Desenvolvimento, implantação e avaliação do desempenho de biorreator anaeróbico de leito fluidizado e leito fixo com filtros biológicos em materiais diversos

This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate the performance of a new type of bioreactor for anaerobic treatment of wastewater using different filling materials like trickling filters post-reactor. This bioreactor has mixed characteristics of the UASB reactors and horizontal flow from the point of view of removal of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) ssed (settled solids), TS (Total Solids), SS (Suspended Solid), SD (Dissolved Solids) and turbidity. The experimental model consists of a bioreactor with a volume of 12 m³, 2/3 filled by fluidized bed and 1/3 for fixed. The fluidized bed is made of polystyrene plates used as a system percolation and compartmentalized trickling filters, where each compartment was filled with a support medium with different characteristics (gravel number 4, plastic rings of polystyrene, PET and HDPE) . In addition, the output of a filter system was installed three entries filled with activated carbon. The bioreactor was installed in private residence in the city of Igarapava-SP (20° 02'40.18"S and 47° 45'01.36" W). The system was highly efficient as the removal of organic contaminant load 92% on average reducing the BOD, a significant result when compared to other anaerobic systems. For the other parameters, the mean reduction was 96% for turbidity, 99% ssed, 67.5% ST, 57% SD and 88% of SS. As for its operation the system was capable of operating in continuous flow without the need for maintenance during the entire period of evaluation and without energy, as it operates taking advantage of the natural slope of the terrain where it is installed. The environmental impacts were minimized due to the preservation of local vegetation allowing the ecosystem to remain unchanged beyond the prototype was completely sealed preventing exhalation of odors and therefore not causing inconvenience to neighboring populations. Given these facts it was concluded that the prototype is shown to be highly feasible deployed as a new alternative for treatment of sewage in rural and urban settings (individual homes, condos, farms, ranches, etc.) Due to ease of design and operability, and sustainability at all stages of execution.

N=1 SUSY backgrounds with an AdS factor from non-Abelian T duality

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Anatomia do talo de Canoparmelia texana (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota liquenizados)

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

Preparação e caracterização de novos híbridos orgânicos-inorgânicos baseados em carboximetilcelulose/polifosfato de sódio dopados com 'Eu'Cl IND.3

Organic- inorganic hybrid (HOI) are materials prepared with the combination of inorganic and organic components. The properties of a hybrid material are unique, not being the sum of each individual component added. This occurs because there is a synergism that depends of the chemical nature of organic and inorganic components, of the size and morphology of their domains. The sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) it's an anionic polymer obtained of the cellulose, very soluble in water in which forms both solutions themselves and gels. The sodium polyphosphate (NaPO3)n, known commercially as Graham Salt is the only polyphosphate soluble in water, and it's the polyphosphate with the longest chain. At the present work it was prepared and characterized new phosphate organic- inorganic hybrids films of carboxymethylcellulose / sodium phosphate and luminescent films of CMC/NaPO3 doped with europium chloride (EuCl3). The films where prepared in several proportions. At first, it was set the amount of water to be used and the amount of carboxymethylcellulose, changing the concentrations of sodium polyphosphate and europium chloride. After pre-establishing concentrations, for each film, the components were submitted to constant agitation and subsequent drying. The inorganic-organic hybrid films were characterized by, TG, DR-X, DMA, FT-IR, UV-Vis-NIR, RMN 31P e 13C and at last, a study of luminescence was made. The hybrid films obtained are transparent and macroscopically homogeneous, however, the MET measures showed the formation of micro-islands of polyphosphate along the material, this fact indicates a bigger fragmentation of the films and this is verified by DMA analysis which shows a smaller resistance of the film with the increase of the concentration of phosphate. Both spectrum FT-IR and RMN analysis of the films, don't show the formation of new bands of their precursors, CMC e NaPO3,....

Design de Relações entre tecnologias amigáveis e sociabilidades virtuais: um novo campo de investigação para o Design

The Digital Age, with its new interactive and converging technologies, stimulates original forms of sociability, which are interconnected, intercommunicating and virtualized through hyperscreens. Another kind of interaction arises from the digitization and new speeds of contemporary communicative process. With the new order of knowledge, it is now possible to transgress the limits of physical space and linear time sequence, through the collective development of content through such telematics networks. Youth gives voice to a new type of user, or a social actor, whose thinking is connected to other communication habits, consolidating singular cultural standards, demanding new languages and skills. Here, we address the nature of this Design of new relations, interactions, behaviors and social systems that emerge in the so called Information Society.

Magnetic Tuning of All-Organic Binary Alloys between Two Stable Radicals

Mixtures of 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrafluorobenzimidazol-2-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl (F4BImNN) and 2-(benzi-midazol-2-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl (BImNN.) crystallize as solid solutions (alloys) across a wide range of binary compositions. (F4BImNN)(x)(BImNN)((1-x)) with x < 0.8 gives orthorhombic unit cells, while x >= 0.9 gives monoclinic unit cells. In all crystalline samples, the dominant intermolecular packing is controlled by one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen-bonded chains that lead to quasi-1D ferromagnetic behavior. Magnetic analysis over 0.4-300 K indicates ordering with strong 1D ferromagnetic exchange along the chains (J/k = 12-22 K). Interchain exchange is estimated to be 33- to 150-fold weaker, based on antiferromagnetic ordered phase formation below Neel temperatures in the 0.4-1.2 K range for the various compositions. The ordering temperatures of the orthorhombic samples increase linearly as (1 - x) increases from 0.25 to 1.00. The variation is attributed to increased interchain distance corresponding to decreased interchain exchange, when more F4BImNN is added into the orthorhombic lattice. The monoclinic samples are not part of the same trend, due to the different interchain arrangement associated with the phase change.

Stochastic competitive learning in complex networks

Competitive learning is an important machine learning approach which is widely employed in artificial neural networks. In this paper, we present a rigorous definition of a new type of competitive learning scheme realized on large-scale networks. The model consists of several particles walking within the network and competing with each other to occupy as many nodes as possible, while attempting to reject intruder particles. The particle's walking rule is composed of a stochastic combination of random and preferential movements. The model has been applied to solve community detection and data clustering problems. Computer simulations reveal that the proposed technique presents high precision of community and cluster detections, as well as low computational complexity. Moreover, we have developed an efficient method for estimating the most likely number of clusters by using an evaluator index that monitors the information generated by the competition process itself. We hope this paper will provide an alternative way to the study of competitive learning.

Development of paper based electrodes: From air-breathing to paintable enzymatic cathodes

This work presents the results from the development of bio-cathodes for the application on paper-based biofuel cells. Our main goal here is to demonstrate the possibility of using different designs of air-breathing bio-cathodes and ink-based bio-cathodes for this new type of paper based electrochemical cell. The electrochemical performance for the bio-electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction was studied by using open circuit voltage and amperometry measurements, as well as polarization curves to probe the four-electron reduction reaction of ambient oxygen catalyzed by bilirubin oxidase (BOx). The electrochemical measurements showed that all procedures allowed the direct electron transfer from the active site of the bilirubin oxidase to the electrode surface with a limiting current density of almost 500 mu A cm(-2) for an air-breathing BOx cathode and 150 mu A cm(-2) for an ink based BOx cathode. Under a load of 300 mV a stable current density was obtained for 12 h of continuous operation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A three-pronged approach to social business: a Brazilian multi-case analysis

Social businesses present a new paradigm to capitalism, in which private companies, non-profit organizations and civil society create a new type of business with the main objective of solving social problems with financial sustainability and efficiency through market mechanisms. As any new phenomenon, different authors conceptualize social businesses with distinct views. This article aims to present and characterize three different perspectives of social business definitions: the European, the American and that of the emerging countries. Each one of these views was illustrated by a different Brazilian case. We conclude with the idea that all the cases have similar characteristics, but also relevant differences that are more than merely geographical. The perspectives analyzed in this paper provide an analytical framework for understanding the field of social businesses. Moreover, the cases demonstrate that in the Brazilian context the field of social business is under construction and that as such it draws on different conceptual influences to deal with a complex and challenging reality.

Estimación del movimiento de objetos en secuencias de imágenes de intensidad y profundidad

Máster Universitario en Sistemas Inteligentes y Aplicaciones Numéricas en Ingeniería (SIANI)

Valutazione delle performance degli scalpelli da perforazione: studi teorici, analisi dati e valutazioni tecnico-economiche

The study is aimed to calculate an innovative numerical index for bit performance evaluation called Bit Index (BI), applied on a new type of bit database named Formation Drillability Catalogue (FDC). A dedicated research programme (developed by Eni E&P and the University of Bologna) studied a drilling model for bit performance evaluation named BI, derived from data recorded while drilling (bit records, master log, wireline log, etc.) and dull bit evaluation. This index is calculated with data collected inside the FDC, a novel classification of Italian formations aimed to the geotechnical and geomechanical characterization and subdivisions of the formations, called Minimum Interval (MI). FDC was conceived and prepared at Eni E&P Div., and contains a large number of significant drilling parameters. Five wells have been identified inside the FDC and have been tested for bit performance evaluation. The values of BI are calculated for each bit run and are compared with the values of the cost per metre. The case study analyzes bits of the same type, diameters and run in the same formation. The BI methodology implemented on MI classification of FDC can improve consistently the bit performances evaluation, and it helps to identify the best performer bits. Moreover, FDC turned out to be functional to BI, since it discloses and organizes formation details that are not easily detectable or usable from bit records or master logs, allowing for targeted bit performance evaluations. At this stage of development, the BI methodology proved to be economic and reliable. The quality of bit performance analysis obtained with BI seems also more effective than the traditional “quick look” analysis, performed on bit records, or on the pure cost per metre evaluation.

Studio e sviluppo di un motore a 2 tempi diesel veloce di nuova concezione per applicazioni automobilistiche

The Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (DIMeC) of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is developing a new type of small capacity HSDI 2-Stroke Diesel engine (called HSD2), featuring a specifically designed combustion system, aimed to reduce weight, size and manufacturing costs, and improving pollutant emissions at partial load. The present work is focused on the analysis of the combustion and the scavenging process, investigated by means of a version of the KIVA-3V code customized by the University of Chalmers and modified by DIMeC. The customization of the KIVA-3V code includes a detailed combustion chemistry approach, coupled with a comprehensive oxidation mechanism for diesel oil surrogate and the modeling of turbulence/chemistry interaction through the PaSR (Partially Stirred Reactor) model. A four stroke automobile Diesel engine featuring a very close bore size is taken as a reference, for both the numerical models calibration and for a comparison with the 2-Stroke engine. Analysis is carried out trough a comparison between HSD2 and FIAT 1300 MultiJet in several operating conditions, at full and partial load. Such a comparison clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the two stroke concept in terms of emissions reduction and high power density. However, HSD2 is still a virtual engine, and experimental results are needed to assume the reliability of numerical results.

Cooperative communication and distributed detection in wireless sensor networks

Recent progress in microelectronic and wireless communications have enabled the development of low cost, low power, multifunctional sensors, which has allowed the birth of new type of networks named wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The main features of such networks are: the nodes can be positioned randomly over a given field with a high density; each node operates both like sensor (for collection of environmental data) as well as transceiver (for transmission of information to the data retrieval); the nodes have limited energy resources. The use of wireless communications and the small size of nodes, make this type of networks suitable for a large number of applications. For example, sensor nodes can be used to monitor a high risk region, as near a volcano; in a hospital they could be used to monitor physical conditions of patients. For each of these possible application scenarios, it is necessary to guarantee a trade-off between energy consumptions and communication reliability. The thesis investigates the use of WSNs in two possible scenarios and for each of them suggests a solution that permits to solve relating problems considering the trade-off introduced. The first scenario considers a network with a high number of nodes deployed in a given geographical area without detailed planning that have to transmit data toward a coordinator node, named sink, that we assume to be located onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This is a practical example of reachback communication, characterized by the high density of nodes that have to transmit data reliably and efficiently towards a far receiver. It is considered that each node transmits a common shared message directly to the receiver onboard the UAV whenever it receives a broadcast message (triggered for example by the vehicle). We assume that the communication channels between the local nodes and the receiver are subject to fading and noise. The receiver onboard the UAV must be able to fuse the weak and noisy signals in a coherent way to receive the data reliably. It is proposed a cooperative diversity concept as an effective solution to the reachback problem. In particular, it is considered a spread spectrum (SS) transmission scheme in conjunction with a fusion center that can exploit cooperative diversity, without requiring stringent synchronization between nodes. The idea consists of simultaneous transmission of the common message among the nodes and a Rake reception at the fusion center. The proposed solution is mainly motivated by two goals: the necessity to have simple nodes (to this aim we move the computational complexity to the receiver onboard the UAV), and the importance to guarantee high levels of energy efficiency of the network, thus increasing the network lifetime. The proposed scheme is analyzed in order to better understand the effectiveness of the approach presented. The performance metrics considered are both the theoretical limit on the maximum amount of data that can be collected by the receiver, as well as the error probability with a given modulation scheme. Since we deal with a WSN, both of these performance are evaluated taking into consideration the energy efficiency of the network. The second scenario considers the use of a chain network for the detection of fires by using nodes that have a double function of sensors and routers. The first one is relative to the monitoring of a temperature parameter that allows to take a local binary decision of target (fire) absent/present. The second one considers that each node receives a decision made by the previous node of the chain, compares this with that deriving by the observation of the phenomenon, and transmits the final result to the next node. The chain ends at the sink node that transmits the received decision to the user. In this network the goals are to limit throughput in each sensor-to-sensor link and minimize probability of error at the last stage of the chain. This is a typical scenario of distributed detection. To obtain good performance it is necessary to define some fusion rules for each node to summarize local observations and decisions of the previous nodes, to get a final decision that it is transmitted to the next node. WSNs have been studied also under a practical point of view, describing both the main characteristics of IEEE802:15:4 standard and two commercial WSN platforms. By using a commercial WSN platform it is realized an agricultural application that has been tested in a six months on-field experimentation.

