Study of different setup costs in SingleGA to solve a one-dimensional cutting stock problem

This paper presents the application of new costs for one recent approach, called SingleGA, in solving One-Dimensional cutting stock problem. The cutting problem basically consists in finding the best way to obtain parts of distinct sizes (items) from the cutting of larger parts (objects) with the purpose of minimizing a specific cost or maximizing the profit. The obtained results of SingleGA are compared to the following methods: SHP, Kombi234, ANLCP300 and Symbio, found in literature, verifying its capacity to find feasible and competitive solutions. The computational results show that variations of SingleGA posses good results, improving as setup cost increases

Methodology for Optimization of Polymer Blends Composition

The research of polymer blends, or alloys, has experienced enormous growth in size and sophistication in terms of its scientific base, technology and commercial development (Paul & Bucknall, 2000). As a consequence two very important issues arise: the increased availability of new materials and the need for materials with better performance. Polymer blends are polymer systems originated from the physical mixture of two or more polymers and/or copolymers, without a high degree of chemical reactions between them. To be considered a blend, the compounds should have a concentration above 2% in mass of the second component (Hage & Pessan, 2001; Ihm & White, 1996). However, the commercial viability of new polymers has begun to become increasingly difficult, due to several factors. The advantages of polymer blends lie in the ability to combine existing polymers into new compositions obtaining in this way, materials with specific properties. This strategy allows for savings in research and development of new materials with equivalent properties, as well as versatility, simplicity, relatively low cost (Koning et al., 1998) and faster development time of new materials (Silva, 2011). Rossini (2005) mentions that economically and environmentally, a very viable alternative is to replace the recycling of pure polymers by mixtures of discarded materials. Mechanical recycling causes the breakdown of polymer chains, which impairs the properties of polymers. This degradation is directly proportional to the number of cycles of recycling. Therefore, the blend of two or more discarded polymers can be a realistic alternative, since it can result in materials with very interesting properties, at a low cost. Besides its inexpensiveness, this choice is also a smart solution to the reutilization of garbage. Postconsumption package disposal always occurs in a disorderly manner and without regard for the environment. The recycling process becomes increasingly more important and necessary to remediate environmental impact. According Pang et al. (2000) apud Marconcini & Ruvolo Filho (2006) polyolefins such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) and polyesters such as poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are classes of thermoplastics that have been widely used in packaging and constitute a large part of post-consumer waste. The recycling of these materials and their mechanical characterization anticipating the possibility of a new cycle of life in the form of new products is challenging, although technologically and environmentally correct (Marconcini & Ruvolo Filho, 2006). The polymer blends can be obtained basically in two ways (Rossini, 2005):  By dissolving the polymers in a good solvent, common to them, and subsequently letting the solvent evaporate; and  In a mixer where the working temperature is high enough to melt or mollify the polymeric components, without causing degradation of the same. According to Wessler (2007), the polymer blends may be miscible or immiscible. The miscibility is the most important property to be analyzed in a blend, given that all other system properties depend on the number of phases, their morphology and adhesion between them. The miscibility term is directly related to the solubility, i.e., a blend is miscible when the polymers dissolve in each other mutually (Silva, 2011). The immiscible between the various engineering polymers is a limiting factor for its production. Thus, it is necessary to use compatibilization agents for their production. Computational modeling has become increasingly popular. The main objective of models is to assist process optimization with minimal investment of time and resources for experimental work. Most techniques are classified into two main groups: physical models and statistical models as shown by Malinov & Sha (2003). Statistical methods are chosen according to research objectives. There are several multivariate analysis methods for purposes quite different from each other. The desired value and quality of one or more product characteristics can be obtained via experiment analysis and DOE. These methods help determining optimal settings and controllable factors of a process such as: temperature, pressure, amount of reagents, operating time, etc.. When compared to the method of trial and error, DOE also allows a reduction of the number of required tests, and savings in time, labor and money. An important application of DOE is the optimization of experimental formulations as, for example, the composition of mixtures. The formulation development is a fundamental part of the food industry, chemicals, plastics, rubber, paints, medicines, and the like. In materials science, it is important to understand the correlation between material processing, microstructure and properties that enable the optimization of process parameters and compositions of materials to achieve the desired combination of properties, according Malinov & Sha (2003). The problem presented here is to determine the fraction of each polymer blend component, and to determine the agent or, in some cases, an agents system, when it is necessary to use more than one compatibilizing agent. Thus, this text studies the effect of factors, for example, amount of polypropylene, additive type, and amount of additive in the composition of polymer blends, i.e., the optimal polymer blends formulation using factorial design

Monitoring of soil and atmospheric sensors with internet of things (IoT) applied in precision Agriculture / Monitorização de sensores do solo e atmosféricos com internet das coisas (IoT) aplicados em agricultura de precisão

This work consists in the development of a system for data acquisition of parameters in an agricultural application. For this, the system includes the monitoring of soil moisture and atmospheric sensors (temperature and relative humidity), in order to provide subsidies to farmers in decision-making, aiming at a future implementation of an automated irrigation system, with minimization of waste of water resources. Data acquisition is carried out by means of sensors connected to a microcontrolled system, and the signals are transmitted through a radio frequency module using LoRaWanTM protocol. Data is received at a gateway and made available in the cloud, applying Internet of Things (IoT) concepts, and can be monitored in real time in an academic interface. Additionally, the data can also be monitored through a simplified interface accessible through an app developed specifically for the application

Anticuerpos antifosfatidilserina en pacientes con síndrome antifosfolipido primario y en individuos sanos

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of IgM, IgG and IgA anti-phosphatidylserine (aPS) antibodies in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and in healthy controls; to analyze sensitivity, and specificity of aPS antibodies for the diagnosis of APS and finally to assess associations between aPS antibodies with specific APS manifestations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 36 female PAPS patients and in 200 blood donors. IgM, IgG, and IgA antiphosphatidylserine (aPS) antibodies were tested in PAPS patients and controls using an in house technique and a commercial kit. PAPS patients were also tested for lupus anticoagulant (LAC), IgM and IgG anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies, and for anti-β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies. Results: The prevalence of IgM, IgG, and IgA aPS antibodies in PAPS patients was as follows: 10.8-16.7%, 32.4-35.7%, and 16.1%, respectively. Although a relatively low sensitivity was found for aPS antibodies in PAPS, the specificity of IgM, IgG, and IgA aPS antibodies for PAPS was 94.7-98.9%, 95.3-96.3%, and 97.9%, respectively. All aPS isotypes were significantly associated with obstetric manifestations of APS. IgM aPS antibodies were associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. IgA aPS antibodies were associated with arterial thrombosis whereas IgG aPS antibodies were associated with an increased risk of venous thrombotic events. IgM and IgG aPS antibodies were frequently found in association with anti-β2GPI antibodies. Conclusions: The prevalence of aPS antibodies is low in PAPS but these antibodies are highly specific for PAPS and are associated with specific PAPS manifestations.Objetivo: Investigar la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-fosfatidilserina (aFS) de tipo IgM, IgG e IgA en pacientes con síndrome antifosfolípido primario (SAFP) y en controles sanos; analizar la sensibilidad y la especificidad de los anticuerpos aFS para el diagnóstico de aFS y finalmente, evaluar las asociaciones entre los anticuerpos específicos aFS y las manifestaciones clínicas del SAF. Métodos: Estudio transversal de 36 pacientes mujeres con SAFP y 200 donantes de sangre. Se determinaron anticuerpos antifosfatidilserina de tipo IgM, IgG e IgA en pacientes y controles con SAFP utilizando una técnica propia y un kit comercial. A los pacientes com SAFP también se les determinó el anticoagulante lúpico (ACL), los anticuerpos anticardiolipina IgM e IgG (aCL), y los anticuerpos anti-β2 glucoproteína I (anti-β2GPI). Resultados: La prevalencia de los anticuerpos AFS IgM, IgG, IgA en pacientes con SAFP fue la siguiente: 10,8-16,7%, 32,4-35,7%, y 16,1%, respectivamente. Aunque se encontro una sensibilidad relativamente baja para los anticuerpos AFS en el SAFP, la especificidad de los anticuerpos AFS IgM, IgG, IgA para el SAFP fue 94,7-98,9%, 95,3-96,3% y 97,9%, respectivamente. Todos los isotipos de AFS se asociaron significativamente con las manifestaciones obstétricas. Los anticuerpos AFS IgM se asociaron con un riesgo aumentado de trombosis venosa y arterial. Los anticuerpos AFS IgA se asociaron con la trombosis arterial mientras que los anticuerpos AFS IgG se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de eventos trombóticos venosos. Los anticuerpos AFS IgM e IgG se encuentran con frecuencia em asociación con anticuerpos anti-β2GPI. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de anticuerpos AFS es baja en SAFS pero estos anticuerpos son altamente específicos para SAFP y se asocian con manifestaciones SAFP específicos

Gestão compartilhada no contexto da saúde mental / Shared management in the mental health context

Introdução. A realidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no contexto da Saúde Mental, é vivenciada pelo profissional residente em Saúde Coletiva através da parceria com a equipe multiprofissional, da observância dos processos de trabalho, aplicação dos conteúdos de gestão e a integração com os usuários e familiares participantes da Assembleia e inseridos na rotina do Centro de Apoio Psicossocial (CAPS). Objetivo.Demonstrar a importância da participação e controle social diante da gestão compartilhada no contexto da Saúde Mental. Metodologia.Estudo com abordagem qualitativa, estruturado em relato de experiência sobre o percurso formativo em Saúde Coletiva, iniciado em maio de 2019 e finalizado em fevereiro de 2020. Foi realizada busca documental da Ata das reuniões do período de 2016 a 2020 e as informações contidas foram analisadas de acordo com os eixos temáticos mais prevalentes como dinâmicas de acolhimento, discussão de leis, assuntos afins à Saúde Mental e esclarecimento de dúvidas, pauta de reinvindicações, comunicação e controle social, problemas internos, dificuldades e conquistas. Resultados e Discussão.A Assembleia de Usuários, Familiares e Profissionais do CAPS Dr Abdoral Machado (Crateús, Ceará) é uma estratégia importante para o reconhecimento dos direitos e deveres, bem como espaço de promoção da saúde e combate a estigmas e preconceitos. Foi possível identificar 41 encontros de Assembleia que, juntamente com a vivência prática, foram fundamentais para compreender que as necessidades dos usuários são atendidas de forma equânime e humanizada e, ainda, com corresponsabilização diante dos desafios e conquistas. Conclusão.Esta experiência foi fundamental para aprendizagem prática no âmbito do SUS e no contexto da Saúde Mental, uma vez que utilizou dos mecanismos de coparticipação e controle social para o auxílio na tomada de decisão em meio à equipe gestora

Germination and seedling morphology of four South American Smilax (Smilacaceae)

Species of Smilax,, also known as greenbrier, are widely distributed in Brazil and their commercial trades are carried out by the extractivism of native species. We the aim to provide information about the germination and development of seedlings in four Smilax species, different experiments were developed under controlled conditions. We evaluated two germination treatments: temperature (30 degrees C and 20-30 degrees C) and light (presence/absence), and for few cases the tetrazolium treatment was applied. A different treatment response was observed among the studied species. Light had a significant influence in S. brasiliensis, with the highest germination rates at 20-30 C in dark conditions. S. campestris showed significant differences among temperature treatments, but not to light; while S. cissoides showed high germination rates (66-78%), independently of treatment. However, S. polyantha had low germination rates (19-24%). After one year, the expanded leaves showed different characteristics among the studied species. Leaves of S. brasiliensis were ovate, coriaceous, three main veins and prickle-like structures only on the midrib on abaxial face. S. campestris leaves were oblong, coriaceous and prickle-like structures were located at the leaf midrib and margin. S. cissoides had ovate-elliptic, membranaceous leaves, with three main veins with prickle-like structures on the abaxial face. S. polyantha leaves showed ovate-elliptic. coriaceous leaves, with three main veins, translucent secondary veins and no prickle-like structures. A seedling identification key was elaborated based on morphological characteristics. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (1): 495-504. Epub 2012 March 01.FAPESP (Sao Paulo Council for Research) BIOTAFAPESP (Sao Paulo Council for Research) - BIOTA [05/54984-5, 05/58964-9]CNPqCNP

Vaginose bacteriana em pacientes atendidas nos serviços de ginecologia da rede pública e privada de Juiz de Fora, MG: epidemiologia e aspectos diagnósticos / Bacterial vaginosis in patients treated at public and private gynecologic services in Juiz de Fora, MG: epidemiology and diagnostic aspects

Vaginose Bacteriana (VB) é uma síndrome polimicrobiana, caracterizada pelo desequilíbrio da microbiota vaginal, associada à substituição da população bacteriana vaginal predominantemente aeróbia (Lactobacillus spp.) por uma população anaeróbia (principalmente Gardnerella vaginalis), gerando descarga vaginal anormal em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Este trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a presença de VB entre as pacientes atendidas nos serviços de ginecologia da rede pública (SUS) e rede privada (RP), de Juiz de Fora, MG, utilizando o escore de Nugent, e estabelecer a validade e a confiabilidade do encontro de clue-cells como indicador da presença da síndrome, correlacionando aos resultados obtidos no exame preventivo (Papanicolaou). Amostras de secreção vaginal foram coletadas e processadas para isolamento seletivo. A presença de VB foi determinada por meio do escore de Nugent. A concordância entre a presença de clue-cells e o resultado positivo de Papanicolaou foi de 75,0% na RP e 57,1% no SUS. Os dados sugerem que a bacterioscopia pelo método de Gram pode ser uma técnica incorporada aos critérios diagnósticos de forma complementar ao Papanicolaou, auxiliando e agilizando o diagnóstico de VB.  

Características fermentativas e composição química da silagem de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor) com uso de aditivos absorventes / Fermentative characteristics and chemical composition of sorgo silage (Sorghum bicolor) with use of absorbents additives

(Sorghum bicolor), pois é uma planta que se adapta a variadas condições ambientais. A utilização de farelos de cereais como aditivos em silagens vem contribuindo como uma alternativa eficiente para a melhoria dos processos fermentativos, atuando diretamente nas características qualitativas da silagem. Desta maneira objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito da inclusão de diferentes níveis de aditivos absorventes, nas características fermentativas e na composição química da silagem de sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor). O experimento foi conduzido seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), em arranjo fatorial (3 farelos x 4 níveis) formando 12 tratamentos com 4 repetições, totalizando 48 minisilos. Desta maneira os tratamentos foram as seguintes combinações: SA - Silagem de sorgo sem aditivo; FA5 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de arroz (5%); FA10 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de arroz (10%);  FA20 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de arroz (20%);  FT5 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de trigo (5%);  FT10 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de trigo (10%);  FT20 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de trigo (20%); FS5 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de soja (5%); FS10 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de soja (10%);  FS20 - Silagem de sorgo + farelo de soja (20%). Verificou-se que a presença de aditivos na silagem proporcionou 32,26% menos perdas por bolores, leveduras e outros microrganismos, além de diminuir os teores de pH, FDN, e FDA do material ensilado, e proporcionando aumento da MS da silagem. Conclui-se que a inclusão de aditivos absorventes na silagem de sorgo proporcionou melhoria na qualidade do material ensilado

Sero-occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and vertical transmission in slaughtered beef cows (Bos indicus) Soro ocorrência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e transmissão vertical em vacas de corte (Bos indicus) abatidas

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite recognized as an important public health problem. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in pregnant and non pregnant zebus' breed beef cows (Bos indicus), their fetuses, killed at an abattoir in northern of Paraná state. In the present study 169 cows were evaluated, 92 pregnant (in different stages of gestation) and 77 non pregnant. Sero-occurrence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was performed by Indirect uorescent antibody test (IFAT) considering positive animals with titers ≥ 50 for cows and ≥ 25 for fetuses. Blood (with EDTA) from pregnant cows and blood and tissue samples (brain, lung, heart, and liver) from their fetuses were collected and used for mouse bioassay. Antibodies against T. gondii were observed in 26.0% of cows and 2.5% of fetuses. There was no statistical difference when prevalence of toxoplasmosis was compared between pregnant (23.9%), and non-pregnant (28.6%) animals, and age of gestation (p > 0.59). However, the occurrence of anti-T.gondii antibodies increased with age of animals (p=0.004). Mouse bioassay showed three fetuses positives (3.2%), however, none T. gondii strain was isolated. The present study showed that transplacental transmission of T. gondii naturally occurs in zebu beef cows from Brazil, however, in low rate (5.4%). The anti-T. gondii antibodies occurrence increase with the age of animals, which could be related to the fact that main transmission in cattle T. gondii is horizontal. Key words: Toxoplasmosis, zebu, vertical transmission Resumo Toxoplasma gondii é um protozoário reconhecido como um dos mais importantes parasitas em saúde pública. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra T. gondii em vacas de corte zebuínas (Bos indicus) gestantes, e seus fetos, bem como, em vacas não gestantes abatidas em um matadouro no norte do Paraná. No presente estudo foram avaliadas 169 vacas, 92 prenhas (em diferentes fases de gestação) e 77 não prenhas. A ocorrência de anticorpos contra T. gondii foi realizada por meio da reação de imuno uorescência indireta (IFI) considerando animais positivos aqueles com títulos ≥ 50 para as vacas e ≥ 25 para os fetos. Sangue (EDTA) de vacas prenhas e amostras de sangue e tecidos (cérebro, pulmão, coração, e fígado) de seus fetos foram coletadas e utilizadas para o bioensaio em camundongos. Anticorpos contra T. gondii foram observados em 26,0% das vacas e em 2,5% dos fetos Não houve diferença quando a soropositividade de anticorpos foi comparado entre vacas gestantes (23,9%), e não gestantes (28,6%), bem como, a idade da gestação (p > 0,59). No entanto, a ocorrência de anticorpos aumentou com a idade dos animais (p = 0,004). O bioensaio mostrou três fetos positivos (3,2%), porém, nenhuma cepa foi isolada. O presente estudo mostrou que a transmissão transplacentária de T. gondii ocorre naturalmente em vacas de corte zebuínas do Brasil, no entanto, esta ocorrência foi baixa (5,4%). A maior ocorrência de anticorpos associada com a idade dos animais poderia estar relacionada a transmissão horizontal do T. gondii nestes animais