Synthesis of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives on solid support using room temperature and microwave-assisted solvent-free procedures

We describe the synthesis of 12 new ethyl and methyl quinoxaline-7-carboxylate 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives on solid supports with room temperature and microwave-assisted solvent-free procedures. Results show that solid supports have good catalytic activity in the formation of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives. We found that florisil and montmorillonite KSF and K10 could be used as new, easily available, inexpensive alternatives of catalysts. Additionally, room temperature and microwave-irradiation solvent-free synthesis was more efficient than a conventional procedure (Beirut reaction), reducing reaction time and increasing yield.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, AND FREE-RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES OF Guettarda viburnoides CHAM. & SCHLTDL. (RUBIACEAE)

Chemical investigation of Guettarda viburnoides (leaves) led to the isolation of ursolic acid, uncaric acid, secoxyloganin, and grandifloroside, along with a mixture of quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of their NMR data. The crude extract, ethyl acetate fraction, aqueous-methanol fraction, and grandifloroside showed significant DPPH free-radical scavenging activities with IC50 ranging from 18.92 to 26.47 µg mL-1. The topical administration of the crude extract and fractions markedly reduced the croton oil-induced mice ear edema in 67.0%-99.0%. Inhibition of tissue MPO activity was also observed, which demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect of the G. viburnoides species.

USE OF A LOW-COST TEMPLATE-FREE ZSM-5 FOR ATMOSPHERIC PETROLEUM RESIDUE PYROLYSIS

To understand the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity during the pyrolysis of atmospheric petroleum residue, a template-free ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized using a direct method without additional seeds or an organic structure director and compared with conventionally synthesized ZSM-5. The crystallinities of the two zeolites were evaluated by XRD and FTIR and were quite similar; however, structural analyses using SEM and argon physisorption revealed that the zeolites diverged in particle diameter and in the external surface area of the micropores. The synthesis procedure without a template incorporated additional aluminum into the crystalline network, according to ICP-AES and TPD NH3 experiments. The catalytic pyrolysis performed over the template-free ZSM-5 generated results comparable to those for pyrolysis performed over the conventional ZSM-5 according to its hydrocarbon distribution. The selectivity to aromatics compounds was exactly the same for both ZSM-5 zeolites, and these values stand out compared to thermal pyrolysis. The template-free ZSM-5 produced 20% of light hydrocarbons (C4-C6), where such compounds are olefins and paraffins of great interest to the petrochemical industry. Therefore, template-free ZSM-5 is promising for industrial use due to its lowered synthesis time, low-cost and significant distribution to light hydrocarbons.

Effect of magnesium addition on the vacancy-Mg binding free enthalpy in Al-Cr alloys

The Mg-vacancy binding free enthalpy of Al-Cr solid solution alloys with Mg addition was calculated by electrical resistivity measurements. The obtained value is lower than that obtained for dilute Al-Mg alloys with almost the same Mg content and may be attributed to the diffusion of Mg.

Dead love, Op. 4 N:o 1

Ei vapaa, vapautuu 2027?. Kosti Vehanen (1887-1957), André Tellier (1902?-??).

Love and rationality: on some possible rational effects of love

In this paper I defend the idea that rather than disrupting rationality, as the common-sense conception has done it, love may actually help us to develop rational ways of thinking and acting. I make the case for romantic or erotic love, since this is the kind of love that is more frequently associated with irrationality in acting and thinking. I argue that this kind of love may make us develop epistemic and practical forms of rationality. Based on an analysis of its characteristic action tendencies, I argue that love may help us to develop an instrumental form of rationality in determining the best means to achieve the object of love. It may also narrow down the number of practical considerations that may help us to achieve our goals. Finally, love may generate rational ways of belief-formation by framing the parameters taken into account in perception and attention, and by bringing into light only a small portion of the epistemic information available. Love may make us perceive reality more acutely.

Towards input/output-free modelling of linear infinite-dimensional systems in continuous time

This dissertation describes a networking approach to infinite-dimensional systems theory, where there is a minimal distinction between inputs and outputs. We introduce and study two closely related classes of systems, namely the state/signal systems and the port-Hamiltonian systems, and describe how they relate to each other. Some basic theory for these two classes of systems and the interconnections of such systems is provided. The main emphasis lies on passive and conservative systems, and the theoretical concepts are illustrated using the example of a lossless transfer line. Much remains to be done in this field and we point to some directions for future studies as well.

Macrophomina phaseolina: density and longevity of microsclerotia in soybean root tissues and free on the soil, and competitive saprophytic ability

In field experiments, the density of Macrophomina phaseolina microsclerotia in root tissues of naturally colonized soybean cultivars was quantified. The density of free sclerotia on the soil was determined for plots of crop rotation (soybean-corn) and soybean monoculture soon after soybean harvest. M. phaseolina natural infection was also determined for the roots of weeds grown in the experimental area. To verify the ability of M. phaseolina to colonize dead substrates, senesced stem segments from the main plant species representing the agricultural system of southern Brazil were exposed on naturally infested soil for 30 and 60 days. To quantify the sclerotia, the methodology of Cloud and Rupe (1991) and Mengistu et al. (2007) was employed. Sclerotium density, assessed based on colony forming units (CFU), ranged from 156 to 1,108/g root tissue. Sclerotium longevity, also assessed according to CFU, was 157 days for the rotation and 163 days for the monoculture system. M. phaseolina did not colonize saprophytically any dead stem segment of Avena strigosa,Avena sativa,Hordeum vulgare,Brassica napus,Gossypium hirsutum,Secale cereale,Helianthus annus,Triticosecalerimpaui, and Triticum aestivum. Mp was isolated from infected root tissues of Amaranthus viridis,Bidens pilosa,Cardiospermum halicacabum,Euphorbia heterophylla,Ipomoea sp., and Richardia brasiliensis. The survival mechanisms of M. phaseolina studied in this paper met the microsclerotium longevity in soybean root tissues, free on the soil, as well as asymptomatic colonization of weeds.

Vibration free machining tools

Appearance of the vibration is the very important problem in long tool turning and milling. Current solutions of minimizing vibrations provided by different tool suppliers are very expensive. This Master’s Thesis is presenting the new type of vibration free machining tools produced by Konepaja ASTEX Gear Oy that have cheaper production costs compare to competitors’ products. Vibration problems in machining and their today’s solutions are analyzed in this work. The new vibration damping invention is presented and described. Moreover, the production, laboratory experimental modal analysis and practical testing of the new vibration free prototypes are observed and analyzed on the pages of this Thesis. Based on the testing results the new invention is acknowledged to be successful and approved for further studies and developments.

Caracterização do microambiente em secção transversal de um galpão do tipo "free-stall" orientado na direção norte-sul

O trabalho teve o objetivo de caracterizar o microambiente climático das baias de um galpão de confinamento para gado leiteiro, modelo "free-stall", no sentido transversal da instalação. O "free-stall" é orientado na direção norte-sul, localizado em Marechal Cândido Rondon, região Oeste do Paraná, com capacidade para abrigar 40 vacas em lactação (40 baias). Visando à determinação do Índice de Temperatura do Globo e Umidade (ITGU) e da Carga Térmica de Radiação (CTR), foram instalados quatro globos negros, no centro de baias dispostas no sent ido transversal, dispondo dois globos no lado oeste e dois globos no lado leste (separados pelo corredor de alimentação). Lateralmente ao galpão, no lado leste, havia vegetação a 4 m da instalação, que promovia sombreamento nas primeiras horas do dia. Pode-se concluir que, nas primeiras horas do dia, não há diferença significativa entre os valores de ITGU e CTR encontrados, indicando que o sombreamento, devido à vegetação, foi capaz de amenizar os efeitos da radiação solar. Às 17 h 30 min, verificou-se que há ocorrência de maiores valores, tanto de ITGU quanto de CTR, nas baias localizadas no lado oeste do "free-stall".

Análise do investimento em climatização para bovinos de leite em sistema de alojamento free-stall

A dificuldade de adaptação das raças leiteiras européias no Brasil afeta diretamente o setor produtivo de leite. As condições climáticas do País são desfavoráveis, e o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias é imprescindível para que o potencial genético e a capacidade de conversão alimentar sejam evidenciados nos animais. Dessa forma, a análise econômica do investimento na climatização de instalações do tipo free-stall torna-se necessária para estimar os aspectos relacionados à rentabilidade, capacidade de pagamento e tempo necessário para recuperar o capital investido. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de avaliar a influência da climatização no processo produtivo de bovinos de leite e realizar uma análise econômica do investimento. Foram utilizadas 470 vacas com características genéticas e morfológicas homogêneas, de alta produção, analisadas em dois períodos semelhantes. Os cálculos do investimento foram efetuados por meio do programa Excell®. Os resultados das análises indicam que deve haver retorno do capital investido em curto prazo (57 dias).

Prediction of free-stall occupancy rate in dairycattle barns through fuzzy sets

The goal of this study was to develop a fuzzy model to predict the occupancy rate of free-stalls facilities of dairy cattle, aiding to optimize the design of projects. The following input variables were defined for the development of the fuzzy system: dry bulb temperature (Tdb, °C), wet bulb temperature (Twb, °C) and black globe temperature (Tbg, °C). Based on the input variables, the fuzzy system predicts the occupancy rate (OR, %) of dairy cattle in free-stall barns. For the model validation, data collecting were conducted on the facilities of the Intensive System of Milk Production (SIPL), in the Dairy Cattle National Research Center (CNPGL) of Embrapa. The OR values, estimated by the fuzzy system, presented values of average standard deviation of 3.93%, indicating low rate of errors in the simulation. Simulated and measured results were statistically equal (P>0.05, t Test). After validating the proposed model, the average percentage of correct answers for the simulated data was 89.7%. Therefore, the fuzzy system developed for the occupancy rate prediction of free-stalls facilities for dairy cattle allowed a realistic prediction of stalls occupancy rate, allowing the planning and design of free-stall barns.