Soil fertility is an important component of forest ecosystem, yet evaluating soil fertility remains one of the least understood aspects of forest science. Phytocentric and geocenctric approaches were used to assess soil fertility in loblolly pine plantations throughout their geographic range in the United States. The model to assess soil fertility using a phytocentric approach was constructed using the relationship between site index and aboveground productivity. Geocentric models used physical and chemical properties of the A-horizon. Soil geocentric models were constructed using two modeling approaches. In the first approach, ordinary least squares methods of multiple regression were used to derive soil fertility estimated from site index using soil physical and chemical properties from the A-horizon. Ordinary least squares methods were found unsuitable due to multicollinearity among the soil variables. In the second approach, a multivariate modeling approach, partial least squares regression, was used to mitigate multicollinearity effects. The best model to quantify soil fertility using soil physical and chemical properties included N, Ca, Mg, C, and sand percentage as the significant predictors. The 3-PG process-based model was evaluated for simulating the response of loblolly pine to changes in soil fertility. Fertility rating (FR) is a parameter in 3-PG that scales soil fertility in the range of 0 to 1. FR values estimated from phytocentric and geocentric approaches were tested against observed production. The 3-PG model prediction of aboveground productivity described 89% percent of the variation in observed aboveground productivity using FR derived from site index and 84% percent of the vari- ation in observed aboveground productivity using FR derived from physical and chemical properties of the A-horizon. A response function to model dynamics of FR (∆FR) due to one time midrotatoin fertilization of N and P was developed using the Weibull function. The magnitude of ∆FR varied with intensity of N and time since application of fertilizer. The hypothesis that repeated fertilization with N and P eliminate major nutrient deficiency in the southeastern US was tested and a relationship between baseline fertility rating and fertilizer response was developed. An inverse relationship was observed between fertilizer response and baseline FR. / Ph. D.

Edamame is becoming more popular in the U.S. due to its high nutritional value and potential health benefits. However, more than 70% of edamame is imported from outside of the U.S. Therefore, developing elite edamame genotypes is critically desirable to increase the domestic production of edamame in the U.S. Genotype, planting location, and harvest time play essential roles in the chemical composition of edamame, which further decide edamame's nutritional value and sensory characteristics. Therefore, the first goal of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the chemical composition of edamame genotypes grown in different locations. Ten selected edamame genotypes were grown in three locations in the U.S. - Whitethorne, Virginia (VA), Little Rock, Arkansas (AR) and Painter, VA. Sugars, alanine, protein, oil, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch, ash, and moisture contents, were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that location had significant effects on all chemical components of edamame with p < 0.05. Compared to Painter and Little Rock, genotypes planted in Whitethorne had higher averaged free sucrose, fructose, glucose, raffinose, stachyose, and starch contents and total sweetness. The highest crude protein and oil contents were found on edamame planted in Painter, while Little Rock produced edamame with the highest free alanine, ash, and moisture contents. Genotype significantly affected chemical compositions except for NDF and raffinose. Therefore, planting location and edamame genotype should be considered when producing elite edamame for the U.S. market. Chemical composition changes with the development of edamame; therefore, harvest time is essential for harvesting high-quality edamame. The second objective of this study is to quantify the changes in both physical and chemical properties of edamame over bean development and apply a combined spectroscopy and machine learning (ML) technique to help determine the optimal harvest time. Physical and chemical properties were analyzed for edamame harvested at R5 (beginning seed), R6 (full seed), and R7 (beginning maturity) growth stages, and the spectral reflectance (360 – 740 nm) of edamame pods was measured using a handheld spectrophotometer. The samples harvested at different stages were labeled as 'early,' 'ready,' and 'late.' At R6, pod/bean weight and pod thickness reached the peak and then stayed stable, while sugar, alanine, starch, and glycine also peaked at R6 but declined afterward. The spectra-based ML method had high accuracy (0.95) when classifying 'early' and 'late' edamame, and the accuracy was 0.87 for classifying 'early' and 'ready' edamame. These results indicated that this spectra-based ML method could determine the optimal harvest time of edamame. Food waste and loss not only lead to economic loss but also significant greenhouse gas emissions. With edamame food/snack production increasing, edamame shells, the low-value byproduct from this processing, will potentially threaten the environment. Similar to other food processing byproducts, edamame shell is rich in dietary fiber (DF). However, the high concentration of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) limits its application as a food additive. Therefore, extraction/modification processes are needed to convert IDF to soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and improve the properties of edamame shell-derived DF. Ball milling is one of the most efficient techniques to break down biomaterials into sub-micro-level particles. Citric acid, as a natural and safe food additive, can help break down cell walls and improve the dissolution of SDF by ionizing the hydrogen ions with carboxyl groups. Therefore, the third objective of this study is to develop a process that combines ball milling and citric acid treatments to produce SDF from edamame shells. We investigated different treatment parameters, including different citric acid concentrations, treatment temperatures and time, and the application of ball milling. To determine if the combined treatment can potentially improve the properties of the produced SDFs, we characterized the physicochemical, morphological, structural, rheological, thermal, and functional properties of SDFs produced at different conditions. The results showed that the highest SDF yield (19.5%) was found when the edamame shells were pretreated by a ball mill. In addition, the combined citric acid and ball milling treatment altered several properties of the produced SDFs, including particle size, morphology, and crystallinity. Moreover, ball milling treatment led to a higher exothermic temperature peak of SDF indicating better thermal stability. All produced SDFs significantly elevated the production of short-chain fatty acids during in vitro fermentation (compared to the control fermentation) which indicated their potential benefits of promoting gut health. Overall, we demonstrated that ball-milling-assisted citric acid processing can be an effective green technique to produce SDF from edamame shells. The SDF produced from edamame shells can be regarded as a promising and novel ingredient with great potential to be used in foods. / Doctor of Philosophy / Edamame is becoming increasingly popular among consumers in the U.S. because it is nutritious and good for health. However, more than 70% of edamame in the U.S. market is imported from other countries. Therefore, having more edamame genotypes that adapt to the growing environment in the U.S. will help increase the domestic production of edamame. Genotype and planting location are essential in deciding edamame's nutritional value and taste. Therefore, the first objective of this study is to comprehensively understand the nutritional value of different edamame genotypes grown in three planting locations. The results showed that both location and genotype affected the nutritional values of edamame, indicating that planting location and edamame genotype should be considered when developing better edamame for the U.S. market. Nutritional value and sweetness change with the growth of edamame beans. Therefore, harvest time is crucial for harvesting edamame with better nutrition and taste. This study's second objective is to observe edamame's nutritional factors and sweetness over bean development and develop a method using a handheld colorimeter to help determine the optimal harvest time. The results showed that the edamame harvested at the full seed stage (called R6) is the sweetest compared to the other two stages. In addition, the handheld colorimeter combined with the machine learning technique showed high accuracy in separating 'early' and 'late' harvested edamame and 'early' and 'ready' harvested samples. These results indicated that the combination of colorimeter and machine learning could help determine the optimal harvest time of edamame. Food waste and loss not only lead to economic loss but also significant greenhouse gas emissions. Edamame shells, the low-value byproduct from edamame snack/food processing, will potentially threaten the environment if edamame consumption keeps increasing. Like other food waste, edamame shell is rich in dietary fiber (DF). Therefore, it is vital to find a way to recover the DF in edamame for other applications. Ball milling is a green technology that can efficiently break down big particles. Citric acid is a natural and safe food additive and can help break down insoluble cell walls. Therefore, this study aims to produce soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from edamame shells using ball milling and citric acid. We proved that ball-milling assisted acid processing can be an environmentally friendly method to produce edamame shell SDF which can potentially be used as a suitable food ingredient.

Dviejų veiksnių mulčiavimo tyrimai buvo vykdyti 2004 – 2009 m. Lietuvos žemės ūkio universiteto Pomologiniame sode. 2010 m. tirtas organinių mulčių liekamasis poveikis. Visuose laukeliuose eilutėmis augintas valgomojo svogūno (Allium cepa) pasėlis. Atstumas tarp eilučių - 0,5 m. Nevartotos trąšos ir cheminės augalų apsaugos priemonės. Norint išsiaiškinti greitesnį organinių mulčių poveikį dirvožemio savybėms ir augančių augalų pasėliams, nuo 2004 m. nevartotos trąšos ir cheminės augalų apsaugos priemonės. Tyrimų variantai – veiksnys A - skirtingi organiniai mulčiai: Al - nemulčiuota (NE), A2 - šiaudai (ŠD), A3 - durpės (DU), A4 - pjuvenos (PJ), A5 - smulkinta žolė (ŽO), veiksnys B - mulčio sluoksnio storis: Bl - 5 cm, B2 - 10 cm. Pradinis bandymo laukelio ilgis 6 m., plotis 2 m., plotas 12 m2. Apskaitinio laukelio ilgis 5 m., plotis 1 m., plotas 5 m2. Variantai pakartojimuose išdėstyti rendomizuotai. Pakartojimai išdėstyti dviem eilėmis. Bandymas vykdytas 4 pakartojimais. Nustatyta, kad anksčiau įterpti organiniai mulčiai esmingai nepakeitė dirvožemio temperatūros, tačiau esmingai didino dirvožemio drėgnumą. Storesnis mulčio sluoksnis turėjo tendenciją didinti dirvožemio temperatūrą ir dirvožemio drėgnumą. Ilgametis organinių mulčių įterpimas esmingai nepakeitė dirvožemio pH, tačiau dirvožemio azotingumą esmingai didino šiaudų mulčias, o fosforingumą ir kalingumą esmingai didino šiaudų ir žolės mulčiai. Vegetacijos periodo metu piktžolių dygimas kito nevienodai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Two factors mulching studies were carried out 2004 - 2009 in Lithuanian University of Agriculture Pomology garden. 2010 studied the residual effect of organic mulch. All lines grown in the fields of edible onion (Allium cepa) crops. The distance between the lines – 0,5 in Unused fertilizer and chemical plant protection measures. To find out more rapid organic mulches on soil properties and crop-growing plants since 2004 unused fertilizer and chemical plant protection measures. Study options - a factor - the different mulches in Al – no mulching (N) A2 - straw (ND), A3 - peat (DU), A4 - sawdust (PJ), A5 - minced herb (ZO), factor B - mulch thickness: BL - 5 cm, B2 - 10 cm. Initial field testing of length 6, width of 2, an area of 12 m2. Accounting field, length 5 m, width 1, the area 5 m-2. Variants rendomizuotai reps out. Reps set in two rows. The test is carried out by four repetitions. It was found that mulches before insert substantially changed the soil temperature, but substantially increased soil moisture. A thicker layer of mulch tended to increase soil temperature and soil moisture. Insert a long-time organic mulch on soil pH did not change substantially, however, substantially increased the soil nitrogen content of straw mulch, phosphorus and potassium and substantially increased the straw and grass mulches. During the growing season germination of weeds did not move. Short-emergence weed mulches had previously used sedative. Promoted the regeneration of perennial... [to full text]

O número de sistemas intensivos de produção de bovinos a pasto no Brasil tem crescido nos anos mais recentes em razão do esmero do setor pecuário em se aprimorar como uma atividade economicamente viável e capaz de competir no mercado externo. Dentre os fatores de intensificação da produção de carne a pasto destaca-se o papel primordial do manejo da fertilidade do solo, desde que acompanhada de eficiente utilização da forragem produzida e posterior conversão em produto animal. Um experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Gado de Corte, localizada em Campo Grande-MS, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de quatro condições de fertilidade do solo na produção de forragem, concentração e acúmulo de macronutrientes em capim-Tanzânia (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia) ao longo de ciclos de pastejo no verão e outono. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos completos ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação entre duas doses de calcário, fósforo e potássio (CPK1 e CPK2) e duas doses de nitrogênio (N1 e N2), assim dispostas: a) CPK1: aplicação de fósforo de 30 kg ha-1 ano-1 e de potássio de 50 kg ha-1ano-1, associado à calagem para elevar a porcentagem de saturação por bases a 50%; b) CPK2: aplicação de fósforo e potássio de 60 e 100 kg ha-1 ano-1, respectivamente, associado à calagem para elevar a porcentagem de saturação por bases a 70%; c) N1: dose de nitrogênio de 150 kg ha-1 ano-1; d) N2: dose de nitrogênio de 300 kg ha-1 ano-1. Amostragens foram realizadas nos tempos de rebrotação de 0, 12, 19, 26, 34 e 40 dias, no ciclo de pastejo de verão, e aos 0, 10, 18, 25 e 31 dias, no ciclo de outono. Em cada tempo de rebrotação foram descritos a altura e o índice de área foliar do dossel (IAF), como atributos que caracterizam a pastagem do ponto de vista de sua estrutura. Ao final do período de crescimento do verão (aos 40 dias) foram obtidas produções de lâminas foliares de 4616 e 3292 kg ha-1 nas doses de nitrogênio N2 e N1, respectivamente. Tornou-se evidente o aumento da proporção de folhas em relação à de colmos+bainhas pelas doses de nitrogênio, bem como o expressivo efeito das doses de calcário, fósforo e potássio na produção de colmos+bainhas, indicando a necessidade de mais estudos do efeito de nutrientes na plasticidade morfológica do capim-Tanzânia. Quanto ao acúmulo de macronutrientes pelo capim-Tanzânia foi observado expressivo efeito da massa seca de forragem, mesmo em situações onde o efeito de diluição foi acentuado como verificado para o nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio e enxofre. Em ambos os ciclos de pastejo o acúmulo de macronutrientes foi em ordem decrescente: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S. No crescimento de verão, a taxa de acúmulo de nitrogênio da parte aérea das plantas foi devida ao acúmulo do nutriente nas lâminas foliares, sendo observados os valores de 1,3 e 2,6 kg ha-1 dia-1, nas doses de nitrogênio N1 e N2, respectivamente. As doses de nitrogênio diferiram quanto ao acúmulo de nitrogênio na parte aérea a partir dos 19 dias, o qual esteve associado à altura de 87 e 89 cm e IAF de 2,2 e 3,2 nas doses de nitrogênio N1 e N2, respectivamente. As doses de calcário, fósforo e potássio alteraram significativamente os teores de cálcio e magnésio no solo, principalmente nas camadas superficiais. Por outro lado, as doses de nitrogênio foram mais efetivas em favorecer o acúmulo de cálcio e magnésio na parte aérea do capim, os quais estiveram relacionados com o expressivo aumento da massa seca, e às variações nas concentrações desses nutrientes ao longo do período de crescimento. As condições de fertilidade do solo CPK1N1 e CPK1N2 supriram as necessidades nutricionais do capim-Tanzânia para sustentar produções significativas de lâminas foliares no ciclo de pastejo de verão. Também, atenderam as necessidades nutricionais no ciclo de outono, onde a produção vegetal foi limitada por aspectos climáticos. / The number of systems of intensive pasture use in Brazil has been increase in recent years in an attempt to improve the animal husbandry as a feasible economic activity and capable of competing in the international market. Among the factors that increase meet yield, the management of soil fertility conditions stand out by its effects in promoting forage yield, that must be accomplished with an efficient utilization and conversion into animal product. An experiment was carried out at “Embrapa Gado de Corte” located in Campo Grande-MS, with the objective of evaluating the effect of four soil fertility conditions in the forage yield, macronutrients concentrations and accumulations in Tanzania-grass (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia) along the summer and fall growing seasons. The experiment was a split-plot in randomized complete block design, with three replications. The treatments consisted of the combinations of two rates of limestone, phosphorus, and potassium (CPK1 and CPK2) and two rates of nitrogen (N1 and N2) as follows: a) CPK1: application of 30 kg ha-1 year-1 of phosphorus and 50 kg ha-1 year-1 of potassium associated to liming to increase the base saturation percentage to 50%; b) CPK2: application of 60 kg ha-1 year-1 of phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 year-1 of potassium associated to liming to increase the base saturation percentage to 70%; c) N1: 150 kg ha-1 year-1 of nitrogen; d) N2: 300 kg ha-1 year-1 of nitrogen. Samplings were carried out at regrowth periods of 0, 12, 19, 26, 34, and 40 days during summer growing season, and at 0, 10, 18, 25, and 31 days during fall growing season. For each regrowth period plant height and the leaf area index (LAI) were described as attributes that characterize the pasture in its structural point of view. At the end of summer growing season (at 40 days) leaf blade yields of 4616 and 3292 kg ha-1 were obtained for N1 and N2 rates, respectively. The yield responses to nitrogen were higher for leaf blades than for stems+sheaths, while the responses to limestone, phosphorus and potassium were higher for stems+sheaths. This results indicated the need of more studies about the effect of nutrients in the morphological plasticity of Tanzânia-grass. Concerning the macronutrients accumulations in Tanzânia-grass it was observed that the effect of the amount of forage dry matter was more significant than the dilution effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. Concerning both growing seasons, the macronutrients accumulations were in decreasing order: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S. In the summer growing season, the aboveground nitrogen accumulation rate was almost exclusively due to the accumulation of the nutrient in the leaf blades, with values of 1.3 and 2.6 kg ha-1 day-1 observed for leaf blade at nitrogen rates N1 and N2, respectively. Responses to nitrogen rates were different regarding the accumulation of aboveground nitrogen after 19 days, which was associated to height of 87 cm and 89 cm, and LAI of 2.2 and 3.2 for rates of nitrogen N1 and N2, respectively. The rates of limestone, phosphorus, and potassium significantly changed the exchangeable of calcium and magnesium concentrations in the soil, particularly in the top layers. On the other hand, rates of nitrogen were more effective in promoting the accumulation of calcium and magnesium in the plant and the variation in concentrations of these nutrients along the growing season, which were related to the expressive increase in forage dry matter. Soil fertilities conditions CPK1N1 and CPK1N2 support the leaf blades yields observed in the summer growing season. Likewise, these soil fertilizations supplied the nutritional needs during the fall growing season when it was observed that the forage yield was limited by climatic conditions.

