This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.

Biochar from slow pyrolysis under controlled conditions is favorable in the transformation of waste into materials that serve as soil conditioners, and/or environmental remediation. Thus, this work aimed to produce and characterize biochar from cassava waste under different temperature conditions and evaluate interactions with Ca2+ and Pb2+ for agricultural and environmental applications. To investigate the efficiency of the interaction of biochar with nutrients (Ca) and contaminants (Pb), the influence of pH and contact time were evaluated. There was an increase in pH, pHzpc (zero point charge), and condensed aromatic structures in BC, due to the increase in pyrolysis temperature. Also, biochar demonstrated a Pb2+ adsorbed amount of 2.03 to 2.37 mg g-1 and a Ca2+ release capacity of 0.655 to 0.765 mg g-1. In this way, biochar produced from residues of cassava waste can be a viable strategy to enhance agricultural production and reduce environmental contaminants.

Two different gold-silica-based nanomaterials were prepared: (i) silica-supported gold nanoparticles (AuNP/SiO2); and (ii) gold-silica core-shell nanoparticles (AuNP@SiO2). Three strategies for sample treatment (S), consisting in acid treatments, were employed: (S1) HNO3; (S2) HNO3 + HCl; and (S3) HF + HNO3 + HCl, applying microwave oven digestion for S2 and S3. From three calibration curves, slope, intercept, and linear correlation coefficient were obtained. The accuracy of the methods was evaluated by comparing the gold contents in a sample determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Finally, the amount of gold for all samples was determined by FAAS. UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to compare the material before and after sample treatment. By comparison, the application of S2 and S3 allowed the presence of gold on or in the silica matrix to be determined and the amount quantified.

The oxidative polymerization of linseed oil was investigated comparing the classical catalysts cobalt(II) 2-ethylhexanoate and manganese(II) 2-ethylhexanoate and their derivatives modified by the presence of chelating nitrogen ligands, i.e., 2,2'-bipyridyl, 2-(acetyl-2,6-diisopropylphenylimine)-pyridine and [N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imine]acenaphthoquinone. The suitable stoichiometries between the two precursor complexes with the three ligands were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. All complexes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, and one complex was characterized also by X-ray diffraction. The apparent kinetic constants of oxidative polymerization of linseed oil was determined, for each catalytic system, via the periodic measurements of the oil viscosity during the oxidation reaction. The results indicated that the modifications of the classical two complexes with the chelating nitrogen ligands improved the catalytic efficiency at least to the manganese complex.

Surfactants are molecular structures with remarkable physicochemical properties and applications. Most of their characteristics are due to their ability to promote aggregation and interactions with different interfaces. The scarcity of theoretical studies dedicated to evaluating the forces involved in these interactions prompted us to propose other models capable of reproducing the experimental data in better ways. We carried out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain a model for cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), selected from gromos54a7 force field parameters, that better describes most of its behaviors in aqueous solution (micellar structure, counterion dissociation, etc.) and its adsorption pattern on a gold surface. The parameters adopted for one of the models were able to mimic several characteristics suggested by experimental measurements of the CTAB micelles, as well their adsorption pattern on a gold surface. Indeed, this model was able to obtain quasi-spherical micelles, as well as a pattern of adjacent cylindrical micelles with alkyl chain interactions on a gold surface.

This work shows the modification of microcrystalline cellulose by the selective oxidation of primary hydroxyl groups to carboxylate groups by a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated system and its application as a heterogeneous ligand by ionic exchange with catalytic metals ions such as palladium, nickel and copper. Afterwards is described the application of the synthesized material as catalyst in coupling reactions such as Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and C−O bond formation reaction in different conditions, which are of great importance for the synthesis of drugs, natural products and new materials such as dendrimers, liquid crystals and polymers with magnetic and optical properties. The carboxyl cellulose matrix shows to have superior catalytic results as a ligand for all coupling reactions. Can be also highlighted the affinity of the carboxyl cellulose ligand in polar solvents such as water and alcohols and its application in mild conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Perfusion abnormalities are frequently seen in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) when a left bundle branch block is present. A few studies have shown decreased coronary flow reserve in the left anterior descending territory, regardless of the presence of coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate rubidium-82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography imaging in the assessment of myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve in patients with left bundle branch block. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with left bundle branch block (GI), median age 63.5 years, 22 (58%) female, 12 with coronary artery disease (≥70%; GI-A) and 26 with no evidence of significant coronary artery disease (GI-B), underwent rest-dipyridamole stress 82Rb-positron emission tomography with absolute quantitative flow measurements using Cedars-Sinai software (mL/min/g). The relative myocardial perfusion and left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed in 17 segments. These parameters were compared with those obtained from 30 patients with normal 82Rb-positron emission tomography studies and without left bundle branch block (GII). RESULTS: Stress myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve were significantly lower in GI than in GII (p<0.05). The comparison of coronary flow reserve between GI-A and GI-B showed that it was different from the global coronary flow reserve (p<0.05) and the stress flow was significantly lower in the anterior than in the septal wall for both groups. Perfusion abnormalities were more prevalent in GI-A (p=0.06) and the left ventricular ejection fraction was not different between GI-A and GI-B, whereas it was lower in GI than in GII (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The data confirm that patients with left bundle branch block had decreased myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve and coronary flow reserve assessed by 82Rb-positron emission tomography imaging may be useful in identifying coronary artery disease in patients with left bundle branch block.

