater than 50 kg / cm² without using cement, asphalt, or lime as stabilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mixing of products in the manufacture of food in general and feed in particular for animals, constitutes a key phase for the dosage of the food and the nutrition, having a significant effect on the uniformity of the mixture, the functional properties and the sensory characteristics of the food. The objective of the work was to develop a review of current technologies, as well as the most important research aimed at mixing products, for the manufacture of feed and conglomerates. During the analysis, it is exposed that the components of a mixing operation can be: dry foods and / or low, medium and high viscosity liquid foods, processed with horizontal and vertical axis mixers respectively. The uniformity of the final product depends on the type of mixer used, the mixing conditions such as speed, temperature, and time, as well as the composition of the food. In the case of dry food, it is highlighted that each ingredient has physical properties that affect its ability to be mixed with other ingredients, such as: grain size, density, shape and surface characteristics, hygroscopicity, adhesiveness and susceptibility to electrostatic charges. In researches carried out it was shown that the granulometry constitutes the most influential factor on the homogeneous mixing of dry food and as it increases its size, more time is required to obtain said mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Urban runoff sediments contain heavy metals that generate risk to the environment. Several risk assessment indexes for heavy metals have been developed, which show the level of contamination of particles in the environment and their origin. Besides, sediment risk is also associated with the particle size distribution and hydrometeorological characteristics. Objective. This work seeks to evaluate the risk of contamination from runoff sediments collected in an experimental catchment, related to their size distribution and hydrological characteristics of the area of influence. Materials and methods. The field and laboratory experiments were carried out on the constructed-wetland/storage-tank structure from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá. The hydrological data were obtained from a nearby El Paraíso rain gauge station. The geoaccumulation (Igeo), pollution index (PI), and enrichment factor (EF) rates were calculated. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis was used in order to determine the relationships between the risk, hydrological and granulometric variables. Results. There is a low/medium risk for Cu and Cr, in contrast to the high risk for Pb and Zn. According to multivariate statistical analysis, there is a relationship between risk indexes and average particle diameters (D50): these indexes increase for fine particles and periods of high rainfall intensity. Conclusions. The hydrological variables are important to determine the risks of urban runoff sediments. In this study, we found that the variable of dry weather is related to the values of geo-accumulation indexes and contamination. The findings of this work reinforce the possibility of developing early warning systems for sediment risks using key hydrological and sedimentological variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the San Alberto del Espiritu Santo River located in the municipality of San Alberto, department of Cesar, with an area of 26,110 hectares, where granulometric studies, humidity and sediment volume estimation contributed by the basin were carried out using the EROSUP-U model. The objective of the research is to quantify the sedimentological contribution of the of the San Alberto del Espiritu Santo River and classify the soil types based on the AASTHO and USC standards. The methodology was based on the collection of 84 samples, every 10 m and 15 m, following the methodological procedure of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Perú). The volumetric estimation, applying the universal equation of soil loss (EUPS), establishes that the sedimentological contribution of the river is 44,226.36 m3 / year; the soil was classified into six (6) groups (A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4, A-2-6, A-3 and A-4), the most representative is A -1-a with 51.19% of the samples analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo is a source of industrial raw material with wide geographical distribution. Brazil has good soil and climate conditions for its cultivation, in addition to existing reserves. Advantages of bamboo include: versatility, fast growth and good strength properties. One way of using this material would be as a raw material for manufacturing particleboards. Within this context, this article addresses an evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards manufactured from bamboo particles (Dendrocalamus asper (Schult f.). Backer ex Heyne. Particles with 0.50 and 0.85mm granulometry and two conditions (control and treatment by immersion in hot water (70 ± 5 °C) for two hours) were used. Twelve homogeneous particleboards bonded with urea-formaldehyde adhesive with 10% solids were manufactured and the predetermined nominal density for all panels was 650 kg m-3. The properties analyzed were: water absorption, swelling and non-return rate in thickness, density profile, rupture modulus, elastic modulus, screw withdrawal and internal adhesion. Panels consisting of 0.50 mm granulometry showed higher water absorption rates, while panels made of particles treated with hot water and 0.85 mm granulometry showed higher swelling rates and non-return thickness. The panels made of treated particles showed higher density profile values in both layers of the panels. The granulometry did not influence the mechanical properties