Decolonial Epistemologies for Energy Planning in Brazil

This thesis opens up theoretical pathways for decolonial epistemologies for energy planning in Brazil. The critical analysis is verticalized from the 2015–2024 Brazilian Decennial Energy Expansion Plan (DEEP) to better highlight the epistemological problems in energy planning. Epistemological challenges demand a critical understanding of the ethical system we live in – the ethics of exhaustion – to enable a comprehensive radical transformation of the consideration of energy futures, since epistemology is part of the formalization of ethics. This thesis argues that energy planning in Brazil is based on the ethics of exhaustion to epistemically impose the colonial agenda of power. Energy futures are planned as necessary harm to achieve the fetishized good, normalized as the ethical intersubjective and human–environment relationships. Critically analysing the ethical system enables understanding the epistemologies for energy planning in Brazil as the formal moment of the ethics of exhaustion, which can only be challenged in an intersectional manner by framing the multilateral and collateral aspects of the violence consistent in planning energy futures regardless and to the detriment of the existence of life. Epistemic diversity is the first step towards decolonizing energy planning. It comprises: the inclusion of indigenous and communal perspectives when elaborating the energy plans; having persons directly affected by energy enterprises as the majority of the personnel involved in the activity of planning; setting the priority of energy planning as the production and reproduction of all lives in a non-hierarchized manner; recognizing the necessary balance in the human–environment relationship; privileging local needs in relation to transnational markets; and intentionally de-hierarchizing the benefits of energy exploitation by delinking energy studies, production, and distribution from financial capital. This work challenges colonial epistemologies, based on the ethics of exhaustion, from the standpoint of the colonial difference, proposing epistemic diversity as the impulse for decolonial energy planning in Brazil. It is an urgent academic task to perceive epistemic decolonization to transform the present in order to stop condemning the future to social and environmental catastrophes

Oligomerização de olefinas leves na presença de catalisadores ácidos inorgânicos porosos

