Algebraically special solutions in AdS/CFT

We investigate the AdS/CFT interpretation of the class of algebraically special solutions of Einstein gravity with a negative cosmological constant. Such solutions describe a CFT living in a 2+1 dimensional time-dependent geometry that, generically, has no isometries. The algebraically special condition implies that the expectation value of the CFT energy-momentum tensor is a local function of the boundary metric. When such a spacetime is slowly varying, the fluid/gravity approximation is valid and one can read off the values of certain higher order transport coefficients. To do this, we introduce a formalism for studying conformal, relativistic fluids in 2+1 dimensions that reduces everything to the manipulation of scalar quantities.Comment: 30 pages + appendices, 2 figures; v2: typos corrected, ref. adde

Nectaries and reproductive biology of croton sarcopetalus (euphorbiaceae)

Flower morphology, nectary structure, nectar chemical composition, breeding system, floral visitors and pollination were analysed in Croton sarcopetalus, a diclinous-monoecious shrub from Argentina. Male flowers have five receptacular nectaries, with no special vascular bundles, that consist of a uniserial epidermis with stomata subtended by a secretory parenchyma. Female flowers bear two different types of nectaries: inner (IN) and outer (ON) floral nectaries. IN, five in all, are structurally similar to the nectaries of male flowers. The five ON are vascularized, stalked, and composed of secretory, column-shaped epidermal cells without stomata subtended by secretory and ground parenchyma. In addition, ON act as post-floral nectaries secreting nectar during fruit ripening. Extrafloral nectaries (EFN) are located on petioles, stipules and leaf margins. Petiolar EFN are patelliform, stalked and anatomically similar to the ON of the female flower. Nectar sampled from all nectary types is hexose dominant, except for the ON of the female flower at the post-floral stage that is sucrose dominant. The species is self-compatible, but geitonogamous fertilization is rarely possible because male and female flowers are not usually open at the same time in the same individual, i.e. there is temporal dioecism. Flowers are visited by 22 insect species, wasps being the most important group of pollinators. No significant differences were found in fruit and seed set between natural and hand pollinated flowers. This pattern indicates that fruit production in this species is not pollen/pollinator limited and is mediated by a wide array of pollinators. © 2001 The Linnean Society of London.Fil: Freitas, Leandro. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Bernardello, Gabriel Luis Mario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Galetto, Leonardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Paoli, Adelita. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasi

Application of compost-derivated carbon catalysts on catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of leachate waters from mechanical and biological treatment plant units for municipal solid waste

Alternatives to deal with municipal solid waste (MSW), such as mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plants, are a trend. In these plants, the organic matter is digested by anaerobic bacteria, generating biogas and reducing the solid mass, generating simultaneously a solid compost and a liquid leachate as side-streams. The leachate has a complex composition and cannot be treated by conventional wastewater treatment methods, while the compost is mainly used as an agriculture fertilizer, but the amount produced is higher than its demand. This work deals with the valorization of compost to produce hydrochars and biochars, through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis, respectively, with suitable properties to serve as catalysts for the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of the landfill waters generated in MBT (TOC = 27 g L-1, COD = 60 g L-1, 38.8 mS/cm and 5 g L-1 of chloride ions). Seven catalysts were produced from compost and characterized by several techniques. The catalysts were subjected to screening tests of H2O2 decomposition and the best two were selected to be further studied in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of leachate. The experimental conditions of the process, temperature, pH, catalyst load and H2O2 addition were studied seeking optimization. The best experimental conditions found were T = 80 ºC, pH = 3.0, 7.2 g L-1 of catalyst, 85.71 g L-1 of H2O2, added in five batches each hour. Under these experimental conditions, the hydrochar prepared at 230 ºC (HTC-230) achieved removal of 43 % of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC), turbidity, aromaticity, phenols, chlorides and 5-day biological oxygen demand, (BOD5) removals of 52, 95, 93, 72, 35 and 93 %, respectively. Resins were used to pre-treat the leachate, in order to enhance the CWPO results. Using a cationic adsorption resin (TP-207), considering again operating conditions of T = 80 ºC, pH = 3.0, 7.2 g L-1 of catalyst, 85.71 g L-1 of H2O2, the catalyst HTC-230 achieved 62 %, 55 %, is 97 %, 95 %, 46.5 %, and 97 % for COD, TOC, turbidity, aromaticity, chlorides, and BOD5.As unidades de tratamento mecânico e biológico (TMB) são alternativas para lidar com os resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU). Essas unidades através da digestão anaeróbia da matéria orgânica, geram biogás e reduzem a massa sólida, porém geram um resíduo sólido (convertido em composto) e águas lixiviantes (ou lixiviado) como sub-produtos. O lixiviado tem uma matriz complexa, o que inviabiliza o seu tratamento pelos métodos convencionais, enquanto o composto é usado principalmente como fertilizante agrícola. Este trabalho tem como objetivo a valorização do composto para a produção de materiais carbonáceos, através de carbonização hidrotérmica (CHT) e pirólise, respectivamente. Os materiais obtidos, com propriedades para atuarem como catalisadores no processo de oxidação catalítica com peróxido de hidrogénio (CWPO), são posteriormente usados no tratamento do lixiviado (TOC = 27 g L-1, CQO = 60 g L-1, 38,8 mS / cm e 5 g L-1 de iões cloreto). Neste trabalho foram produzidos sete catalisadores a partir de composto e caracterizados por diversas técnicas. Após testes de screening da atividade catalítica na reação de decomposição de H2O2, dois deles, o primeiro de pirólise e o segundo de CHT, C-800 e HTC-230, foram selecionados para ensaios de CWPO do lixiviado. Foram estudadas as condições experimentais para otimizar o processo, variando temperatura, pH, carga de catalisador e adição de H2O2. A condição experimental ótima encontrada foi T = 80 ºC, pH = 3,0, 7,2 g L-1 de catalisador, 85,71 g L-1 de H2O2, adicionados em cinco doses com 1 h de intervalo. Sob essas condições experimentais, o catalisador HTC-230 permitiu remoções de 43, 52, 95, 93, 72, 35 e 93% de carência química de oxigénio (CQO), carbono orgânico total (TOC), turbidez, aromaticidade, fenóis, cloretos e carência biológica de oxigénio de 5 dias (CBO5), respectivamente. Afim de potencializar os resultados de CWPO foram utilizadas resinas para pré-tratar o lixiviado. Utilizando a resina de adsorção catiónica TP-207, em condições de T = 80 ºC, pH = 3,0, 7,2 g L-1 de catalisador, 85,71 g L-1 de H2O2, o catalisador HTC-230 permitiu remoções de 62, 55, 97, 95, 46,5 e 97% de COD, TOC, turbidez, aromaticidade, cloretos e CBO5