of the panels, and those with treated particles exhibited significant performance for the surface and top screw withdrawal properties, and internal adhesion. This last mentioned property reached the minimum value required by the standard. The results showed that it is feasible to use bamboo to manufacture particleboards, but it is necessary to adjust some variables such as nominal density, pressing parameters, adhesive content or the inclusion of a less dense material in the composition of the panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CAROM technology of Moa, Cuba, pours millions of tons of tailings into the environment every year with a high concentration of valuable metallic species that can be recovered, for this reason the objective of this work is to determine the dense-granulometric and chemical behavior of the tailings for their separation. For this, the elutriation method was used to separate the particles based on the combination of granulometry and density properties. The chemical composition was determined through the technique of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. It was obtained that, in the overflow, in the finest fractions iron and aluminum can be recovered, at the highest and lowest density respectively. In the coarse fraction at the lowest density, nickel, magnesium and silicon are recovered. In the finer fractions and lower density of the sands, manganese is recovered, while at the highest density cobalt and chromium are recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction- La Floresta brook is located between the municipalities of Pailitas and Tamalameque, has an extension of 13,500 hectares, where granulometric studies, humidity and sediment volume estimation contributed by the basin through the model EROSUP-U. Objective- In order to quantify the sedimentological contribution and classify the soil type based on AASTHO and USC. Methodology- 84 samples were collected, each 10mts and 15mts, following the methodology proposed by the Federal Electricity Commission of Mexico. Results- The volumetric estimation, applying the universal equation of soil loss (EUPS), establishes that the sedimentological contribution of the brook is of 4,944,679,344.77 m³ / year; the soil was classified into four (4) groups (A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4, A-2-6), the most representative is A-1-a with 84.52% of the samples analyzed. Conclusions- La Floresta brook has a wide granulometric variability of sediments, with a greater proportion of gravel, coarse sand and fine sand, with or without well-graduated fine material, with a predominance of gravels and a sedimentological contribution of 4,944,679,344.77 m³/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residues of use of the construction are among the most degrading of the environment, being important its reutilization. One possible alternative is its incorporation in the manufacture of soil-cement bricks. Therefore, the granulometry of the materials that make up the blend is a factor of extreme importance in the final resistance of the soil-cement-residue bricks. The aim of this study was to study the soil granulometry, the residues and the mixture between both in the proportions of 40% and 60% of Construction and Demolition Residue (RCD), in order to analyze the influence of the same on the properties of the soil- cement. For this, the physical characterization of the materials and the mixtures was made. The results showed that the RCD corrected the soil granulometry making it more sandy and propitious to the construction of soil-cement bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En las comunidades rurales de Quintana Roo se utiliza harina de Brosimum alicastrum para la alimentación humana como complemento nutricional de otros cereales. Encontrar el nivel de humedad óptimo de las semillas, para obtener harina con la mejor textura mediante molienda manual, fue el objetivo de este trabajo. Se tomaron tres muestras de 100 g de semillas deshidratadas a 60°C, con 19, 17, 15, 13 y 11% de humedad para molerse. La harina se tamizó para obtener las fracciones granulométricas: muy gruesa (malla 4 mm), gruesa (1.25 mm), media (0.50 mm), fina (0.25 mm) y extrafina (= 0.25 mm) y se pesaron en báscula digital. Se realizaron análisis de varianza y comparaciones de medias (Tukey a=0.05). Las muestras con 19 y 17% de humedad, tuvieron fracciones más gruesas; las de 15, 13 y 11% tuvieron media, fina y extrafina y fueron estadísticamente iguales. La mejor textura se obtuvo con 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazonian biome has a vast biodiversity, with mostly low fertility soils, but with some clack soils called Archeological Dark Earth, where these soils present high natural fertility and physical potential in relation to the adjacent soils. The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial variability of texture in areas of Archeological Dark Earth under different uses in the southern region of Amazonas. In the study area, a mesh measuring 88 x 64 m was established, so that the soils wer e sampled at the crossing points of the mesh, with regular intervals of 8 m, totaling a total of 88 sample points. Soil samples were collected at depth 0.0-0.5 m to the south of the state of Amazonas, respectively, in the city of Apuí to perform the physical analysis of texture by the pipette method, and then the data were submitted to descriptive statistics and geostatistics. Area under pasture management showed greater spatial variability when it comes to texture attributes granulometric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uniformity coefficient and the fineness modulus are the two grain size parameters of a sand sample that as a great influnce on the concrete strength. High compressive strength results on sand samples with high uniformity coefficient and with high fineness modulus are found. In these sense, this article evaluated the grain size properties of three commercial deposits of sand at Parana River in the Alto Paraiso city. To evaluate the influence the three sand sample on the concrete properties specimens that are 100 mm of diameter, 200 mm of high and class of resistande of 20 MPa were made. A compressive strength test and a slump test were performed to evaluated this influence. The three sand sample have a 28 days compressive strength higher than 26,6 MPa (minimum dosage strength). The compressive strength of sample 3 is 32 % higher than sample 1 and 12 % higher than sample 2. It begins because sample 3 with higher uniformity coefficient as a most efficient packing arrengement, consequently lower is the air índex as a higher compressive strength. As higher is fineness modulus lower is the grains surface, lower is the cement past amount and consequently higher is the resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove ecosystem tree species have the capacity to change the condition of the soils adjacent to their root system and play an active role in chemical reactions in this environmental compartment. Soil physicochemical characteristics in the mangroves have an intrinsic relationship with the vegetation. In Brazil, studies seeking to evaluate this relationship are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the soil physicochemical composition in the tree species in the mangrove of the Maracaípe river estuary, Ipojuca/PE, Brazil, by means of physicochemical analyzes of the soil in the species Rizhophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia schaueriana and Conocarpus erectus. The species showed physicochemical characteristics different from those found in other studies regarding temperature, since the milder areas were the ones of R. mangle instead of A. schaueriana. Salinity does not appear to be a limiting factor in R. mangle, which showed greater adaptation to salinity variations, while to the species A. schaueriana, it seems to influence its distribution. The concentration of magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium, arriving to the ecosystem by the tides, indicates the strong marine influence in the Maracaípe river estuary. The source of sediments with predominantly sandy characteristic for the estuary may be related to the deforestation of adjacent mangroves, sandbanks and vegetation. Greater rain contribution in the first campaign imposed changes in macronutrient concentrations in the species L. racemosa, A. schaueriana and C. erectus, which did not occur in R. mangle, which maintained the same pattern in both analyzed periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to model the kinetics of water sorption in roasted and ground coffee. Crude Arabica coffee beans with an initial moisture content of 0.1234 kgwkgdm-1 were used. These beans were roasted to a medium roast level (SCCA # 55) and ground at three particle sizes: coarse (1.19 mm), medium (0.84 mm) and fine (0.59 mm). To obtain the water sorption isotherms and the isosteric heat, different conditions of temperature and relative humidity were analyzed using the dynamic method at 25°C (0.50, 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80 of RH) and 30°C (0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80 of RH) and using the static method at 25°C (0.332 and 0.438 of RH). The GAB model best represented the hygroscopic equilibrium of roasted coffee at every particle size. Isosteric heat of sorption for the fine particle size increased with increments of equilibrium moisture content, indicating a strong bond energy between water molecules and the product components. The Gibbs free energy decreased with the increase in equilibrium moisture content and with temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the contaminant potential of the leachate from soils treated with increasing doses of biosolids. The experiment was carried out in protected cultivation in clayey (Eutrophic RED LATOSOL) and sandy texture (Dystrophic YELLOW RED LATOSOL) soils. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments, six repetitions and two soil types: T1 - absence of biosolids, T2-T6, respectively 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 ton ha-1 of biosolids. The vessels (leaching column) were made by PVC tubes 0.50 m high and 0.10 m in diameter at its base is adapted a perforated PVC cap for collecting the leached material. Each column was filled with 3,141.6 cm3 soil (sandy or clayey), of which the amounts of biosolid. After this stage, the plots were taken to 70% of the field capacity incubated for 60 days and after that period the leachate was collected and evaluated as: pH, electrical conductivity and contents of K, Ca and Mg. The results indicated that increased doses of biosolids lead to elevated pH. It was concluded that the clay soil supported higher doses of biosolids in relation to the sandy soil, presenting leachates with lower pollutant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to produce polymer blends from a polystyrene (PS) matrix with shoes rubber waste (SBRr), to evaluate the influence of granulometry and the effect of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) compatibilizer on rheological, mechanical (impact and flexion), heat deflection temperature (HDT) and morphology. The blends of polystyrene/rubber waste were prepared in a twin-screw co-rotational extruder and then injection moulded. The blend of PS/SBRr/SBS (40 mesh) had a 254% increase in impact strength in relation to polystyrene, as well as a loss of only 10% in its rigidity under flexion. The values of the HDT of the blend decreased compared to the polystyrene matrix. The rheology curves of the blends had no significant changes. The photomicrographs of compatibilized blends