Liquid-liquid equilibrium of ethanolysis and glycerolysis reactional systems

Orientadores: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles, Ronei Jesus PoppiTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de AlimentosResumo: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar dados de equilíbrio líquido-líquido de sistemas reacionais de interesse na produção de biodiesel via rota etílica e a correlação destes dados empregando o modelo NRTL. A técnica instrumental de espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo aliada a métodos quimiométricos (neste trabalho, esta união foi chamada de ¿método NIR¿) foram utilizados para quantificação das composições das fases em equilíbrio. Inicialmente, com a proposta de validar o método NIR, dados de equilíbrio para o sistema óleo de algodão neutro + ácido linoléico comercial + etanol anidro foram determinados a 25 °C pelo método convencional, baseado na titulação ácido-base e evaporação do solvente, e pelo método NIR. O erro relativo entre as composições determinadas por ambos os métodos analíticos foi de 2,07 %. Posteriormente, diagramas de equilíbrio foram determinados para sistemas contendo óleo vegetal + etanol anidro + hexano a 25 °C, sendo os seguintes óleos vegetais investigados: óleo de algodão neutro, óleo de soja refinado, óleo de soja degomado, óleo de canola refinado e óleo de milho refinado. Ademais, foram determinados sistemas contendo óleo de soja refinado + etanol anidro + hexano a (40 e 55) °C, óleo de canola refinado + etanol anidro + hexano a (40 e 55) °C e óleo de palma refinado + etanol anidro + hexano a (45 e 55) °C. Os seguintes sistemas foram também determinados: óleo de soja refinado + etanol anidro + biodiesel etílico a (25 e 40) °C e biodiesel etílico + glicerol + etanol anidro a (25 e 40) °C. Todos os sistemas apresentaram desvios no balanço de massa global menores que 0,5 % e desvios na correlação empregando o modelo NRTL menores que 1,5 % os quais indicaram a boa qualidade dos dados experimentais e o bom desempenho do método NIRAbstract: The objective of this work was to determine liquid-liquid equilibrium data for systems of interest in biodiesel production via ethylic route and their correlation using the NRTL model. The instrumental technique of near infrared spectroscopy allied to chemometric methods (in this work, this union was called of ¿NIR method¿) were used for quantification of the phase compositions in equilibrium. Initially, with the purpose of validating the NIR method, equilibrium data for the system pretreated cottonseed oil + commercial linoleic acid + anhydrous ethanol were determined at 25 °C by conventional method, based on acid-base titration and solvent evaporation, and by NIR method. The relative error between the phase compositions determined by both analytical methods was 2.07 %. Subsequently, equilibrium diagrams were determined for systems containing vegetable oil + anhydrous ethanol + hexane at 25 °C, being the following vegetables oils investigated: pretreated cottonseed oil, refined soybean oil, degummed soybean oil, refined canola oil, and refined corn oil. Furthermore, were determined systems containing refined soybean oil + anhydrous ethanol + hexane at (40 and 55) °C, refined canola oil + anhydrous ethanol + hexane at (40 and 55) °C, and refined palm oil + anhydrous ethanol + hexane at (45 and 55) °C. The following systems also were determined: refined soybean oil + anhydrous ethanol + ethylic biodiesel at (25 and 40) °C, and ethylic biodiesel + glycerol + anhydrous ethanol at (25 and 40) °C. All systems presented overall mass balance deviations lower than 0.5 % and deviations in correlation using the NRTL model lower than 1.5 %, which indicated the good quality of the experimental data and the good performance of the NIR methodDoutoradoDoutor em Engenharia de Alimento

Optimizing Gateway™ technology (Invitrogen) to construct Rhizobium leguminosarum deletion mutants

The study of the role of different genes in Rhizobium leguminosarum requires the generation of mutants by homologous recombination. In this communication we describe a novel approach to obtain deletion mutants of genes in Rhizobium using Gateway TM Cloning technology (Invitrogen) and a new vector (pK18-attR), both conjugative and Rhizobium specific, that carries the recombination tails of Gateway system. This tool is a new alternative to the classic approach based on cloning using restriction enzymes. The first step consists of designing directed oligonucleotides with specific tails for isolating recombination fragments and a resistance marker cassette to an antibiotic by PCR. The three inserts are cloned by homologous recombination in three specific vectors, in a single step. The last step consists of multisite-directed recombination of the three donor vectors to the pK18-attR destination vector. After recombination, this vector loses the ccdB gene, whose expression results in synthesis of a DNA gyrase that is lethal to carrier cells and thus guarantees the effectiveness in obtaining clones that carry the homologous construction to the subsequent recombination in Rhizobiu

USO CONSCIENTE DE ÁGUA EM PRÉDIOS PÚBLICOS, ESTUDOS ANALÍTICOS, PLANEJAMENTO E GESTÃO - ESTUDO DE CASO

Em prédios públicos, o consumo de água é relativamente alto, haja vista a falta de gestão específica sobre o assunto. A ausência de monitoramento, de manutenção e de conscientização dos usuários são os principais fatores que contribuem para o excesso de desperdício. Faz-se necessária, então, a investigação do consumo real de água nos prédios públicos, mais precisamente os de atendimento direto aos cidadãos, efetuando-se a comparação do consumo teórico da população atendida (elaborado no projeto da edificação) com o consumo real, considerando o tempo médio de permanência desse público no imóvel, bem como as peculiaridades de cada atendimento, tendo como exemplo o acompanhante da pessoa atendida, bem como casos de perícia médica. O presente trabalho relata um estudo, que se encontra em andamento, cuja análise se concentra na demanda de água em prédios do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS), vinculados à Gerência Executiva desse órgão, no município de Contagem-M.G, abrangendo 13 unidades de atendimento. Para tal, está sendo elaborado estudo de demandas específicas em cada uma dessas unidades, para, posteriormente, se efetuar a comparação e avaliação estatística dos resultados, com a propositura de soluções que minimizem esses desperdícios e criem conscientização e gestão sustentável da água nos prédios públicos.

Climate-radial growth relationship of polylepis australis along an altitudinal gradient in the Sierras Grandes de Córdoba, Argentina

Altitudinal gradients represent strategic sites for studying the relationships between climate and growth in woody species. Polylepis australis Bitt. is an endemic tree of Central and Northwest Argentina mountains, growing between 900 and 2800 m a. s. l. in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba. Previous studies found that radial growth changes with elevation, suggesting that different climatic factors regulate growth along the altitudinal distribution. However, the specific growth response to climatic factors remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate how varies the relationship between the radial growth of P. australis and temperatures and the precipitations along an altitudinal gradient in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba. Three sampling points were established at 1200, 2100 and 2700 m a. s. l. In winter 2004 and spring 2014, dendrochronological samples were collected and ring-width chronologies were developed at the three altitudes. From the three chronologies obtained it was found that the radial growth decreases with increasing altitude and the intermediate and higher altitudes show similar interannual growth variations that could be associated with a common climatic tree-growth response. To determine the effect of temperatures and precipitations on the radial growth rate of P. australis, correlations were made between climatic chronologies and ring width chronologies. Our results suggested a significant and positive correlation between annual growth and temperatures in the November and March months. At the lower altitudinal level, growth rings were not significantly correlated with climatic variations. The present work constitutes the first dendroclimatic study developed on P. australis woodlands.Altitudinal gradients represent strategic sites for studying the relationships between climate and growth in woody species. Polylepis australis Bi�. is an endemic tree of Central and Northwest Argentina mountains, growing between 900 and 2800 m a. s. l. in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba. Previous studies found that radial growth changes with elevation, suggesting that different climatic factors regulate growth along the altitudinal distribution. However, the specific growth response to climatic factors remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate how varies the relationship between the radial growth of P. australis and temperatures and the precipitations along an altitudinal gradient in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba. Three sampling points were established at 1200, 2100 and 2700 m a. s. l. In winter 2004 and spring 2014, dendrochronological samples were collected and ring-width chronologies were developed at the three altitudes. From the three chronologies obtained it was found that the radial growth decreases with increasing altitude and the intermediate and higher altitudes show similar interannual growth variations that could be associated with a common climatic tree-growth response. To determine the effect of temperatures and precipitations on the radial growth rate of P. australis, correlations were made between climatic chronologies and ring width chronologies. Our results suggested a significant and positive correlation between annual growth and temperatures in the November and March months. At the lower altitudinal level, growth rings were not significantly correlated with climatic variations. The present work constitutes the first dendroclimatic study developed on P. australis woodlands.Fil: Lanza, Maricel G.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Ecología y Recursos Naturales Renovables; ArgentinaFil: Marcora, Paula Inés. 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: Chartier, Marcelo Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; Argentin

