ABSTRACT This work aimed to analyze the influence of treatment pressure on the interaction between stearic acid and an Argon-Oxygen plasma. The fixed variables were the applied RF plasma power (50 W), treatment time (30 min), and treatment starting temperature (273 K). The pressure was varied as follows: 0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 Torr. For all treatment conditions, the etching of the samples was observed, as evidenced by the mass loss of the specimens and by following the gaseous by-products of reactions employing a mass spectrometer coupled to the reaction chamber. Optical emission spectroscopy followed the emission lines of oxygen active species. Functionalization of the specimens was also observed, as shown by the results obtained by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and through XRD analysis. A liquid phase was formed for samples treated at 0.6 and 1.0 Torr, which favored the functionalization process and broadened the band present in the region from 1750 to 1700 cm–1, resulting in amorphous phases. An increase in the intensity of the characteristic peaks of esters was also observed. It can be concluded that the higher pressure favors the formation of a liquid phase and reaction kinetics, resulting in higher functionalization and lower etching.

ABSTRACT Nursing homes are institutions with high prevalence of urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli with several virulence factors. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the bla CTX-M gene and eight virulence genes in 35 ESBL-producing uropathogenic E. coli from six nursing homes in Peru during 2018. Of the E. coli samples, 57.1% (20/35) were carriers of the bla CTX-M gene. Furthermore, we obtained frequencies of 46% (15/35) and 37% (13/35) for hly-alpha and cnf-1, respectively; we also found high presence of the iucC (63%, 22/35), aer (94%, 33/35) and chuA genes (94%, 33/34) as well as a frequency of 46% (16/35) and 91% (32/34) for the pap GII and nanA genes, respectively. The bla CTX-M gene is predominant and a high frequency of exotoxins gives it a competitive advantage for spreading into the bloodstream.

RESUMEN Los asilos de ancianos son instituciones con una alta prevalencia de infecciones del tracto urinario ocasionado por Escherichia coli productoras de ß-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), con diversos factores de virulencia. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia del gen bla CTX-M y de ocho genes de virulencia en 35 E. coli uropatógenas productoras de BLEE provenientes de seis asilos en Perú, durante el 2018. El 57,1% (20/35) de las E. coli fueron portadores del gen bla CTX-M. Además, se obtuvo una frecuencia del 46% (15/35) y 37% (13/35) de hly-alfa y cnf-1, respectivamente; elevada presencia de los genes iucC (63%, 22/35), aer (94%, 33/35) y chuA (94%, 33/34) y una frecuencia del 46% (16/35) y del 91% (32/34) de los genes pap GII y nanA, respectivamente. Existe predominancia en la distribución del gen bla CTX-M, además de una alta frecuencia de exotoxinas que le confieren una ventaja competitiva para diseminarse hacia el torrente sanguíneo.

ABSTRACT Nursing homes are institutions with high prevalence of urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli with several virulence factors. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the bla CTX-M gene and eight virulence genes in 35 ESBL-producing uropathogenic E. coli from six nursing homes in Peru during 2018. Of the E. coli samples, 57.1% (20/35) were carriers of the bla CTX-M gene. Furthermore, we obtained frequencies of 46% (15/35) and 37% (13/35) for hly-alpha and cnf-1, respectively; we also found high presence of the iucC (63%, 22/35), aer (94%, 33/35) and chuA genes (94%, 33/34) as well as a frequency of 46% (16/35) and 91% (32/34) for the pap GII and nanA genes, respectively. The bla CTX-M gene is predominant and a high frequency of exotoxins gives it a competitive advantage for spreading into the bloodstream.

