Abstract Due to limited information on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivation in uncultivated savanna areas, the objective of this research was to determine the ideal dose and type of organic fertilizer for sweet potato cultivation in savanna soils with no history of use. In four experiments, the following fertilizer doses were tested: cattle manure (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t·ha-1), poultry manure (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t·ha-1), compost A (0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, and 3.0 t·ha-1), and compost B (0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, and 3.0 t·ha-1). The fifth experiment consisted of an organic fertilizer efficiency test using applications already recommended for sweet potato crops, which resulted in six treatments: control (without organic fertilization), cattle manure (20 t·ha-1), poultry manure (10 t·ha-1), compost A (1.5 t·ha-1), compost B (1.5 t·ha-1), and compost C (0.375 t·ha-1). In the first four experiments, the products and their recommended doses were defined in order of production efficiency, as follows: poultry manure (doses between 13 and 20 t·ha-1) > cattle manure (doses between 30 and 40 t·ha-1) > compost B (doses between 0.75 and 2.25 t·ha-1) = compost A (doses between 2.25 and 3.00 t·ha-1). The fifth experiment concluded that: 1) poultry manure was the most suitable starting point for sweet potato cultivation in savanna soils and 2) sweet potato yield was directly linked to the commercial root mass, number of commercial roots, and branch productivity, which, in turn, were maximized by an increase in organic matter and satisfactory amounts of phosphorus in the soil.

Resumen Debido a la limitada información sobre el cultivo de camote (Ipomoea batatas L.) en áreas silvestres de la sabana, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la dosis ideal y el tipo de fertilizante orgánico para el cultivo de camote en suelos de la sabana sin antecedentes de explotación. Se probaron diferentes dosis de fertilizantes en cuatro experimentos: estiércol de ganado (0, 10, 20, 30 y 40 t·ha-1), pollinaza (0, 5, 10, 15 y 20 t·ha-1), compost A (0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25 y 3.0 t·ha-1) y compost B (0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25 y 3.0 t·ha-1). El quinto experimento consistió en una prueba de eficiencia de fertilizantes orgánicos utilizando dosis recomendadas para el cultivo de camote, lo cual resultó en seis tratamientos: testigo (sin fertilización orgánica), estiércol de ganado (20 t·ha-1), pollinaza (10 t·ha-1), compost A (1.5 t·ha-1), compost B (1.5 t·ha-1) y compost C (0.375 t·ha-1). En los primeros cuatro experimentos, los productos y dosis recomendadas se definieron en orden de eficiencia de producción: pollinaza (dosis entre 13 y 20 t·ha-1) > estiércol de ganado (dosis entre 30 y 40 t·ha-1) > compost B (dosis entre 0.75 y 2.25 t·ha-1) = compost A (dosis entre 2.25 y 3.00 t·ha-1). Con el quinto experimento se concluyó que: 1) la pollinaza fue el fertilizante inicial más adecuado para el cultivo de camote en suelos de la sabana y 2) el rendimiento del camote estuvo vinculado directamente a la masa de las raíces comerciales, el número de raíces comerciales y la productividad de tallos; las cuales, a su vez, fueron maximizadas al incrementar la materia orgánica y las cantidades de fósforo en el suelo.

RESUMO Introdução: a cirurgia laparoscópica demonstrou vantagens sobre a cirurgia convencional e, mais recentemente, a cirurgia robótica tem sido a plataforma emergente na era cirúrgica minimamente invasiva. Na prática colorretal, embora supere as limitações da laparoscopia, a cirurgia robótica ainda enfrenta situações desafiadoras, mesmo diante de cirurgiões colorretais experientes. Este estudo relata aspectos técnicos essenciais e comparação entre as plataformas Si e Xi Da Vinci com o objetivo de auxiliar e maximizar a eficiência na realização de cirurgia robótica colorretal regrada. Métodos: este estudo apresenta uma visão geral dos conceitos essenciais e aplicações práticas em cirurgia robótica colorretal nas plataformas Da Vinci Si e Xi. As potenciais dificuldades são enfatizadas e uma abordagem em etapas é descrita desde a colocação dos portais e seu processo de docking até a técnica cirúrgica. Também apresentamos brevemente dados coletados de um banco de dados mantido de forma prospectiva. Resultados: nossa experiência inicial inclui quarenta e quatro pacientes submetidos à cirurgia totalmente robótica padronizada na ressecção colônica e retal. Informações e aplicações práticas para uma cirurgia robótica colorretal segura e eficiente são descritas. Também são apresentadas ilustrações e dados breves da experiência. Conclusão: a cirurgia robótica colorretal é viável e segura nas mãos de cirurgiões experientes, no entanto ainda enfrenta desafios. Apesar da plataforma Da Vinci Xi demonstrar maior versatilidade em um design mais amigável com avanços tecnológicos, o correto domínio da tecnologia pela equipe cirúrgica é condição essencial para sua execução totalmente robótica em etapa única.

ABSTRACT Background: laparoscopy surgery has many proven clinical advantages over conventional surgery and more recently, robotic surgery has been the emerging platform in the minimally invasive era. In the colorectal field, although overcoming limitations of standard laparoscopy, robotic surgery still faces challenging situations even by the most experienced colorectal surgeons. This study reports essentials technical aspects and comparison between Da Vincis Si and Xi platforms aiming to master and maximize efficiency whenever performing robotic colorectal surgery. Methods: this study overviews the most structured concepts and practical applications in robotic colorectal surgery in both Si and Xi Da Vinci platforms. Possible pitfalls are emphasized and step-wise approach is described from port placement and docking process to surgical technique. We also present data collected from a prospectively maintained database. Results: our early experience includes forty-four patients following a standardized total robotic left-colon and rectal resection. Guided information and practical applications for a safe and efficient robotic colorectal surgery are described. We also present illustrations and describe technical aspects of a standardized procedure. Conclusion: performing robotic colorectal surgery is feasible and safe in experienced surgeons hands. Although the Da Vinci Xi platform demonstrates greater versatility in a more user-friendly design with technological advances, the correct mastery of technology by the surgical team is an essential condition for its fully robotic execution in a single docking approach.

Abstract Objective: To identify family and caregiver perception of palliative care for patients diagnosed with terminal cancer receiving in-home health services. Methods: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted with six family members and caregivers of patients receiving in-home palliative care services exclusively provided by the Palliative Care Unit of a referral hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between September and October 2015, analyzed in the light of Bardin's Content Analysis. Results: The following themes arose: Family members/caregivers' routine when providing palliative care; Palliative care team; Support for family members/caregivers; Family members/caregivers' understanding of palliative care; Family members/caregivers' feelings about palliative care; Family members/caregivers' experience with in-home palliative care. Conclusion: It was possible to identify the importance of in-home palliative care as it enables the reduction in the impact of suffering caused by cancer and guarantees dignity in the death process.

Resumen Objetivo: Conocer la percepción de la familia/cuidador de enfermos con diagnóstico de cáncer terminal en atención domiciliaria sobre cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, cualitativa, realizada con seis cuidadores familiares de pacientes que reciben atendimiento domiciliario en cuidados paliativos exclusivos, prestados por la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos de un hospital de referencia. Los datos fueron recolectados en el periodo de septiembre a octubre de 2015, através de entrevista semiestructurada que utilizó el Análisis de Contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Emergieron las siguientes temáticas: Rutina del familiar/cuidador frente a los cuidados paliativos; Equipo de cuidados paliativos: Apoyo al familiar/cuidador; Conciencia del familiar/cuidador sobre cuidados paliativos; Sentimientos del familiar/cuidador en cuidados paliativos; Vivencia del familiar/cuidador sobre cuidados paliativos en el hogar. Conclusión: Se posibilitó rescatar la importancia de los cuidados paliativos en el hogar como posibilidad de minimizar el impacto del sufrimiento con la enfermedad y asegurar la dignidad en el morir.

Resumo Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção do familiar/cuidador de pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer terminal em atendimento domiciliar sobre cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva, abordagem qualitativa realizada junto a seis cuidadores familiares de pacientes que recebem atendimento domiciliar em cuidados paliativos exclusivos prestados pela Unidade de Cuidados Paliativos de um hospital de referência. Os dados foram coletados no período de setembro a outubro de 2015, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada analisada a luz da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Emergiram-se as seguintes temáticas: Rotina do familiar/cuidador diante dos cuidados paliativos; Equipe de cuidados paliativos: Apoio ao familiar/cuidador; Entendimento do familiar/cuidador sobre cuidados paliativos; Sentimentos do familiar/cuidador em cuidados paliativos; Vivência do familiar/cuidador acerca dos cuidados paliativos em domicílio. Conclusão: Foi possível resgatar a importância dos cuidados paliativos no domicílio como possibilidade de minimizar o impacto do sofrimento com a doença e assegurar a dignidade no processo de morrer.

Resumo Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção do familiar/cuidador de pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer terminal em atendimento domiciliar sobre cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva, abordagem qualitativa realizada junto a seis cuidadores familiares de pacientes que recebem atendimento domiciliar em cuidados paliativos exclusivos prestados pela Unidade de Cuidados Paliativos de um hospital de referência. Os dados foram coletados no período de setembro a outubro de 2015, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada analisada a luz da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Emergiram-se as seguintes temáticas: Rotina do familiar/cuidador diante dos cuidados paliativos; Equipe de cuidados paliativos: Apoio ao familiar/cuidador; Entendimento do familiar/cuidador sobre cuidados paliativos; Sentimentos do familiar/cuidador em cuidados paliativos; Vivência do familiar/cuidador acerca dos cuidados paliativos em domicílio. Conclusão: Foi possível resgatar a importância dos cuidados paliativos no domicílio como possibilidade de minimizar o impacto do sofrimento com a doença e assegurar a dignidade no processo de morrer.

Abstract Objective: To identify family and caregiver perception of palliative care for patients diagnosed with terminal cancer receiving in-home health services. Methods: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted with six family members and caregivers of patients receiving in-home palliative care services exclusively provided by the Palliative Care Unit of a referral hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between September and October 2015, analyzed in the light of Bardin's Content Analysis. Results: The following themes arose: Family members/caregivers' routine when providing palliative care; Palliative care team; Support for family members/caregivers; Family members/caregivers' understanding of palliative care; Family members/caregivers' feelings about palliative care; Family members/caregivers' experience with in-home palliative care. Conclusion: It was possible to identify the importance of in-home palliative care as it enables the reduction in the impact of suffering caused by cancer and guarantees dignity in the death process.

Resumen Objetivo: Conocer la percepción de la familia/cuidador de enfermos con diagnóstico de cáncer terminal en atención domiciliaria sobre cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, cualitativa, realizada con seis cuidadores familiares de pacientes que reciben atendimiento domiciliario en cuidados paliativos exclusivos, prestados por la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos de un hospital de referencia. Los datos fueron recolectados en el periodo de septiembre a octubre de 2015, através de entrevista semiestructurada que utilizó el Análisis de Contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Emergieron las siguientes temáticas: Rutina del familiar/cuidador frente a los cuidados paliativos; Equipo de cuidados paliativos: Apoyo al familiar/cuidador; Conciencia del familiar/cuidador sobre cuidados paliativos; Sentimientos del familiar/cuidador en cuidados paliativos; Vivencia del familiar/cuidador sobre cuidados paliativos en el hogar. Conclusión: Se posibilitó rescatar la importancia de los cuidados paliativos en el hogar como posibilidad de minimizar el impacto del sufrimiento con la enfermedad y asegurar la dignidad en el morir.

ABSTRACT Nitrogen is considered the most limiting nutrient for cassava, and N availability can influence the crop cycle, including earlier harvest. The aim of this study was to study the effect of harvest time on the production components of cassava, “Aciolina” cultivar, at different rates of N fertiliser. The experiment was carried out in an area newly incorporated into the productive system in a savannah ecosystem in the northern Amazon. A randomised block experimental design was used in a split plot arrangement with four replications. The N rates (0, 30, 60, 150, and 330 kg ha-1) were allocated to the main plots, and the harvest times (90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days after emergence of the stalks - DAE) were allocated to the subplots. Plant height, shoot fresh matter yield, number of roots per plant, average root diameter, and root fresh matter yield display an increasing linear response up to 360 DAE in cassava cv. “Aciolina”. For all harvest times, the N rates promote an increase in root fresh matter yield. At 300 and 360 DAE, the root fresh matter and starch yield and the harvest index show a quadratic response as a function of the N level. The greatest efficiency of N topdressing on the production of root fresh matter occurs at 300 DAE, promoting an earlier harvest. At that time, the dose of maximum technical efficiency, 226 kg ha-1 N, results in a yield of 62 Mg ha-1 of root fresh matter, 13 Mg ha-1 of starch, and a harvest index of 81 %.

