Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of Baosteel slag short flow (BSSF) steel slag, a byproduct of a Brazilian steel mill, as a fine aggregate on the properties of fresh state and on the compressive strength of mortars. The experimental work was to characterize the BSSF steel slag and to produce simple mortars (only cement) and mixed mortars (cement and lime), replacing the natural sand with the slag aggregate in 20%, 40%, and 60% by volume. The fresh state tests were specific mass, incorporated air, water retention, and squeeze-flow, while in the hardened state, compressive strength at 28 days was investigated. It was verified that mortars with higher slag contents required greater amounts of water to obtain the spread (consistency) on the flow table, which was fixed at 260±5 mm. The mortars with slag presented higher specific mass since the slag had a higher density than natural sand and less water retention in the case of simple mortars. In addition, it was verified that the mortars with BSSF steel slag presented lower values of maximum displacement in the squeeze-flow test, which negatively affected its workability in the fresh state, besides the properties of mortar adherence. In addition, it was verified through the analysis of variance that the substitution of natural sand by BBSF steel slag did not significantly influence the compression strength of mortars.

Resumo Macrófitas aquáticas tem reconhecida função na estruturação de ecossistemas e importante papel nas interações tróficas em cascata, cujo entendimento é chave para melhorar a qualidade da água. Nos últimos anos, o número de estudos sobre o papel das macrófitas aquáticas nas interações e teia trófica aumentaram mas, a América do Sul progrediu pouco em pesquisas na área. Nesse estudo investigamos as principais lacunas e perspectivas para estudos futuros sobre macrófitas e interações tróficas analisando publicações mundiais, especialmente aquelas conduzidas por pesquisadores sul-americanos. Acessamos publicações usando base de dados internacional (Thomson Reuters ISI Web of Knowledge) entre 1980 a 2015. Computamos para cada artigo a organização biológica e grupos taxonômicos em interação (fitoplâncton, perifíton, zooplâncton, invertebrados aquáticos, peixes e aves), ecossistema estudado e abordagem de pesquisa, a cooperação entre países da América do Sul e demais, além das filiações. Os resultados mostraram que estudos publicados (n = 242) enfatizando plantas aquáticas em interações tróficas cresceram em 35 anos. Comparando as contribuições dos 32 países investigados, aqueles da América do Sul apresentaram baixo número de indexações (n= 26), poucos em cooperação (n= 7). O maior volume de publicações indexadas pelos pesquisadores trataram sobre a dinâmica e estrutura das assembléias aquáticas, teias e interações tróficas. Reservatórios e áreas alagadas têm recebido pouca atenção. Grande número de estudos compreeenderam abordagems de toda comunidade aquática e interações entre macrófitas, fitoplâncton, zooplâncton e peixes. Em síntese, concluimos que estudos enfatizando as interações tróficas mediadas pelas macrófitas poderão ser direcionados de maneira a atenuar assimetrias internacionais, encorajando o aumento da produtividade científica na América do Sul. O conhecimento sobre as interações tróficas em cascata tem sido desenvolvido com sucesso em diversos países cujas finalidades tem sido reestruturar comunidades e restaurar a qualidade da água de muitos ecossistemas.

Abstract Aquatic macrophytes have a recognized role in ecosystem structuring and an important position in trophic cascades interactions, whose understanding is to improve water quality. In recent years, the number of studies on the role of aquatic macrophytes in trophic webs and interactions has increased, but South America has made little progress in research in the area. In this study, we investigated the main gaps and perspectives for future studies on macrophytes and trophic interactions, analyzing global publications, especially those conducted by South American researchers. We accessed publications using an international database (Thomson Reuters ISI-Web of Knowledge-(formerly Institute for Scientific Information)) from 1980 to 2015. We ranked each article by ecosystem and study approach, biological organization and interacting taxonomic groups (phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, fish and birds), countries publishing in cooperation and affiliations. The results showed that published studies (n = 242) emphasizing aquatic plants in trophic interactions increased in 35 years. Comparing the contributions of the 32 countries investigated, those from South America as first affiliation, had few publications (n = 26) and in cooperation (n = 7). The largest volume of articles indexed by the researchers dealt with the dynamics and structure of aquatic assemblages, webs and trophic interactions. Ecosystems such reservoirs and wetlands have received little attention. Large numbers of studies have encompassed community-wide aquatic approaches, including in South American studies, the interactions between macrophytes, zooplankton and phytoplankton were the second most studied interactions of all indexed articles. Knowledge about trophic cascade and interactions has been successfully enhanced in several countries with the purpose of restructuring communities and restore water quality of many ecosystems. In summary, we conclude that studies in the area of trophic interactions mediated by macrophytes may be directed in a way to attenuate international asymmetries, encouraging the increase of scientific productivity in South America.

Resumo O petróleo, fonte de energia não renovável, é a principal matéria-prima usada na produção de derivados como combustíveis, lubrificantes e petroquímicos básicos. Neste contexto o etanol, uma matéria-prima renovável, torna-se fonte para a obtenção de hidrocarbonetos de maior valor agregado, tais como, benzeno, tolueno, etc. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes metais suportados em zeólita HZSM-5 para a conversão do etanol em produtos com maior valor agregado. Duas séries de catalisadores foram preparadas com diferentes metais e diferentes teores de Ni em HZSM-5 comercial. As amostras foram caracterizadas por área específica SBET, DRX, TPD-NH3 e TPO. Os ensaios de atividade foram realizados em um reator tubular de leito fixo na faixa de temperatura entre 300 e 400 °C, usando etanol como reagente. Os resultados sugerem que o tipo e a quantidade de metal usado na modificação da zeólita HZSM-5 comercial influencia a seletividade para formação dos hidrocarbonetos superiores, bem como a temperatura de reação. A utilização de menores vazões favoreceu a formação de produtos pesados. A formação dos hidrocarbonetos superiores diminuiu ao longo da reação devido à deposição de carbono sobre a superfície do catalisador.

Abstract The oil, a non-renewable energy source, is the main raw material used to produce derivatives such as fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals. In this context, ethanol, a renewable feedstock, becomes a source for obtaining high value-added hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, etc. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different metal catalysts supported on HZSM-5 zeolite for the ethanol conversion into products with higher added value. Two series of catalysts were prepared with different metals and different amounts of Ni on commercial HZSM-5. Samples were characterized by specific area SBET, XRD, NH3-TPD and TPO. The activity runs were carried out in a tubular fixed bed reactor in the temperature range between 300 and 400 °C, using ethanol as a reactant. The results suggest that the type and the amount of metal used for the modification of commercial HZSM-5 zeolite influence the selectivity for formation of higher hydrocarbons as well as the reaction temperature. The formation of heavy products was favored by low flow rates and it was found that the selectivity for higher hydrocarbons declined throughout the reaction due to the deposition of carbon over the catalyst.

Abstract Biogas production is becoming increasingly important in the environmental area because, besides treating wastewaters, it also generates energy. Co-digestion has become more and more powerful since it is possible, with the use of abundant and cheap substrates, to dilute the inhibitory effects of various other substrates, making the process of anaerobic digestion more efficient and stable. Biogas process modelling describes the kinetics and stoichiometry of different steps in the anaerobic digestion process. This mathematical modelling provides an understanding of the processes and interactions occurring inside the biogas system. The present work investigated the interactions between different simple co-substrates (carbohydrate, lipid and protein) and real co-substrates (corn silage, fodder beet, grass and wheat straw) under co-digestion with manure, in order to verify synergetic effects. Subsequently, some experiments were reproduced, in order to evaluate the synergy obtained in the previous simulation and validate the model.

