Citrus exocortis viroid and Hop Stunt viroid Doubly infecting grapevines in Brazil

Viroids, non-protein-coding small (246-401 nt) circular single-stranded RNAs with autonomous replication, are currently classified into two families. Within the family Pospiviroidae, Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) belongs to the genus Pospiviroid while Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) is the single member of the genus Hostuviroid. These pathogens are distributed worldwide and infect a large number of hosts. In Brazil, isolates of CEVd and HSVd have been detected in both citrus and grapevine. To characterize and study the genetic variability of these viroids, total RNA from leaves of grapevine Vitis vinifera 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and V. labrusca 'Niagara Rosada' from Bento Gonçalves, RS, was used as a template for RT-PCR amplification with specific primers for the five viroids described infecting grapevines [HSVd, CEVd, Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 (GYSVd-1), Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 2 (GYSVd-2) and Australian grapevine viroid (AGVd)]. Leaf samples of Citrus medica infected with CEVd from São Paulo were also analyzed. The resulting products were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA fragments of the expected size were eluted, cloned and sequenced. The grapevine samples analyzed were doubly infected by CEVd and HSVd. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the Brazilian grapevine HSVd variants clustered with other grapevine HSVd variants, forming a specific group separated from citrus variants, whereas the Brazilian CEVd variants clustered with other citrus and grapevine variants.

Estudo da secagem de materiais híbridos siloxano-PMMA preparados pelo processo sol-gel

Híbridos siloxano-PMMA apresentando ligações covalentes entre as fases orgânica e inorgânica foram preparados a partir do processo sol-gel. O efeito da fração em massa de fase siloxano no mecanismo de secagem dos géis a 50ºC foi estudado através de medidas de perda de massa e retração linear. Pode-se distinguir os três períodos clássicos de secagem já observados em géis inorgânicos. A duração do primeiro período (estágio de velocidade constante) aumenta com o teor de polímero, o que pode ser explicado pelo menor tamanho dos poros presentes nos géis contendo concentrações elevadas de PMMA. Com o aumento da concentração da fase siloxano observou-se o aumento da perda de massa total e da retração linear final do material após o terceiro período de secagem. Este comportamento deve-se ao aumento do teor de água livre resultante da policondensação das espécies siliciosas nestes sistemas, o que leva a uma maior plasticidade do material. O volume poroso do material aumenta com o teor de fase siloxano, o que é consistente com a perda de massa observada durante a secagem.

Determination of Copper, Iron, Nickel and Zinc in fuel kerosene by FAAS after adsorption and pre-concentration on 2-aminothiazole-modified silica gel

Silica gel chemically modified with 2-Aminotiazole groups, abbreviated as SiAT, was used for preconcentration of copper, zinc, nickel and iron from kerosene, normally used as a engine fuel for airplanes. Surface characteristics and surface area of the silica gel were obtained before and after chemical modification using FT-IR, Kjeldhal and surface area analysis (B.E.T.). The retention and recovery of the analyte elements were studied by applying batch and column techniques. The experimental parameters, such as shaking time in batch technique, flow rate and concentration of the eluent (HCl- 0.25-2.00 mol L-1) and the amount of silica, on retention and elution, have been investigated. Detection limits of the method for copper, iron, nickel and zinc are 0.77, 2.92, 1.73 and 0.097 mg L-1, respectively. The sorption-desorption of the studied metal ions made possible the development of a preconcentration method for metal ions at trace level in kerosene using flame AAS for their quantification.

The Li+, Na+ and K+ ion exchange reaction process on the surface of mixed oxide SiO2/TiO2/Sb2O5 surface prepared by the sol-gel processing method

The porous mixed oxide SiO2/TiO2/Sb2O5 obtained by the sol-gel processing method presented a good ion exchange property and a high exchange capacity towards the Li+, Na+ and K+ ions. In the H+/M+ ion exchange process, the H+ / Na+ could be described as presenting an ideal character. The ion exchange equilibria of Li+ and K+ were quantitatively described with the help of the model of fixed tetradentate centers. The results of simulation evidence that for the H+ / Li+ exchange the usual situation takes place: the affinity of the material to the Li+ ions is decreased with increasing the degree of ion exchange. On the contrary, for K+ the effects of positive cooperativity, that facilitate the H+ / K+ exchange, were revealed.

