Gwas analysis for the identification of molecular basis responsible for yield related traits and disease resistance in durum wheat

The PhD thesis was developed in the framework of Innovar H2020 project. This project aimed at using genomics, transcriptomics and phenotyping techniques to update varietal registration procedure used in Europe for Value of Cultivation and Use (VCU) and Distinctiness Uniformity and Stability (DUS) protocols. The phenotypic and genotypic diversity of a durum wheat panel were assessed for different agronomic traits, connected with wheat development, disease resistance and spike fertility. A panel of 253 durum wheat varieties was characterized for VCU and DUS traits and genotyped with Illumina 90K SNP Chip array (Wang et al., 2014). GWAS analysis was performed, detecting strong QTLs confirmed also by literature review. Candidate genes were identified for each trait and molecular markers will be developed to be used for marker assisted selection in breeding programs. As for disease resistance, the panel was evaluated for resistance to Soil-Borne-Cereal-Mosaic-Virus (SBCMV). A major QTL, sbm2, was detected on chromosome 2B responsible for durum wheat resistance (Maccaferri et al., 2011). The sbm2 interval was explored by fine mapping on segregant population using KASP markers and by RNASeq analysis, detecting candidate genes involved in plant-pathogen reaction. As regards yield related traits, detailed analysis was performed on the GNI-2A QTL (Milner et al., 2016), responsible for increased number spike fertility. Fine mapping analysis was performed on durum panel identifying hox2 a strong candidate gene, codifying for transcription factor protein. The gene is paralogue of GNI-1 (Sakuma et al., 2019), and it has a 4 kbp deletion responsible for increased number of florets per spikelet. To conclude, the herein reported thesis shows a complete characterization of agronomic and disease resistance traits in modern durum wheat varieties. The results obtained will augment available information for each variety, identifying informative molecular markers for breeding purposes and QTLs/candidate genes responsible for different agronomic traits.

A robotic platform for precision agriculture and applications

Agricultural techniques have been improved over the centuries to match with the growing demand of an increase in global population. Farming applications are facing new challenges to satisfy global needs and the recent technology advancements in terms of robotic platforms can be exploited. As the orchard management is one of the most challenging applications because of its tree structure and the required interaction with the environment, it was targeted also by the University of Bologna research group to provide a customized solution addressing new concept for agricultural vehicles. The result of this research has blossomed into a new lightweight tracked vehicle capable of performing autonomous navigation both in the open-filed scenario and while travelling inside orchards for what has been called in-row navigation. The mechanical design concept, together with customized software implementation has been detailed to highlight the strengths of the platform and some further improvements envisioned to improve the overall performances. Static stability testing has proved that the vehicle can withstand steep slopes scenarios. Some improvements have also been investigated to refine the estimation of the slippage that occurs during turning maneuvers and that is typical of skid-steering tracked vehicles. The software architecture has been implemented using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework, so to exploit community available packages related to common and basic functions, such as sensor interfaces, while allowing dedicated custom implementation of the navigation algorithm developed. Real-world testing inside the university’s experimental orchards have proven the robustness and stability of the solution with more than 800 hours of fieldwork. The vehicle has also enabled a wide range of autonomous tasks such as spraying, mowing, and on-the-field data collection capabilities. The latter can be exploited to automatically estimate relevant orchard properties such as fruit counting and sizing, canopy properties estimation, and autonomous fruit harvesting with post-harvesting estimations.

Polymerization of isatin towards polymers for anion exchange membranes and gas separation applications

In a world where the problem of energy resources, pollution and all aspects related to these issues become more and more dominant, a greater commitment is needed in the search for solutions. The goal of this project is to make a contribution to the research and development of new materials to reduce the environmental impact in some fields. First of all, we tried to synthesize and prepare an isatin-based membrane which has the potential for use in separating industrial gases. Furthermore, ion exchange membranes, specifically hydroxide exchange membranes (HEMs) derived from the same product can be developed for fuel cells (HEMFC) applications. These materials are essential for energy conversion and storage. The most difficult challenge is to guarantee their thermal stability and stability in corrosive environments such as alkali without losing efficiency. In recent years the poly- hydroxyalkylation catalysed with superacids, e.g. TFSA, has become increasingly studied. This reaction is exploited for the synthesis of the compounds of this thesis. After a preliminary optimization of the reaction conditions it was concluded that due to the rigidity and excessive reactivity of the system, it was not possible to obtain the isatin-based membrane to evaluate the gas separation properties. The synthesis of precursor materials for HEMs was successful by using 1-(4-bromobutyl)indoline-2,3-dione (BID) instead of isatin. A characterization of the obtained polymers was carried out using NMR, TGA and DSC analyses, and subsequently the membranes were functionalized with different ammonium-based cations. Unfortunately, this last step was not successful due to the appearance of side reactions. Future studies on the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction solve this obstacle.

Design and Performance Analysis of the Electrical Power System of a Petrochemical Facility

This thesis deals with the sizing and analysis of the electrical power system of a petrochemical plant. The activity was carried out in the framework of an electrical engineering internship. The sizing and electrical calculations, as well as the study of the dynamic behavior of network quantities, are accomplished by using the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) software. After determining the type and size of the loads, the calculation of power flows is carried out for all possible network layout and different power supply configurations. The network is normally operated in a double radial configuration. However, the sizing must be carried out taking into account the most critical configuration, i.e., the temporary one of single radial operation, and also considering the most unfavorable power supply conditions. The calculation of shortcircuit currents is then carried out and the appropriate circuit breakers are selected. Where necessary, capacitor banks are sized in order to keep power factor at the point of common coupling within the preset limits. The grounding system is sized by using the finite element method. For loads with the highest level of criticality, UPS are sized in order to ensure their operation even in the absence of the main power supply. The main faults that can occur in the plant are examined, determining the intervention times of the protections to ensure that, in case of failure on one component, the others can still properly operate. The report concludes with the dynamic and stability analysis of the power system during island operation, in order to ensure that the two gas turbines are able to support the load even during transient conditions.

Psychometric Properties Evaluation Of A New Ergonomics-related Job Factors Questionnaire Developed For Nursing Workers.

The objectives of this study were to develop a questionnaire that evaluates the perception of nursing workers to job factors that may contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms, and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Internationally recommended methodology was followed: construction of domains, items and the instrument as a whole, content validity, and pre-test. Psychometric properties were evaluated among 370 nursing workers. Construct validity was analyzed by the factorial analysis, known-groups technique, and convergent validity. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency and stability. Results indicated satisfactory fit indices during confirmatory factor analysis, significant difference (p < 0.01) between the responses of nursing and office workers, and moderate correlations between the new questionnaire and Numeric Pain Scale, SF-36 and WRFQ. Cronbach's alpha was close to 0.90 and ICC values ranged from 0.64 to 0.76. Therefore, results indicated that the new questionnaire had good psychometric properties for use in studies involving nursing workers.

Brij Detergents Reveal New Aspects Of Membrane Microdomain In Erythrocytes.

Membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids (rafts), and specific proteins are involved in important physiological functions. However their structure, size and stability are still controversial. Given that detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) are in the liquid-ordered state and are rich in raft-like components, they might correspond to rafts at least to some extent. Here we monitor the lateral order of biological membranes by characterizing DRMs from erythrocytes obtained with Brij-98, Brij-58, and TX-100 at 4 °C and 37 °C. All DRMs were enriched in cholesterol and contained the raft markers flotillin-2 and stomatin. However, sphingomyelin (SM) was only found to be enriched in TX-100-DRMs - a detergent that preferentially solubilizes the membrane inner leaflet - while Band 3 was present solely in Brij-DRMs. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra showed that the acyl chain packing of Brij-DRMs was lower than TX-100-DRMs, providing evidence of their diverse lipid composition. Fatty acid analysis revealed that the SM fraction of the DRMs was enriched in lignoceric acid, which should specifically contribute to the resistance of SM to detergents. These results indicate that lipids from the outer leaflet, particularly SM, are essential for the formation of the liquid-ordered phase of DRMs. At last, the differential solubilization process induced by Brij-98 and TX-100 was monitored using giant unilamellar vesicles. This study suggests that Brij and TX-100-DRMs reflect different degrees of lateral order of the membrane microdomains. Additionally, Brij DRMs are composed by both inner and outer leaflet components, making them more physiologically relevant than TX-100-DRMs to the studies of membrane rafts.