The bauxite residue (BR) is the solid waste of largest generation by the aluminum industry, with a generation estimated in 10 million ton/year in Brazil. Its high alkalinity demands elevated costs to store it safely. Due to the high content of Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in BR, the present study evaluated its application for the synthesis of iron rich sulfobelite clinkers. Because of its composition, the cement made with this clinker presents environmental (30% to 62% reduction of CO2-equivalent emission), economic and even technical advantages over Portland cements. Formulations containing: limestone, gypsum, BR and clay, were fired at 1230°C to synthesize the clinkers. Variations in BR and clay content were studied to obtain three formulations, F-15, F-18 and F-21, of different Al2O3/Fe2O3 ratio values. Cements containing more than 10.5 wt-% of BR achieved mechanical resistance comparable to Portland cements (CP-II-Z32 and CP-V-ARI) for 7 and 28 days of curing age.

Thermal shock is one of the most severe conditions to which a refractory lining can be subjected to during its industrial application. Thus, there are several methods available for testing thermal shock damage resistance of refractories. Among them, a very common method is the quench test, which consists of quenching a hot refractory bar into water. After that a retained mechanical property is determined. Considering this, the aim of the work herein is to compare the thermal shock damage resistance between two specimen sizes among several materials. The dimensions 150 mm × 25 mm × 25 mm and 160 mm × 40 mm × 40 mm were used. The small bars are generally used for mechanical characterization in the refractory field (recommended by ASTM C1171-05). The large bars, on the other hand, are a requirement of DIN 196-1, which regards procedures for testing cement materials. Experimental results have indicated that the thermal shock damage is bigger for the large bars, as predicted by theoretical aspects. Although the size difference between the specimens was not so big, it was possible to observe the size effect using a statistical treatment. Five different castable formulations, of which three contained eutectic aggregates, were tested. The highest variation found in thermal shock damage resistance because of the size was about 15%.

Calcium aluminate cements (CAC) were prepared using the sonochemical process, followed by heat treatment. A study was made of the action of ultrasonic waves and the influence of thermal treatment conditions on two initial molar compositions of 1:1 and 1:2 of calcia:alumina. The aqueous suspension containing the raw materials (A-50 alumina and CaO) was subjected to an ultrasonic bath, followed by drying and burning at 1000, 1200 and 1300 ºC. These cements were characterized by SEM, XRD and the mechanical strength was evaluated by splitting tensile tests, using commercial cement as a reference. Furthermore, the phases were semi-quantified using the Rietveld method. The results show that hydration and sonochemical action increased the reactivity of the raw materials during firing and that phase formation is dependent on the thermal treatment conditions. The CAC cements were obtained at temperatures at least 200 ºC lower than those used in conventional methods, indicating the potential of this route of synthesis.

Double-torsion tests were carried out to ascertain whether a thin test specimen would affect the results of this test. The tests involved two test specimen sizes, one with a thickness five-fold greater than the particle size of the material and the other with a three-fold greater thickness. The width of both test specimens was ten times that of their thickness and their length was double their width. The material utilized was an alumina-based refractory castable without cement. It is important to ascertain the influence of the thickness of double-torsion test specimens when materials with a coarse microstructure are involved. Otherwise, test specimens would have to be very large, rendering the experimental procedure difficult, as in the case of the size of sintering furnaces and the size of accessories for the test. This study shows that test specimens with lower thicknesses are representative when one analyzes the calibration curve of the compliance, the length of the crack at which the break occurred (critical crack length), and the shapes of the R-curve and of the load (P) vs. displacement curves. However, the analysis of the mean values of R (R), obtained by the arithmetic average of the R values in the section of stable crack propagation and the total fracture energy (γwof), showed that these values are dependent on the size of the test specimens, indicating that this subject deserves further investigation.

