Avaliação espectrofotométrica do manchamento de resinas odontológicas contendo nanopartículas

Composite resins have been subjected to structural modifications aiming at improved optical and mechanical properties. The present study consisted in an in vitro evaluation of the staining behavior of two nanohybrid resins (NH1 and NH2), a nanoparticulated resin (NP) and a microhybrid resin (MH). Samples of these materials were prepared and immersed in commonly ingested drinks, i.e., coffee, red wine and acai berry for periods of time varying from 1 to 60 days. Cylindrical samples of each resin were shaped using a metallic die and polymerized during 30 s both on the bottom and top of its disk. All samples were polished and immersed in the staining solutions. After 24 hours, three samples of each resin immersed in each solution were removed and placed in a spectrofotome ter for analysis. To that end, the samples were previously diluted in HCl at 50%. Tukey tests were carried out in the statistical analysis of the results. The results revealed that there was a clear difference in the staining behavior of each material. The nanoparticulated resin did not show better color stability compared to the microhybrid resin. Moreover, all resins stained with time. The degree of staining decreased in the sequence nanoparticulated, microhybrid, nanohybrid MH2 and MH1. Wine was the most aggressive drink followed by coffee and acai berry. SEM and image analysis revealed significant porosity on the surface of MH resin and relatively large pores on a NP sample. The NH2 resin was characterized by homogeneous dispersion of particles and limited porosity. Finally, the NH1 resin depicted the lowest porosity level. The results revealed that staining is likely related to the concentration of inorganic pa rticles and surface porosity

Estudo de pré-formulação para dose fixa combinada dos tuberculostáticos rifampicina, isoniazida, pirazinamida e etambutol (4 em 1)

According to the global framework regarding new cases of tuberculosis, Brazil appears at the 18th place. Thus, the Ministry of Health has defined this disease as a priority in the governmental policies. As a consequence, studies concerning treatment and prevention have increased. Fixed-dose combination formulations (FDC) are recognized as beneficial and are recommended by WHO, but they present instability and loss on rifampicin bioavailability. The main purpose of this work was to carry out a pre-formulation study with the schedule 1 tuberculosis treatment drugs: rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol and pharmaceutical excipients (lactose, cellulose, magnesium stearate and talc), in order to develop an FDC product (150 mg of rifampicin + 75 mg of isoniazid + 400 mg of pyrazinamide + 250 mg of ethambutol). The studies consisted of the determination of particle size and distribution (Ferret s diameter) and shape through optical microscopy, as well as rheological and technological properties (bulk and tapped densities, Hausner Factor, Carr s Index, repose angle and flux rate) and interactions among drugs and drug excipient through thermal analysis (DSC, DTA, TG and your derivate). The results showed that, except isoniazid, the other drugs presented poor rheological properties, determined by the physical characteristics of the particles: small size and rod like particles shape for rifampicin; rectangular shape for pyrazinamide and ethambutol, beyond its low density. The 4 drug mixture also not presented flowability, particularly that one containing drug quantity indicated for the formulation of FDC products. In this mixture, isoniazid, that has the best flowability, was added in a lower concentration. The addition of microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and talc to the drug mixtures improved flowability properties. In DSC analysis probable interactions among drugs were found, supporting the hypothesis of ethambutol and pyrazinamide catalysis of the rifampicin-isoniazid reaction resulting in 3- formylrifamycin isonicotinyl hydrazone (HYD) as a degradation product. In the mixtures containing lactose Supertab® DSC curves evidenced incompatibility among drugs and excipient. In the DSC curves of mixtures containing cellulose MC101®, magnesium stearate and talc, no alterations were observed comparing to the drug profiles. The TG/DTG of the binary and ternary mixtures curves showed different thermogravimetrics profiles relating that observed to the drug isolated, with the thermal decomposition early supporting the evidences of incompatibilities showed in the DSC and DTA curves

Formação de particulas submicrometricas de pmma por cristalização termica de solução polimérica