RESUMEN Los asilos de ancianos son instituciones con una alta prevalencia de infecciones del tracto urinario ocasionado por Escherichia coli productoras de ß-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), con diversos factores de virulencia. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia del gen bla CTX-M y de ocho genes de virulencia en 35 E. coli uropatógenas productoras de BLEE provenientes de seis asilos en Perú, durante el 2018. El 57,1% (20/35) de las E. coli fueron portadores del gen bla CTX-M. Además, se obtuvo una frecuencia del 46% (15/35) y 37% (13/35) de hly-alfa y cnf-1, respectivamente; elevada presencia de los genes iucC (63%, 22/35), aer (94%, 33/35) y chuA (94%, 33/34) y una frecuencia del 46% (16/35) y del 91% (32/34) de los genes pap GII y nanA, respectivamente. Existe predominancia en la distribución del gen bla CTX-M, además de una alta frecuencia de exotoxinas que le confieren una ventaja competitiva para diseminarse hacia el torrente sanguíneo.

ABSTRACT Surface treatments such as heat treatments, paints, plasma treatments and galvanizing are important in metal working industry. In those treatments, the required adhesion characteristics can be limited if contaminants are present, so there is a need to clean these surfaces. Conventional processes can be costly, some generated waste may be environmentally hazardous and, in some cases, due to part geometry, they are not effective. Alternatively, plasma treatments which are considered to be environmentally clean, more efficient and with lower operating costs can overcome those difficulties. Due to the reactional complexity of these treatments, there are many fields to be researched, such as which reactions are due to impacts of (neutral) chemical species and which are due to excited species and radiation. The present work aims to verify the interactions between Ar-10%O2 plasma using amino acid L-proline in an inductively coupled radiofrequency plasma. This study showed that oxidative plasma promotes high degradation of the sample. A gas analyzer (quadrupole mass spectrometer) coupled to the gas outlet was used and many gaseous products are detected during treatment, such: H2, H2O, CO, NO (Nitric Oxide) and CO2 while L-proline undergoes intense degradation. The conclusions allow to state that the interaction between the Ar/O2 plasma and L-proline promotes intense degradation through the breakdown of the heterocyclic ring of the molecule.

RESUMO Racional: Os protocolos de recuperação otimizada após as operações têm as suas bases na cirurgia colônica, através das primeiras diretrizes publicadas em 2012. Desde então, tal prática difundiu-se pelo mundo, principalmente em virtude de melhorias nos resultados cirúrgicos associadas à economia de recursos. Objetivo: Apresentar os primeiros resultados prospectivos após a implementação das novas medidas. Métodos: Foram analisados de forma retrospectiva 48 pacientes operados na instituição previamente à aplicação do protocolo. Esse grupo foi então comparado com uma série de 25 pacientes operados de forma consecutiva após a implementação das diretrizes. Resultados: Com taxa de adesão de 68.6% às medidas propostas, observou-se redução do tempo de internação hospitalar (p=0.002), do uso de drenos abdominais (p<0.001) e do preparo mecânico do cólon (p<0.001). As taxas de mortalidade, de fístula da anastomose, de abscessos abdominais e de reoperações também foram reduzidas, porém sem significância estatística. Conclusão: A adesão às medidas recomendadas no protocolo é benéfica para pacientes e equipe de assistência, acarretando em melhores resultados e possível economia de recursos. Mesmo com algumas limitações, a sua implementação é factível no Sistema Único de Saúde Brasileiro.

ABSTRACT Background: Guidelines for enhanced recovery after surgery have their bases in colonic surgery, through the first protocols published in 2012. Since then, this practice has spread throughout the world, mainly due to improvements in surgical outcomes associated with resource savings. Aim: To analyze the first prospective results after the implementation of the guidelines. Methods: Were retrospectively analyzed 48 patients operated in the institution prior to the standardization. This group was then compared with a series of 25 patients operated consecutively after the guidelines were implemented. Results: With a 68.6% compliance rate, hospital length of stay (p=0.002), use of abdominal drains (p<0.001) and mechanical bowel preparation (p<0.001) were reduced. Mortality rates, anastomotic fistula, abdominal abscesses and reoperations were also reduced, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols benefit patients care, resulting in better outcomes and possibly resource savings. Even with some limitations, its implementation is feasible in the Brazilian Public Health System.

Resumo A cirurgia para bypass vascular é um procedimento amplamente usado para o tratamento da insuficiência vascular periférica. A técnica anestésica para o intraoperatório e para analgesia pós-operatória mais apropriada para esses pacientes de alto risco ainda permanece controversa. Apresentaremos o caso de um paciente submetido a bypass femoropoplíteo distal no nosso serviço, que apresentava comorbidades relevantes para a escolha da técnica anestésica. Esse paciente apresentava fatores determinantes de via aérea difícil, principalmente cifoescoliose da coluna torácica, que o impedia de ser posicionado adequadamente para o manejo da via aérea, além de ser portador de patologia pulmonar crônica. Também fazia uso de antiplaquetários que contraindicavam o bloqueio de neuroeixo. Por isso, optou-se como técnica anestésica pelo bloqueio de nervos periféricos, especificamente o bloqueio dos nervos femoral e isquiático.

Abstract Vascular bypass is a surgical procedure widely used to treat peripheral vascular disease. The intraoperative anesthetic technique and the most appropriate postoperative analgesia for these high-risk patients remain controversial. We present the case of a patient undergoing femoropopliteal-distal bypass in our service, presenting with relevant comorbidities to the choice of anesthetic technique. This patient had several determining factors of difficult airway, especially thoracic kyphoscoliosis, which prevented him from being properly positioned for airway management, and chronic lung disease. This patient was also taken antiplatelet drugs, which is a contraindication for neuraxial block. So, we chose the anesthetic technique of peripheral nerve block, specifically the blockade of femoral and sciatic nerves.

The reactions that can occur on organic materials treated in plasma enviorement are strongly affected by surface temperature, thus the sharp determination of this variable is extremely important to process control. In situ temperature measurements are often employed; however, the measured point is generally under the treated surface. If in metallic materials the high thermal conductivity minimizes this problem, in non-metallic materials processing it becomes important, because its thermal resistivity besides a high sensibility to small temperature variations. The present work uses a simulation tool to extract thermal data on Ar+O2 RF plasma processing of Stearic Acid. Experimental data were obtained by thermocouples placed inside the samples. The extrapolation of surface temperature was performed by numerical simulation with Autodesk CFD software v.15.1. Results show that the temperature of the surface reaches values higher than the ones measured inside the sample holder. This difference of temperature is in good agreement with the visual observation of the phase transformations in the treated material, showing a simple and valuable tool to better control of plasma treatments.

ABSTRACT Plasma surface cleaning is an alternative process that aims at the fully removal of organic contaminants on several kinds of materials. Despite its advantages, there are still lacks on the comprehension of the complex relations between plasma-generated species and organic molecules during plasma cleaning. In the present work, a linear alkane (hexatriacontane - C36H74), used as a contaminant model, was exposed to an Argon radiofrequency (RF) inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The by-products from degradation were monitored by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and residual gas analysis (RGA), to identify the influence of sample positioning on E and H discharge modes regions. The exposition to H-mode discharge resulted in more intense and profuse emissions of C-H and C2 systems. RGA results show similar byproducts from degradation in both modes; however, the intensity from treatment in H-mode is largely greater. It was also observed that plasma etching in H-mode is enough to melt the sample, while E-type discharge leaves the surface of the sample apparently unchanged.

Um experimento foi conduzido com a cultivar de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) RB92579, no período de 2010 a 2011 em Capim, PB, tendo como objetivo a análise dos componentes dos balanços de radiação e energia. Monitoraram-se as variáveis: radiação solar incidente e refletida; saldo de radiação; radiação atmosférica incidente à superfície, radiação efetiva emitida e o albedo da superfície vegetada. O balanço de energia, fundamentado na razão de Bowen, foi utilizado na determinação dos fluxos de calor latente e sensível para o ar e o solo. Para as fases de crescimento máximo e maturação observou-se que: a) não houve mudanças significativas no comportamento dos componentes do balanço de radiação; b) o albedo variou de 0,17 a 0,27 com média de 0,23; c) as regressões lineares entre o saldo de radiação e o saldo de radiação de ondas curtas apresentaram elevados níveis de correlação; d) o coeficiente térmico diminuiu e o coeficiente de transformação em ondas longas aumentou com o aumento da cobertura vegetal; e) o saldo de radiação diário e os fluxos de calor latente e sensível aumentaram do período chuvoso para o período seco e f) 82% do saldo de radiação foram utilizados como calor latente, 16% como calor sensível para aquecimento do ar e 2% como calor sensível para aquecimento do solo.