With the global growth in fuel demand for transportation and increasing environmental concerns, the oligomerization of light olefins obtainable from fossil or renewable sources and refinery streams, represents a promising route for producing clean synthetic fuels with low aromatics and sulphur contents, and other added-value chemicals. This thesis deals with the oligomerization of 1-butene to produce diesel range products, under high pressure and continuous operation, in the presence of heterogeneous acid catalysts. The oligomerization of light olefins is a complex reaction system. The yields and characteristics of the products are governed by the properties of the catalytic materials and the operating conditions. These aspects were investigated with the practical goal of producing clean diesel range products, using porous inorganic acid catalysts based on silicon and aluminium oxides. The materials were prepared via different methodologies and characterized by complementary techniques, with special attention given to morphological, textural and acid properties. The catalytic performances were evaluated in terms of activity, selectivity to clean diesel type products and stability, based on experimental studies and multivariate statistical tools. The characteristics of the catalytic reaction products were studied based on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ToFMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In the search for promising catalysts, the research work evolved from eco-friendly mesoporous aluminosilicate of the type TUD-1 prepared via one-pot or stepwise approaches, and a composite material comprising BEA nanocrystallites embedded in a TUD-1 siliceous matrix, to micro/mesoporous zeotypes possessing different topologies (BEA, MFI) prepared via bottom-up or top-down approaches. The catalysts were benchmarked with commercially available zeolites and a catalyst based on the MFI topology which was developed for commercial oligomerization processes, namely COD-9. The micro/mesoporous zeotypes outperformed the commercial zeolites (Beta, ZSM-5, COD-9), leading to conversions of butenes of up to 86 % and selectivity to diesel ranged products of up to 71 wt.%, at 200 ºC, 30 bar and 2.2 g gcat-1 h-1. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), structure-activity relationships were established that pointed to the importance of good compromises between textural and acid properties for maximizing the yields of clean diesel range products - intermediate concentrations of acid sites and enhanced mesoporosity resulted in superior catalytic performances. One of the best-performing catalysts was MZS-0.4-Cl prepared via top-down approach from commercial ZSM-5. Optimization studies were carried out for 1-butene oligomerization over this type of catalyst. The optimization was based on a Box-Behnken design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM), contemplating the yields of the diesel range products, as well as the product quality (reduced aromatics content). These studies indicated that the favourable operating conditions were in the ranges 220-250 ºC of reaction temperature, 30-40 bar and 2.5-3.5 g1C4 gcat-1 h-1 weight hourly space velocity. Finally, PCA studies were conducted for all materials studied in this thesis, to show the complex interplay of material properties influencing the catalytic performances.Com o aumento global do consumo de combustíveis para o setor dos transportes e as crescentes preocupações ambientais, a oligomerização de alcenos leves provenientes de fontes fósseis ou renováveis, ou de efluentes de refinarias, representa uma via de valorização promissora para produzir combustíveis limpos com reduzidos teores de compostos aromáticos e enxofre, e outros produtos químicos de valor acrescentado. Esta tese incide na oligomerização do 1-buteno em produtos do tipo diesel sintético, em reator contínuo, a alta pressão, usando catalisadores heterogéneos ácidos. A oligomerização de alcenos leves envolve mecanismos reacionais complexos. Os rendimentos e as características dos produtos dependem das propriedades dos materiais catalíticos e das condições de operação. Estes aspetos foram investigados com o objetivo prático de produzir diesel limpo, usando catalisadores ácidos inorgânicos porosos à base de óxidos de silício e alumínio. Os materiais foram preparados por diversas metodologias e caracterizados por técnicas complementares, com especial atenção dada às propriedades morfológicas, texturais e ácidas. Os desempenhos catalíticos foram avaliados em termos de atividade, seletividade para produtos do tipo diesel e estabilidade, com base em estudos experimentais e o recurso a ferramentas estatísticas de análise multivariada. As misturas de produtos reacionais foram caracterizadas com base em cromatografia de gás bidimensional abrangente acoplada a espectrometria de massa com analisador por tempo de voo (GC×GC-ToFMS) e espectroscopia por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN). À descoberta de catalisadores promissores, o trabalho de investigação evoluiu de aluminossilicatos mesoporosos do tipo TUD-1 sintetizados por metodologias relativamente limpas (sem agentes tensoativos) e um compósito de nanocristais de zeólito Beta dispersos numa matriz do tipo TUD-1, até zeótipos micro- e mesoporosos possuindo diferentes topologias (BEA, MFI) e preparados por estratégias bottom-up (não destrutivas) ou top-down. Os desempenhos dos catalisadores preparados foram comparados com zeólitos comerciais e um catalisador que foi desenvolvido para processos comerciais de oligomerização, nomeadamente o COD-9 (baseado na topologia MFI). Os zeótipos micro/mesoporosos apresentaram melhores desempenhos do que os zeólitos comerciais (Beta, ZSM-5, COD-9), obtendo-se conversões de butenos até 86 % e seletividades para produtos do tipo diesel até 71 % (m/m), a 200 ºC, 30 bar e 2.2 g gcat-1 h-1. Com base em análise estatística de componentes principais (PCA) foram estabelecidas relações de atividade-estrutura que apontaram para a necessidade de haver compromissos entre as propriedades texturais e ácidas para maximizar os rendimentos em diesel limpo – concentrações intermédias de centros ácidos e elevada mesoporosidade resultaram em melhores desempenhos catalíticos. Um dos catalisadores mais promissores foi o MZS-0.4-Cl preparado pela abordagem top-down a partir do zeólito comercial ZSM-5. Foram realizados estudos de otimização para a oligomerização do 1-buteno usando este tipo de catalisador. A otimização baseou-se no desenho fatorial de experiências (DoE, com uma matriz Box-Behnken) e a metodologia da superfície de resposta (RSM), contemplando os rendimentos em produtos do tipo diesel, assim como aspetos da qualidade dos produtos (teor de compostos aromáticos). Estes estudos indicaram as seguintes gamas de condições de operação mais favoráveis: 220-250 ºC de temperatura de reação, 30-40 bar de pressão e 2.5-3.5 g1C4 gcat-1 h-1 de velocidade espacial por unidade de massa de catalisador. Por fim, estudos de PCA com todos os materiais estudados nesta tese mostraram que a influência das propriedades dos materiais nos desempenhos não é trivial.Programa Doutoral em Engenharia Químic

Dual consent? Donors' and recipients' views about involvement in decision-making on the use of embryos created by gamete donation in research

Background Reasonable disagreement about the role awarded to gamete donors in decision-making on the use of embryos created by gamete donation (EGDs) for research purposes emphasises the importance of considering the implementation of participatory, adaptive, and trustworthy policies and guidelines for consent procedures. However, the perspectives of gamete donors and recipients about decision-making regarding research with EGDs are still under-researched, which precludes the development of policies and guidelines informed by evidence. This study seeks to explore the views of donors and recipients about who should take part in consent processes for the use of EGDs in research. Methods From July 2017 to June 2018, 72 gamete donors and 175 recipients completed a self-report structured questionnaire at the Portuguese Public Bank of Gametes (response rate: 76%). Agreement with dual consent was defined as the belief that the use of EGDs in research should be consented by both donors and recipients. Results The majority of participants (74.6% of donors and 65.7% of recipients) were willing to donate embryos for research. Almost half of the donors (48.6%) and half of the recipients (46.9%) considered that a dual consent procedure is desirable. This view was more frequent among employed recipients (49.7%) than among non-employed (21.4%). Donors were less likely to believe that only recipients should be involved in giving consent for the use of EGDs in research (25.0% vs. 41.7% among recipients) and were more frequently favourable to the idea of exclusive donors' consent (26.4% vs. 11.4% among recipients). Conclusions Divergent views on dual consent among donors and recipients indicate the need to develop evidence-based and ethically sustainable policies and guidelines to protect well-being, autonomy and reproductive rights of both stakeholder groups. More empirical research and further theoretical normative analyses are needed to inform people-centred policy and guidelines for shared decision-making concerning the use of EGDs for research

IDENTIFICAÇÃO E GESTÃO DA POLÍTICA DE ASSISTÊNCIA SOCIAL NO ÂMBITO LOCAL

Resumo Este trabalho objetiva analisar as mudanças produzidas pela política de Assistência Social no município de Campos dos Goytacazes – RJ após a implantação dos Centros de Referência Especializado de Assistência Social - CREAS2. O desenvolvimento desse está respaldado na pesquisa qualitativa, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas na qual será abordada a percepção de seu assunto a partir da visão dos usuários, além de um sistemático levantamento teórico. Do exposto, cabe ressaltar que esse trabalho encontra-se em andamento, já que é parte constituinte da pesquisa que está sendo desenvolvida no decorrer do curso de mestrado em Políticas Sociais pela UENF3, portanto, para este evento o mesmo terá sua construção pautada apenas no levantamento teórico. Assim, o ponto inercial deste trabalho está pautado na construção de uma análise reflexiva sobre a identificação e gestão da Política de Assistência tendo como base a perspectiva de âmbito local

Effect of the daily use of an enzymatic denture cleanser on Candida albicans biofilm formed on denture base materials

Orientador: Altair Antoninha Del Bel CuryTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de PiracicabaResumo: Os limpadores químicos de prótese têm sido bastante indicados para o controle do biofilme formado sobre próteses removíveis de pacientes com comprometimento motor. Apesar de estudos prévios terem mostrado que uma única imersão nesses agentes é capaz de reduzir os níveis de Candida albicans do biofilme formado sobre próteses removíveis, pouco se sabe sobre o efeito do uso diário desses limpadores sobre o biofilme residual de Candida. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do uso diário de um limpador químico enzimático sobre o biofilme de C. albicans formado sobre a superfície de materiais para confecção de próteses removíveis; bem como a atividade enzimática das células de Candida desse biofilme após exposições diárias a esse limpador de prótese. Foram confeccionados espécimes de resina de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) e resina de poliamida, nos quais foi realizada, inicialmente, a padronização da rugosidade de superfície (0,34 ± 0,02 ?m). Após a formação da película adquirida, os espécimes foram divididos aleatoriamente em 12 grupos (n=9) para formação do biofilme de C. albicans por 72 horas. Após esse período, os espécimes foram tratados por 1, 4 ou 7 dias, sendo realizado um tratamento por dia, com um limpador químico enzimático (Polident 3 Minutes) ou com água destilada (controle negativo). Após os respectivos períodos de tratamento, os microrganismos remanescentes foram removidos da superfície dos espécimes por meio de ondas ultra-sônicas (7W por 30s). Em seguida, as unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC) foram calculadas e a atividade enzimática das células remanescentes foi avaliada. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA um fator ou dois fatores, seguido do teste de Tukey-Kramer. O biofilme de Candida albicans formado sobre a resina de poliamida apresentou maiores níveis de Candida e uma maior atividade fosfolipásica que o biofilme formado sobre a resina de PMMA (p<0,001). O limpador químico enzimático reduziu significantemente os níveis de Candida albicans em todos os períodos avaliados (p<0,001), entretanto os níveis desse microrganismo aumentaram com o tempo, sendo observada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os períodos avaliados (p<0,001). As exposições diárias a esse limpador químico aumentaram a virulência das células de Candida, no que diz respeito à atividade fosfolipásica. Nas condições desse estudo, conclui-se que o uso diário do limpador químico enzimático não foi capaz de impedir a proliferação de Candida albicans no biofilme residual, apesar de ter interferido no crescimento desse biofilme.Abstract: Chemical cleansing with immersion in denture cleansers has been indicated for denture biofilm control in patients with limited motor capacity. Although previous studies have shown that a single immersion in those agents is able to substantially reduce Candida albicans biofilm levels, the effect of the routine use of denture cleansers on the Candida residual biofilm is poorly understood. This study evaluated the efficacy of daily use of an enzymatic denture cleanser on C. albicans biofilm formed on denture base materials; and the enzymatic activities of Candida biofilm cells after daily exposure to this cleanser agent. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyamide resins specimens were prepared (n=54), and their surface roughness was standardized (0.34 ±0.02 ?m). Saliva-coated specimens were randomly divided by lottery into 12 groups (n=9) for biofilm assay. C. albicans biofilm was formed for 72 hours, and then specimens were treated for 1, 4 or 7 days, once a day, with an enzymatic cleanser (Polident 3 Minutes), or distilled water (negative control). Remaining adherent microorganisms were removed from the treated specimens by ultrasonic waves at 7 watts for 30 seconds, and then colony-forming units (CFU) were calculated and remaining cells enzymatic activities were determined. Data were analyzed by 1-way or 2-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey-Kramer test. C. albicans biofilm formed on polyamide resin showed significantly higher Candida levels and phospholipase activity (p<0.001) than biofilm formed on PMMA resin. The enzymatic cleanser significantly reduced C. albicans levels in all evaluated periods (p<0.001); however, the number of this microorganism increased with time, showing statistical difference among the treatment periods (p<0.001). The daily exposure to the denture cleanser increased Candida cells virulence, with regard to phospholipase activity. Our study has shown that the enzymatic cleanser daily use did not prevent C. albicans proliferation in residual biofilm; however, this agent reduced this fungus rate of growth.DoutoradoProtese DentalDoutor em Clínica Odontológic

M&A : the acquisition of GAMESA by ABB

This dissertation focus is the analysis of a possible takeover of a wind turbine manufacturer (Gamesa) by one of the biggest conglomerates in the world (ABB). The proposed deal will have has business background the diversification strategy of ABB, as well the attractiveness of the wind power industry, as well the down trend of both Gamesa’s business and value. For this proposal, it is combined a deep industry and company analysis with the state of the art valuation tools. Literature on Valuation and M&A is reviewed and applied to evaluate the standalone and merged businesses, proposing an optimal offer price and mode of acquisition. The whole analysis relies on data until end of 2011, being performed estimated for both companies stand alone and the combined firm, for a growth and stable period. Data from comparables and market benchmarks where also collected for different tools usage. Gamesa standalone is found to be slightly undervalued, with 9% upside potential, and synergies are estimated to be around 59% attributable to Gamesa in the combined firm value. Therefore, it is concluded that the deal will create a sustainable value for both companies, being the large stake attributable to ABB

Família e prosperidade no discurso da Igreja Messiânica Mundial do Brasil: as experiências de fé na Revista Izunome (2007-2011)

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em História, Florianópolis, 2013.Abstract : The Sekai Kyusei Kyo of Brazil, religion of Japanese origin, has as guideline the teachings of his founder Mokiti Okada, the Mister of the Light Messiah Meishu-Sama. Among the teachings of Meishu-Sama it can stand out Johrei, as a religious practice, that seeks the cure of stains in the body and the people's spirit. Another quite spread practice now is the "Practice of Sonen", thought in action, that can also be outstanding as one of the mechanisms of religiosity of the messianic ones, practice this stipulated by the current spiritual leader Yoiti Okada, entitled like Kioshu-Sama. Those religious practices among other, as the dedication, appreciation to the Beautiful, natural feeding, they can be considered as basic beginnings for the formation comportamental of the members of that institution. The guidelines for that conduct ideal are last not only for the teachings of the you lead, as well as in the publications of the institution, as the doctrinaire books produced by ministers of the church and the vehicles of information as newspapers. And it is through the analysis of those official publications that this work was developed, in the attempt of understanding the family idea and prosperity inserted in the official vehicles of the Sekai Kyusei Kyo of Brazil, the Messianic Newspaper and the Izunome Magazine, tends as temporary cutting the years of 2007 the 2011. More specifically a present section in these publications was analyzed, to "Experiences in practice of the faith", where the reports of members are presented on their existences with those religious practices. This work was accomplished noticing that section as a disciplinary mechanism for the followers, because besides the depositions on the religious practices there is also the description of attitudes considered ideals and inadequate for the conduct of a messianic one, that should have as objective helps the construction of the utopian Paradise on Earth

Inverse type II seesaw mechanism and its signature at the LHC and ILC

The advent of the LHC, and the proposal of building future colliders as the ILC, both programmed to explore new physics at the TeV scale, justifies the recent interest in studying all kind of seesaw mechanisms whose signature lies on such energy scale. The natural candidate for this kind of seesaw mechanism is the inverse one. The conventional inverse seesaw mechanism is implemented in an arrangement involving six new heavy neutrinos in addition to the three standard ones. In this paper we develop the inverse seesaw mechanism based on Higgs triplet model and probe its signature at the LHC and ILC. We argue that the conjoint analysis of the LHC together with the ILC may confirm the mechanism and, perhaps, infer the hierarchy of the neutrino masses.Comment: 24 pages, 22 figure