Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE), microstructures have been produced using different solvents, including green ones, by different techniques, such as solvent casting, screen-printing, replica molding, electrospray, and electrospinning. The obtained microstructures span from simple porous and dense films to spheres, fibers, and patterned three-dimensional architectures, with no significant variation in their physicochemical and electrical properties. The simplicity, low cost, and reproducibility of the processing techniques allied to their versatility to adapt to other materials to produce controlled and tailored microstructures with specific properties demonstrate their potential in a wide range of technological applications, including biomedical, energy storage, sensors and actuators, and filtration.

The chemical composition, fermentation characteristics and the carbohydrates and protein fractionation from three pearl millet cultivars silages with soybean hulls inclusion were evaluated. The treatments consisted in three pearl millet cultivars: ADR 8010, ADR 500 and BRS 1501 and four soybean hulls inclusion levels: 0%, 3%, 6% and 10%. Average pearl millet silages dry matter levels differed according to soybean hulls inclusion levels; ranging from 17.03% to 22.96% function to soybean hulls inclusion levels 0% and 10%, respectively. Crude protein levels ranged from 9.46% to 10.79% and significant differences in crude protein were observed among pearl millet cultivars. The contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) did not differ in response to soybean hulls inclusion; average NDF ranged from 53.51% (BRS 1501) to 56.78% (ADR 8010); average FDA contents ranged from 28.88% (BRS 1501) to 31.79% (ADR 8010). The hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and mineral matter contents differ depending on soybean hulls levels; they increased to the extent that increased the soybean hulls levels. The highest soybean hulls inclusion level (10%) resulted in lowest losses due to gases and effluents. The pH values found in this study ranged from 4.07 to 4.85. The average buffering capacity values ranged from 10.82 mEq NaOH/100g DM (ADR 8010) to 30.19 mEqNaOH/100g DM (ADR 8010), for the inclusion levels 6% and 0%, respectively. The average concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/TN) remained below 8%. Mean soluble carbohydrates levels differ (P<0.05) function both to soybean hulls inclusion levels and to cultivar evaluated; ranging from 5.17% (ADR 500) in the control treatment up to 9.73% (BRS 1501) with 10% soybean hulls addition. The lactic acid contents were significantly influenced (P<0.05) by soybean hulls inclusion levels, ranging from 5.07% (ADR 8010) added with 10% soybean hulls to 7.10% (BRS 1501) in the control treatment. The average levels of acetic, propionic and butyric acids ranged from 1.22% to 1.52%; 0.12% to 0.14% and 0.03% to 0.04%, respectively, and did not differ significantly. Total carbohydrates content (TC) differed (P<0.05), function both to soybean hulls inclusion levels and to pearl millet cultivars; varying from 78.84% (ADR 8010) to 82.12% (ADR 500). The average values from fraction “A+B1” ranged from 28.52% to 34.43%; not differing significantly (P>0.05) among soybean hulls levels. Fraction “B2” and fraction “C” contents differed significantly (P<0.05) function to treatments, ranging from 53.99% (BRS 1501) to 66.41% (ADR 8010) and 5.07% to 11.20%, respectively. Regarding to protein; fraction “A”, fractions “B1+B2”, fractions “B3 and fraction “C”, levels differed significantly (P<0.05) function to soybean hulls inclusion, ranging from 30.85% to 44.27%, 15.48% to 43.29%, 25.4% to 39.78% and 0.40% to 0.84%, respectively. The pearl millet cultivars fermentation characteristics and chemical composition allow us to classify them as good quality silages. The soybean hulls, was efficient as adsorbent additive.

This study aimed to evaluate the production of green mass (MV), dry matter (DM), nitrogen contained in the plant (NC), conversion efficiency of nitrogen (ECAN), apparent recovery of nitrogen (RAN) and chemical characteristics of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br]: ADR-500, ADR 7020 and LABH 70732, in doses of N: (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1), cut at 87 days of vegetative growth, aiming to the silage production. The experimental design used randomized blocks in a 3x4 factorial design (three cultivars and four doses of N), with four replications. Regarding biomass, only the green mass production (MV) showed interactions between N and millet cultivars, ranging from 30.54 to 50.96 t ha-1 of MV. The dry mass production (P>0.05) showed interaction only amongst the N dose, ranging from 7.66 to 12.46 t ha-1. The conversion efficiency of N (ECAN) and apparent recovery of N (NRE) differed (P<0,05) among the doses and the millet cultivars, with decreasing average values due to the increase of nitrogen fertilization. The best conversion efficiency was 54.06 kg DM / kg of N applied, while the highest N recovery rate was 86.54%, both at equivalent dose of the application of 50 kg.ha-1 of N. Among the millet cultivars, significant statistical differences have been observed on the nitrogen contained in the plant in unfertilized plots, ranging from 103.64 kg ha-1 (ADR 500) to 135.69 kg ha-1 (LABH 70732). In fertilized plots cultivars (P>0.05) in NC levels. The ECAN and NRE (P<0.05) among the millet cultivars with average values of 43.34 kg DM / kg of N applied (ADR 500) and 78.76% of N recovered, also with the same cultivar. The variable components of the chemical composition did not differ due to the evaluated N doses, with the average values of: DM - 25.40%; CP - 9.54%; NDF - 62.5%; ADF - 34.13%; HEM - 28.35%; CEL - 29.29%; LIG - 6.68%;NFC - 17.32%, OM - MM and 90.75% - 9.22%.

