Evaluation of electrical conductivity, pH and refractive index as physico-chemical parameters for quality control of Aveloz homeopathic solutions

Euphorbia tirucalli Lineu (Aveloz) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is used in the treatment of cancer and warts. Some studies have reported that phorbol esters are the active principles responsible for the antitumor activity of Aveloz. The production of these molecules occurs in greater quantity in May, during the morning. This study aimed to evaluate whether the physico-chemical parameters of Aveloz homeopathic aqueous solutions such as pH, electrical conductivity and refractive index change due to storage time. Such parameters were measured regularly for 180 days. All solutions were prepared according to the method of grinding with lactose and subsequent dissolution in aqueous medium, as described in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, using as starting point the Aveloz latex collected in May. Homeopathic aqueous solutions containing only lactose were also prepared and evaluated as a control group. The potencies that were analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH and refractive index were: 4cH, 7cH, 9cH, 12cH, 14cH, 15cH, 29cH, 30cH. As a result, we found out that there was only statistical difference (p=0.035) in electrical conductivity between the homeopathic solutions containing Aveloz and the homeopathic solutions without Aveloz, when 15cH potency was compared. We also observed that the electrical conductivity increased with the aging of the solutions but is not directly related to the pH or the refractive index of the solutions, indicating that the aging process may alter the electrical conductivity of the homeopathic medicines. The presence of gas inside the glass that stores these solutions may affect the electrical conductivity measurements. Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed (p> 0.05) in the pH and refractive index.

State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) control method applied in cancellation of a parametric resonance in a magnetically levitated body

Here, a simplified dynamical model of a magnetically levitated body is considered. The origin of an inertial Cartesian reference frame is set at the pivot point of the pendulum on the levitated body in its static equilibrium state (ie, the gap between the magnet on the base and the magnet on the body, in this state). The governing equations of motion has been derived and the characteristic feature of the strategy is the exploitation of the nonlinear effect of the inertial force associated, with the motion of a pendulum-type vibration absorber driven, by an appropriate control torque [4]. In the present paper, we analyzed the nonlinear dynamics of problem, discussed the energy transfer between the main system and the pendulum in time, and developed State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) control design to reducing the unstable oscillatory movement of the magnetically levitated body to a stable fixed point. The simulations results showed the effectiveness of the (SDRE) control design. Copyright © 2011 by ASME.

Power flow optimization for grid connected inverter using evolutionary algorithm and additional control loop

In this work it is proposed to validate an evolutionary tuning algorithm in plants composed by a grid connected inverter. The optimization aims the tuning of the slopes of P-Ω and Q-V curves so that the system is stable, damped and minimum settling time. Simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed approach. However, experimental results demonstrate a compromising effect of grid frequency oscillations in the active power transferring. In addition, it was proposed an additional loop to compensate this effect ensuring a constant active power flow. © 2011 IEEE.

Postural control under visual and proprioceptive perturbations during double and single limb stances: Insights for balance training

Single Limb Stance under visual and proprioceptive disturbances is largely used in clinical settings in order to improve balance in a wide range of functional disabilities. However, the proper role of vision and proprioception in SLS is not completely understood. The objectives of this study were to test the hypotheses that when ankle proprioception is perturbed, the role of vision in postural control increases according to the difficulty of the standing task. And to test the effect of vision during postural adaptation after withdrawal of the somesthetic perturbation during double and single limb stance. Eleven males were submitted to double (DLS) and single limb (SLS) stances under conditions of normal or reduced vision, both with normal and perturbed proprioception. Center of pressure parameters were analyzed across conditions. Vision had a main effect in SLS, whereas proprioception perturbation showed effects only during DLS. Baseline stability was promptly achieved independently of visual input after proprioception reintegration. In conclusion, the role of vision increases in SLS. After proprioception reintegration, vision does not affect postural recovery. Balance training programs must take that into account. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Robust control applied to power flow control in single-phase inverter with LCL filter, using droop control and D-stability

This paper proposes a new methodology to control the power flow between a distributed generator (DG) and the electrical power distribution grid. It is used the droop voltage control to manage the active and reactive power. Through this control a sinusoidal voltage reference is generated to be tracked by voltage loop and this loop generates the current reference for the current loop. The proposed control introduces feed-forward states improving the control performance in order to obtain high quality for the current injected to the grid. The controllers were obtained through the linear matrix inequalities (LMI) using the D-stability analysis to allocate the closed-loop controller poles. Therefore, the results show quick transient response with low oscillations. Thus, this paper presents the proposed control technique, the main simulation results and a prototype with 1000VA was developed in the laboratory in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed control. © 2012 IEEE.

