Desenvolvimento, implantação e avaliação do desempenho de biorreator anaeróbico de leito fluidizado e leito fixo com filtros biológicos em materiais diversos

This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate the performance of a new type of bioreactor for anaerobic treatment of wastewater using different filling materials like trickling filters post-reactor. This bioreactor has mixed characteristics of the UASB reactors and horizontal flow from the point of view of removal of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) ssed (settled solids), TS (Total Solids), SS (Suspended Solid), SD (Dissolved Solids) and turbidity. The experimental model consists of a bioreactor with a volume of 12 m³, 2/3 filled by fluidized bed and 1/3 for fixed. The fluidized bed is made of polystyrene plates used as a system percolation and compartmentalized trickling filters, where each compartment was filled with a support medium with different characteristics (gravel number 4, plastic rings of polystyrene, PET and HDPE) . In addition, the output of a filter system was installed three entries filled with activated carbon. The bioreactor was installed in private residence in the city of Igarapava-SP (20° 02'40.18"S and 47° 45'01.36" W). The system was highly efficient as the removal of organic contaminant load 92% on average reducing the BOD, a significant result when compared to other anaerobic systems. For the other parameters, the mean reduction was 96% for turbidity, 99% ssed, 67.5% ST, 57% SD and 88% of SS. As for its operation the system was capable of operating in continuous flow without the need for maintenance during the entire period of evaluation and without energy, as it operates taking advantage of the natural slope of the terrain where it is installed. The environmental impacts were minimized due to the preservation of local vegetation allowing the ecosystem to remain unchanged beyond the prototype was completely sealed preventing exhalation of odors and therefore not causing inconvenience to neighboring populations. Given these facts it was concluded that the prototype is shown to be highly feasible deployed as a new alternative for treatment of sewage in rural and urban settings (individual homes, condos, farms, ranches, etc.) Due to ease of design and operability, and sustainability at all stages of execution.

Avaliação das atividades cicatrizante e antiinflamatória de Casearia sylvestris Swartz em animais e identificação dos marcadores químicos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo da utilização de serragem de madeira como adsorvente para o tratamento de efluentes têxteis

The Brazilian textile industry has been a highlight in the global economy. Connected with this high economic performance there is the water consumption and the generation of great volumes of wastewater which present high concentrations of dyes and chemical substances. One of the main techniques used in the treatment of textile effluents is adsorption, which has the activated carbon as the main adsorbent. Recently, studies have been developed to find alternative materials to activated carbon and exhibiting good adsorption capacity of dyes. The aim of this work is to study the potential of sawdust as adsorbent of low cost to remove the dye Direct Green 26. The results of this type of dye removal were obtained through the study of adsorption isotherms obtained by spectrophotometry in the UV-visible region analyzed by the Langmuir model. Finally, a comparison was made of these results with those of other adsorbents. Results showed that the average removal of dye, using sawdust, was 78.8% for an initial concentration of 500mg / L and the maximum adsorption capacity of 119mg / g. These results demonstrate the great potential of sawdust as an adsorbent for the dye Direct Green 26.

Produção de etanol utilizando cascas de banana e de laranja por co-fermentação de Zymomonas mobilis e Pichia stipitis

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

Degree of conversion of nanofilled and microhybrid composite resins photo-activated by different generations of LEDs

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the degree of conversion (DC) of four composite resins, being one nanofilled and 3 microhybrid resins, photo-activated with second- and third-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Material and methods: Filtek (TM) Z350 nanofilled composite resins and Amelogen (R) Plus, Vit-l-escence (TM) and Opallis microhybrid resins were photo-activated with two second-generation LEDs (Radii-cal and Elipar Free Light (TM) 2) and one third-generation LED (Ultra-Lume LED 5) by continuous light mode, and a quartz halogen-tungsten bulb (QHT, control). After 24 h of storage, the samples were pulverized into fine powder and 5 mg of each material were mixed with 100 mg of potassium bromide (KBr). After homogenization, they were pressed, which resulted in a pellet that was evaluated using an infrared spectromer (Nexus 470, Thermo Nicolet) equipped with TGS detector using diffuse reflectance (32 scans, resolution of 4 cm(-1)) coupled to a computer. The percentage of unreacted carbon-carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1637 cm-1) against internal standard before and after curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1610 cm-1). Results: The ANOVA showed a significant effect on the interaction between the light-curing units (LCUs) and the composite resins (p<0.001). The Tukey's test showed that the nanofilled resin (Filtek (TM) Z350) and Opallis when photo-activated by the halogen lamp (QTH) had the lowest DC compared with the other microhybrid composite resins. The DC of the nanofilled resin (Filtek (TM) Z350) was also lower using LEDs. The highest degrees of conversion were obtained using the third-generation LED and one of second-generation LEDs (Elipar Free Light (TM) 2). Conclusions: The nanofilled resin showed the lowest DC, and the Vit-l-escence (TM) microhybrid composite resin showed the highest DC. Among the LCUs, it was not possible to establish an order, even though the second-generation LED Radii-cal provided the lowest DC.

Effect of interleukin-10 on the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis killing by gamma-interferon activated human neutrophils

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

Adhesives with different pHs: Effect on the MTBS of chemically activated and light-activated composites to human dentin

Purpose: To evaluate the bond strength between human dentin and composites, using two light-activated single-bottle total-etch adhesive systems with different pHs combined with chemically activated and light-activated-composites. The tested hypothesis was that the dentin bond strength is not influenced by an adhesive system of low pH, combined with chemically activated or light-activated composites. Material and Method: Flat dentin surfaces of twenty-eight human third molars were allocated in 4 groups (n=7), depending on the adhesive system: (One Step Plus-OS and Prime & Bond NT-PB) and composite (light-activated Filtek Z-100 [Z100] and chemically activated Bisfil 2B [B2B]). Each adhesive system was applied on acid-etched dentin and then one of the composites was added to form a 5 mm-high resin block. The specimens were stored in tap water (37 degrees C/24 h) and sectioned into two axes, x and y. This was done with a diamond disk under coolant irrigation to obtain beams with a cross-section area of approximately 0.8 mm(2). Each specimen was then attached to a custom-made device and submitted to the microtensile test (1 mm.min(-1)). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). Results: the anticipated hypothesis was not confirmed (p<0.0001). The bond strengths (MPa) were not statistically different between the two adhesive systems when light-activated composite was used (OS+Z100 = 24.7 +/- 7.1(a); PB+Z100 = 23.8 +/- 5.7(a)). However, with use of the chemically activated composite (B2B), PB (7.8 +/- 3.6(b) MPa) showed significantly lower dentin bond strengths than OS (32.2 +/- 7.6(a)). Conclusion: the low pH of the adhesive system can affect the bond of chemically activated composite to dentin. on the other hand, under the present conditions, the low pH did not seem to affect the bond of light-activated composites to dentin significantly.

Thermally activated dynamics in La2CuO4+delta: tilts of the CuO6 octahedra and interstitial O

An intense peak of the elastic energy loss versus temperature is found in La2CuO4 at 150 K (in the LTO phase), at a vibration frequency of similar to 280 Hz. From the dependence of the dissipation curve on frequency it is deduced that the relaxation rate has an activation enthalpy of 0.23 eV. The peak is ascribed to a thermally activated dynamics of the tilts of the CuO6 octahedra which form the La2CuO4 lattice, a fraction of which are supposed to be able to switch between energetically equivalent configurations. The peak is suppressed by interstitial O; this is explained by supposing that each interstitial atom can block several octahedra into a configuration that can accommodate the distortion due to its presence. Increasing the content of excess O, two new thermally activated processes develop, attributed to the hopping of interstitial O atoms which are isolated and which are paired or otherwise aggregated. The activation enthalpy for the diffusion of O at low values of 6 is 0.48 eV.

Luminescent properties of yttrium diphenylphosphinate activated by europium

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of yttrium diphenylphosphinates doped with europium are reported. The purity of all samples was confirmed by carbon and hydrogen micro analysis, thermal analysis, IR vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Luminescence spectra indicated the presence of two or more symmetry centers. The dynamic luminescence measurements suggested that one symmetry site presented an inversion center, while the others had lower symmetry. The average quantum yield of Eu3+ emission in the yttrium, matrices was 60%. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alkali activated materials based on fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FCC): Influence of SiO2/Na2O and H 2O/FCC ratio on mechanical strength and microstructure