An experiment was conducted with the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) variety RB92579, during the period of 2010 to 2011 in Capim,PB, aiming to analyse the components of the radiation and energy balances. The following variables were monitored: incident and reflected solar radiation, net radiation, atmospheric radiation incident to the surface, emitted effective radiation and the albedo of the vegetated surface. The energy balance based on the Bowen ratio was used to determine the latent and air and soil sensible heat fluxes. For the sugarcane maximum growth and maturation phases showed that: a) there were no significant changes in the behavior of the radiation balance components, b) the albedo ranged from 0.17 to 0.27 with an average of 0.23; c) the linear regressions between net radiation and net shortwave radiation showed high levels of correlation; d) the thermal coefficient decreased while the coefficient of transformation into long waves increased with increasing vegetation cover, e) the daily net radiation and the latent and sensible heat fluxes increased from the rainy to the dry seasons; f) 82% of net radiation was used as latent heat, 16% and 2% as sensible heat for heating air and the soil, respectively.

Plasma cleaning is a promising technology in surface treatments, despite technological interest its use is limited because its mechanisms still are not entirely understood. This work aims to evaluate how the applied power of an inductively coupled RF discharge at 13,56 MHz, with Ar and Ar+10%O2 atmospheres, affects its capabilities to etch an organic molecule. Mass variation rate was used as direct characterization of degradation process and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was performed to search for residual molecular modifications. Additionally, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements were performed to monitor the offer of active species in the gaseous volume. In experimental conditions was possible attain mass reduction from sample, with higher mass loss rate when applied power is increased. Material characterization shows the possibility of attain a high etch rate, while no structural modifications were detected, if the temperature is controlled.

A técnica de análise de sensibilidade de modelos foi aplicada nos dados obtidos em experimento de campo conduzido no ano de 2009, na Destilaria Miriri, localizada no município de Capim, PB, e aos dados de evapotranspiração de referência (ETo), obtidos pela equação de Penman-Monteith (FAO/56), e da evapotranspiração da cultura da cana-de-açúcar (ETc), obtidos pelo balanço de energia com base na razão de Bowen. As análises de sensibilidade e de erros foram aplicadas ao método da razão de Bowen para os intervalos de medição de 15, 30, 60 e 120 minutos enquanto o método de Penman-Monteith foi aplicado para a escala diária durante o ano de 2009. Os resultados evidenciam que o saldo de radiação é a variável mais sensitiva no cálculo do balanço de energia, enquanto o fluxo de calor no solo oferece a menor contribuição; já os erros relativos de todas as variáveis envolvidas do cálculo balanço de energia baseado na razão de Bowen aumentaram significativamente com o aumento do intervalo de amostragem. A variável mais sensível na determinação da ETo pelo método de Penman-Monteith é o saldo de radiação seguida da umidade relativa, velocidade do vento a 2m de altura e a temperatura média do ar.

The sensitivity analysis technique of models was applied to the data obtained from field experiment carried out during 2009 at Distillery Miriri, Capim, PB. This technique was applied to the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) by Penman-Monteith (FAO/56) and the sugarcane evapotranspiration (ETc) by energy balance equation based on Bowen ratio. The sensitivity analysis and errors were applied to the Bowen ratio method in measurement intervals of 15, 30, 60 and 120 min; however Penman-Monteith approach was applied on daily basis throughout the 2009 year. Results showed that the net radiation is the most sensitive variable in the energy equation balance and soil heat flux offers the lowest contribution. On the other hand, the relative errors for all variables in energy balance equation increase significantly with increase in sampling interval. The most sensitive variable in reference evapotranspiration by Penmam-Monteith method is net radiation, followed by relative humidity, wind speed at 2 m and air temperature.

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida em área experimental da Fazenda Capim II (latitude 6° 54' 59,88" S, longitude 35° 09' 17,86" O e altitude de 121,00 m), localizada no Município de Capim, PB. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de lâminas de água de irrigação e níveis de adubação com zinco na cultura da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum), cv. SP 79-1011. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em esquema fatorial 5 x 5; as lâminas de irrigação, aplicadas por um pivô central fixo, se basearam em 25, 50, 75 e 100% da ETc, mais um tratamento testemunha, sob condições de sequeiro. Os níveis de zinco foram 0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 kg ha-1. A qualidade industrial da matéria-prima foi influenciada, diretamente, pela lâmina de água de irrigação aplicada na cultura. À medida que se aumentou a lâmina de irrigação, aumentaram, também, o teor de açúcares totais recuperáveis, o teor de sólidos solúveis totais (°Brix), a Pol, a pureza e a PCC; no entanto, diminuíram o teor de fibra e o peso do bolo úmido. Não se observou influência dos níveis de zinco estudados sobre nenhum índice de qualidade industrial da cv. SP 79-1011 de cana-de-açúcar.

This research was conducted in an experimental area of Capim II Farm (6° 54' 59,88" S of latitude; 35° 09' 17,86" W of longitude and 121 m of altitude), located in the municipality of Capim, PB. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of five depths of irrigation water and five levels of zinc fertilization on sugar-cane crop (Saccharum spp.), cv. SP 79-1011. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with three repetitions in a 5x5 factorial scheme; the irrigation depths were: rainfed, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of ETc. The levels of zinc were: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 kg ha-1. The industrial quality was influenced by the irrigation depths applied to the crop. The content of total recoverable sugars, the total soluble solids (°Brix), the Pol, the purity and the PCC increased in proportion with the irrigation water levels; nevertheless, the fiber content and the weight of the humid mass were reduced. The zinc levels did not show any influence on the industrial quality indexes of sugar-cane cv. SP 79-1011.

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida em área experimental da Fazenda Capim II, localizada no Município de Capim - PB, com o intuito de determinar a eficiência no uso da água (EUA) pela cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), cultivar SP 79-1011. O delineamento experimental consistiu em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em esquema fatorial 5 x 5. Os tratamentos referentes à lâmina de irrigação foram: sequeiro; 25; 50; 75 e 100% da ETc (1.026,57 mm) com as respectivas precipitações efetivas de 780,06; 713,31; 487,54; 243,71 e 194,51 mm; os níveis de zinco estudados foram 0; 1; 2; 3 e 4 kg ha-1. O equipamento de irrigação utilizado foi do tipo pivô central, com turno de rega de nove dias. A eficiência no uso da água (EUA) na produção de colmos e de açúcar aumenta à medida que se eleva a lâmina total de água aplicada à cultura. Para a região norte-paraibana dos tabuleiros costeiros, a EUA na produção de colmo e de açúcar, de forma maximizada, é 7,12 e 0,67 kg m-3, respectivamente.

The study was conducted in an experimental area of the Capim II Farm, located in the municipality of Capim - PB, Brazil, with the objective of determining the efficiency in the use of the water (WUE) for the sugarcane crop (Saccharum officinarum L.), cultivar SP 79-1011. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with three replications in a 5 x 5 factorial design. The irrigation treatments were: rainfed; 25; 50; 75 and 100% of the ETc (1,026.57 mm) with the respective effective precipitations of 780.06; 713.31; 487.54; 243.71 and 194.51 mm. The levels of zinc studied were 0; 1; 2; 3 and 4 kg ha-1. The irrigation equipment used in the study was a central pivot with irrigation frequency of nine days. The water use efficiency (WUE) of sugarcane crop in terms of cane production and of sugar increased with the depth of water applied. For the Coastal Table Lands of northern Paraiba, the maximized WUE for sugarcane and sugar production is 7.12 and 0.67 kg m-3, respectively.

