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Considered the economic engine of many countries, the coffee culture represents an important component of the agricultural chain in Brazil. The growing values of commercialization, planting areas, and crop productivity require the acquisition of quality seedlings, which must receive adequate nutritional support through efficient fertilizers. Slow and controlled-release fertilizers, such as organominerals, gain prominence when it comes to increasing efficiency in the use of phosphorus, as well as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) with phosphate solubilizing characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different sources of mineral and organomineral fertilizers, inoculated and non-inoculated with PGPB on the quality parameters of coffee seedlings. In general, the P sources used in the experiment positively interfered with the development of coffee seedlings. This proves that there is a need for nutritional supplementation for the good development of the seedlings. Among the sources used, the organomineral in granulated form showed better performance in coffee seedlings' growth and physiological parameters, proving to be a viable alternative to commonly used fertilizers. The addition of PGPB showed a significant advantage for seedling quality variables. Resumo Considerado o motor econômico de muitos países, a cultura do café representa um importante componente da cadeia agrícola no Brasil. Os crescentes valores de comercialização, das áreas de plantio e da produtividade da cultura requerem aquisição de mudas de qualidade, que devem receber adequado aporte nutricional através do uso eficiente de fertilizantes. Fertilizantes de liberação lenta e controlada, a exemplo dos organominerais, ganham destaque quando se trata de aumento da eficiência no uso do fósforo, assim como as bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (BPCP) com características solubilizadoras de fosfato. Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de fertilizantes mineral e organomineral, inoculados e não inoculados com BPCP, sobre parâmetros de qualidade de mudas de café. De forma geral, as fontes de P utilizadas no experimento interferiram positivamente no desenvolvimento das mudas de café. Isso comprova que existe a necessidade de complementação nutricional para um bom desenvolvimento das mudas. Dentre as fontes utilizadas, o organomineral na forma granulada apresentou melhor desempenho nos parâmetros de crescimento e fisiológicos das mudas de café, mostrando ser uma alternativa viável aos fertilizantes comumente utilizados. A adição de BPCP apresentou vantagem significativa para as variáveis de qualidade das mudas.

Lately, the use of zebrafish has gained increased interest in the scientific community as an animal model in preclinical research. However, there is a lack of

The automation of soccer video analysis is an area of recent interest, particularly the 3D reconstruction of soccer matches from broadcast video. One important task is the camera center determination. The camera center is calculated from a single soccer match image. It is assumed that a model of the soccer field with known dimensions is accessible. Two different approaches are presented: 1. Camera matrix determination; and 2. Homography matrix determination. It is shown that the homography matrix can be determined using mapped points and lines. Both methods are compared. To improve the numerical stability, a normalization procedure is used. Both methods with normalization are also compared. The results showed that the combination of points and lines with normalization improved the obtained results.

The 3D reconstruction and automatic statistical analysis of sporting events is an area of increasing demand and innovation. In this work, it is proposed the use of two different CNNs (AlexNet and LeNet) with different activation functions for the classification of soccer field view. The images will be classified as viewing the right goal, the center field, and the left goal. The classification of the soccer field view facilitates the creation of an automated algorithm for creating correspondences of relevant points. This activity is the most difficult to be automated. As it is very difficult to obtain real images for training the CNNs, it is proposed a method for creating synthetic soccer field views. Three CNNs presented good results and high accuracy.

Given plausible assumptions about the nature of evidence and undercutting defeat, many believe that the force of the evidential problem of evil depends on sceptical theism’s being false: if evil is...

O monitoramento de subestações de distribuição, onde se encontram cargas de alta relevância, é fundamental para garantir sua operação de forma confiável, eficiente e segura. Este estudo propõe analisar o consumo de energia do hospital de clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro através de medição nos principais transformadores de distribuição da subestação. A partir dos resultados de medição, tem-se a criação de um banco de dados de referência para monitoramento contínuo. Além disso, da condição de operação dos transformadores, permite-se avaliar a confiabilidade e qualidade no fornecimento de energia, bem como identificar pontos de atenção, propondo-se melhorias da instalação. Considerando o cenário de pandemia causada pelo coronavírus (Covid-19), este estudo torna-se ainda mais relevante.