The aim of this work was to determine the most predictive parameters for sugar and fiber yield in sugarcane in the first crop cycle (cane plant), from an experimental population consisting of clones in earlier and later stages of genetic breeding, including, in the latter, some commercial varieties. The parameters here studied included biometric index data, physiological indices, and quantitative and qualitative data for soluble and insoluble sugars (fibers) of the stem. The canes (74 clones) were evaluated at 180, 240 and 300 days after transplanting (DAT). The following biometric indices were determined: number of leaves, length (Co) and width (l) of leaves, fresh mass (MS), dry mass (MS), stem diameter (D), mean plant height (A) and number of tillers (NP). The physiological indexes were leaf area (AF), total chlorophyll content (CT), leaf area index (IAF), net assimilation rate (TAL) and relative growth rate (TCR). Technological analyzes included sucrose content (P), soluble solids content (B), purity (Q), reducing sugars (AR), total recoverable sugars (ATR), stem weight (PCOL), broth weight (PCAL), broth volume (V) and fiber content (F). The higher positive correlations were found among the following parameters: PCOL-PCAL, PCOL-V, PCAL-V e ATR-B, with correlation coefficients of 0,985; 0,980; 0,991 e 0,905, respectively. The higher negative correlation was among the following parameters AR-Q with correlation coefficient of -0,999. The principal component analysis revealed that two components explained 41,5% of all data variation. The best model of multiple linear regression analysis fit culm diameter as independent variable with 30% accuracy at the best prediction. Understanding the response pathways that determine the plant architecture and constitution will help to uncover the best strategies for breeding sugarcane toward a growing global demand of sugars for food and biofuels.

O pacu é uma das espécies nativas que mais vem se destacando para a produção, pois apresenta habito alimentar onívoro, rusticidade ao manejo, carne bastante apreciada e espécie muito procurada em pesque-pague. Porem estudos sobre os efeitos das fibras na alimentação do pacu ainda são incipientes, uma vez que as fibras constituem boa parte dos ingredientes vegetais utilizados na alimentação animal, além de acelerar o trânsito gastrintestinal e modificar a absorção dos nutrientes. Dessa forma o objetivo do presente trabalho é de avaliar os efeitos da inclusão da casca de arroz e da casca de soja na dieta de juvenis de pacu. O trabalho foi executado no laboratório experimental de piscicultura da Universidade Federal do Pampa. Para a execução foi utilizado 216 juvenis de pacu com peso médio de 6 gramas, mantidos em um sistema de recirculação unido de aquecedor e filtro biológico. O trabalho teve duração de 60 dias com biometrias quinzenais. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x3, duas fontes de fibra em três níveis de inclusão, onde foram incluídos 10, 13 e 16% de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) de casca de arroz e de casca de soja, os dados foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade e feito a ANOVA depois foram submetidas ao teste Tukey 5% de probabilidade. As variáveis de crescimento analisadas foram peso final, ganho em peso, fator de condição, taxa de crescimento específico, comprimento final, conversão alimentar aparente, assim como índice hepatossomático, índice digestivo somático, cociente intestinal, rendimento de carcaça, e analise centesimal dos peixes inteiros (matéria seca, matéria mineral, proteína bruta e extrato etéreo). Para as variáveis de crescimento não houve diferença significativa entre as fontes, porem ouve diferença entre os níveis, onde os níveis de 10 e 13% de FDN obtiveram os melhores resultados para peso final, ganho em peso, taxa de crescimento específico e comprimento final. Mesmo efeito foi observado para o rendimento de carcaça. Não foi observada diferença entre os níveis e as fontes para o índice hepatossomático, índice digestivo somático e cociente intestinal. Não foi observado também diferença para a composição centesimal, no entanto ouve diferença para matéria seca e mineral em comparação ao controle inicial. Sendo assim pode-se concluir então, que pode incluir até 10% de FDN na alimentação de juvenis de pacu sem prejudicar o desempenho zootécnico e a fisiologia digestiva dos mesmos.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo a avaliação da substituição parcial de cimento Portland por 50% de metacaulim e o uso de diferentes camadas de reforço fibroso em formato de tela em compósitos cimentícios. O reforço utilizado foi o tecido de fibra de juta, de malha 5x5cm, disposta em 3 e 5 camadas. Para a avaliação mecânica foram realizados ensaios de compressão da matriz cimentícia, tração direta e indireta em flexão à três pontos. Os resultados mostram que para compressão o módulo de elasticidade não foi alterado e a resistência à compressão foi reduzida em 19,59% para a matriz com substituição de 50% de cimento por metacaulim. Para a tração direta os resultados dos compósitos reforçados com 5 camadas de fibras de juta e com substituição mineral, apresentaram os melhores desempenhos, chegando a um comportamento “strain hardening”, porém sem apresentar múltipla fissuração. Quanto a tração indireta os resultados mostraram que o teor de fibras inseridos na matriz influência diretamente na capacidade de carga dos compósitos, por outro lado o maior teor de fibras obteve um melhor comportamento quanto a capacidade de absorção de deformações. Para os compósitos sem reforço fibroso a matriz a base de cimento foi a que apresentou os melhores resultados, porém quando os compósitos continham alguma camada de reforço a matriz com substituição parcial de cimento Portland mostrou-se mais eficiente, concluindo assim que o metacaulim foi efetivo resultando em uma matriz livre de hidróxido de cálcio, permitindo que as fibras a tivessem um desempenho melhor. Porém, o uso do reforço fibroso em forma de tecido não foi muito efetivo devido a fatores que podem ser relacionados à perturbação do esqueleto granular e pouca fluidez da matriz para um bom preenchimento dos espaços entre os cordões da malha.

Consumers have recently sought to adopt a healthy lifestyle, so the food industry has been studying ways to incorporate healthier ingredients that can help in reducing caloric, fat and sugars, adding nutritional value to the product. Dietary fiber can be used as a substitute for fat and sugar in food products. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of replacing the fat of the cupuaçu ice cream with the fiber of passion fruit peel. Three different ice cream formulations were tested: F1 – with fat and without fiber from passion fruit peel (standard); F2 – without fat, with 0,4% fiber from passion fruit peel; F3 – without fat, with 0,8% fiber from passion fruit peel. Sensory evaluation was performed with all three formulations produced to determine their public acceptability and purchase intention. Physical-chemical analysis determined their centesimal composition, calories, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, overrun and melting rate. The sensory evaluation indicated an acceptability higher than 70%, indicating potential marketing acceptability. Physical-chemical analysis indicated that the formulations with added fiber from passion fruit peel (F2 and F3) are less caloric, have more fiber and overrun when compared to the standard formulation (F1). The melting rate and the titratable acidity were similar for all concentrations. Although, the formulations F2 and F3 are lower in pH and soluble solids when compared to the standard formulation (F1). The formulation with 0,8% fiber from passion fruit peel was well accepted by testers, being an alternative for ice cream production, increasing its nutritional value and reducing calories.

In the present study the objective was to prepare a cookie with the addition of different levels of Guavira Residue Flour (GRF) and to evaluate the physico-chemical composition and the sensory acceptability among children. Five (5) cookie formulations were elaborated: F1 (standard - 0% GRF) and the others added of 2.5% (F2), 5% (F3), 7.5% (F4) and 10% (F5) of GRF. Sixty untrained judges with aged 7 to 10 years participated in the sensory evaluation. The addition of higher levels of GRF (7.5% and 10%) reduced the acceptance of the cookie. The F1 formulation had higher scores (p&lt;0.05) than F4 and F5 for all evaluations, except for the texture that was similar for the samples. Thus, the F3 formulation is considered to be the one with the highest level of GRF and with acceptance similar to the standard for most evaluations. Lower levels (p&lt;0.05) of moisture, ash and fibers were observed in F1. However, F3 had lower carbohydrate and calorie contents. It is concluded that the addition of up to 5% GRF in cookie is well accepted by children's judges, obtaining sensorial acceptance similar to the standard product in most evaluations. In addition, it provided an improvement in the nutritional profile of the product.

Muscle residual force enhancement has been observed in different muscle preparations for more than half a century. Nonetheless, its mechanism remains unclear; to date, there are three generally accepted hypotheses: 1) sarcomere length non-uniformity, 2) engagement of passive elements, and 3) an increased number of cross-bridges. The first hypothesis uses sarcomere non-homogeneity and instability to explain how "weak" sarcomeres would convey the higher tension generated by an enhanced overlap from "stronger" sarcomeres, allowing the whole system to produce higher forces than predicted by the force-length relationship; non-uniformity provides theoretical support for a large amount of the experimental data. The second hypothesis suggests that passive elements within the sarcomeres (i.e., titin) could gain strain upon calcium activation followed by stretch. Finally, the third hypothesis suggests that muscle stretch after activation would alter cross-bridge kinetics to increase the number of attached cross-bridges. Presently, we cannot completely rule out any of the three hypotheses. Different experimental results suggest that the mechanisms on which these three hypotheses are based could all coexist.