Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Metal-Mechanics Industry: A Technical-Economic Evaluation

Metal-mechanical industries are intensive in the consumption of water and, consequently, in the wastewaters production. Thus, reuse is essential because it preserves the environmental resources, diminishing the water footprint of the obtained products. Despite the advanced techniques, the economic cost limits the wastewater treatment to the most common techniques. This study evaluated the technical potential and costs involved in the reuse of wastewater in a metal-mechanical industry. Mistakes were found in the reagents dosage, what precluded reuse of the treated wastewater. The optimum condition for coagulation/flocculation was evaluated using the bench scale jar test. The parameters of wastewater, such as turbidity, pH, alkalinity, hardness, electrical conductivity, chloride and total solids were evaluated. The ideal condition was tested at the plant and some adjustments were made. The improvements resulted in 50.96% cost reduction of wastewater treatment without new investments. Also, the treatment became faster and more efficient. The wastewater achieved the standards for reuse in toilet flushing and floor washing.As indústrias metalúrgicas são intensivas no consumo de água e, conseqüentemente, na produção de águas residuárias. Assim, a reutilização é essencial porque preserva os recursos ambientais, diminuindo a pegada de água dos produtos obtidos. Apesar das técnicas avançadas, o custo econômico limita o tratamento de águas residuais às técnicas mais comuns. Este estudo avaliou o potencial técnico e os custos envolvidos na reutilização de águas residuais em uma indústria metal-mecânica. Foram encontrados erros na dosagem de reagentes. A condição óptima para coagulação/floculação foi avaliada por Jar test. Foram avaliados os parâmetros, tais como: turbidez, pH, alcalinidade, dureza, condutividade elétrica, cloreto e sólidos totais. A condição ideal foi testada na planta e alguns ajustes foram feitos. As melhorias resultaram em 50,96% de redução de custos do tratamento de águas residuais sem novos investimentos. Além disso, o tratamento tornou-se mais rápido e eficiente. As águas residuais atingiram os padrões de reutilização em lavagem de banheiros e lavagem do piso

Thermal paint production: the techno-economic evaluation of muscovite as insulating additive.

Muscovite is known by its thermal and electrical insulating properties. Based on this, it was hypothesized that its addition on paints should increase the thermal resistance. The use of muscovite as mineral insulating is pointed out as advantageous due to its low cost compared to other materials used for this purpose, such as the ceramic microsphere. The use of a low cost material could open the access to the medium and low income families, implying two aspects: the life quality increase by thermal comfort and the increase of energy saving. Thus, this part of the population could open a new market to thermal paints. Aiming to contribute to this issue, this work evaluated the thermal insulation performance of commercial paints containing muscovite additions and determined the economic evaluation for its industrial production. The thermal paint was formulated by adding 10%, 20% and 40% of muscovite to the commercial paint. This was applied on steel reinforced mortar boards. Thermal insulation tests were carried out in bench scale using an adapted box. The economic evaluation of the industrial production of muscovite-based thermal paint was conducted, considering the Brazilian economic market in this activity. The results showed its ability as an insulating agent due to a reduction of 0.667 °C/mm board by the addition of 40% muscovite. The economic analysis also demonstrated the feasibility of the thermal paint industrial production. The payback is favorable to 5 years when compared to the Selic short-term lending rate, with 21.53% of internal rate return and a net present value of US$ 15,085.76

CÂNCER DE PELE: UMA ANÁLISE DE TENDÊNCIAS E IMPACTOS NO BRASIL (2018-2023)

Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in Brazil and worldwide, with melanoma being the most common, having a high mortality rate. Prolonged sun exposure and genetic factors are the main risk factors. This study aimed to analyze the distribution and impacts of skin cancer cases in Brazil between 2018 and 2023. A retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative study was conducted with data from the Disease Notification System (SINAN), made available by DATASUS. Between 2018 and 2023, 327,439 confirmed cases of skin cancer were recorded in Brazil, with the highest number of cases in 2023 (68,244). Most cases were concentrated in the Southeast and South regions, being predominant among white people (65.08%) and in the age group of 70 to 79 years (26.99%). There was a 57.06% increase in cases between 2020 and 2023. The study identified a higher incidence among men (52.07%) and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and prevention, with awareness campaigns on the use of sunscreens and the reduction of intense sun exposure. The conclusions suggest that the implementation of public policies focused on prevention and early diagnosis is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with skin cancer in the country.  O câncer de pele é a neoplasia mais comum no Brasil e no mundo, com destaque para o melanoma, que apresenta alta letalidade. A exposição solar prolongada e os fatores genéticos são os principais fatores de risco. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a distribuição e os impactos dos casos de câncer de pele no Brasil entre 2018 e 2023. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e quantitativo com dados do Sistema de Notificação de Agravos (SINAN), disponibilizados pelo DATASUS. Entre 2018 e 2023, foram registrados 327.439 casos confirmados de câncer de pele no Brasil, com maior número de casos em 2023 (68.244). A maioria dos casos foi concentrada nas regiões Sudeste e Sul, sendo predominante entre pessoas brancas (65,08%) e na faixa etária de 70 a 79 anos (26,99%). Observou-se um aumento de 57,06% nos casos entre 2020 e 2023. O estudo identificou uma maior incidência entre os homens (52,07%) e ressaltou a importância do diagnóstico precoce e da prevenção, com campanhas de conscientização sobre o uso de protetores solares e a redução da exposição solar intensa. As conclusões sugerem que a implementação de políticas públicas focadas na prevenção e no diagnóstico precoce é essencial para a redução da morbidade e mortalidade associadas ao câncer de pele no país

