Pineapple (Ananás comosus) leaves ash as a solid base catalyst for biodiesel synthesis

Homogeneous catalysts used for biodiesel synthesis have several limitations, including non-recoverability/reusability, saponification, emulsification, equipment corrosion, and environmental pollution. To overcome these limitations, we synthesized a novel catalyst via calcination of pineapple leaves waste. This catalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and soluble alkalinity measurements. The catalyst\u27s activity with regards to soybean oil transesterification was analyzed, and multiple process parameters (temperature, catalyst amount, reaction time, and methanol:oil molar ratio) were examined. A high catalytic activity, probably related to the 85 wt% content of alkali/alkali metals (K, Ca and Mg), was observed after a 30 min reaction time, 60 °C, 4 wt% of catalyst, oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:40, reaching an oil to biodiesel conversion above 98%. We conclude that the novel catalyst presented here is efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, while simultaneously abundant waste is reduced. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

Spatial dynamics of urban populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil

Introduction In this paper, we report the ecology of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Caxias City, located in the eastern part of State of Maranhão, Brazil and highlight its seasonal and geographical distribution by environment. In addition, we discuss natural Leishmania infection and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis. Methods Between September 2007 and August 2009, the collection of sandflies was performed using Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps from 15 houses in 5 selected neighborhoods. Results Lutzomyia longipalpis was present in all zones of the city. We also found that Lu. longipalpis was regularly detected both inside and around the house, predominantly in outdoor areas. In urban areas, Lu. longipalpis was present in both the dry and rainy seasons, with a higher density present in the latter. One female specimen of Lu. longipalpis was observed to have natural Leishmania infection. Conclusions The presence of Lu. longipalpis was observed throughout the year during 2 seasonal periods, with a predominance in the rainy season. A low rate of natural Leishmania infection was observed in urban areas during the rainy season

Spatial dynamics of urban populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil

Submitted by Sandra Infurna ([email protected]) on 2019-06-11T13:54:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ReginaldoP_Brazil_etal_IOC_2013.pdf: 798875 bytes, checksum: 42819fc97b1a931efab342f30b707249 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Sandra Infurna ([email protected]) on 2019-06-11T14:03:08Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ReginaldoP_Brazil_etal_IOC_2013.pdf: 798875 bytes, checksum: 42819fc97b1a931efab342f30b707249 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2019-06-11T14:03:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ReginaldoP_Brazil_etal_IOC_2013.pdf: 798875 bytes, checksum: 42819fc97b1a931efab342f30b707249 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, Brasil / Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias. Caxias, MA, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brasil.In this paper, we report the ecology of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Caxias City, located in the eastern part of State of Maranhão, Brazil and highlight its seasonal and geographical distribution by environment. In addition, we discuss natural Leishmania infection and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis