BF models, Duality and Bosonization on higher genus surfaces

The generating functional of two dimensional $BF$ field theories coupled to fermionic fields and conserved currents is computed in the general case when the base manifold is a genus g compact Riemann surface. The lagrangian density $L=dB{\wedge}A$ is written in terms of a globally defined 1-form $A$ and a multi-valued scalar field $B$. Consistency conditions on the periods of $dB$ have to be imposed. It is shown that there exist a non-trivial dependence of the generating functional on the topological restrictions imposed to $B$. In particular if the periods of the $B$ field are constrained to take values $4\pi n$, with $n$ any integer, then the partition function is independent of the chosen spin structure and may be written as a sum over all the spin structures associated to the fermions even when one started with a fixed spin structure. These results are then applied to the functional bosonization of fermionic fields on higher genus surfaces. A bosonized form of the partition function which takes care of the chosen spin structure is obtainedComment: 17 page

Dilution and magnification effects on image analysis applications in activated sludge characterization

The properties of activated sludge systems can be characterized using image analysis procedures. When these systems operate with high biomass content, accurate sludge characterization requires samples to be diluted. Selection of the best image acquisition magnification is directly related to the amount of biomass screened. The aim of the present study was to survey the effects of dilution and magnification on the assessment of aggregated and filamentous bacterial content and structure using image analysis procedures. Assessments of biomass content and structure were affected by dilutions. Therefore, the correct operating dilution requires careful consideration. Moreover, the acquisition methodology comprising a 100 magnification allowed data on aggregated and filamentous biomass to be determined and smaller aggregates to be identified and characterized, without affecting the accuracy of lower magnifications regarding biomass representativeness.AGERE (Empresa de Águas, Efluentes e Resíduos de Braga – EM) and AGS(Administração e Gestão de Sistemas de Salubridade, S.A.)Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT

Design and simulation of high-speed nanophotonic electro-optic modulators

In this work, an ultracompact electro-optic modulator based on refractive index modulation by plasma dispersion effect in PhC all-optical gate (AOG) is proposed. The index modulation is achieved by applying a time-varying bias voltage across the electrical contacts of the AOG. The proposed modulator has potential for high-speed operation, with bandwidths in excess of 30GHz achievable

A comparison between bright field and phase-contrast image analysis techniques in activated sludge morphological characterization

Different approaches using microscopy image analysis procedures were employed for characterization of activated sludge systems. The approaches varied mainly on the type of visualization and acquisition method used for collection of data. In this context, this study focused on the comparison of the two most common acquisition methods: bright field and phase-contrast microscopy. Images were acquired from seven different wastewater treatment plants for a combined period of two years. Advantages and disadvantages of each acquisition technique and the results are discussed. Bright field microscopy proved to be more simple and inexpensive and provided the best overall results.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BD/32329/2006, POCI/AMB/57069/200

Inheritance of resistance to Puccinia psidii G. Winter in a eucalyptus interspecific hybrid progeny evaluated under conditions of natural infection

A ferrugem, causada pelo fungo Puccinia psidii, é atualmente a mais importante doença do eucalipto. Esta doença está amplamente disseminada pelo Brasil e causa sérios danos em viveiros e plantações. A identificação de germoplasma resistente aliado ao conhecimento da base genética da resistência são os requerimentos primordiais para o sucesso de programas de melhoramento visando à produção de cultivares resistentes. Estudos anteriores sobre a herança da resistência em condições controladas sugerem tanto uma herança monogênica como a participação de pelo menos 2 genes conferindo resistência à doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência a P. psidii, em condições de campo em quatorze progênies obtidas a partir de cruzamentos e auto-cruzamentos controlados entre quatro clones híbridos de Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden x Eucalyptus urophylla ST Blake,que contrastam para a resistência ao fungo. Os resultados indicam que a resistência pode ser explicada por um loco com efeito principal e pelo menos três alelos diferentes, com interações entre os alelos, resultando no fenótipo de resistência ou suscetibilidade. Entretanto, locos com menor efeito devem influenciar a resistência, uma vez que foram observadas variações nas classes de severidade da escala utilizada. Nenhuma diferença na segregação para a resistência foi observada entre cruzamentos recíprocos, sugerindo que não existe influência citoplasmática no controle deste caráter.Rust caused by the fungus Puccinia psidii is currently the most important disease of eucalyptus. It is widely disseminated in Brazil, and causes serious damage in nurseries and plantation areas. The identification of resistant germplasm along with knowledge of the genetic basis of resistance heredity are the first requirements for the success of breeding programs aiming to develop resistant varieties. Earlier studies carried out under controlled conditions suggested a monogenic control as well as the participation of at least two genes promoting resistance to rust. The goal of this study was to evaluate the resistance to P. psidii under field conditions in fourteen progenies from controlled crosses and self-crosses among four hybrid clones of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden x Eucalyptus urophylla ST Blake that contrast for resistance to the fungus. Results indicated that resistance could be explained by one locus with main effects and at least three different alleles. However, loci with minor effects may influence the resistance, since variation on severity classes was observed. Differences in segregation of resistance between reciprocal crosses were not observed, indicating absence of cytoplasmic effects.Votorantim Celulose e PapelConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Phenolic compounds characterization by LC-DAD- ESI/MSn and bioactive properties of Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut. and Ephedra alata Decne