showed a characteristic morphology of immiscible polymer blends. Considering all the inherent difficulties to recycle rubber waste, the results show that it is possible to obtain a material with good properties and reduce costs in the development of a new material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation is to conduct a fractional analysis to a Punta Gorda ore sample within the granulometric interval of 2,0+0,074 mm considering physical characteristics, diameter and particle density. A bidimensional function is obtained by the thickness or diameter and by the density through the combination of screening analysis and density fraction separation with the use of different dense media. The experimental function is determined through chemical analysis. The evaluation of the benefits is carried out using method of the separation theory and the technological parameters are obtained. The main result is a concentrate with the separation of a higher percent of magnesium and aluminum of 94,89 % and 91,15 %, respectively. This allows foreseeing the improvement of the quality and stability of the ore feed to the mining process and diversifying the use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article characteristics of grain size distribution are shown - colluvial deposits against sources deposits - fluvioglacial deposits. This allowed to present the grain size differences between the mentioned deposits. Deposits from two different closed depressions which are situated on sandur close to Łupawsko Region (Zachodniopomorskie Lakeland) were examined. Parameters like mean grain size, sorting, skewness, content of fraction above 4 phi, cumulative curves and frequency curves were analyzed. Firstly, colluvial deposits turn out to be a smaller deposit and a worse sorted one than the fluvioglacial base. Secondly, cumulative curves of grain size of colluvial deposit series against the curves of source deposits have weaker differentiation of particular sections and in general are situated lower on the probability chart. What is more, frequency curves of colluvial deposits possess modals of wide and shallow accumulation, which distinguish them from narrow and significantly highlighted modal values of sandur deposits. On top of that, colluvial deposits characterized with material of a significantly higher content of fraction above 4 phi than the compared sources deposits. To sum up, the used parameters and techniques of grain size analysis can be useful when it comes to genetic classification of the considered types of deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom sediments in the reservoirs "La Fe, Riogrande II and Porce II" properties of EPM, were characterized for environmental quality through the determination of heavy metals (iron, manganese, lead and chromium), the content of bases (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium), the concentrations of total nitrogen (Kjeldahl) and phosphorus, sediment granulometry and mineralogy and the classification of diatoms. "La Fe" reservoir presents the best water quality (oligomesotrophic) compared to "Riogrande II" (mesotrophiceutrophic) and "Porce II" (Eutrophic to hypertrophic); All three share similar characteristics in terms of total nitrogen (NTK) content which is in lower concentration relative to the total phosphorus (PT). The high abundance and occurrence of Spicaticribra kingstonii and D. stelligera in "La Fe", Fragilaria familiaris and Discostella stelligera in "Riogrande II" and A. granulata in "Porce II", were good indicators for the water quality at the reservoirs "La Fe" and "Riogrande II" and for the permanent eutrophy at "Porce II". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the relation between the abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates and relevant environmental variables in two intertidal in Golfo Nuevo (Argentinean patagonia), one near a urban center (Mimosa Beach, PM) and the other at 20 km from that location (Cerro Avanzado Beach, CA). Within each beach, the environmental conditions were homogeneous (90% of similarity). Mean size grain values, anoxic layer depth, and percent organic matter were 117.6 µm, 4.95 cm and 0.76%, and 165.2 µm, 9.5 cm and 0.63%, for PM and CA respectively. Even though three families were the most abundant in both beaches (Tellinidae, Maldanidae and Opheliidae), nine families were exclusively observed in PM. This resulted in a higher biodiversity in PM (3.06) in relation to CA (1.77). When faunal composition was considered, the similarity between sites was notably low (lower than 82%) if compared with the environmental conditions. Granulometry and organic matter were the variables with the highest correlation with macroinvertebrates abundance. This is the first study of macroinvertebrates and their relationship with some environmental variables throughout the complete spatial extension of two beaches in Golfo Nuevo. This is of particular relevance if we consider that coastal regions of this gulf has been exposed to a sustained increase of anthropic activities in the last years and base- line information is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulometry is one of the main soil characteristics and its evaluation gives key information in the determination of its physical properties. However, there are still methodological discrepancies related to soil dispersion and organic matter elimination (OME) procedures. In this work changes in granulometry were assessed for in three soils with contrasting textures, mineralogy, and organic matter levels. Two OME procedures (calcination at 430 °C and oxidation by H2O2) and two shaking velocities (90 and 150 rpm) in reciprocal agitator were evaluated. When organic matter was eliminated with H2O2, higher clay extraction was obtained regardless of the agitation velocities. In the sandy soil (Haplustoll), the combination of calcination and 150 rpm shaking velocity showed a similar statistical performance than H2O2 and 150 or 90 rpm shaking treatment. On the contrary, for the fine texture soils assessed for in this work (Argiudoll and Hapludert), calcination techniques would not be appropriate as they underestimated clay content due to a probable clay particle reorganization produced by heat. This work highlights the importance of methodological conditions on the outcome of soil granulometric distribution. The evaluation of a larger number of soils and of other soil Orders is necessary to achieve sound determination methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has how to objective to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment of São José III, located in São José dos Cordeiros - PB, as well as the rainfall of the region and the volume of the weir the last 5 years. Held the collection of the sediment weir São José III, at three different points (A-Fund of the weir, B-border of the weir - waste disposal; C-Border of the weir - arable area) to a depth of 0-30 cm with the support of manual auger, plastic blades and PVC tubes (50 mm diameter) and packed in plastic bags. After collect, the samples passed air drying, broken into pieces and sent to the Laboratory of Irrigation and Salinity (LIS-UFCG), to peform the physical and chemical analyzes. Says with the rainfall data for the year with the highest average was 2009 (103.89 mm) and the lowest was observed in 2012 (16.59 mm). The particle size analysis of the sediment revealed that the sediment sample A (Fund of the weir) has 50.06% argil. Sediment samples B (Border of the weir - waste disposal) and C (Border of the weir - arable area) showed a higher sand fraction (B-80, 74%, C-62, 64%), realized that the chemical characterization to C/N ratio in the samples of the weir São José III have origin of terrestrial and aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Coffee's peel is the main sub product of coffee industry in Colombia and is not sufficiently used to exploit its bioactive potential, represented by its carotenoids, gallic acid, anthocyanins and antioxidants, all of them with great value for food and pharmaceutical industries. It is, therefore, important to study its granulometry in order to develop extraction processes. Objective. Analyze and make a model of coffee's peel granulometry (Coffea arabica L.), Castillo variety. Materials and methods. The raw material used in this research work was coffee peel (Coffea arabica L.), Castillo variety, acquired in farms from the Antioquian South West region. The coffee plants had an average of ten years of age and the selection was made in the 2015 harvest. The drying and the adequacy of the raw material took place in one of the farms, in Caldas, Antioquia, Colombia. The granulometry analysis by sieving was performed at Corporación Universitaria Lasallista's laboratories. A cutter mill was used and a grinding time lapse between 1 and 4 minutes was assessed. The particles distribution was studied with the Gates-Gaudin-Schuhmann (G-G-S) and Rosin-Rammler (R-R) models. Both models were linearized in order to obtain the equation constants and the correlation coefficients to be compared. Results. The Rosin-Rammler's distribution function is the one that best represents the granulometric distribution of coffee peel, with a r2 equal to 0,99 in contrast to the distribution function of Gates-Gaudin-Schuhmann, with a lower r2 that decreases as grinding time increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was developed in outcrop, called Lajeadinho located in rural Guarapuava, Paraná. Aimed to recognize the chronology and the physical characteristics of Line Stone. The stone row there is an average depth of 1.30 m with a thickness of approximately 0,20cm. Measurements and collection of material for conducting particle size analysis, for dating and humin 14C fragments to identify their degree of roundness, sphericity and roughness were performed. The fragments collected indicated breakdown of rock with advanced process of alteration and grading tests indicate higher amount of silt at the base of the outcrop and clay increase toward the top of the outcrop, suggesting that the base is suffering process of changing rock matrix. Radiocarbon dating indicated that the Line Stone originated between the late Pleistocene and the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, fourteen superficial sandy sediment samples and fifteen core samples, taken at 2 to 30 m in depth, were analyzed in order to determine the granulometry and mineralogical features of the dune system named duna costera El Socorro (DCES), San Quintín, Baja California, Mexico. In addition, we investigated the sediment provenance by analyzing twelve samples collected from three nearby arroyos and sand bars. The main components of the DCES are plagioclase and quartz (35 - 39 % and 36-58 % plagioclase, and 50-56% and 38-60% monocrystalline quartz for core samples and superficial samples, respectively). The remaining components include scarce lithic fragments and abundant heavy minerals, mostly hornblende and traces of pyroxene, but also small amounts of magnetite and ilmenite (> 1 % in volume). The samples from arroyo El Socorro (south of the DCES) and arroyo Santo Domingo (~45 km north of the DCES) contain 69 and 52 % monocrystalline quartz, respectively, while arroyo San Simon, located north of the DCES, has 63 % plagioclase. Mineralogical characterization in the study area and modal analysis suggest that the main DCES sediment source is the arroyo Santo Domingo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existe poca información acerca de la influencia del tamaño de las partículas y de las propiedades físicas y químicas de los sustratos usados para la producción de inoculante