Síntese de hidroxiapatita pelo método sol-gel utilizando precursores alternativos: nitrato de cálcio e ácido fosfórico

A hidroxiapatita [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA] foi sintetizada utilizando-se a rota sol-gel partindo-se de ácido fosfórico e nitrato de cálcio como precursores de cálcio e fósforo, respectivamente e como solvente utilizou-se o metanol na preparação do sol que posteriormente será utilizado na obtenção de recobrimentos de hidroxiapatita sobre substratos de ligas de titânio. O sol permaneceu estável e não ocorreu gelatinização em temperatura ambiente durante sete dias. O sol transformou-se em um gel branco somente após a remoção do solvente a 100ºC. O produto assim obtido foi calcinado em 300°C, 500°C e 700°C e caracterizou-se por DRX, FT-IR, MEV/EDS e TGA/DSC. As fases de HA sintetizada tornaram-se estáveis sem sub-produtos a 700°C. A difração de raios X mostrou que a estrutura apatita é aparente em 300°C. O tamanho do cristal e o teor de HA aumentaram com o aumento da temperatura de calcinação. A análise por MEV mostrou a presença de poros que são importantes para aplicações biomédicas, favorecendo a adesão entre o tecido ósseo neoformado e a apatita sintética, ou seja, osseointegração.

Síntese e caracterização textural do catalisador CeO2/TiO2 obtido via sol-gel: fotocatálise do composto modelo hidrogenoftalato de potássio

Este trabalho descreve um método de modificação do TiO2 obtido pelo processo sol-gel, através da adição de óxido de cério no momento da síntese. O material foi caracterizado por adsorção de N2 a 77K. A adição de CeO2 aumenta a área específica do catalisador em 135% e reduz o diâmetro de poros. A atividade catalítica desses materiais foi verificada frente à reação de foto-decomposição do hidrogenoftalato de potássio e comparada ao TiO2 comercial P25 da Degussa.

Use of modified silica gel for concentrating Pb (II) and Cd (II) occurring in form of complex anions

The performance of silica gel, modified by the impregnation with a high molecular weight quaternary amine (triethyl octadecyl ammonium iodide), used for the concentration of heavy metals occurring in water is studied. The material under study captures Cd, Pb, which are capable of forming stable complexes with I- ions.The results obtained about the metal capture, under dynamic conditions, are described and metal ions are removed by desorption with EDTA and quantified by AAS.

Adsorption of hidrogen peroxide on the surface of silica - titania mixed oxide obtained by the sol-gel processing method

This work describes the sol-gel mixed oxide SiO2/TiO2 property, ST, as prepared, and submitted to heat treatment a 773 K, STC. SEM and EDS images show, within magnification used, a uniform distribution of the TiO2 particles in SiO2/TiO2 matrix. Both, ST and STC adsorb hydrogen peroxide on the surface and through EPR and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, it was possible to conclude that the species on the surface is the peroxide molecule attached to the Lewis acid site of titanium particle surface, alphaTi(H2O2)+. As the material is very porous, presumably the hydrogen peroxide molecule is confined in the matrix pores on the surface, a reason why the adsorbed species presents an exceptional long lived stability.

Allelopathic potential and systematic evaluation of secondary compounds in extracts from roots of Canavalia ensiformis by capillary electrophoresis

Organic extracts were obtained from roots of Canavalia ensiformis and evaluated for allelopathic potential on the germination of the weed seeds: Mimosa pudica, Cassia tora and Cassia occidentalis showing a strong allelopathic potential. After that, a systematic study of these crude extracts was made using specific protocols developed in capillary electrophoresis (CE) in order to determine some classes of secondary metabolites. Capillary electrophoresis protocols were highly specific, which makes it possible to identify 5 classes of compounds using the same crude extract samples and analyze them fartly. Some of the compounds identified show activity in the inhibition of seeds germination.

Thermal behavior of corn starch granules modified by acid treatment at 30 and 50°C

Unprocessed native starches are structurally too weak and functionally too restricted for application in today's advanced food technologies. Processing is necessary to engender a range of functionality. Naturals or natives starches can be modified by using several methods physical, chemical, enzymatic or combined, according industrial purposes. In this work, native corn starch was hydrolyzed by hydrochloric acid solution and investigated by using thermoanalytical techniques (thermogravimetry - TG, differential thermal analysis - DTA and differential scanning calorimetry - DSC), as well as optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. After acid treatment at 30 and 50°C, a decrease of gelatinization enthalpy (ΔHgel) was verified. Optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometry allowed us to verify the granules contorn and rugosity typical of cereal starches.

Comparison of Potassium and Sodium Content in Diet and Non-Diet Soft Drinks by Using Capillary Electrophoresis with Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) was used for determination of sodium and potassium concentrations in diet and non-diet soft drinks. Higher sodium concentrations were found in the diet samples due to the utilization of sodium salts of cyclamate and saccharine as sweeteners. The CE-C4D method can be used by food industries and health regulatory agencies for monitoring sodium and potassium content, not only in soft drink but in many others food products.

Avaliação da eficiência de um gel hidroretentor como retardante de fogo

Diversas medidas de proteção contra incêndios têm sido adotadas para minimizar os efeitos negativos do fogo. Produtos vêm sendo testados e aplicados na conservação da umidade de materiais combustíveis para evitar ou retardar a propagação do fogo. Este estudo buscou avaliar a capacidade de um polímero hidrorretentor de manter a umidade do material combustível morto, em diferentes dosagens de aplicação, com vistas à sua utilização como retardante de fogo. Foram feitas 40 parcelas de 1 m x 1 m com 1,2 kg de capim-gordura (Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv.) cada, distribuídas uniformemente. Foi utilizada uma calda de concentração de 0,1 g/l do produto nas dosagens de 0; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0; 3,5; e 4,0 l/m². O estudo foi realizado em parcelas subdivididas com cinco repetições cada e 16 subparcelas. A capacidade de retenção de água foi medida a partir da diferença do peso de matéria úmida e peso de matéria seca do material após ser seco em estufa. Os valores de médias foram estatisticamente diferentes no teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade, mas não apresentaram nenhuma correspondência com a sequência de valores dos tratamentos. O Tratamento 6 foi o que obteve a maior média de umidade (35,50%), enquanto o Controle apresentou o menor valor (27,80%). O uso do gel hidrorretentor não conferiu aumento significativo de umidade ao material combustível ao passar dos dias, nas dosagens testadas e nas condições ambientais do estudo, determinando que esse produto não tem uso recomendado na prevenção de incêndios.

Anaerobic co-digestion of crude glycerin and starch industry effluent

The Brazil's Biodiesel Production and Use Program introduces biodiesel in the Brazilian energy matrix, bringing along the perspective of a growth of the glycerin offer, co-product generated in the proportion of 10 kg for each 100 L of biodiesel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of crude glycerin in the anaerobic digestion of cassava starch industry effluent (cassava wastewater), in a horizontal semi-continuous flow reactor of one phase in laboratory scale. It was used a reactor with a 8.77 L of useful volume, a medium support for corrugated conduit of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), temperature of 261 ºC, fed with cassava wastewater and glycerin, with hydraulic detention times of 4 and 5 days and increasing volumetric organic load of 3.05; 9.32; 14.83 and 13.59 g COD L-1 d-1, obtained with the addition of glycerin at 0; 2; 3 and 2% (v/v), respectively. The average removal efficiencies of TS and TVS were decreasing from the addition of glycerin to the cassava wastewater, averaging 81.19 to 55.58% for TS and 90.21 to 61.45% for TVS. The addition of glycerin at 2% increased the biogas production compared to the control treatment, reaching 1.979 L L-1 d-1. The biogas production as a function of the consumed COD was higher for the control treatment than for the treatments with addition of glycerin, which indicates lower conversion of organic matter into biogas.

Anaerobic reactors with biofilter and different diameter-length ratios in cassava starch industry wastewater treatment

The use of anaerobic reactors with media support in the treatment of wastewater from the cassava starch industry has emerged as a viable option because it allows the application of high organic loads and a significant reduction of the HDT needed for the treatment. This research aimed at studying the process of biodigestion in two anaerobic reactors with bamboo support, in the treatment of effluent of cassava starch, by evaluating their performance. The two reactors used present the following diameter: length ratio, 1:6 and 1:3. The organic loads applied to the systems were 0.519, 1.156, 1.471, 3.049, 4.347, 4.708 and 5.601g.L-1.d-1. Regarding the efficiency of removal of COD, TS and TVS, no statistically significant differences were obtained between the reactors. The two systems evaluated showed a stable behavior with respect to the VA/TA (volatile acidity/total alkalinity) for all submitted loads. The reactors tended to the maintenance of biogas production as a function of consumed COD for the last three organic loads applied, indicating an ability to withstand higher organic loads.

Mathematical simulation parameters for drying of cassava starch pellets

Based on experimental tests, it was obtained the equations for drying, equilibrium moisture content, latent heat of vaporization of water contained in the product and the equation of specific heat of cassava starch pellets, essential parameters for realizing modeling and mathematical simulation of mechanical drying of cassava starch for a new technique proposed, consisting of preformed by pelleting and subsequent artificial drying of starch pellets. Drying tests were conducted in an experimental chamber by varying the air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and product load. The specific heat of starch was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The generated equations were validated through regression analysis, finding an appropriate correlation of the data, which indicates that by using these equations, can accurately model and simulate the drying process of cassava starch pellets.