Determination of the electron densities of breast neoplasias using the Compton scattering of X-rays

Neste trabalho foram realizadas medidas de espalhamento Compton em tecidos mamários normais e neoplásicos (benignos e malignos) em experimentos usando radiação síncrotron e tubo de raios X, com o objetivo de determinar as densidades eletrônicas destes tecidos. As energias e ângulos de espalhamento utilizados foram respectivamente 14,0 keV e 150º (x = 1,09 Å-1) para as medidas usando radiação síncrotron e 17,44 e 90º (x = 0,99Å-1) para as medidas usando um tubo de raios X. Os resultados de densidades eletrônicas obtidos foram comparados com dados experimentais e teóricos previamente publicados, mostrando considerável concordância entre eles (diferenças menores que 5%). Comparações estatísticas foram realizadas nas distribuições obtidas, verificando-se que os tecidos normais adiposos se diferenciam de todos outros tipos de tecidos investigados (P<0,001). Também se observou a tendência de as neoplasias malignas apresentarem maior densidade eletrônica que os tecidos normais fibrosos e neoplasias benignas, fato relacionado às características histológicas e metabólicas de seu crescimento. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que é possível utilizar esta técnica para caracterizar e diferenciar os tipos de tecidos, apontando a possibilidade de sua utilização como ferramenta complementar ao diagnóstico do câncer de mama.In this work we have been measured Compton scattering from normal and neoplastic (benign and malignant) in experiments using synchrotron radiation and X-rays tube, in order to determine of electronic densities of these tissues. The energies and scattering angles used were respectively 14,0 keV and 150º (x = 1,09 Å-1) for the measurements using synchrotron radiation and 17,44 and 90º (x = 0,99Å-1) for the measurements using a X-ray tube. The results of electronic densities obtained were compared with experimental and theoretical data published previously, showing considerable agreement among them (differences smaller than 5%). Statistical comparisons were accomplished in the obtained distributions, showing that the adipose normal tissue differ of all other types of tissues (P<0.001). Moreover, our results show a tendency of the malignant neoplasias to have an elevated electronic density higher than the fibrous normal tissues and benign neoplasias, fact related to histological and metabolic characteristics of its growth. The obtained results suggest that it is possible to use this technique to characterize and to differentiate the breast tissues, pointing the possibility of its use as complementary tool to the diagnosis of the breast cancer

The Compton scattering of X-rays in the diagnosis of breast neoplasia

Neste trabalho foram realizadas medidas de espalhamento elástico e inelástico em tecidos mamários normais e neoplásicos (benignos e malignos) usando uma energia de 17,44 keV (radiação K? ¬- Mo) e um ângulo de espalhamento de 90º (x = 0,99Å-1) com o objetivo de determinar as densidades eletrônicas (?e), número atômico efetivo (Zef) e largura a meia altura (LMA) do pico de espalhamento inelástico destes tecidos. Também foram estudadas por meio de simulações computacionais imagens obtidas por técnica de tomografia de espalhamento Compton. As metodologias experimentais foram verificadas através da análise de materiais de referência. Os valores de densidades eletrônicas e números atômicos efetivos obtidos foram comparados com dados experimentais e teóricos previamente publicados, mostrando uma boa concordância com estes (diferenças menores que 5%). Os valores de LMA obtidos indicam a possibilidade de uso deste parâmetro para obter informação sobre composição dos tecidos e se mostraram correlacionados com os valores de Zef. Os resultados também mostram que existem diferenças de ?e, Zef e LMA entre os grupos de tecidos, as quais estão associadas à composição e à histologia dos tecidos investigados. Por fim, os resultados do estudo técnica de imagem por espalhamento Compton permitiu avaliar a influência de diferentes fatores relacionados ao feixe de radiação, à geometria e à amostra, que determinam a qualidade das imagens obtidas.In this work we have been measured elastic and inelastic scattering from normal and neoplastic (benign and malignant) breast tissues using a photon energy of 17.44 keV (K? radiation ¬- Mo) and a scattering angle of 90º in order to determine the electron densities (?e), effective atomic number (Zef) and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of inelastic peak of these tissues. Compton scattering imaging techniques was also studied using computational simulation. The experimental methods were checked by analyzing of standard reference materials. The values of electron densities and effective atomic numbers obtained were compared with theoretical and experimental data previously published, showing good agreement between them (differences smaller than 5%). The values of FWHM indicate the possibility of using the FWHM for obtain information about the composition of tissues showing correlation with the values of Zef. The results also show that there are differences of ?e, Zef and FWHM between groups of tissues which are associated with the composition and histology of the investigated tissues. Finally, the results of the study of the Compton scattering imaging technique allowed assessing the influence of various factors, related to the radiation beam, geometry sample, which determine the image quality

Analysis of breast cancer by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)

Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) images of normal breast tissue and benign and malignant breast tumour tissues, fixed in formalin, were measured at the momentum transfer range of 0.063 nm(-1) <= q (=4 pi sin(theta/2)/lambda) <= 2.720 nm(-1). Four intrinsic parameters were extracted from the scattering profiles (1D SAXS image reduced) and, from the combination of these parameters, another three parameters were also created. All parameters, intrinsic and derived, were subject to discriminant analysis, and it was verified that parameters such as the area of diffuse scatter at the momentum transfer range 0.50 <= q <= 0.56 nm(-1), the ratio between areas of fifth-order axial and third-order lateral peaks and third-order axial spacing provide the most significant information for diagnosis (p < 0.001). Thus, in this work it was verified that by combining these three parameters it was possible to classify human breast tissues as normal, benign lesion or malignant lesion with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 100%

Analysis of the Economic Viability in the Implementation of the Chemical Waste Management System in Teaching and Research Laboratories

The prudent management of hazardous materials, from their procurement to their proper disposal, is a critical element of a departmental laboratory safety program. However, it is known that the management of chemical residues involves a high cost and few studies are carried out aiming at assisting in the implementation of this system of management mainly about educational and research institutions. This work therefore presents the economic feasibility analysis in the implementation of the chemical waste management system in laboratories of a Brazilian University. The data were obtained through a questionnaire applied to the technicians of the laboratories generating chemical residues, these being, teaching, research and clinics of the university. The economic-financial analysis has shown that the internal treatment of waste with the construction of a laboratory in the university is an unfeasible project. However, the project is feasible using the already existing structure, such as the chemistry laboratory in the idle periods. In this way, waste treatment on the university campus is feasible, in relation to the costs involved with outsourcing. However, it is necessary to ensure that the chemical standards for sewage disposal, as stipulated by the responsible bodies, are achieved.</jats:p

Breast phantom design for X-ray phase-contrast imaging

Purpose: Breast cancer is one of the most diffuse diseases and its incidence rate is increasing. Mammography is the gold standard exam for screening breast cancer. Nevertheless, to provide better conditions for visualization and detection of tumors, in particular to young women, techniques exploiting the X-ray phase contrast to generate images have been studied and proposed for clinical use. As every imaging modality clinically implemented, the capabilities and limitations of an X-ray phase-contrast system dedicated to breast imaging should be evaluated by a phantom. Although for mammography, there are several commercial phantoms, for tomographic X-ray phase-contrast imaging systems dedicated to breast screening, they are absent. Therefore, this study aimed to design a breast phantom for application in phase-contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) imaging.Methods: A breast phantom dedicated to X-ray phase-contrast imaging was designed. The phantom has a cylindrical shape and is composed by PMMA, to mimic the breast of a young woman, with some inserts filled with tissue substitutes to normal and pathological breast tissues, such as ethanol and glycerol. These materials were chosen due to the similarity in the attenuation and scattering properties of normal and pathological human breast tissues.Results: A comparison between tomographic X-ray absorption imaging and tomographic X-ray phase-contrast imaging showed a significant increase in edges definition, even with materials with similar attenuation properties.Conclusion: The results of this work reinforce the need for dedicated phantoms to exploit the features of each imaging modality more realistic. In particular, the breast phantom–designed breast screening by PC-CT allows exploiting the features of this new imaging modality