SPACE-TIME DEPENDENCE OF JATROPHA GROWTH PARAMETERS GROWN IN BRAZILIAN SEMIARID

Jatropha has emerged as a source of power generation in the semiarid region of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate, using geostatistics, the spatial variability of stem diameter, plant height and seed weight of jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) grown under rain fed conditions in Serra Talhada, Pernambuco state, Brazil. At 545, 905 and 1265 days after sowing (DAS), the stem diameter and plant height of 340 plants were measured with a digital caliper and a tape measure. At 545 DAS, the fruits of 306 plants were collected, the seeds extracted and their weights measured with a precision balance. For each date analyzed, the spatial dependence of the plant characteristics was evaluated from the adjustment of the experimental semivariogram. The spherical model was adjusted for modeling the spatial distribution of cultural parameters. The range of plant height reduced by an average of 37% from 545 DAS when compared to 905 and 1265 DAS, while for the stem diameter this parameter remained practically constant. Geostatistics can be employed to assist in future sampling and to identify areas with different patterns that can occur in the jatropha planting

Avaliação agronômica de biossólidos tratados por diferentes métodos químicos para aplicação na cultura do milho Agronomic evaluation of biosolids treated by different chemical methods for cultivation of maize

A presença de patógenos e metais potencialmente tóxicos, são as principais limitações do lodo de esgoto para a reciclagem agrícola. Este trabalho avaliou a aplicação de biossólidos, tratados quimicamente, em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, na produção de matéria seca e na absorção de nutrientes pela cultura de milho. O lodo de esgoto foi tratado com cal, hipoclorito de sódio, peróxido de hidrogênio, ácido acético e peracético. Nos biossólidos tratados com os ácidos orgânicos fez-se a neutralização com cal. Os biossólidos foram aplicados em vasos, na dose de 50 t ha-1, cultivado com milho pelo período de 55 dias, quando foram determinadas a produção de matéria seca e concentração de nutrientes na parte aérea das plantas. A maior produção de matéria seca foi observada no tratamento com ácido peracético e a menor no tratamento com cal. A aplicação de biossólido aumentou os teores dos macronutrientes na parte aérea das plantas. Os teores de Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe e Pb nas plantas, estiveram abaixo dos limites fitotóxicos. Os biossólidos mostraram ser uma importante fonte de nutrientes para o desenvolvimento da cultura de milho. Os tratamentos alternativos do lodo podem ser eficientes no controle de patógenos e facilitam a reciclagem agrícola de biossólidos.<br>The presence of pathogens and potentially toxic metals are the main limitations for the agronomic recycling of sewage sludge. This study evaluated the application of biosolids, chemically treated in a distrophic Red Latosol in the production and in the absorption of nutrients by the maize crop. The sludge was treated with lime, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic and acetic acids. Biosolids treated with organic acids were neutralized with lime. The biosolids were applied in pots at a dose equivalent to 50 t ha-1 and maize was grown for a period of 55 days, and later the dry matter production and concentrations of nutrients were determined in the shoots. The highest dry matter production was observed in treatment with peracetic acid (APA) and the lowest in the treatment with lime. The application of biosolids increased the levels of macronutrients in the plant shoots. The concentration levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and Pb in the plants were below the phytotoxic limits. The biosolids showed to be an important source of nutrients for the initial development of the maize crop. Alternative treatments of the sludge can be effective in controlling pathogens and facilitate agricultural recycling of biosolids

Treatment patterns in anticoagulant therapy in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in Belgium: results from the GARFIELD-AF registry

Background: AF, anticoagulation, NOACs, changing patterns of prescription. Methods: We describe baseline data and treatment patterns of patients recruited in Belgium in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF). Recruitment began when novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were introduced and provides a unique picture of changing treatment patterns over time. 1713 patients with a new (= 2), anticoagulants were used in 84.3%, leaving 15.7% unprotected. In low risk patients (CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc 0-1) anticoagulants were overused (58.7%). Factor Xa inhibitors were used more frequently than direct thrombin inhibitors. Conclusion: Guideline adherence on stroke prevention was higher in Belgium than in the rest of Europe, and increased over time. NOAC use in Belgium was the highest of Europe at the study start, with many countries catching up later. Possible reasons are discussed