Seed sensor position on seeder performance at varying speeds / Influência da posição do sensor de sementes da semeadora em diferentes velocidades de trabalho

The uniformity of seed distribution and sowing speed directly impact crop quality and productivity. This experiment assessed how the position of the sowing monitoring sensor influences the distribution of cotton seeds using a pneumatic meter at different operating speeds. The experiment employed a completely randomized two-factor factorial design on a static simulation bench. The first factor involved the sensor installation sites (upper, middle, and lower portions of the conductor tube and conveyor belt), while the second factor encompassed simulated speeds of 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 11.0 km/h. Parameters such as frequency of double, flawed, and acceptable spacing, coefficient of variation, and precision index were measured based on five replications of 250 consecutive spacing. The results indicated that the sensor's placement significantly influences reading accuracy. Optimal results were observed when the sensor was positioned at the final portion of the conductor tube, providing more accurate seed deposition, and facilitating decision-making.

A uniformidade de distribuição de sementes no solo e a velocidade de semeadura estão diretamente relacionados à qualidade e produtividade da lavoura. O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar a influência da posição de instalação do sensor de monitoramento de semeadura, em relação a leitura realizada em bancada de ensaio, durante a distribuição de sementes de algodão com dosador pneumático, submetido a diferentes velocidades operacionais. O experimento foi conduzido em bancada estática de simulação, com delineamento inteiramente casualizado, fatorial duplo, sendo o primeiro fator o local de instalação do sensor (porção superior, média e inferior do tubo condutor e esteira condutora) e o segundo as velocidades simuladas de 3,0; 5,0; 7,0; 9,0 e 11,0 km h−1. Os parâmetros mensurados para a avaliação da distribuição das sementes foram a frequência de espaçamentos duplos, falhos e aceitáveis, seu coeficiente de variação e índice de precisão, mensurados a partir de cinco repetições de 250 espaçamentos consecutivos. Os resultados obtidos foram que a posição de inserção do sensor de monitoramento interfere diretamente na eficiência da leitura, a qual tende a ser mais assertiva quando o sensor é posicionado na porção final do tubo condutor, demonstrando com maior acurácia a real deposição e assim facilitando a tomada de decisão.

Effect of different lighting sources on the performance of broiler breeder hens

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using light-emitting diode (LED) lamps versus incandescent/tungsten (Inc) bulbs on broiler breeder hens' productive performance during the brooding and rearing periods (25 weeks), as well as the first 15 weeks of production. A total of 46600 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus breeder chicks were placed in eight enclosed houses and randomly/evenly divided into two groups (four houses for each group): birds raised under yellow LED lighting, and birds raised under orange Inc lighting. Several traits have been studied to determine productive performance, including body weight at different ages, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, uniformity, age and weight at sexual maturity, egg number, egg production rate, egg number per bird, egg weight, and egg mass. According to the findings, using LED lighting instead of Inc lighting during the rearing period resulted in a significant improvement in all studied traits, and this positive effect continued until the production period, yielding excellent results for all studied production traits. LED lighting proved to be an effective source of lighting in broiler breeders' houses.(AU)

Optimal plot size in forage sorghum with comparison of the methods of modified maximum curvature, linear response and plateau model and quadratic response and plateau model / Tamanho ótimo de parcela em sorgo forrageiro com comparação dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, modelo linear de resposta com platô e modelo quadrático de resposta com platô

The objective of this study was to compare three methods for estimating the optimal plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) sown in rows, evaluated in three cuts. Two uniformity trials (repetitions) were carried out. In each trial, three plant cuts were performed, totaling six uniformity trials (2 trials per cut × 3 cuts). The first cut was performed at 41 days after sowing (DAS), the second at 82 DAS and the third at 133 DAS. Fresh matter productivity was evaluated in 216 basic experimental units (BEU) of 1 m × 1 m (36 BEU per trial). The BEU was formed by two rows of 1.0 m in length, spaced 0.50 m apart, totaling 1.0 m2. The optimal plot size was determined using the methods of modified maximum curvature, linear response and plateau model and quadratic response and plateau model. The optimal plot size differs between the methods and decreases in the following order: quadratic response and plateau model (9.10 m2), linear response and plateau model (7.16 m2) and modified maximum curvature (4.13 m2). The optimal plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of forage sorghum, sown in rows, evaluated in three cuts, is 7.16 m2and the experimental precision stabilizes from this size on.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar três métodos de estimação do tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) semeado em fileiras, avaliada em três cortes. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios de uniformidade (repetições). Em cada ensaio foram realizados três cortes das plantas, totalizando seis ensaios de uniformidade (2 ensaios por corte × 3 cortes). O primeiro corte foi realizado aos 41 dias após a semeadura (DAS), o segundo aos 82 DAS e o terceiro aos 133 DAS. Foi avaliada a produtividade de matéria fresca em 216 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1 m × 1 m (36 UEB por ensaio). A UEB foi formada por duas fileiras de 1,0 m de comprimento, espaçadas 0,50m entre fileiras, totalizando 1,0 m2. Foi determinado o tamanho ótimo de parcela por meio dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, do modelo linear de resposta com platô e do modelo quadrático de resposta com platô. O tamanho ótimo de parcela difere entre os métodos e decresce na seguinte ordem: modelo quadrático de resposta com platô (9,10 m2), modelo linear de resposta com platô (7,16 m2) e curvatura máxima modificado (4,13 m2). O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de sorgo forrageiro semeado em fileiras, avaliada em três cortes, é 7,16 m2e a precisão experimental estabiliza a partir desse tamanho.

Evaluation of different silvicultural management techniques and water seasonality on yield of eucalyptus stands

Appropriate management of factors that influence forest development is essential to increase yield of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water seasonality, nutritional management, and uniformity on yield of eucalyptus plantations and estimate the potential, attainable, and observed yield of adult eucalyptus stands. We evaluated Eucalyptus clonal stands in six regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a system of first and second rotation across four age classes using the twin-plots method (TP). In the study, 142 TPs were allocated alongside 142 plots in a continuous forest inventory (CFI) network of a private enterprise. The CFI received operational fertilization and additional fertilization was carried out in the TP. The trees were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at every six months to quantify the production in the wet (PW) and dry (PD) periods of the year. Uniformity of plantations was evaluated using Pvar 50 % and the optimal uniformity index. Potential, attainable, and observed yields were estimated using the average annual increase at seven years of age. The PW showed higher plant yield. There was an effect due to water availability and nutrient level on the yield of the stands. The driest semester of the year produces approximately 30 % of the current annual increase. The stands under the second rotation tend to have less uniformity than the in the first rotation. Potential yield varied depending on rainfall intensity where wetter regions had the highest yield.

Evaluation of different silvicultural management techniques and water seasonality on yield of eucalyptus stands

ABSTRACT: Appropriate management of factors that influence forest development is essential to increase yield of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water seasonality, nutritional management, and uniformity on yield of eucalyptus plantations and estimate the potential, attainable, and observed yield of adult eucalyptus stands. We evaluated Eucalyptus clonal stands in six regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a system of first and second rotation across four age classes using the twin-plots method (TP). In the study, 142 TPs were allocated alongside 142 plots in a continuous forest inventory (CFI) network of a private enterprise. The CFI received operational fertilization and additional fertilization was carried out in the TP. The trees were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at every six months to quantify the production in the wet (PW) and dry (PD) periods of the year. Uniformity of plantations was evaluated using Pvar 50 % and the optimal uniformity index. Potential, attainable, and observed yields were estimated using the average annual increase at seven years of age. The PW showed higher plant yield. There was an effect due to water availability and nutrient level on the yield of the stands. The driest semester of the year produces approximately 30 % of the current annual increase. The stands under the second rotation tend to have less uniformity than the in the first rotation. Potential yield varied depending on rainfall intensity where wetter regions had the highest yield.

Evaluation of different silvicultural management techniques and water seasonality on yield of eucalyptus stands

Appropriate management of factors that influence forest development is essential to increase yield of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water seasonality, nutritional management, and uniformity on yield of eucalyptus plantations and estimate the potential, attainable, and observed yield of adult eucalyptus stands. We evaluated Eucalyptus clonal stands in six regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a system of first and second rotation across four age classes using the twin-plots method (TP). In the study, 142 TPs were allocated alongside 142 plots in a continuous forest inventory (CFI) network of a private enterprise. The CFI received operational fertilization and additional fertilization was carried out in the TP. The trees were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at every six months to quantify the production in the wet (PW) and dry (PD) periods of the year. Uniformity of plantations was evaluated using Pvar 50 % and the optimal uniformity index. Potential, attainable, and observed yields were estimated using the average annual increase at seven years of age. The PW showed higher plant yield. There was an effect due to water availability and nutrient level on the yield of the stands. The driest semester of the year produces approximately 30 % of the current annual increase. The stands under the second rotation tend to have less uniformity than the in the first rotation. Potential yield varied depending on rainfall intensity where wetter regions had the highest yield.

Evaluation of Microwave Applicator Design on Electromagnetic Field Distribution and Heating Pattern of Cooked Peeled Shrimp.

Non-uniform temperature distribution within solid food is a major problem associated with microwave heating, which limits industrial applications. Therefore, an experimentally validated 3D model was proposed to study the effect of microwave applicator geometry on the electromagnetic field distribution and heating pattern of shrimp under different processing conditions. Simulation results were compared with physical experiments, in which a cooked peeled shrimp sample was heated using two different laboratory-scale microwave applicators (rectangular and cylindrical cavities). For the rectangular applicator, the temperature distribution within the shrimp, when examined in cross-section, was more homogeneous compared to that of the cylindrical applicator. The results showed the influence of the complex shape of the food on the temperature distribution during microwave heating, as well as of process parameters (input power and geometry cavity). Moreover, this modelling method could provide a better understanding of the microwave heating process and assist manufacturing companies to evaluate a suitable microwave applicator according to their specific purpose.

Exploring the use of residual variance for uniformity of body weight in meat quail lines using Bayesian inference.

1. Uniformity in animal products is an important aspect of the production system. Several studies have reported estimates of genetics on residual variance in different species, indicating that it could be exploited to improve uniformity by selection. Nevertheless, there are no reports about the possibilities of such a selection strategy in meat quail.2. Records of hatching weight (HW) and body weight at 42 days (W42) of female and male birds from two meat quail lines (UFV1 and UFV2) were analysed. A three-step genetic evaluation was used to investigate the effect of genetic variation on residual variance of HW and W42 in both lines. In Step 1, a single-trait model was fitted to the data. In Step 2, log-transformed squared estimated residuals (ln(ê2)) were evaluated for these traits. In Step 3, a multi-trait analysis was performed to estimate the genetic correlation between the additive genetic effects for HW, W42, and their respective ln(ê2).3. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.12 to 0.23 for HW and from 0.22 to 0.35 for W42. The estimated heritabilities for the residual part were low and ranged from 0.0003 to 0.02 for both traits, and the genetic coefficient of variation residual variance estimates ranged from 0.31 to 0.42 for HW and from 0.09 to 0.25 for W42. Genetic correlations between the means (HW and W42) and ln(ê2) values were both positive and did not differ from zero, indicating no association between mean and ln(ê2).4. In conclusion, the uniformity of HW and W42 could be improved by selecting for lower residual variance in both meat quail lines, but the accuracy of selection may be low due to low heritability for uniformity, mainly for W42.

Produtividade e componentes de rendimento de híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura / Corn hybrids productivity depending in spatial distribution in the seeding line

A uniformidade espacial na distância entre plantas na linha de semeadura e na época de emergência, é fundamental para alcançar altos tetos produtivos na cultura do milho. O presente trabalho teve objetivo avaliar a produtividade de dois híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. O experimento foi conduzido no município Cambé-PR na segunda safra de milho em 2016. Foram avaliados os híbridos de milho Fórmula TL (Syngenta) e 2A401 Pw (Dow). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi constituída de quatro linhas de seis metros de comprimento e 0,70 m de espaçamento entre linhas.  Foram realizados cinco tratamentos (1; 2; 3; 4 e 5 plantas agrupadas), caracterizados pela distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, com uso do software SISVAR e a comparação de médias foi realizada pelo teste de Tukey. Existe variabilidade genética para o rendimento de grãos quanto a distribuição de plantas na linha de semeadura. No componente plantas quebradas os dois híbridos estudados apresentaram porcentagem semelhantes, e diferenças mais acentuadas na variável plantas acamadas. O híbrido Fórmula foi capaz de compensar os espaços deixados pela desuniformidade na linha de semeadura.(AU)