Deontological evidentialism is the claim that S ought to form or maintain S’s beliefs in accordance with S’s evidence. A promising argument for this view turns on the premise that consideration c is a normative reason for S to form or maintain a belief that p only if c is evidence that p is true. In this paper, I discuss the surprising relation between a recently influential argument for this key premise and the principle that ought implies can. I argue that anyone who antecedently accepts or rejects this principle already has a reason to resist either this argument’s premises or its role in support of deontological evidentialism.

This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Morus nigra L. HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the crude ethanolic extract (Mn-EtOH). The antibacterial effect was assessed through the method of microdilution. The cytotoxicity was tested against human tumour cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also assessed through the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. The presence of phenolic compounds in Mn-EtOH was confirmed using HPLC. The extracts showed activity against most microorganisms tested. The extracts did not show any expressive antiproliferative effect in the assessment of cytotoxicity. The most significant total phenolic content was 153.00 ± 11.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g to the ethyl acetate extract (AcOEt). The total flavonoid content was 292.50 ± 70.34 mg of catechin equivalent/g to the AcOEt extract, which presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 50.40 ± 1.16 μg/mL) for DPPH scavenging. We can conclude that this species shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as weak cytotoxic effects. Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de extratos de Morus nigra L. HPLC foi utilizado para determinar o perfil de compostos fenólicos do extrato etanólico bruto (Mn-EtOH). O efeito antibacteriano foi avaliado através do método de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi testada contra linhagens celulares de tumores humanos utilizando o ensaio do brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio (MTT). O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides também foi avaliado por meio dos métodos de Folin-Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio, respectivamente. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada por meio do sequestro do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e co-oxidação do sistema β-caroteno-ácido linoleico. A presença de compostos fenólicos em Mn-EtOH foi confirmada utilizando HPLC. Os extratos mostraram atividade contra a maioria dos microrganismos testados. Os extratos não mostraram qualquer efeito antiproliferativo expressivo na avaliação da citotoxicidade. O conteúdo fenólico total mais significativo foi de 153,00 ± 11,34 mg de equivalente de ácido gálico/g para o extrato acetato de etila (AcOEt). O conteúdo de flavonoides totais foi de 292,50 ± 70,34 mg de equivalente de catequina/g para o extrato AcOEt, que apresentou a melhor atividade antioxidante (IC50 50,40 ± 1,16 mg/mL) para o sequestro do DPPH. Podemos concluir que esta espécie apresenta forte atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante, bem como fraca atividade citotóxica.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T16:57:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-07-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T14:36:50Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352019000401293.pdf: 712855 bytes, checksum: 1ba2084b03b74d8fcb88aef6098bf86f (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The pelvimetry consists of the metric determination of the pelvis dimensions and its use is directly related to the reproduction. The cartilage closure time of the ossification centers varies according to the bone, some closing already in the uterine life and others remaining present for many years. The objective was to evaluate, radiographically, the pelvic diameters by pelvimetry during the first 24 months of life in pacas, the second lagest Brazilian rodent and an animal that has shown big recent scientific interest, aiming the estimated age determination. Twelve pacas were used, which were monthly radiographed up from birth until 24 months old, with the animals anesthetized. The pacas are dolicopelvic animals and with pelvis presenting strong tendency to constant growth along the 12 first months of age, fact that can be useful in the approximated animals' age determination that do not have precise birth date, for example. Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2013/25975-4 FAPESP: 2015/07073-9

Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring is a species popularly known as “jericó”, and used in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate in mice the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hexane (Sc-Hex) and chloroform (Sc-CHCl3) fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) obtained by partition of crude ethanol extract from S. convoluta. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the fractions was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the Sc-Hex and the Sc-CHCl3 were positive for the presence of flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, quinones, triterpenes and steroids. Inhibition of writhing was observed for fractions tested. The Sc-Hex at all doses tested was effective in reducing the nociceptive behavior produced by formalin only in the second phase. However, the Sc-CHCl3 decreased the paw licking time in the first and second phases. In the hot plate no significant effect was observed for any fraction. In the rota-rod test, treated mice did not demonstrate any significant motor performance changes. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduced cell migration to the pleural cavity. These results reveal the antinociceptive properties of S. convoluta , which support, in part, its traditional use, since the fractions did not presented significant activity in the inflammatory response profile. We further verify that this antinociceptive effect could be by activation of nociceptive peripheral pathway. Resumo Selaginella convoluta é uma espécie popularmente conhecida como “jericó”, e usada na medicina popular como analgésica e anti-inflamatória. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar em camundongos as atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória das frações hexânica (Sc-Hex) e clorofórmica (Sc-CHCl3) (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg) obtidas por partição do extrato etanólico bruto de S. convoluta . A análise fitoquímica preliminar das frações foi realizada. A atividade antinociceptiva foi avaliada pelos testes de contorções abdominais, formalina e placa quente. A atividade anti-inflamatória foi avaliada usando pleurisia induzida por carragenina. O teste do rota-rod foi utilizado para avaliar a coordenação motora. A triagem fitoquímica preliminar mostrou que Sc-Hex e Sc-CHCl3 apresentaram reação positiva para a presença de flavonoides, derivados antracênicos, quinonas, triterpenos e esteroides. A inibição das contorções foi observada para as frações testadas. Sc-Hex em todas as doses testadas foi efetivo na redução do comportamento nociceptivo produzido pela formalina somente na segunda fase. No entanto, Sc-CHCl3 diminuiu o tempo de lambida da pata na primeira e segunda fases. Na placa quente, nenhum efeito significativo foi observado para qualquer fração. No teste do rota-rod os camundongos tratados não demonstraram mudanças significativas na coordenação motora. Na pleurisia induzida por carragenina, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduziu a migração celular para a cavidade pleural. Estes resultados revelam a propriedade antinociceptiva de S. convoluta, justificando, em parte, seu uso tradicional, uma vez que os extratos não apresentaram atividade significativa no perfil de resposta inflamatória. Verificamos ainda que esse efeito antinociceptivo mostrou-se ligado à ativação da via periférica nociceptiva.

Deontological evidentialism (DE) is the claim that we ought to form and maintain our beliefs in accordance with our evidence. In this paper, I criticize two arguments in its defense. I begin by discussing Berit Broogard’s use of the distinction between narrow-scope and wide-scope requirements against W.K. Clifford’s moral defense of (DE). I then use this very distinction against a defense of (DE) inspired by Stephen Grimm’s more recent claims about the moral source of epistemic normativity. I use this distinction once again to argue that Hilary Kornblith’s criticism of Richard Feldman’s defense of (DE) is incomplete. Finally, I argue that Feldman’s defense is insensitive to the relation between normative requirements and privileged values: values that have normative authority over us.

Deontological internalism is the family of views where justification is a positive deontological appraisal of someone's epistemic agency: S is justified, that is, when S is blameless, praiseworthy, or responsible in believing that p. Brian Weatherson discusses very briefly how a plausible principle of ampliative transmission reveals a worry for versions of deontological internalism formulated in terms of epistemic blame. Weatherson denies, however, that similar principles reveal similar worries for other versions. I disagree. In this article, I argue that plausible principles of ampliative transmission reveal a worry for deontological internalism in general.

This paper defends a novel account of how to determine the intrinsic value of possible worlds. Section 1 argues that a highly intuitive and widely accepted account leads to undesirable consequences. Section 2 takes the first of two steps towards a novel account by clarifying and defending a view about value-contribution that is based on some of W. D. Ross’ claims about the value of pleasure. Section 3 takes the second step by clarifying and defending a view about value-suppression that is based on Ross’ claims about the interplay between prima-facie duties. Section 4 states and defends the account that I call Rossian Totalism. According to this account, the atoms of intrinsic value within a world only sometimes contribute their intrinsic value to the value of that world.

Paul Silva has recently argued that doxastic justification does not have a basing requirement. An important part of his argument depends crucially on the assumption that doxastic and moral permissibility have a parallel structure. I here reply to Silva's argument by challenging this crucial assumption. I claim that moral permissibility is an agential notion, while doxastic permissibility is not. I then briefly explore the nature of these notions and briefly consider their implications for praise and blame.