A Causalidade Jurídica na Apuração das Consequências Danosas na Responsabilidade Civil Extracontratual

O presente trabalho trata da utilização e aplicação da causalidade jurídica na apuração, extensão e delimitação das consequências dos danos decorrentes da responsabilidade civil extracontratual subjetiva. A tese propõe a individualização de elementos que favoreçam uma nova leitura e abordagem da causalidade com vistas à determinação de uma zona circunscrita à reparação de danos e à criação de um modelo teórico de referência para a aplicação prática na seleção dos danos indenizáveis. Está dividido em duas partes. Na primeira, tratam da origem, da noção e do desenvolvimento conceitual da causalidade, até a assunção de uma causalidade jurídica e da aplicação das teorias da causalidade na solução de problemas de responsabilidade civil; a individualização de elementos integrantes da causalidade para a verificação e a aplicação na apuração de danos. Na segunda, a utilização da causalidade jurídica na seleção dos danos indenizáveis, a sua inserção no Código Civil brasileiro, em matéria de indenização, e a formulação de um regime de imputação; os casos difíceis, os danos por ricochete e os de perda de oportunidades, verificado na perda de uma chance, e a prova da causalidade, incluindo os casos de presunção.This work approaches the use and application of legal causality in the calculation, extent and delimitation of the consequences of damage from subjective extra-contractual liability. The thesis proposes the individualization of elements that favor a new reading and approach of causality in view of determining a restricted zone to repair damages and the creation of a theoretical model of reference for the practical application in the selection of compensable damage. It is divided into two parts. The first deals with the origin, development and conceptual notion of causality, to the assumption of a legal causality and application of causality theories in solving liability issues; individualization of integral elements of causality for the verification and application in the calculation of damages. Second, the use of legal causality in the selection of compensable damage, its insertion into the Brazilian Civil Code, relating to compensation, and the formulation of a charging system; difficult cases, rebound damages and lost opportunity damages, found with the loss of a chance, and proof of causality, including cases of presumption.La présente recherche aborde l’utilisation et l’application de la causalité juridique dans l’analyse, l’extension et la délimitation des conséquences des dommages résultant de la responsabilité civile extracontractuelle subjective. La thèse propose l’individualisation des éléments, favorisant une lecture et approche nouvelles de la causalité pour la détermination d’une zone circonscrite à la réparation de dommages et pour la création d’un modèle théorique de référence pour l’application pratique dans la sélection des dommages indemnisables. Elle a été divisée en deux parties. La première aborde l’origine, la notion et le développement conceptuel de la causalité, jusqu’à l’avènement d’une causalité juridique et l’application des théories de la causalité dans la résolution de problèmes à responsabilité civile ; l’individualisation d’éléments intégrants de la causalité pour la vérification et l’application dans l’analyse de dommages. Dans la deuxième, il est question de l’utilisation de la causalité juridique dans la sélection des dommages indemnisables, de son insertion dans le code civil brésilien en matière d’indemnisation, et de la formulation d’un régime d’imputation ; les cas difficiles, les dommages par ricochet et ceux de pertes d’opportunités, en étant vérifiée la perte d’une opportunité, et la preuve de la causalité, y compris les cas de présomption