Control Of The Properties Of Porous Chitosan-alginate Membranes Through The Addition Of Different Proportions Of Pluronic F68.

This work addresses the development and characterization of porous chitosan-alginate based polyelectrolyte complexes, obtained by using two different proportions of the biocompatible surfactant Pluronic F68. These biomaterials are proposed for applications as biodegradable and biocompatible wound dressing and/or scaffolds. The results indicate that thickness, roughness, porosity and liquid uptake of the membranes increase with the amount of surfactant used, while their mechanical properties and stability in aqueous media decrease. Other important properties such as color and surface hydrophilicity (water contact angle) are not significantly altered or did not present a clear tendency of variation with the increase of the amount of surfactant added to the polyelectrolyte complexes, such as real density, average pore diameter, total pore volume and surface area. The prepared biomaterials were not cytotoxic to L929 cells. In conclusion, it is possible to tune the physicochemical properties of chitosan-alginate polyelectrolyte complexes, through the variation of the proportion of surfactant (Pluronic F68) added to the mixture, so as to enable the desired application of these biomaterials.

Avaliação do teor e da estabilidade de vitaminas do complexo B e vitamina C em bebidas isotônicas e energéticas

Vitamin C stability and concentration was evaluated in isotonic beverages and B group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6) in power beverages. The amount of vitamins was found to be above of that declared on the labels, even after the shelf life had been exceeded. A small decrease in the amount of B group vitamins was observed during the shelf life of the products. In the case of vitamin C this decrease was slightly higher. The present research shows the need of increased quality control and inspection.

Avaliação de estrutura de bambu como elemento construtivo para casa de vegetação

The use of technology to protect and produce vegetables and ornamental plants was developed over several adaptation phases that supported the demand for quality and amount of products. These developments also reduced production costs and climate damage to the crops. Many of these adaptations were carried out by farmers on their own initiative, using different materials and devices to solve their problems. This study was carried out at Agricultural Engineering College - Campinas University/UNICAMP, from December 2002 to January 2003, with the objective of evaluating the deformations of the constructive system of bamboo structure for greenhouses, submitted to different spacing among columns, and different vertical strains. It was tested the use of beams and columns built with bamboo stems from the specie Bambusa tuldoides Munro. The beams and columns were tied together with plastic spacing parts, specially designed to facilitate and standardize the construction of the building, providing more resistance and stability. Three column spaces (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 m) were evaluated under different load strains. The best result was obtained with a spacing of 2.5 m.

Medida da capacidade antioxidante de fluidos biologicos por voltametria de pulso diferencial associada ao uso de surfactante como resposta as adaptações geradas pelo exercicio

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Early treatment of Class III malocclusion: 10-year clinical follow-up

Angle Class III malocclusion has been a challenge for researchers concerning diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. It has a prevalence of 5% in the Brazilian population, and may have a genetic or environmental etiology. This malocclusion can be classified as dentoalveolar, skeletal or functional, which will determine the prognosis. Considering these topics, the aim of this study was to describe and discuss a clinical case with functional Class III malocclusion treated by a two-stage approach (interceptive and corrective), with a long-term follow-up. In this case, the patient was treated with a chincup and an Eschler arch, used simultaneously during 14 months, followed by corrective orthodontics. It should be noticed that, in this case, initial diagnosis at the centric relation allowed visualizing the anterior teeth in an edge-to-edge relationship, thereby favoring the prognosis. After completion of the treatment, the patient was followed for a 10-year period, and stability was observed. The clinical treatment results showed that it is possible to achieve favorable outcomes with early management in functional Class III malocclusion patients.

