Produção de enzimas por fungos em fermentação semi-sólida utilizando bagaço de coco e pedúnculo de caju como substratos

The production of enzymes by microorganisms using organic residues is important and it can be associated with several applications such as food and chemical industries and so on. The objective of this work is the production of CMCase, Xylanase, Avicelase and FPase enzymes by solid state fermentation (SSF) using as substrates: bagasse of coconut and dried cashew stem. The microorganisms employed are Penicillium chrysogenum and an isolated fungus from the coconut bark (Aspergillus fumigatus). Through the factorial design methodology and response surface analysis it was possible to study the influence of the humidity and pH. For Penicillium chrysogenum and the isolated fungus, the coconut bagasse was used as culture medium. In another fermentation, it was used the mixture of coconut bagasse and cashew stem. Fermentations were conducted using only the coconut bagasse as substrate in cultures with Penicillium chrysogenum fungus and the isolated one. A mixture with 50% of coconut and 50% of cashew stem was employed only for Penicillium chrysogenum fungus, the cultivation conditions were: 120 hours at 30 °C in BOD, changing humidity and pH values. In order to check the influence of the variables: humidity and pH, a 2 2 factorial experimental design was developed, and then two factors with two levels for each factor and three repetitions at the central point. The levels of the independent variables used in ascending order (-1, 0, +1), to humidity, 66%, 70.5% and 75% and pH 3, 5 and 7, respectively. The software STATISTICA TM (version 7.0, StatSoft, Inc.) was used to calculate the main effects of the variables and their interactions. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions of the SSF. A chemical and a physic-chemical characterization of the coconut bagasse have determined the composition of cellulose (%) = 39.09; Hemicellulose (%) = 23.80, Total Lignin (%) = 36.22 and Pectin (%) = 1.64. To the characterization of cashew stem, the values were cellulose (g) = 15.91 Hemicellulose (%) = 16.77, Total Lignin (%) = 30.04 and Pectin (%) = 15.24. The results indicate the potential of the materials as substrate for semisolid fermentation enzyme production. The two microorganisms used are presented as good producers of cellulases. The results showed the potential of the fungus in the production of CMCase enzyme, with a maximum of 0.282 UI/mL and the Avicelase enzyme the maximum value ranged from 0.018 to 0.020 UI/ mL, using only coconut bagasse as substrate. The Penicillium chrysogenum fungus has showed the best results for CMCase = 0.294 UI/mL, FPase = 0.058 UI/mL, Avicelase = 0.010 UI/mL and Xylanase = 0.644 UI/ mL enzyme, using coconut bagasse and cashew stem as substrates. The Penicllium chrysogenum fungus showed enzymatic activities using only the coconut as substrate for CMCase = 0.233 UI/mL, FPase = 0.031 to 0.032 UI/ mL, Avicelase = 0.018 to 0.020 UI/mL and Xylanase = 0.735 UI/ mL. Thus, it can be concluded that the used organisms and substrates have offered potential for enzyme production processes in a semi-solid cultivation

Projeto e Operação em Escala Semi-Industrial de um Equipamento para Tratamento de Águas Produzidas na Indústria do Petróleo Utilizando Nova Tecnologia: misturador-decantador à inversão de fases - MDIF

The aim of this work is to use a new technology in the treatment of produced wastewaters from oil industry. An unit for treat produced waters called UTMDIF, was designed, installed and operated in an industrial plant for treatment of effluents from oil industry. This unit operates by means of the method of separation of phase inversion and can become a promising alternative to solve the problem of oil/water separation. This method constitutes the basis of the working of a new design of mixersettler of vertical configuration which occupies small surface area. The last characteristic becomes specially important when there is limitation on the lay-out of the plant, for example, over maritime platforms to explore oil. This equipment in a semi-industrial scale treats produced wastewaters contaminated with oil at low concentrations (ranging from 30 to 150 mg/L) and throughputs of 320 m3/d (47,4 m3 m-2 h-1). Good results were obtained in oil/water separation which leads to the necessary specification to discharge those wastewaters. Besides, the non dependence of the efficiency of separation in spite of the salinity of the medium becomes the equipment an attractive new technology to treat wastewaters containing oil at low concentrations

Investigação dos processos hidrossedimentológicos em parcela experimental no semi-árido potiguar

