The L-31E Surface Water Rediversion Project Final Report: Implementation, Results, and Recommendations

Throughout the Biscayne Bay watershed, existing coastal wetland communities have been cut off from sheet flow for decades. With the expectation that reconnection of these wetlands to upstream water sources would alter existing hydrologic conditions and recreate a more natural sheet flow to Biscayne National Park, a demonstration project on freshwater rediversion was undertaken. The objectives of the project were to document the effects of freshwater diversion on: (a) swamp and nearshore water chemistry and hydrology; (b) soil development processes; (c) macrophyte and benthic algal community composition, structure and production; (d) abundance of epiphytic and epibenthic invertebrates; (e) zonation, production, and phenology of primary producers in the nearshore environment, and (f) exchanges of nutrients and particulates between nearshore and mangrove ecosystems.

Responses to racial segregation in a black Miami community

The present study examines the extent to which blacks are segregated in the suburban community of Coconut Grove, Florida. Hypersegregation, or the general tendency for blacks and whites to live apart, was examined in terms of four distinct dimensions: evenness, exposure, clustering, and concentration. Together, these dimensions define the geographic traits of the target area. Alone these indices can not capture the multi-dimensional levels of segregation and, therefore, by themselves underestimate the severity of segregation and isolation in this community. This study takes a contemporary view of segregation in a Dade County community to see if segregation is the catalyst to the sometime cited violent response of blacks. This study yields results that support the information in the literature review and the thesis research questions sections namely, that the blacks within the Grove do respond violently to the negative effects that racial segregation causes. This thesis is unique in two ways. It examines segregation in a suburban environment rather than an urban inner city, and it presents a responsive analysis of the individuals studied, rather than relying only on demographic and statistical data. ^

Biossistemática do complexo Cryptanthus zonatus (Vis.) Beer

The taxonomic delimitation at the species level in plants is not an easy task due to the large polymorphism of plants. In this project we aimed to evaluate three morphotypes (forms) of Cryptanthus zonatus (Vis.) Beer ( Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae ) described in the literature using fl oral biology and phenology, as well as flo ral morphology and leaf anatomy . These studies were conducted in the Parque Estadual das Dunas de Natal, Rio Grande Norte (RN) and Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony Mata Estrela , in the municipality of Ba í a Form osa. The survey of the phenology of the morphotypes involved monthly specimen observation in the field, during one year. In each visit, we observed the status of flowering and fruiting phenophases of the population of the three forms of C. zonatus . For flo ral biology we sought to evaluate data like: observed floral visitors, nectar volume and concentration, time of anthesis and closing of flowers . Flowers of the three fo rms were collected in the field , analyzed by stereomicroscope, and measurements of the f loral pieces were made with the help of a caliper . Transversal and paradermal sections of the leaves of the three forms were stained and then examined under an optical microscope. Observations of the epidermis under scanning electron microscopy were also conducted. The three m orphotypes could not be sepated based on all evidence investigated. Thus, we conclude that there is not evidences to support the recognition of C. zonatus morphotypes as taxonomic entities, and also that the tools of phenology, anatomy, biology and floral morphology were not useful to delimit these three forms . Yet to characterize better the Flora of Bromeli aceae of RN, the leaf anatomy of Orthophytum disjunctum was also studied. Orthophytum is the sister genus to Cryptanthus and only recently documented in the semiarid of RN. The anatomical comparison between Cryptanthus and Orthophytum allowed the separatio n of both genera based on the arrangement of stomata and thickness of aquiferous parênquima . During the fieldwork, it was still possible to document the first occurrence of Aechmea muricata in RN, inside the Mata Estrela preserve, aiding the understanding of the distribution of the taxon that is currently threatened with extinction.

Otimização da síntese do AlSBA-15 para produção de biodiesel por transesteri-ficação do óleo de coco

Stimulus encouraging the production and consumption of biodiesel favors the policy of pre-serving the environment, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas reducing climate change. The current trend of research in this field focuses on improving these processes with the use of heterogeneous catalysts, seeing has significant advantages such as: low contamination of products, ease of separation of the catalyst from the reaction medium, possibili-ty of reuse of the catalyst, decreased corrosion problems. The objective of this research was to optimize the synthesis of AlSBA-15 for the production of biodiesel through transesterification process via ethyl route. For the optimization of hydrothermal synthesis of type AlSBA-15 catalyst has assembled a 23 factorial experimental matrix with eleven trials. The stoichiometric amounts of starting materials were varied according to different ratios Si / Al which is a factor in the experimental design, in addition to the time and temperature of aging of the synthesis gel. The material showed the best results of characterization (SBET = 591.7 (m2 / g), Vp = 0.83 (cm3 / g), Dp = 5.59 (nm), w = 6.48 (nm) was synthesized at 100 ° C for 24 hours, with a ratio Si / Al = 10.This material was applied as a heterogeneous catalyst in the reaction of ethyl transesterification as raw coconut oil in natura. Coconut oil presented suitable for obtaining biodiesel via ethyl route.The visual aspects and physical-chemical characteristics of the reaction products show that AlSBA-15 catalyst favored the reaction. According to physical-chemical analysis the order of oxidative stability of the product of the transesterification reaction was: catalytic reaction at 1500 ° C> non-catalytic reaction at 100 ° C> 100 ° C catalytic> catalytic reaction at 200 ° C Reaction. The results of oxidative stability and kinematic viscosity shows that the biodiesel produced in the catalytic sandblasting held at 150 ° C which was maintained within the ABNT NBR 7148, ABNT NBR 10441 and EN 14112.

Desenvolvimento de um painel sanduíche com carga de particulado oriundo de resíduo lignocelulósico para aplicação em produtos na área de equipamentos de proteção

This work aims to study and investigate the use of a hybrid composite polymer formed with blanket aramid (Kevlar 29) fiber blanket flax fiber and particulate dry endocarp of coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn), using as matrix an epoxy resin based thermoset for use in areas of protective equipment. Besides such material is used an aluminum plate, joined to the composite by means of glue based on epoxy and araldite commercial. The manufacturing process adopted was manual lamination (Hand Lay Up) to manufacture the hybrid composite. After the composite is prepared, an aluminum plate is subjected to pressure and glued to cure the adhesive. Layers of veil will also be used to separate the particulate from the linen blanket layer without disturbing the alignment of the fibers of the blankets. To characterize the mechanical and physical behavior was manufactured a plate of 800 x 600 mm of the hybrid composite, which were removed specimens for tests of water absorption to saturation; density; impact test (Charpy) and two test specimens for ballistic testing 220 mm x 200 mm to make a comparative study between the dry state and saturated water absorption and thus see the ballistic performance of these two conditions. The test was applied to make a comparative study of fracture in these two conditions, caused by penetrating ballistic missile (38 and 380). To test the impact (Charpy) will analyze the absorbed energy, fracture appearance and lateral contraction, also in dry condition and saturation of absorbed water, thereby analyzing situations where the impact load is relevant, such as bumps and shocks produced by stone, metal or wooden bars among others. The proposed configuration, along with the tests, has the purpose, application in the fields of equipment against ballistic impact, such as helmets; bullet proof vests; shields; protective packaging and other items to be identified in this research.

Borboletas no semiárido: sazonalidade e padrões de diversidade de borboletas frugívoras em um ambiente extremo

The spatial and temporal distribution of the population reflects the adjustment of their biological characteristics to environmental conditions and biotic interactions as adaptive and phylogenetic precursors elements. The habitat’s heterogeneity and alternating seasons tend to cause patterns of activity of organisms and species diversity. However, these seasonal and spatial patterns in butterfly communities in dry environments are not yet clear. We studied a community of frugivorous butterflies in ESEC Seridó, in northeastern Brazil, aiming to characterize the guild in semiarid and check the relative contribution of climate and vegetation variables on its composition, diversity and phenofaunistic. The butterflies were sampled monthly during one year, and the distribution of species was associated with structural characteristics of three vegetation types (eg. richness and abundance of tree and shrub species, canopy cover, herbaceous cover, litter) and climatological data (temperature, rainfall and humidity). We captured 9580 individuals of 16 species of butterflies belonging to four subfamilies (Biblidinae, Charaxinae, Nymphalinae and Satyrinae). The richness, abundance and diversity varied in different scales, especially in time, being higher in the rainy season, while the β-diversity and turnover was higher in the dry. The distribution of species mainly followed the changes in humidity, rainfall and vegetation phenology, with no defined boundaries between habitats. The flight period was shared within subfamilies, which should have distinct response to environmental stimuli, as well as respond to the phenology of host plants and have different reproductive strategies. There is even evidence of physiological and behavioral adaptations as seasonal reproduction and aestivation. So there was environmental control over the distribution and diversity of species, with the key role climate Association and vegetation structure in the community of differentiation in the seasons, and the availability and quality of resources on the variation of species abundance in small scales. These results may support the biomonitoring and conservation preserved areas, particularly in environments under human pressure and extreme environmental conditions such as semi-arid.

Fabricação e caracterização de um compósito hibrido com resíduo lignocelulósico

This work aims to manufacture and characterize a hybrid plastic composite with the matrix isophthalic polyester resin base and having as reinforcing glass fiber and the dry endocarp of coconut (Coco nucifera Linn) in the form of particles as filler. The composite was made industrially in Tecniplas Industry and Trade LTDA. in the form of plate, and was manufactured process made by the manual lamination (Hand Lay Up). From the plate they were prepared test specimens for testing density, water absorption, uniaxial traction in dry and wet states, and testing of bending, as well as studies on the behavior of the generated fractures, macroscopic and microscopic, in mechanical tests through. All tests were performed in order to find the most viable applications the hybrid composite manufactured. The tensile and bending tests were analyzed last tensile properties, elasticity and deformation module. After the studies, it is observed that the percentage moisture absorbed was 3.03%. The presence of moisture in the tensile test meant a decrease of 19.77% from last stand, and 5.26% in the elastic modulus. For bending tests gave an average value of 69.13 MPa flexural strength. The results show the application of hybrid composite studied in lightweight structures, indoors, which require low / medium performance traction demands, and which involve flexural requests.

Obtenção e caracterização de um eco-compósito à base de látex e bainha da palha do coqueiro para isolamento térmico e acústico

With the emergence of new technologies, has grown the need to use new materials, and this has intensified research on the collection and use of materials from renewable sources, is to reduce production costs and / or environmental impact. In this context, it was found that the sheath coconut straw, can be utilized as raw material for the production of a eco-composite that can be used as a thermal and acoustic insulator. After selected from the coconut sheaths were subjected to treatment with aqueous 2 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The composite study was produced with the sheath and coconut natural latex, with coconut sheath percentage in the proportions 15%, 25% and 35% of the total compound volume. Physical, thermal and acoustic properties of the composites were analyzed in order to obtain data on the use of viability as thermoacoustic insulation. The CP15 composites, CP25 and CP35 showed thermal conductivity 0.188 W/m.K, 0.155 W/m.K and 0.150 W/m.K, respectively. It can be applied as thermal insulation in hot systems to 200 ° C. The CP35 composite was more efficient as a thermal and acoustic insulation, providing 20% noise reduction, 31% and 34% for frequencies of 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz, respectively. The analyzes were based on ABNT, ASTM, UL. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the eco-composite produced the hem of coconut can be used as thermal and acoustic insulation. Thus, it gives a more noble end to this material, which most often is burned or disposed of improperly in the environment.

