Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the main precursors for the production of graphene and other graphene-based materials. We report a simple, safe, and fast synthesis method to obtain graphene oxide as a functional material for battery-type electrodes. Washing and lyophilization processes were performed to evaluate their effects on exfoliation and removal of functional groups from graphene sheets. Sample GO1 consisted of a 10-layer stack of oxidized graphene, while sample GO2 had 8 stacked layers. The difference between them was an extra washing and lyophilization process in the GO2 sample. The electrochemical performance of graphene oxide-based electrodes, classified as battery-type, indicated an improved specific capacity of 10.15 C.g-1 for GO1 against 4.55 C.g-1 for GO2 at a specific current of 0.5 A.g-1. This superior battery-type behavior of the GO1 electrode, also confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was most likely due to a higher degree of oxygenated groups on its surface, as shown by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies.

Abstract Pre-emergent herbicides can contribute to the control of weed competition in direct seeding restoration, however it is necessary to evaluate their effects on seeds of native tropical forest species. The aim of the study was to assess the potential impact of the herbicide indaziflam on the germination of 17 forest species. For this, a dosage of 180 mL of the product in 200L of water was compared to the control without herbicide. The degree of sensitivity of each species was calculated by a ratio between the percentage of germination with herbicide (GH) and the control without herbicide (GC) classifying them as: extremely sensitive (ES= (GH/GC) <0.25), sensitive (S=0.25< (GH/GC) <0.50), low sensitivity (LS=0.50< (GH/GC) <0.75), indifferent (I=0.75< (GH/GC) <1.0) and potentiated (P= (GH/GC) >1). The herbicide promoted a significant reduction in mean germination in 35% (n=6) of the species and 59% (n = 10) were sensitive or extremely sensitive to indaziflam, and only three did not germinate. On the other hand, 29.4% (n=5) showed low sensitivity or indifference to the herbicide, while seed germination was slightly increased by indaziflam to 11.7% (n=2). Pre-emergent indaziflam can be recommended in direct seeding restoration, as only 17.6% (n=3) of the species were inhibited by pre-emergent. However, the effect of indaziflam varies by species and requires further studies to support large-scale use in direct seeding.

Resumo Herbicidas pré-emergentes podem contribuir para o controle da competição de plantas daninhas em restauração por semeadura direta, porém é necessário entender seus efeitos em sementes de florestais nativas. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o potencial impacto do herbicida indaziflam na germinação de 17 espécies nativas de florestas tropicais. Para isso, uma dosagem ligeiramente acima da recomendada (180 mL do produto em 200 L de água) foi comparada com a testemunha sem herbicida. O grau de sensibilidade de cada espécie, foi calculado pela razão entre a porcentagem de germinação com herbicida (GH) e a testemunha sem herbicida (GC) e classificando-as como: extremamente sensível (ES= (GH/GC) <0,25), sensível (S=0,25< (GH/GC) <0,50), baixa sensibilidade (LS=0,50< (GH/GC) <0,75), indiferente - I=0,75< (GH/GC) <1,0) e potencializado (P= (GH/GC) >1). O herbicida promoveu redução significativa na média de germinação em mais de 35% (n=6) das espécies avaliadas e 59% (n=10) foram sensíveis ou extremamente sensíveis ao indaziflam e apenas três espécies não germinaram. Por outro lado, 29,4% (n=5) apresentaram baixa sensibilidade ou indiferença ao herbicida, enquanto a germinação das sementes foi levemente aumentada pelo indaziflam para 11,7% (n=2). O indaziflam pré-emergente pode ser recomendado na restauração de semeadura direta pois apenas 17,6% (n=3). O indaziflam pré-emergente pode ser recomendado na restauração de semeadura direta pois apenas 17,6% (n=3) das espécies foram inibidas pelo pré-emergente. No entanto, o efeito do indaziflam variou em função da espécie e requer mais estudos para apoiar o uso em larga escala na semeadura direta.

Abstract The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.), a native Amazonian species, is responsible for more than 50 thousand products and stands out as the world's main source of natural rubber. Commercial production is carried out by grafting, however, the technique has gaps in terms of time and quality for seedling production. Vegetative production via cuttings is an alternative, however, the species is difficult to root. Thus, the study tested the rooting induction, through a chemical method, with the hormonal regulator indolbutyric acid (IBA) of 5000 ppm, and a mechanical method, with the strangulation of stems, and the interaction between the methods, to analyze the survival and sprouting of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cuttings, as well as verifying the efficiency of breaking the sclerenchyma ring by strangulation. A randomized block design was used, with four treatments (control, with strangulation, with IBA, strangulation x IBA) distributed in six blocks with 36 cuttings. Data were submitted to ANOVA test and Tukey's post-test (p>0.05). The results obtained 12.5% of live cuttings, without rooting, during 68 days, being the combination of strangulation and IBA with greater survival and sprouting. No breakage of the sclerenchyma ring was observed by histological analysis. The data indicate strategic gains in combining chemical and mechanical techniques for species of difficult rooting in vegetative propagation, however, the test was not enough to affirm an answer in relation to each technique, the deepening of the technique on the behavior of the species remains the biggest challenge.

Resumo A seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.), espécie nativa da Amazônia, é responsável por mais de 50 mil produtos e se destaca como a principal fonte mundial de borracha natural. A produção comercial é realizada por enxertia, porém, a técnica apresenta lacunas em termos de tempo e qualidade para produção de mudas. A produção vegetativa via estaquia é uma alternativa, porém a espécie é de difícil enraizamento. Assim, o estudo testou a indução do enraizamento, por método químico, com o regulador hormonal ácido indolbutírico (AIB) de 5000 ppm, e método mecânico, com estrangulamento de hastes, e a interação entre os métodos, para analisar a sobrevivência e brotação de estacas de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis), bem como verificar a eficiência da quebra do anel esclerenquimático por estrangulamento. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (testemunha, com estrangulamento, com AIB, estrangulamento x AIB) distribuídos em seis blocos com 36 estacas. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA e pós-teste de Tukey (p>0,05). Os resultados obtiveram 12,5% de estacas vivas, sem enraizamento, durante 68 dias, sendo a combinação de estrangulamento e IBA com maior sobrevivência e brotação. Nenhuma quebra do anel esclerenquimático foi observada pela análise histológica. Os dados indicam ganhos estratégicos em combinar técnicas químicas e mecânicas para espécies de difícil enraizamento na propagação vegetativa, entretanto, o teste não foi suficiente para afirmar uma resposta em relação a cada técnica, resta o aprofundamento da técnica sobre o comportamento da espécie maior desafio.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os padrões de expressão gênica dos receptores de LH (lhr) e de estrogênio (er) e dos níveis de esteróides plasmáticos durante o desenvolvimento testicular de Genyatremus luteus. Os machos foram classificados histologicamente em imaturos, em maturação e maduros, de acordo com a estrutura celular dos testículos. A concentração plasmática de 11-KT apresentou um pico na fase de maturação final (P<0.05). As maiores concentrações plasmáticas de 17α-OHP foram encontradas no estádio imaturo (P<0.05), com consequente diminuição nos estádios em maturação e maturo. O 17β-estradiol (E2) apresentou maiores níveis de concentração no estádio em maturação (P<0.05). A expressão de er aumentou significativamente ao longo do desenvolvimento maturacional dos testículos (P<0.05). O mRNA para o receptor de LH diminuiu do estádio imaturo para o estádio em maturação (P<0.05) com consequente pico de expressão no estádio maduro. Houve alta relação entre a expressão gênica dos receptores e os níveis de esteróides plasmáticos, especialmente com E2. Em conclusão, este estudo caracterizou pela primeira vez, sob os aspectos celular, endócrino e molecular, os diferentes estádios de maturação reprodutiva em machos de G. luteus, demonstrando que o perfil da expressão gênica para os receptores er e lhr, bem como as concentrações plasmáticas de 11-KT e E2 foram diretamente relacionados à maturação testicular, apesar de não se relacionarem necessariamente com o índice gonadossomático.

Abstract The aim of the current study is to evaluate gene expression patterns of LH (lhr) and estrogen (er) receptors and plasma steroid levels during testicular development in Genyatremus luteus. Males were histologically classified as immature (n=7), maturing (n=7) and mature (n=7), based on the cellular structure of their testes. Plasma 11-KT concentration recorded peak at the final maturation stage. The highest plasma 17α-OHP concentrations were observed at the immature stage; they decreased at the maturation and mature stages. On the other hand, 17β-estradiol (E2) recorded higher concentrations at the maturation stage. Er expression has significantly increased along the maturational development of animals’ testes. The mRNA observed for the LH receptor has decreased from immature to maturing stage; it presented expression peak at the mature stage. There was high association between receptor gene expression and plasma steroid levels, mainly E2. The current study was the first to feature different reproductive maturation stages in male G. luteus specimens, based on cellular, endocrine and molecular aspects. In addition, it has shown that the gene expression profile for er and lhr receptors, as well as plasma 11-KT and E2 concentrations, are directly linked to testicular maturation, although they are not necessarily associated with the gonadosomatic index.

Resumo A fabricação de vasos cerâmicos impregnados com prata possibilita o acesso à água potável de uma forma barata e com fabricação relativamente simples. Este estudo teve como objetivo promover a modificação superficial de filtros cerâmicos utilizando APTES e EDTA como agentes ancoradores para melhorar a impregnação da prata e a eficiência e durabilidade dos filtros, avaliando-se diferentes rotas de modificação superficial. A ancoragem e adsorção da prata foram analisadas por espectroscopia FTIR e absorção atômica, e a água filtrada foi analisada quanto à presença de Escherichia coli. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a ancoragem melhorou a captura da prata pela cerâmica, em especial com o EDTA, não importando a ordem nas etapas de impregnação. Todos os substratos impregnados com prata, ancorados ou não, apresentaram ausência de E. coli, demonstrando que o procedimento de impregnação atingiu o efeito bactericida esperado e que a ancoragem não interferiu na atuação microbiológica dos filtros.

Abstract The manufacture of ceramic vessels impregnated with silver enables access to drinking water in an inexpensive and relatively simple way. This study aimed to promote the surface modification of ceramic filters using APTES and EDTA as anchoring agents to improve the impregnation of silver and the efficiency and durability of the filters, evaluating different routes of surface modification. Silver anchoring and adsorption were analyzed by FTIR and atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the filtered water was analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli. The results showed that the anchoring improved the silver capture by the ceramic, especially with the EDTA, regardless of the order in the impregnation steps. All substrates impregnated with silver, anchored or not, showed the absence of E. coli, demonstrating that the impregnation procedure reached the expected bactericidal effect and that the anchorage did not interfere in the microbiological performance of the filters.

The stage at which grapes are harvested has an influence on the aromatic and phenolic composition of the berries and the resulting wines. The aim of this study was to evaluate wines harvested sequentially as outlined in the berry sugar accumulation model. Two vintages and treatments in which the light quality and quantity were altered at the fruit zone were compared. In 2010/2011, the grapes were harvested at two ripening stages after the sugar loading plateau was reached, namely the "fresh fruit" stage (20-25 days afterwards) and "pre-mature" stage (at approximately 35 days). In the 2011/2012 season, grapes were harvested 45 days after the sugar loading plateau was reached (the "mature fruit" stage). Vegetative aromas were synonymous with the "fresh fruit" stage in 2010/2011, while the 2011/2012 wines from the "mature fruit" harvest date were characterized by raisin, prune and spicy aromas. In both seasons, the control treatments were rated more intense in 'satin in the mouth' in and after expectoration. Wines in which the UV-B radiation was excluded during berry growth were rated the highest in the mouthfeel attribute 'coarseness' in both treatment seasons. Wines were analyzed chemically for phenolic content using HPLC, and sensorial using descriptive analysis with a trained panel. In the leaf removal treatments, higher acidity content enhanced the perception of astringency in the wine. Wines were analyzed chemically for phenolic content using HPLC and sensorial using descriptive analysis with a trained panel. Overall, the data showed that grape composition was altered by varying light quality, within a season, but seasonal variation overrode treatment effects. Flavonol concentration in 2011/2012 wine was higher in the exposed leaf removal treatment compared to the other treatments. High light intensities in 2011/2012 season increased anthocyanin concentration in the wine.. This study emphasizes the importance of the quality and quantity of light on the composition and quality of wines, and presents new findings regarding sensory attributes associated with harvesting at different ripening stages.

Grape berry phenolic compounds are widely described in literature. Phenolics can be divided into two main groups: flavonoids and non-flavonoids, of which the flavonoids are the most important. The two best-known groups of flavonoids are the anthocyanins and condensed tannins (also called proanthocyanidins). Anthocyanins are responsible for the red colour in grapes. The condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) are responsible for some major wine sensorial properties (astringency, browning, and turbidity) and are involved in the wine ageing processes. This review summarises flavonoid synthesis in the grape berry and the impact of environmental factors on the accumulation rate during ripening of each of the flavonoids. The impact of the accumulated flavonoids in grapes and the resulting impact on the sensorial aspects of the wine are also discussed.

Resumo Os aromatizantes são essenciais para a indústria na confecção de alimentos industrializados. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre o potencial tóxico desses microingredientes alimentares. Dessa forma, objetivou-se neste trabalho analisar, em células de medula óssea de camundongos, a citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade e mutagenicidade de aromatizantes alimentares sintéticos idênticos ao natural, de maracujá e morango, e artificiais, de baunilha, chocolate, tutti-frutti e biscoito, nas doses 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; 5,0 e 10,0 mL/Kg. Os aditivos foram administrados aos animais via gavagem em aplicação diária única durante sete dias. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao procedimento estatístico ANOVA com pós teste de Tukey, com p < 0.05. Os animais tratados com 2,0; 5,0 e 10,0 mL/Kg dos aromatizantes de chocolate, morango e biscoito, e 5,0 e 10,0 mL/Kg dos aromatizantes de baunilha e maracujá vieram a óbito no quinto e sexto dia de experimento, respectivamente. As doses 0,5 e 1,0 mL/Kg dos seis aditivos reduziram significativamente a eritropoiese do tecido analisado. Ainda, os tratamentos 0,5 e 1,0 mL/kg de chocolate, e 1,0 mL/Kg de morango e biscoito induziram a formação de micronúcleos aos eritrócitos de medula em frequência significante. Portanto, nas condições de estudo estabelecidas, os seis microingredientes analisados foram citotóxico e genotóxicos, e os aditivos de morango, chocolate e biscoito também foram mutagênicos em pelo menos uma das doses avaliadas.

Abstract The goal of this study was to analyze cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity to bone marrow cells of mice of nature identical synthetic flavorings, passion fruit and strawberry, and artificial synthetic flavorings, vanilla, chocolate, tutti-frutti and cookie, at doses 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mL/kg. The additives were given to the animals by gavage in a single daily application for seven days. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post Tukey’s post hoc test, p <0.05. Animals treated with 2.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mL/Kg of flavorings chocolate, strawberry and cookie, and 5.0 and 10.0 mL/Kg of flavorings vanilla and passion fruit died on the fifth and sixth day of the experiment, respectively. The doses 0.5 and 1.0 mL/Kg of the six additives significantly reduced erythropoiesis in the examined tissue. Also, treatments 0.5 and 1.0 mL/Kg of chocolate, and 1.0 mL/Kg of strawberry and biscuit induced the formation of micronuclei in the bone marrow erythrocytes, at a significant frequency. Therefore, under the study conditions, the six microingredients analyzed were cytotoxic and genotoxic, and additives strawberry, chocolate and cookie were also mutagenic in at least one of the evaluated doses.

Abstract The interest in biodiesel as an alternative source of energy has been extremely intensified by its use as a renewable and economically viable fuel. As a result, continuous production processes have been a requirement to supply growing demand. This work presents experimental and simulated results of two biodiesel production pilot plants and makes a comparison between the processes they use. The first one was designed with three plug flow reactors (PFRs) connected with recycle streams. The second one was composed of a reactive distillation process for biodiesel production. Repeated tests in Aspen Plus and Matlab showed that multiple PFRs with high volume are required for 98% ester conversion. However, a single unit of reactive distillation resulted in 99% conversion. In short, to produce large quantities of biodiesel this work indicates continuous reactive distillation as the most adequate process.

Um dos problemas que afeta a indústria cerâmica é a elevada perda de produtos acabados, decorrente do próprio processamento, levando a trincas e peças fora de conformidade. Deste modo, é necessário o reaproveitamento desses resíduos, como forma de reduzir o impacto ambiental. Neste trabalho, os resíduos de duas indústrias de cerâmica vermelha foram moídos e adicionados à própria massa, levando, também, a um ganho econômico. As porcentagens variaram de 10% a 30%, em peso. As peças foram conformadas por extrusão e sinterizadas a 950 ºC e 1000 ºC. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a adição levou a uma melhoria nas propriedades das amostras, pois diminuem a possibilidade de ocorrência de coração negro, levando a peças mais uniformes e menos porosas

One of the problems of the ceramic industry is the high level of finished product loss, due to ceramic processing, leading to cracks and materials out of conformity. In this way it is necessary to recycle these solid wastes in order to reduce the environment impact. In this work, the solid waste of two red ceramic industries were milled and incorporated to the formulation of the industry, leading also to an economic gain. Incorporation percentages varied from 10% to 30 wt %. Samples were processed by extrusion and sintered at 950 ºC and 1000 ºC. The results indicate that the addition led to an improvement of sample properties, due to the decrease of black core formation, producing samples with higher uniformity and lower porosity.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o combate experimental ao ácaro rajado Tetranyohus urtioae Koch, 1836 em cultura de algodão. Dois produtos, mediante pulverização eletrodinâmica, foram experimentados: bromopropilato e bifentrina, o primeiro em duas dosagens e o segundo, em três. Aos dias da aplicação, a bifentrina mostra os melhores resultados, embora não se diferencie es tatisticamente do bromopropilato. Aos 09 dias, os melhores são as duas dosagens mais fortes da bifentrina apesar de não apresentar diferença estatística dos demais tratamentos (exceto da testemunha).

In order to evaluate the action of two pesticides on the two-spotted spider mite on cotton a test was carried out in Santa Bárbara D'Oeste, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The treatments were six and the products were applied with manual Electrodyn nozzle: A - check (no treatment) ; B - bromopropylate (yellow nozzle), 173.3g Al/ha; C - bromopropylate (blue nozzle), 380.0g Al/ha; D, E, Fbiphenthrin (yellow nozzle), 23.7g, 38.lg and - 5g Al/ha, respectivelly. At day 4 after the spray the best result was obtained with biphenthrin (treatments D, E and F). At day 9 after the application the best results were obtained with two highest dosages of biphenthrin. Differences among the treatments were not significative except compared to the check.