In northeastern semiarid, seasonality on precipitation temporal distribution, high intensity storm events and inadequate management of native vegetation can promote soil erosion. Vegetation removal causes soil surface exposure, reduces soil water storage capacity and can be the source degradation processes. In this context, this approach aims to analyze water and soil erosion processes on a 250 m2 undisturbed experimental plot with native vegetation, slope 2.5% by using 2006 and 2007 monitoring data. The site was instrumented to monitor rainfall, overland flow runoff and erosion by using a 5 m³ tank downstream the plot. Soil erosion monitoring was made by transported sediment and organic matter collection after each event. Field infiltration experiments were made at 16 points randomly distributed within the plot area by using a constant head infiltrometer during drought and rainy seasons, respectively. Infiltration data revealed high spatial and temporal variability. It was observed that during the beginning of the rainy period, 77% of the events showed runoff coefficient less than 0.05. As the rainy season began, soil water increase produced annual species germination. High intensity storms resulted in runoff coefficients varying between 0.33 and 0.42. Once the annual species was established, it was observed that approximately 39% of the events produced no runoff, which reflects an increase on soil water retention capacity caused by the vegetation. A gradual runoff reduction during the rainy season emphasizes the effect of vegetative density increase. Soil erosion observed data allowed to fit an empirical relationship involving soil loss and precipitation height, which was used to analyze the plot installation impact on soil erosion. Observed soil loss in 2006 and 2007 was 230 Kg/ha and 54 Kg/ha, respectively

Avaliação de indicadores de impactos ambientais no perímetro irrigado Cruzeta-Região semi-árida do RN

Environmental impacts are defined as the processes of social and ecological changes caused by nuisance ambient. In agriculture are diverse, and the intensive use of land and inappropriate agricultural practices causes negative effect on the environment besides affecting crop productivity and quality of life of man. So this study was objective to analyze parameters indicators of environmental impacts in the Cruzeta the Discrict Irrigation. During the period July 2007 to March 2008 samples were collected in lot 01 and 02 of the irrigation district. The monitoring was conducted in four sampling points, three (3) located in the irrigation channels and 1 (one) located in a cacimbão. Were monitored pH, CE, STD, SS, NO3-, OD, DT, PST, RAS, CT, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+ and K+ and heavy metals. Analysis was performed, soil fertility, determining the infiltration rate, moisture content of soil and flow measurement. The results showed that the parameters considered most effective in evaluating the indicators of environmental impacts were: Suspended solid, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and Coliform termotelerantes. The concentrations of nitrate were below the limit established by CONAMA (2005). High levels of STD were found in the point P4. The risk of salinity in cacimbão Lot 02, the water was classified as Class II, or medium risk of salinity in the remaining points was classified as Class I. The iron and aluminum were found high concentrations in four sampling points independent of the dry or rainy. On the ground, found high levels of phosphorus in both samples collected in the batch 01, as the lot 02. The pH levels found in samples of soil, the soil can be classified as neutral and moderate alkalinity. The high infiltration rate obtained in the tests performed in lots 01 and 02 indicated the high permeability of soil at these points

Avaliação das barragens subterrâneas no regime de um curso d água na região do semi-árido do RN

The Serido is a region of northeastern Brazil highlighted by its problems related to water scarcity because of its semi-arid region, large rates of evaporation and rainfall irregular and scarce. Thus, the underground dams, become a strategically important resource with a simple and inexpensive technique for storage of water. They act in a positive way in the development of inland cities that suffer from drought, because in addition to exercise a great improvement in the social role of these families, can enjoy the type of soil (silt) and provides water for both irrigation and for human consumption throughout the year. Is therefore essential to its monitoring and studies to assess its effectiveness in accordance with its purposes, along with their wells Amazons, as can occur in conditions of physical degradation, chemical and microbiological appropriate, according to the Ordinance No 518/04 Ministry of Health, however, the proposed work aims to analyze the underground dams in the municipality of Sierra Negra North-RN (semi-arid region) as to their uses and their influences on the quality and quantity of water in periods of drought and rain. Analyzing monthly these parameters: determination of pH, conductivity, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, RAS (sodium adsorption ratio), turbidity, total iron, nitrite, nitrate, total dissolved solids (STD), bicarbonate (HCO3), fecal coliform and pesticides compared to the standards allowed by the Ordinance in force for quality for human consumption. While at the risk of salinity and sodicity on the model proposed by the United Salinity Laboratory (USSL). Although efficient, it was found that results varied annually on water quality which may influence their specific uses, whether or irrigation water supply in the city

Análise da precipitação no semi-árido potiguar

The semiarid rainfall regime is northeastern Brazil is highly variable. Climate processes associated with rainfall are complex and their effects may represent extreme situations of drought or floods, which can have adverse effects on society and the environment. The regional economy has a significant agricultural component, which is strongly influenced by weather conditions. Maximum precipitation analysis is traditionally performed using the intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) probabilistic approach. Results from such analysis are typically used in engineering projects involving hydraulic structures such as drainage network systems and road structures. On the other hand, precipitation data analysis may require the adoption of some kind of event identification criteria. The minimum inter-event duration (IMEE) is one of the most used criteria. This study aims to analyze the effect of the IMEE on the obtained rain event properties. For this purpose, a nine-year precipitation time series (2002- 2011) was used. This data was obtained from an automatic raingauge station, installed in an environmentally protected area, Ecological Seridó Station. The results showed that adopted IMEE values has an important effect on the number of events, duration, event height, mean rainfall rate and mean inter-event duration. Furthermore, a higher occurrence of extreme events was observed for small IMEE values. Most events showed average rainfall intensity higher than 2 mm.h-1 regardless of IMEE. The storm coefficient of advance was, in most cases, within the first quartile of the event, regardless of the IMEE value. Time series analysis using partial time series made it possible to adjust the IDF equations to local characteristics

Teoria semi-clássica para super rede magnética formada por materiais ferromagnético e antiferromagnético

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Avaliação da resposta comportamental, morfofisiológica e produção de leite de cabras puras e mestiças da raça Saanen no semi-árido do Rio Grande do Norte

Goat breeding in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil has promising economic possibilities, with the proper handling of the natural resources. The introduction of specialized animals has been one of the ways used to improve herd genetics and increase productivity. However, climate has been one of the regional factors that most interferes with the adaptation of the new genetic prevalence resulting from the introduction of exotic breeds, because in their country of origin, the air temperature during most of the year is lower than the animals body temperature. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to characterize behavioral, physiological and morphological profiles and milk production of female Saanen goats belonging to different genetic groups raised in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. The study was conducted in the city of Lages (5° 42 00 S and 36° 14 41 W). We used 25 lactating female Saanen goats, distributed into 3 genetic groups: 5 purebred animals, 11 three-quarter bred and 9 half-bred. Behavioral observations were made over three consecutive days in the months of August and September, between 09:00 and 11:30h, when the animals were grazing. Physiological and meteorological data were recorded in the last three days of June, July, August and September at 05:00h and at 16:00h. In the semi-intensive breeding system, the animals from different genetic groups were similar in both field behavior and physiological response patterns. Although the purebred goats had longer hair, they did not show symptoms of thermal discomfort. Their white hair helped to reflect the short wavelength rays and thus eliminate those at the longer wave lengths. We concluded that the animals raised in the semi-intensive milk production system in this study seem to have adapted to the climatic conditions of the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Caracterização do ritmo de atividade motora durante a puberdade em sagüis (Callithrix jacchus) sob condições semi-naturais

Most of ontogenetic studies on circadian timing system have been developed on infants, adults and elderly. The puberty has not been a stage of life few studied, except for researches in human adolescents, that presents phase delay in sleep-wake cycle. However, few studies have focused on the basis of this circadian change due to methodological difficulties. Thus, an animal model to study the sleep-wake cycle at puberty is essential. In the common marmoset, a social primate, the circadian activity periodicity stabilizes around 4 months (juvenile stage) and the 8h period component has a seasonal variation. Puberty stage of this species begins near the 8th month of age in males and near the 7th month in females with 7 months of duration. With the aim to characterize the circadian motor activity rhythm during puberty in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) the motor activity was continuous registered by actiwatches in 6 animals between 5-12 months. Since the social factor influence the behavior of this specie, behavioral observations were realized in 30 minutes windows twice/week to a general evaluation of the influence social interactions dynamic across experiment. Determination of puberty onset was done by fecal progesterone and estrogens in females, and androgens in males. From the analysis of the multiple regression test was selected a model that evaluate age and seasonal variables effect on the activity rhythm according to the higher explanation coefficient. The total activity was the only parameter influenced by age. Moreover, the activity onset was the parameter more explained by the model, and the sunrise was the factor that most influenced it. After the puberty onset, 2 dyads advanced the activity onset. The activity total decreased in 1 dyad and increased in 2 dyads. This increase may be related to the birth of infants in these families. The motor activity circadian component stabilized later in 1 dyad, coinciding with the puberty onset of these animals, while bimodality, caused by the 8 h component, was modulated by seasonality. The agonistic behavior was not evaluated due to reduced number of events. There were changes across ages in affiliative behavior of contact in 1 dyad, grooming done in 1 animal and grooming received in 2 animals. Although there is evidence of puberty effect on the activity motor rhythm, the photoperiodic fluctuations influenced the rhythm. Therefore is not possible to affirm if the puberty modulate the activity rhythm in marmosets

Superando a aridez do semi-árido: encontros entre saúde mental e saúde da família na formação de médicos no alto sertão paraibano

A atenção primária à saúde é um importante cenário para o cuidado em saúde mental por suas características e pelo trabalho no território contribuir para a superação do modelo manicomial de atenção. Esta pesquisa partiu do questionamento sobre como acontece a atenção em saúde mental na atenção básica nas unidades em que se desenvolve a Residência de Medicina de Família e Comunidade em um município do sertão paraibano. Objetivou investigar as demandas de saúde mental e práticas de cuidado no contexto de ESF e da RMFC do município de Cajazeiras a partir do discurso dos profissionais ali inseridos e discutir estratégias de qualificação do cuidado em saúde mental nessa realidade. Utilizou-se abordagem qualitativa em que foram realizados grupos focais envolvendo profissionais de duas equipes da ESF e uma equipe de NASF. Os dados produzidos nos grupos foram analisados a partir do referencial da análise do discurso de inspiração foucaultiana. Como resultados evidenciou-se que os profissionais percebem a demanda em saúde mental na atenção básica principalmente na forma de sofrimento psíquico inespecífico e transtornos mentais graves. A atenção a essas pessoas não consegue superar a medicalização que é identificada por esses profissionais. A prática asilar persiste como alternativa para os casos de transtornos mentais graves, sendo limitada a incorporação do paradigma da desinstitucionalização como referencial para a prática profissional. Além disso, a relação com a rede de saúde encontra vários limites destacando-se a dificuldade de produção de continuidade e integralidade do cuidado. A partir disto, analisa-se a formação médica e sua capacidade de garantir o cuidado integral na atenção às demandas de saúde mental. No campo da pesquisa, dois modelos de formação se encontram. Os residentes participantes ou graduaram-se em Cuba ou em escola médica brasileira orientada pelas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais. Percebe-se então que a graduação, ao incorporar questões relativas à integralidade do cuidado, não é suficiente para gerar bons profissionais para o SUS. Considera-se necessário somar às mudanças na graduação a perspectiva da Educação Permanente em Saúde no mundo do trabalho, o envolvimento dos profissionais com a transformação das práticas de atenção à saúde e a construção da perspectiva da integralidade e da atenção psicossocial por dentro da Residência de Medicina de Família e Comunidade como importantes estratégias para a formação de médicos generalistas aptos para a atenção às demandas de saúde mental

O Desenvolvimento local sustentável no semi-árido nordestino: um estudo de caso na comunidade de mirandas, Caraúbas/RN

Brazil s semi-arid region is an immense territory characterized by a mosaic of natural environments and human settlements. Inside this multifaceted framework, there are problems that are specific to the region (the water resources situation, for example) while others are more universal (such as the inequality between men and women). The circumstances that give rise to these problems are complex and require a holistic view so that our understanding can go beyond the simple concept that this is a problem region . The semi-arid must be perceived as a viable area in need of a new analysis, taking into account its successes, limitations, challenges and the strategic public policy framework that guarantees its sustainable development. The dissertation analyzes, from a sustainable local development perspective, the experience of the Northeastern Brazil Groundwater Project (PROASNE), carried out from 2001 to 2003, in partnership with the Waters and Sewers Company of Rio Grande do Norte (CAERN) in the rural community of Mirandas, municipality of Caraúbas/RN, situated in the middle of the northeastern Brazil semi-arid region

Um método semi-automatizado para elicitação de requisitos de acessibilidade Web

In the context of Software Engineering, web accessibility is gaining more room, establishing itself as an important quality attribute. This fact is due to initiatives of institutions such as the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) and the introduction of norms and laws such as Section 508 that underlie the importance of developing accessible Web sites and applications. Despite these improvements, the lack of web accessibility is still a persistent problem, and could be related to the moment or phase in which this requirement is solved within the development process. From the moment when Web accessibility is generally regarded as a programming problem or treated when the application is already developed entirely. Thus, consider accessibility already during activities of analysis and requirements specification shows itself a strategy to facilitate project progress, avoiding rework in advanced phases of software development because of possible errors, or omissions in the elicitation. The objective of this research is to develop a method and a tool to support requirements elicitation of web accessibility. The strategy for the requirements elicitation of this method is grounded by the Goal-Oriented approach NFR Framework and the use of catalogs NFRs, created based on the guidelines contained in WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guideline) proposed by W3C

