Clarice Lispector: um diálogo entre filosofia e literatura

Nous présentons ici quelques considérations concernant la confrontation/rencontre entre la philosophie et la littérature. Dans la littérature brésilienne contemporaine, l'oeuvre de Clarice Lispector nous offre l'occasion d'analyser l'oeuvre d'art d'un point de vue interdisciplinaire.

Somente um deve vencer: as bases de recrutamento dos candidatos à Prefeitura das capitais brasileiras em 2008

Não é segredo para os estudiosos e é reconhecido pelos atores envolvidos no jogo político que o Prefeito desempenha importantes atividades, podendo influenciar o dia-a-dia da população, a relação com outras esferas de governo e as eleições gerais. Tomando como universo empírico os candidatos ao cargo de Prefeito das capitais brasileiras em 2008, procuramos identificar e analisar as bases de recrutamento desses concorrentes ao principal posto político do município. As interpretações correntes na literatura concentram-se sobre os vencedores da disputa eleitoral, deixando de lado os derrotados. O que os vencedores têm que os derrotados não têm? Seria o perfil dos vencedores diferente daquele encontrado no grupo dos derrotados? Com o propósito de oferecer uma contribuição aos estudos das bases de recrutamento dos membros pertencentes às elites locais, o texto está organizado em uma única seção, onde vamos discutir três dimensões: (i) gênero, faixa etária e naturalidade; (ii) nível de instrução, grupo profissional e mandato executivo e (iii) gastos com campanha e tamanho do patrimônio. Essas características podem ajudar a construir um perfil sociopolítico dos membros pertencentes aos grupos dos vencedores e dos derrotados nas eleições municipais de 2008 para o cargo de Prefeito das capitais brasileiras. Além disso, o estudo desses atributos pode indicar quais predominaram na disputa eleitoral, isto é, quais deles podem mostrar as características que circundam o processo seletivo dos integrantes do distinto grupo político.

Addition of Ca-compounds nanoparticles in melt-textured Bi : 2212

Superconducting BSCCO samples made by melt-texturing process were prepared with the addition of calcium zirconate and calcium silicate nanoparticles. Bi:2212 melt-textured composites prepared with I wt.% of either addition showed different behavior for the critical current density as a function of the applied field, indicating that for each additional compound the improvement can be associated to different enhancement mechanisms, such as the creation of pinning centers and the increase on the connectivity of the grains. The estimated pinning forces indicated higher values for the calcium compound containing samples. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxicity of lignans to symbiotic fungus of leaf-cutting ants

Lignans from Virola sebifera Aubl., Virola sp., and Otoba parvifolia (Mkfg.) A. Gentry (Myristicaceae) inhibited the in vitro growth of the fungus cultivated by leaf-cutting ants of the species Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). A comparison of activity among the lignans was obtained.

The influence of the thickness on the functional properties of cassava starch edible films

The properties of edible films are influenced by several factors, including thickness. The purpose of this paper was to study the influence of thickness on the viscoelasticity properties, water vapor permeability, color and opacity of cassava starch edible films. These films were prepared by a casting technique, the film-forming solutions were 1, 2, 3 and 4% (w/v) of starch, heated to 70degreesC. Different thicknesses were obtained by putting 15 to 70 g of each solution on plexiglass plates. After drying at 30degreesC and ambient relative humidity, these samples were placed for 6 days at RH of 75%, at 22degreesC. The sample thicknesses were determined by a digital micrometer (+/-0.001 mm), as the average of nine different points. The viscoelasticity properties were determined by stress relaxation tests with a texture analyser TA.XT2i (SMS), being applied the Burgers model of four parameters. The water vapor permeability was determined with a gravimetric method, and color and opacity were determined using a Miniscan XE colorimeter, operated according to the Hunterlab method. All the tests were carried out in duplicate at 22degreesC. Practically, the four visco-elasticity properties calculated by the Burgers model had the same behavior, increasing with the thickness of all films, according to a power law model. The water vapor permeability and the color difference increased linearly with the thickness (0.013-0.144 mm) of all films prepared with solution of 1 to 4% of starch. on the other hand, the effect of the variation of the thickness over the opacity, was more important in the films with 1 and 2% of starch. It can be concluded that the control of the thickness in the elaboration of starch films by the casting technique is of extreme importance.