Control of breathing and blood pressure by parafacial neurons in conscious rats

New Findings: • What is the central question of this study? The main purpose of the present manuscript was to investigate the cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia or hypercapnia in conscious rats submitted to neuronal blockade of the parafacial region. We clearly showed that the integrity of parafacial region is important for the respiratory responses elicited by peripheral and central chemoreflex activation in freely behavior rats. • What is the main finding and its importance? Since the parafacial region is part of the respiratory rhythm generator, they are essential for postnatal survival, which is probably due to their contribution to chemoreception in conscious rats. The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), located in the parafacial region, contains glutamatergic neurons that express the transcriptor factor Phox2b and that are suggested to be central respiratory chemoreceptors. Studies in anaesthetized animals or in vitro have suggested that RTN neurons are important in the control of breathing by influencing respiratory rate, inspiratory amplitude and active expiration. However, the contribution of these neurons to cardiorespiratory control in conscious rats is not clear. Male Holtzman rats (280-300 g, n= 6-8) with bilateral stainless-steel cannulae implanted into the RTN were used. In conscious rats, the microinjection of the ionotropic glutamatergic agonist NMDA (5 pmol in 50 nl) into the RTN increased respiratory frequency (by 42%), tidal volume (by 21%), ventilation (by 68%), peak expiratory flow (by 24%) and mean arterial pressure (MAP, increased by 16 ± 4, versus saline, 3 ± 2 mmHg). Bilateral inhibition of the RTN neurons with the GABAA agonist muscimol (100 pmol in 50 nl) reduced resting ventilation (52 ± 34, versus saline, 250 ± 56 ml min-1 kg-1 with absolute values) and attenuated the respiratory response to hypercapnia and hypoxia. Muscimol injected into the RTN slightly reduced resting MAP (decreased by 13 ± 7, versus saline, increased by 3 ± 2 mmHg), without changing the effects of hypercapnia or hypoxia on MAP and heart rate. The results suggest that RTN neurons activate facilitatory mechanisms important to the control of ventilation in resting, hypoxic or hypercapnic conditions in conscious rats. © 2012 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2012 The Physiological Society.

Sealing ability of MTA used as a root end filling material: Effect of the sonic and ultrasonic condensation

Despite the excellent properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), the condensation technique may have some influence in its sealing ability. The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of sonic and ultrasonic setting of MTA. Thirty-four extracted human teeth had their canals prepared and filled with Sealapex sealer and gutta-percha using the active lateral condensation technique. The teeth were rendered waterproof and apicoectomy performed at 3 mm from the apex. Root-end cavities (3.0 mm deep and 1.4 mm diameter) were prepared with diamond ultrasonic tips. The root-end cavities were filled with Pro-Root MTA® with ultrasonic vibration, sonic vibration or no vibration. The positive control group did not receive any material while the negative control group was totally rendered waterproof. After material set, the specimens were immersed in Rodhamine B for 24 h, under vacuum in the first 15 min, then washed, dried and split longitudinally for evaluating the infiltration at the dentin/material interface. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests at 5% significance level. Sonic vibration promoted the lowest infiltration values (p<0.05). It was concluded that sonic vibration could be considered an efficient aid to improve the sealing ability of MTA when used as root-end filling material.

Histopathology of the tegument of rabbits infested by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (ACARI: IXODIDAE) ticks and exposed to selamectin (active principle of acaricide Revolution®, Pfizer)

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites which can transmit several diseases to the host during their feeding process. When ticks mechanically damage the tissue, they eventually induce inflammatory responses on the skin spot where they are fixed. One of the alternatives to control these ectoparasites is the use of chemical substances like selamectin - the active principle of Pfizer's antiparasitic Revolution® - a macrocyclic lactone capable of doing neurotoxic damage to the tick and eventually eliminating infestation in dogs and cats. The purpose of this study was to analyze, using histological and histochemical techniques, the occurrence of morphophysiological alterations in the skin of the host rabbits exposed to selamectin and infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae). Histologically, the exposed and infested rabbits showed a partial and/or total decrease in the stratum corneum and the epithelium decreased in the number of cell layers, consequently reducing the stratification (thinning) and quite pronounced formations of sub-epidermal edemas with consequent disorganization of collagen fibers in the dermal layer's connective tissue. Histochemical tests showed strong periodic acid-Schiff-positive reaction in the hair follicle and some regions of the dermis, besides resynthesis of collagen fibers detected by Mallory's trichrome technique. The obtained results showed that selamectin acts like a toxicant agent when in contact with the skin of the rabbit infested with ticks, inducing morphophysiological alterations in the acute inflammatory process in the animal's tegument. Selamectin is a chemical substance which has a dose-dependent action since higher concentrations cause greater morphophysiological damage in the skin of rabbits. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Chemical control of pilea microphylla in euterpe oleraceae nurseries with oxyfluorfen