RESUMO O presente experimento foi conduzido para determinar as exigências de lisina digestível para frangos de corte (linhagem Redbro), machos e fêmeas, durante o período de crescimento. Foram utilizados 630 frangos, alojados em 30 boxes com acesso à área de pastejo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (lisina e sexo), e três repetições com 21 aves cada. Os níveis de lisina digestível avaliados foram: 7,07; 8,07; 9,07; 10,07 e 11,07g/kg. Avaliou-se o consumo de lisina, o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. Observou-se efeito de interação (P

Background: Over the last decade, considerable efforts have been made to identify cassava cultivars to improve the vitamin A nutritional status of undernourished populations, especially in northeast Brazil, where cassava is one of the principal and essentially only nutritional source. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the total carotenoid, β-carotene, and its all-E-, 9-, and 13-Z-β-carotene isomers content in seven yellow sweet cassava roots and their retention after three boiling cooking methods. Design: The total carotenoid, β-carotene, and its all-E-, 9-, and 13-Z-β-carotene isomers in yellow sweet cassava samples were determined by ultraviolet/visible spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively, before and after applying the cooking methods. All analyses were performed in triplicate. Results: The total carotenoid in raw roots varied from 2.64 to 14.15 µg/g and total β-carotene from 1.99 to 10.32 µg/g. The β-carotene predominated in all the roots. The Híbrido 2003 14 08 cultivar presented the highest β-carotene content after cooking methods 1 and 3. The 1153 – Klainasik cultivar presented the highest 9-Z-β-carotene content after cooking by method 3. The highest total carotenoid retention was observed in cultivar 1456 – Vermelhinha and that of β-carotene for the Híbrido 2003 14 11 cultivar, both after cooking method 1. Evaluating the real retention percentage (RR%) in sweet yellow cassava after home cooking methods showed differences that can be attributed to the total initial carotenoid contents. However, no cooking method uniformly provided a higher total carotenoid or β-carotene retention in all the cultivars. Conclusion: Differences were found in the cooking methods among the samples regarding total carotenoid or β-carotene retention, suggesting that the different behaviors of the cultivars need to be further analyzed. However, high percentages of total carotenoid or β-carotene retention were observed and can minimize vitamin A deficiency in low-income populations.

Este trabalho teve como objectivo veri­ficar se a injecção de ar junto a água de rega gota-a-gota enterrada, afecta a humi­dade do solo, a disponibilidade de azoto nítrico, a condutividade eléctrica e o cres­cimento e produtividade da alface. Para tal realizou-se um ensaio com a alface variedade “Mention” cultivada em estufa plástica e localizada na Herdade Experi­mental da Mitra-ICAAM, da Universida­de de Évora -Portugal. Utilizou-se o deli­neamento experimental blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições, com os tratamen­tos: rega com injecção de ar (CAR), e rega sem injecção de ar (SAR). O ar foi introdu­zido na água de rega por meio de um injector “Mazzei”. O teor de humidade na camada superficial (0-0,05 m) foi seme­lhante para os dois tratamentos, alcançan­do valores em torno de zero. Em termos de concentração de azoto nítrico (NO 3-) os valores observados na camada 0,10­0,20 m, aos 35 e 47 dias após a transplan­tação, foram mais elevados no tratamento CAR. Aos 47 dias após a transplantação, os níveis médios de NO3-foram de 95,33 e 67,94 ppm nos tratamentos CAR e SAR, respectivamente. A densidade radical no tratamento CAR na camada de 0-0,10 m do solo foi 34 % superior em relação ao SAR. A produção comercial não foi afectada pelo tratamento. A falta de resposta da cultura ao acréscimo de azoto nítrico e da densidade radical pode estar relacionada com o curto ciclo da cultura e/ou com o elevado teor de azoto presente no solo, ou ainda com a profundidade que os goteja­dores foram instalados e não com a fun­cionalidade do injector de ar.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the air injection through subsurface drip irrigation (oxyga­tion) in soil moisture, availability of nitro­gen oxide, and electrical conductivity, plant growth and yield of lettuce, variety "Men­tion", cultivated in plastic greenhouse. The experiment was carried out at the Mitra-ICAM, an Experimental Station of the Uni­versity of Évora -Portugal. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications and the treatments were: irrigation with (CAR) and without (SAR) air injection. The air was introduced into irrigation water through a jet "Mazzei". The soil moisture in the surface layer (0­0.05 m) was similar for the two treatments, reaching values around zero. Concerning NO3-concentration in 0.10-0.20 m soil layer at 35 and 47 days after planting was higher in the treatment CAR. At 47 days after plant­ing, the average levels of NO3-were 95.33 and 67.94 ppm respectively in treatments CAR and SAR. Air injection increased root length density at 0-0.10m depth. The com­mercial yield was not affected by air injec­tion. The lack of response by the crop to the increase of the soil nitrate concentration and root length density could be related with the short cycle of the crop and/or with high con­tents of nitrogen present in the soil, or result of the dripline setting depth.

