Error function approximations of interest in electrochemistry.

The error function is present in several equations describing eletrode processes. But, only approximations of this function are used. In this work, these and other approximations are studied and evaluated according to precision.

Search for narrow resonances and quantum black holes in inclusive and b-tagged dijet mass spectra from pp collisions at root s=7 TeV

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Search for W ' -> tb decays in the lepton plus jets final state in pp collisions at root s=8 TeV

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The cohomological invariant E'(G,W) and some properties

Let G be a group, W a nonempty G-set and M a Z2G-module. Consider the restriction map resG W : H1(G,M) → Pi wi∈E H1(Gwi,M), [f] → (resGG wi [f])i∈I , where E = {wi, i ∈ I} is a set of orbit representatives in W and Gwi = {g ∈ G | gwi = wi} is the G-stabilizer subgroup (or isotropy subgroup) of wi, for each wi ∈ E. In this work we analyze some results presented in Andrade et al [5] about splittings and duality of groups, using the point of view of Dicks and Dunwoody [10] and the invariant E'(G,W) := 1+dimkerresG W, defined when Gwi is a subgroup of infinite index in G for all wi in E, andM = Z2 (where dim = dimZ2). We observe that the theory of splittings of groups (amalgamated free product and HNN-groups) is inserted in the combinatory theory of groups which has many applications in graph theory (see, for example, Serre [12] and Dicks and Dunwoody [10]).

Tradução para o português brasileiro, adaptação transcultural e validação do 3D Assessment of Hand Function

Pós-graduação em Bases Gerais da Cirurgia - FMB

Perfil de aptidão cardiorrespiratória em corredores jovens pela cinética do VO2 em testes progressivos e retangulares

Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento Humano e Tecnologias - IBRC

Influência do método de filetagem e categorias de peso sobre rendimento de carcaça, filé e pele da tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the processing methods (F-1 = to remove skin with pliers and then to cut in fillets; F-2 = cut in fillet and then to remove skin with knife and pliers help) and weight categories (W-1=250-300 g; W-2=301-350 g; W-3 = 351-400 g and W-4 = 401-450 g), on the carcass (CY), fillet (FY) and skin yield of Nile tilapia. Forty-eight fishes were used in a completely randomized design. There was effect for the processing method, being the F-1 mean (56.43 and 36.67 %) higher to the F-2 (53.46 and 32.89%) for CY and FY respectively. For the weight categories, W-1 (56.49 and 37.34%) and W-2 (56.34 and 36.40%) were superior as compared to W-3 (53.27 and 31.98%) and W-4 (53.71 and 33.42%), respectively for CY and FY. Crude skin percentage, clean and of fleshed were higher for F-2, but there was no effect for weight categories. The F-1 processing method promoted the best yield and skin results, and for the weight categories W-1 and W-2 higher yields.

Identification of a new repetitive element in the sex chromosomes of Leporinus elongatus (Teleostei : Characiformes : Anostomidae): new insights into the sex chromosomes of Leporinus

Leporinus elongatus represents an interesting model for studies on chromosome evolution since it possesses a conspicuous ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system that has been characterized mainly by basic cytogenetic techniques. In the present study we describe a dispersed repetitive element ( named Le SpeI) related to the sex chromosomes of L. elongatus. Females revealed clusters of Le SpeI on the long arm of the W chromosome and in the acrocentric NOR-bearing chromosome pair. In males, the signal was restricted to the pericentromeric region of the NOR-bearing chromosomes. Considering the results obtained in the present study using FISH, NOR and C-banding, together with findings from previous studies, it can be inferred that the sex chromosome system of L. elongatus is still undergoing an evolutionary process. The data suggest novelties in relation to the sex chromosomes of the genus Leporinus with the description of a multiple sex chromosome system involving the NOR-bearing chromosomes. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the simple ZW chromosome system previously described for L. elongatus rather is a multiple Z(1)Z(1)Z(2)Z(2)/Z(1)W(1)Z(2)W(2) system. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

Photocatalytic decomposition of diclofenac potassium using silver-modified TiO(2) thin films

The effects of silver insertion on the TiO(2) photocatalytic activity for the degradation of diclofenac potassium were reported here. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to comprehend the relation between structure and properties of the silver-modified TiO(2), thin films obtained by the sol-gel method. The lattice parameters and the crystallinity of TiO(2) anatase phase were affected by inserted silver, and the film thickness increased about 4 nm for each 1 wt.% of silver inserted. The degradation of diclofenac potassium and by-products reached an efficiency of 4.6 mg(C) W(-1) when the material was modified with silver. Although the first step of degradation involves only the photochemical process related to the loss of the chlorine and hydrogen atoms. This cyclization reaction leads to the formation of intermediate, which degradation is facilitated by the modified material. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeito do pré-tratamento osmótico com sacarose e cloreto de sódio sobre a secagem convectiva de abóbora

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

Classificação de tomate-cereja em função do tamanho e peso dos frutos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Temperature dependence of fractal dimension of grain boundary region in SnO2 based ceramics

Fractal dimensions of grain boundary region in doped SnO2 ceramics were determined based on previously derived fractal model. This model considers fractal dimension as a measure of homogeneity of distribution of charge carriers. Application of the derived fractal model enables calculation of fractal dimension using results of impedance spectroscopy. The model was verified by experimentally determined temperature dependence of the fractal dimension of SnO2 ceramics. Obtained results confirm that the non-Debye response of the grain boundary region is connected with distribution of defects and consequently with a homogeneity of a distribution of the charge carriers. Also, it was found that C-T-1 function has maximum at temperature at which the change in dominant type of defects takes place. This effect could be considered as a third-order transition.