micorrízico. El objetivo de este estudió fue evaluar el número de esporas, colonización de la raíz, peso seco de la parte aérea y de la raíz, y volumen radical producidos por plantas de lechuga inoculadas con Gigaspora gigantea en 12 sustratos elaborados con diferente tamaño de partículas. Los sustratos se prepararon con dos tipos de bonote de coco (Cocos nucifera): granular (Bg) y fibroso (Bf ) en mezcla con piedra pómez (P) y tezontle (T), con tres granulometrías (<0.6 mm, 0.6-1 mm, 1-2 mm) en proporción 3:1 v/v, excepto Gc:P:T (1-2 mm) en proporción 6:1:1 v/v. Como testigo se usó la mezcla con turba:agrolita:vermiculita (Tur:A:V) a granel en proporción 2:1:1 v/v. Lactuca sativa var. King Herry se usó como planta hospedera. El experimento se evaluó 75 d después de la siembra con un ANDEVA y comparación de medias (Tukey ⩽0.05). El estudio micromorfológico y análisis de imágenes determinó la interacción sustrato-raíz-esporas. La mayor colonización micorrízica (p⩽0.05) ocurrió en Tur:A:V a granel, Bg:P:T 1-2 mm y con la granulometría de 0.6-1 mm. El mayor número de esporas (20 esporas g-1 sustrato seco) se obtuvo en Tur:A:V a granel (p⩽0.05). Los sustratos con tamaño de partícula <0.6 mm y 0.6-1 mm favorecieron positivamente las variables de respuesta de la planta hospedera (p⩽0.05). El estudio micromorfológico mostró que las esporas se relacionan con los componentes Bg:P:T y se alojan en la superficie rugosa de las vesículas fracturadas de tezontle. El sustrato Bg:T:P (1-2 mm) se recomienda como sustituto de Turb:A:V a granel para la producción de Gi. gigantea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this research is to deepen knowledge about the possible influence of the origin and gradation of the aggregates on the mechanic behavior of asphalt mixtures. A macroscopic pétrographie analysis was done on selected samples of graves and sands from a quarry located near the Coello River in Tolima (Cantol) and from a quarry located near the Tunjuelito River in Cundinamarca (Cancun). Two types of granulometry were selected according to the specifications of the Institute of Urban Development (mdl2 and md20). The optimum percentage of asphalt was estimated by use of the Marshall's methodology. Laboratory tests on the asphalt mixtures included: dry and moist indirect tensile strength (ITS), moisture damage (MD) and resilient modulus (MR). Half of the samples were subjected to aging in an oven at 80 ° C with air circulation. Results show that specimens with gradation md20, independently of the origin of the soil particles, have higher density, ITS and MR than the specimens with gradation mdl2. Moreover, ITS results from Cantol specimens were higher than the same results from Cancun specimens for dry and aged at 48 hours. In the moist condition, md20 and mdl2 Cancun asphalt mixtures had high values of ITS and MD tests. Finally, it was found that MR results of Cancun specimens were considerably lower than Cantol specimens for any moist or ageing condition. For the materials studied, results show that the origin of the material and the gradation characteristics affect the mechanic properties of the asphalt mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downstream changes in channel-bed and bank particle size that occur in the Pascagoula River system, a humid sub-tropical, sand-bed stream which flows across the Gulf Coastal Plain are summarized in this paper. Grab samples collected at 59 sites along the two main-stem rivers were characterized through laboratory and statistical analyses and standard sedimentary indices Φ5, Φ16, Φ50, Φ84, Φ95, and sorting) were computed. Channel-bed and bank samples show a downstream fining trend. Inclusive graphic standard deviations were calculated to estimate sorting; the entire basin revealed moderate sorting, with no clear indication of an increase downstream. Modal grain shape of all the samples shows bank material slightly more angular than bed material. Low percentages of coatings were observed on most samples suggesting the Pascagoula River basin has an active sediment transport system. The low relief and similar lithology within the Pascagoula River basin make this empirical data unique and the results relevant within the study of dynamic fluvial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of two sampling plans for fumonisins (B1+B2) analysis in 11 lots of maize. For sample collection the two systems used were a manual system in whole grains, using sampling spear. and an automatic system in milled grains, using the continuous flow sampling system (CFSS). For comparison purpose, two dispersion measurements were used: variance and coefficient of variation. For each sampling plan the variance associated to the three steps of fumonisins quantification (sampling, sample preparation, and analysis), and the total coefficient of variation were determined. The correlation between the average fumonisins concentration and the variances for each phase of the detection procedure was evaluated for each sampling plan using analysis of regression. At the automatic sampling plan in milled grains for fumonisins analysis in maize both sampling variance (0.0226mg kg-1)2 and total coefficient of variation (6.37%) were lower (P<0.01) than in the manual sampling plan in whole grains whit (0.0685mg kg-1)2 of variance and 8.94% of coefficient of variation, showing so better efficiency for fumonisin detection on maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiofaunal assemblages from intertidal and shallow subtidal seabeds were studied at two sites (one dominated by volcanic sands and the other by organogenic sands) at Tenerife (Canary Islands, NE Atlantic Ocean) throughout an entire year (May 2000--April 2001). Specifically, we aimed (i) to test for differences in diversity, structure, and stability between intertidal and subtidal meiofaunal assemblages, and (ii) to determine if differences in the meiofaunal assemblage structure may be explained by environmental factors (granulometric composition, availability of organic matter, and carbonate content in sediments). A total of 103,763 meiofaunal individuals were collected, including 203 species from 19 taxonomic groups (Acari, Amphipoda, Cnidaria, Copepoda, Echinodermata, Gastrotricha, Isopoda, Insecta, Kinorrhyncha, Misidacea, Nematoda, Nemertini, Oligochaeta, Ostracoda, Polychaeta, Priapulida, Sipuncula, Tanaidacea, and Turbellaria). Nematodes were the most abundant taxonomic group. Species diversity was higher in the subtidal than in the intertidal zone at both sites, as a result of the larger dominance of a few species in the intertidal zone. The meiofaunal assemblage structure was different between tidal levels at both sites, the intertidal presenting greater temporal variability (multivariate dispersion) in the meiofaunal assemblage structure than the subtidal. Sediment grain size, here quantified by the different granulometric fractions, explained the variability in meiofaunal assemblage structure to a greater extent than the percentage of carbonates, a variable linked to sediment origin. This study revealed differences in diversity, assemblage structure, and variability between intertidal and subtidal meiofauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of the addition of an enzymatic complex (protease, amylase and celulase) and in two different particle size (GMD -- geometric mean diameter 0.650 mm and 1.250mm) on the deactivated full-fat soybean digestibility. One hundred male broilers were used, with average weight of 620g. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2(enzyme) x 2(GMD) factorial scheme. The poultry were alloted in four treatments with five replicates of five chicks each. The values of metabolizable energy (ME), digestibility coefficients of ether extract, nitrogen and amino acid of deactivated full-fat soybean were determined. The particle size and the supplementation of the enzymatic complex didn't influence (P>0.05) the amino acid digestibility evaluated and the nitrogen digestibility coefficients. The smaller deactivated full-fat soybean particle size (0.650mm) had a higher digestibility coefficient of the ether extract. The addition of enzyme promoted an increase on the values of AME and AMEn when used deactivated full-fat soybean with particle size of 0.650mm. The addition of the enzymatic complex improves the digestibility coefficient of methionine, independent of the size particle size, and methionine plus cystine of deactivated full-fat soybean, with coarser particle sizes (1.250mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology for granulometric image analysis based on modeling the spatial energy of frequencies, using the Wavelet transform is presented in this article. A brief review of the Wavelet Transform tool is presented, and the proposed methodology is detailed. The presented results were obtained using numerically and experimentally simulated images. These results show the relevant correlation between the energy of the Wavelet coefficients and the size distribution of the analyzed objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the enzymatic complex addition and deactivated full-fat soybean particle size on performance of broilers in the period from 1 to 42 days of age. Four hundred and eighty male broiler chicks from the Ross strain were used, allotted to a completely randomized factorial scheme 2x2 (enzyme x particle size). The experimental diets were based on corn, soybean meal and (±1.5 mm or ±4.0mm) deactivated full-fat soybean, with or without enzyme. The enzymatic complex (xylanase, b-glucanase, mannase, pectinase and protease) was supplied in the dose of 50g t-1ration. The enzymatic complex addition increased (P=0.0531) the diet intake in 4% and the weight gain in 2.8% in the final period. The feed intake increased 3% in the final period and 2% in the total period in poultry that were fed with fine particle size diet. In the initial period, the chicks that ingested the coarse particle size diet had a 5% weight gain increase and had the greater feed rates. The addition of the enzymatic complex in diets with deactivated full-fat soybean improves the performance of chickens. The use of the soy with fine particle size (1,5mm) in the initial phases for chickens is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic speckle patterns are generated by laser light scattering on surfaces that exhibit some kind of activity, due to physical or biological processes that take place in the illuminated object. The characterization of this dynamic process is carried out by studying the texture changes of auxiliary images: temporal history of the speckle pattern (THSP) obtained from this speckles patterns. The drying process of water borne paint is studied through a method based on mathematical morphology applied to the THSP image processing. It is based on obtaining the granulometry of these images and their characteristic granulometric spectrum. From the granulometric size distribution of each THSP image four parameters are obtained: mean length, standard deviation, asymmetry and kurtosis. These parameters are found to be suitable as texture features. The Mahalanobis distance is calculated between the texture features of the THSP images representative of the temporary stages of the drying process and the features of the final stage or pattern texture. The behavior of the distance function describes satisfactorily the drying process of the water borne paint. Finally, these results are compared with the obtained by other methods. Compared with others, the granulometric method reported in this work distinguished by its simplicity and easy implementation and can be used to characterize the evolution of any process recorded