Supramolecular hybrid organic-inorganic multicomponent architectures in solution and on surface

Supramolecular architectures can be built-up from a single molecular component (building block) to obtain a complex of organic or inorganic interactions creating a new emergent condensed phase of matter, such as gels, liquid crystals and solid crystal. Further the generation of multicomponent supramolecular hybrid architecture, a mix of organic and inorganic components, increases the complexity of the condensed aggregate with functional properties useful for important areas of research, like material science, medicine and nanotechnology. One may design a molecule storing a recognition pattern and programming a informed self-organization process enables to grow-up into a hierarchical architecture. From a molecular level to a supramolecular level, in a bottom-up fashion, it is possible to create a new emergent structure-function, where the system, as a whole, is open to its own environment to exchange energy, matter and information. “The emergent property of the whole assembly is superior to the sum of a singles parts”. In this thesis I present new architectures and functional materials built through the selfassembly of guanosine, in the absence or in the presence of a cation, in solution and on the surface. By appropriate manipulation of intermolecular non-covalent interactions the spatial (structural) and temporal (dynamic) features of these supramolecular architectures are controlled. Guanosine G7 (5',3'-di-decanoil-deoxi-guanosine) is able to interconvert reversibly between a supramolecular polymer and a discrete octameric species by dynamic cation binding and release. Guanosine G16 (2',3'-O-Isopropylidene-5'-O-decylguanosine) shows selectivity binding from a mix of different cation's nature. Remarkably, reversibility, selectivity, adaptability and serendipity are mutual features to appreciate the creativity of a molecular self-organization complex system into a multilevelscale hierarchical growth. The creativity - in general sense, the creation of a new thing, a new thinking, a new functionality or a new structure - emerges from a contamination process of different disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, architecture, design, philosophy and science of complexity.

Aspects of Integrability in Gauge/String Correspondence

In this thesis, we present our work about some generalisations of ideas, techniques and physical interpretations typical for integrable models to one of the most outstanding advances in theoretical physics of nowadays: the AdS/CFT correspondences. We have undertaken the problem of testing this conjectured duality under various points of view, but with a clear starting point - the integrability - and with a clear ambitious task in mind: to study the finite-size effects in the energy spectrum of certain string solutions on a side and in the anomalous dimensions of the gauge theory on the other. Of course, the final desire woul be the exact comparison between these two faces of the gauge/string duality. In few words, the original part of this work consists in application of well known integrability technologies, in large parte borrowed by the study of relativistic (1+1)-dimensional integrable quantum field theories, to the highly non-relativisic and much complicated case of the thoeries involved in the recent conjectures of AdS5/CFT4 and AdS4/CFT3 corrspondences. In details, exploiting the spin chain nature of the dilatation operator of N = 4 Super-Yang-Mills theory, we concentrated our attention on one of the most important sector, namely the SL(2) sector - which is also very intersting for the QCD understanding - by formulating a new type of nonlinear integral equation (NLIE) based on a previously guessed asymptotic Bethe Ansatz. The solutions of this Bethe Ansatz are characterised by the length L of the correspondent spin chain and by the number s of its excitations. A NLIE allows one, at least in principle, to make analytical and numerical calculations for arbitrary values of these parameters. The results have been rather exciting. In the important regime of high Lorentz spin, the NLIE clarifies how it reduces to a linear integral equations which governs the subleading order in s, o(s0). This also holds in the regime with L ! 1, L/ ln s finite (long operators case). This region of parameters has been particularly investigated in literature especially because of an intriguing limit into the O(6) sigma model defined on the string side. One of the most powerful methods to keep under control the finite-size spectrum of an integrable relativistic theory is the so called thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz (TBA). We proposed a highly non-trivial generalisation of this technique to the non-relativistic case of AdS5/CFT4 and made the first steps in order to determine its full spectrum - of energies for the AdS side, of anomalous dimensions for the CFT one - at any values of the coupling constant and of the size. At the leading order in the size parameter, the calculation of the finite-size corrections is much simpler and does not necessitate the TBA. It consists in deriving for a nonrelativistc case a method, invented for the first time by L¨uscher to compute the finite-size effects on the mass spectrum of relativisic theories. So, we have formulated a new version of this approach to adapt it to the case of recently found classical string solutions on AdS4 × CP3, inside the new conjecture of an AdS4/CFT3 correspondence. Our results in part confirm the string and algebraic curve calculations, in part are completely new and then could be better understood by the rapidly evolving developments of this extremely exciting research field.