RESUMO Objetivou-se caracterizar fenotípica e genotipicamente isolados clínicos de enterobactérias resistentes aos carbapenêmicos (CRE) provenientes do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria (RS). Entre os isolados clínicos submetidos ao teste modificado de Hodge (MHT), 62,5% apresentaram positividade, indicando possível produção de carbapenemase. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) demonstrou que o blaKPC foi o gene mais encontrado (31%), seguido de blaIMP (12,5%). O uso conjunto de distintas metodologias faz-se necessário para identificar a resistência aos carbapenêmicos produzida pelas enterobactérias, de modo a auxiliar o controle de infecção prevenindo a disseminação desses microrganismos.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to genotypically and phenotypically characterize clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae collected from inpatients at the University Hospital of Santa Maria, during seven months. Among the clinical isolates subjected to the modified Hodge test (MHT), 62.5% were positive, indicating possible production of carbapenemase. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that blaKPC was the most frequently found gene (31%), followed by blaIMP (12.5%). Combined use of the methods is needed to identify carbapenem resistance in enterobacteria to prevent their spread and control the infections caused by these organisms.

Em países desenvolvidos como os do Reino Unido além da França, Itália e Alemanha, estima-se que o gasto com manutenção e reparo é praticamente igual ao investimento em obras novas. Por este motivo, este trabalho visa estudar o efeito de formas de interferir na cinética da corrosão a partir da aplicação de um ensaio acelerado de corrosão - CAIM, que simula o ataque por cloretos. As três variáveis estudadas são: espessura de cobrimento, uso de sílica ativa e relação água/aglomerante. Foi constatado, pela análise de variância da perda de massa das barras e do teor de cloretos na espessura de cobrimento, que existe influência significativa das três variáveis do estudo. Além disso, os resultados indicam que a adição de sílica ativa é o caminho para melhorar a proteção de concretos de relação água/aglomerante baixa (a/agl = 0,40) e a elevação do cobrimento é o caminho mais eficiente para aumentar a proteção das armaduras em concretos de relação água/aglomerante elevada (a/agl = 0,50 e 0,60).

In developed countries like the UK, France, Italy and Germany, it is estimated that spending on maintenance and repair is practically the same as investment in new constructions. Therefore, this paper aims to study different ways of interfering in the corrosion kinetic using an accelerated corrosion test - CAIM, that simulates the chloride attack. The three variables are: concrete cover thickness, use of silica fume and the water/binder ratio. It was found, by analysis of variance of the weight loss of the steel bars and chloride content in the concrete cover thickness, there is significant influence of the three variables. Also, the results indicate that the addition of silica fume is the path to improve the corrosion protection of low water/binder ratio concretes (like 0.4) and elevation of the concrete cover thickness is the most effective solution to increase protection of high water/binder ratio concrete (above 0.5).

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a aplicação de águas residuárias de suinocultura (ARS) e adubação química sobre os teores foliares de macronutrientes e micronutrientes e sua relação com o crescimento do minimilho. Conduziu-se um experimento em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com oito tratamentos e três repetições dispostos em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, os quais consistiram da aplicação de quatro doses de água residuária de suinocultura (0, 40, 80 e 120 kg ha-1 de N) e duas doses de adubação química (0 e 40 kg ha-1). Os resultados indicaram que o incremento na adubação com uso de águas residuárias de suinocultura favoreceu diferenças significativas para as concentrações foliares no minimilho para N e P, proporcionou teores abaixo dos adequados para N e K, teores adequados de Cu, Zn, Mn e Fe e teores acima dos adequados para P, Ca, Mg e S. Para as variáveis de crescimento os resultados indicaram que houve diferenças significativas e que o incremento da adubação com uso de ARS proporcionou maiores estaturas de plantas, área foliar, índice de área foliar, número de folhas por planta e taxa de crescimento absoluto.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of wastewater from swine manure (ARS) and chemical fertilization on foliar concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients, and its relationship with the growth of babycorn. An experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications in 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, which consisted of the application of four doses of swine wastewater (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) and two levels of chemical fertilization (0 and 40 kg ha-1). The results indicated that the increase in fertilization using swine wastewater manure resulted in significant differences for babycorn's foliar concentrations of N and P, promoting levels below the adequate for N and K, appropriate levels of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe, and levels above the adequate for P, Ca, Mg and S. For growth variables, results indicated significant differences and the increased use of fertilizer with swine wastewater promoted higher plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, number of leaves per plant and absolute growth rate.

Propôs-se, com este trabalho, ajustar modelos matemáticos aos valores experimentais em função do teor de água e estudar os efeitos das relações de intermitência na secagem de grãos de arroz na eficiência da operação. Utilizaram-se grãos de arroz com casca produzidos na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostras com teor de água próximo a 20% b.u. foram secadas sob três condições de relação de intermitência: 1:1, 1:2 e 1:4; em todas as condições foram utilizados os mesmos manejos térmicos em temperaturas graduais crescentes do ar: 70, 90, 110 ± 5 °C, respectivamente, na 1ª e na 2ª e a partir da 3ª hora. Para os ajustes dos modelos matemáticos foi realizada análise de regressão não-linear pelo método Simplex e Quasi-Newton, cujos valores são os parâmetros dos modelos estimados em função da temperatura do ar de secagem. Comparando-se os coeficientes de determinação ajustados (R2ajustado), o erro médio relativo (P) e estimado (SE) e a distribuição de resíduos, os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que: a relação de intermitência altera o tempo de operação e a taxa horária de secagem dos grãos de arroz e, ainda, o modelo de Midilli foi o que melhor representou a secagem intermitente do arroz em casca.

This study aimed to adjust mathematical models to experimental values in function of the water content and study the effects of intermittent relations in drying of paddy grains in the efficiency of operation. Paddy grains produced in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul were used. The samples with approximately 20% water content were dried under three intermittent relation conditions: 1:1, 1:2, 1:4. In all these conditions the same thermal procedures were utilized, gradual increase in air temperature 70, 90, 110 ± 5 ºC respectively, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd hour. For the adjustments of the mathematical models, a non linear regression analysis through the Simplex and Quasi-Newton methods was carried out. The values of the parameters of the models being estimated in function of the temperature of the drying air. A comparison was carried out of the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²adjusted), the relative mean error (P), the estimated mean error (SE) and the distribution of residues. The results showed that the intermittent relation modifies the operating time and the houR Ly rate of drying of the rice grains and the MidiLλi model was the one which best represented the intermittent drying of paddy.

Avaliaram-se o desempenho, o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca (CDMS), da proteína bruta (CDPB), a retenção aparente de cálcio (Ca) e fósforo (P) e a energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn) de dietas suplementadas com altos teores de fitase (FTU) para frangos, até 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 1848 pintos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com sete tratamentos e oito repetições de 35 aves. Os tratamentos foram: T1: dieta-controle; T2: dieta com inclusão de 1.500FTU/kg; T3: 3.000FTU/kg; T4: 4.500FTU/kg; T5: 6.000FTU/kg; T6: 8.000FTU/kg e T7: 10.000FTU/kg de ração. No 10º e 28º dias de experimento, quatro e três aves, respectivamente, foram transferidas para gaiolas de metabolismo. A partir da inclusão de 4.500FTU/kg, o desempenho das aves de 1 a 35 dias foi semelhante ao das aves do grupo-controle (P>0,05). Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos nos CDPB e nos valores de EMAn, porém, na fase inicial, observou-se maior aproveitamento da MS com os altos níveis de fitase (P<0,05). Em relação à retenção de Ca e P, houve efeito positivo da suplementação enzimática, com aumento significativo do uso desses minerais pelas aves. Concluiu-se que é possível suplementar altos teores de fitase valorando adequadamente os nutrientes da dieta.

The digestibility of dry matter (DMD), and of crude protein (CPD), the apparent retention of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected by nitrogen balance (AME) of diets supplemented with high levels of phytase (FTU) for broilers, 35 days old were evaluated. A total of 1848 chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experiment with seven treatments and eight repetitions. The treatments were: T1: control diet, T2: inclusion of 1,500FTU/kg; T3: 3,000FTU/kg; T4: 4,500FTU/kg; T5: 6,000FTU/kg; T6:8,000FTU/kg; and T7: 10,000FTU/kg feed. On the 10th and 28th days of the experiment, four and three birds, respectively, were transferred to metabolism cages. An addition of 4,500FTU/kg from 1 to 35 days resulted in a performance similar to the control group (P>0.05). There was no difference (P>0.05) among treatments for DMD and AME, however, during the initial phase there was a higher use of MS with high levels of phytase (P<0.05). Regarding the retention of Ca and P, a positive effect of enzyme supplementation significantly increased the use of these minerals by birds. It is possible that high levels of supplemental phytase adequate valuing the nutrients.

Os agregados miúdos utilizados na produção de concretos são basicamente as areias naturais provenientes dos leitos dos rios e os agregados artificiais oriundos da britagem de rocha. A principal diferença entre estes dois agregados está no formato de seus grãos. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é avaliar o formato dos grãos de agregados miúdos por meio de diferentes parâmetros, analisando as diferenças entre as formas dos agregados, e suas conseqüências nas propriedades das argamassas e concretos confeccionadas com estes materiais. Para medição dos grãos dos agregados empregou-se a análise digital de imagens e foram calculados os seguintes parâmetros: relação de aspecto, esfericidade, indicador de lamelaridade e coeficiente de forma, sendo que os dois últimos foram os que melhor avaliaram a forma dos agregados. Observou-se que o formato dos grãos dos agregados artificiais depende do tipo de britador empregado pelas pedreiras no processo de britagem das rochas. Os agregados oriundos do britador do tipo vertical de impacto possuem grãos mais arredondados, semelhantes aos grãos da areia natural. Verificou-se que o formato dos grãos dos agregados tem influência direta sobre a consistência das argamassas e concretos, porém não apresentou influência nos resultados de resistência à compressão.

Natural and manufactured fine aggregates are the most usual aggregates used in mortar and concrete. The most important difference between these aggregates is the particle shape. This property was analyzed using different parameters and was verified its influence in mortar and concrete performance. The digital imagem processing was used to measure the aggregate dimension and the following shape parameters were obtained: aspect ratio, sphericity, flakiness ratio and shape factor. The flakiness ratio and shape factor, which analyses the particle shape property in third dimenson showed the best results. It was observed that the crushing equipment influences the particle shape. Aggregates produced by vertical impact crushing are more rounded, with particle similar to the natural sand. In the experiments the particle shape has influenced the mortar and concrete consistence. However, it did not significantly influence the compressive strenght.

Um isolado de Fusarium solani f.sp. glycines, coletado em plantas de soja (Glycine max) na região de Cruz Alta - RS, foi utilizado em experimentos conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar a possibilidade de a semente ser um veículo eficiente de disseminação da podridão vermelha da raiz na cultura da soja. A transferência de propágulos do patógeno para sementes de soja, armazenada durante um, seis e 12 meses, foi realizada através da mistura de grãos de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor), solo e resíduos de colheita, previamente esterilizados e posteriormente infetados, em condições de laboratório, com F. solani f.sp. glycines. As evidências de que sementes de soja podem ser uma das fontes de inóculo primário de Podridão Vermelha da Raiz relacionaram-se à presença de clamidósporos aderidos externamente às sementes, após seis meses de armazenamento. As sementes apresentando crescimento do fungo após 12 meses de armazenamento, um mínimo de 75 unidades formadoras de colônias/ml removidas do tegumento das sementes de soja e plântulas formadas a partir das sementes infetadas após 12 meses de armazenamento mostrando sintomas da doença.

A Fusarium solani f.sp. glycines isolate collected in Cruz Alta RS, Brazil, was utilized in these experiments to evaluate the possibility of the Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) pathogen being transmitted by soybean (Glycine max) seeds. The seedborne nature of SDS pathogen was demonstrated using infected sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) seeds, infested soil, and infected plant debris as transport vehicles of inoculum. The following evidence of soybean seeds being the primary inoculum of SDS pathogen was chlamidospores were externally adhered to the soybean seeds after six months; soybean seeds had with the fungus mycelium after 12 months of storage; 75 c.f.u./ml were removed from the seed coat after 12 months of storage; and the fungus was transmissible after 12 months of storage.