Scientific research has been focused on finding natural occurring molecules from plant origin. Herein, infusion, decoction and hydroethanolic extracts of Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut. and Ephedra alata Decne. from Algeria were phytochemically characterized by LC-DAD-ESI-MSn, and evaluated regarding bioactive properties (antioxidant and antibacterial). Flavonol and flavone glycoside derivatives and phenolic acids, specially rosmarinic acid and kaempferol-O-glucuronide were the major compounds in T. algeriensis extracts. Otherwise, E. alata presented isoflavones and flavonol derivatives as main compounds, being hydroxypuerarin isomer 1 the major molecule. Aqueous extracts had significantly higher antioxidant activity, being this activity correlated with the amount of phenolic compounds. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against multi-resistant bacteria strains from clinical isolates. The obtained MIC values indicate that the hydroethanolic extracts revealed the highest effect, especially the one of T. algeriensis against Gram-positive bacteria. Hence, these plant extracts could be used in the development of bioactive ingredients.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013), S. Heleno grant (SFRH/BPD/101413/2014) and L. Barros contract. The authors are also grateful to the Interreg España-Portugal for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Optimizing The Inspection Routine For The Detection Of Electrical Energy Theft In Aes Eletropaulo In São Paulo, Brazil

This work describes the development of a non-invasive and low-cost process that allows for the improvement of the energy theft inspection routine, increasing the field inspection team productivity and reducing the customer's embarrassment in cases where no irregularity is found. This new process is based on the development of an electronic Ah meter device that can be installed on the customer's pole input connections to the power lines. Using the recorded Ah value in the device, it is possible to estimate, within a margin of error, the energy consumption of the customer during a small period, typically one week. This energy value is compared to the customer's regular energy meter reading for the same period. A comprehensive statistical study performed with a database of more than 80000 customers in distribution area of the utility company AES Eletropaulo in São Paulo, Brazil concludes that the comparison between these readings can clearly indicate when tampered or defective meters are found.728089Depuru, S., Wang, L., Devabhaktuni, V., Gudi, N., Measures and setbacks for controlling electricity theft (2010) IEEE North American Power Symposium-NAPS(2009) Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, , U. S. Agency for International Development Washington, D. C., Transforming Electricity Consumers into Customers: Case Study of a Slum Electrification and Loss Reduction Project in São Paulo, BrazilOnat, N., Transmission and distribution losses of Turkey's power system (2010) Proceedings of the 4th WSEAS Conference on Advances in Energy Planning, Environmental Education and Renewable Energy SourcesSmith, T., Electricity theft comparative analysis (2003) Energy Policy, 32, pp. 2067-2076Fitch, M., Graham, C., (2000) Electricity and Gas Theft, , Centre for Utility Consumer Law, University of Leicester, UKKenny, C., Soreide, T., (2008) Grand Corruption in Utilities, , World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 4805Sarpa, C., (2008) Electricity Theft and Non-payment: Impact on the sa Generation Capacity Crisis, , Yelland, Conference PaperOnat, N., Techno-economic analysis of illegal electricity usage in Turkey and policy proposals (2010) WSEAS Transactions on Power Systems, 3, pp. 213-222Stajic, Z., Janjic, A., Simendic, Z., Power quality and electrical energy losses as a key drivers for smart grid platform development (2011) Proceedings of the 15th WSEAS International Conference on Systems - Recent Researches in System Science, pp. 417-422Kadurek, P., Blom, J., Cobben, J., Kling, W., Theft detection and smart metering practices and expectations in the Netherlands (2010) Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe) IEEE PESOliveira-De Jesus, P., Alvarez, M., De Ponce Leao, M., Yusta, J., A novel approach to evaluate incremental transmission losses (2009) WSEAS Transactions on Power Systems, 1, pp. 12-21Ghajar, R.F., Khalife, J., Cost/benefit analysis of an AMR system to reduce electricity theft and maximize revenues for Électricité du Liban (2003) Applied Energy, 76 (1-3), pp. 25-37. , DOI 10.1016/S0306-2619(03)00044-8Nagi, J., Mohammad, A., Yap, K., Tiong, S., Ahmed, S., Non-technical loss analysis for detection of electricity theft using support vector machines (2008) Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), pp. 907-912(2008) MSP430FE42x Mixed Signal Microcontroller Data-sheet, , Texas Instruments(2011) CC2550 Low-cost Low-power 2.4 GHz RF Transmitter Data-Sheet, , Texas InstrumentsMorais, F., (2011) Development of an Electronic Wireless RMS Current Meter for Applications in Detection of Electrical Energy Theft, , M. Sc. Thesis in Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Computer and Electrical Engineering, University of Campinas, BrazilPomilio, J., Deckmann, S., Characterization and compensation of harmonics and reactive power of residential and commercial loads (2007) IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery,

Biological activity of pumpkin byproducts: antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Pumpkin fruits are widely appreciated and consumed worldwide. In addition to their balanced nutritional profile, pumpkin species also present valuable bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties to them. However, the seeds, peels, and fibrous strands resulting from pumpkin processing are still poorly explored by the food industry. The current study used those fruit components from the genotypes of pumpkin that are economically significant in Portugal and Algeria to produce bioactive extracts. In order to support their usage as preservatives, their phenolic content (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and antioxidant (OxHLIA and TBARS) and antimicrobial properties (against eight bacterial and two fungal strains) were assessed. In terms of phenolic profile, the peel of the Portuguese ‘Common Pumpkin’ showed the most diversified profile and also the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, with considerable concentrations of (-)-epicatechin. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the seeds of ‘Butternut Squash’ from both countries stood out, while the fibrous strands of Portuguese ‘Butternut Squash’ and the seeds of Algerian ‘Gold Nugget Pumpkin’ revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity. The bioactive compounds identified in the pumpkin byproducts may validate their enormous potential as a source of bio-based preservatives that may enhance consumers’ health and promote a circular economy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Of Co(oh)2 Nanoparticle-coated α-fe2o3 Nanorings

The production of hydrogen from water using only a catalyst and solar energy is one of the most challenging and promising outlets for the generation of clean and renewable energy. Semiconductor photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production by water photolysis must employ stable, non-toxic, abundant and inexpensive visible-light absorbers capable of harvesting light photons with adequate potential to reduce water. Here, we show that α-Fe 2O3 can meet these requirements by means of using hydrothermally prepared nanorings. These iron oxide nanoring photocatalysts proved capable of producing hydrogen efficiently without application of an external bias. In addition, Co(OH)2 nanoparticles were shown to be efficient co-catalysts on the nanoring surface by improving the efficiency of hydrogen generation. 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Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and leaf water potential in crabwood (Carapa guianensis)

Leaf water potential is one of the most important factors affecting stomatal functioning. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of variation in diurnal irradiance and vapour pressure deficit on photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g s) and leaf water potential (psi) in Carapa guianensis (Aubl.). Data were collected from 07:00 to 17:00 h. Photosynthetic rates reached a maximum (2.5 µmol m-2 s-1) at 10:00 h, thereafter declined to a minimum of 1 µmol m-2 s-1 at 16:00 h. Stomatal conductance oscillated during the day, from 0.04 mol m-2 s-1 (at midday) to 0.02.mol.m-2.s-1 at the end of the afternoon. Leaf water potential was higher early in the morning (-0.3 MPa) and lower (-0.75 MPa) at mid-afternoon (14:30 -15:00 h). After reaching a minimum, psi increased up to -0.64 MPa at sunset. Photosynthetic rates increased linearly as a function of g s (P < 0.01). Also there was a positive relationship between psi and g s (P< 0.01). Photosynthetic rates declined during the day after reaching a peak early in the morning, which makes clear that environmental factors that influence psi greatly affect carbon assimilation of C. guianensis.O potencial hídrico da folha é um dos fatores mais importantes que afetam o funcionamento dos estômatos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da variação diurna na irradiância e déficit de pressão de vapor (DPV) na fotossíntese (A), condutância estomática (g s) e potencial hídrico da folha (psi) em Carapa guianensis (Aubl.). Os dados foram coletados de 07:00 às 17:00 h. A taxa fotossintética atingiu um valor máximo (2,5 µmol m-2 s-1) às 10:00 h, depois declinou até atingir um mínimo de 1 µmolm-2 s-1 às 16:00 h. A condutância estomática oscilou durante o dia, de 0,04 molm-2s-1 (ao meio dia) para 0,02 molm-2s- 1 no final da tarde. O potencial hídrico da folha foi máximo nas primeiras horas do dia (-0,3 MPa) e mínimo (-0,75 MPa) no meio da tarde (14:30 a 15:00 h). Após ter alcançado um mínimo, o psi aumentou até -0,64 MPa no fim da tarde. A taxa fotossintética aumentou linearmente em função do g s (P < 0,01). Também houve uma relação positiva entre psi e g s (P < 0,01). A taxa fotossintética declinou durante o dia após ter alcançado um pico no início da manhã, demonstrando que os fatores ambientais que afetam o psi têm efeito significativo na assimilação do carbono de C. guianensis