Spatial uniformity in the distance between plants at the sowing line and at the time of emergence is fundamental to reach high productive ceilings in maize crop. The present work aimed to evaluate the yield of two maize hybrids as a function of the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The experiment was conducted in Cambé-PR, Brazil, in the second corn crop in 2016. Formula TL (Syngenta) and 2A401 Pw (Dow) maize hybrids were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of four lines of six meters in length and 0.70 m of line spacing. Five treatments (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grouped plants) were performed, characterized by the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test using SISVAR software and the comparison of means was performed by Tukey test. There is genetic variability for grain yield regarding plant distribution in the sowing line. In the broken plants component the two hybrids studied presented similar percentage, and more marked differences in the bedridden variable. The Formula hybrid were able to compensate for the spaces left by the unevenness in the sowing line.(AU)

Produtividade e componentes de rendimento de híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura / Corn hybrids productivity depending in spatial distribution in the seeding line

A uniformidade espacial na distância entre plantas na linha de semeadura e na época de emergência, é fundamental para alcançar altos tetos produtivos na cultura do milho. O presente trabalho teve objetivo avaliar a produtividade de dois híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. O experimento foi conduzido no município Cambé-PR na segunda safra de milho em 2016. Foram avaliados os híbridos de milho Fórmula TL (Syngenta) e 2A401 Pw (Dow). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi constituída de quatro linhas de seis metros de comprimento e 0,70 m de espaçamento entre linhas.  Foram realizados cinco tratamentos (1; 2; 3; 4 e 5 plantas agrupadas), caracterizados pela distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, com uso do software SISVAR e a comparação de médias foi realizada pelo teste de Tukey. Existe variabilidade genética para o rendimento de grãos quanto a distribuição de plantas na linha de semeadura. No componente plantas quebradas os dois híbridos estudados apresentaram porcentagem semelhantes, e diferenças mais acentuadas na variável plantas acamadas. O híbrido Fórmula foi capaz de compensar os espaços deixados pela desuniformidade na linha de semeadura.

Spatial uniformity in the distance between plants at the sowing line and at the time of emergence is fundamental to reach high productive ceilings in maize crop. The present work aimed to evaluate the yield of two maize hybrids as a function of the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The experiment was conducted in Cambé-PR, Brazil, in the second corn crop in 2016. Formula TL (Syngenta) and 2A401 Pw (Dow) maize hybrids were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of four lines of six meters in length and 0.70 m of line spacing. Five treatments (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grouped plants) were performed, characterized by the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test using SISVAR software and the comparison of means was performed by Tukey test. There is genetic variability for grain yield regarding plant distribution in the sowing line. In the broken plants component the two hybrids studied presented similar percentage, and more marked differences in the bedridden variable. The Formula hybrid were able to compensate for the spaces left by the unevenness in the sowing line.

Soil macrofauna as bioindicator of the recovery of degraded cerrado soil / Macrofauna do solo como bio indicador da recuperação de um solo degradado de cerrado

The construction of the hydroelectric power plant of Ilha Solteira, in state of São Paulo, was initiated in the 1960s, when an average, 8.60 m of soil depth was removed, resulting in a degraded area. A plan for the recovery of the area started in 2005 in Selvíria /MS with the use of plant species adapted to the Cerrado biome. This study aimed to evaluate the soil macrofauna of an area under recovery by using different types of soil cover (1- bare soil (control); 2- native Cerrado vegetation; 3- specie Astronium fraxinifolium; 4- Astronium fraxinifolium + Canavalia ensiformis; 5- Astronium fraxinifolium + Raphanus sativus; 6- Astronium fraxinifolium + Brachiaria decumbens + sewage sludge). Soil macrofauna was evaluated in 2005, 2006 and 2007 using the direct collection method and manual counting. Number of species, diversity and uniformity index were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used for data interpretation. Results showed that treatment 6 (Astronium fraxinifolium+ Brachiaria decumbens+ sewage sludge) increased the soil macrofauna population by approximately 4 to 6 times more than the other types of cover after three years of evaluation. And the PCA and cluster analysis showed the approximation of the data between treatment 6 and Cerrado, which represents the most appropriate treatment for the recovery of the degraded soil.(AU)

A construção da usina hidrelétrica de Ilha Solteira, no interior de São Paulo, foi iniciada nos anos 1960, quando foi retirado, em média, 8,60 m de solo em profundidade, dando origem a uma área degradada. Com isso, iniciou-se em 2005 um plano de recuperação da área no município de Selvíria/MS com plantio de espécies vegetais adaptadas ao bioma Cerrado. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a macrofauna do solo de uma área em processo de recuperação com plantio de diferentes tipos de cobertura vegetal (1- solo nu (testemunha); 2- vegetação nativa de Cerrado; 3- espécie arbórea Astronium fraxinifolium; 4- Astronium fraxinifolium + Canavalia ensiformis; 5- Astronium fraxinifolium + Raphanus sativus; 6- Astronium fraxinifolium + Brachiaria decumbens + lodo de esgoto). A macrofauna de solo foi avaliada em 2005, 2006 e 2007 utilizando o método de coleta direta e contagem manual. Foram determinados: quantidade de espécies e índices de diversidade e uniformidade. As análises de componentes principals (PCA) e de cluster foram utilizadas para interpretação de dados. Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento 6 (Astronium fraxinifolium + Brachiaria decumbens + lodo de esgoto) aumentou a população de macrofauna do solo em aproximadamente 4 a 6 vezes mais que os demais tipos de cobertura vegetal após três anos de avaliação. As análises de PCA e de cluster mostraram aproximação dos dados do tratamento 6 às condições ambientais naturais de Cerrado, indicando ser o tratamento mais adequado para a recuperação do solo degradado.(AU)

Entropy and uniformity as additional parameters to optimize the effectiveness of bone CT in the evaluation of acromegalic patients.

PURPOSE: Acromegaly is considered an important cause of secondary osteoporosis. However, studies on bone mineral density (BMD) have yielded conflicting results and there are few studies that evaluate an accurate imaging method for early diagnosis of osteoporosis in these patients. The objective of this study was to assess whether entropy and uniformity on computed tomography (CT) scans are useful parameters for optimization of assessment of bone fragility in patients with acromegaly. METHODS: We included 34 patients and 36 controls matched for age and sex in a cross-sectional study. Patients and controls underwent CT scan of the lumbosacral spine, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and blood tests. A software was developed to calculate the entropy and uniformity by a region of interest (ROI) of the trabecular bone of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). RESULTS: The acromegalic group presented higher mean bone entropy (6.87 ± 0.98 vs. 6.03 ± 1.68, p = 0.013) and lower mean bone uniformity (0.035 ± 0.704 vs. 0.113 ± 0.205, p = 0.035) than control group. Analyzing only acromegalics, mean bone entropy was higher and bone uniformity was lower in patients with hypogonadism than patients without hypogonadism (7.28 ± 0.36 vs. 6.74 ± 1.08, p = 0.038 and 0.008 ± 0.002 vs. 0.043 ± 0.079, p = 0.031) respectively. Patients with acromegaly presented higher BMD and Z-score in the femoral neck than control group (1.156 ± 0.108 vs. 0.925 ± 0.326 g/cm2, p = 0.043 and 0.6 ± 0.6 vs. -0.05 ± 0.8, p = 0.041, respectively). Entropy was negatively correlated with T-score of the lumbar spine (rp = -0.357, p = 0.033) in control group and uniformity was positively correlated with T-score of the lumbar spine, neck, and total hip, respectively (rp = 0.371, p = 0.031; rp = 0.348, p = 0.043 and rp = 0.341, p = 0.049) in acromegalic group. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified that entropy and uniformity are a relevant parameters data in bone fragility assessment in acromegalic patients.

Importance of genetic parameters and uncertainty of MANIHOT, a new mechanistic cassava simulation model.

We identified the most sensitive genotype-specific parameters (GSPs) and their contribution to the uncertainty of the MANIHOT simulation model. We applied a global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis (GSUA) of the GSPs to the simulation outputs for the cassava development, growth, and yield in contrasting environments. We compared enhanced Sampling for Uniformity, a qualitative screening method new to crop simulation modeling, and Sobol, a quantitative, variance-based method. About 80% of the GSPs contributed to most of the variation in maximum leaf area index (LAI), yield, and aboveground biomass at harvest. Relative importance of the GSPs varied between warm and cool temperatures but did not differ between rainfed and no water limitation conditions. Interactions between GSPs explained 20% of the variance in simulated outputs. Overall, the most important GSPs were individual node weight, radiation use efficiency, and maximum individual leaf area. Base temperature for leaf development was more important for cool compared to warm temperatures. Parameter uncertainty had a substantial impact on model predictions in MANIHOT simulations, with the uncertainty 2-5 times larger for warm compared to cool temperatures. Identification of important GSPs provides an objective way to determine the processes of a simulation model that are critical versus those that have little relevance.

Optimal plot size for experiments with black oats and the common vetch / Tamanho ótimo de parcela para experimentos com aveia preta e ervilhaca

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal plot size for evaluating the fresh weight of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb) and the common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in scenarios comprising combinations of the number of treatments, number of replications and levels of precision. Fifteen uniformity trials were conducted with single-crop and intercropped black oats and vetch. Fresh weight was evaluated in 540 basic experimental units (BEU), each of 1 m × 1 m (36 BEU per trial). The Smith index of soil heterogeneity (1938) was estimated. Plot size was determined using the HATHEWAY method (1961), in scenarios comprising combinations of i treatments (i = 5, 10, 15 and 20), r replications (r = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) and d levels of precision (d = 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18% and 20%). To evaluate the fresh weight of monocropped or intercropped black oats and vetch in a completely randomized or randomized complete block design, with from 5 to 20 treatments and five replications, plots of 10 m2 are sufficient to identify, at a probability of 0.05, significant differences between treatments of 10% of the overall mean value of the experiment.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a massa de matéria fresca de aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb) e de ervilhaca (Vicia sativa L.), em cenários formados por combinações de números de tratamentos, números de repetições e níveis de precisão. Foram conduzidos 15 ensaios de uniformidade com aveia preta e ervilhaca, em cultivo solteiro e em consórcio. Foi avaliada a massa de matéria fresca em 540 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1 m × 1 m (36 UEB por ensaio). Foi estimado o índice de heterogeneidade do solo de SMITH (1938). Foi determinado o tamanho de parcela por meio do método de HATHEWAY (1961) em cenários formados pelas combinações de i tratamentos (i = 5, 10, 15 e 20), r repetições (r = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 e 8) e d níveis de precisão (d = 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18% e 20%). Para avaliar a massa de matéria fresca de aveia preta e de ervilhaca, em cultivo solteiro ou em consórcio, nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e de blocos completos ao acaso, com 5 a 20 tratamentos e com cinco repetições, parcelas de 10 m2 são suficientes para identificar diferenças significativas entre tratamentos, a 0,05 de probabilidade, de 10% da média geral do experimento.(AU)

Simulation of the influence of voltage level and pulse spacing on the efficiency, aggressiveness and uniformity of the electroporation process in tissues using meshless techniques.

Electroporation is a widely used method consisting of application of high-voltage, short-duration electric pulses to increase cell membrane permeability, allowing cellular internalization of medications. In this work, the influence of two primary parameters, voltage level (V) and pulse spacing (N), on electroporation efficiency, uniformity and aggressiveness, as quantified by the total mass transport to viable cells, intracellular concentration gradients and an aggressiveness factor introduced here, is studied by means of numerical simulations of drug transport in electroporated tissues. The global method of approximate particular solutions (Global MAPS) is used to solve the governing equations, together with domain scaling, singular value decomposition and smoothing algorithms, to address the ill-conditioning of the final system and suppress small scale oscillations. The accuracy of Global MAPS is evaluated by comparing the initial extracellular concentration, Ce , and final intracellular concentration, Ci , with previous finite volume method results, obtaining similar behavior of Ce and Ci along the tissue domain, with some differences for Ci in high-gradient zones. According to the Global MAPS results, the influence of V and N on Ci is only significant over a certain range, within which the largest drug transport to viable cells occurs. In general, both electroporation efficiency and aggressiveness change in nonuniform manner with V and decrease with N, whereas the electroporation uniformity decreases as V increases and N decreases. The contour plots obtained here can be considered useful tools to compare electroporation-based treatments in terms of their efficiency, aggressiveness and uniformity, assisting in the selection of a suitable treatment plan for cancer.

Plot size and number of replications for ryegrass experiments / Tamanho de parcela e número de repetições para experimentos na cultura do azevém

The objective of this research was to determine the optimal plot size and the number of replications to evaluate the fresh matter of ryegrass sown to haul. Twenty uniformity trials were conducted, each trial with 16 basic experimental units (BEU) of 0.5 m2. At 117, 118 and 119 days after sowing, the fresh matter of ryegrass in the BEUs of 5, 10 and 5 uniformity trials, respectively, were determined. The optimal plot size was determined by the maximum curvature method of the variation coefficient model. Next, the replications number was determined in scenarios formed by combinations of i treatments (i = 3, 4, ... 50) and d minimum differences between means of treatments to be detected as significant at 5% of probability by the Tukey test, expressed in experimental mean percentage (d = 10, 11, ... 20%). The optimal plot size to determine the fresh matter of ryegrass seeded at the haul is 2.19 m2, with a variation coefficient of 9.79%. To identify as significant at 5% probability, by the Tukey test, differences between treatment means of 20%, are required five, six, seven and eight replications, respectively, in ryegrass experiments with up to 5, 10, 20 and 50 treatments.(AU)

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela e o número de repetições para avaliar a massa verde de azevém semeado a lanço. Foram conduzidos 20 ensaios de uniformidade, sendo cada ensaio composto por 16 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 0,5 m2. Aos 117, 118 e 119 dias após semeadura foi determinada a massa verde de azevém nas UEB de 5, 10 e 5 ensaios de uniformidade, respectivamente. Foi determinado o tamanho ótimo de parcela pelo método da curvatura máxima do modelo do coeficiente de variação. A seguir, foi determinado o número de repetições em cenários formados pelas combinações de i tratamentos (i = 3, 4, ..., 50) e d diferença mínima significativa do teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade, expressa em percentagem da média do experimento (d = 10%, 11%, ..., 20%). Conclui-se que o tamanho ótimo de parcela para determinar a massa verde de azevém semeado a lanço é de 2,19m2, com coeficiente de variação de 9,79%. Para identificar como significativas a 5% de probabilidade pelo teste de Tukey, diferenças entre médias de tratamentos de 20%, o número de repetições necessárias é de cinco, seis, sete e oito repetições, respectivamente, para experimentos com até 5, 10, 20 e 50 tratamentos na cultura do azevém.(AU)

Genetics and genomics of uniformity and resilience in livestock and aquaculture species: A review.

Genetic control of residual variance offers opportunities to increase uniformity and resilience of livestock and aquaculture species. Improving uniformity and resilience of animals will improve health and welfare of animals and lead to more homogenous products. Our aims in this review were to summarize the current models and methods to study genetic control of residual variance, genetic parameters and genomic results for residual variance and discuss future research directions. Typically, the genetic coefficient of variation is high (median = 0.27; range 0-0.86) and the heritability of residual variance is low (median = 0.01; range 0-0.10). Higher heritabilities can be achieved when increasing the number of records per animal. Divergent selection experiments have supported the feasibility of selecting for high or low residual variance. Genomic studies have revealed associations in regions related to stress, including those from the heat shock protein family. Although the number of studies is growing, genetic control of residual variance is still poorly understood, but big data and genomics offer great opportunities.

A sampling system for flowing powders based on the theory of sampling.

An innovative chute and stream sampler system for flowing powders has been developed and tested. The system is designed for representative sampling based on the principles of the Theory of Sampling (TOS). The sampling system was used in combination with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the drug concentration of flowing powders. The system is comprised of three parts: a chute, a stream sampler and a sample collection port. The NIR spectra were obtained at the chute, before entering the sampler, and as the powder flowed through the stream sampler. Samples were also collected from the sample collection port to be analyzed using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) reference method to determine drug content. A total of eight pharmaceutical powder blends, ranging in concentration from 10.5(%w/w) to 19.5(%w/w) of caffeine, were used to test the sampling system. Materials were characterized before blends were made to provide information on flow properties. The throughput of the system was between 30 and 35 kg/h based on the flow properties of the blend. Drug concentration was effectively determined at the chute and stream sampler. The NIR calibration models showed low root mean squared errors of prediction, 0.65(%w/w) and 0.51(%w/w), for the chute and stream sampler respectively. The NIR calibration models also showed low bias values -0.36(%w/w) at the chute and 0.057(%w/w) at the stream sampler. Significant agreement was obtained between the results from the nondestructive NIR versus the destructive UV-Vis method. Variographic analysis was performed to estimate the analytical and sampling errors when determining the drug concentration at the chute and stream sampler respectively. The variographic analysis showed low analytical errors, 0.103(%w/w)2 and 0.181(%w/w)2 at the chute and stream sampler respectively. The analysis also showed that the minimum practical error (MPE) was around 0.2(%w/w)2 at both chute and stream sampler.

Variability of piglet birth weights: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of litter size and supplementation of functional amino acids on the piglet birth weight variability through of a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and SciELO are the main used databases and were searched in January 2019 by using the following keywords and their combinations: within-litter birth, weight variability, piglets, litter size, sow, amino acids, gestation, uniformity, CV and/or SD. Of the 64 pre-selected articles, only articles presenting the coefficients of variation and/or standard deviations according to the litter size and different levels of amino acid supplementation in the sow diets during gestation were selected. The average birth weights of total and live piglets were 43% lower in litters from sows with high prolificacy than those from sows with low prolificacy. The weight variability was affected by high prolificacy sows, with increases of 4.04% and 4.54% in the coefficients of variation of total and born alive piglets respectively (p = .074; p = .009). The standard deviation increased by 180 g in born alive piglets to high prolificacy sows. The coefficients of variation of total and live piglets born from high prolificacy sows showed an increase of 4.04% and 4.54% respectively (p = .07; p < .05). There was a tendency for reduced weight variability with amino acids supplementation when considering the standard deviation of total born (p = .072). However, reproductive performance was not significantly influenced (p > .05). In conclusion, the average litter weight and the number of piglets born influence weight variability. Amino acids supplementation may reduce the birth weight variability between piglets. However, this effect depends on the amino acid used, the levels of supplementation and on other factors not completely addressed in this study. Thus, more research is necessary to fully elucidate this topic.

Plot size and replications number for triticale experiments / Tamanho de parcela e número de repetições para experimentos de triticale

The hybridization between wheat and rye crops resulted in the triticale crop, which presents rusticity, versatility in animal and human food and possibility of use as a cover plant. The objective of this research was to determine the optimal plot size and the replications number to evaluate the fresh weight of triticale in two evaluation moments. An experiment was carried out with the triticale cultivar IPR111. The experimental area was divided into 48 uniformity trials, each containing 36 basic experimental units of 0.51 m2. The fresh weight was evaluated in 24 uniformity trials at 99 days after sowing (DAS) and in 24 uniformity trials at 127 DAS. The optimal plot size was determined by the method of the maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation and the replications number was determined in scenarios of treatments number and differences between means to be detected as significant by Tukey test. To determine the fresh weight of triticale, the optimal plot size is 3.12 m2, with coefficient of variation of 13.69%. Six replications are sufficient to identify as significant, differences between treatment means of 25% for experiments with up to seven treatments and of 30% for experiments with up to 28 treatments, regardless of the experimental design.(AU)

O cruzamento das culturas de trigo e centeio resultou na obtenção da cultura do triticale, que apresenta rusticidade, versatilidade na alimentação animal e humana e possibilidade de uso como planta de cobertura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela e o número de repetições para avaliar a massa verde de triticale em dois momentos de avaliação. Foi conduzido um experimento com a cultivar de triticale IPR111, sendo a área experimental dividida em 48 ensaios de uniformidade, cada ensaio contendo 36 unidades experimentais básicas de 0,51 m2. A massa verde foi avaliada em 24 ensaios aos 99 dias após a semeadura (DAS ) e em 24 ensaios aos 127 DAS. O tamanho ótimo de parcela foi determinado pelo método da máxima curvatura do coeficiente de variação e o número de repetições foi determinado em combinações de número de tratamentos e de diferenças entre médias a serem detectadas como significativas pelo teste de Tukey. Para determinar a massa verde de triticale, o tamanho ótimo de parcela é de 3,12 m2 com coeficiente de variação de 13,69%. Seis repetições são suficientes para identificar como significativas, diferenças entre médias de tratamentos de 25% para experimentos com até sete tratamentos e de 30% para experimentos com até 28 tratamentos, independentemente do delineamento experimental.(AU)