Abstract This paper evaluated the treatment of textile wastewater in submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors (SAMBR) operated on a bench scale. Particularly, the influence of operational conditions, such as the applied organic rate (OLR) and the dilution factor (for toxicity attenuation) of the textile wastewater, was evaluated on color and organic matter removal. In addition, the effect of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on SAMBR-1 and the addition of yeast extract (source of the redox mediator riboflavin) were also investigated. The results showed that reducing the textile wastewater dilution factor from 10× (phase 1) to 4× (phase 2) and 0× (no dilution) decreased the COD and color removal efficiencies in both SAMBRs, probably due to an increase in the toxic load. Nevertheless, PAC adsorbed toxic compounds found in the textile wastewater and helped biomass acclimatization, which led to higher COD and color removal efficiencies in SAMBR-1. The presence of yeast extract enhanced color removal efficiencies 3-fold in both SAMBRs when they were fed with undiluted textile wastewater.

We evaluated the nematicidal potential and phosphate solubilization ability of the fungal species Geomyces pannorum and Paecilomyces carneus, which are associated with the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. In a broth medium containing calcium phosphate, the two fungi solubilized between 67%-96% of the insoluble phosphorus that was present in the medium, and in a broth medium containing iron phosphate, the phosphorus that was solubilized by the two fungi ranged between 2%-13%. In a greenhouse experiment, G. pannorum and P. carneus were applied to soil that was naturally infested with G. rostochiensis and planted with Avena sativa. The fungi increased the available phosphorus in the soil by more than 30%, and Paecilomyces carneus also reduced the nematode population by 71%. This study is the first to report on the ability of G. pannorum and P. carneus to increase the available phosphorus in the soil, suggesting that these fungal species may have potential uses in agricultural soils with insoluble phosphorus. Moreover, this study provides a new alternative that contributes to the sustainable management of crops with bio-agents that have dual activity; they increase the available phosphorus in the soil and mitigate plant parasitic nematodes.

Abstract: Plant parasitic nematodes are among the major phytosanitary problems affecting banana crops worldwide. In México, this fruit is one of the main agricultural products and in the state of Veracruz the most important production area is located in the Atzalan and Tlapacoyan municipalities. In some farms of these municipalities banana plants with lesions and galling of the root, symptoms caused by nematodes, have been detected. To determine which nematodes were associated with these symptoms, roots were collected in six plantations of Atzalan and Tlapacoyan municipalities in April 2014. Identification of nematodes was performed according to their morphological characteristics, and in the case of Meloidogyne species, specific molecular markers were used. The number of nematodes per 100 g root was also quantified. Helicotylenchus sp. Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne arenaria, Criconema sp., Helicotylenchus multicinctus and Radopholus similis were detected involved in the affecting of root system. The last four are recorded for the first time in the Veracruz banana plantations.

Resumen: Los nematodos fitoparásitos constituyen uno de los principales problemas fitosanitarios que afectan el cultivo de plátano a nivel mundial. En México este frutal es uno de los principales productos agrícolas y en el estado de Veracruz, la zona más importante de producción se ubica en los municipios de Atzalan y Tlapacoyan. En algunos cultivos de plátano de estos municipios se han detectado plantas con lesiones y engrosamientos en la raíz, síntomas inducidos por nematodos. Con la finalidad de determinar que nematodos estaban asociados a esta sintomatología, se colectaron raíces en seis plantaciones de los municipios Atzalan y Tlapacoyan durante el mes de abril de 2014. La identificación de los nematodos se realizó de acuerdo a sus características morfológicas y en el caso de las especies de Meloidogyne, se utilizaron marcadores moleculares específicos. Asimismo se cuantificó el número de nematodos en 100 g de raíz. Se detectaron Helicotylenchus sp. Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne arenaria, Criconema sp., Helicotylenchus multicinctus y Radopholus similis involucrados en la afectación del sistema radical. Los ultimos cuatro se registran por primera vez en el cultivo de plátano en Veracruz.

RESUMODiversos fatores predisponentes são descritos para as afecções mamárias ou distúrbios secundários que comprometem a qualidade e produtividade de leite de fêmeas nas diferentes espécies. As características fenotípicas do úbere são consideradas na avaliação econômica de uma fêmea caprina, tanto pelo potencial de produção como pelo registro genealógico dessa fêmea. A limitação de estudos correlacionando essas características com a saúde do úbere gera a dúvida a respeito do significado da conformação do mesmo à saúde e produtividade da glândula mamária. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo relacionar os parâmetros da conformação do úbere com a celularidade da glândula mamária aferida pelo teste California Mastitis Test (CMT) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) em 80 cabras da raça Saanen sem alterações no exame clínico da glândula mamária nem no teste de Tamis. Observou-se que a maioria dos parâmetros fenotípicos de úbere não influenciou a CCS, sendo considerados puramente estéticos. A circunferência e profundidade de úbere demonstraram correlação negativa com a celularidade e, por serem características de herdabilidade moderada a alta, podem ser parâmetros considerados para seleção genética de caprinos.

ABSTRACTSeveral predisposing factors are described for mammary diseases or secondary disorders that compromise the quality and productivity of milk from females in different species. The phenotypic characteristics of the udder are considered in the economic evaluation of a female goat, whether for production potential, or as the genealogical record for these females. The limitation of studies correlating these features with the udder health raises doubt about the meaning of the conformation to the health and productivity of the mammary gland. Therefore, this study aimed to list the parameters of the udder conformation with the cellularity of the mammary gland checked by California Mastitis Test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) in 80 Saanen goats without alterations in the clinical examination of the mammary gland or the Tamis test. It was observed that most of the phenotypic parameters of the udder did not influence the CCS, being considered purely esthetic. The circumference and udder depth showed negative correlation with the cellularity and moderate to high heritability traits can be considered parameters for genetic selection of goats.

AbstractAn AnSBBR (anaerobic sequencing batch reactor containing biomass immobilized on an inert support) with liquid phase recirculation, containing a 3.5 L working volume, treated 1.5 L of cheese whey wastewater in 3 and 4 h cycles at 30 ºC to produce biohydrogen. From startup the bioreactor presented process instability. To overcome this problem the following measures were taken, however without success: adaptation of the biomass with uncontaminated easily degradable substrates, pH control at very low levels, and a different form of inoculation (natural fermentation of the feed medium). The problem was solved by cooling the feed medium to 4 ºC to prevent acidification in the storage container, by eliminating nutrient supplementation to prevent possible formation of H2S by sulfate-reducing bacteria and by periodic washing of the support material to improve the food/microorganism ratio. Hence, stable hydrogen production could be achieved with minimal presence of methane (36% H2; 62% CO2; 2% CH4) and the AnSBBR fed with cheese whey (influent concentration of 4070 mgCOD.L-1 and 3240 mgCarbohydrate.L-1 and applied volumetric organic loading of 14.6 gCOD.L-1.d-1) presented improved productivity and yield indicators compared to pure lactose and other reactor configurations, reaching values of 420 NmLH2.L-1.d-1 and 0.60 molH2.molCarbohydrate-1 in the steady-state phase (conversions of carbohydrates and COD were 98% and 30%, respectively).

AbstractThis paper investigates the simultaneous removal of arsenic [As(V) or As(III)] and manganese [Mn(II)] from natural waters of low and high turbidity by clarification (with polyaluminum chloride and aluminum sulfate as primary coagulants) associated or not with chlorine pre-oxidation. The results showed that the clarification process exhibited low Mn(II) removal, that varied from 6% to 18% and from 19% to 27% for natural waters of low and high turbidity, respectively. The use of chlorine as pre-oxidant increased Mn(II) removal up to 77% and was associated with the formation of birnessite. Regarding As(V) removal by clarification, particularly for high turbidity water, a concentration lower than that established by the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (10 μg.L-1) was achieved in almost all tests. Oxidation preceding the clarification led to AsIII removal efficiencies from 80% to 90% for both coagulants and types of water.

From June 2013 we present the preliminary measurements with the new IR signal detection LIDAR system in 1064 nm. In August 2012 we tested the new backscatter LIDAR operating in 532 nm; since July 2013 was enabled a second Cassegrain telescope with a NIR sensor. The new detection system was connected to an amplifier with a high gain and high bandwidth. The emitter Laser works in two wavelength, the emission energy is around 600 mJ in 1064 nm and 240 mJ in 532 nm (polarized ), with a repetition rate between 1 and 20 Laser shots per second. Both wavelengths are emitted simultaneously with a beam splitter unit. We present the measurements acquired with the NIR detection system , the detector unit added to an amplifier was fully designed and built entirely in CITEDEF. The amplifier is compound by two stages and adapted to 50 Ω. To evaluate the amplifier's bandwidth we used a Vector Analyzer Network (VNA) to obtain the 'S' parameters. Finally, to characterize them, they was transformed into 'Z' parameters. In this work, we analyze the results comparing the two Laser signals with a simultaneous detection of: 532 nm with a photomultiplier tube and NIR sensor corresponding to 1064 nm.

A partir de junio del 2013 comenzaron los ensayos preliminares con el nuevo sistema de detección de señales LIDAR que opera en 1064 nm. El LIDAR de retrodifusión comenzó sus operaciones de prueba en el mes de agosto del 2012 y desde el mes de julio del corriente año se habilitó un segundo telescopio que lleva acoplado un sensor NIR. Dicho antropogénicas más importantes sensor está conectado a un amplificador de gran ganancia y gran ancho de banda. El emisor láser emite 600 mJ en 1064 nm y 240 mJ en 532 nm (polarizado) con una frecuencia de repetición de 1 hasta 20 pulsos por segundo. Ambas longitudes de onda son emitidas en forma simultánea a través de un divisor de haz lo que simplificó el montaje de los telescopios. Se presentan los primeros resultados obtenidos con el nuevo sistema de detección, el detecto-amplificador se diseñó y construyó íntegramente en CITEDEF, consta de dos etapas y está adaptado a 50 Ω. Para evaluar el ancho de banda del amplificador se utilizó un analizador vectorial de redes donde se obtuvieron los parámetros 'S' del sistema para luego ser transformados en parámetros impedancia ('Z') que permitió caracterizar el mismo. Se analizan los resultados en función de la detección simultánea de las dos líneas del Láser: del fotomultiplicador de 532 nm y del sensor NIR correspondiente a los 1064 nm.

Emulsifying properties of sodium caseinate -locust bean gum Maillard conjugates produced at different temperatures (54 - 96 ºC), protein/polysaccharide ratios (0.3 - 1.0) and reaction times (1 - 24 hours) were evaluated. Conjugate formation was confirmed by formation of color and high molecular weight fractions and the decrease of the αs- and β-casein bands. The emulsions stabilized by Maillard conjugates showed good stability. The mean droplet diameter (d32) tended to decrease with the increase of incubation time and temperature, except at extreme conditions (24 hours and 90 ºC or 96 ºC) when the partial degradation of the conjugates was probably favored, resulting in phase separation of emulsions. The emulsion viscosity decreased with the increase in the protein/polysaccharide ratio and with the degradation of the conjugates. The conditions used in the experimental design made the optimization of the conjugate production viable, which showed greater emulsifier properties than the pure protein under acid conditions.