O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar a caracterização do cimento resinoso autoadesivo RelyX U200 aditivado de nanotubos de dióxido de titânio (nt-TiO2) em diferentes concentrações (0,3, 0,6, e 0,9% em peso) quanto às suas propriedades físico-químicas, mecânicas e biológica. Duas condições de polimerização foram analisadas: autopolimerizável (grupos: AC, A03, A06 e A09) e dual (grupos: DC, D03, D06 e D09). Para análise do grau de conversão foi utilizada a espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier com registro do espectro nos tempos de 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15 minutos. Os picos das bandas de comprimento de onda de 1638 cm-1 e de 1608 cm-1 foram identificados para cálculo do grau de conversão. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA de medidas repetidas seguido de comparações múltiplas de Tukey (=0,05). A análise de sorção e solubilidade foi realizada por meio da confecção de discos de cimento resinoso (10 mm ø × 2 mm) (n=8) monitorados quanto à sua massa depois de ciclos de hidratação/desidratação. A resistência à flexão em 3 pontos e módulo de elasticidade foram mensurados por meio de barras (2 × 2 × 25 mm) de cimento resinoso (n=10) levadas à máquina universal de ensaios. Para análise de Dureza Knoop utilizou-se microdurômetro com carga de 50g /10 segundos. Nos discos de cimento resinoso de 10 mm ø × 2 mm foram realizadas 5 endentações equidistantes 0,5mm e medidas em aumento de 50×. Para resistência de união ao cisalhamento, sobre discos de zircônia sinterizados foi aplicado o cimento resinoso (n=10) nas dimensões de 3 mm ø × 2 mm. Por meio de dispositivo foram levados à máquina universal de ensaios. Os dados encontrados de sorção e solubilidade e de cada propriedade mecânica foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA a dois critérios e de comparações múltiplas de Tukey (=0,05). Exceto para resistência ao cisalhamento que se utilizou o teste de comparação de Fischer (=0,05). Para viabilidade celular (n=8) foi realizado teste de MTT apenas na condição dual. Os grupos estudados foram: DC, D03, D06, D09, CP (controle positivo), CN (controle negativo). Após 24, 48 e 72 horas os níveis de absorbâncias foram analisados por meio de espectrofotometria no leitor de ELISA. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA a dois critérios e de comparações múltiplas de Tukey (=0,05). Os resultados mostraram que a adição de nt-TiO2, independente da concentração, aumentou os valores de grau de conversão do cimento resinoso para a condição autopolimerizável e dual em todos os tempos estudados. Já para sorção e solubilidade não houve influência nos resultados da concentração de nanotubos inseridos e da condição de polimerização. Para resistência flexural, a adição de nt-TiO2 nas concentrações de 0,3% (A03) e 0,9% (A09) resultou em dados similares ao controle na condição dual (DC). O valor médio de módulo de elasticidade aumentou com a adição de 0,9% (A09), similar a todos os grupos da condição dual, em que adição de nt-TiO2 não influenciou os resultados. A adição de 0,6% (A06 e D06) e 0,9% (A09 e D09) de nt-TiO2 ao cimento aumentou os valores de dureza quando comparado aos grupos controle (AC e DC). Para resistência de união ao cisalhamento, a concentração de 0,3% de nt-TiO2 (A03 e D03) aumentou os valores quando comparado aos grupos A06, D06, A09 e D09 porém sem diferença para os grupos controle (AC e DC). Para viabilidade celular no período de 24h, os grupos D03, D06 e D09 obtiveram resultado similar ao grupo CP, já o grupo DC apresentou valores de absorbância inferiores ao CP, usado como parâmetro de comparação. Em 48 e 72h, todos os grupos experimentais não demonstraram diferença significativa em comparação ao grupo CP. O grupo CN apresentou diferença para os demais em todos dos tempos estudados. A adição de nt-TiO2 ao cimento resinoso autoadesivo representa uma estratégia promissora para potencializar suas propriedades físico-químicas e mecânicas sem prejuízo das propriedades biológicas. / The aim of this study was to characterize the self-adhesive resin cement RelyX U200 additive, titanium dioxide nanotubes (nt-TiO2), at different concentrations (0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% by weight) and to determine their physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties. Two polymerization conditions were analyzed: self-curing (groups AC, A03, A06 and A09) and dual-curing (groups DC, D03, D06 and D09). To analyze the conversion degree, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used, and the spectrum was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 minutes. The peaks of the wavelength bands, 1638 cm-1 and 1608 cm-1, were identified to calculate the degree of conversion. The data were subjected to a repeated-measures ANOVA followed by a Tukey multiple-comparison test (=0.05). The sorption and solubility analysis was performed by making resin-cement discs (10 mm ø × 2 mm) (n=8) and monitoring their masses after the hydration/dehydration cycles. The 3-point flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity of resin-cement bars (2 × 2 × 25 mm) (n=10) were measured using a universal testing machine. The Knoop microhardness was analyzed with a load of 50 g and a time of 10 seconds. On each resin cement disc, 5 equidistant indentations of 0.5 mm were made, and the measures were increased by 50×. To test bonding shear strength, resin cement was applied to sintered zirconia discs (3 mm ø × 2 mm) (n=10). The bonded discs were then taken to the universal testing machine. Their sorption, solubility and each mechanical property were submitted to a two-way ANOVA and a Tukey multiple-comparison test (=0.05). The shear strength was submitted to a Fischer comparison test (=0.05). To test cell viability (n=8), a MTT assay was performed using only the dual-curing condition. The studied groups were: DC, D03, D06, D09, CP (positive control) and CN (negative control). After 24, 48 and 72 hours, the absorbance levels were analyzed using an ELISA spectrophotometry reader. The data were submitted to a two-way ANOVA and a Tukey multiple-comparison test (=0.05). The results showed that the addition of nt-TiO2, regardless of concentration, increased the conversion degree values for the self-curing resin cement and for the dual-curing at all times studied. The sorption and solubility were not influenced by the concentration of the nanotubes or the polymerization condition. Regarding flexural strength, the addition of the nt-TiO2 in concentrations of either 0.3% (A03) or 0.9% (A09) resulted in data similar to those in the dual-curing control (DC) condition. The average modulus of elasticity increased with the addition of 0.9% nt-TiO2 (A09), and as with all the groups in the dual-curing condition, the addition of nt-TiO2 did not affect the results. The addition of either 0.6% (A06 and D06) or 0.9% (A09 and D09) of nt-TiO2 cement increased hardness values relative to the control groups (AC and DC). The group with a 0.3% concentration of nt-TiO2 (A03 and D03) showed higher bonding shear strength values than several of the groups with higher concentrations (A06, D06 and D09), but the A09 group had no difference relative to either control group (AC or DC). For cell viability in the 24-h period, the D03 D06 and D09 groups achieved a result similar to that of the CP group with significant difference to the DC group that had lower absorbance values. At the benchmarks of 48 and 72 h, and only the CN group showed a significant difference compared to others. The addition of nt-TiO2 is a promising strategy for improving the physical-chemical and mechanical properties without prejudice the biological properties.

O número de sistemas intensivos de produção de bovinos a pasto no Brasil tem crescido nos anos mais recentes em razão do esmero do setor pecuário em se aprimorar como uma atividade economicamente viável e capaz de competir no mercado externo. Dentre os fatores de intensificação da produção de carne a pasto destaca-se o papel primordial do manejo da fertilidade do solo, desde que acompanhada de eficiente utilização da forragem produzida e posterior conversão em produto animal. Um experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Gado de Corte, localizada em Campo Grande-MS, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de quatro condições de fertilidade do solo na produção de forragem, concentração e acúmulo de macronutrientes em capim-Tanzânia (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia) ao longo de ciclos de pastejo no verão e outono. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos completos ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação entre duas doses de calcário, fósforo e potássio (CPK1 e CPK2) e duas doses de nitrogênio (N1 e N2), assim dispostas: a) CPK1: aplicação de fósforo de 30 kg ha-1 ano-1 e de potássio de 50 kg ha-1ano-1, associado à calagem para elevar a porcentagem de saturação por bases a 50%; b) CPK2: aplicação de fósforo e potássio de 60 e 100 kg ha-1 ano-1, respectivamente, associado à calagem para elevar a porcentagem de saturação por bases a 70%; c) N1: dose de nitrogênio de 150 kg ha-1 ano-1; d) N2: dose de nitrogênio de 300 kg ha-1 ano-1. Amostragens foram realizadas nos tempos de rebrotação de 0, 12, 19, 26, 34 e 40 dias, no ciclo de pastejo de verão, e aos 0, 10, 18, 25 e 31 dias, no ciclo de outono. Em cada tempo de rebrotação foram descritos a altura e o índice de área foliar do dossel (IAF), como atributos que caracterizam a pastagem do ponto de vista de sua estrutura. Ao final do período de crescimento do verão (aos 40 dias) foram obtidas produções de lâminas foliares de 4616 e 3292 kg ha-1 nas doses de nitrogênio N2 e N1, respectivamente. Tornou-se evidente o aumento da proporção de folhas em relação à de colmos+bainhas pelas doses de nitrogênio, bem como o expressivo efeito das doses de calcário, fósforo e potássio na produção de colmos+bainhas, indicando a necessidade de mais estudos do efeito de nutrientes na plasticidade morfológica do capim-Tanzânia. Quanto ao acúmulo de macronutrientes pelo capim-Tanzânia foi observado expressivo efeito da massa seca de forragem, mesmo em situações onde o efeito de diluição foi acentuado como verificado para o nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio e enxofre. Em ambos os ciclos de pastejo o acúmulo de macronutrientes foi em ordem decrescente: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S. No crescimento de verão, a taxa de acúmulo de nitrogênio da parte aérea das plantas foi devida ao acúmulo do nutriente nas lâminas foliares, sendo observados os valores de 1,3 e 2,6 kg ha-1 dia-1, nas doses de nitrogênio N1 e N2, respectivamente. As doses de nitrogênio diferiram quanto ao acúmulo de nitrogênio na parte aérea a partir dos 19 dias, o qual esteve associado à altura de 87 e 89 cm e IAF de 2,2 e 3,2 nas doses de nitrogênio N1 e N2, respectivamente. As doses de calcário, fósforo e potássio alteraram significativamente os teores de cálcio e magnésio no solo, principalmente nas camadas superficiais. Por outro lado, as doses de nitrogênio foram mais efetivas em favorecer o acúmulo de cálcio e magnésio na parte aérea do capim, os quais estiveram relacionados com o expressivo aumento da massa seca, e às variações nas concentrações desses nutrientes ao longo do período de crescimento. As condições de fertilidade do solo CPK1N1 e CPK1N2 supriram as necessidades nutricionais do capim-Tanzânia para sustentar produções significativas de lâminas foliares no ciclo de pastejo de verão. Também, atenderam as necessidades nutricionais no ciclo de outono, onde a produção vegetal foi limitada por aspectos climáticos. / The number of systems of intensive pasture use in Brazil has been increase in recent years in an attempt to improve the animal husbandry as a feasible economic activity and capable of competing in the international market. Among the factors that increase meet yield, the management of soil fertility conditions stand out by its effects in promoting forage yield, that must be accomplished with an efficient utilization and conversion into animal product. An experiment was carried out at "Embrapa Gado de Corte" located in Campo Grande-MS, with the objective of evaluating the effect of four soil fertility conditions in the forage yield, macronutrients concentrations and accumulations in Tanzania-grass (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia) along the summer and fall growing seasons. The experiment was a split-plot in randomized complete block design, with three replications. The treatments consisted of the combinations of two rates of limestone, phosphorus, and potassium (CPK1 and CPK2) and two rates of nitrogen (N1 and N2) as follows: a) CPK1: application of 30 kg ha-1 year-1 of phosphorus and 50 kg ha-1 year-1 of potassium associated to liming to increase the base saturation percentage to 50%; b) CPK2: application of 60 kg ha-1 year-1 of phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 year-1 of potassium associated to liming to increase the base saturation percentage to 70%; c) N1: 150 kg ha-1 year-1 of nitrogen; d) N2: 300 kg ha-1 year-1 of nitrogen. Samplings were carried out at regrowth periods of 0, 12, 19, 26, 34, and 40 days during summer growing season, and at 0, 10, 18, 25, and 31 days during fall growing season. For each regrowth period plant height and the leaf area index (LAI) were described as attributes that characterize the pasture in its structural point of view. At the end of summer growing season (at 40 days) leaf blade yields of 4616 and 3292 kg ha-1 were obtained for N1 and N2 rates, respectively. The yield responses to nitrogen were higher for leaf blades than for stems+sheaths, while the responses to limestone, phosphorus and potassium were higher for stems+sheaths. This results indicated the need of more studies about the effect of nutrients in the morphological plasticity of Tanzânia-grass. Concerning the macronutrients accumulations in Tanzânia-grass it was observed that the effect of the amount of forage dry matter was more significant than the dilution effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. Concerning both growing seasons, the macronutrients accumulations were in decreasing order: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S. In the summer growing season, the aboveground nitrogen accumulation rate was almost exclusively due to the accumulation of the nutrient in the leaf blades, with values of 1.3 and 2.6 kg ha-1 day-1 observed for leaf blade at nitrogen rates N1 and N2, respectively. Responses to nitrogen rates were different regarding the accumulation of aboveground nitrogen after 19 days, which was associated to height of 87 cm and 89 cm, and LAI of 2.2 and 3.2 for rates of nitrogen N1 and N2, respectively. The rates of limestone, phosphorus, and potassium significantly changed the exchangeable of calcium and magnesium concentrations in the soil, particularly in the top layers. On the other hand, rates of nitrogen were more effective in promoting the accumulation of calcium and magnesium in the plant and the variation in concentrations of these nutrients along the growing season, which were related to the expressive increase in forage dry matter. Soil fertilities conditions CPK1N1 and CPK1N2 support the leaf blades yields observed in the summer growing season. Likewise, these soil fertilizations supplied the nutritional needs during the fall growing season when it was observed that the forage yield was limited by climatic conditions.

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a variabilidade espacial dos teores de óleo e proteína de grãos de soja e correlacioná-los com atributos do solo. Em uma área aproximada de 9,01ha, foram realizadas 170 coletas de dados em pontos correspondentes aos nós de uma malha regular de 25m. Em um raio de 1m ao redor do ponto central georreferenciado, foram colhidos todos os grãos de soja e coletadas 7 subamostras de solo, totalizando uma amostra composta. A correlação entre dados, visando a explicar a variabilidade espacial da produtividade de culturas agrícolas, é uma das fases mais importantes e sensíveis da Agricultura de Precisão. Muitos são os atributos que podem estar influenciando os teores de óleo (Porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo na Matéria Seca - %E.E.M.S.) e proteína (Porcentagem de Proteína Bruta na Matéria Seca - %P.B.M.S.) do grão de soja como, por exemplo, os do solo (compactação, estrutura, nutrientes, textura, umidade), os da planta (nutrientes absorvidos, enraizamento, disponibilidade de água nas folhas, ataque de pragas) e os do clima (radiação solar, vento, temperatura e umidade). Com os atributos utilizados neste estudo não houve correlação satisfatória entre a variabilidade espacial dos atributos da fertilidade e textura do solo com teores de óleo (Porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo na Matéria Seca - %E.E.M.S.) e proteína (Porcentagem de Proteína Bruta na Matéria Seca - %P.B.M.S.) da soja da área experimental e também um baixo coeficiente de determinação na análise de regressão linear múltipla para as variáveis óleo e proteína. Quanto à análise geoestatística, as variáveis, óleo (Porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo na Matéria Seca - %E.E.M.S.), proteína (Porcentagem de Proteína Bruta na Matéria Seca - %P.B.M.S.), argila e boro não apresentaram dependência espacial. Na área experimental encontrou-se um ótimo coeficiente de determinação entre as variáveis de atributos do solo (silte, H+Al, M.O., Ca, Mg, K, SB, CTC, V%, Mn eCu) todos maior que 85%, apenas a variável K teve um ajustamento que pode ser considerado bom, ficando entre 75% e 85%. / The purpose of the present study was to determine the spatial variability of oil and protein contents in soybean grains and to correlate these characteristics with soil attributes. In a 9.01ha field, 170 samples were taken at the nodes of a 25m regular grid. Within a 1-m radius around the georeferenced node, all soybean grains were collected, as well as 7 soil subsamples, constituting one compound sample. One of the most important and delicate aspects of Precision Agriculture is correlating data to explain the spatial yield variability of agricultural crops. There are several attributes that can influence oil (percentage of ethereal extract in dry matter - %E.E.D.M.) and protein (percentage of gross protein in dry matter - %G.P.D.M.) amounts in soybean grains, such as, those related to the soil (compaction, structure, nutrients, texture, moisture), plants (nutrients absorbed, rooting, water availability in the leaves, pest attacks) and climate (solar radiation, wind, temperature and humidity). Considering the attributes studied, poor correlation was verified between the spatial variability of soil fertility and texture with oil (percentage of ethereal extract in dry matter - %E.E.D.M.) and protein (percentage of gross protein in dry matter - %G.P.D.M.) amounts in soybean grains from the experimental area. A low coefficient of determination for the multiple linear regression analysis was obtained for the attributes oil and protein contents. Using geostatistical analysis, no spatial dependence was verified for the variables oil (ethereal extract in dry matter - %E.E.D.M.), protein (gross protein in dry matter - %G.P.D.M.), clay and boron amounts. The soil attributes (silt, H+Al, D.M., Ca, Mg, K, SB, CEC, V%, Mn and Cu) showed excellent coefficients of determination in the experimental area, with all coefficients above 85%, except for K, which showed coefficients between 75% and 85%, which are considered good.

