Size-selected silver clusters on polymer surfaces as plasmonic transducers for nano-biosensors

The phenomenon of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) was used for detection of proteins incubated on size-selected silver clusters embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layers. The silver clusters were produced by magnetron sputtering and subsequently sizeselected by electrostatic quadrupole mass spectrometer (EQMS). The size-selection process was followed by the deposition of silver clusters with low kinetic energies, i.e. in a soft-landing regime on PMMA, in order to avoid the deformation and/or fragmentation of the silver clusters. The role of PMMA hardness (viscosity) on cluster immersion was investigated to control the homogeneity in distribution of clusters, which can be partly or fully embedded in PMMA. The viscosity of the polymers was found to be an essential part in the immersion of the silver nanoparticles into the polymer, which can be controlled through tuning of its viscosity or hardness utilizing simple thermal annealing of the samples. The optical properties of the silver clusters - in particular the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) – were measured with the optical absorption spectra of the silver clusters, in which was possible to clearly identify an intensity and a resonance band of the deposited clusters. Proteins of interest were incubated on the clusters utilizing antibody-antigen scheme and clear change in the parameters of the LSPR band was observed allowing protein detection and demonstrating applicability of the fabricated composites in bio-sensing

Samples Certification in Colorimetry for CIELAB Color Space

The present study was developed in the Metrology Department (DMET) of the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ). The objective was to participate to the development of a field of colorimetry based on spectrophotometry. Indeed, spectrophotometry ensures high accuracy measurement results, which can be very beneficial for studies in colorimetry, allowing a better quality in the processes of the colors linearization. As colorimetry only deals with the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is required to befall the spectrophotometry measurements along all that region of the spectrum. Then using the reflectance or the transmittance measured by the spectrophotometer, the data collected can be used to determine the chromaticity coordinates of a sample in diverse color spaces. In this work, the CIELAB color space was chosen to be explored due to being a uniform color space, facilitating comparisons between different colors, due to equal distances in this color space, representing equal perceived color differences and to establish a correspondence with the RAL system, which is an European color matching system, developed by the RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labeling.O presente trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de espectrofotometria Departamento de Metrologia do Instituo Português de Qualidade. O objetivo traçado visava o desenvolvimento de um estudo ligado à colorimetria baseado na espectrofotometria. A espectrofotometria garante elevado rigor nas medições, o que pode ser benéfico para estudos na colorimetria, permitindo um aumento de qualidade nos processos de linearização das cores. Como a colorimetria apenas se dedica ao estudo da região visível do espectro eletromagnético, é necessário que as medições espectrofotométricas ocorram apenas nessa região. Usando o fator de reflexão ou transmissão medido pelo espectrofotómetro, os dados recolhidos podem ser depois usados para determinar coordenadas cromáticas de amostras em diversos espaços de cores. Neste trabalho, o espaço de cores CIELAB foi escolhido para ser explorado enquanto um espaço de cores uniforme, facilitando comparações entre cores diferentes, devido às distâncias observadas neste espaço de cores representarem as mesmas diferenças de cores percecionadas pelo observador e para estabelecer uma correspondência com o sistema RAL , que é um sistema europeu de correspondência de cores, desenvolvido pelo German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labeling

José Ricardo Tauile: contribuições para a economia solidária

The objective of the present paper is to highlight some of the contributions by José Ricardo Tauile to the studies of solidary economy. To that end, four of his articles were selected, and are presented and analyzed here with a view to demonstrating his endeavors toward establishing solidary economy in Brazil, especially concerning the formulation of public policies. It must be stressed that Tauile`s involvement with solidary economy went beyond theory, a fact which allows him to be regarded as a militant optimist.Este texto tem como objetivo destacar algumas das contribuições de José Ricardo Tauile para os estudos da economia solidária. Para tanto, selecionou-se quatro artigos do autor, aqui apresentados e analisados na perspectiva de evidenciar seu esforço para a constituição da economia solidária no Brasil, especialmente no que diz respeito a formulação de políticas públicas. Deve-se ressaltar que seu envolvimento com a economia solidária ultrapassou o campo teórico, o que lhe rende o título de otimista militante

Differential Interests of Agricultural College Students as Measured by the Kuder Preference Record

The Kuder Preference Record has enjoyed wide usage as a counselor\u27s aid in determining categorical interests of individuals. Many studies have been made in an attempt to discover differential interests of occupational groups and of those engaged in the pursuit of various college curricula. Such significant differences in interests as are found have been deemed to be of valuable assistance to the vocational and educational counselor. So far as the writer has been able to discover, little use has been made of the Kuder Preference Record in the measurement of interests of college students pursuing an agricultural curriculum. This may be due to the fact that, until the recent publication of Form C, there was no section of the Kuder Record which, by title at least, was suggestive of interests of those engaged in or preparing for agricultural work. While the outdoor section of Form C is pertinent for agricultural activities in general, it is reasonable to assume that the differential· interests which might occur in the other nine sections have important implications for guidance

