Estudo do efeito bake hardening nos aços BH 180 e BH 220 galvanizados pelo processo de imersão a quente

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Hexachlorocyclohexanes concentration in air and ocean water

Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) are ubiquitous organic pollutants derived from pesticide application. They are subject to long-range transport, persistent in the environment, and capable of accumulation in biota. Shipboard measurements of HCH isomers (a-, b- and g-HCH) in surface seawater and boundary layer atmospheric samples were conducted in the Atlantic and the Southern Ocean in October to December of 2008. SumHCHs concentrations (the sum of a-, g- and b-HCH) in the lower atmosphere ranged from 12 to 37 pg/m**3 (mean: 27 ± 11 pg/m**3) in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), and from 1.5 to 4.0 pg/m**3 (mean: 2.8 ± 1.1 pg/m**3) in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), respectively. Water concentrations were: a-HCH 0.33-47 pg/l, g-HCH 0.02-33 pg/l and b-HCH 0.11-9.5 pg/l. Dissolved HCH concentrations decreased from the North Atlantic to the Southern Ocean, indicating historical use of HCHs in the NH. Spatial distribution showed increasing concentrations from the equator towards North and South latitudes illustrating the concept of cold trapping in high latitudes and less interhemispheric mixing process. In comparison to concentrations measured in 1987-1999/2000, gaseous HCHs were slightly lower, while dissolved HCHs decreased by factor of 2-3 orders of magnitude. Air-water exchange gradients suggested net deposition for a-HCH (mean: 3800 pg/m**2/day) and g-HCH (mean: 2000 pg/m**2/day), whereas b-HCH varied between equilibrium (volatilization: <0-12 pg/m**2/day) and net deposition (range: 6-690 pg/m**2/day). Climate change may significantly accelerate the release of "old" HCHs from continental storage (e.g. soil, vegetation and high mountains) and drive long-range transport from sources to deposition in the open oceans. Biological productivities may interfere with the air-water exchange process as well. Consequently, further investigation is necessary to elucidate the long term trends and the biogeochemical turnover of HCHs in the oceanic environment.

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr as a model to predict the optimum inclusion of air classified faba bean protein concentrate in feeds for seawater salmon

Peer reviewed

X lberoamerican Conference on Phase Equilibria and Fluid Properties for Process Design (EQUIFASE): June 28-July 1, 2015 - Alicante (Spain): Book of Abstracts

The general purpose of the EQUIFASE Conference is to promote the Scientific and Technologic exchange between people from both the academic and the industrial environment in the field of Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamic Properties for the Design of Chemical Processes. Topics: Measurement of Thermodynamic Properties. Phase Equilibria and Chemical Equilibria. Theory and Modelling. Alternative Solvents. Supercritical Fluids. Ionic Liquids. Energy. Gas and oil. Petrochemicals. Environment and sustainability. Biomolecules and Biotechnology. Product and Process Design. Databases and Software. Education.

Palladium(II) oxide impregnated on magnetite as a catalyst for the synthesis of 4-arylcoumarins via a Heck-arylation/cyclization process

Heck-arylation/cyclization was achieved using heterogeneous palladium(II) oxide impregnated on magnetite catalyst (2.5 mol%) with a lower catalyst loading than that reported for similar processes. Ethanol was used as a non-toxic and bio-renewable solvent. Good yields were afforded using a broad range of substrates (40–98%). The catalyst could be partially recycled, and analyses confirmed the almost total reduction of palladium(II) oxide to palladium(0) as well as the iodine poissoning effect, which is the main barrier to complete recyclability.

Overcoming barriers to pollution prevention in small businesses : applications in the metal parts fabricating industry /

"May 1995."--Cover.

The ethanol industry in Illinois /

Provides an overview of the ethanol industry in Illinois including a timeline on the history of the U.S. ethanol industry. Also discusses government support of the industry in the state of Illinois and summarizes controversies associated with the industry and its financial impact on the Illinois economy.

An assessment of the influence of the industry distribution chain on the oxygen levels in commercial modified atmosphere packaged cheddar cheese using non-destructive oxygen sensor technology

The establishment and control of oxygen levels in packs of oxygen-sensitive food products such as cheese is imperative in order to maintain product quality over a determined shelf life. Oxygen sensors quantify oxygen concentrations within packaging using a reversible optical measurement process, and this non-destructive nature ensures the entire supply chain can be monitored and can assist in pinpointing negative issues pertaining to product packaging. This study was carried out in a commercial cheese packaging plant and involved the insertion of 768 sensors into 384 flow-wrapped cheese packs (two sensors per pack) that were flushed with 100% carbon dioxide prior to sealing. The cheese blocks were randomly assigned to two different storage groups to assess the effects of package quality, packaging process efficiency, and handling and distribution on package containment. Results demonstrated that oxygen levels increased in both experimental groups examined over the 30-day assessment period. The group subjected to a simulated industrial distribution route and handling procedures of commercial retailed cheese exhibited the highest level of oxygen detected on every day examined and experienced the highest rate of package failure. The study concluded that fluctuating storage conditions, product movement associated with distribution activities, and the possible presence of cheese-derived contaminants such as calcium lactate crystals were chief contributors to package failure.

Occupational exposure to fungi and particles in animal feed industry

Background: Very few studies regarding fungal and particulate matter (PM) exposure in feed industry have been reported, although such contaminants are likely to be a significant contributing factor to several symptoms reported among workers. The purpose of this study has been to characterize fungal and dust exposure in one Portuguese feed industry. Material and Methods: Air and surface samples were collected and subject to further macro- and microscopic observations. In addition we collected other air samples in order to perform real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genes from Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus complexes as well as Stachybotrys chartarum. Additionally, two exposure metrics were considered – particle mass concentration (PMC), measured in 5 different sizes (PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM5, PM10), and particle number concentration (PNC) based on results given in 6 different sizes in terms of diameter (0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 2.5 μm, 5 μm and 10 μm). Results: Species from the Aspergillus fumigatus complex were the most abundant in air (46.6%) and in surfaces, Penicillium genus was the most frequently found (32%). The only DNA was detected from A. fumigatus complex. The most prevalent in dust samples were smaller particles which may reach deep into the respiratory system and trigger not only local effects but also the systemic ones. Conclusions: Future research work must be developed aiming at assessing the real health effects of these co-exposures.

Some Like It Hot: The Influence and Implications of Climate Change on Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei) and Coffee Production in East Africa

The negative effects of climate change are already evident for many of the 25 million coffee farmers across the tropics and the 90 billion dollar (US) coffee industry. The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), the most important pest of coffee worldwide, has already benefited from the temperature rise in East Africa: increased damage to coffee crops and expansion in its distribution range have been reported. In order to anticipate threats and prioritize management actions for H. hampei we present here, maps on future distributions of H. hampei in coffee producing areas of East Africa. Using the CLIMEX model we relate present-day insect distributions to current climate and then project the fitted climatic envelopes under future scenarios A2A and B2B (for HADCM3 model). In both scenarios, the situation with H. hampei is forecasted to worsen in the current Coffea arabica producing areas of Ethiopia, the Ugandan part of the Lake Victoria and Mt. Elgon regions, Mt. Kenya and the Kenyan side of Mt. Elgon, and most of Rwanda and Burundi. The calculated hypothetical number of generations per year of H. hampei is predicted to increase in all C. arabica-producing areas from five to ten. These outcomes will have serious implications for C. arabica production and livelihoods in East Africa. We suggest that the best way to adapt to a rise of temperatures in coffee plantations could be via the introduction of shade trees in sun grown plantations. The aims of this study are to fill knowledge gaps existing in the coffee industry, and to draft an outline for the development of an adaptation strategy package for climate change on coffee production. An abstract in Spanish is provided as Abstract S1.

Contribution of plant phytochemicals to organic homeostasis: focus on the aging process and opportunistic infections

Aging process is conceived as a normal stage during human life cycle, but it is also considered a hot topic among scientists and medical community. Alarming rates of premature aging and oxidative stress-related diseases have increasingly affect human individuals. Stress, pollution and exposition to chemical substances are considered the main triggering factors for those conditions; in addition, they also suppress the immune system and, therefore, improve organic vulnerability and occurrence of opportunistic infections [I]. Apart from the associated morbidity and mortality, the increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance improve the severity of the clinical conditions [2]. Botanical preparations possess a multitude of bioactive properties, namely acting as antimicrobials, antioxidants, and homeostasis modulators. Thus, upcoming alternatives, mainly based in plant phytochemicals, are necessary to improve the wellbeing as also life expectancy of individuals. The present study aims to evaluate and to compare both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds. Among the tested plants, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) evidenced the most pronounced free radicals scavenging and antimicrobial effects, followed by Salvia officina/is L. (sage), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) and Origanum vulgare L. (oregano). Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (blue gum) and Juglans regia L. (walnut) also showed a high effect, while Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk. (carqueja) and Rubus ulmifolius Schott (elm leaf blackberry) displayed moderate effects, and lastly, Tabebuia impetigirwsa (Mart. ex DC) Standley (pau d'arco), Foeniculum vulgare Miller (fennel), Rosa canina L. (rose hips) and Matricaria recutita L. (chamomile) gave only slight effects. In general, the most pronounced bioactivities were observed in the plant preparations (infusion>decoction>hydromethanolic extract) with higher levels of phenolic compounds (both flavonoids and phenolic acids). The observed synergisms between the phenolic compounds present in the extracts highlight the use of phytochemicals as future health promoters. However, further studies are necessary to understand the effective mode of action of individual phenolic constituents as also the existence of polyvalence relationships between them.

Impact of outdoor biomass air pollution on hypertension hospital admissions

Background This study aimed to evaluate the association between the total suspended particles (TSP) generated from burning sugar cane plantations and the incidence of hospital admissions from hypertension in the city of Araraquara. Methods The study was an ecological time-series study. Total daily records of hypertension (ICD 10th I10-15) were obtained from admitted patients of all ages in a hospital in Araraquara, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, from 23 March 2003 to 27 July 2004. The daily concentration of TSP (mu g/m(3)) was obtained using a Handi-Vol sampler placed in downtown Araraquara. The local airport provided daily measures of temperature and humidity. In generalised linear Poisson regression models, the daily number of hospital admissions for hypertension was considered to be the dependent variable and the daily TSP concentration the independent variable. Results TSP presented a lagged effect on hypertension admissions, which was first observed 1 day after a TSP increase and remained almost unchanged for the following 2 days. A 10 mu g/m(3) increase in the TSP 3 day moving average lagged in 1 day led to an increase in hypertension-related hospital admissions during the harvest period (12.5%, 95% CI 5.6% to 19.9%) that was almost 30% higher than during non-harvest periods (9.0%, 95% CI 4.0% to 14.3%). Conclusions Increases in TSP concentrations were associated with hypertension-related hospital admissions. Despite the benefits of reduced air pollution in urban cities achieved by using ethanol produced from sugar cane to power automobiles, areas where the sugar cane is produced and harvested were found to have increased public health risk.

Transiting exoplanets from the CoRoT space mission XVIII. CoRoT-18b: a massive hot Jupiter on a prograde, nearly aligned orbit

We report the detection of CoRoT-18b, a massive hot Jupiter transiting in front of its host star with a period of 1.9000693 +/- 0.0000028 days. This planet was discovered thanks to photometric data secured with the CoRoT satellite combined with spectroscopic and photometric ground-based follow-up observations. The planet has a mass M(p) = 3.47 +/- 0.38 M(Jup), a radius R(p) = 1.31 +/- 0.18 R(Jup), and a density rho(p) = 2.2 +/- 0.8 g cm(-3). It orbits a G9V star with a mass M(*) = 0.95 +/- 0.15 M(circle dot), a radius R(*) = 1.00 +/- 0.13 R(circle dot), and a rotation period P(rot) = 5.4 +/- 0.4 days. The age of the system remains uncertain, with stellar evolution models pointing either to a few tens Ma or several Ga, while gyrochronology and lithium abundance point towards ages of a few hundred Ma. This mismatch potentially points to a problem in our understanding of the evolution of young stars, with possibly significant implications for stellar physics and the interpretation of inferred sizes of exoplanets around young stars. We detected the RossiterMcLaughlin anomaly in the CoRoT-18 system thanks to the spectroscopic observation of a transit. We measured the obliquity psi = 20 degrees +/- 20 degrees +/- (sky-projected value lambda = -10 degrees +/- 20 degrees), indicating that the planet orbits in the same way as the star is rotating and that this prograde orbit is nearly aligned with the stellar equator.

K*(0) production in Cu plus Cu and Au plus Au collisions at root s(NN)=62.4 GeV and 200 GeV

We report on K*(0) production at midrapidity in Au + Au and Cu + Cu collisions at root s(NN) = 62.4 and 200 GeV collected by the Solenoid Tracker at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider detector. The K*(0) is reconstructed via the hadronic decays K*(0) -> K(+)pi(-) and (K*(0)) over bar -> K(+)pi(-). Transverse momentum, p(T), spectra are measured over a range of p(T) extending from 0.2 GeV/c up to 5 GeV/c. The center-of-mass energy and system size dependence of the rapidity density, dN/dy, and the average transverse momentum, < p(T)>, are presented. The measured N(K*(0))/N(K) and N(phi)/N(K*(0)) ratios favor the dominance of rescattering of decay daughters of K*(0) over the hadronic regeneration for the K*(0) production. In the intermediate p(T) region (2.0 < p(T) < 4.0 GeV/c), the elliptic flow parameter, v(2), and the nuclear modification factor, R(CP), agree with the expectations from the quark coalescence model of particle production.