Ecogenômica de archaea e monitoramento de comunidades de procariotos redutores de sulfato: aplicações na indústria de petróleo e gás

The human activities responsible for the ambient degradation in the modern world are diverse. The industrial activities are preponderant in the question of the impact consequences for brazilian ecosystems. Amongst the human activities, the petroliferous industry in operation in Potiguar Petroliferous Basin (PPB) displays the constant risk of ambient impacts in the integrant cities, not only for the human populations and the environment, but also it reaches the native microorganisms of Caatinga ground and in the mangrove sediment. Not hindering, the elaboration of strategies of bioremediation for impacted areas pass through the knowledge of microbiota and its relations with the environment. Moreover, in the microorganism groups associated to oil, are emphasized the sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRP) that, in its anaerobic metabolism, these organisms participate of the sulfate reduction, discharging H2S, causing ambient risks and causing the corrosion of surfaces, as pipelines and tanks, resulting in damages for the industry. Some ancestries of PRS integrate the Archaea domain, group of microorganisms whose sequenced genomes present predominance of extremophilic adaptations, including surrounding with oil presence. This work has two correlated objectives: i) the detection and monitoring of the gene dsrB, gift in sulfate-reducing prokaryotes, through DGGE analysis in samples of mDNA of a mangrove sediment and semiarid soil, both in the BPP; ii) to relate genomic characteristics to the ecological aspects of Archaea through in silico studies, standing out the importance to the oil and gas industry. The results of the first work suggest that the petrodegraders communities of SRP persist after the contamination with oil in mangrove sediment and in semiarid soil. Comparing the populations of both sites, it reveals that there are variations in the size and composition during one year of experiments. In the second work, functional and structural factors are the probable cause to the pressure in maintenance of the conservation of the sequences in the multiple copies of the 16S rDNA gene. Is verified also the discrepancy established between total content GC and content GC of the same gene. Such results relating ribosomal genes and the ambient factors are important for metagenomic evaluations using PCR-DGGE. The knowledge of microbiota associated to the oil can contribute for a better destination of resources by the petroliferous industry and the development of bioremediation strategies. Likewise, search to lead to the best agreement of the performance of native microbiota in biogeochemical cycles in Potiguar Petroliferous Basin ecosystem

Atividade antibacteriana das plantas copaifera duckei dwyer e pseudobombax marginatum e sua interação com a superfície celular bacteriana

A resistência microbiana a antimicrobianos tem favorecido a busca por substâncias bioativas provenientes de plantas usadas na medicina popular, com o intuito de se obter novos fármacos com atividade antimicrobiana. Neste estudo, foi proposta a investigação da atividade antibacteriana do óleo-resina de Copaifera duckei e de diferentes extratos da casca de Pseudobombax marginatum, e seus possíveis mecanismos de ação. O potencial inibitório antibacteriano foi avaliado utilizando-se os métodos de difusão e diluição em ágar, e a bioautografia. O mecanismo de ação foi analisado por microscopia eletrônica, no qual se observou alterações na ultraestrutura bacteriana, e por eletroforese em SDS-PAGE, que determinou ação sobre as proteínas das superfícies celulares. A análise química foi realizada pelas técnicas de Espectrometria de massas acoplada ao Cromatógrafo a gás- EM/CG (C. duckei) e Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência- CLAE (P. marginatum). Entre as bactérias estudadas, B. cereus foi a mais suscetível às plantas em estudo, com concentrações inibitórias mínimas (CIMs) correspondentes a 0,3125 mg/mL para o óleo-resina de copaíba, e 0,5 mg/mL para extrato hidroalcoólico (1:1) e 0,512 mg/mL para a fração butanólica da casca P. marginatum, nos quais pôde-se observar alterações na parede celular do B. cereus, com remoção da camada S, espessamento da parede celular e formação de diversos septos nos centros de divisão celular. A análise química por EM/CG mostrou compostos terpênicos no óleo-resina de C. duckei, tendo como composto majoritário o β-bisaboleno, e a análise por CLAE mostrou a presença de compostos derivados da catequina na casca do P. marginatum. Desta forma, as plantas em estudo mostram um potencial antibacteriano considerável, podendo contribuir tanto na terapia antimicrobiana como na área de alimentos, tendo como um de seus prováveis sítios de ação a parede celular bacteriana

Micropartículas de poli (ácido láctico)/ poloxámero obtids por spray drying para liberação modificada de metotrexatro