Polymer particles in the nanometer range are of fundamental interest today, especially when used as carrier systems in the controlled release of drugs, cosmetics and nutraceuticals, as well as in coating materials with magnetic properties. The main objective of the present study concerns the production of submicron particles of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by crystallization of a polymer solution by thermally controlled cooling. In this work, PMMA solutions in ethanol and 1-propanol were prepared at different concentrations (1% to 5% by weight) and crystallized at different cooling rates (0.2 to 0.8 ° C / min) controlled linearly. Analysis of particle size distribution (DLS / CILAS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed in order to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the produced particles. The results demonstrated that it is possible to obtain submicron polymer perfectly spherical particles using the technique discussed in this study. It was also observed that, depending on the cooling rate and the concentration of the polymer solution, it is possible to achieve high yield in the formation of submicron particles. In addition, preliminary tests were performed in order to verify the ability of this technique to form particulated carrier material with magnetic properties. The results showed that the developed technique can be an interesting alternative to obtain polymer particles with magnetic properties

Análise da adição de resíduo oriundo do tratamento de esgotos em massa cerâmica utilizada para fabricação de telhas

Sludge of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WTPs) disposal is a problem for any municipality, for this reason the amount of sludge production is now a key issue in selecting treatment methods. It is necessary to investigate new applications for this waste type, due to the restrictions imposed by the environmental organs. The raw materials used in the Red Ceramic, are generally very heterogeneous, for this reason, such materials can tolerate the presence of different types of wastes. In Rio Grande do Norte, the roof tiles production corresponds to 60,61% from the total of ceramic units produced. Due to the importance of the ceramic industry of roof tiles for the state, allied to the environmental problem of the sludge disposal, this work had for objective to verify the possibility of the incorporation of sewage sludge in ceramic body used for production of roof tiles. In the research, sludge originating from drying beds of WTP of the Central Campus from UFRN and clays originating from a ceramic industry from Goianinha/RN were used. The raw materials were characterized by techniques of: analysis of particles distribution by diffraction to laser; real density; consistence limits; chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence; mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction; organic matter; and solids content. Five batches of roof tiles were manufactured in the approximate dosages of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. To evaluate the properties of each final product, tests of water absorption, impermeability, bending strength, leachability and solubility were accomplished. The roof tiles manufactured with sludge presented characteristics similar to the roof tiles without sludge in relation to the environmental risk. The results showed that it is possible to use approximately up to 4% of sludge in ceramic bodies for production of roof tiles. However, it is observed that the high amount of organic matter (71%) present in the sludge is shown as factor that limits the sludge incorporation in ceramic bodies, worsening the quality of the roof tiles. It is necessary the use of mixtures of different raw materials under point of view of the granulometry and of the other chemical and mineralogical properties for the obtaining of a satisfactory mass to the production of ceramic roof tiles

Caracterização dos eletrocatalisadores LaMnO3, LaFeO3, LaFe0,2Mn0,8O3 E La0,5Fe0,5MnO3 preparados por autocombustão assistida por microondas para cátodos de células a combustível do tipo SOFC

Materials consisting of perovskite-type oxides (ABO3) have been developed in this work for applications in fuel cell cathodes of solid oxide type (SOFC). These ceramic materials are widely studied for this type of application because they have excellent electrical properties, conductivity and electrocatalytic. The oxides LaMnO3, LaFeO3, LaFe0.2Mn0.8O3 e La0.5Fe0.5MnO3 were synthesized by the method of microwave assisted combustion and after sintering at 800°C in order to obtain the desired phases. The powders were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and voltammetric analysis (cyclic voltammetry and polarization curves). The results obtained by XRF technique showed that the microwave synthesis method was effective in obtaining doping oxides with values near stoichiometric. In general, powders were obtained with particle size less than 0.5 μm, having a porous structure and uniform particle size distribution. The particles showed spherical form, irregular and crowded of varying sizes, according to the analysis of SEM. The behavior of the oxides opposite the thermal stability was monitored by thermogravimetric curves (TG), which showed low weight loss values for all samples, especially those of manganese had its structure. By means of Xray diffraction of the samples sintered at 800°C was possible to observe the formation of powders having high levels of crystallinity. Furthermore, undesirable phases such as La2O3 and MnOx were not identified in the diffractograms. These phases block the transport of oxygen ions in the electrode/electrolyte interface, affecting the electrochemical activity of the system. The voltammetric analysis of the electrocatalysts LF-800, LM-800, LF2M8-800 e L5F5M-800 revealed that these materials are excellent electrical conductors, because it increased the passage of electrical current of the working electrode significantly. Best performance for the oxygen reduction reaction was observed with iron-rich structures, considering that the materials obtained have characteristics suitable for use in fuel cell cathodes of solid oxide type

Processo de difusão com agregação e reorganização espontânea em uma rede 2D

Difusive processes are extremely common in Nature. Many complex systems, such as microbial colonies, colloidal aggregates, difusion of fluids, and migration of populations, involve a large number of similar units that form fractal structures. A new model of difusive agregation was proposed recently by Filoche and Sapoval [68]. Based on their work, we develop a model called Difusion with Aggregation and Spontaneous Reorganization . This model consists of a set of particles with excluded volume interactions, which perform random walks on a square lattice. Initially, the lattice is occupied with a density p = N/L2 of particles occupying distinct, randomly chosen positions. One of the particles is selected at random as the active particle. This particle executes a random walk until it visits a site occupied by another particle, j. When this happens, the active particle is rejected back to its previous position (neighboring particle j), and a new active particle is selected at random from the set of N particles. Following an initial transient, the system attains a stationary regime. In this work we study the stationary regime, focusing on scaling properties of the particle distribution, as characterized by the pair correlation function ø(r). The latter is calculated by averaging over a long sequence of configurations generated in the stationary regime, using systems of size 50, 75, 100, 150, . . . , 700. The pair correlation function exhibits distinct behaviors in three diferent density ranges, which we term subcritical, critical, and supercritical. We show that in the subcritical regime, the particle distribution is characterized by a fractal dimension. We also analyze the decay of temporal correlations

Avaliação espectrofotométrica do manchamento de resinas odontológicas contendo nanopartículas

Composite resins have been subjected to structural modifications aiming at improved optical and mechanical properties. The present study consisted in an in vitro evaluation of the staining behavior of two nanohybrid resins (NH1 and NH2), a nanoparticulated resin (NP) and a microhybrid resin (MH). Samples of these materials were prepared and immersed in commonly ingested drinks, i.e., coffee, red wine and acai berry for periods of time varying from 1 to 60 days. Cylindrical samples of each resin were shaped using a metallic die and polymerized during 30 s both on the bottom and top of its disk. All samples were polished and immersed in the staining solutions. After 24 hours, three samples of each resin immersed in each solution were removed and placed in a spectrofotome ter for analysis. To that end, the samples were previously diluted in HCl at 50%. Tukey tests were carried out in the statistical analysis of the results. The results revealed that there was a clear difference in the staining behavior of each material. The nanoparticulated resin did not show better color stability compared to the microhybrid resin. Moreover, all resins stained with time. The degree of staining decreased in the sequence nanoparticulated, microhybrid, nanohybrid MH2 and MH1. Wine was the most aggressive drink followed by coffee and acai berry. SEM and image analysis revealed significant porosity on the surface of MH resin and relatively large pores on a NP sample. The NH2 resin was characterized by homogeneous dispersion of particles and limited porosity. Finally, the NH1 resin depicted the lowest porosity level. The results revealed that staining is likely related to the concentration of inorganic pa rticles and surface porosity

Maximização da penetração da geração distribuída através do algoritmo de otimização nuvem de partículas

This work develops a methodology for defining the maximum active power being injected into predefined nodes in the studied distribution networks, considering the possibility of multiple accesses of generating units. The definition of these maximum values is obtained from an optimization study, in which further losses should not exceed those of the base case, i.e., without the presence of distributed generation. The restrictions on the loading of the branches and voltages of the system are respected. To face the problem it is proposed an algorithm, which is based on the numerical method called particle swarm optimization, applied to the study of AC conventional load flow and optimal load flow for maximizing the penetration of distributed generation. Alternatively, the Newton-Raphson method was incorporated to resolution of the load flow. The computer program is performed with the SCILAB software. The proposed algorithm is tested with the data from the IEEE network with 14 nodes and from another network, this one from the Rio Grande do Norte State, at a high voltage (69 kV), with 25 nodes. The algorithm defines allowed values of nominal active power of distributed generation, in percentage terms relative to the demand of the network, from reference values

Algorítmo evolucionário para a distribuição de produtos de petróleo por redes de polidutos

The distribution of petroleum products through pipeline networks is an important problem that arises in production planning of refineries. It consists in determining what will be done in each production stage given a time horizon, concerning the distribution of products from source nodes to demand nodes, passing through intermediate nodes. Constraints concerning storage limits, delivering time, sources availability, limits on sending or receiving, among others, have to be satisfied. This problem can be viewed as a biobjective problem that aims at minimizing the time needed to for transporting the set of packages through the network and the successive transmission of different products in the same pipe is called fragmentation. This work are developed three algorithms that are applied to this problem: the first algorithm is discrete and is based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), with local search procedures and path-relinking proposed as velocity operators, the second and the third algorithms deal of two versions based on the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The proposed algorithms are compared to other approaches for the same problem, in terms of the solution quality and computational time spent, so that the efficiency of the developed methods can be evaluated

Avaliação da potencialidade de argilas do Rio Grande do Norte – Brasil

DUTRA, Ricardo Peixoto Suassuna ; SILVA, Jaquelígia Brito da ; MORAES, Márcio Luiz Varela Nogueira de ; NASCIMENTO, R. M. ; GOMES, Uilame Umbelino ; PASKOCIMAS, Carlos Alberto . Avaliação da potencialidade de argilas do Rio Grande do Norte. Cerâmica Industrial, v. 13, p. 47-50, 2008.

Influência dos intermediários de distribuição de produtos turísticos no processo de decisão do meio de hospedagem pelo consumidor

This study examines the complex hotel buyer decision process in front of the tourism distribution channels. Its objective is to describe the influence level of the tourism marketing intermediaries, mainly the travel agents and tour operators, over the hotel decision process by the buyer-tourist. The data collection process was done trough a survey with three hundred brazilian tourists hosted in nineteen hotels of Natal, capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The data analysis was done using some multivariate statistic techniques as correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, factor analysis and multiple discriminant analysis. The research characterizes the hotel services consumers profile and his trip, and identifying the distribution channels used by them. Furthermore, the research verifies the intermediaries influence exercised over hotel buyer decision process, looking for identify causality relations between the influence level and the buyer profile. Verifies that information about hotels available on internet reduces the probability that this influence can be practiced; however it was possible identifying those consumers considers this information complementary and non-substitutes than the information from intermediaries. The characteristics of the data do not allow indentifying the factors that constraint the intermediaries influence neither identifying discriminant functions of the specific distribution channel choice by consumers. The study concludes that consumers don t agree in have been influenced by intermediaries or don t know if they have, still considering important to consult them and internet doesn t substitute their function as information source

Distribuição e abundância da malacofauna epibentônica no Parracho de Maracajaú, RN, Brasil

The mollusks present a great taxon variety and life habits in coral reefs being good environmental indicators. It is important to know the distribution pattern of the mollusks and the processes that influence it, so that disturbances in sea ecosystems could be monitored. The present study aims to accomplish the inventory and distribution of epibenthic mollusks in the Parracho of Maracajaú. 23 sites in different habitats of the Parracho were settled: 11 in the reef habitat, 3 in the sandy bottom and 9 in the seagrass bed. Qualitative and quantitative samplings have been done through snorkeling and scuba diving. Three band transects (10m²) were sampled in each site and the data were obtained to each m² of the transect, where the species were counted and the environmental variables (rugosity and recovery of the substratum) were valued. The data were submitted to multivariate analyses in order to find possible distribution patterns that could be associated to the substratum variables. The diversity indexes were calculated for each reef sites and compared with each other. A number of 46 species were registered. The reef habit at should to be the richnest area while the sandy bottom was poorest one. In the reef habitat, the mollusks were associated to rugosity and recovering of frondose algae and zoanthids, while for the seagrass bed, the animals exhibited a richness variation associated to the muddy and sandy sediment. There were found 3 species economically explored, what requires an appropriate management for the maintenance and conservation of the area resources in a sustainable way

Abundância e distribuição sazonal de espécies autóctones de camarões peneídeos no canal de abastecimento do sistema primar de aquicultura orgânica (Laguna de Guaraíras, Tibau do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil)

Guaraíras lagoon, located in Tibau do Sul in the eastern littoral of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), presents a permanent connection to the sea, which guarantees the occurrence of a rich biodiversity, which includes the autochthonous shrimp species Litopenaeus schmitti, Farfantepenaeus subtilis and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis. In spite of being subject to a strong human intervention in the last decade, mainly related to the installation of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farms, the lagoon is still scarcely studied. The present study aims at characterizing the populations of the three autochthonous penaeid shrimp species inhabiting Guaraíras, taking into consideration their abundance and seasonal distribution in the inflow channel of Primar System of Organic Aquaculture (Tibau do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). Twelve monthly samples were carried out from May 2005 to April 2006 with the aid of a circular cast net in the inflow channel, which is daily supplied with water from Guaraíras. Sampling months were grouped in trimesters according to the total pluviosity, thus comprising four trimesters. Water salinity was monitored twice a week and temperature values registered on a daily basis at noon, during the study period. The daily pluviosity data from the municipality of Tibau do Sul were supplied by Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte (EMPARN). Collected shrimp were identified, weighted, measured and sexed. L. schmitti specimens (0.2 g to 17.8 g) were distributed in 1.3 g weight classes intervals. From the eighth sampling month (December 2005) onwards, males were classified into three categories, in accordance with the development of their petasm: (a) rudimentary petasm, (b) partially formed petasm, and (c) completely formed petasm. Among the ecological variables, rainfall showed the greatest dispersion (s.d.=187.74Rainfall and abundance of L. schmitti were negatively correlated (r = -0.85) whereas its abundance and water salinity were positively correlated (r = 0.63). Among 1,144 collected individuals, 1,127 were L. schmitti, 13 were F. subtilis and 4 were F. brasiliensis, which corresponded to 98.51%, 1.14% and 0.35% of the total of collected individuals. L. schmitti occurred in 100 % of all samples. Differently, the presence of F. subtilis and F. brasiliensis was restricted to 33% and 17% of the collected samples, respectively. The present study confirmed the occurrence of L. schmitti, F. brasiliensis and F. subtilis in Guaraíras. However, this lagoon seems to be primarily inhabited by juvenile Litopenaeus schmitti. The population of L. schmitti analysed showed a seasonal pattern of distribution. In general, in the months of high salinity and absence of rain, the number of individuals was higher than in the wet months. Further studies on the reproductive biology and ecology of L. schmitti, F. brasiliensis and F. subtilis may elucidate questions referring to the abundance, period, and phase of occurrence of these shrimp genera in Guaraíras. Finally, the risks associated to the establishment of L. vannamei in the lagoon provide a novel outlet for studies in this biotope

Implementação da rotina de unfolding para determinação de distribuição de tamanho de grãos esféricos via distribuição de interceptos lineares e de área de seção

Na unfolding method of linear intercept distributions and secction área distribution was implemented for structures with spherical grains. Although the unfolding routine depends on the grain shape, structures with spheroidal grains can also be treated by this routine. Grains of non-spheroidal shape can be treated only as approximation. A software was developed with two parts. The first part calculates the probability matrix. The second part uses this matrix and minimizes the chi-square. The results are presented with any number of size classes as required. The probability matrix was determined by means of the linear intercept and section area distributions created by computer simulation. Using curve fittings the probability matrix for spheres of any sizes could be determined. Two kinds of tests were carried out to prove the efficiency of the Technique. The theoretical tests represent ideal cases. The software was able to exactly find the proposed grain size distribution. In the second test, a structure was simulated in computer and images of its slices were used to produce the corresponding linear intercept the section area distributions. These distributions were then unfolded. This test simulates better reality. The results show deviations from the real size distribution. This deviations are caused by statistic fluctuation. The unfolding of the linear intercept distribution works perfectly, but the unfolding of section area distribution does not work due to a failure in the chi-square minimization. The minimization method uses a matrix inversion routine. The matrix generated by this procedure cannot be inverted. Other minimization method must be used

Síntese, caracterização e cinética da decomposição térmica dos materiais cerâmicos PrMO3 (M = Ni ou Co)

In this work have been studied the preparation, characterization and kinetic study of decomposition of the polymerizing agent used in the synthesis under non-isothermal condition ceramics PrMO3 of general formula (M = Co and Ni). These materials were obtained starting from the respective metal nitrates, as a cations source, and making use of gelatin as polymerizing agent. The powders were calcined at temperatures of 500°C, 700°C and 900°C and characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG / DTG/ DTA), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The perovskite phase was detected in all the X-rays patterns. In the infrared spectroscopy observed the oxide formation as the calcination temperature increases with the appearance of the band metal - oxygen. The images of SEM revealed uniform distribution for the PrCoO3 and particles agglomerated as consequence of particle size for PrNiO3. From the data of thermal analysis, the kinetics of decomposition of organic matter was employed using the kinetics methods called Model Free Kinetics and Flynn and Wall, in the heating ratios 10, 20 and 30° C.min-1 between room temperature and 700°C. Finally, been obtained the values of activation energy for the region of greatest decomposition of organic matter in samples that were determined by the degree of conversion (α)