Avaliaram-se os componentes, as frações de caseína e o rendimento na produção de queijo do leite de cabras das raças Saanen e Anglo-Nubiana, principais raças criadas no Uruguai. O estudo foi realizado em uma fazenda com sistema de criação semi-intensiva. O leite das cabras Anglo-Nubianas apresentou teores mais elevados de gordura (4,65 vs 3,59%), proteína total (3,48 vs 2,84%), caseína total (2,82 vs 2,23%), e maior rendimento na produção de queijos (22,00 vs 15,03kg/100l) que o leite das cabras Saanen. As fraçoes de αs1-caseína (6,99 vs 2,37g/l), β-caseína (13,95 vs 12,75g/l) e κ-caseína (4,24 vs 3,64g/l) também foram mais elevadas no leite das cabras Anglo-Nubianas, porém no teor de αs2-caseína (3,02 vs 3,60g/l) não se observaram diferenças. O rendimento na produção de queijos foi significativamente correlacionado com os teores de gordura, proteína, caseína total e com as frações de caseína. A αs1-caseína representou a fração com maior correlação com os teores de proteína total, caseína, gordura e produção de queijo. Demonstrou-se, neste estudo, que o leite de cabras Anglo-Nubianas é mais indicado para a produção de queijo e o de cabras Saanen para utilização como leite fluido.

This work presents an analytical modelling of mass transfer in spheroidal solids using a liquid diffusion model. The diffusion equation, written in cylindrical coordinates, is solved using the Galerkin method with a constant diffusion coefficient and an equilibrium boundary condition at the surface of the solid. Results on the drying kinetics, and moisture content distribution in the solids are presented and analysed. The iso-concentration lines for moisture content show that the drying process is faster in sharp areas,. It was verified that solids with a larger area/volume ratio dry faster. The results obtained are consistent so the model presented can be used to solve diffusion problems such as drying, wetting, heating and cooling of solids with a shape that varies from a circular disk to an infinite cylinder, including a sphere and ellipsoids.

O trabalho avaliou a remoção de água e a qualidade de sementes de milho submetidas a secagem intermitente rápida e lenta, sob temperaturas do ar de 60oC e 70oC, respectivamente. Para tanto, na safra 94/95 sementes básicas da cultivar IAPAR 26, apresentando 22% de água, foram colhidas com automotriz, em Ponta Grossa - PR, e secadas em secadores comerciais, utilizando-se como tratamento referencial a secagem à sombra até 13% de água. No transcurso das secagens a redução do teor de água das sementes foi monitorado, em intervalos de trinta minutos, para o estabelecimento das velocidades e curvas de secagem. A qualidade fisiológica foi avaliada nas sementes amostradas, antes da secagem, no estágio intermediário e ao final das secagens, através dos testes de germinação, tetrazólio (germinação e vigor) e de envelhecimento artificial. As secagens intermitentes rápida e lenta, com velocidades médias de 1,7 e 2,7% /h, respectivamente, nas temperaturas empregadas, foram eficientes na remoção de água de sementes de milho com alto grau de umidade, não afetando imediatamente, a sua qualidade fisiológica (P > 0,01). Redução da temperatura do ar pode ser recomendada no final do processo, quando o teor de água das sementes aproxima-se de 14%.

The work evaluated water removal and corn seed quality by "fast" and "slow" intermittent drying, under 60oC and 70oC air temperatures. In 1994/95 IAPAR 26 seeds were harvested with a combined, harvester (22% water content) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. They were dried in commercial dryers, using the shade drying to 13% as referential. The seed water content was monitored during drying, at intervals of thirty minutes, for the establishment of the drying speeds and curves. The physiologic quality was evaluated in the sampled seeds, before drying, at intermidiate times and at the end of drying, through the germination, tetrazolium (germination and vigor) and accelerated aging tests. The drying speed for the "fast" and "slow" dryers were 1.7% and 2.7% /hr, respectively. The dryers were efficient in the removal of corn seed water with high moisture content, not affecting immediately its physiologic quality (P> 0.01). Air temperature reduction can be recommended at the end of the process, when the seeds reach 14% water content.