L’objectif de cette thèse est de démontrer le potentiel de la spectroscopie proche infrarouge multipoints pour suivre en ligne des milieux diffusants et absorbants dont les propriétés physique et chimique varient au cours du temps. Des travaux ont tout d’abord porté sur l’étude d’un milieu où seule la diffusion varie au cours du temps. Le suivi de la réaction de précipitation de la silice a été choisi pour illustrer un tel milieu. Dans un premier temps, des spectres en transmission collimatée ont été mesurés sur des échantillons prélevés au cours du procédé. Grâce à l’application de la loi de Beer-Lambert, il a été possible d'obtenir les coefficients de diffusion de chaque échantillon et ainsi retrouver les différentes étapes de la réaction. Une analyse en composante principale de ces coefficients a montré la présence de deux régimes de diffusion dans le milieu réactionnel. Dans un second temps, une sonde de mesures multipoints, a été immergée dans un réacteur de fabrication. Des spectres ont été mesurés à des angles de 30°, 90°, 150°, 170° et 180° par rapport à la source, tout au long de la précipitation. Une analyse univariée, aux différents angles, a montré des différences et des similitudes entre les positions, en lien avec les interactions lumière matière. Puis une analyse multivariée multi tableaux ACCPS (Analyses en Composantes Communes et Poids Spécifiques) a été appliquée. Elle permet de combiner les informations issues des différents angles et de montrer les informations communes et spécifiques. Cela a permis de valider l’utilisation de la mesure multipoints pour le contrôle du procédé. Grâce à l’analyse des scores globaux, différents types de diffusion et la spécificité de certains angles dans la détection de modifications physiques, ont été identifiés. L’analyse des loadings individuels, a confirmé les différentes étapes réactionnelles identifiées et a révélé des phénomènes relatifs à la diffusion de la lumière comme l’allongement du trajet optique. La même démarche, analyses en laboratoire puis en ligne, a été appliquée à un milieu où la diffusion et l’absorption varient. Le suivi des produits issus des procédés pour l’amélioration de l’extraction du pétrole a été choisi pour illustrer un tel milieu. Dans un premier temps, des microémulsions (eau, huile et tensio-actif) ont été fabriquées de sorte à ce que les propriétés chimiques et physiques soient différentes. Puis chaque phase a été analysée séparément. Une analyse en composantes principales a permis de caractériser les systèmes grâce à l’identification des phases. Elle a également montré que les différences entre elles étaient liées, à la fois à l’absorption et à la diffusion. Pour séparer ces deux phénomènes, une résolution multivariée de courbes par régression alternée a été appliquée. Cela a permis d’expliquer plus en détail les différences entre les phases et d’obtenir des suivis semi-quantitatifs. Enfin dans la dernière partie, les mêmes échantillons ont été analysés en circulation avec une sonde multipoints. Une ACCPS a de nouveau été appliquée et a montré que des phénomènes de diffusion différents avaient lieu entre les classes. De plus elle a mis en lumière une hétérogénéité dans la composition des phases, qui ne pouvait pas être détectée avec des mesures en statique. / The aim of this thesis is to demonstrate the potential of multipoint near infrared spectroscopy to monitor online scattering and absorbing environments, where physical and chemical properties change over time. The work was first based on the study of an environment where scattering was the only parameter varying over time. Monitoring of the silica precipitation reaction has been chosen to illustrate that environment. First of all, spectra in collimated transmittance mode were acquired from samples collected during the process. Thanks to the Beer-Lambert law, scattering coefficients of each sample were obtained and from them the different steps of the reaction were found. A principal component analysis of those coefficients showed the existence of two scattering modes into the reaction environment. In the second phase, a multipoint probe was submerged in an industrial reactor. Spectra were measured during the precipitation with angle of 30°, 90°, 150°, 170° and 180° to the source. A univariate analyse at those different angles showed differences and similarities between the positions, linked to the interaction of light and matter. Then, a multiblock and multivariate analysis, CCSWA (Common Component and Specific Weight Analysis), was applied. It allows the combination of information from different angles and also shows common and specific information, in order to validate the use of multipoint measurement to monitor the process. Thanks to the analysis of global scores, different kind of scattering and the specificity of some angle, in the detection of physical modifications were identified. The analysis of individual loadings confirmed the identification of the different steps of reaction and has revealed some phenomena related to light scattering, such as the extension of the optical path. The same approach, analysis in the laboratory then online, was applied on an environment where scattering and absorption vary. Monitoring of products from the process to improve oil extraction, has been chosen to illustrate that environment. First of all, micro emulsions (water, oil and surfactant) were made so that physical and chemical properties would be different between samples. Then, each phase was analysed separately. A principal component analysis was used to characterize the system by phase identification. It also showed the differences between the phases were linked, both to absorption and scattering. In order to separate those two phenomena, a multivariate resolution by alternate regression has been applied. It has permitted to explain in more details the differences between the phases and to obtain semi-quantitative monitoring. Finally, in the last part, the same samples were analysed in circulation with a multipoint probe. A CCSWA has been applied again and showed that different scattering phenomenon occurred between the categories. Moreover, it highlighted a heterogeneity in the phases' composition that couldn’t be detected in static measurement.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-03-19Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:41:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 costa_sxs_dr_arafo.pdf: 852844 bytes, checksum: 8945fe6817e7f7f0051c98cb920416e1 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O objetivo deste trabalho, dividido em três estudos, foi avaliar: (1) a influência da utilização de diferentes fontes de luz e métodos de fotoativação sobre o grau de conversão e a contração de polimerização de uma resina composta nanoparticulada; (2) a influência da utilização dos diferentes métodos de fotoativacao, disponibilizados por aparelhos LED de 2a geração, sobre a contração volumétrica das resinas compostas microhíbrida e nanopartículada e (3) as propriedades térmicas e o grau de conversão das resinas compostas microhíbrida e nanopartículada, submetidas aos diferentes métodos de fotoativação disponibilizados por aparelhos LED de 2a geracao. No primeiro estudo, o grau de conversão (GC) foi avaliado pelo metodo da espectroscopia infravermelha transformada de Fourier (FT-IR) e as forças de contração (C) mensuradas em máquina de ensaios universal (EMIC). Os dados obtidos para o GC e C foram analísados estatísticamente pelo teste da análise de variancia (ANOVA), sendo que para as forças de contração, a correção de Welch e o teste Tamhane também foram empregados. No segundo estudo, a contração volumétrica foi avaliada por um mecanismo de vídeo e imagem (AcuvolR/Bisco) e os dados obtidos foram análisados estatísticamente pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey. No terceiro estudo, o método da calorimetria exploratória diferencial foi empregado para avaliar a temperatura de transição vitrea (Tg) e de degradação dos materiais e o GC por FTIR. Os dados relativos ao GC foram análisados estatísticamente pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey. Os resultados demonstraram diferenças na contração de polimerização de acordo com o método de fotoativação empregado. No primeiro e segundo estudos, mesmo empregando diferentes metodologias, o método de fotoativação contínuo apresentou os maiores valores de contração. Por outro lado,o GC não... / The aim of this work, divided into three studies, was evaluate: (1) the influence of different light sources and photo-activation methods on degree of conversion and polymerization shrinkage of a nanocomposite resin; (2) the influence of different photo-activation methods, available by the 2nd generation LED light-curing units, on the volumetric shrinkage of microhybrid and nanocomposite resins and (3) thermal properties and degree of conversion of microhybrid and nanocomposite resins submitted to different photo-activation methods available by 2nd generation LED light-curing units. In the first study, degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and shrinkage forces (S) were measured in a universal testing machine (EMIC). The data obtained for DC and S were analyzed by Analysis of Variance test (ANOVA) and for S Welch’s correction and Tamhane’s tests were also employed. In the second study, volumetric shrinkage was evaluated by video-imaging device (AcuvolR/Bisco) and data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test. In the third study, differential scanning calorimetry was used in order to observe glass transition temperature (Tg) and degradation peak of the materials and DC was evaluated for FT-IR. The DC data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test. The results showed differences in the polymerization shrinkage according to photo-activation method employed. In the first and second studies, the continuous photo-activation methods presented the highest values for shrinkage even though different methodologies were used to assess. Moreover, DC was not influenced by the photo-activation method but was influenced by light sources. The lowest DC values were observed for halogen light-curing unit. In the second study beyond the influence of the photo-activation... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a variabilidade espacial dos teores de óleo e proteína de grãos de soja e correlacioná-los com atributos do solo. Em uma área aproximada de 9,01ha, foram realizadas 170 coletas de dados em pontos correspondentes aos nós de uma malha regular de 25m. Em um raio de 1m ao redor do ponto central georreferenciado, foram colhidos todos os grãos de soja e coletadas 7 subamostras de solo, totalizando uma amostra composta. A correlação entre dados, visando a explicar a variabilidade espacial da produtividade de culturas agrícolas, é uma das fases mais importantes e sensíveis da Agricultura de Precisão. Muitos são os atributos que podem estar influenciando os teores de óleo (Porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo na Matéria Seca – %E.E.M.S.) e proteína (Porcentagem de Proteína Bruta na Matéria Seca – %P.B.M.S.) do grão de soja como, por exemplo, os do solo (compactação, estrutura, nutrientes, textura, umidade), os da planta (nutrientes absorvidos, enraizamento, disponibilidade de água nas folhas, ataque de pragas) e os do clima (radiação solar, vento, temperatura e umidade). Com os atributos utilizados neste estudo não houve correlação satisfatória entre a variabilidade espacial dos atributos da fertilidade e textura do solo com teores de óleo (Porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo na Matéria Seca – %E.E.M.S.) e proteína (Porcentagem de Proteína Bruta na Matéria Seca – %P.B.M.S.) da soja da área experimental e também um baixo coeficiente de determinação na análise de regressão linear múltipla para as variáveis óleo e proteína. Quanto à análise geoestatística, as variáveis, óleo (Porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo na Matéria Seca – %E.E.M.S.), proteína (Porcentagem de Proteína Bruta na Matéria Seca – %P.B.M.S.), argila e boro não apresentaram dependência espacial. Na área experimental encontrou-se um ótimo coeficiente de determinação entre as variáveis de atributos do solo (silte, H+Al, M.O., Ca, Mg, K, SB, CTC, V%, Mn eCu) todos maior que 85%, apenas a variável K teve um ajustamento que pode ser considerado bom, ficando entre 75% e 85%. / The purpose of the present study was to determine the spatial variability of oil and protein contents in soybean grains and to correlate these characteristics with soil attributes. In a 9.01ha field, 170 samples were taken at the nodes of a 25m regular grid. Within a 1-m radius around the georeferenced node, all soybean grains were collected, as well as 7 soil subsamples, constituting one compound sample. One of the most important and delicate aspects of Precision Agriculture is correlating data to explain the spatial yield variability of agricultural crops. There are several attributes that can influence oil (percentage of ethereal extract in dry matter – %E.E.D.M.) and protein (percentage of gross protein in dry matter – %G.P.D.M.) amounts in soybean grains, such as, those related to the soil (compaction, structure, nutrients, texture, moisture), plants (nutrients absorbed, rooting, water availability in the leaves, pest attacks) and climate (solar radiation, wind, temperature and humidity). Considering the attributes studied, poor correlation was verified between the spatial variability of soil fertility and texture with oil (percentage of ethereal extract in dry matter – %E.E.D.M.) and protein (percentage of gross protein in dry matter – %G.P.D.M.) amounts in soybean grains from the experimental area. A low coefficient of determination for the multiple linear regression analysis was obtained for the attributes oil and protein contents. Using geostatistical analysis, no spatial dependence was verified for the variables oil (ethereal extract in dry matter – %E.E.D.M.), protein (gross protein in dry matter – %G.P.D.M.), clay and boron amounts. The soil attributes (silt, H+Al, D.M., Ca, Mg, K, SB, CEC, V%, Mn and Cu) showed excellent coefficients of determination in the experimental area, with all coefficients above 85%, except for K, which showed coefficients between 75% and 85%, which are considered good.