Worldwide (poly)phenol intake: assessment methods and identifed gaps

Introduction: (Poly)phenols (PPs) are plant secondary metabolites widely distributed in dietary sources, and several evidences show that consumption of PP has a positive impact in human health. However, the correct estimation of food intake and the estimation of PP content of foods are essential to associate PPs intake with health effects. Purpose: This review aimed to gather information from several studies on PP intake in different countries, compare methods used for both assessment of food intake and PP quantification and highlight existing gaps and future directions. Methods: Twenty-four studies of PP intake from thirteen countries were selected for analysis. The selected studies included assessment of all plant food groups contributing to PP intake, total PP content and/or content of major classes (flavonoids or phenolic acids), a large study population and both genders. Results and conclusion: Most studies presented daily intakes of extractable (poly)phenols. Very few studies have determined intake of non-extractable (poly)phenols, which is a very important fraction of PPs contributing to total PP intake. High heterogeneity was observed among countries regarding the intake of total PP intake and the two main PP classes. This may reflect not only different diet patterns, but also different methods used for collecting food consumption data and estimation of PP content. Thus, criteria of harmonization are suggested regarding assessment of food intake, determination of PP content in foods and validation with biomarkers.FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Preparação e caracterização de nanocompósitos de polipirrol e nanofibra de celulose incorporados com grafeno e nanopartículas de ferro (II) e manganês (II)