Accuracy of ITK-SNAP software for 3D analysis of a non-regular topography structure

To evaluate the accuracy of ITK-SNAP software for measuring volumes of a non-regular shape structure, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, besides for developing a mathematical model to correct the software measurement error in case it existed. A phantom made by moulding a rubber duck’s head was filled with total (38,000 mm3) and partial volumes of water (7000 mm3, 14,000 mm3, 21,000 mm3, 28,000 mm3 and 35,000 mm3), which constituted the gold standards. The sound phantom and the phantom filled with different volumes of water were scanned in a Picasso Trio CBCT unit set at 80 kVp, 3.7 mA, 0.2 mm3 voxel and 12 × 8.5 cm field of view. Semi-automatic segmentation was performed with ITK-SNAP 3.0 software by two trained oral radiologists. Linear regression analyzed the relation between ITK-SNAP calculated volumes and the gold standard. Intraclass correlation coefficient was applied to analyze the reproducibility of the method. Significance level was set at 5%. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between ITK-SNAP volumes and the gold standard (F = 22,537.3, p < 0.0001), with an R2 of 0.9993. The average error found was 4.7 (± 4.3) %. To minimize this error, a mathematical model was developed and provided a reduction of it. ICC revealed excellent intra-examiner agreements for both examiners 1 (ICC = 0.9991, p < 0.0001) and 2 (ICC = 0.9989, p < 0.0001). Likewise, inter-examiner agreement was excellent (ICC = 0.9991, p < 0.0001). The software showed to be accurate for evaluating non-regular shape structures. The mathematical model developed reduced an already small error on the software’s measurements36183189COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES00

A IESOL e a experiência adquirida com o trabalho de incubação na formação crítica e comprometida com o avanço e fortalecimento da economia solidária em Ponta Grossa e Região dos Campos Gerais

O trabalho desenvolvido pela Incubadora de Empreendimentos Solidários da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa – IESol/UEPG tem como objetivo principal o acompanhamento e assessoramento aos trabalhadores que optam pela economia solidária, através do que chamamos de processo de incubação. Tal processo visa contemplar as diversas demandas trazidas pelos trabalhadores, compreendendo desde as questões mais técnicas como aquelas de natureza mais política. Para que isso ocorra, é necessário que as equipes da incubadora – constituídas por alunos e funcionários da universidade, além de voluntários – estejam em permanente formação para se tornarem aptas aos desafios que o trabalho requer. Estes desafios adquirem maior relevância uma vez que a economia solidária não é matéria estudada na universidade, a não ser por opções isoladas de alguns professores – e por isso os participantes da IESol/UEPG assumem o papel de formadores e auto-formadores neste assunto que é ainda recente na academia. A presente comunicação pretende analisar, mediante resultados obtidos através de pesquisa, as percepções de alunos e técnicos da IESol/UEPG sobre a experiência adquirida com o trabalho de incubação, e em que medida ela é capaz de contribuir para a formação de profissionais críticos e comprometidos com o avanço e fortalecimento da economia solidária e das transformações sociais.Eje 2. Economía social y Universidad, una relación estratégica para la expansión y fortalecimiento desde la educaciónFacultad de Ciencias Económica

A IESOL e a experiência adquirida com o trabalho de incubação na formação crítica e comprometida com o avanço e fortalecimento da economia solidária em Ponta Grossa e Região dos Campos Gerais

O trabalho desenvolvido pela Incubadora de Empreendimentos Solidários da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa – IESol/UEPG tem como objetivo principal o acompanhamento e assessoramento aos trabalhadores que optam pela economia solidária, através do que chamamos de processo de incubação. Tal processo visa contemplar as diversas demandas trazidas pelos trabalhadores, compreendendo desde as questões mais técnicas como aquelas de natureza mais política. Para que isso ocorra, é necessário que as equipes da incubadora – constituídas por alunos e funcionários da universidade, além de voluntários – estejam em permanente formação para se tornarem aptas aos desafios que o trabalho requer. Estes desafios adquirem maior relevância uma vez que a economia solidária não é matéria estudada na universidade, a não ser por opções isoladas de alguns professores – e por isso os participantes da IESol/UEPG assumem o papel de formadores e auto-formadores neste assunto que é ainda recente na academia. A presente comunicação pretende analisar, mediante resultados obtidos através de pesquisa, as percepções de alunos e técnicos da IESol/UEPG sobre a experiência adquirida com o trabalho de incubação, e em que medida ela é capaz de contribuir para a formação de profissionais críticos e comprometidos com o avanço e fortalecimento da economia solidária e das transformações sociais.Eje 2. Economía social y Universidad, una relación estratégica para la expansión y fortalecimiento desde la educaciónFacultad de Ciencias Económica

Venus’ Cloud-Tracked Winds Using Ground- and Space-Based Observations with TNG/NICS and VEx/VIRTIS †