Extração de incisivo inferior: uma opção de tratamento ortodôntico

A exodontia de um incisivo inferior pode ser considerada uma opção valiosa na busca de excelência nos resultados ortodônticos para obtenção de máxima função, estética e estabilidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi reunir informações referentes às indicações, contraindicações, vantagens, desvantagens e estabilidade dos resultados obtidos nos tratamentos realizados com extração de um incisivo inferior. Essa opção de tratamento pode ser indicada em más oclusões com discrepância de volume dentário anterior devido a incisivos superiores estreitos e/ou incisivos inferiores largos. É contraindicada em más oclusões sem discrepância anterior ou com discrepâncias ocasionadas por incisivos superiores largos e/ou incisivos inferiores estreitos. A literatura sugere maior estabilidade pós-tratamento quando comparada com a opção de extrações de pré-molares. Além do diagnóstico cuidadoso, obtido com a colaboração do set-up, a habilidade e a experiência clínica do profissional são importantes para o sucesso dos resultados ortodônticos alcançados com essa opção de tratamento

Estressores em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: versão brasileira do The Environmental Stressor Questionnaire

Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar a adaptação cultural do The Environmental Stressor Questionnaire - (ESQ) para a língua portuguesa do Brasil e verificar sua confiabilidade e validade. Foram empregadas as etapas metodológicas recomendadas pela literatura para adaptação cultural. A versão brasileira do ESQ foi aplicada a 106 pacientes de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) de dois hospitais, público e privado, do interior do Estado de São Paulo. A confiabilidade foi avaliada quanto à consistência interna e estabilidade (teste e reteste); a validade convergente foi verificada por meio da correlação entre o ESQ e questão genérica sobre estresse em UTI. A confiabilidade foi satisfatória com Alfa de Crombach=0,94 e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse=0,861 (IC95% 0,723; 0,933). Constatou-se correlação entre o escore total do ESQ e a questão genérica sobre estresse (r=0,70), confirmando a validade convergente. A versão brasileira do ESQ mostrou-se uma ferramenta confiável e válida para avaliação de estressores em UTI.

Co-eletrodeposição oscilatória de cobre e estanho

It is investigated in the present contribution the oscillatory co-electrodeposition of CuSn on a polycrystalline gold surface in the presence of Triton X-100 surfactant and citric acid as additive, in acidic media. The experiments were conducted under potentiostatic control and the system dynamics characterized in terms of the morphology and stability of the current oscillations. Besides modulations in the frequency and amplitude of the current oscillations, several patterned states were observed, including relaxation-like and mixed mode oscillations. The oscillations were found to be very robust and some time series presented regular motions up to about two hours.

Determinação espectrofotométrica do bromidrato de fenoterol em preparações farmacêuticas

Um método espectrofotométrico simples foi desenvolvido para a determinação do bromidrato de fenoterol (BF) em comprimidos, gotas e xarope, como princípio ativo único e associado ao ibuprofeno. O método se baseia na reação de acoplamento oxidativo do BF com o 3-metil-2-benzotiazolinona hidrazona (MBTH), na presença de sulfato cérico, como agente oxidante. A mistura de BF, MBTH e sulfato cérico, em meio ácido, produz um composto colorido (vermelho castanho) com máximo de absorção a 475 nm. A curva de calibração foi linear num intervalo de concentração de 3,0 a 12,0 µg/mL, com coeficiente de correlação linear de 0,9998. Os parâmetros experimentais que afetam o desenvolvimento e a estabilidade do produto colorido foram cuidadosamente estudados e otimizados. O método foi aplicado em amostras comerciais e simuladas, obtendo-se coeficientes de variação entre 0,25 % a 0,82 % e médias de recuperação do padrão que variaram de 98 % a 102 %. O método proposto mostrou-se exato, preciso, linear e não é passível de interferência de excipientes, para as formas farmacêuticas comprimidos e gotas. Não houve interferência do ibuprofeno que consta de uma das formulações analisadas, associado ao BF. Quanto ao xarope, houve interferência do veículo sugerindo reações de seus componentes com o MBTH.