Residual biomass characterization and evaluation of its influence on pyrolysis processes

Biomass is extensively accepted as one of the main potential sources for sustainable and renewable generation of fuels, chemicals and other carbon-based materials. Many advantages are reported using biomass as an energy source, such as being a non-polluting alternative and its carbon neutrality. Numerous processes can be used to convert biomass, and namely the pyrolysis process is a renewable, economical, and efficient way to produce chemicals and/or energy. Therefore, pyrolysis is an available technology for biomass conversion into energy. It consists of a thermal decomposition process with the absence of oxygen, converting biomass into 3 fractions: biochar (solid fraction), bio-oil (liquid fraction) and gases. Hence, pyrolysis is a recognized industrial process for biomass energy and chemical conversion. The bio-oil and biochar can be used as a fuel and as fertilizer respectively, and the gases can be recycled back into the process. Biomass samples were characterized by proximate analysis, determining fixed carbon, moisture, volatiles and ashes composition, and by ultimate analyses, determining the content of C, H, N, S and O. The content of hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose was also determined. The methodologies are described elsewhere [1-3] and all characterizations were performed on a dry basis. Pyrolysis tests were performed in a fixed-bed vertical pyrolysis oven, with a maximum temperature of 500 to 700C, variable heating rate up to 50C/min, retention time of 0.5 h, and N2 flow of 20 mL/min. The bio-oil and biochar were qualitatively characterized using FTIR and the products distribution was analyzed in relation to the biomass samples previous characterizationThis work is funded by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT) within the framework of the SUBe Project, ref.: PCIF/GVB/0197/2017. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Biomass characterization and pyrolysis towards bio-oil production

One of the greatest challenges humanity has to deal with nowadays is climate change. An important strategy to mitigate climate change is replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy [1]. Biomass is considered one of the world's most promising renewable energy sources, mainly due to its nearly endless availability. Worldwide, each year plants convert approximately 125 gigatons of carbon from atmosphere into biomass, which is equivalent to almost 300 million tons of oil per day [2]. There are many advantages in using biomass as an energy source, namely its carbon neutrality and being a non-polluting source. In this context, the main technologies for fuel and/or energy production from biomass are pyrolysis, gasification, or combustion.This work is funded by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT) within the framework of the SUBe Project, ref.:PCIF/GVB/0197/2017.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of temperature on the pyrolysis of residual biomass

One of the greatest challenges humanity has to deal with nowadays is climate change. In this context, residual biomass is considered a critical potential source for its mitigation, as biomass is a renewable, sustainable and nearly endless available source for the generation of fuels, chemicals and other carbon-based materials. Due to its carbon neutrality, residual biomass is being widely studied, and one of the main technologies for fuel and/or energy production are pyrolysis, gasification, or combustion [1]. Among technologies for biomass conversion, pyrolysis is widely used. It consists of a thermal decomposition process in an atmosphere without oxygen, to convert biomass into biochar, bio-oil and gases, generating no waste during the process [2]. The complexity of biomass pyrolysis arises from the difference in the decomposition of the biomass components combined with the several parameters encompassed on the pyrolysis process. The reaction mechanisms and reaction rates depend on the thermal processing conditions and reactor designs, among those the pyrolysis temperature significantly influences the distribution and properties of the productsThis work is funded by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT) within the framework of the SUBe Project, ref.: PCIF/GVB/0197/2017. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of heating rate on the pyrolysis of residual biomass for biochar production

Biochar is a carbon-rich solid product of biomass thermal conversion, which contains several properties for a wide range of applications that promote the attention of industries and researchers. The porous structure of char particles enables its application as soil fertilizer, adsorbent, catalyst, among others [1]. In this context, biomass is a critical resource, as it can be used for biochar production at the same time produce renewable energy, being able to mitigate climate change phenomena. There are many advantages to using biomass as an energy source, namely its carbon neutrality and being a nonpolluting source. In this context, the main technologies for fuel and/or energy production from biomass are pyrolysis, gasification, or combustion [2]. Among technologies for biomass conversion, pyrolysis is widely used, consisting of a thermal decomposition process in absence of oxygen, to convert biomass into biochar, bio-oil and gases, generating no waste during the processThis work is funded by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT) within the framework of the SUBe Project, ref.: PCIF/GVB/0197/2017. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Statements production in current biopolitical strategies:the issue of quality of life

Quality of life is an expression with a strong presence nowadays, so there's a discursive profusion in which this expression transits through several fields and themes and presents different meanings. The aim of this work is to think this quality of life and this discursive profusion around it through the contributions ofFoucault and Deleuze on the concept of statement and statement analysis, in order to render visible some statements of quality of life. Once these statements are rendered visible it's possible to problematize this multiple and ambiguous presence of quality of life in our actuality