ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate pirarucu's (Arapaima gigas) ability to trigger a self-feeding system to regulate protein intake between two standard diets that contained 39% and 49% of crude protein. The same system allowed the evaluation of daily feeding and locomotor activity rhythms. Eighteen fish (654.44±26.85g) were distributed into six 250 L tanks (3 fish/tank). Fish had free access to both diets (39% vs. 49% protein) by feeders (2 per tank), adapted to be activated by fish themselves. This system was connected to a computer system. After an adaptation period, fish learned to activate feeders and the mean food intake recorded was 2.14% of their body weight on a daily basis. Fish showed feeding (72.48%) and locomotor (72.49%) activity predominantly during the daytime, and daily variations of choice between diets, but fixed a protein intake feeding target at 44.53%. These results should be considered when discussing feeding behavior, feeding schedules and diet intake regulations.

Esse trabalho apresentou como objetivo detectar o grau externo de deterioração da madeira de Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze utilizada na confecção de assoalho. Para isso, foram testados os métodos visuais, por meio de notas, e o método não destrutivo baseado na propagação de ondas ultrassônicas. Comparando-se a velocidade de propagação de ondas ultrassônicas na madeira sadia e na madeira atacada verificou-se que as mesmas diferenciavam entre si ao nível de 5% de erro. Verificou-se também que o aumento na proporção de ataque na madeira apresentou-se inversamente proporcional à velocidade de propagação da onda. Uma vez que as amostras foram avaliadas apenas nas suas faces superficiais, fazem-se necessários estudos adicionais a fim de avaliar a influência dos defeitos internos das peças de madeira na velocidade ultrassônica.

This study aimed to detect the external degree of decay of Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze wood used in flooring. The visual method through grades and the non-destructive method based on the propagation of ultrasound waves were applied. The comparison between the propagation velocity of ultrasonic waves on clear wood and decayed wood showed statistical difference at the 5% level. Moreover, the proportion of decay wood was inversely proportional to the velocity of propagation. The samples were evaluated only on their superficial faces, therefore additional studies to assess the influence of the wood internal defects in the ultrasonic velocity are necessary.