O experimento foi montado na Fazenda Capim II, situada na Cidade de Capim, PB, com o objetivo de se avaliar os índices de crescimento da parte aérea e do sistema radicular da variedade SP 79 1011 de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), em regime irrigado e de sequeiro. O delineamento estatístico foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, com três repetições, sendo realizadas seis amostragens de plantas e analisados os componentes da parte aérea e do sistema radicular. A taxa máxima de acúmulo de fitomassa foi de 0,7169 g dia-1 para a cana irrigada e de 0,6974 g dia-1 para a cana em regime de sequeiro. O máximo Índice de Área Foliar (IAF) foi 6,82, observado em torno dos 152 DAP em condições de irrigação; para a condição de sequeiro o IAF máximo foi de 6,80 aos 157 dias após o plantio. No final do período de cultivo, mais de 90 e de 80% da fitomassa de raízes se concentraram nos primeiros 60 cm de profundidade, nas áreas irrigadas e de sequeiro, respectivamente. 76% da fitomassa da raiz foram encontrados nos primeiros 45 cm de profundidade. O sistema de irrigação pode ser dimensionado tomando-se por base a profundidade de 60 cm.

The experiment was conducted in the Capim II Farm, in the Capim municipality of Paraiba, with the objective of evaluating the growth indices of the aerial parts and the root system of variety SP 79 1011 of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. The statistical design adapted was a randomized blocks, in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, with three replications, being six plants samplings made and the components of aerial part and root system analyzed. The dry mass accumulation maximum rate was 0.7169 g d-1 for irrigated sugar cane and 0.6974 g d-1 for sugar cane without irrigation. The maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI) was 6.82, observed around 152 days after planting (DAP) under irrigation; the LAI maximum without irrigation was 6.80 at 157 DAP. More than 90 and of 80% of root dry mass concentrated in the first 60 cm of depth, respectively, under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Around 76% of root dry mass was found in the first 45 cm of depth. The irrigation system can be designed taking as a base the depth of 60 cm.

Esta pesquisa foi realizada na Fazenda Capim da Destilaria Miriri, situada no município de Capim na Paraíba, com o objetivo de se identificar o comportamento da cultura da cana-de-açúcar, primeira soca (segunda folha), diante de diferentes lâminas de irrigação e níveis de adubação de cobertura. Com este propósito, conduziu-se um experimento utilizando-se a variedade SP79-1011, em blocos casualizados num arranjo fatorial de 4 x 2 (quatro lâminas de irrigação e dois níveis de adubação de cobertura), com três repetições. O total de água aplicada nos respectivos tratamentos foi 807, 986, 1164 e 1343 mm e os níveis de adubação de cobertura utilizados foram 85 e 305 kg ha-1 da mistura, contendo N e K2O na proporção 1 para 0,94, respectivamente. Analisaram-se parâmetros de crescimento, qualidade e rendimento da cana-de-açúcar. As irrigações influenciaram na fase inicial de crescimento e no início do máximo desenvolvimento da primeira soca. A dose de adubação influenciou mais nos parâmetros analisados que a lâmina de irrigação. A lâmina de irrigação influenciou significativamente, segundo um comportamento linear positivo, os parâmetros de crescimento, enquanto a sacarose (POL) da cana apresentou comportamento quadrático.

This research was accomplished in the Capim Farm of the Distillery Miriri located in the municipality of Capim city in Paraíba state, Brazil, with the objective of identifying the behavior of sugarcane crop, second leaf, for different irrigation water depths and levels of topdressing manuring with a mixture containing N and K2O in 1:0.94 proportion. With this purpose, an experiment was conducted using the variety SP79-1011, in completely randomized blocks in a factorial scheme of 4 x 2 (four irrigation depths and two levels of topdressing manuring), with three replications. The total water applied in the respective treatments was 807, 986, 1164 and 1343 mm and the levels of topdressing manuring were 85 and 305 kg ha-1. The growth, quality and yield parameters of sugarcane were analyzed. The irrigations prevailed in the initial growth phase of the second leaf and at the beginning of maximum development. The manuring dose influenced more the analyzed parameters than the water depth. The water depth influenced significantly, according to a positive linear behavior, the parameters of growth; while the sucrose (POL) of the cane showed a quadratic behavior.