Obtenção e caracterização de um eco-compósito à base de látex e bainha da palha do coqueiro para isolamento térmico e acústico

With the emergence of new technologies, has grown the need to use new materials, and this has intensified research on the collection and use of materials from renewable sources, is to reduce production costs and / or environmental impact. In this context, it was found that the sheath coconut straw, can be utilized as raw material for the production of a eco-composite that can be used as a thermal and acoustic insulator. After selected from the coconut sheaths were subjected to treatment with aqueous 2 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The composite study was produced with the sheath and coconut natural latex, with coconut sheath percentage in the proportions 15%, 25% and 35% of the total compound volume. Physical, thermal and acoustic properties of the composites were analyzed in order to obtain data on the use of viability as thermoacoustic insulation. The CP15 composites, CP25 and CP35 showed thermal conductivity 0.188 W/m.K, 0.155 W/m.K and 0.150 W/m.K, respectively. It can be applied as thermal insulation in hot systems to 200 ° C. The CP35 composite was more efficient as a thermal and acoustic insulation, providing 20% noise reduction, 31% and 34% for frequencies of 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz, respectively. The analyzes were based on ABNT, ASTM, UL. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the eco-composite produced the hem of coconut can be used as thermal and acoustic insulation. Thus, it gives a more noble end to this material, which most often is burned or disposed of improperly in the environment.

Avaliação da influência de surfactantes químico e biológico na hidrólise enzimática de casca de coco verde após pré-tratamento ácido/alcalino e com peróxido de hidrogênio alcalino

In Brazil many types of bioproducts and agroindustrial waste are generated currently, such as cacashew apple bagasse and coconut husk, for example. The final disposal of these wastes causes serious environmental issues. In this sense, waste lignocellulosic content, as the shell of the coconut is a renewable and abundant raw material in which its use has an increased interest mainly for the 2nd generation ethanol production. The hydrolysis of cellulose to reducing sugars such as glucose and xylose is catalysed by a group of enzymes called cellulases. However, the main bottleneck in the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is the significant deactivation of the enzyme that shows irreversible adsorption mechanism leading to reduction of the cellulose adsorption onto cellulose. Studies have shown that the use of surfactants can modify the surface property of the cellulose therefore minimizing the irreversible binding. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of chemical and biological surfactants during the hydrolysis of coconut husk which was subjected to two pre-treatment in order to improve the accessibility of the enzymes to the cellulose, removing this way, part of the lignin and hemicellulose present in the structure of the material. The pre-treatments applied to coconut bagasse were: Acid/Alkaline using 0.6M H2SO4 followed by 1M NaOH, and the one with Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide at a concentration of 7.35% (v/v) and pH 11.5. Both the material no treatment and pretreated were characterized using analysis of diffraction X-ray (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and methods established by NREL. The influence of both surfactants, chemical and biological, was used at concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (CMC), and the concentrations equal to the CMC. The application of pre-treatment with coconut residue was efficient for the conversion to glucose, as well as for the production of total reducing sugars, it was possible to observe that the pretreatment fragmented the structure as well as disordered the fibers. Regarding XRD analysis, a significant increase in crystallinity index was observed for pretreated bagasse acid/alkali (51.1%) compared to the no treatment (31.7%), while that for that treated with PHA, the crystallinity index was slightly lower, around 29%. In terms of total reducing sugars it was not possible to observe a significant difference between the hydrolysis carried out without the use of surfactant compared to the addition of Triton and rhamnolipid. However, by observing the conversions achieved during the hydrolysis, it was noted that the best conversion was using the rhamnolipíd for the husk pretreated with acid/alkali, reaching a value of 33%, whereas using Triton the higher conversion was 23.8%. The coconut husk is a residue which can present a high potential to the 2nd generation ethanol production, being the rhamonolipid a very efficient biosurfactant for use as an adjuvant in the enzymatic process in order to act on the material structure reducing its recalcitrance and therefore improving the conditions of access for enzymes to the substrate increasing thus the conversion of cellulose to glucose.

Avaliação da influência de surfactantes químico e biológico na hidrólise enzimática de casca de coco verde após pré-tratamento ácido/alcalino e com peróxido de hidrogênio alcalino

In Brazil many types of bioproducts and agroindustrial waste are generated currently, such as cacashew apple bagasse and coconut husk, for example. The final disposal of these wastes causes serious environmental issues. In this sense, waste lignocellulosic content, as the shell of the coconut is a renewable and abundant raw material in which its use has an increased interest mainly for the 2nd generation ethanol production. The hydrolysis of cellulose to reducing sugars such as glucose and xylose is catalysed by a group of enzymes called cellulases. However, the main bottleneck in the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is the significant deactivation of the enzyme that shows irreversible adsorption mechanism leading to reduction of the cellulose adsorption onto cellulose. Studies have shown that the use of surfactants can modify the surface property of the cellulose therefore minimizing the irreversible binding. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of chemical and biological surfactants during the hydrolysis of coconut husk which was subjected to two pre-treatment in order to improve the accessibility of the enzymes to the cellulose, removing this way, part of the lignin and hemicellulose present in the structure of the material. The pre-treatments applied to coconut bagasse were: Acid/Alkaline using 0.6M H2SO4 followed by 1M NaOH, and the one with Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide at a concentration of 7.35% (v/v) and pH 11.5. Both the material no treatment and pretreated were characterized using analysis of diffraction X-ray (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and methods established by NREL. The influence of both surfactants, chemical and biological, was used at concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (CMC), and the concentrations equal to the CMC. The application of pre-treatment with coconut residue was efficient for the conversion to glucose, as well as for the production of total reducing sugars, it was possible to observe that the pretreatment fragmented the structure as well as disordered the fibers. Regarding XRD analysis, a significant increase in crystallinity index was observed for pretreated bagasse acid/alkali (51.1%) compared to the no treatment (31.7%), while that for that treated with PHA, the crystallinity index was slightly lower, around 29%. In terms of total reducing sugars it was not possible to observe a significant difference between the hydrolysis carried out without the use of surfactant compared to the addition of Triton and rhamnolipid. However, by observing the conversions achieved during the hydrolysis, it was noted that the best conversion was using the rhamnolipíd for the husk pretreated with acid/alkali, reaching a value of 33%, whereas using Triton the higher conversion was 23.8%. The coconut husk is a residue which can present a high potential to the 2nd generation ethanol production, being the rhamonolipid a very efficient biosurfactant for use as an adjuvant in the enzymatic process in order to act on the material structure reducing its recalcitrance and therefore improving the conditions of access for enzymes to the substrate increasing thus the conversion of cellulose to glucose.

Progressive changes in the Western English Channel foster a reorganization in the plankton food web

Growing evidence has shown a profound modification of plankton communities of the North East Atlantic and adjacent seas over the past decades. This drastic change has been attributed to a modification of the environmental conditions that regulate the dynamics and the spatial distribution of ectothermic species in the ocean. Recently, several studies have highlighted modifications of the regional climate station L4 (50° 15.00′N, 4° 13.02′W) in the Western English Channel. We here focus on the modification of the plankton community by studying the long-term, annual and seasonal changes of five zooplankton groups and eight copepod genera. We detail the main composition and the phenology of the plankton communities during four climatic periods identified at the L4 station: 1988–1994, 1995–2000, 2001–2007 and 2008–2012. Our results show that long-term environmental changes underlined by Molinero et al. (2013) drive a profound restructuration of the plankton community modifying the phenology and the dominance of key planktonic groups including fish larvae. Consequently, the slow but deep modifications detected in the plankton community highlight a climate driven ecosystem shift in the Western English Channel.

Progressive changes in the Western English Channel foster a reorganization in the plankton food web

Growing evidence has shown a profound modification of plankton communities of the North East Atlantic and adjacent seas over the past decades. This drastic change has been attributed to a modification of the environmental conditions that regulate the dynamics and the spatial distribution of ectothermic species in the ocean. Recently, several studies have highlighted modifications of the regional climate station L4 (50° 15.00′N, 4° 13.02′W) in the Western English Channel. We here focus on the modification of the plankton community by studying the long-term, annual and seasonal changes of five zooplankton groups and eight copepod genera. We detail the main composition and the phenology of the plankton communities during four climatic periods identified at the L4 station: 1988–1994, 1995–2000, 2001–2007 and 2008–2012. Our results show that long-term environmental changes underlined by Molinero et al. (2013) drive a profound restructuration of the plankton community modifying the phenology and the dominance of key planktonic groups including fish larvae. Consequently, the slow but deep modifications detected in the plankton community highlight a climate driven ecosystem shift in the Western English Channel.

Influence du climat, de la disponibilité des ressources et de la taille des populations sur la phénologie et les patrons de migration du caribou migrateur, "Rangifer tarandus"

De nombreuses populations migratrices sont actuellement en déclin. Les changements climatiques entrainent des modifications dans les habitats des espèces migratrices et la phénologie des processus naturels, lesquels se répercutent sur la migration, une période critique pour ces espèces. Comprendre comment les variables environnementales et climatiques affectent la phénologie et les patrons de migration est donc crucial. Ma thèse s’intéresse à l’impact du climat, des ressources alimentaires et de la compétition sur les migrations printanières et automnales des caribous migrateurs, Rangifer tarandus, des troupeaux Rivière-George (TRG) et Rivière-aux-Feuilles (TRF) du Nord-du-Québec et du Labrador. Le premier volet de ma thèse propose une approche objective, basée sur la détection des changements dans la structure des déplacements saisonniers, pour identifier les dates de départ et arrivée en migration. Validée à l’aide de trajets simulés, elle a été appliquée aux migrations printanières et automnales de femelles caribous. Le second volet porte sur l’impact des conditions environnementales sur la phénologie des migrations de printemps et d’automne. Il montre que la phénologie de la migration est principalement affectée par les conditions climatiques rencontrées lors de la migration, les conditions d’enneigement affectant notamment les coûts des déplacements. Au printemps, les caribous subissent des conditions défavorables lorsque la fonte des neiges est précoce. À l’automne, ils semblent ajuster leurs déplacements et migrent plus vite quand la neige débute tôt pour limiter les coûts de déplacement dans une neige profonde. Le troisième volet porte sur les patrons de migration à l’automne et montre que ceux-ci sont affectés essentiellement par une compétition intra- et inter-troupeaux pour les aires d’hivernages. Les caribous du TRG répondent à une augmentation de la compétition sur les aires les plus proches de l’aire de mise bas, liée à une taille de population élevée, en migrant préférentiellement vers les aires les plus éloignées. L’utilisation des aires hivernales par les caribous du TRF est, quant à elle, contrainte par la présence et l’abondance du TRG, cette contrainte diminuant à mesure que le TRG décline et abandonne les migrations vers les aires d’hivernages communes aux deux troupeaux. Cette thèse améliore notre compréhension de l’influence des facteurs environnementaux sur la phénologie et les patrons de migration du caribou migrateur. Ces connaissances sont très utiles pour comprendre l’impact des changements climatiques et établir les plans de conservation pour les espèces migratrices.

APROVEITAMENTO DA CASCA DO COCO-VERDE ( Cocos nucifera L.) PARA PRODUÇÃO DE POLPA CELULÓSICA

A casca do coco-verde é um resíduo do consumo da água de coco. Em cidades litorâneas este resíduo já tem se tornado um grande problema, pois é de difícil decomposição. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a casca do coco-verde ( Cocos nucifera L.) para a produção de celulose kraft. A matéria-prima foi caracterizada com relação à densidade básica, composição química, dimensão das fibras e proporção de elementos anatômicos. Foram realizados três cozimentos-teste sendo que um deles foi escolhido para repetição. Em cada um deles variou-se a carga alcalina visando à elaboração de curvas de cozimento. Nos resultados do processo de polpação foram encontrados valores altos de número kappa, baixos rendimentos e baixos teores de rejeito. As seguintes características do material, baixa densidade básica (0,128 g/cm³), alta quantidade de extrativos (33,68%) e baixa proporção de fibras (22,11%), corroboraram para estes resultados. Assim, a produção de polpa celulósica a partir da casca do coco-verde pelo processo kraft, não se mostrou como uma alternativa viável tecnicamente.