Desenvolvimento e validação de testes de fluxo lateral para a detecção de cultivares geneticamente modificados e de aflatoxinas em produtos agrícolas

The expansion of cultivated areas with genetically modified crops (GM) is a worldwide phenomenon, stimulating regulatory authorities to implement strict procedures to monitor and verify the presence of GM varieties in agricultural crops. With the constant growing of plant cultivating areas all over the world, consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food also increased. Aflatoxins correspond to a class of highly toxic contaminants found in agricultural products that can have harmful effects on human and animal health. Therefore, the safety and quality evaluation of agricultural products are important issues for consumers. Lateral flow tests (strip tests) is a promising method for the detection both proteins expressed in GM crops and aflatoxins-contaminated food samples. The advantages of this technique include its simplicity, rapidity and cost-effective when compared to the conventional methods. In this study, two novel and sensitive strip tests assay were developed for the identification of: (i) Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 proteins expressed in GM cotton crops and; (ii) aflatoxins from agricultural products. The first strip test was developed using a sandwhich format, while the second one was developed using a competitive format. Gold colloidal nanoparticles were used as detector reagent when coated with monoclonal antibodies. An anti-species specific antibody was sprayed at the nitrocellulose membrane to be used as a control line. To validate the first strip test, GM (Bollgard I® e Planta 50- EMBRAPA) and non-GM cotton leaf (Cooker 312) were used. The results showed that the strip containing antibodies for the identification of Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 proteins was capable of correctly distinguishing between GM samples (positive result) and non-GM samples (negative result), in a high sensitivity manner. To validate the second strip test, artificially contaminated soybean with Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxin-producing fungus) was employed. Food samples, such as milk and soybean, were also evaluated for the presence of aflatoxins. The strip test was capable to distinguish between samples with and without aflatoxins samples, at a sensitivity concentration of 0,5 μg/Kg. Therefore, these results suggest that the strip tests developed in this study can be a potential tool as a rapid and cost-effective method for detection of insect resistant GM crops expressing Cry1Ac and Cry8Ka5 and aflatoxins from food samples.

Estudo e desenvolvimento de algoritmos criptográficos para redes de sensores sem fio, utilizando técnicas de programação genética

Cryptography is the main form to obtain security in any network. Even in networks with great energy consumption restrictions, processing and memory limitations, as the Wireless Sensors Networks (WSN), this is no different. Aiming to improve the cryptography performance, security and the lifetime of these networks, we propose a new cryptographic algorithm developed through the Genetic Programming (GP) techniques. For the development of the cryptographic algorithm’s fitness criteria, established by the genetic GP, nine new cryptographic algorithms were tested: AES, Blowfish, DES, RC6, Skipjack, Twofish, T-DES, XTEA and XXTEA. Starting from these tests, fitness functions was build taking into account the execution time, occupied memory space, maximum deviation, irregular deviation and correlation coefficient. After obtaining the genetic GP, the CRYSEED and CRYSEED2 was created, algorithms for the 8-bits devices, optimized for WSNs, i.e., with low complexity, few memory consumption and good security for sensing and instrumentation applications.

Estudo e desenvolvimento de algoritmos criptográficos para redes de sensores sem fio, utilizando técnicas de programação genética

Cryptography is the main form to obtain security in any network. Even in networks with great energy consumption restrictions, processing and memory limitations, as the Wireless Sensors Networks (WSN), this is no different. Aiming to improve the cryptography performance, security and the lifetime of these networks, we propose a new cryptographic algorithm developed through the Genetic Programming (GP) techniques. For the development of the cryptographic algorithm’s fitness criteria, established by the genetic GP, nine new cryptographic algorithms were tested: AES, Blowfish, DES, RC6, Skipjack, Twofish, T-DES, XTEA and XXTEA. Starting from these tests, fitness functions was build taking into account the execution time, occupied memory space, maximum deviation, irregular deviation and correlation coefficient. After obtaining the genetic GP, the CRYSEED and CRYSEED2 was created, algorithms for the 8-bits devices, optimized for WSNs, i.e., with low complexity, few memory consumption and good security for sensing and instrumentation applications.

Avaliação das condições de precipitação do azul da Prússia sobre pó de grafite visando o desenvolvimento de eletrodos de pasta de carbono para a quantificação de nitrito

An amperometric FIA method for nitrite quantification based on nitrite electroreduction and employing a carbon paste electrode (CPE) chemically modified with iron hexacyanoferrate (HCF) as an amperometric detector was developed. The influence of experimental conditions on the preparation of the electrode materials was evaluated and the materials obtained in each study were used for the development of modified electrodes. The electrochemical sensors were prepared by a fast, simple, and inexpensive procedure, and the long-term performance of the electrodes were quite satisfactory as the stability was maintained over one year. HCF was an effective redox mediator for nitrite electroreduction in acidic media, allowing nitrite detection at +0.2 V vs. Ag/AgClsat, which is a potential free of possible interfering species that are normally present in food and water samples. The electrochemical cell used in the FIA system was similar to a batch injection analysis cell, enabling recirculation of the carrier solution. This is an attractive feature because it allows the use of a high flow rate (6 mL min-1) leading to high sensitivity and analysis speed, while keeping reagent consumption low. The proposed method had a detection limit of 9 μmol L-1 and was successfully employed for nitrite quantification in spiked water and sausage samples. The obtained results were in good agreement with those provided by the spectrophotometric official method. At a 95 % confidence level it was not observed statistical differences neither in nitrite content nor in the precision provided by both methods. The experimental conditions for the synthesis of HCF were optimized and the best electrode material was prepared by mixing FeCl3, K4[Fe(CN)6] and carbon powder subjected to an acid and thermal treatment (400 ºC), followed by ultrasonic agitation at 4 °C. This material was used to construct an electrode with improved analytical performance to reduce nitrite, which presented greater stability compared to HCF film electrodeposited on the EPC, showing that the preparation procedure of the electrode material is an effective strategy for the development of HCF modified electrodes.

Razoes para o desenvolvimento do método experimental na Ciência Política contemporânea

Com o advento do século XX, o avanço tecnológico e o desenvolvimento nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento acarretaram algumas mudanças na concepção do estudo da ciência. No paradigma vigente, existe na ciência política um constante comprometimento com a questão da inferência causal. O método experimental dispõe de capacidade indubitável para alegar relações de causalidade entre as variáveis de interesse. Apresenta-se, portanto, como um método pragmático para o aperfeiçoamento de teorias. Examinaremos, no presente estudo, as razões que têm suscitado o interesse crescente dos pesquisadores pela metodologia.

A especialização tecnológica local como indutora do empreendedorismo e do desenvolvimento regional: o caso do Vale da Eletrônica brasileiro

Este trabalho apresenta a percepção dos empreendedores quanto a influência da especialização tecnológica local promovida pelas instituições de ensino superior e seus reflexos no empreendedorismo regional, com base na experiência do Instituto Nacional de Telecomunicações – Inatel, localizado em Santa Rita do Sapucaí, sul de Minas Gerais. O objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar os efeitos tangíveis da transferência de conhecimento de alta tecnologia da universidade para a sociedade produtiva regional. A abordagem metodológica escolhida teve caráter qualitativo, valendo-se de uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, que visou ampliar a compreensão do papel dos agentes educacionais locais, especificamente envolvidos no ensino técnico e tecnológico, na geração do desenvolvimento regional. A coleta de dados foi baseada em levantamento documental, bibliográfico e na aplicação de questionários dirigidos aos empreendedores locais, delimitados no escopo geográfico do estudo. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que houve evolução nos indicadores socioeconômicos da região.

Educação complementar e desenvolvimento humano: alcances e limites da estratégia socioeducativa do projeto OASIS de intervivência universitária

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Desenvolvimento de um jogo sério para modelagem, operação e manutenção de plantas industriais

Com o avanço tecnológico e o nível de imersão que a tecnologia representa na vida de seus usuários, novas metodologias de ensino surgem objetivando valer-se deste potencial para atingir os estudantes de forma mais eficaz. O uso de jogos sérios na educação conquista espaço junto a pesquisadores e educadores, dado seu poder imersivo e lúdico servindo como intermédio entre a teoria e a prática, facilitando a cognição de tópicos elementares e avançados. Baseado neste contexto, o foco deste trabalho é o desenvolvimento de um jogo sério dos tipos educacional e simulador, visando expor aos estudantes do ensino médio e da graduação tópicos elementares sobre a modelagem, operação e manutenção de plantas industriais, devido sua importância em ambientes industriais.

Metodologia do Projecto Tecnológico : estudo comparativo de várias plataformas digitais (Moodle, Second Life e Sloodle) na aprendizagem dos mestrandos de ECM

Relatório de Estágio apresentado para a obtenção do grau de mestre em Educação e Comunicação Multiméddia

Metodologia do Projecto Tecnológico : estudo comparativo de várias plataformas digitais (Moodle, Second Life e Sloodle) na aprendizagem dos mestrandos de ECM

Relatório de Estágio apresentado para a obtenção do grau de mestre em Educação e Comunicação Multiméddia

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de nanocápsulas de poli (L-lactídeo) contendo benzocaína

In this paper we describe the preparation poly (L-lactide) (PLA) nanocapsules as a drug delivery system for the local anesthetic benzocaine. The characterization and in vitro release properties of the system were investigated. The characterization results showed a polydispersity index of 0.14, an average diameter of 190.1± 3 nm, zeta potential of -38.5 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 73%. The release profile of Benzocaine loaded in PLA nanocapsules showed a significant different behavior than that of the pure anesthetic in solution. This study is important to characterize a drug release system using benzocaine for application in pain treatment.