New drug delivery systems have been used to increase chemotherapy efficacy due the possible drug resistance of cancer cells. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microparticles are able to reduce toxicity and prolong methotrexate (MTX) release. In addition, the use of PLA/poloxamer polymer blends can improve drug release due to changes in the interaction of particles with biological surfaces. The aim of this study was developing spray dried biodegradable MTX-loaded microparticles and evaluate PLA interactions with different kinds of Pluronic® (PLUF127 and PLUF68) in order to modulate drug release. The variables included different drug:polymer (1:10, 1:4.5, 1:3) and polymer:copolymer ratios (25:75, 50:50, 75:25). The precision and accuracy of spray drying method was confirmed assessing drug loading into particles (75.0- 101.3%). The MTX/PLA microparticles showed spherical shape with an apparently smooth surface, which was dependent on the PLU ratio used into blends particles. XRD and thermal analysis demonstrated that the drug was homogeneously dispersed into polymer matrix, whereas the miscibility among components was dependent on the used polymer:copolymer ratio. No new drug- polymer bond was identified by FTIR analysis. The in vitro performance of MTX-loaded PLA microparticles demonstrated an extended-release profile fitted using Korsmeyer- Peppas kinetic model. The PLU accelerated drug release rate possible due PLU leached in the matrix. Nevertheless, drug release studies carried out in cell culture demonstrated the ability of PLU modulating drug release from blend microparticles. This effect was confirmed by cytotoxicity observed according to the amount of drug released as a function of time. Thus, studied PLU was able to improve the performance of spray dried MTX-loaded PLA microparticles, which can be successfully used as carries for modulated drug delivery with potential in vivo application

Novas configurações de monopólios planares quase-fractais para sistemas de comunicações móveis

The characteristic properties of the fractal geometry have shown to be very useful for the construction of filters, frequency selective surfaces, synchronized circuits and antennas, enabling optimized solutions in many different commercial uses at microwaves frequency band. The fractal geometry is included in the technology of the microwave communication systems due to some interesting properties to the fabrication of compact devices, with higher performance in terms of bandwidth, as well as multiband behavior. This work describes the design, fabrication and measurement procedures for the Koch quasi-fractal monopoles, with 1 and 2 iteration levels, in order to investigate the bandwidth behavior of planar antennas, from the use of quasi-fractal elements printed on their rectangular patches. The electromagnetic effect produced by the variation of the fractal iterations and the miniaturization of the structures is analyzed. Moreover, a parametric study is performed to verify the bandwidth behavior, not only at the return loss but also in terms of SWR. Experimental results were obtained through the accomplishment of measurements with the aid of a vetorial network analyzer and compared to simulations performed using the Ansoft HFSS software. Finally, some proposals for future works are presented

Desenvolvimento de circuitos planares sobre substratos têxteis

The use of flexible materials for the development of planar circuits is one of the most desired and studied characteristics, lately, by researchers. This happens because the flexibility of the substrate can provide previously impracticable applications, due to the rigidity of the substrates normally used that makes it difficult to fit into the circuits in irregular surfaces. The constant interest in recent years for more lighter devices, increasingly more compacts, flexible and with low cost, led to a new line of research of great interest from both academic and technological views, that is the study and development of textile substrates that can be applied in the development of planar circuits, for applications in the areas of security, biomedical and telecommunications. This paper proposes the development of planar circuits, such as antennas , frequency selective surfaces (FSS) and planar filters, using textile (cotton ticking, jeans and brim santista) as the dielectric substrate and the Pure Copper Polyester Taffeta Fabric, a textile of pure copper, highly conductive, lightweight and flexible, commercially sold as a conductive material. The electrical characteristics of textiles (electric permittivity and loss tangent) were characterized using the transmission line method (rectangular waveguide) and compared with those found in the literature. The structures were analyzed using commercial software Ansoft Designer and Ansoft HFSS, both from the company Ansys and for comparison we used the Iterative Method of Waves (WCIP). For the purpose of validation were built and measured several prototypes of antennas, planar filters and FSS, being possible to confirm an excellent agreement between simulated and measured results