Reuse of industrial and agricultural wastes as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete and mortar productions contribute to sustainable development. In this context, fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (spent FCC), a byproduct from the petroleum industry and petrol refineries, have been studied as SCM in blended Portland cement in the last years. Nevertheless, another environmental friendly alternative has been conducted in order to produce alternative binders with low CO2 emissions. The use of aluminosilicate materials in the production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) is an ongoing research topic which can present low CO2 emissions associated. Hence, this paper studies some variables that can influence the production of AAM based on spent FCC. Specifically, the influence of SiO 2/Na2O molar ratio and the H2O/spent FCC mass ratio on the mechanical strength and microstructure are assessed. Some instrumental techniques, such as SEM, XRD, pH and electrical conductivity measurements, and MIP are performed in order to assess the microstructure of formed alkali-activated binder. Alkali activated mortars with compressive strength up to 80 MPa can be formed after curing for 3 days at 65°C. The research demonstrates the potential of spent FCC to produce alkali-activated cements and the importance of SiO2/Na2O molar ratio and the H2O/spent FCC mass ratio in optimising properties and microstructure. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of hair dye basic red 51 at W/WO 3/TiO2 bicomposite photoanode activated by ultraviolet and visible radiation

We prepared a W/WO3/TiO2 bicomposite photoanode by simple electrochemical anodization of W foil, followed by cathodic electrodeposition of TiO2 and annealing at 450 C for 30 min. This photoanode shows good photoactivity under irradiation with UV and visible light. In optimized conditions, it promotes complete photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of 3.33 × 10-5 mol L-1 basic red 51 solution (which is used in hair dye) at 0.1 mol L-1 Na2SO4, pH 2.0, under a current density of 1.25 mA cm-2 and ultraviolet and visible radiation-total organic carbon removal is 94 and 88%, respectively. This effect paves the way for the sustainable solar-assisted remediation of water bodies contaminated with organic components of hair dyes. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon isotope fractionation for cotton genotype selection

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

Silencing mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-2 arrests inflammatory bone loss

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are critical for innate immune signaling and subsequent cytokine expression in periodontal inflammation and bone destruction. In fact, previous studies show that systemic p38 MAPK inhibitors block periodontal disease progression. However, development of p38 MAPK inhibitors with favorable toxicological profiles is difficult. Here, we report our findings regarding the contribution of the downstream p38 MAPK substrate, mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2 or MAPKAPK-2), in immune response modulation in an experimental model of pathogen-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontal bone loss. To determine whether small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology has intraoral applications, we initially validated MK2 siRNA specificity. Then, gingival tissue surrounding maxillary molars of rats was injected with MK2 siRNA or scrambled siRNA at the palatal regions of bone loss. Intraoral tissues treated with MK2 siRNA had significantly less MK2 mRNA expression compared with scrambled siRNA-treated tissues. MK2 siRNA delivery arrested LPS-induced inflammatory bone loss, decreased inflammatory infiltrate, and decreased osteoclastogenesis. This proof-of-concept study suggests a novel target using an intraoral RNA interference strategy to control periodontal inflammation.

Productivity, Leaf Nutrient Content and Soil Carbon Stocked in Agroforestry and Traditional Management of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The aim of the work was to evaluate the productivity, leaf nutrient content and soil nutrient concentration in maize (Zea mays L.) grown in sequence with black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.) under Leucaena diversifolia alley cropping agroforestry system (AFS) and traditional management system/sole crop (without trees-TS), after two years of cultivation following a randomized block design. The experiment was carried out in the Brazilian Association of Biodynamic Agriculture, in Botucatu—S?o Paulo, Brazil. Treatments were: control (C), chemical fertilizer application (F), biomass of L. diversifolia alley cropping application (B), biomass of L. diversifolia alley cropping + chemical fertilizer application (B + F). In the second year of management it was observed that black oat yield was higher in treatments B + F and F with significant difference in relation to the others treatments in both systems, followed by treatment B. Between systems, only treatment B showed significant difference, with higher yield value corresponding to AFS, reflecting the efficiency of AFS to promote soil fertility. Maize production presented the second year of cultivation an increasing trend in all treatments in both production systems. This result may be due to the cumulative effect of mineralization and maize straw and oats, along the experiment. How productivity was higher in the AFS system, could also be occurring effect of biological nitrogen fixation, water retention and reduction of extreme microclimate through the rows of L. diversifolia. Comparing the AFS and TS, it was observed that the concentration of N in leaf tissue was higher in the AFS treatments, probably due to nitrogen fixation performed through the rows of L. diversifolia, that is a nitrogen fixing tree species. After two years, carbon stocked in soil show higher values in the treatments biomass + fertilizer and biomass application, in both systems, AFS and TS.