Processamento da polpa de abóbora para fabricação de doce cristalizado

A abóbora é uma hortaliça da família da Cucurbitaceae, se destaca por ser rica em substâncias como a pró-vitamina A, zinco, fósforo, cálcio e ferro, além de ter grande potencial de expansão no mercado de vegetais. Com o grande aumento no consumo de produtos minimamente processados, a industrialização surge como uma alternativa para reduzir os desperdícios após o corte e descascamento, melhorando a sua conservação. O presente trabalho teve como finalidade avaliar a cristalização da polpa da abóbora de variedades diferentes (moranga e jacarezinho), a caracterização físico-química em diferentes tempos de armazenamento e avaliação sensorial dos doces produzidos. Os doces foram armazenados durante 45 dias em temperatura ambiente a 25 °C e 30 % de UR e em local refrigerado com 10 °C ± 1 °C e 50 % de UR. As avaliações físico-químicas foram realizadas ao 0, 15, 30 e 45 dias de armazenamento para os dois modos de armazenamento. As amostras de abóbora e de doce foram analisadas quanto ao teor de umidade, cinzas, pH, lipídeos, atividade de água, carotenoides, e análise sensorial. Os resultados mostraram que algumas características como umidade, atividade de água, teor de carotenoides e cor diminuíram ao longo do tempo nas duas condições de armazenamento, porém, o doce armazenado em temperatura ambiente a 25 °C e 30 % de UR apresentou perda mais acentuada do que o doce armazenado em local refrigerado com 10 °C ± 1 °C e 50 % de UR. Para a análise sensorial, os produtos das duas variedades tiveram boa aceitação pelo teste de aceitação de sabor, aroma, aparência e impressão global que foi realizado através da escala hedônica

Q-Learnheuristics: towards data-driven balanced metaheuristics

One of the central issues that must be resolved for a metaheuristic optimization process to work well is the dilemma of the balance between exploration and exploitation. The metaheuristics (MH) that achieved this balance can be called balanced MH, where a Q-Learning (QL) integration framework was proposed for the selection of metaheuristic operators conducive to this balance, particularly the selection of binarization schemes when a continuous metaheuristic solves binary combinatorial problems. In this work the use of this framework is extended to other recent metaheuristics, demonstrating that the integration of QL in the selection of operators improves the exploration-exploitation balance. Specifically, the Whale Optimization Algorithm and the Sine-Cosine Algorithm are tested by solving the Set Covering Problem, showing statistical improvements in this balance and in the quality of the solutions

Investigation on the Anticonvulsant Potential of Luteolin and Micronized Luteolin in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide, and an important number of patients (30%) fail to respond to any available antiepileptic drug. Previous studies have shown that luteolin presents a promising potential as an anticonvulsant. On the other hand, different studies showed that luteolin does not promote anticonvulsant effects. Therefore, there is a lack of consensus about the use of luteolin for seizure control. Luteolin low bioavailability could be a limiting factor to obtain better results. Attractively, micronization technology has been applied to improve flavonoids bioavailability. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of luteolin on its raw form and micronized luteolin in a PTZ-induced seizure model in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our results demonstrate that luteolin and micronized luteolin did not block PTZ-induced seizures in adult zebrafish. Also, luteolin and micronized luteolin did not provoke behavioral changes. Finally, our results show that 24 h after seizure occurrence, no changes were detected for p70S6Kb, interleukin 1β, and caspase-3 transcript levels. Altogether, we failed to observe an anticonvulsant potential of luteolin in adult zebrafish, even in its micronized form. However, we recommend new studies to investigate luteolin benefits in epilepsy.Fil: Garbinato, Cristiane. No especifíca;Fil: Alves Lima Rezende, Cássia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Schneider, Sabrina Ester. No especifíca;Fil: Pedroso, Jefferson. No especifíca;Fil: dos Santos, Aline E.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Petry, Fernanda. No especifíca;Fil: Aguiar, Gean Pablo S.. No especifíca;Fil: Girardi Müller, Liz. No especifíca;Fil: Lanza, Marcelo. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Piato, Angelo. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Vladimir Oliveira, J.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Siebel, Anna Maria. No especifíca

Cd-tolerance markers of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen plants: Anatomical and physiological features

Physiological and anatomical features of Cd-tolerance in Pfaffia glomerata were examined by exposing plantlets to nutrient solutions with increasing Cd concentrations (0, 15, 45, and 90 μmol Cd L-1), and possible Cd-tolerance markers were established. Cd contents were found to be higher in roots than in shoots. According to the bio-concentration factor data, this species is effectively a Cd-hyperaccumulator, as previously attested. Cd induced the appearance of xeromorphic characteristics in leaves (decreased water potential, increased numbers and decreased stomata size) and increased root endodermis thickness. The enzymatic antioxidant systems of roots and leaves were differently affected by Cd. The coordinated activities of antioxidant enzymes were effective in reducing Cd-induced reactive oxygen species in plants, mainly in leaves. Root endodermis thickness, stomatal size and numbers, root superoxide dismutase, and guaiacol peroxidase, as well as leaf guaiacol peroxidase and catalase activities can all be considered Cd-tolerance markers in Pfaffia glomerata. Due to its high root Cd accumulation, Pfaffia glomerata may be useful in Cd-phytoextraction programs, however the pharmacological use of plants grown in the presence of Cd must be avoided

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure