Development of nonionic creams containing honey: physicochemical characterization and stability

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas e a estabilidade de cremes não-iônicos (tipo O/A) contendo mel em diferentes concentrações (5, 15 e 25%, m/m). As formulações foram preparadas pela técnica usual de preparação de emulsões, em triplicata. Para o ensaio de estabilidade, as formulações foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente, durante 6 meses. Os cremes contendo mel apresentaram características satisfatórias nos testes empregados (aspecto homogêneo, cor amarela, odor característico, tamanho de partícula abaixo de 10 μm e pH ácido). Verificou-se que as formulações apresentaram comportamento de fluxo não-Newtoniano e um aumento de viscosidade em função de maiores concentrações de mel. Os valores de espalhabilidade revelaram comportamentos paralelos entre as formulações. Durante os ensaios de estabilidade, ligeiras alterações na cor e no odor foram observadas; entretanto, verificou-se uma diminuição significativa dos valores de pH.The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the physicochemical properties and physical stability of nonionic creams (O/W) containing honey at different concentrations (5, 15 and 25%, w/w). The formulations were prepared according to the normal preparation technique for emulsions, in triplicate. On the stability test, the formulations were stored at room temperature, for 6 months. The creams containing honey showed satisfactory characteristics in the tests employed (homogeneous aspect, yellow color, characteristic odor, particle size below 10 μm, and acidic pH). The formulations presented a new-Newtonian behavior and an increase in viscosity due to higher honey concentrations. The spreadability values revealed parallels behaviors between the formulations. During stability test, slight changes in color and odor were detected; however there was a decrease in pH values.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Predicting weed invasion in a sugarcane cultivar using multispectral image

<p>The cultivation of sugar cane has been gaining great focus in several countries due to its diversity of use. The modernization of agriculture has allowed high productivity, which is affected by the invasion of weeds. With sustainable agriculture, the use of herbicides has been increasingly avoided in society, requiring more effective weed control methods. In this paper, we propose a statistical model capable of identifying the invasion of weeds in the field, using four color spectra as regressor variables obtained by a multispectral camera mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle. With the exact identification of the weed infestation, it is possible to carry out the management in the field with herbicide applications in the exact places, thus avoiding the increase of the cost of production or even dispensing with the use of herbicides, effecting the mechanical removal of them. Results show that in the experimental field, it was possible to reduce herbicide spraying by 57%.</p

Immunocastration improves carcass traits and beef color attributes in Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus crossbred animals finished in feedlot

The objective was to examine the effects of immunocastration on carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus male animals finished in feedlot. Surgically castrated, immunocastrated, and intact animals were finished in feedlot for 90 days. The animals were harvested, and carcass traits were evaluated. Carcasses were chilled, and one 2.5-cm steak was fabricated from Longissimus thoracis muscle. The steaks were individually vacuum packaged and frozen at -18 degrees C. Frozen steaks were thawed, and pH, instrumental color, cooking loss, and shear force were determined. Immunocastrated animals demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) hot dressing percentage and cold dressing percentage than their surgically castrated counterparts. Furthermore, steaks from immunocastrated and surgically castrated animals exhibited greater redness (P < 0.05) and lower darkness (P < 0.05) than steaks from intact animals, indicating possible advantage in retailing. The results suggested that immunocastration may be utilized to improve carcass traits and beef color in feedlot-finished Nellore and Nellore x Aberdeen Angus males. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved,Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP