Jerusalem artichoke as low-cost fructose-rich feedstock for fossil fuels desulphurization by a fructophilic bacterium

Aims: Through biodesulphurization (BDS) is possible to remove the sulphur present in fossil fuels to carry out the very strict legislation. However, this biological process is limited by the cost of the culture medium, and thus, it is important to explore cheaper alternative carbon sources, such as Jerusalem artichoke (JA). These carbon sources usually contain sulphates which interfere with the BDS process. The goal of this work was to remove the sulphates from Jerusalem artichoke juice (JAJ) through BaCl2 precipitation viewing the optimization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) desulphurization by Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B. Methods and Results: Using a statistical design (Doehlert distribution), the effect of BaCl2 concentration (0·125–0·625%) and pH (5–9) was studied on sulphate concentration in hydrolysed JAJ. A validated surface response derived from data indicated that zero sulphates can be achieved with 0·5–0·55% (w/v) BaCl2 at pH 7; however, parallel BDS assays showed that the highest desulphurization was obtained with the juice treated with 0·5% (w/v) BaCl2 at pH 8·73. Further assays demonstrated that enhanced DBT desulphurization was achieved using hydrolysed JAJ treated in these optimal conditions. A total conversion of 400 µmol l-1 DBT into 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP) in <90 h was observed, attaining a 2-HBP maximum production rate of 28·2 µmol l-1 h-1 and a specific production rate of 5·06 µmol-1 g-1(DCW) h-1. Conclusions: These results highlight the efficacy of the treatment applied to JAJ in making this agromaterial a promising low-cost renewable feedstock for improved BDS by the fructophilic strain 1B. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is a fundamental step viewing BDS application at the industrial level as it accounts a cost-effective production of the biocatalysts, one of the main drawbacks for BDS scale-up

Surface response methodology towards optimal carotenoids production by Gordonia Alkanivorans Strain 1B [Poster]

ABSTRACT: The process of obtaining carotenoids, mainly towards sectors that may influence the human health, such as pharmaceutical and cosmetic, is strictly regulated because of the potential toxicity of the synthetically derived pigments. Thus, microbial pigments are in increasing demand since they are a promising natural and safe alternative source for various industrial applications. Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B is a fructophilic desulfurizing bacterium, which was also shown to be a good producer of carotenoids. However, its production abilities presented a great variation, depending on the conditions it was submitted to. In previous works, both the carbon source and sulfur source, demonstrated a great influence in the total carotenoid concentration, especially when combined with the presence of a light source. So, in this study, a surface response methodology based on the Doehlert distribution for two factors (% of glucose in a mix glucose + fructose (10 g/L total sugars), and sulfate concentration) was used aiming to get the optimal carotenoids production by G. alkanivorans strain 1B.N/

Influence of culture conditions towards optimal carotenoid production by Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B

ABSTRACT: With the increasing awareness on the toxicity of several synthetic dyes, demand for pigments from natural sources, such as microbial carotenoids, has gained interest as a promising safe alternative colour additive. In this study, a surface response methodology based on the Doehlert distribution for two factors [% of glucose in a mixture of glucose + fructose (10 g/L total sugars), and sulfate concentration] was used towards the optimal carotenoids production by Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B in the presence of light (400 lx). Time influence on pigment production by this bacterium was also evaluated, as well as the cell viability profile during longer incubation periods at optimal conditions. Indeed, the highest carotenoid production (2596-3100 mu g/g(DCW)) was obtained when strain 1B was cultivated in the optimal conditions: glucose 10 g/L and sulfate >= 22 mg/L, in the presence of light for 19 days at 30 degrees C, 150 rpm. Flow cytometry showed that the highest production was somehow related with the cellular stress. These results highlight the great potential of strain 1B as a new hyperpigment producer to be exploited towards several applications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Surgical site infections in colorectal surgery and generic prevention bundles

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Finite element simulation of daily activities held by the intervertebral disc

The spine is a complex system, capable of maintaining stability and simultaneously performing movements and the lumbar region is fundamental for this ability. The present work aims to validate a Finite Elements (FE) model of a lumbar motion segment, through numerical simulation of the required mobility on the intervertebral disc, accordingly to some daily activities. For this study, only the simplest motion on the spine was simulated: flexion, extension and lateral bending. The biomechanical response of the FE model has proved to be suitable for predictions on flexion, but on extension and lateral flexion unexpected extension angles were obtained. These results showed the need of improvements in the mesh geometry, along with the introduction of a model considering of the external ligaments restraining effect, in order to get a more reliable and closer to reality simulation of the all biomechanical system

“Brecha da Arrábida”: an update summary including physical tests and mechanical properties

The Arrábida Breccia is a carbonate conglomeratic breccia occurring only in the chain with the same name, located in the central-occidental part of Portugal, close to the Setúbal city. It has been used from the last 2.000 years, since the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, until the exploration was completely stopped after the creation of the Natural Park of Arrábida in 1976. The uses of the Arrábida Breccia evolved along time, i) starting to be used by romans in the foundations of buildings and in the pavement of roads in the beginning of the first millennium, ii) then both as a structural and ornamental stone inside and outside the monuments that were regionally widespread built mainly the discoveries epoch of Portugal in the 15 and 16th centuries (the “Manueline’s style”) and finally, iii) as a decorative stone during the Baroque and Modern periods inside many palaces built during the following centuries. This evolution is related to the perception of the architects of the strong weatherability of the Arrábida Breccia when exposed to the external agents. In this work we will present for the first time the physical-mechanical properties of this stone, since they were never performed and published because the interdiction of exploitation was before the publication in 1992 of the first Portuguese catalog of ornamental stones. Special thanks to the company "ETMA – Empresa Transformadora de Mármores de Alentejo, S.A.” for the yield and preparation of the 129 test pieces necessary to carry out the tests, even more because it is a stone that although the company has in store, is available in small quantities. The scarcity of the material and its necessity for restoration works in buildings and other historical patrimonial assets requires that, with some urgency, a National inventory of available material be made since, as mentioned, the exploration from the known deposits is interdicted. The tests performed were: abrasion test (mm); apparent porosity (%); bending strength (kg/cm2); breaking load at the level of the natural stone anchoring hole; coefficient of absorption of water by capillarity of natural stone; compression breaking load after freezing test (kg/cm2); compression breaking load (kg/cm2); impact test: minimum fall height (cm); petrographic analysis; resistance to aging by thermal shock of natural stone; resistance to slipping of natural stone by means of the friction pendulum; thermal linear expansion coefficient max. val. (per ºC); volumetric weight (kg/m3) and water absorption at N.P. conditions (%). Tests that require the use of the thermal chamber to test the behavior before and after the ice-defrost cycles, due to technical issues, are still underway.For all determined properties it was verified that the values are within the expected limits for carbonated ornamental rocks. The obtained values and a comparative analysis with other rocks will be presented in the work to which this summary corresponds

MOTIVAÇÃO PARA ESTUDAR MATEMÁTICA: o desafio constante em manter o aluno interessado nas aulas

Os professores, em geral, não somente os educadores de matemática, se deparam com a difícil arte de manter seus alunos interessados o suficiente em suas disciplinas, para poderem de fato realizar a contento a sua desafiadora missão de ensinar. Contudo, ao professor de matemática, isto parece ainda mais desafiador, uma vez que a disciplina é vista para a grande maioria dos alunos como uma vilã entre as inúmeras a que ele é submetido ao aprendizado. Refletir a motivação e reconhecer a sua necessidade é o caminho que iremos percorrer neste trabalho,procurando entender o que desmotiva os alunos. Quais formas e/ou recursos temos potencialmente disponíveis como aliados nesta missão? Dentro deste cenário de desafio, destacaremos a importância da motivação do aluno para o aprendizado, de pensar um ambiente favorável ao crescimento e desenvolvimento do aluno, e ainda, um olhar sobre os muros das escolas, isto é, tomar ciência de outras realidades que são impactantes e também decisivas para o sucesso do ensino-aprendizagem: a família e a sociedade em que o aluno está inserido

Streamlining the biodesulfurization process: development of an integrated continuous system prototype using Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B†

ABSTRACT: Biodesulfurization is a biotechnological process that uses microorganisms as biocatalysts to actively remove sulfur from fuels. It has the potential to be cleaner and more efficient than the current industrial process, however several bottlenecks have prevented its implementation. Additionally, most works propose models based on direct cultivation on fuel, or batch production of biocatalysts followed by a processing step before application to batch biodesulfurization, which are difficult to replicate at a larger scale. Thus, there is a need for a model that can be adapted to a refining process, where fuel is being continuously produced to meet consumer needs. The main goal of this work was to develop the first bench-scale continuous biodesulfurization system that integrates biocatalyst production, biodesulfurization and fuel separation, into a single continuous process, taking advantage of the method for the continuous production of the biodesulfurization biocatalysts previously established. This system eliminates the need to process the biocatalysts and facilitates fuel separation, while mitigating some of the process bottlenecks. First, using the bacterium Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B, continuous culture conditions were optimized to double biocatalyst production, and the produced biocatalysts were applied in batch biphasic biodesulfurization assays for a better understanding of the influence of different factors. Then, the novel integrated system was developed and evaluated using a model fuel (n-heptane + dibenzothiophene) in continuous biodesulfurization assays. With this system strain 1B surpassed its highest biodesulfurization rate, reaching 21 μmol h−1 g−1. Furthermore, by testing a recalcitrant model fuel, composed of n-heptane with dibenzothiophene and three alkylated derivatives (with 109 ppm of sulfur), 72% biodesulfurization was achieved by repeatedly passing the same fuel through the system, maintaining a constant response throughout sequential biodesulfurization cycles. Lastly, the system was also tested with real fuels (used tire/plastic pyrolysis oil; sweet and sour crude oils), revealing increased desulfurization activity. These results highlight the potential of the continuous biodesulfurization system to accelerate the transition from bench to commercial scale, contributing to the development of biodesulfurization biorefineries, centered on the valorization of sulfur-rich residues/biomasses for energy production.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Population Divergence of Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera: Meliponina) in Two Restricted Areas in Bahia, Brazil

Melipona scutellaris Latreille has great economic and ecological importance, especially because it is a pollinator of native plant species. Despite the importance of this species, there is little information about the conservation status of their populations. The objective of this study was to assess the diversity in populations of M. scutellaris coming from a Semideciduous Forest Fragment and an Atlantic Forest Fragment in the Northeast Brazil, through geometric morphometric analysis of wings in worker bees. In each area, worker bees were collected from 10 colonies, 10 workers per colony. To assess the diversity on the right wings of worker bees, 15 landmarks were plotted and the measures were used in analysis of variance and multivariate analysis, principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and clustering analysis. There were significant differences in the shape of the wing venation patterns between colonies of two sites (Wilk’s λ = 0.000006; p &lt; 0.000001), which is probably due to the geographical distance between places of origin which impedes the gene flow between them. It indicates that inter and intrapopulation morphometric variability exists (p &lt;0.000001) in M. scutellaris coming from two different biomes, revealing the existence of diversity in these populations, which is necessary for the conservation of this bee species.

Strength training adaptations associated with an 8-week suspension training program in prepubecent boys

The effectiveness of suspension training (ST) on strength has not been investigated in prepubescent children yet. Thirty-eight boys (10.87±0.50 years) were randomly assigned into an experimental group (ST: n=20) to train twice a week for 8 weeks, and a control group (C: n=18; no training program). In the post-training, it was observed a significant difference and large effect size of group on training-induced explosive strength (F(1,36)=15.30, p<0.001, =0.74). Explosive strength measures significantly increased only on the ST group. Differences were observed in the 1 and 3 kg medicine ball throws (5.8 and 8.8%, respectively, p<0.001), in the counter movement vertical jump (7.2%, p<0.001), in the standing long jump (7.4%, p<0.001) and in the time-at-20m (1.2%, p<0.001). This could be considered an alternative methodology to optimize explosive strength training in school-based programs.O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os efeitos de treino de força (ST) com TRX® na força explosiva em rapazes pré-púberes. Trinta e oito rapazes (10.87±0.50 anos) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente num grupo experimental (ST: n=20) para treinar duas vezes por semana, durante 8 semanas, e um grupo de controlo (C: n=18; sem programa de treino). No pós-treino, foi observado um efeito estatisticamente significativo e de elevada dimensão do fator grupo na força explosiva induzida pelo treino (F(1,36)=15.30, p<0.001, =0.74). As medidas de força explosiva melhoraram significativamente apenas no grupo ST. Observaram-se diferenças nos lançamentos de bolas medicinais de 1 e 3 kg (5.8 e 8.8%, respetivamente, p<0.001), no salto vertical com contramovimento (7.2%, p<0.001), no salto longitudinal (7.4%, p<0.001) e no tempo de corrida de 20m (1.2%, p<0.001). O treino de força com TRX® poderá ser considerado como alternativa para otimizar o treino da força explosiva na escola