The development of new materials that are more economical, efficient and environmentally sustainable with the most varied purposes in different areas are gaining prominence. In this way, the association of natural and conductive polymers has shown promise, such as cellulose nanofiber (CNF), a renewable and biodegradable polymer, which has good mechanical properties that can be added to the materials to which it is incorporated, and the polypyrrole, a conductive polymer that presents electrical properties of semiconductor materials and can be associated with other materials. Several studies have been proposing numerous applications for these materials, such as electromagnetic shielding, capacitors, electronic devices and biosensors. The combination of these polymers makes it possible to develop conductive films with excellent mechanical properties. This work aims to produce a nanocomposite based on cellulose nanofiber (CNF), supplied by the company Suzano, and polypyrrole, also incorporating different concentrations of graphene oxide and magnetic nanoparticles of iron and manganese oxide, and to observe the effects that the different concentrations of these components generate. Polypyrrole was synthesized chemically in the presence of cellulose nanofibers. The reduced graphene oxide was produced by the modified Hummers method, exfoliated in an ultrasound processor and reduced with hydrazine. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) of iron and manganese were synthesized from manganese and iron chloride. After the synthesis, the conductive membranes were prepared following a factorial design varying the composition of reduced graphene oxide and magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), in percentages from 0.54% to 17.46% by mass, and then filtered and hot pressed. The morphology of the membranes and their pure components were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the electric conductivity of the membranes was characterized in a four point probing system, and an electromagnetic shielding performance was evaluated in 0.04 mm thick films in the frequency range of 8.2 to 12.4 GHz (X-band). The SEM images showed a homogeneous mixture, where the polypyrrole coated the cellulose nanofibers. From the measure of four points a conductivity value of 17.1705 (Ω.m)-1 was obtained in the condition that contained 17.46% graphene and 9.00% MNP, classifying the material as a semiconductor. As the graphene content increases, there was an increase in conductivity values, on the other hand, MNPs do not influence these values. In the electromagnetic barrier study, the maximum shielding effectiveness was -9.13 decibels at 8.2 GHz in the thickness of 0.04 mm, in the condition that contained 17.46% graphene and 9.00% MNP. It was observed that higher the graphene content greater was the shielding effectiveness. Such results obtained indicate that material has potential for future applications in electromagnetic interference shielding materials or electronic devices for energy storage.Pesquisa sem auxílio de agências de fomentoTrabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação)O desenvolvimento de novos materiais mais econômicos, eficientes e ambientalmente sustentáveis com as mais variadas finalidades em diversas áreas vem ganhando destaque. E a associação dos polímeros naturais e condutores tem se mostrado promissores, como a nanofibra de celulose (NFC), um polímero renovável e biodegradável, que possui boas propriedades mecânicas que podem ser agregadas aos materiais ao qual ela é adicionada, e o polipirrol, polímero condutor que apresenta propriedades elétricas de materiais semicondutores podendo ser associado a outros materiais. Vários estudos vêm propondo diversas aplicações para esses materiais, como blindagem eletromagnética, capacitores, dispositivos eletrônicos e biossensores. A associação desses polímeros torna possível desenvolver filmes condutores com excelentes propriedades mecânicas. O trabalho visa produzir um nanocompósito à base de nanofibra de celulose (NFC), fornecida pela empresa Suzano, e polipirrol, incorporando também diferentes concentrações óxido de grafeno e nanopartículas magnéticas de óxido de ferro e manganês, e observar os efeitos que as diferentes concentrações desses componentes geram. O polipirrol foi sintetizado via química em presença das nanofibras de celulose. O óxido de grafeno reduzido foi produzido pelo método de Hummers modificado, esfoliado em um processador ultrassônico e reduzido com hidrazina. As nanopartículas magnéticas (NPM) de ferro e manganês foram sintetizadas a partir do cloreto de manganês e de ferro. Após as sínteses as membranas condutoras foram preparadas seguindo um planejamento fatorial variando a composição de óxido de grafeno reduzido e nanopartículas magnéticas (NPM), em porcentagens de 0,54% a 17,46% em massa, e em seguida filtradas e prensadas à quente. A morfologia das membranas e seus componentes puros foi caracterizada por MEV, a condutividade elétrica das membranas foi caracterizada na medida de quatro pontas, e foi feito um estudo de barreira eletromagnética em filmes de espessura de 0,04 mm na faixa de 8,2 a 12,4 GHz. Nas imagens de MEV foi observado uma mistura homogênea, onde o polipirrol revestiu as nanofibras de celulose. Na medida de quatro pontas foi obtido um valor de condutividade de 17,1705 (Ω.m)-1 na condição que continha 17,46% de óxido grafeno reduzido e 9,00% de NPM, classificando o material como um semicondutor. A medida que o teor de grafeno aumenta observa-se um aumento nos valores de condutividade, a princípio as NPM não influenciam nesses valores. No estudo de barreira eletromagnética a efetividade de barreira máxima foi de -9.13 decibéis em 8.2 GHz na espessura de 0,04 mm, na condição que continha 17,46% de grafeno e 9,00% de NPM. Observou-se que quanto maior o teor de grafeno maior a efetividade da barreira. Tais resultados obtidos indicam que o material possui potencial para aplicações futuras em escudos de barreira eletromagnética ou dispositivos eletrônicos para armazenamento de energia

Cork processing wastewater treatment/valorisation by nanofiltration

Nanofiltration process for the treatment/valorisation of cork processing wastewaters was studied. A DS-5 DK 20/40 (GE Water Technologies) nanofiltration membrane/module was used, having 2.09 m(2) of surface area. Hydraulic permeability was determined with pure water and the result was 5.2 L.h(-1).m(-2).bar(-1). The membrane presents a rejection of 51% and 99% for NaCl and MgSO4 salts, respectively. Two different types of regimes were used in the wastewaters filtration process, total recycling mode and concentration mode. The first filtration regime showed that the most favourable working transmembrane pressure was 7 bar working at 25 degrees C. For the concentration mode experiments it was observed a 30% decline of the permeate fluxes when a volumetric concentration factor of 5 was reached. The permeate COD, BOD5, colour and TOC rejection values remained well above the 90% value, which allows, therefore, the concentration of organic matter (namely the tannin fraction) in the concentrate stream that can be further used by other industries. The permeate characterization showed that it cannot be directly discharged to the environment as it does not fulfil the values of the Portuguese discharge legislation. However, the permeate stream can be recycled to the process (boiling tanks) as it presents no colour and low TOC (< 60 ppm) or if wastewater discharge is envisaged we have observed that the permeate biodegradability is higher than 0.5, which renders conventional wastewater treatments feasible

Qualidade de vida percebida pelos pacientes do hospital de dia de oncologia da ULS de Castelo Branco

A avaliação da Qualidade de Vida em pacientes oncológicos vem assumindo um grau de importância crescente tanto na prática clínica como no âmbito da investigação relacionada com os cuidados de saúde. O presente estudo consistiu na avaliação longitudinal da Qualidade de Vida de um grupo de41 pacientes em quimioterapia a ser seguidos no Hospital de Dia de Oncologia da Unidade Local de Saúde de Castelo Branco, desde o início do tratamento até 2 meses após o final dos tratamentos. O instrumento utilizado foi a tradução validada em português do Rotterdam Symptom Check List (RSCL) que é um instrumento especificamente destinado a pacientes oncológicos. O estudo evidenciou um agravamento dos sintomas ao nível físico ao longo do tratamento, o que não se reflecte contudo numa diminuição ao nível da qualidade de vida global percebida por estes pacientes

Short Version Of The Geriatric Depression Scale: Exploratory Study Of Its Validity In a Portuguese Sample

Background: To explore the validity of the short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) version – 5 items – in Portuguese community-dwelling older adults. Depression is reported to affect between 1% and 3% community-dwelling older adults, whereas depressive symptoms are two to four times more prevalent. Community surveys targeting older adults should have reliable and valid instruments to assess depressive symptoms. Methods: Two samples were considered: a convenience sample (N=71) to compare GDS5 with the 15-item GDS version and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); and a population-based sample (N=1030) to compare GDS5 with self-reported depression diagnosis. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), criterion validity (sensitivity and specificity), diagnostic capacity (area under the ROC curve) and factorial analysis (tetrachoric) were analyzed. Results: The cut-off point was taken as 2 or more. GDS5 was found to be internally consistent: Cronbach Alpha=0.69. GDS-5 and GDS15: Sensitivity= 85.7%; Specificity=83.3%, AUC=94.3. GDS5 and BDI: Sensitivity=70%; Specificity=85.3%, AUC=84.1. GDS5 and self-reported depression: Sensitivity=79%; Specificity=47.4%, AUC=72.2. Conclusions: Results are similar to other GDS5 studies. The low specificity results for the depression diagnose indicating false positives can be due to self-reporting. GDS5 may be a useful alternative to other longer instruments not adequate for research surveys.FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology (PDTC/CS-SOC/110311/2009

SEMI-AUTOMATIC ROAD NETWORK EXTRACTION FROM DIGITAL IMAGES USING OBJECT-BASED CLASSIFICATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL OPERATORS

The demand for geospatial data concerning road network is constant, due to the wide variety of application which needs this type of data. It stands out the importance of this data in cartography update cycles, that can be obtained using automated processes of feature extraction in digital images, which are more accurate, fast and less costly than the traditional methods. In this sense, this work aimed the road network extraction from RapidEye satellite imagery, by developing a hybrid methodology using techniques of object-based image classification and morphological operators. The methodology was tested in three different sites, with images acquired in distinct dates, and the extraction process was evaluated through metrics obtained from the linear matching procedure. By the proposed extraction process, were achieved in terms of correctness and completeness the values of 92.23% and 85.15% for test site 1, the values of 79.16% and 81.06% for test site 2, and the values of 82.05% and 92.22% for test site 3, respectively. The results shown that the proposed methodology presented a good performance for semi-automatic road network extraction from Rapideye images, representing an alternative to auxiliary road network database acquisition and updating

COMPARTILHAMENTO DE CONHECIMENTO NAS ATIVIDADES DO GRUPO DE EXTENSÃO

A gestão do conhecimento está relacionada ao desenvolvimento da sociedade e desempenho das organizações. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa busca conhecer se as Comunidades de Práticas (CoP) contribuem para transferência e compartilhamento de conhecimento nas atividades de extensão do Programa de Orientação ao Pequeno Empreendedor (POPE) da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados foram: aplicada, dedutiva, qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, em um formato de estudo de caso, com a técnica de pesquisa a observação participante. A pesquisa foi realizada com o Grupo de Extensão do POPE. As comunidades de práticas foram evidenciadas quando promovem os encontros entre o professor orientador, o grupo de extensão e a comunidade local, quando trocam conhecimentos e novas tecnologias. Conclui-se que há o uso das Comunidades de Prática pelos grupos de extensão do POPE, sendo suas atividades fundamentais para a aplicação do conhecimento em campo

The Patenting of Products and Processes Used for the Treatment of Smoke Inhalation

Intellectual property enables the transformation of knowledge in principle and the link between knowledge and the market. The right of exclusivity guaranteed by the patent refers to the right to interfere with other products and use and sell a patented invention. On the other hand, access to the public is made available on the knowledge of the essential points and as those that characterize a novelty does not exist. Patent registries, because they are available in open access databases, are great bases of technological knowledge, which can be used in research in several areas, among them smoke inhalation treatments. Inhalation injury is the leading cause of death in burn patients and is usually caused by the uninhibited absorption of smoke, which has an extremely toxic effect on the respiratory system. The physiopathology of inhalation injury covers multiple factors, and the injured respiratory system may present deterioration in a few hours. Respiratory distress is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by fire incidents. The search for suitable treatments for inhalation injury is continuing, and the treatments used for smoke inhalation are discussed

Spatial and temporal concentration of tourism demand in northern Portugal: regional policy recommendations to promote tourism competition and portofolio diversity

The northern region of Portugal, in the last years, has experienced a growing number of visitors from different countries, which may indicate the emergence of an overtourism phenomenon in some particular municipalities or specific spaces. This phenomenon may cause significant destruction of the living conditions of residents, landscapes, seascapes, air and water quality, causing economic inequalities and social exclusion. The concentration of tourism activity in different municipality regions can be measured with a well know concentration measured, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. Using as variables the number and nationality of visitors and their expenditures it is possible to follow the concentration of tourism visitors and expenditure, all over the 8 NUTIII regions located in the Northen of Portugal, and describe the routes of distribution of the tourism indicators from urban to rural areas following a more nature-oriented tourism. The results serve as a dipping compass for more oriented and well-targeted tourism policies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Circuito de Atividades Lúdicas como Ferramenta Auxiliar na Formação do Educador Ambiental

Anais do 3° Encontro Nacional de Jogos e Atividades Lúdicas no Ensino de Química, Física e Biologia (Jalequim - Level III) - Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Pesquisas em Ensino de Química/Ciências da UNILA (NuDDEQ)Em uma sociedade contemporânea a Educação Ambiental deve ser o início para o desenvolvimento do planejamento ambiental, social, político, econômico e cultural. Este trabalho apresenta uma alternativa para estimular o desenvolvimento da Educação Ambiental nas escolas por meio de atividades lúdicas em circuito. O estudo foi aplicado a acadêmicos do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas no Instituto Federal do Paraná Campus Umuarama. O objetivo foi verificar a relevância das atividades lúdicas em circuito no processo de formação de educadores ambientais. Nesse sentido, espera-se que possam aplicar o sistema sugerido em sua práxis docente. Durante o estudo, os acadêmicos participaram do circuito organizados em grupos para a execução de sete atividades em ordem delineada. Para avaliar a eficácia do sistema, foi aplicado um questionário para mensurar a apropriação e o envolvimento dos acadêmicos. Concluiu-se que as atividades lúdicas em circuito representam uma importante ferramenta para a Educação Ambiental