Qualidade de água como tema para a socialização do conhecimento científico em região semi-árida brasileira

During the dry and rainy periods, in the Piranhas-Assu river hydrographic basin, variations in bacterioplankton and trophic state indexes were studied in the lotic and lentic environments. The means of total bacterial density wavered in the order of 107 organisms. mL-1 and they were higher in the rainy period. Cocci bacteria were numerically predominant in all sampling points, influencing the total abundance of bacterioplankton. Total bacterial biomass varied from 659 to 1997,3 µgC.L-1 due to the high values of filaments cellular volume. Total phosphorus amounted 108 µg.L-1 and it had a positive correlation with chlorophyll a (r = 0,94; p < 0,05) during dry period, when these variables presented higher concentrations. There wasn t a high spatial variation. The low transparency of water and the phosphorus and chlorophyll concentrations indicated eutrophic or hipereutrophic levels in studied points of reservoir. These variables, associated with high density and biomass values found, alert to the necessity of a constant monitoring of the semi-arid aquatic ecosystems, where the quality of water is affected by dry occurrence

Usos e qualidade da água em região semi-árida do nordeste brasileiro: percepção ambiental de professores e alunos

Density and biomass of bacterioplankton in parts of the Marechal Dutra reservoir were studied in periods of dry and rainy season. The averages of the total bacterial densities oscillated in the order of 107 organisms/ mL of sample. The cocci cells were numerically predominant, influencing considerably the total abundance of the bacterioplankton. The total bacterial biomass, was considered raised and varied from 2.431,82 to 2.739,01 μgC.L-1, in function of the high values of biovolume of the filaments forms, and showed no marked spacial fluctuation. These high values of density and biomass alert for the necessity of a frequent monitoring of aquatic ecosystems of semi-arid region, where the quality of the water is affected by the occurrence of extensive dry periods, influencing considerably the quality of life of its population

Impactos sócio-econômicos e ambientais da introdução da Tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, em açudes públicos do semi-árido nordestino, Brasi

The stocking of exotic fish, especially the tilapia, has become a common practice in the public reservoirs of the Brazilian semi-arid region. The stocking of tilapias has had as its main aim the improvement of the fisheries in the reservoirs and consequently the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the families that have fishing as the main source of income. However, the environmental risks associated with this practice are high and can lead to a loss in aquatic biodiversity and to changes in the quality of the water. The object of this work was to quantify the socio-economic and environmental effects of the introduction of the Nile tilapia in the public reservoirs of the semi-arid northeastern Brazil. The analysis of the fish yield of 100 public reservoirs from 1970 to 2000 demonstrated that the introduction of the Nile tilapia apparently contributed to an increase in the total fish yield from the late 1970 s until the mid-1980 s. Nevertheless, from that time onwards the fish yield in these reservoirs has fallen into decline to levels inferior to those observed prior to the introduction of the tilápia. The analysis of the fishing activity statistics of the Gargalheiras reservoir located in the city of Acari, Rio Grande do Norte, demonstrated that the introduction of the Nile tilapia in the reservoir has not significantly increased the fish yield, the gross overall income, the gross per capita income nor the number of fishermen actively fishing in the reservoir. On the other hand, the analysis of the fishing activity statistics of the Gargalheiras reservoir has revealed a significant reduction in the captures of other commercially important fish species after the introduction of the tilapia. This result suggests that the Nile tilapia could have negatively affected other species of fish in the reservoir, contributing to the decline in their stocks. In order to assess the perception of the fishermen concerning the effects of the Nile tilapia over other species of fish and the quality of the water, questionnaires containing open and multiple choice questions were applied with 30 fishermen from the colony of the Gargalheiras reservoir. The great majority of the local fishermen stated that the tilapia is currently the most important species of fish to those who depend on fishing as a source of income and that they have not caused damage to other species of fish nor to the quality of the water in the reservoir. However, the results of the present work indicate that the alleged socio-economic benefits, employed to justify the introduction of the Nile tilapia in the reservoirs, are overestimated while the environmental impacts of the introduction of this exotic species are underestimated