The effect of ZnO on the sintering and stabilization of ZrO2 center dot MgO system

The sintering of ZrO2. MgO . ZnO powder has been investigated by TMA (Thermal Mechanical Analyser) and its phases analysed by XRD (X-ray diffraction pattern). The data obtained from sintering was studied by the Bannister equation and its dominant sintering mechanism was calculated. It was observed that the ZnO addition in the ZrO2. MgO solid solution lead to increased zirconia stabilization, According to the vacancies model, the ZnO addition did not lead to zirconia phases stabilization (PSZ). An analysis of the rate control in the initial stage of the sintering (region I) showed a mechanism of volume diffusion type. In other regions (regions II and III), the grain growth did lead to the Bannister equation deviation, which was observed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). These results were different from those demonstrated by other authors who studied the ZrO2. Y2O3 solid solution and obtained a mechanism of grain boundary diffusion type. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier B.V. Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Immunoassays for pesticide analysis in environmental and food matrices

Immunochemical methods have increased considerably in the past years, and many examples of small and large scale studies have demonstrated the reliability of the immunotechniques for control and monitoring gf contaminant residues in different kinds of samples. Application of the immunoassay (IA) methods in pesticide residue control is an area with enormous potential for growth. The most extensively studied IA is the enzyme-linked absorbent assay (ELISA), but several other approaches, that include radioimmunoassay and immunoaffinity chromatography, have been also developed recently. In comparison with classical analytical methods, IA methods offer the possibility of highly sensitive, relatively vapid, and cost-effective measurements. This paper introduces the general IAs used until now, focusing on their use in pesticide analysis, and discussing briefly the effects of interferences from solvent residues or matrix components on the IA performance. Numerous immunochemical methods commonly used for pesticide determination in different samples such as food, crop and environmental samples are presented.

Mechanochemical synthesis of barium titanate

A powder mixture of BaO and TiO2, was mechanochemically treated in a planetary ball mill in an air atmosphere for up to 4 h, using zirconium oxide vial and zirconium oxide balls as the milling medium. Mechanochemical reaction leads to the gradual formation of BaTiO3 phase. Phase evolution during synthesis and changes in powder size and morphology were monitored by XRD, DSC, IR and TEM analysis and it was shown that the formation of BaTiO3 phase was initiated after 60 min. Extended time of milling directed to formation of higher amount of BaTiO3 perovskite phase. Barium titanate with good crystallinity was formed after 240 min sintering without pre-calcination step was performed at 1330 degrees C for 2 It within heating rate 10 degrees C/min. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ferroelectric properties of mechanically synthesized nanosized barium titanate

Barium titanate ceramics were prepared through mechanochemical synthesis starting from fresh prepared barium oxide and titanium oxide in rutile form. Mixture of oxides was milled in zirconia oxide jar in the planetary ball-mill during 30, 60, 120 and 240 min. Extended time of milling directed to formation of higher amount of barium titanate perovskite phase. Barium titanate with good crystallinity was formed after 240 min. Sintering without pre-calcinations step was performed at 1330 degrees C for 2 hours with heating rate of 10 degrees C/min. The XRD, DSC, IR and TEM analyses were performed. Electric and ferroelectric properties were studied. Very well defined hysteresis loop was obtained.

Some structural and physicochemical characteristics of tuber and root starches

Starches from six different species (cassava, arrowroot, sweet potato, yam, canna and ginger) were isolated and some structural and physicochemical characteristics analysed and correlated. Phosphorous and amylose contents were determined using a colorimetric method and measuring iodine affinity, respectively. Molecular weight distributions of starches were analysed by Sepharose CL 2B. Granular shape and size distribution were performed using an image analyser system attached to a light microscope. Swelling power was determined at 60, 70, 80 and 90 degrees C. Pasting and thermal properties were measured using a rapid viscoanalyser, and a differential scanning calorimeter, respectively. Phosphorous content varied from 0.007 to 0.031% for cassava and canna starches, respectively. Yam, canna and ginger starches displayed higher amylose contents (32.6, 31.7 and 26.5%, respectively) than cassava, arrowroot and sweet potato starches (19.8, 20.8 and 22.6%, respectively). These last three starches displayed amylose molecules of higher molecular weight than those shown for yam, canna and ginger starches. Canna starch showed higher proportions of longer branch chains of amylopectin than others starches. The size and shape of granules were quite variable among all starches and the average size of granules varied from 13.9 to 42.3 mu m for sweet potato and canna, respectively. Swelling power, pasting, and thermal properties were affected by structural characteristics of the starches.

Influence of low and high levels of grain defects on maize wet milling

Yields and starch pasting characteristics obtained from wet milling of maize samples with low and high levels of defect grains were compared to those from sound samples. Defect grain groups ere established taking into account the defect degree. Thus the first group consisted of fermented, molded, heated and sprouted grains and the second of insect damaged. hollow, fermented (up to 1/4) grains and those injured by other causes. The grain groups, if present at low levels in the samples, 10% for first group and 17% for second group did not affect the chemical composition of starch and its pasting properties. obtained by the rapid visco analyser. Samples with high levels of grain groups (up to 100%). affected wet milling yields and starch viscosity. Samples with 100% of grains in the first group decreased starch, germ yield and peak viscosity and increased gluten yield. Samples with 100% of grains in the second group decreased germ and fiber yield but increased starch yield. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of ZnGa2O4 formation on structural and optical properties of ZnO : Ga powders

Gallium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ga 1, 2 3, 4 and 5 at%) samples were prepared in powder form by modifying the Pechini method. The formation of zinc gallate (ZnGa2O4) With the spinel crystal structure was observed even in ZnO:Ga 1 at% by X-ray diffraction. The presence of ZnGa2O4 in ZnO:Ga samples was also evidenced by luminescence spectroscopy through its blue emission at 430 nm, assigned to charge transfer between Ga3+ at regular octahedral symmetry and its surrounding O2- ions. The amount of ZnGa2O4 increases as the dopant concentration increases, as observed by the quantitative phase analysis by the Rietveld method. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lactate in Bitches with Pyometra

Lactate is a compound produced by the anaerobic metabolism of glucose, and hyperlactataemia occurs when the rate of production of lactate exceeds the rate of elimination. This occurs in situations of hypoxia and tissue hypoperfusion. Lactate has been considered a useful prognostic indicator in critically ill patients. Pyometra is a disease of adult female dogs characterized by inflammation of the uterus with an accumulation of exudate, which occurs during the luteal phase. It is one of the most common diseases that occur in the genital tract of female dogs. A total of 31 dogs were diagnosed with pyometra. The diagnosis was confirmed at ultrasonography. of the 31 dogs, 25 females had open cervix pyometra and six had closed cervix pyometra. Plasma lactate concentrations were determined by an enzymatic colorimetric method. The average concentration (+/- SD) of plasma lactate in all 31 bitches with pyometra was 3.55 +/- 0.46 mm. Healthy dogs had plasma lactate concentrations between 0.3 and 2.5 mm (mean +/- SD). Concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 2.9 mm when plasma lactate was measured with a portable device and 0.42.6 mm with the blood gas analyser. Even though plasma lactate values vary between several studies and equipment used to measure concentrations, our results for dogs with pyometra are higher indicating hyperlactataemia (Thorneloe et al. , Can Vet J 48, 283288). Plasma lactate in dogs with closed cervix pyometra was mean +/- SD and in dogs with open cervix pyometra, it was mean +/- SD. The plasma lactate concentration in dogs with pyometra was higher than in healthy bitches, and there was no influence of patency of the cervix on the concentration of plasma lactate concentrations. Plasma lactate concentrations were similar for animals with open and closed pyometra (3.54 +/- 0.52 to 3.64 +/- 1.03 mm).

Simultaneous solidification of two catalyst wastes and their effect on the early stages of cement hydration

Two catalyst wastes (RNi and RAI) from polyol production were considered as hazardous, due to their respective high concentration of nickel and aluminum contents. This article presents the study, done to avoid environmental impacts, of the simultaneous solidification/stabilization of both catalyst wastes with type II Portland cement (CP) by non-conventional differential thermal analysis (NCDTA). This technique allows one to monitor the initial stages of cement hydration to evaluate the accelerating and/or retarding effects on the process due to the presence of the wastes and to identify the steps where the changes occur. Pastes with water/cement ratio equal to 0.5 were prepared, into which different amounts of each waste were added. NCDTA has the same basic principle of Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), but differs in the fact that there is no external heating or cooling system as in the case of DTA. The thermal effects of the cement paste hydration with and without waste presence were evaluated from the energy released during the process in real time by acquiring the temperature data of the sample and reference using thermistors with 0.03 A degrees C resolution, coupled to an analog-digital interface. In the early stages of cement hydration retarding and accelerating effects occur, respectively due to RNi and RAl presence, with significant thermal effects. During the simultaneous use of the two waste catalysts for their stabilization process by solidification in cement, there is a synergic resulting effect, which allows better hydration operating conditions than when each waste is solidified separately. Thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) of 4 and 24 h pastes allow a quantitative information about the main cement hydrated phases and confirm the same accelerating or retarding effects due to the presence of wastes indicated from respective NCDTA curves.

Rugosidade superficial de ligas com alto conteúdo de cobre, em função do aquecimento acima da temperatura de fusão.

Being the surface roughness a fundamental property in the fit of the castings, it was determined the roughness of 5 high-copper casting alloys, according to the heating over their melting temperature. That way, the specimens made with smooth plastic in the shape of a rectangular plate, 2 mm x 7 mm x 11 mm were invested into a cristobalite investment. After heating and elimination on the plastic, the molds were filled by 3 g of molten alloy, casted in a electrical casting machine at the casting temperature at 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C overheating. The surface roughness was measured in a roughness analyser, Talysurf. As a result, it was verified that there is a variation of surface roughness among the alloys tested, and the heating of the alloys until 50 degrees C over the melting temperature does not interfere in the roughness.