through dynamic speckles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to evaluate the effect of diets containing different particle size of corn on the performance of semi-heavy laying hens during the initial phase production, we used 392 Hy Line Brown birds reared on a bed of wood shavings, which received a balanced diet according with the requirement phase, distributed in four treatments in a completely randomized design with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of diets containing corn with Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD) of 0.66 mm, 1.26 mm, 3.21 mm and whole maize. No significant difference (P>0.05) in egg production (%eggs/hen/day), feed intake (g/bird/day), gravity (g/cm³), weight (g) egg mass (g). However, the diet with whole maize was better (P<0.05) feed conversion (g/g). Corn with different particle sizes can be used in food rations for semi-heavy birds during the laying phase without reducing performance and affect the quality of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical characteristics of the diet, including particle size, exert important role in animals diet usage. So, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of diet granulometry on nutrients digestibility and metabolizability of energy in dogs. Eight adult Beagle dogs were distributed in a double latin square design (4 x 4), totaling eight replicates in time. The ingredients of diets were ground in sieves of: 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5mm, and the diets particle size were expressed as geometric mean diameter (GMD): 468, 476, 499 and 588μm, respectively. Each experimental period was composed by five days for diet adaptation and five days of total feces collection. The correlation and regression analyses showed a negative relationship between GMD and coefficient of apparent digestibility (CAD) of crude protein (y=94.82-42.05x), acid ether extract (y=86.57-35.02x), nitrogen free-extract (y=102.48-48.42x) and metabolizable energy (y=3597.56- 1697.00x). It was not observed effect of GMD on dry matter intake and dry matter CAD. There was lower fecal score with increasing GMD of foods. Therefore, the lowest particle size of food resulted in better use of nutrients and diet energy and production of drier feces by dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the influence of temperature, water, and granulometry in the cohesion of asphalt mixtures. The study was carried out by subjecting dry and wet samples to the UCL test. The research started by characterizing the granular material and three asphalts with different behaviour (60/70, 85/100 and modified with polymer SBS). The grain size curves used correspond to the so established as md10 and md12 by the Instituto de Desarrollo Urbano (IDU). The asphalt optimal percentage was determined via the Marshall apparatus in samples without filler, following UCL test procedures. Several samples were built with the optimal percentage and tested by means of an Angeles Machine at different typical Colombian temperatures in dry and wet state. The results obtained show that the modified asphalt presents a higher cohesion rate than conventional asphalts; that water diminishes the cohesion between the asphalt and the particles irrespective of the granule used, and that the md12 granulometry yield higher losses than the md10 grain size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a method based on the application of morphological operators to carry out the segmentation on slices of brain magnetic resonance images (MRI). The processed slices belong to two control subjects (healthy) (CS) and one with dissociated strabismus (SS) (the three with 7 years old). Once separated the skull, we obtaining granulometric plots of white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) located in occipital lobe. Respect to the CS, we present a granulometric pattern for the WM as well as for the GM. Such patterns are used to be compared to the granulometric plots obtained from SS and thus being able to establish volumetric differences between the different detected structures. On the other side, in order to get the granulometric plots, equations than provide similar results to a equations of granulometric density were applied; whereas the separation of the skull is doing by a morphological transformation that avoid the generation of new structures during the processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sinter of Nickel quality, final product of the Company Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara (Punta Gorda), has been affected in the last years. It is suspected that one of the possible causes is the Nickel Oxide grain, for that reason it has been necessary to increase the knowledge of the process until the obtaining of this oxide. A multivariable statistical study is carried out in this paper with the purpose of determining the influence of the physical-chemical composition of the basic Nickel carbonate,the operation parameters in the plant of Ammonia Recovery and the calcination furnace on the grain of the Nickel oxide. The study also classified the grain of this oxide in classes of behaviors and to characterize it for its variables. The method of statistical diagnosis carried out was an Analysis in Main Components (AMC) and of classification for the PRESTA methodology, using the soft SPAD version 3.5. In this paper the purpose is basically to show the power of the AMC in the statistical diagnosis of problems in the industry, it is done without the identity of a great part of the variables of the process, only the basic variables of the carried out diagnosis are identified that are necessary for the fundamental conclusions of the analysis, this is done by reasons of discretion with the sensitive information of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]