Journal of Applied Physics

8371

Uma metodologia para parametrização do processo MIG/MAG CA A methodology for parameterization of the AC MIG/MAG process

O processo MIG/MAG CA tem um potencial muito grande de aplicação, por permitir unir as características da soldagem MIG/MAG convencional (corrente contínua, com o eletrodo no positivo) com as de se usar corrente negativa na soldagem MIG/MAG. Entretanto, o formato de onda de corrente (alternada, pulsada no positivo e constante no negativo) demanda uma seleção criteriosa de seus inúmeros parâmetros de regulagem, o que vem limitando o estudo e aplicação desta versão de processo MIG/MAG. O objetivo deste trabalho foi propor e avaliar uma metodologia capaz de estimar os parâmetros de regulagem do processo MIG/MAG CA, de tal forma a se obter soldas com estabilidade de comprimento de arco e cordões com geometria adequada. É feita uma descrição passo a passo da definição dos parâmetros de entrada e da forma de se obter experimentalmente alguns valores de parâmetros necessários para estimação de outros valores de regulagem. As equações de estimação são apresentadas e discutidas. É feita uma demonstração da aplicação da metodologia, com a validação dos resultados pela comparação entre valores estimados e reais.<br>The AC MIG/MAG process presents remarkable application potential, since it allows join the characteristics of the conventional MIG/MAG process (direct current, electrode positive) with the ones obtained when negative current is applied in MIG/MAG welding. However, the current wave shape (alternate, pulsed in positive and constant in negative polarities) demands a criterions selection of its innumerous setting parameters, fact that limits the development and application of this process version. The objective of this work was to propose and assess a methodology able to estimate the setting parameters of the CA MIG/MAG welding process, in such a way to result in welds with arc length stability and adequate bead geometry. A step-a-step description of the input parameter definitions and of the way to experimentally obtain some parameter values needed to estimate other setting parameters. The estimation equations are presented and discussed. A demonstration of the methodology application is carried out, with validation through actual welds

Mercury toxicity in the Amazon: contrast sensitivity and color discrimination of subjects exposed to mercury

We measured visual performance in achromatic and chromatic spatial tasks of mercury-exposed subjects and compared the results with norms obtained from healthy individuals of similar age. Data were obtained for a group of 28 mercury-exposed subjects, comprising 20 Amazonian gold miners, 2 inhabitants of Amazonian riverside communities, and 6 laboratory technicians, who asked for medical care. Statistical norms were generated by testing healthy control subjects divided into three age groups. The performance of a substantial proportion of the mercury-exposed subjects was below the norms in all of these tasks. Eleven of 20 subjects (55%) performed below the norms in the achromatic contrast sensitivity task. The mercury-exposed subjects also had lower red-green contrast sensitivity deficits at all tested spatial frequencies (9/11 subjects; 81%). Three gold miners and 1 riverine (4/19 subjects, 21%) performed worse than normal subjects making more mistakes in the color arrangement test. Five of 10 subjects tested (50%), comprising 2 gold miners, 2 technicians, and 1 riverine, performed worse than normal in the color discrimination test, having areas of one or more MacAdam ellipse larger than normal subjects and high color discrimination thresholds at least in one color locus. These data indicate that psychophysical assessment can be used to quantify the degree of visual impairment of mercury-exposed subjects. They also suggest that some spatial tests such as the measurement of red-green chromatic contrast are sufficiently sensitive to detect visual dysfunction caused by mercury toxicity

Efeitos de substratos e das dimensões dos recipientes na qualidade das mudas de Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex D.C.) Standl. Effects of substrata and containers dimensions on the quality of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex D.C.) Standl. seedlings

A crescente demanda por mudas de espécies florestais nativas tem exigido pesquisas relacionadas com o uso de substratos e recipientes, capazes de proporcionar mudas que apresentem elevadas taxas de crescimento inicial e de sobrevivência após o plantio. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a produção de mudas de Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. ex D.C.) Standl (ipê-roxo), em condições acessíveis aos pequenos e médios produtores rurais. O ensaio foi instalado em área experimental localizada no Departamento de Fitotecnia (CCA/UFPB), em Areia, PB. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com 14 blocos. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação dos substratos: S1 - terra de subsolo e S2 - terra de subsolo + composto orgânico e de sacos de polietileno preto nas seguintes dimensões: I - 20 x 36,5 cm; II -15 x 32 cm; III - 13 x 25,5 cm; e IV - 13,5 x 19 cm. Para todas as variáveis estudadas, o recipiente I e o substrato S2 sobressaíram em relação aos demais. Entretanto, considerando a diferença entre os resultados e a demanda de substrato e mão-de-obra exigida, no primeiro caso recomenda-se o recipiente II com o substrato S2, para a produção de mudas dessa espécie.<br>The growing demand for seedlings of native species has required research on the use of substrata and containers capable of producing seedlings with high initial growth and surviving rates after planting. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of substrata easily found in farms, and the size of containers used to produce seedlings of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. ex D.C.) Standl. (Ipê roxo). The experiment was conducted in an experimental field of the Department of Agronomy-CCA/UFPB, District of Areia. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, totalizing 14 blocks. The treatments consisted of combinations of the following substratas: S1-subsoil and S2-subsoil plus organic compost and polyethylene bags with the following dimensions: I - 20 x 36.5 cm; II - 15 x 32 cm; III - 13 x 25.5 cm; IV - 13.5 x 9 cm. For all the studied variables, the container I and substratum S2 gave the best results. However, considering the difference among the results and the demand for substratum and handling in the first case, it is recommended the use of container II and substratum S2 in the production of seedlings of this species