A nitretação consiste de um tratamento de endurecimento superficial, sob a ação de um ambiente nitrogenado, a temperatura e tempo determinados, podendo ser convencional (líquida e gasosa) ou por plasma. Neste trabalho foi utilizado o aço ferramenta AISI H10 modificado, nitretado a plasma com pós-oxidação e em banho de sal, visando à obtenção de uma camada com elevada dureza e resistente à corrosão. A microestrutura da camada nitretada foi caracterizada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e por difração de raios-X. A profundidade efetiva da camada foi determinada pelo perfil de microdureza e a resistência à corrosão foi avaliada em solução aquosa de 0,5 mol L-1 de cloreto de sódio, por ensaios de polarização potenciodinâmicos, e por ensaios em câmara de névoa salina. A microestrutura obtida após o tratamento térmico prévio de têmpera e revenimento, foi uma matriz constituída de martensita revenida, com a presença de carbonetos esferoidizados, dispersos homogeneamente na matriz. A camada nitretada produzida pelo tratamento em banho de sal apresentou camada de difusão com 150µm de profundidade e camada composta porosa e fragilizante, com espessura de aproximadamente 10µm. A camada nitretada produzida pelo tratamento a plasma com pós-oxidação apresentou camada composta compacta e homogênea, com até 7µm de espessura, e camada de difusão com nitretos precipitados em rede. As superfícies nitretadas a plasma com pós-oxidação apresentaram maior resistência à corrosão quando exposta em solução aquosa de NaCl 0,5 mol L-1. Nitriding consists of a surface hardening treatment under a nitrogen atmosphere during a certain time and temperature that may be performed by a conventional procedure (liquid or gaseous) or using plasma. The material uses in the present work was a modified type AISI H10 toll stell that has been nitrided by plasma and salt bath procedures with the objective to produce a layer with high toughness and corrosion resistant. The microstructure of the nitrided layer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The layer effective depth was determined by micro-hardness profiling and the corrosion resistance was evaluated by dynamic polarization tests in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride 0,5 mol L-1 and also by testing in a salty spray camera. The microstructure obtained after the previous heat treatment of quenching and tempering consisted of a tempered martensite matrix containing a homogeneous dispersion of spherodized carbides. The nitrided layer produced by the salt bath treatment presented a diffusion layer with a depth of 150µm and an embrittled compound layer with a thickness of about 10µm. The nitrided layer created by the plasma treatment with post-oxidation presented a homogeneous compound layer with thickness of up to 7µm and a diffusion layer with a network of nitride precipitates the surfaces that were plasma nitrided with post-oxidation presented a better resistance to corrosion in aqueous 0,5 mol L-1 NaCl solution.

A hiperplasia angiolinfoide (Hale e doença de Kimura são duas entidades que podem se manifestar como nódulos, placas ou pápulas, de localização predominante em face, região retroauricular e cervical. São causas raras de eosinofilia e ainda há muita discussão em torno de suas etiopatogenias. Para alguns autores trata-se de duas patologias distintas enquanto para outros são manifestações diferentes da mesma doença. O presente artigo relata o caso de um paciente asiático que apresentava história de prurido generalizado há um ano, acompanhado de pápulas em membros e nódulo de aproximadamente 5 cm de diâmetro em região retroauricular direita com aumento progressivo. O hemograma apresentava leucocitose às custas de eosinofilia. Os achados sugerem uma superposição entre as duas patologias, pois clinicamente são sugestivos de doença de Kimura, mas a histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica confirmaram a origem endotelial da lesão, sendo compatível com Hale. Os autores destacam a raridade do caso como causa de eosinofilia, assim como alertam para a dificuldade do diagnóstico e da diferenciação entre as duas patologias.Angiolymphoid hyperplasia (Hale) and Kimura disease are two entities that can manifest as subcutaneous nodules, plaques, or papules, and the predominant localization is face, retroauricular and cervical region. They are rare causes of eosinophilia and there is discussion regarding their etiopathogenesis. Some authors propose that these two diseases are truly individual, but others say that they are separate points on a single spectrum. This article is a case report of an asian patient that showed a one year duration of generalized pruritus, with papules on the limbs and a 5 centimeter nodule on the right retroauricular region with slow progression of the size. The hemogram showed leucocitosis with eosinophilia. These findings suggest an overlap between these two diseases, they are clinically suggestive of Kimura disease diagnosis, but the histopathology with HE and immunohistochemistry confirmed the endothelial origin of the lesion that was compatible with Hale. The authors emphasize the rarity of the case as the cause of eosinophilia, also alert for the challenge of the diagnosis and distinction between these two diseases.

In this work we report on the use of the Thermal Lens method to verify the evolution of the thermal diffusivity of sunflower and soybean vegetable oils utilized in preparation of twenty five snacks portions. Our results show that the thermal diffusivity for sunflower oil does not change between 1 and 25 portions of fried snacks. By another hand, the soybean thermal diffusivity exhibits a little decrease for higher portion of fried snacks, indicating that for this oil the triglyceride level is reduced as a degradation process.

In this study we demonstrate the usefulness of the Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) in the investigation of copaiba oil obtained from Copaifera tree, located in a site within Rondonia State, Amazon region, Brazil. Pure copaiba oil sample was diluted in 98% ethanol providing 10 different samples at volume concentration in the range of 5 to 50% vv. The observed photoacoustic spectral features from pure copaiba oil and the corresponding diluted samples, in the 0.18 to 4.00 μm wavelength region, are discussed in terms of five distinct bands (C, S, L, K, and X bands). Photoacoustic peak intensity was investigated as a function of the copaiba oil concentration in the 5 to 50% v.v.

O presente trabalho tem como objectivo comparar padrões de enraizamento, ou seja, a morfologia do sistema radical de árvores regeneradas por sementeira com árvores plantadas. A evolução dos sistemas radicais pode ter influência no crescimento de longo prazo e daí a importância de o monitorizar. Os dados foram recolhidos num povoamento instalado em 1997. A metodologia seguida para avaliar a morfologia do sistema radical foi através de imagem digital. A morfologia do sistema radical e a distribuição das raízes nos vários horizontes do perfil do solo foi avaliada em oito trincheiras (4 árvores plantadas + 4 árvores semeadas). Os resultados mostram diferenças significativas, sendo a área do sistema radical das árvores plantadas maior do que a das semeadas, não se tendo encontrado diferenças significativas no padrão de enraizamento entre árvores plantadas e semeadas.The purpose of this study is to compare rooting patterns, namely root systems morphology of trees planted from seedlings with root systems morphology of seeded trees. The evolution of root systems can influence growth in future therefore it is important to monitor it. Data was collected in a stand installed in 1997. The evaluation of the root morphology was done using digital image analysis. Root system morphology and distribution of roots in different horizons was evaluated in eight trenches (4 trees planted + 4 trees seeded). The results show significant differences showing planted trees larger root area than seeded trees. It wasn’t found significant differences in the root system shape between planted and seeded trees.

Aim: To evaluate the re-establishment of proximal contacts on class II resin composite restorations by means of 4 different in vivo techniques. Methods: Restorations were divided into 4 groups (N=10): Group 1 (preformed metallic matrix + wooden wedges + separating ring); Group 2 (preformed metallic matrix + elastic interdental wedges+ separating ring); Group 3 (preformed metallic matrix + wooden wedges + translucent contact spatula); Group 4 (preformed metallic matrix + wooden wedges + resin inserts). Initially, two previously calibrated examiners conducted training on models representing three different proximal contact situations: tight (T); satisfactory (S) and unacceptable (U). Two evaluations were accomplished: immediately and 30 days after the restorative procedures. Fisher’s exact test was used to verify differences among the techniques for establishment of proximal contacts in posterior resin composite restorations. Results: There was no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the 4 groups. Conclusions: All techniques produced satisfactory proximal contacts. Different restorative techniques for class II resin composite cavity preparations enabled satisfactory proximal contacts.

Tomato rooting patterns, yield and fruit quality were evaluated in a field trial where three irrigation regimes [0.6 (DI), 0.9 (DII) and 1.2 ETc (DIII)] and three drip irrigation depths [surface (R0), subsurface at 20 cm depth (RI) and subsurface at 40 cm depth (RII)] were imposed following a split-plot experimental design, with four replications. The behaviour of the root system in response to the irrigation treatments was evaluated using minirhizotrons installed between two plants, near the plant row. Root-length intensity (L a)—length of the root per unit of minirhizotron surface area (cm cm−2)—was measured at four crop stages. For all sampling dates, none of the factors studied were found to influence L a or rooting depth significantly or the interaction between treatments. For all treatments most of the root system was concentrated in the top 40 cm of the soil profile, where the root-length density ranged from 0.5 cm cm−3 to 1.4 cm cm−3 . The response of tomato fruits to an increase in the water applied was similar in quantitative and qualitative terms for the different drip irrigation depths. Water applied by drip irrigation had the opposite effect on commercial yield (t ha−1) and soluble solids (°Brix) (r=−0.82, P

The biocompatibility of commercially pure (cp) titanium stems from its chemical stability within an organism, due to a fine film of impermeable titanium oxide covering the metal surface, which guarantees its resistance to corrosion. Despite its biocompatible characteristic, this material does not promote the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer, therefore, many research groups have sought to alter the material's surface, introducing modifications that might influence corrosion resistance. The electrochemical behavior of cp Ti, with hydroxyapatite coating and without hydroxyapatite coating, commonly used in implant materials, was investigated using an artificial saliva solution at 25oC and pH=7.4. In the conditions of the study it was observed that the hydroxyapatite layer influences the properties of corrosion resistance. This study of the behavior of cp Ti with and without hydroxyapatite coating, in naturally aerated artificial saliva solution at 25oC, was based on open circuit potential measurements and potentiodynamic polarization curves. At approximately 1x10-6 A/cm2 the potential for cp Ti with and without hydroxyapatite coating begins to increase at a faster rate, but at -74mV (SCE) for coated cp Ti and at 180mV (SCE) for uncoated cp Ti the increase in potential begins to slow. This behavior, characterized by a partial stabilization of current density, indicates that in those potential ranges a protective passive film is formed.

Maize ( Zea mays L.) root patterns were evaluated along furrows irrigated with a cablegation system, an automated surface irrigation system. Root length and mass were measured from soil–root samples taken at three distances along the irrigation furrows, and four places in relation to plants and furrows. Data were recorded by stage of growth (date), and depth location in the soil profile. Root growth showed significant differences only between sampling places, which was attributed to an heterogeneous lateral infiltration, exacerbated by a furrow spacing of 1·5 m, enclosing two plant rows 0·75 m apart. Root growth did not show significant differences between the three distances along the furrow, at which measurements were made, which suggests that a uniform water distribution was achieved with the irrigation system under study. Roots were concentrated in the top layers of the soil profile where about 85% of total root mass was found. Deep loosening could be a suitable technique to increase root, air and water penetration in this type of soil.

SUMMARY Anti-glomertilar basement membrane (GBM) disease is caused by an autoantibody directed against an epilope on ihc α3 chain of type IV cullagen. Animal models demonstrate that the higher the affinity of such antibodies, the greater the degree of glomerular injury. Affinity maturation (the process whereby somatic mutation followed by antigen selection leads to an increase in affinity of antibody) might therefore be of pathogenic significance if it occurs in human anti-GBM disease. We have examined serial samples from nine patients with anti-GBM disciisc and looked for evidence of changing functional affinity by measuring the inhibition of binding produced by the mild chaotrope diethylamine (DEA) in an anti-GBM antibody ELISA. Seven patients showed no change in the inhibition produced by DEA with time. Two patients showed an apparent decrease with time in the inhibition produced by DEA; this apparent increase in functional affinity proved, on further investigation, to represent simply ihe loss of anti-GBM antibodies. These results may imply that affinity maturation has been completed by the time that patients present wiih anti-GBM disease. If there had been evidence for a further increase in functional affinity after this point then this might have added extra urgency to the need for removal of these autoantibodies as part of treatment.

Digital imaging is becoming a powerful tool for data storage and information retrieval. Image comparison and similarity evaluation has become part of the information market and it is today a common part of, for example, web search engines. The cork oak tree (Quercus suber L.), the dominant species of the ‘montado’ woodland system is, due to its cultural and socio-economic value, protected by law that prevents extensive destructive studies on an essential part of the tree—the root. Especially in the Mediterranean zone, where the water is the limiting growth factor, the root development studies are of significant interest. In this work we present a method of using digital images for cork oak coarse root systems-evaluation by means of digital imaging. Acquired images of structural roots are processed automatically to prevent subjective decisions by the human observer. The performance of the method, its potential for semantic retrieval and similarity assess- ment is demonstrated, having as example eight young cork oak root systems, and critical issues for evalu- ation and conclusion-making, are discussed.