Uma proposta de FSS fractal com geometria simplificada

Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) are periodic structures in one or two dimensions that act as spatial filters, can be formed by elements of type conductors patches or apertures, functioning as filters band-stop or band-pass respectively. The interest in the study of FSS has grown through the years, because such structures meet specific requirements as low-cost, reduced dimensions and weighs, beyond the possibility to integrate with other microwave circuits. The most varied applications for such structures have been investigated, as for example, radomes, antennas systems for airplanes, electromagnetic filters for reflective antennas, absorbers structures, etc. Several methods have been used for the analysis of FSS, among them, the Wave Method (WCIP). Are various shapes of elements that can be used in FSS, as for example, fractal type, which presents a relative geometric complexity. This work has as main objective to propose a simplification geometric procedure a fractal FSS, from the analysis of influence of details (gaps) of geometry of the same in behavior of the resonance frequency. Complementarily is shown a simple method to adjust the frequency resonance through analysis of a FSS, which uses a square basic cell, in which are inserted two reentrance and dimensions these reentrance are varied, making it possible to adjust the frequency. For this, the structures are analyzed numerically, using WCIP, and later are characterized experimentally comparing the results obtained. For the two cases is evaluated, the influence of electric and magnetic fields, the latter through the electric current density vector. Is realized a bibliographic study about the theme and are presented suggestions for the continuation of this work

Análise de onda completa de superfície seletiva em freqüência do tipo anteparo duplo

This work presents a theoretical analysis and numerical and experimental results of the scattering characteristics of frequency selective surfaces, using elements of type patch perfectly conductor. The structures are composed of two frequency selective surfaces on isotropic dielectric substrates cascaded, separated by a layer of air. The analysis is performed using the method of equivalent transmission line in combination with the Galerkin method, to determine the transmission and reflection characteristics of the structures analyzed. Specifically, the analysis uses the impedance method, which models the structure by an equivalent circuit, and applies the theory of transmission lines to determine the dyadic Green's function for the cascade structure. This function relates the incident field and surface current densities. These fields are determined algebraically by means of potential incidents and the imposition of the continuity of the fields in the dielectric interfaces. The Galerkin method is applied to the numerical determination of the unknown weight coefficients and hence the unknown densities of surface currents, which are expanded in terms of known basis functions multiplied by these weight coefficients. From the determination of these functions, it becomes possible to obtain numerical scattered fields at the top and bottom of the structures and characteristics of transmission and reflection of these structures. At work, we present numerical and experimental results for the characteristics of transmission and reflection. Comparisons were made with other results presented in literature, and it was observed a good agreement in the cases presented suggestions continuity of the work are presented

Antenas planares integradas com FSSs para aplicações em sistemas de comunicações sem fio

This work presents a theoretical and experimental analysis about the properties of microstrip antennas with integrated frequency selective surfaces (Frequency Selective Surface - FSS). The integration occurs through the insertion of the FSS on ground plane of microstrip patch antenna. This integration aims to improve some characteristics of the antennas. The FSS using patch-type elements in square unit cells. Specifically, the simulated results are obtained using the commercial computer program CST Studio Suite® version 2011. From a standard antenna, designed to operate in wireless communication systems of IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n the dimensions of the FSS are varied to obtain an optimization of some antenna parameters such as impedance matching and selectivity in the operating bands. After optimization of the investigated parameters are built two prototypes of microstrip patch antennas with and without the FSS ground plane. Comparisons are made of the results with the experimental results by 14 ZVB network analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz ®. The comparison aims to validate the simulations performed and show the improvements obtained with the FSS in integrated ground plane antenna. In the construction of prototypes, we used dielectric substrates of the type of Rogers Corporation RT-3060 with relative permittivity equal to 10.2 and low loss tangent. Suggestions for continued work are presented

Estudo avaliativo de um algoritmo genético auto-organizável e multiobjetivo utilizando aprendizado de máquina para aplicações de telecomunicações

This paper presents an evaluative study about the effects of using a machine learning technique on the main features of a self-organizing and multiobjective genetic algorithm (GA). A typical GA can be seen as a search technique which is usually applied in problems involving no polynomial complexity. Originally, these algorithms were designed to create methods that seek acceptable solutions to problems where the global optimum is inaccessible or difficult to obtain. At first, the GAs considered only one evaluation function and a single objective optimization. Today, however, implementations that consider several optimization objectives simultaneously (multiobjective algorithms) are common, besides allowing the change of many components of the algorithm dynamically (self-organizing algorithms). At the same time, they are also common combinations of GAs with machine learning techniques to improve some of its characteristics of performance and use. In this work, a GA with a machine learning technique was analyzed and applied in a antenna design. We used a variant of bicubic interpolation technique, called 2D Spline, as machine learning technique to estimate the behavior of a dynamic fitness function, based on the knowledge obtained from a set of laboratory experiments. This fitness function is also called evaluation function and, it is responsible for determining the fitness degree of a candidate solution (individual), in relation to others in the same population. The algorithm can be applied in many areas, including in the field of telecommunications, as projects of antennas and frequency selective surfaces. In this particular work, the presented algorithm was developed to optimize the design of a microstrip antenna, usually used in wireless communication systems for application in Ultra-Wideband (UWB). The algorithm allowed the optimization of two variables of geometry antenna - the length (Ls) and width (Ws) a slit in the ground plane with respect to three objectives: radiated signal bandwidth, return loss and central frequency deviation. These two dimensions (Ws and Ls) are used as variables in three different interpolation functions, one Spline for each optimization objective, to compose a multiobjective and aggregate fitness function. The final result proposed by the algorithm was compared with the simulation program result and the measured result of a physical prototype of the antenna built in the laboratory. In the present study, the algorithm was analyzed with respect to their success degree in relation to four important characteristics of a self-organizing multiobjective GA: performance, flexibility, scalability and accuracy. At the end of the study, it was observed a time increase in algorithm execution in comparison to a common GA, due to the time required for the machine learning process. On the plus side, we notice a sensitive gain with respect to flexibility and accuracy of results, and a prosperous path that indicates directions to the algorithm to allow the optimization problems with "η" variables

Caracterização de circuitos planares de micro-ondas pelo método iterativo das ondas

The planar circuits are structures that increasingly attracting the attention of researchers, due the good performance and capacity to integrate with other devices, in the prototyping of systems for transmitting and receiving signals in the microwave range. In this context, the study and development of new techniques for analysis of these devices have significantly contributed in the design of structures with excellent performance and high reliability. In this work, the full-wave method based on the concept of electromagnetic waves and the principle of reflection and transmission of waves at an interface, Wave Concept Iterative Procedure (WCIP), or iterative method of waves is described as a tool with high precision study microwave planar circuits. The proposed method is applied to the characterization of planar filters, microstrip antennas and frequency selective surfaces. Prototype devices were built and the experimental results confirmed the proposed mathematical model. The results were also compared with simulated results by Ansoft HFSS, observing a good agreement between them.

Simulação da transferência de calor em amostras aquecidas por plasma

The processing of materials through plasma has been growing enough in the last times in several technological applications, more specifically in surfaces treatment. That growth is due, mainly, to the great applicability of plasmas as energy source, where it assumes behavior thermal, chemical and/or physical. On the other hand, the multiplicity of simultaneous physical effects (thermal, chemical and physical interactions) present in plasmas increases the complexity for understanding their interaction with solids. In that sense, as an initial step for the development of that subject, the present work treats of the computational simulation of the heating and cooling processes of steel and copper samples immersed in a plasma atmosphere, by considering two experimental geometric configurations: hollow and plane cathode. In order to reach such goal, three computational models were developed in Fortran 90 language: an one-dimensional transient model (1D, t), a two-dimensional transient model (2D, t) and a two-dimensional transient model (2D, t) which take into account the presence of a sample holder in the experimental assembly. The models were developed based on the finite volume method and, for the two-dimensional configurations, the effect of hollow cathode on the sample was considered as a lateral external heat source. The main results obtained with the three computational models, as temperature distribution and thermal gradients in the samples and in the holder, were compared with those developed by the Laboratory of Plasma, LabPlasma/UFRN, and with experiments available in the literature. The behavior showed indicates the validity of the developed codes and illustrate the need of the use of such computational tool in that process type, due to the great easiness of obtaining thermal information of interest

Viabilidades térmica, econômica e de materiais de um sistema solar de aquecimento de água a baixo custo para fins residenciais

An solar alternative system for water heating is presented. Is composed for one low cost alternative collector and alternative thermal reservoir for hot water storing. The collector of the system has box confectioned in composite material and use absorption coils formed for PVC tubes. The box of hot water storage was confectioned from a plastic polyethylene drum used for storage of water and garbage, coated for a cylinder confectioned in fiber glass. The principle of functioning of the system is the same of the conventionally. Its regimen of work is the thermosiphon for a volume of 250 liters water. The main characteristic of the system in considered study is its low cost, allowing a bigger socialization of the use of solar energy. It will be demonstrated the viabilities thermal, economic and of materials of the system of considered heating, and its competitiveness in relation to the available collectors commercially. Relative aspects will be boarded also the susceptibility the thermal degradation and for UV for the PVC tubes. It will be shown that such system of alternative heating, that has as main characteristic its low cost, presents viabilities thermal, economic and of materials

Projeto, construção e análise de desempenho de coletores solares alternativos utilizando garrafas pet

A solar alternative system for water heating is presented. It work on a thermosiphon, consisting of one or two alternative collectors and a water storage tank also alternative, whose main purpose is to socialize the use of energy mainly to be used by people of low income. The collectors were built from the use of pets bottles, cans of beer and soft drinks and tubes of PVC, ½ " and the thermal reservoirs from a drum of polyethylene used for storage of water and garbage placed inside cylinder of fiber glass and EPS ground between the two surfaces. Such collectors are formed by three elements: pet bottles, cans and tubes absorbers. The heating units, which form the collector contains inside the cans that can be closed, in original form or in the form of plate. The collectors have an absorber grid formed by eight absorbers PVC tube, connected through connections at T of the same material and diameter. It will be presented data of the thermal parameters which demonstrate the efficiency of the heating system proposed. Relative aspects will be boarded also the susceptibility the thermal degradation and for UV for the PVC tubes. It will be demonstrated that this alternative heating system, which has as its main feature low cost, presents thermal, economic and materials viabilities

Análise quali-quantitativa do deslocamento da camada-limite em carrocerias veiculares

Dois dos principais objetivos no estudo da aerodinâmica de veículos é a segurança e o desempenho. Esses objetivos podem ser alcançados através do desenvolvimento de dispositivos que modifiquem o escoamento de ar ao redor do veículo e também através de alterações da forma das superfícies externas. O perfil mais baixo da frente do veículo, por exemplo, tem grande influência sobre o coeficiente de penetração aerodinâmica (Cx) e posteriormente sobre grande parte da distribuição de pressão ao longo da superfície do veículo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de analisar o comportamento aerodinâmico que incide sobre 2 (dois) tipos de carrocerias de veículos, baseado em experimentação em túnel aerodinâmico, visando determinar a eficiência aerodinâmica de cada uma delas. Foram comparados dois modelos de veículos, sendo um deles com configuração familiar, muito comum nas grandes cidades e outro modelo com configuração esportiva mais voltado para o desempenho, ambos com escala 1:18. Para a realização do experimento foi construído um túnel aerodinâmico do tipo soprador com circuito aberto, onde foram analisadas as distribuições de pressão nas superfícies inferiores e superiores da carroceria dos modelos e o deslocamento da camada-limite. Tomando-se por base toda a teórica deste trabalho, com relação à aerodinâmica de carroceria, considerou-se nesta dissertação que essa filosofia de pesquisa é capaz de gerar reflexos positivos, que podem tornar os veículos cada vez mais eficientes e influenciar positivamente nos níveis de segurança e desempenho

Fibras de sisal (Agave sisalana) como isolante térmico de tubulações

In the last decades there was a significant increasing of the numbers of researchers that joint efforts to find alternatives to improve the development of low environmental impact technology. Materials based on renewable resources have enormous potentials of applications and are seen as alternatives for the sustainable development. Within other parameters, the sustainability depends on the energetic efficiency, which depends on the thermal insulation. Alternative materials, including vegetal fibers, can be applied to thermal insulation, where its first goal is to minimize the loss of energy. In the present research, it was experimentally analyzed the thermal behavior of fiber blankets of sisal (Agave sisalana) with and without surface treatment with oxide hidroxide (NaOH). Blankets with two densities (1100/1200 and 1300/1400 g/m2) were submitted to three rates of heat transfer (22.5 W, 40 W and 62.5 W). The analysis of the results allowed comparing the blankets treated and untreated in each situation. Others experiments were carried out to obtain the thermal conductivity (k), heat capacity (C) and the thermal diffusivity (α) of the blankets. Thermo gravimetric analyses were made to the verification of the thermal stability. Based on the results it was possible to relate qualitatively the effect of the heat transfer through the sisal blankets subjected to three heat transfer rates, corresponding to three temperature values (77 °C, 112 °C e 155 °C). To the first and second values of temperature it was verified a considerable reduction on the rate of heat transfer; nevertheless, to the third value of temperature, the surface of the blankets (treated and untreated) in contact with the heated surface of the tube were carbonized. It was also verified, through the analyses of the results of the measurements of k, C e α, that the blankets treated and untreated have values near to the conventional isolating materials, as glass wool and rock wool. It could be concluded that is technically possible the use of sisal blankets as constitutive material of thermal isolation systems in applications where the temperature do not reach values greater than 112 ºC