O experimento foi realizado para estimar as exigências de sódio em frangas leves (LV) e semipesadas (SP), durante a fase de recria (7 a 12 semanas de idade). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial com seis níveis de sódio (0,04; 0,10; 0,16; 0,21; 0,27 e 0,32 %) e duas linhagens (LV e SP), que resultaram em doze tratamentos, com cinco repetições de seis aves. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração (CR), consumo de água (CAG), ganho de peso diário (GPD), conversão alimentar (CA), temperatura retal (TR), comprimento da crista (CC), matéria seca das excretas (MSF) e umidade das excretas (UF). Não houve interação dos níveis de sódio (NS) com a linhagem sobre as variáveis estudadas. O CR não foi afetado pelos NS, porém as frangas SP consumiram mais ração que as LV. Os NS proporcionaram efeito quadrático para o GPD e CA, e a linhagem LV apresentou maior CC que a SP. O aumento do NS da ração elevou o CAG, a UF e diminuiu a MSF, mas a TR não foi alterada. Recomenda-se de 7 a 12 semanas de idade 0,22%, ou o consumo de 123 e 140 mg de sódio para as LV e SP, respectivamente.

The experiments were carried out to determine sodium requirements for light (LS) and egg-brown (EBS) pullets from 7 to 12 weeks of age. It was used a completely randomized design according to a 6x2 factorial (sodium levels: 0.04; 0.10; 0.16; 0.21; 0.27 and 0.32% X 2 strains), with five replicates of six pullets per experimental unit. Feed intake, water intake, daily weight gain, feed: gain ratio, rectal temperature, and comb size were evaluated, as well as feces dry matter and humidity. In the two experiments, there was no interaction (P>0.05) between sodium levels (SL) and strains on the studied variables. Feed intake was not affected by LS, but it was greater in EBS than in LS birds (P <0.05). LS had significant effects on daily weight gain and feed: gain ratio according to the quadratic model, and comb size was greater in LS compared to EBS birds. The increase in dietary sodium levels increased water intake and feces humidity, whereas feces dry matter decreased. Rectal temperature was not affected by the treatments. For SL and EBS, it is recommended 0.22% Na or a daily intake of 123 and 140 mg of sodium, respectively, from 7 to 12 weeks of age.

Double-torsion tests were carried out on a commercial ceramic floor tile to verify whether this test is suitable for determining the R-curve of ceramics. The instantaneous crack length was obtained by means of compliance calibration, and it was found that the experimental compliance underestimates the real crack length. The load vs. displacement curves were also found to drop after maximum loading, causing the stress intensity factor to decline. The R-curves were calculated by two methods: linear elastic fracture mechanics and the energetic method. It was obtained that the average values of crack resistance, R, and the double of the work of fracture, 2 <FONT FACE=Symbol>× g</FONT>wof, did not depend on notch length, a0, which is a highly relevant finding, indicating that these parameters were less dependent on the test specimen's geometry. The proposal was to use small notches, which produce long stable crack propagation paths that in turn are particularly important in the case of coarse microstructures.

The purpose of this work is to show the correlation between the fractal dimension, D, and mechanical properties such as work of fracture, gammawof, and fracture toughness, K Ic. Alumina-mullite-zirconia composites were characterized by the slit-island method, SIM, to obtain values of D and its fractional part, D*. The fracture surface roughness was also evaluated using a cyclic voltametric method. It will be shown that there is a positive experimental dependency of gammawof on D* and that there is not an evident correlation between K Ic and D*.

The fractals theory has been increasingly applied in the field of materials science and engineering. Models of fractal lines and surfaces have been generated to describe the microstructural features of materials. Special interest is placed upon a description of the fracture surface based on a fractal geometry in order to understand the crack path in materials. Several papers have demonstrated the relationship between the fractal dimension of a fracture surface and the values of roughness and fracture toughness. In this work an extension of the theory of fractals for ceramic materials is proposed, to which the crack deflection toughening mechanism is thought to be related. In order to accomplish this objective, a review describing the concept of fractals and its relationship with the fracture toughness is presented. In the following part, a correlation between fractal dimension, total energy of fracture and the average resistance to crack propagation is proposed; all these parameters being dependent on the history and on the complexity of crack propagation path.

An automatic dispenser based on a flow-injection system used to introduce sample and analytical solution into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer through a spray chamber is proposed. Analytical curves were constructed after the injection of 20 to 750 µL aliquots of a multielement standard solution (20.0 µg L-1 in Li, Be, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb) and the acquisition of the integrated transient signals. The linear concentration range could be extended to ca. five decades. The performance of the system was checked by analyzing a NIST 1643d reference material. Accuracy could be improved by the proper selection of the injected volume. Besides good precision (r.s.d. < 2%), the results obtained with the proposed procedure were closer to the certified values of the reference material than those obtained by direct aspiration or by injecting 125 µL of several analytical solutions and samples.