Solubilização de fosfatos incubados com amostras de latossolo submetidas a diferentes números de revolvimento.

Amostras de um Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro foram uniformemente misturados com tres doses (0, 1 e 3t/ha) de fosfato-de-araxa e patos-de-minas. Durante um periodo de tres meses de incubacao, os tratamentos foram submetidos a diferentes numeros de revolvimento. Em um tratamento, o material, depois de homogenizado inicial do solo com o fosfato, nao foi mais revolvido. Em outro, o material foi revolvido e homogenizado aos 45 dias depois do inicio da incubacao. No terceiro tratamento, fez-se essa operacao aos 30 e 60 dias e, no quarto, aos 15, 30, 45, 60 e 75 dias do inicio da incubacao. Amostra do solo, sem fosfato sofreu tambem os mesmos tratamentos de revolvimento. Todos os tratamentos receberam, inicialmente, agua equivalente a capacidade de campo e, dai para frente, de 15 em 15 dias, sendo que, para os revolvidos, a irrigacao era feita imediatamente apos essa operacao. Depois da incubacao, retirou-se uma amostra de solo de cada tratamento para analise de rotina. Todos os tratamentos receberam calagem (4,6t/ha), 100 ppm K, 50 ppm N e 5 ppm Zn e, trinta dias mais tarde, semeou-se sorgo-granifero. A solubilizacao dos fosfatos, medida pelo acrescimo no Ca trocavel, aumentou com o numero de revolvimentos, de maneira mais pronunciada para o fosfato-de-araxa. Entretanto, a producao de materia seca do sorgo, bem como a absorcao de fosforo, foi mais elevada com um numero intermediario de revolvimentos. Aparentemente, maior numero de revolvimentos, responsavel por maior forca de dreno dos produtos de solubilizacao, (...

Easy resolution of severe obstructive kidney injury

Chronic constipation is a common diagnosis with a high prevalence in the elderly. Constipation affects the quality of life of sick individuals, bringing several clinical complications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in poly(lactic acid)

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) present excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, and are expected to impart these properties into their composites. However, the CNT are grown as entangled bundles that are difficult to disperse in polymer matrices, or even in solvents. Several approaches have been tried for the efficient dispersion of CNT in polymer matrices, ranging from the CNT chemical modification to the use of different mixing methods. Previous studies have shown that the resulting filler dispersion is strongly dependent on the characteristics of the melt mixing equipment [1]. It is also known that the dispersion level of nanofillers strongly affects the final nanocomposite properties [2]. The present work reports the optimization of the CNT dispersion in poly (lactic acid) (PLA) using a small-scale twin-screw extruder. The CNT were chemically modified for improved interaction with PLA. The effect of varying the mixing parameters on the dispersion level of the CNT and functionalized CNT was evaluated using optical and electron microscopy. The electrical resistivity and mechanical properties of the composites were measured. It was observed that the incorporation of 1% (weight) of CNT reduced the electrical resistivity of the composite to 400 Ohm.m, and that 3% CNT rendered the composite conductive, with an electrical resistivity of 0.6 Ohm.m.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCI/QUI/59835/2004, bolsa de doutoramento SFRH/BD/32189/2006

A comparative study of the dispersion of carbon nanofibres in polymer melts

The dispersion of carbon nanofibres (CNF) in a polymer matrix using two melt mixing methods is studied. Distributive and dispersive mixing were evaluated by optical and electron microscopy. The CNF were chemically modified to improve the interface with the matrix. The results showed that the two methods produced good distribution of the filler, but extensional stresses induced higher dispersion. The latter correlated well with a decrease in electrical resistivity. Also, the chemical modification largely improved the CNF/polymer interfaceFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Composites with polymer-grafted carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites exhibit the processability advantages of plastics, while conveying electrical conductivity characteristics suitable for electric transport, or for sensing functionalities. The success of their application depends on the ability to homogeneously disperse the CNT in the polymer matrices to form a stable conductive network. The structural strength of the nanocomposite is also desirable, and may be a requirement. The chemical functionalization of the CNT is known to improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, although it is observed to have a negative influence on the electrical conductivity. The present work reports the chemical modification of CNT to graft polycarbonate (PC) molecules to their surface, and the analysis of the CNT (as-received and PC-grafted) dispersion in PC by melt mixing using prototype equipment. The modified CNT were analyzed by thermogravimetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunnelling microscopy, showing evidence for the formation of a polymer coating over the CNT. The nanocomposites were processed and reprocessed twice. The CNT dispersion was analyzed by optical microscopy using a similar analysis as described for PLA-grafted CNT [1], displaying considerable differences for CNT dispersion depending on their surface treatment. The electrical resistivity of the composites was measured, showing typically lower resistivity values for the composites with pristine CNT. The results also showed that resistivity of the composites with PC-grafted CNT may be considerably reduced depending on the processing steps.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Geopolymer foams: An overview of recent advancements

Geopolymer foams (highly porous materials) have emerged as one of the most exciting materials over the past few years due to their remarkable properties, low cost and green synthesis protocol, enabling their use in various high added-value applications. Review papers on porous geopolymers are uncommon, and the emphasis has been given to materials processing and properties, while the applications were only briefly addressed. This review aims to fill this gap by presenting a comprehensive literature survey and critical analysis of the most recent and exciting research carried out on geopolymer foams. Up to now, these bulk-type (not powders) materials have been mainly considered as thermal and acoustic insulators. However, besides addressing their use as building material, this review also shows that their use in less investigated, but environmentally and economically relevant applications (e.g. bulk-type adsorbents, pH buffering agents and catalysts), is feasible and might ensure performance and technical advantages over their powdered counterparts. The limitations, challenges and future prospects associated with the different applications are presented. This review shows the remarkable potential of geopolymer foams in high added-value applications, far beyond their historical use as Portland cement replacement, which may encourage the widespread technological use of these materials

Efeitos da vinhaça sobre a dispersão de argila de amostras de Latossolos.

Em condicoes de laboratorio, foi determinado o efeito de amostras de vinhacas de duas procedencias sobre a dispersao da fracao argila de seis Latossolos com diferentes texturas. A determinacao de argila foi feita pelo metodo da pipeta, utilizando NaOH 0,5 N como dispersante em um tratamento, comparativamente aos tratamentos onde essa solucao foi substituida por agua e, em dois outros, pelas vinhacas. As vinhacas atuaram, em relacao a agua, como dispersantes nos solos de textura media e como floculantes nos solos de textura argilosa. A vinhaca com maior concentracao de cations apresentou menor efeito de dispersao, em todos os solos. Concluiu-se que o efeito das vinhacas sobre a dispersao argila dos solos depende da concentracao e do balanco de cations na vinhaca, alem na natureza da fracao argila

Eosinophilic fasciitis: an atypical presentation of a rare disease

Eosinophilic fasciitis, or Shulman's disease, is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The diagnosis is confirmed by a deep biopsy of the skin. The first line of treatment is corticotherapy. We present a rare case of eosinophilic fasciitis in a 27-year-old woman with an atypical presentation with symmetrical peripheral edema and a Groove sign. The patient responded well to treatment with corticosteroids at high doses and, in this context, was associated with hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine. After two and a half years, peripheral eosinophilia had increased, and more of her skin had hardened. At that time, the therapy was modified to include corticoids, methotrexate, and penicillamine. It is of great importance to publicize these cases that allow us to gather experience and better treat our patients.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio