Acetylation of Eugenol over 12-Molybdophosphoric Acid Anchored in Mesoporous Silicate Support Synthesized from Flint Kaolin

A new prepared catalyst, 12-molybdophosphoric acid (HPMo) anchored to the mesoporous aluminosilicate AlSiM, synthesized from Amazon kaolin, was characterized and used as a heterogeneous acid catalyst for the production of eugenyl acetate by acetylation of eugenol with acetic anhydride. The effect of various reaction parameters, such as catalyst concentration, eugenol/acetic anhydride molar ratio, temperature and reaction time, was studied to optimize the conditions of maximum conversion of eugenol. The kinetics studies showed that in eugenol acetylation, the substrate concentration follows a first order kinetics. The results of activation energy was 19.96 kJ mol−1 for HPMo anchored to AlSiM. The reuse of the catalyst was also studied and there was no loss of catalytic activity after four cycles of use (from 99.9% in the first cycle to 90% in the fifth cycle was confirmed), and an excellent stability of the material was observed. Based on catalytic and kinetic studies, HPMo anchored to AlSiM is considered an excellent catalyst

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016

Physiological Effect of Kinetin on the Photosynthetic Apparatus and Antioxidant Enzymes Activities During Production of Anthurium

The results observed in the literature raise the hypothesis according to which cytokinin plays important roles in photosynthetic metabolisms and antioxidant enzymes. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of the isolated cytokinin kinetin at the production cycle, seeking to analyze its effects on enzyme activity and photosynthetic parameters. The plants treated with CK presented reduction of leaf CO2 assimilation rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs), while that transpiration rate (Tr) was unaffected. The internal CO2 concentrations decreased with the increase in cytokinin levels, but were maintained under CK 50 mg·L−1. The plants treated with CK 75 mg·L−1 was verified higher carboxylation efficiency (Pn/Ci), which was associated to values of CO2 assimilation and transpiration unaltered. Apparent electron transport rate showed variations in the concentration of 25 mg·L−1. Considering the study of enzyme activity, on the other hand, it cannot be stated that kinetin has an effective action in delaying oxidative damage. It presents mixed results, since an efficiency in the application of cytokinin was not observed, presenting induction levels of ascorbate peroxidase activity. Thus, further research is needed to determine more precisely the effects of kinetin on gas exchange and antioxidant enzymes in anthurium plants. Keywords: anthurium, kinetin, photosynthesis, senescence, plant hormone, oxidative stres

Cladode Age Enhances the Application of Mucilage in the Production of Biopolymeric Films

This study aimed to understand how cactus age affects the physicochemical and technological properties of mucilage and biopolymeric films. Cladodes of Nopalea cochenillifera (MIU) and Opuntia stricta (OEM) were harvested at 9 months (young) and 18 months (old) of age. The epidermis was removed, aquiferous parenchyma crushed and mixed with ethyl alcohol (2:3). After homogenization, mucilage was dried, pulverized and analysed physicochemically. The powder obtained was hydrated, and a plasticizer was added, resulting in the formation of polymeric films after 24 h of drying in an oven. The produced films were characterized for physicochemical, optical, structural, mechanical and thermal properties. Older cladodes presented a higher mucilage yield (3.16%), as well as higher pH (5.26) and phenolic compounds (249.82 mg 100 g−1 DM), characteristics that are advantageous for incorporation into foods. Young cladodes exhibited higher levels of soluble carbohydrates (27.67 mg 100 g−1 DM), and the films derived from these cladodes were less transparent (5.75%) and less permeable (15.09 g mm m−2 d−1 kPa−1), in addition to displaying a higher water contact angle and improved thermal stability. XRD spectra and SEM micrographs showed that these films have a more crystalline and homogeneous structure, enhancing their mechanical strength (0.09 MPa). Therefore, the mucilage obtained from young cacti showed greater potential for application in biopolymeric films within the packaging industry.Academic Unit of Serra Talhada (UAST) Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, PernambucoFederal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), Rio Grande do NorteFederal University of Ceará (UFC), CearáDepartment of Chemical and Engineering Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), PernambucoSão Paulo State University (UNESP), São PauloSão Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paul

Armazenamento de melão amarelo, híbrido RX 20094, sob temperatura ambiente Yellow melon, RX 20094 hybrid, stored at room temperature

A vida útil pós-colheita do melão amarelo híbrido RX 20094 foi avaliada, estudando-se características visuais, físicas e físico-químicas dos frutos em pós-colheita em ensaio conduzido no laboratório da Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos, referentes aos períodos de armazenamento (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; e 25 dias) e 5 repetições, com dois frutos por parcela. Os frutos foram mantidos à temperatura de 30±1ºC e UR de 50±5%. Foram feitas avaliações em intervalos de 5 dias, avaliando-se a firmeza da polpa, perda de massa, aparências externa e interna e conteúdo de sólidos solúveis (SS). Observou-se efeito do tempo de armazenamento para todas as características avaliadas. A firmeza da polpa e as aparências externa e interna foram os principais fatores responsáveis pela perda de qualidade do melão. A vida útil do híbrido RX-20094 foi estimada em até no mínimo 25 dias de armazenamento sob temperatura ambiente.<br>The postharvest shelflife of yellow melon RX20094 hybrid was obtained through visual, physical, and physical-chemical evaluations in two experiments carried out at Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brasil. A completely randomized design with six treatments, consisting of storage days (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; and 25) and five replications, with 2 fruits per plot, was utilized. The fruits were kept at the temperature of 30±1ºC and 50±5% of relative humidity. Evaluations were made at five-day intervals with the determination of flesh firmness, weight loss, external and internal appearances and soluble solids content (SS). The storage days had effect on all characteristics. Yellow melons RX20094 hybrid maintained good quality characteristics for up to a storage period of 25 days at room temperature