Selection of operational parameters for the production of instant soy protein isolate by pulsed fluid bed agglomeration

The objective of this study was to select the optimal operational conditions for the production of instant soy protein isolate (SPI) by pulsed fluid bed agglomeration. The spray-dried SPI was characterized as being a cohesive powder, presenting cracks and channeling formation during its fluidization (Geldart type A). The process was carried out in a pulsed fluid bed, and aqueous maltodextrin solution was used as liquid binder. Air pulsation, at a frequency of 600 rpm, was used to fluidize the cohesive SPI particles and to allow agglomeration to occur. Seventeen tests were performed according to a central composite design. Independent variables were (i) feed flow rate (0.5-3.5 g/min), (ii) atomizing air pressure (0.5-1.5 bar) and (iii) binder concentration (10-50%). Mean particle diameter, process yield and product moisture were analyzed as responses. Surface response analysis led to the selection of optimal operational parameters, following which larger granules with low moisture content and high process yield were produced. Product transformations were also evaluated by the analysis of size distribution, flowability, cohesiveness and wettability. When compared to raw material, agglomerated particles were more porous and had a more irregular shape, presenting a wetting time decrease, free-flow improvement and cohesiveness reduction. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the continuity of pullback attractors for evolution processes

In this paper we give general results on the continuity of pullback attractors for nonlinear evolution processes. We then revisit results of [D. Li, P.E. Kloeden, Equi-attraction and the continuous dependence of pullback attractors on parameters, Stoch. Dyn. 4 (3) (2004) 373-384] which show that, under certain conditions, continuity is equivalent to uniformity of attraction over a range of parameters (""equi-attraction""): we are able to simplify their proofs and weaken the conditions required for this equivalence to hold. Generalizing a classical autonomous result [A.V. Babin, M.I. Vishik, Attractors of Evolution Equations, North Holland, Amsterdam, 1992] we give bounds on the rate of convergence of attractors when the family is uniformly exponentially attracting. To apply these results in a more concrete situation we show that a non-autonomous regular perturbation of a gradient-like system produces a family of pullback attractors that are uniformly exponentially attracting: these attractors are therefore continuous, and we can give an explicit bound on the distance between members of this family. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy transfer processes in Yb(3+)-Tm(3+) co-doped sodium alumino-phosphate glasses with improved 1.8 mu m emission

Sodium alumino-phosphate glasses co-doped with Yb(3+) and Tm(3+) ions have been prepared with notably low OH(-) content, and characterized from the viewpoint of their spectroscopic properties. In these glasses, Yb(3+) acts as an efficient sensitizer of excitation energy at 0.98 mu m - which can be provided by high power and low cost diode lasers, and subsequently undergoes non-resonant energy transfer to Tm(3+) ions ((2)F(5/2), (3)H(6) --> (2)F(7/2), (3)H(5)). Through this process, the emitting level (3)F(4) is rapidly populated, generating improved emission at 1.8 mu m ((3)F(4) --> (3)H(6)). In order to guarantee the efficiency of such favorable energy transfer, energy losses via multiphonon decay, Yb-Yb radiative trapping, and non- radiative transfer to OH(-) groups were evaluated, and minimized when possible. The dipole - dipole energy transfer microscopic parameters corresponding to Yb(3+) --> Tm(3+), Yb(3+) --> Yb(3+) and Tm(3+) --> Tm(3+) transfers, calculated by the Forster-Dexter model, are C(Yb-Tm) = 2.9 x 10(-40) cm(6) s(-1), C(Yb-Yb) = 42 x 10(-40) cm(6) s(-1) and C(Tm-Tm) = 43 x 10(-40) cm(6) s(-1), respectively.

Comparing time-varying autoregressive structures of locally stationary processes

In this paper, a novel statistical test is introduced to compare two locally stationary time series. The proposed approach is a Wald test considering time-varying autoregressive modeling and function projections in adequate spaces. The covariance structure of the innovations may be also time- varying. In order to obtain function estimators for the time- varying autoregressive parameters, we consider function expansions in splines and wavelet bases. Simulation studies provide evidence that the proposed test has a good performance. We also assess its usefulness when applied to a financial time series.