Educação complementar e desenvolvimento humano: alcances e limites da estratégia socioeducativa do projeto OASIS de intervivência universitária

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Estudo e desenvolvimento de um capacitor eletrolítico de nióbio

It seeks to find an alternative to the current tantalum electrolytic capacitors in the market due to its high cost. Niobium is a potential substitute, since both belong to the same group of the periodic table and because of this have many similar physical and chemical properties. Niobium has several technologically important applications, and Brazil has the largest reserves, around 96%. There are including niobium in reserves of tantalite and columbite in Rio Grande do Norte. These electrolytic capacitors have high capacitance specifies, ie they can store high energy in small volumes compared to other types of capacitors. This is the main attraction of this type of capacitor because is growing demand in the production of capacitors with capacitance specifies increasingly high, this because of the miniaturization of various devices such as GPS devices, televisions, computers, phones and many others. The production route of the capacitor was made by powder metallurgy. The initial niobium powder supplied by EEL-USP was first characterized by XRD, SEM, XRF and laser particle size, to then be sieved into three particle size, 200, 400 e 635mesh. The powders were then compacted and sintered at 1350, 1450 and 1550°C using two sintering time 30 and 60min. Sintering is one of the most important parts of the process as it affects properties as porosity and surface cleaning of the samples, which greatly affected the quality of the capacitor. The sintered samples then underwent a process of anodic oxidation, which created a thin film of niobium pentóxido over the whole porous surface of the sample, this film is the dielectric capacitor. The oxidation process variables influence the performance of the film and therefore the capacitor. The samples were characterized by electrical measurements of capacitance, loss factor, ESR, relative density, porosity and surface area. After the characterizations was made an annealing in air ate 260ºC for 60min. After this treatment were made again the electrical measurements. The particle size of powders and sintering affected the porosity and in turn the specific area of the samples. The larger de area of the capacitor, greater is the capacitance. The powder showed the highest capacitance was with the smallest particle size. Higher temperatures and times of sintering caused samples with smaller surface area, but on the other hand the cleaning surface impurities was higher for this cases. So a balance must be made between the gain that is achieved with the cleaning of impurities and the loss with the decreased in specific area. The best results were obtained for the temperature of 1450ºC/60min. The influence of annealing on the loss factor and ESR did not follow a well-defined pattern, because their values increased in some cases and decreased in others. The most interesting results due to heat treatment were with respect to capacitance, which showed an increase for all samples after treatment

Desenvolvimento de bloco de vedação com barita na composição de partida para blindagem de radiação X

This work main objective is to study the use of bricks in barium X-rays rooms in order to contribute to the optimization of shielding rooms diagnosis. The work was based on experimental measurements of X-ray attenuation (40 to 150 kV), using ceramic seal bearing the incorporation of barium sulfat (BaSO4). Different formulations were studied in three different firing temperatures and evaluated for incorporation in the ceramic body. The composition of 20% of barite processed at a temperature of 950 ° C showed better physical and mechanical properties, is considered the most suitable for the purpose of this work. Were produced bricks sealing composition formulated based on that presented the best technological features. These blocks were tested physically as a building material and wall protective barrier. Properties such as visual, deviation from the square, face flatness, water absorption and compressive strength were evaluated for all the blocks produced. The behavior of this material as attenuator for X-rays was investigated by experimental results which take into account mortar manufacturers barium through the different strains and compared with the reference material (Pb). The simulation results indicated that the ceramic block barium shows excellent properties of attenuation equivalence lead taking into account the energy used in diagnostic X-ray

O efeito do tratamento da atapulgita no desenvolvimento de compósito com o polietileno reciclado

The study aimed at the treatment of attapulgite for the development and characterization of composite recycled low density polyethylene - PEBD_rec embedded with natural attapulgite - ATP_NAT, sifted - ATP_PN and attapulgite treated with sulfuric acid - ATP_TR in different compositions (1, 3 and 5%) and compared with the PEBD_rec. The atapulgitas, natural, screened and treated, were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and determining the area specific surface (BET). The composites were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Xray diffraction (XRD), torque rheometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and traction. The composite PEBD_rec / ATP (natural, sieved and treated) were produced by mixing in the molten state in a single screw extruder matrix wire with subsequent reprocessing matrix tape. It was found that the screening of attapulgite not reduce the quantity of quartz and the acid treatment completely extracted dolomite aggregate impurities of the channels attapulgite, and increase their surface area. The addition of attapulgite in PEBD_rec acts as a catalyst, reducing the thermal stability of the polymer. The increased concentration of attapulgite, increases resistance and reduces the elongation at break and modulus of elasticity of the composite PEBD_rec / attapulgite