Characterizing the wind speeds of Venus and their variability at multiple vertical levels is essential for a better understanding of the atmospheric superrotation, constraining the role of large-scale planetary waves in the maintenance of this superrotation, and in studying how the wind field affects clouds’ distribution. Here, we present cloud-tracked wind results of the Venus nightside, obtained with unprecedented quality using ground-based observations during July 2012 with the near-infrared camera and spectrograph (NICS) of the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) in La Palma. These observations were performed during 3 consecutive days for periods of 2.5 h starting just before dawn, sensing the nightside lower clouds of Venus close to 48 km of altitude with images taken at continuum K filter at 2.28 μm. Our observations cover a period of time when ESA’s Venus Express was not able to observe these deeper clouds of Venus due to a failure in the infrared channel of its imaging spectrometer, VIRTIS-M, and the dates were chosen to coordinate these ground-based observations with Venus Express’ observations of the dayside cloud tops (at about 70 km) with images at 380 nm acquired with the imaging spectrometer VIRTIS-M. Thanks to the quality and spatial resolution of TNG/NICS images and the use of an accurate technique of template matching to perform cloud tracking, we present the most detailed and complete profile of wind speeds ever performed using ground-based observations of Venus. The vertical shear of the wind was also obtained for the first time, obtained by the combination of ground-based and space-based observations, during the Venus Express mission since the year 2008, when the infrared channel of VIRTIS-M stopped working. Our observations exhibit day-to-day changes in the nightside lower clouds, the probable manifestation of the cloud discontinuity, no relevant variations in the zonal winds, and an accurate characterization of their decay towards the poles, along with the meridional circulation. Finally, we also present the latitudinal profiles of zonal winds, meridional winds, and vertical shear of the zonal wind between the upper clouds’ top and lower clouds, confirming previous findings by Venus ExpressPortuguese Fundação Para a Ciência e a Tecnolo- gia (ref. PD/BD/128019/2016 (R.G.), 2021.05455.BD (F.B.) and project P-TUGA ref. PTDC/FIS- AST/29942/2017 (P.M., J.P., R.G., F.B., and M.SFEDER through COMPETE 2020 (ref. POCI-01-0145 FEDER-00767

Distribuição de Cladocera ao longo de um gradiente ambiental no ecótono Cerrado-Amazônia : um estudo preliminar

Objetivo: Nosso objetivo neste estudo é entender a distribuição de espécies de Cladocera ao longo de um gradiente ambiental em florestas e paisagens agrícolas no sul da Amazônia. Métodos Coletamos comunidades de Cladocera e variáveis ambientais em cinco riachos e verificamos suas associações com uma Análise de Redundância. Resultados Acroperus tupinamba, Alonella dadayi e Kisakiellus aweti foram mais associados a locais com maior cobertura do dossel. Já Anthalona neotropica, Anthalona verrucose e Flavalona iheringula ocorreram exclusivamente no local com maior profundidade de talvegue. Conclusões Se estes resultados forem confirmados, as comunidades de Cladocera de riachos são afetadas por mudanças no uso da terra. Mais estudos nessa linha são extremamente necessários para reduzir essa lacuna de conhecimento.Aim Our objective in this study is to understand Cladocera species distribution along an environmental gradient in forest and cropland landscapes in the southern Amazon. Methods We collected Cladocera communities and environmental variables from five streams and verified their associations with a Redundancy Analysis. Results Acroperus tupinamba, Alonella dadayi e Kisakiellus aweti were mostly associated to sites with higher canopy cover. Anthalona neotropica, Anthalona verrucose and Flavalona iheringula occurred exclusively in site with more thalweg depth. Conclusions If these results are confirmed Cladocera stream communities are affected by changes in land use. Further studies in this line are extremely necessary to reduce this knowledge gap

In Situ AFM Imaging of Adsorption Kinetics of DPPG Liposomes: A Quantitative Analysis of Surface Roughness

IF/00808/2013 (POPH, UE-FSE). M.R. acknowledges the financial support from the project PTDC/FIS-NAN/0909/2014, FCT, Portugal.The adsorption of intact liposomes on surfaces is of great importance for the development of sensors and drug delivery systems and, also, strongly dependent on the surface roughness where the liposomes are adsorbed. In this paper, we analyzed, by using atomic force microscopy in liquid, the evolution of the morphology of gold surfaces and of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) surfaces with different roughness during the adsorption of liposomes prepared with the synthetic phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)]. Our results reveal the following. On smooth surfaces of Au only and Au with PAH, the liposomes open and deploy on the substrate, creating a supported-lipid bilayer, with the opening process being faster on the Au/PAH surface. On rough substrates of Au coated with polyelectrolyte multilayers, the liposomes were adsorbed intact on the surface. This was corroborated by power spectral density analysis that demonstrates the presence of superstructures with an average lateral size of 43 and 87 nm, in accordance with two and four times the mean liposome hydrodynamic diameter of about 21 nm. In addition, this work presents an adequate and effective methodology for analysis of adsorption phenomena of liposomes on rough surfaces.preprintepub_ahead_of_prin