Density-Profile Processes Describing Biological Signaling Networks: Almost Sure Convergence to Deterministic Trajectories

We introduce jump processes in R(k), called density-profile processes, to model biological signaling networks. Our modeling setup describes the macroscopic evolution of a finite-size spin-flip model with k types of spins with arbitrary number of internal states interacting through a non-reversible stochastic dynamics. We are mostly interested on the multi-dimensional empirical-magnetization vector in the thermodynamic limit, and prove that, within arbitrary finite time-intervals, its path converges almost surely to a deterministic trajectory determined by a first-order (non-linear) differential equation with explicit bounds on the distance between the stochastic and deterministic trajectories. As parameters of the spin-flip dynamics change, the associated dynamical system may go through bifurcations, associated to phase transitions in the statistical mechanical setting. We present a simple example of spin-flip stochastic model, associated to a synthetic biology model known as repressilator, which leads to a dynamical system with Hopf and pitchfork bifurcations. Depending on the parameter values, the magnetization random path can either converge to a unique stable fixed point, converge to one of a pair of stable fixed points, or asymptotically evolve close to a deterministic orbit in Rk. We also discuss a simple signaling pathway related to cancer research, called p53 module.

Sequential injection analysis (SIA) and response surface methodology: A versatile small volume approach for optimization of photo-Fenton processes

Optimization of photo-Fenton degradation of copper phthalocyanine blue was achieved by response surface methodology (RSM) constructed with the aid of a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system coupled to a homemade photo-reactor. Highest degradation percentage was obtained at the following conditions [H(2)O(2)]/[phthalocyanine] = 7, [H(2)O(2)]/[FeSO(4)] = 10, pH = 2.5, and stopped flow time in the photo reactor = 30 s. The SIA system was designed to prepare a monosegment containing the reagents and sample, to pump it toward the photo-reactor for the specified time and send the products to a flow-through spectrophotometer for monitoring the color reduction of the dye. Changes in parameters such as reagent molar ratios. residence time and pH were made by modifications in the software commanding the SI system, without the need for physical reconfiguration of reagents around the selection valve. The proposed procedure and system fed the statistical program with degradation data for fast construction of response surface plots. After optimization, 97% of the dye was degraded. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design and validation of a sheet metal shearing experimental procedure

Throughout the industrial processes of sheet metal manufacturing and refining, shear cutting is widely used for its speed and cost advantages over competing cutting methods. Industrial shears may include some force measurement possibilities, but the force is most likely influenced by friction losses between shear tool and the point of measurement, and are in general not showing the actual force applied to the sheet. Well defined shears and accurate measurements of force and shear tool position are important for understanding the influence of shear parameters. Accurate experimental data are also necessary for calibration of numerical shear models. Here, a dedicated laboratory set-up with well defined geometry and movement in the shear, and high measurability in terms of force and geometry is designed, built and verified. Parameters important to the shear process are studied with perturbation analysis techniques and requirements on input parameter accuracy are formulated to meet experimental output demands. Input parameters in shearing are mostly geometric parameters, but also material properties and contact conditions. Based on the accuracy requirements, a symmetric experiment with internal balancing of forces is constructed to avoid guides and corresponding friction losses. Finally, the experimental procedure is validated through shearing of a medium grade steel. With the obtained experimental set-up performance, force changes as result of changes in studied input parameters are distinguishable down to a level of 1%.

Knowledge effect on firm performance in manufacturing and service firms

This thesis seeks to examine the difference between manufacturing and service firms with respect to the effects of knowledge on performance, and the influence of market turbulence in this relationship. Empirical data, resulting from a survey, was collected from more than 1,206 firms, involving several sectors. Two samples were analyzed, one with 334 manufacturing and other with 509 service firms. The findings indicate no significant difference in the importance of knowledge on performance between these sectors in the absence of market turbulence: knowledge development (KD) has a stronger effect than culture of competitiveness (CC) on firm performance. However, under market turbulence, manufacturers differ from service providers. The positive effect of KD is enhanced, while the positive effect of CC remains the same for manufacturing firms. On the other hand, the positive effect of KD is diminished, while the positive effect of CC is enhanced for service firms. This supports the argument concerning differences in the nature of manufacturing and service industries. From a managerial point of view, results confirm the importance of knowledge, irrespective of firm sector or market turbulence. However, while industrial firms should center efforts on KD, service firms must find a balance where knowledge development (e.g. norms, processes, routines) does not impair their culture of competitiveness (e.g. learning, innovation, action). The thesis contributes to existing literature by proposing that: (1) the positive effect of knowledge on performance is confirmed; (2) under turbulent markets manufacturing and service firms have different responses concerning the influence of knowledge on performance; (3) a multidimensional performance construct based on cost, profitability, and growth is an interesting way to evaluate firm sustained competitive advantage, rather than one-dimensional constructs; (4) the CC x KD interaction, found relevant for supply chains in previous studies, is not supported for firms; (5) differences in unit of analysis, e.g. from supply chains to firms, result in different effects of KD and CC on firm performance; (6) existing scales can be improved with the addition of more diverse indicators, capturing a wider range of concepts (e.g. information transfer measurement); and (7) results from previous studies are supported for Brazilian firms, contributing for theory generalization.

Source populations in coastal crabs: parameters affecting egg production

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

Modelagem e controle adaptativo de uma planta didática de nível com instrumentação industrial

The control, automation and optimization areas help to improve the processes used by industry. They contribute to a fast production line, improving the products quality and reducing the manufacturing costs. Didatic plants are good tools for research in these areas, providing a direct contact with some industrial equipaments. Given these capabilities, the main goal of this work is to model and control a didactic plant, which is a level and flow process control system with an industrial instrumentation. With a model it is possible to build a simulator for the plant that allows studies about its behaviour, without any of the real processes operational costs, like experiments with controllers. They can be tested several times before its application in a real process. Among the several types of controllers, it was used adaptive controllers, mainly the Direct Self-Tuning Regulators (DSTR) with Integral Action and the Gain Scheduling (GS). The DSTR was based on Pole-Placement design and use the Recursive Least Square to calculate the controller parameters. The characteristics of an adaptive system was very worth to guarantee a good performance when the controller was applied to the plant

Projeto, construção e levantamento de desempenho de um concentrador solar cilíndro parabólico com mecanismo automático de rastreamento solar

An cylinder-parabolic solar concentrator is presented to produce steam for different applications. This prototype was built in glass fiber with dimensions that follow a study of optimization of parameters inherent in the optical reflection of sunlight by the surface of reflection and absorption of the same by tubing that leads the fluid of work. The surface of the concentrator of 2.24 m² has been covered by layers of mirror with 1.0 m of lenght and 2.0 cm wide. The absorb tubing consists of a copper tube diameter equal to 28 mm. The concentrator is moving to follow the apparent motion of the sun. It will be presented the processes of manufacturing and assembly of the concentrator proposed, which has as main characteristics the facilities construction and assembly, in addition to reduced cost. Will be presented data from tests performed to produce steam setting up some parameters that diagnose the efficiency of the concentrator. It will be demonstrated the viabilities thermal, economic and of materials of the proposed system.The maximum temperature achieved in the vacuum tube absorber was 232.1°C and average temperature for 1 hour interval was 171.5°C, obtained in a test with automation. The maximum temperature achieved in the output of water was 197.7°C for a temperature of 200.0°C in the absorber tube. The best average result of the water exit temperature to interval of 1 hour was 170.2°C for a temperature of 171.2°C, in the absorber tube, obtained in test with automation. Water exit mean temperatures were always above of the water steaming temperature. The concentrator present a useful efficiency of 38% and a production cost of approximately R$ 450,00 ( $ 160.34)

Desenvolvimento de métodos construtivos e de novos materiais empregados na confecção de cartuchos de próteses de membros inferiores

