Development of an amperometric sensor for potassium ions

Hollandite-type manganese oxides are nanofibrous crystals with sub-nanometer open tunnels that provide a unique property for sensing applications. Sensor based on hollandite-type manganese oxide was investigated for amperometric detection of potassium. With an operating potential of +0.63 V versus SCE, potassium ions produce oxidation currents at the sensor, which can be exploited for quantitative determinations. The amperometric signals are linearly proportional to potassium ions concentration in the range 2.7 x 10(-4) to 9.1 x 10(-4) Mol l(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9990. The construction and renewal are simple and inexpensive.

Phytase immobilization on modified electrodes for amperometric biosensing

Phytase (myo-inositol hexaphosphate phosphohydrolase) and phytic acid (myo-inositol hexaphosphate) play an important environmental role, in addition to being a health issue in food industry. Phytic acid is antinutritional due to its ability to chelate metal ions and may also react with proteins decreasing their bioavailability. In this work, we produced biosensors with phytase immobilized in Layer-by-Layer (LbL) films, which could detect phytic acid with a detection limit of 0.19 mmol L-1, which is sufficient to detect phytic acid in seeds of grains and vegetables. The biosensosrs consisted of LbL films containing up to eight bilayers of phytase alternated with poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) deposited onto an indium-tin oxide (ITO) substrate modified with Prussian Blue. Amperometric detection was conducted in an acetate buffer solution (at pH 5.5) at room temperature, with the biosensor response attributed to the formation of phosphate ions. In subsidiary experiments with the currents measured at 0.0 V (vs. SCE), we demonstrated the absence of effects from some interferents, pointing to a good selectivity of the biosensor. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Permian stromatolites associated with bivalve coquina beds-Angatuba, SP, Brazil (Teresina Formation, Parana Basin)

Silicified stromatolites have been described in the Permian Teresina Formation, Passa Dois Group, of the Parana Basin. These stromatolites occur as blocks in the Fazenda Monte Alegre area at the headwaters of the creek known as Corrego Catanduva in the municipality of Angatuba. These blocks originate from the Serra de Angatuba region and were recognized in a road that was cut in the midst of sandstones and siltites. The stromatolites are isolated bioherms that are domed to subspherical with a flat base in profile and a rounded to lenticular shape in plan view. The stromatolites exhibit a reddish coloration and are composed of microcrystalline quartz. Lamination is continuous, non-columnar, and anastomosed, showing parallel to divergent growth; however, divergent columns also occur, especially at the tops of the bioherms. The lamination is fine and well preserved, with alternating light and dark laminas. Microfossils of filamentous cyanobacteria are preserved and were related to the genera Microcoleus and Rivularia. Silicified bivalves occur in association with the stromatolites and are preserved in the form of coquina beds and rare isolated specimens within the bioherms. The described specimens belong to the Pinzonella illusa biozone, with representatives of the species Pinzonella illusa, Angatubia cowperesioides, and Houldausiella elongata. The formation environment of these stromatolites is associated with tidal plains of shallow, brackish, relatively calm, warm waters of good luminosity with the presence of weak currents. There was likely a low level of predation, and the environment may have been hypersaline. The coquina beds associated with the stromatolites indicate a probable proximal tempestite, i.e., they were formed near the coastline. The stromatolites were originally composed of carbonates, although these were replaced by silica during early diagenesis.

Uma análise crítica dos ideários pedagógicos contemporâneos à luz da teoria de A. N. Leontiev

O presente artigo objetiva demonstrar o alcance das pedagogias do aprender a aprender (DUARTE, 2001), uma vez que elas fundamentam as propostas educacionais no âmbito nacional e no internacional, na atualidade; bem como apresentar suas principais premissas, que mantêm sua filiação ao pragmatismo e ao irracionalismo e, no limite, submetem o desenvolvimento humano à ordem do capital. Tais proposições se contrapõem ao objetivo humanizador da educação escolar pressuposto na produção teórica do psicólogo soviético Alexis Leontiev. Como resultados, temos que, dessas produções, é possível extrair subsídios para o enfrentamento do processo de esvaziamento do ensino escolar e do papel do professor engendrado pelas referidas pedagogias. Além disso, pretendese evidenciar a impossibilidade de aproximações entre as produções da psicologia histórico-cultural com outras correntes pedagógicas que estão a serviço da legitimação e do revigoramento da sociedade capitalista.

Demonstração didática da interação entre correntes elétricas

Apresentamos a primeira experiência crucial de Ampère mostrando a interação entre dois fios metálicos conduzindo correntes elétricas. Discutimos sua importância na história da física. Descrevemos uma reprodução moderna dos procedimentos e observações de Ampère com materiais de baixo custo.

Interação entre professora e alunos em salas de aula com proposta pedagógica de educação inclusiva

Correntes teóricas presentes na literatura científica têm demonstrado a importância das relações interpessoais para o processo de construção do conhecimento. É no contexto da interação professor e aluno que se configura a relação entre as necessidades educacionais dos alunos e as respostas pedagógicas a elas disponibilizadas, o que envolve o domínio do conhecimento pelo professor, sua capacitação técnico-científica, a competência de ensinar pesquisando, as características sócio-culturais e o perfil psicológico dos atores sociais envolvidos- professor e aluno. Buscando melhor compreender este universo, elaborou-se este estudo que teve como objetivo descrever as interações ocorridas entre uma professora, e seus alunos, em classes em que se propunha adotar uma prática pedagógica inclusiva. Os dados foram coletados em 2 salas de aula, em escola estadual de Ensino Fundamental, no município de Bauru. O processo de coleta de dados se deu através do registro da realidade de sala de aula em vídeo tape. Optou-se por este método, por permitir a recuperação posterior dos dados. A coleta se deu no transcorrer do 1º semestre do ano letivo de 2001. A análise fundamentou-se em sistema prévio de categorias, e tratou os dados quantitativa e qualitativamente. Os resultados demonstraram peculiaridades e diferenças nas interações da professora com os seus alunos, em função da presença ou ausência da deficiência. Indicaram, também, que a interação vem demonstrando avanços na prática educacional, no que diz respeito à atenção pedagógica, da professora, ao aluno com deficiência.

A computational tool to assist the analysis of the transformer behavior related to lightning

This paper proposes the application of computational intelligence techniques to assist complex problems concerning lightning in transformers. In order to estimate the currents related to lightning in a transformer, a neural tool is presented. ATP has generated the training vectors. The input variables used in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were the wave front time, the wave tail time, the voltage variation rate and the output variable is the maximum current in the secondary of the transformer. These parameters can define the behavior and severity of lightning. Based on these concepts and from the results obtained, it can be verified that the overvoltages at the secondary of transformer are also affected by the discharge waveform in a similar way to the primary side. By using the tool developed, the high voltage process in the distribution transformers can be mapped and estimated with more precision aiding the transformer project process, minimizing empirics and evaluation errors, and contributing to minimize the failure rate of transformers. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the E-J Curve of HTS Tapes Under DC and AC Magnetic Fields at 77 K

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Spin-Stabilized Spacecrafts: Analytical Attitude Propagation Using Magnetic Torques

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Load compensation in four-wire electrical power systems

This work describes a methodology for power factor control and correction of the unbalanced currents in four-wire electric circuits. The methodology is based on the insertion of two compensation networks, one wye-grounded neutral and another in delta, in parallel to the load. The mathematical development has been proposed in previous work [3]. In this paper, however, the methodology was adapted to accept different power factors for the system to be compensated. on the other hand, the determination of the compensation susceptances is based on the instantaneous values of the load currents. The results are obtained using the MatLab - Simulink environment.

Alternative Model of Three-Phase Transmission Line Theory-Based Modal Decomposition

In this paper is shown the development of a transmission line, based on discrete circuit elements that provide responses directly in the time domain and phase. This model is valid for ideally transposed rows represent the phases of each of the small line segments are separated in their modes of propagation and the voltage and current are calculated at the modal field. However, the conversion phase-mode-phase is inserted in the state equations which describe the currents and voltages along the line of which there is no need to know the user of the model representation of the theory in the field lines modal.

Corona Discharge Model for Transmission Lines by Lumped Elements

This paper shows the insertion of corona effect in a transmission line model based on lumped elements. The development is performed considering a frequency-dependent line representation by cascade of pi sections and state equations. Hence, the detailed profile of currents and voltages along the line, described from a non-homogeneous system of differential equations, can be obtained directly in time domain applying numerical or analytic solution integration methods. The corona discharge model is also based on lumped elements and is implemented from the well-know Skilling-Umoto Model.

Proposal of a Transmission Line Model Based on Lumped Elements: An Analytic Solution

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Strategic capacitor placement in distribution systems by minimisation of harmonics amplification because of resonance

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Scanning tunneling microscope operating as a spin diode

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)