The no-central chi-square chart with two-stage samplings

Throughout this article, it is assumed that the no-central chi-square chart with two stage samplings (TSS Chisquare chart) is employed to monitor a process where the observations from the quality characteristic of interest X are independent and identically normally distributed with mean μ and variance σ2. The process is considered to start with the mean and the variance on target (μ = μ0; σ2 = σ0 2), but at some random time in the future an assignable cause shifts the mean from μ0 to μ1 = μ0 ± δσ0, δ >0 and/or increases the variance from σ0 2 to σ1 2 = γ2σ0 2, γ > 1. Before the assignable cause occurrence, the process is considered to be in a state of statistical control (defined by the in-control state). Similar to the Shewhart charts, samples of size n 0+ 1 are taken from the process at regular time intervals. The samplings are performed in two stages. At the first stage, the first item of the i-th sample is inspected. If its X value, say Xil, is close to the target value (|Xil-μ0|< w0σ 0, w0>0), then the sampling is interrupted. Otherwise, at the second stage, the remaining n0 items are inspected and the following statistic is computed. Wt = Σj=2n 0+1(Xij - μ0 + ξiσ 0)2 i = 1,2 Let d be a positive constant then ξ, =d if Xil > 0 ; otherwise ξi =-d. A signal is given at sample i if |Xil-μ0| > w0σ 0 and W1 > knia:tl, where kChi is the factor used in determining the upper control limit for the non-central chi-square chart. If devices such as go and no-go gauges can be considered, then measurements are not required except when the sampling goes to the second stage. Let P be the probability of deciding that the process is in control and P 1, i=1,2, be the probability of deciding that the process is in control at stage / of the sampling procedure. Thus P = P1 + P 2 - P1P2, P1 = Pr[μ0 - w0σ0 ≤ X ≤ μ0+ w 0σ0] P2=Pr[W ≤ kChi σ0 2], (3) During the in-control period, W / σ0 2 is distributed as a non-central chi-square distribution with n0 degrees of freedom and a non-centrality parameter λ0 = n0d2, i.e. W / σ0 2 - xn0 22 (λ0) During the out-of-control period, W / σ1 2 is distributed as a non-central chi-square distribution with n0 degrees of freedom and a non-centrality parameter λ1 = n0(δ + ξ)2 / γ2 The effectiveness of a control chart in detecting a process change can be measured by the average run length (ARL), which is the speed with which a control chart detects process shifts. The ARL for the proposed chart is easily determined because in this case, the number of samples before a signal is a geometrically distributed random variable with parameter 1-P, that is, ARL = I /(1-P). It is shown that the performance of the proposed chart is better than the joint X̄ and R charts, Furthermore, if the TSS Chi-square chart is used for monitoring diameters, volumes, weights, etc., then appropriate devices, such as go-no-go gauges can be used to decide if the sampling should go to the second stage or not. When the process is stable, and the joint X̄ and R charts are in use, the monitoring becomes monotonous because rarely an X̄ or R value fall outside the control limits. The natural consequence is the user to pay less and less attention to the steps required to obtain the X̄ and R value. In some cases, this lack of attention can result in serious mistakes. The TSS Chi-square chart has the advantage that most of the samplings are interrupted, consequently, most of the time the user will be working with attributes. Our experience shows that the inspection of one item by attribute is much less monotonous than measuring four or five items at each sampling.

Influência de solos de diferentes texturas no desenvolvimento de plantas de Eucalyptus urograndis submetidas a déficit hídrico

The studies were developed with plants of Eucalyptus urograndis under greenhouse conditions, at Paulista State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, from March to July, 2005. The objective was to evaluate hydric stress influence on morphological and physiological characteristics of plants in clayay (1) and medium (2) soil texture. Two water treatment were used: -0.03 and -1.5 MPa minimum soil water potentials (□w). Plants from soil 2 and - 1.5MPa showed 43% reduction on leaf área, 34% on base stem diameter, 54% on aerial vegetal dry matter and plants from soil 1 presented 42.3% reduction on leaf área, 39,5% base stem diameter and 42% dry matter root reduction in relation to -0.03 MPa. The lowest leaf water potential (□f) value was-17.166 MPa on □w = -1.5 MPa and soil 2 and the greatest one on soil 1 and □w = -0.03 MPa., -6.766 MPa. The treatment -0.03MPa showed about 11,3% higher transpiration values than those plants from -1.5MPa. The higher Rs value (2.149 s.cm-1) occurred on plants under -1.5MPa and soil 2. There was significant correlation between Tf and Rs, and the treatmens from medium soil were more sensitive, reaching until 32°C.

Development and validation of an environmentally friendly attenuated total reflectance in the mid-infrared region method for the determination of ethanol content in used engine lubrication oil

Lubricating oils are crucial in the operation of automotive engines because they both reduce friction between moving parts and protect against corrosion. However, the performance of lubricant oil may be affected by contaminants, such as gasoline, diesel, ethanol, water and ethylene glycol. Although there are many standard methods and studies related to the quantification of contaminants in lubricant oil, such as gasoline and diesel oil, to the best of our knowledge, no methods have been reported for the quantification of ethanol in used Otto cycle engine lubrication oils. Therefore, this work aimed at the development and validation of a routine method based on partial least-squares multivariate analysis combined with attenuated total reflectance in the mid-infrared region to quantify ethanol content in used lubrication oil. The method was validated based on its figures of merit (using the net analyte signal) as follows: limit of detection (0.049%), limit of quantification (0.16%), accuracy (root mean square error of prediction=0.089% w/w), repeatability (0.05% w/w), fit (R 2 =0.9997), mean selectivity (0.047), sensitivity (0.011), inverse analytical sensitivity (0.016% w/w-1) and signal-to-noise ratio (max: 812.4 and min: 200.9). The results show that the proposed method can be routinely implemented for the quality control of lubricant oils. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.