The açai palm is a Brazilian native species and economically important, grown for the hearts of palm and fruit extraction, as well as the seedling production for ornamental purposes. The weed control is one of the concerns observed in seedling production, which has the artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) with the major and widespread occurrence. Thus, the aim of this trial was to evaluate the selectivity and efficacy of oxyfluorfen in artillery plant control in açai (Euterpe oleracea) seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized. The treatments were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, using 2 types of herbicide application: broadcast spraying (sprayed over total area) and spot spraying (directed to the target) and 3 oxyfluorfen dosages (0, 72 and 144 g of active ingredient ha-1) with four replications. Each experimental unit consisted by one açai palm pot infested by artillery plant. They ere visually evaluated for seedling toxicity and the weed control percentage, at 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after application (DAA). There was 100% control of artillery plant from 15 to 60 DAA for the two tested dosages, regardless of application type. However, 100% control was observed at 7 days, using 1.5 L ha-1 in the spot type. The effects of phytotoxicity from 30 to 60 days was moderate, regardless the application method or dosage.

Decoupled reference generator for shunt active filters using the conservative power theory

Based on the framework of the Conservative Power Theory (CPT), this paper proposes some compensation strategies for shunt current compensators. CPT current decompositions result in several current-related terms associated with specific load characteristics, such as power consumption, energy storage, unbalances and load nonlinearities. These current components are decoupled (orthogonal) from each other and are used here to define different compensation strategies, which can be selective in minimizing particular effects of disturbing loads. Compensation strategies for single- and three-phase four-wire circuits are also considered. Simulated and experimental results are described to validate the possibilities and performance of the proposed strategies. © 2013 Brazilian Society for Automatics - SBA.

Effect of muscle fatigue and physical activity level in motor control of the gait of young adults

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of muscle fatigue in active and inactive young adults on the kinematic and kinetic parameters of normal gait and obstacle crossing. Twenty male subjects were divided into active (10) and inactive (10), based on self-reported physical activity. Participants performed three trials of two tasks (normal gait and obstacle crossing) before and after a fatigue protocol, consisting of repeated sit-to-stand transfers until the instructed pace could no longer be maintained. MANOVAs were used to compare dependent variables with the following factors: physical activity level, fatigue and task. The endurance time in the fatigue protocol was lower for the inactive group. Changes of gait parameters with fatigue, among which increased step width and increased stride speed were the most consistent, were independent of task and physical activity level. These findings indicate that the kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait are affected by muscle fatigue irrespective of the physical activity level of the subjects and type of gait. Inactive individuals used a slightly different strategy than active individuals when crossing an obstacle, independently of muscle fatigue. © 2013.

A non-ideal portal frame energy harvester controlled using a pendulum

A model of energy harvester based on a simple portal frame structure is presented. The system is considered to be non-ideal system (NIS) due to interaction with the energy source, a DC motor with limited power supply and the system structure. The nonlinearities present in the piezoelectric material are considered in the piezoelectric coupling mathematical model. The system is a bi-stable Duffing oscillator presenting a chaotic behavior. Analyzing the average power variation, and bifurcation diagrams, the value of the control variable that optimizes power or average value that stabilizes the chaotic system in the periodic orbit is determined. The control sensitivity is determined to parametric errors in the damping and stiffness parameters of the portal frame. The proposed passive control technique uses a simple pendulum to tuned to the vibration of the structure to improve the energy harvesting. The results show that with the implementation of the control strategy it is possible to eliminate the need for active or semi active control, usually more complex. The control also provides a way to regulate the energy captured to a desired operating frequency. © 2013 EDP Sciences and Springer.

Action of the insect growth regulator fluazuron, the active ingredient of the acaricide Acatak®, in Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae)

The present study evaluated the efficacy of fluazuron (active ingredient of the acaricide Acatak®) and its effects on Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs fed on rabbits exposed to different doses of this insect growth regulator. Three different doses of fluazuron (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg) were applied on the back of hosts (via pour on), while distilled water was applied to the Control group. On the first day of treatment with fluazuron (24 h), hosts were artificially infested with R. sanguineus nymphs. Once fully engorged, nymphs were removed and placed in identified Petri dishes in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator for 7 days. After this period, engorged nymphs were processed for ultramorphological analysis. The results revealed alterations in the ultramorphology of many chitinous structures (smaller hypostome and chelicerae, less sclerotized scutum, fewer sensilla, fewer pores, absence of grooves, marginal and cervical strips and festoons in the body, even the anal plaque was damaged) that play essential roles for the survivor of ticks and that can compromise the total or partial development of nymphs and emergence of adults after periodic molting. Our findings confirm the efficacy of fluazuron, a more specific and less aggressive chemical to the environment and human health, and that does not induce resistance, in nymphs of the tick R. sanguineus in artificially infested rabbits treated with this arthropod growth regulator (AGR), indicating that it could be used in the control of this stage of the biological cycle of the tick R. sanguineus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Construção e desenvolvimento de um secador de leito pulso-fluidizado para secagem de pastas e polpas

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

Controle semi-ativo de vibrações com fluido magnetoreológico utilizando LMis e lógica nebulosa otimizada por algoritmo genético

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEIS