Bioreactor for microalgal cultivation systems: strategy and development

Microalgae are important natural resources that can provide food, medicine, energy and various bioproducts for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and aquaculture industries. Their production rates are superior compared to those of terrestrial crops. However, microalgae biomass production on a large scale is still a challenging problem in terms of economic and ecological viability. Microalgal cultivation system should be designed to maximize production with the least cost. Energy efficient approaches of using light, dynamic mixing to maximize use of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nutrients and selection of highly productive species are the main considerations in designing an efficient photobioreactor. In general, optimized culture conditions and biological responses are the two overarching attributes to be considered for photobioreactor design strategies. Thus, fundamental aspects of microalgae growth, such as availability of suitable light, CO2 and nutrients to each growing cell, suitable environmental parameters (including temperature and pH) and efficient removal of oxygen which otherwise would negatively impact the algal growth, should be integrated into the photobioreactor design and function. Innovations should be strategized to fully exploit the wastewaters, flue-gas, waves or solar energy to drive large outdoor microalgae cultivation systems. Cultured species should be carefully selected to match the most suitable growth parameters in different reactor systems. Factors that would decrease production such as photoinhibition, self-shading and phosphate flocculation should be nullified using appropriate technical approaches such as flashing light innovation, selective light spectrum, light-CO2 synergy and mixing dynamics. Use of predictive mathematical modelling and adoption of new technologies in novel photobioreactor design will not only increase the photosynthetic and growth rates but will also enhance the quality of microalgae composition. Optimizing the use of natural resources and industrial wastes that would otherwise harm the environment should be given emphasis in strategizing the photobioreactor mass production. To date, more research and innovation are needed since scalability and economics of microalgae cultivation using photobioreactors remain the challenges to be overcome for large-scale microalgae production

Um toque na masculinidade: a prevenção do câncer de próstata em gaúchos tradicionalistas Un toque a la masculinidad: la prevención del cáncer de próstata en gauchos tradicionalistas A touch on masculinity: prostate cancer prevention in traditionalist Gauchos

Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 88 gaúchos tradicionalistas participantes do Acampamento Farroupilha de 2009. Objetivou-se verificar a adesão desses gaúchos tradicionalistas aos exames preventivos de câncer de próstata, analisando, também, quais variáveis influenciam na adesão ao exame de toque retal. Os entrevistados possuíam média de idade de 58,5 anos, com alto salário e elevada escolaridade. Grande parte (92%) residiu maior tempo em zona urbana, fazia acompanhamento de saúde em instituição particular (70,5%) e realizou algum exame preventivo para o câncer de próstata (83%). Os que fizeram exame preventivo possuíam maior escolaridade, renda e consultavam em instituição particular. Houve menor procura aos exames preventivos por aqueles que moraram a maior parte da sua vida em zona rural. Contudo, não houve relação do local onde residiu o maior tempo com a adesão ao exame de toque retal. Os achados indicam semelhança na adesão aos exames preventivos a outros estudos realizados no Brasil.<br>Este estudio transversal y cuantitativo fue realizado con 88 gauchos tradicionalistas que participaron del Campamento Farroupilha en 2009. Se verificó la adhesión de los participantes a los exámenes preventivos del cáncer de próstata, analizando, también, cuales variables influyen en la adhesión al examen de tacto rectal. Los encuestados tenían edad media de 58,5 años, con altos salarios y nivel de escolaridad. Gran parte (92%) había residido mayor tiempo en las zonas urbanas, hacía acompañamiento de salud en instituciones privadas (70,5%) e hizo algún examen preventivo de cáncer de próstata (83%). Los que han realizado examen preventivo tenían mayor nivel de escolaridad, renta y atención de salud en institución privada. Hubo menos demanda de exámenes preventivos por los que habían vivido más tiempo en la zona rural. Sin embargo, no hubo relación entre el lugar de residencia y la adhesión al examen de tacto rectal. Los resultados indican similitud en la adhesión a los exámenes preventivos de otros estudios realizados en Brasil.<br>This cross-sectional and quantitative study was carried out with 88 traditionalist gauchos, who took part in the Farroupilha Camp in 2009. It verified their adherence to prostate cancer examination, also analyzing which variables influence in the adherence to digital rectal examination. Participants had an average age of 58.5 years, with high income and schooling level. Most (92%) lived longer in urban areas, had health follow-up at private health services (70.5%) and have had some preventive examination for prostate cancer (83%). The ones who had preventive examination had higher education, income and access to private health services. There was lower demand for preventive exams by those who lived most of their lives in the rural area. However, there was no relationship between the place where participants lived longer and adherence to digital rectal examination. Findings indicate correspondence in the adherence to preventive examinations with other studies carried out in Brazil