The manufacture of prostheses for lower limb amputees (transfemural and transtibial) requires the preparation of a cartridge with appropriate and custom fit to the profile of each patient. The traditional process to the patients, mainly in public hospitals in Brazil, begins with the completion of a form where types of equipment, plugins, measures, levels of amputation etc. are identified. Currently, such work is carried out manually using a common metric tape and caliper of wood to take the measures of the stump, featuring a very rudimentary, and with a high degree of uncertainty geometry of the final product. To address this problem, it was necessary to act in two simultaneously and correlated directions. Originally, it was developed an integrated tool for viewing 3D CAD for transfemoral types of prostheses and transtibial called OrtoCAD I. At the same time, it was necessary to design and build a reader Mechanical equipment (sort of three-dimensional scanner simplified) able to obtain, automatically and with accuracy, the geometric information of either of the stump or the healthy leg. The methodology includes the application of concepts of reverse engineering to computationally generate the representation of the stump and/or the reverse image of the healthy member. The materials used in the manufacturing of prostheses nor always obey to a technical scientific criteria, because, if by one way it meets the criteria of resistance, by the other, it brings serious problems mainly due to excess of weight. This causes to the user various disorders due to lack of conformity. That problem was addressed with the creation of a hybrid composite material for the manufacture of cartridges of prostheses. Using the Reader Fitter and OrtoCAD, the new composite material, which aggregates the mechanical properties of strength and rigidity on important parameters such as low weight and low cost, it can be defined in its better way. Besides, it brings a reduction of up steps in the current processes of manufacturing or even the feasibility of using new processes, in the industries, in order to obtain the prostheses. In this sense, the hybridization of the composite with the combination of natural and synthetic fibers can be a viable solution to the challenges offered above

Avaliação do processo industrial da cerâmica vermelha na região do Seridó - RN

Particularly in Braziland in Rio Grande do Norte, companies manufacturing red ceramic, play an important role as agents of development to study the region Seridó- RN, specific place for carrying out the research. It is observed in this region a concentration of red ceramic industries of small size, which, despite its importance in the ceramic, they are unable to enjoy or use the new forms of administrative management and technological advances designed and offered by universities, centers of research and projects of governments, remained almost entirely outside the progress and modernization, technological and administrative. These companies still have outdated technology, and management processes, providing quality problems and standardization of end products. Upon these conditions are the companies going through crisis and struggling to survive alone and without assistance. The region of Seridó-RN, lets make a detailed case study of red ceramic companies in the region proposed from the existing theoretical and actual lifting of the condition of the product manufacturing red ceramic, allowing through this overview of the implementation of collect samples of raw materials, allowing the study of each ceramic industry that contributed to the participation of the research, which was determined parameters such as: analysis of the physical, chemical and technological properties of raw materials, characterization of the processes used, raising the technological resources considering equipment, machinery, supplies, raw materials and facilities available and its organization by type of products from companies involved in this study. The methodology consists of the following steps: collection of raw material, crushing and screening, characterization of raw materials (liquid limit, chemical analysis, mineralogical analysis, differential thermal analysis, sieve analysis), mixing, forming, cutting, drying and burning of ceramic bodies and bodies of evidence. The results showed that it was clay with distinct characteristics with respect to plasticity. With respect to the different compositions of mixtures of ceramic masses, we conclude that the ceramic properties showed a direct proportionality with increasing fraction of the clay not plastic. However, the compositions of the masses studied proved to be the most appropriate for the types of simulated clay for use in ceramics. Adopted in the ceramic processing made it possible to obtain products the resulted in consistent properties, and in some cases even exceeding the requirements of technical studies and standard-Brazilian clays to obtain ceramic products such as tiles, bricks and tiles to floor. Based on the discussions from the results obtained in the various processing steps of this work, one can draw conclusions according to the physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of raw materials, the properties of ceramic products burned and analysis. This work may be used by other researchers, private companies and governmental organizations, undergraduate students and graduate, can develop studies and future research to: develop projects to modify the furnaces; mapping projects develop and rationalize the exploitation of raw materials ;promoting reforestation and forest management; develop reduction projects and recovery of waste; develop training projects in manpower sector, and develop security projects, improving the conditions of work in the area pottery

Analysis of forecasting capabilities of ground surfaces valuation using artificial neural networks

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

Determining the Optimum Processing Parameters of Glass-like Carbon Using Weibull Analysis of its Fracture Behaviour

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