Preventive diagnosis of dairy cow lameness

This research aimed to develop a Fuzzy inference based on expert system to help preventing lameness in dairy cattle. Hoof length, nutritional parameters and floor material properties (roughness) were used to build the Fuzzy inference system. The expert system architecture was defined using Unified Modelling Language (UML). Data were collected in a commercial dairy herd using two different subgroups (H-1 and H-2), in order to validate the Fuzzy inference functions. The numbers of True Positive (TP), False Positive (FP), True Negative (TN), and False Negative (FN) responses were used to build the classifier system up, after an established gold standard comparison. A Lesion Incidence Possibility (LIP) developed function indicates the chances of a cow becoming lame. The obtained lameness percentage in H-1 and H-2 was 8.40% and 1.77%, respectively. The system estimated a Lesion Incidence Possibility (LIP) of 5.00% and 2.00% in H-1 and H-2, respectively. The system simulation presented 3.40% difference from real cattle lameness data for H-1, while for H-2, it was 0.23%; indicating the system efficiency in decision-making.

Evaluation of sodium diclofenac release using natural rubber latex as carrier

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

Crescimento e produtividade do algodoeiro em função da aplicação de subdoses de 2,4-d e cloreto de mepiquat

Pós-graduação em Agronomia - FEIS

Chitosan/Carbomer-based tablets containing Metronidazole for potential treatment of periodontal diseases

Mucoadhesive tablets with different mixtures of chitosan and carbomer homopolymer type B were prepared in order to obtain new formulations containing metronidazole for periodontal disease treatment. All tablets were characterized by swelling and erosion studies, ex vivo mucoadhesion force and in vitro drug release. The drug released mechanism was described by Korsmeyer-Peppas and Weibull models. Tablets containing increased amounts of chitosan presented higher swelling ability and the drug release was prolonged in the simulated saliva fluid. The mechanisms for the drug release from tablets were complex, including diffusion, swelling and erosion simultaneously. This kind of delivery system is suitable for formulating metronidazole mucoadhesive systems, representing a good alternative for the local treatment of periodontal diseases.

Desenvolvimento de um sistema de telemetria para monitoramento térmico em casas de vegetação

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Projeto gráfico de livros didáticos da educação de jovens e adultos: análise sob a perspectiva dos docentes de escolas de Bauru (SP) e de Avaré (SP)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Análise da eficiência energética em indústrias madeireiras através da lógica fuzzy

This paper presents the application of fuzzy theory to support the decision of implementing energy efficiency program in sawmills operating in the processing of Pinustaeda and Pinuselliotii. The justification of using a system based on fuzzy theory for analysis of consumption and the specific factors involved, such is the diversity of rates / factors. With the fuzzy theory, we can build a reliable system for verifying actual energy efficiency. The indices and factors characteristic of industrial activity were measured and used as the basis for the fuzzy system. We developed a management system and technology. The system involves the management practices in energy efficiency, maintenance of plant and equipment and the presence of qualified staff. The technological system involves the power factor, load factor, the factor of demand and the specific consumption. The first response provides the possibility of increased energy efficiency and the second level of energy efficiency in the industry studied. With this tool, programs can be developed for energy conservation and energy efficiency in the industrial timber with wide application in this area that is as diverse as production processes. The same systems developed can be used in other industrial activities, provided they are used indices and characteristic features of the sectors involved.

Perda de carga em reduções concêntricas de PVC

In the pumping pipelines the located load losses are very important since they have direct influence on hydraulic design of an irrigation system, especially regarding the concentric reducers used in the distribution lines. Hence this work was conducted in the Laboratório de Hidráulica do Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Uberaba. We analyzed 03 concentric reducers PVC 75 x 50 mm, 50 mm and 35 x 35 x 1 "operating at different flow rates. The performance of the tests with the variation of flow in every situation possible to obtain equations to estimate the loss. The equation models presented a high setting, thus enabling the determination of the localized head loss in a situation closer to field reality. For the reduction of 75 x 50 x 35 mm and 50 mm at a flow rate 16.97 m³ h-1 the pressure drop reduction was obtained respectively 0.9263 and 2.7408 mca. To the reduction of 35 x 1 "at a flow rate of 6.02 m³ h-1 was obtained 2.9304 mca pressure drop reduction. The located losses produced by these reductions are relatively high and should be considered with great discretion in hydraulic design of the irrigation system.

Geração distribuída de energia elétrica e panorama fotovoltaico brasileiro e português

This work presents a study on the design of a photovoltaic system connected to the grid.It discussed the main characteristics of the solar cell which is the basic component for the manufacture of solar modulethe main components of the photovoltaic system and the steps of the photovoltaic and electrical design of the system, ranging from the choice of the photovoltaic module to the dimensioning of the components of the electrical installation.In addition to the technical design, this work contains a complete comparative analysis of the current situation of photovoltaic generation distributed in Brazil and Portugal, through incentive programs to energy use as well as current legislation in both countries

An Evaluation of Diazacon as a Potential Contraceptive in Non-Native Rose-Ringed Parakeets

Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) have become widely established outside their native range through accidental or deliberate release. Potential economic impacts on agriculture, conservation concerns, and mixed public opinion regarding the species have highlighted the need to develop effective but humane management options. Fertility control might provide such a solution if a safe and environmentally benign contraceptive was available. The chemical 20,25-diazacholesterol dihydrochloride (diazacon) has previously been used to reduce reproductive output in avian species through reduction of blood cholesterol and cholesterol-dependent reproductive hormones. We orally dosed captive rose-ringed parakeets with a solution of either 9 mg/kg or 18 mg/kg of diazacon for up to 10 days and found that a dose of 18 mg/kg for 10 days temporarily reduced blood cholesterol levels with no adverse side effects. We evaluated this dose level in a captive population in semi-natural conditions during the 2008 breeding season and found a significant decrease in fertility. We concluded that diazacon has potential for fertility control in this species if a suitable formulation and delivery system is developed for free-living populations.

Geração distribuída de energia elétrica e panorama fotovoltaico brasileiro e português

This work presents a study on the design of a photovoltaic system connected to the grid.It discussed the main characteristics of the solar cell which is the basic component for the manufacture of solar modulethe main components of the photovoltaic system and the steps of the photovoltaic and electrical design of the system, ranging from the choice of the photovoltaic module to the dimensioning of the components of the electrical installation.In addition to the technical design, this work contains a complete comparative analysis of the current situation of photovoltaic generation distributed in Brazil and Portugal, through incentive programs to energy use as well as current legislation in both countries

Analysis of Vilanova Artigas' unbuilt designs in Sao Paulo

The aim of this article is to examine unbuilt residential projects designed by Vilanova Artigas. The formal and spatial conception of these projects is investigated through physical models. The object of this research project consists of the unbuilt residential projects designed by Vilanova Artigas in Sao Paulo that are available in FAUUSP's digital Library. The results indicate that physical models contribute to a better interpretation of unbuilt architectural design, both from the conceptual and aesthetic and from the functional and technical point of view. The original contribution lies in the object, i.e. the unbuilt projects, in the method, using physical models for analysis, and in the objective, viz. to establish a relationship between Artigas' built works and his unbuilt residential projects in order to better understand the design's spatial conception and its architectural approach.

Silicon(IV) phthalocyanine-loaded-nanoparticles for application in photodynamic process

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of biodegradable nanoparticles containing a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy. The poly (D,L lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were studied by steady-state techniques, time-resolved fluorescence, and laser flash photolysis. The external morphology of the nanoparticles was established by scanning electron microscopy, and the biological activity was evaluated by in vitro cell culture by 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2,5 biphenyl) tetrazolium bromide assay. The particles were spherical in shape exhibiting a 435 nm diameter with a low tendency to aggregate. The loading efficiency was 77%. The phthalocyanine-loaded-nanoparticles maintained their photophysical behavior after encapsulation. The cellular viability was determined, obtaining 70% of cellular death. All the performed physical-chemical, photophysical, and photobiological measurements indicated that the phthalocyanine-loaded-nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery system for photodynamic therapy and photoprocesses. (C) 2012 Laser Institute of America.

Co-nanoencapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles and selol for breast tumor treatment: in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity and magnetohyperthermia efficacy

Antitumor activities have been described in selol, a hydrophobic mixture of molecules containing selenium in their structure, and also in maghemite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Both selol and MNPs were co-encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocapsules for therapeutic purposes. The PLGA-nanocapsules loaded with MNPs and selol were labeled MSE-NC and characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, electrophoretic mobility, photon correlation spectroscopy, presenting a monodisperse profile, and positive charge. The antitumor effect of MSE-NC was evaluated using normal (MCF-10A) and neoplastic (4T1 and MCF-7) breast cell lines. Nanocapsules containing only MNPs or selol were used as control. MTT assay showed that the cytotoxicity induced by MSE-NC was dose and time dependent. Normal cells were less affected than tumor cells. Cell death occurred mainly by apoptosis. Further exposure of MSE-NC treated neoplastic breast cells to an alternating magnetic field increased the antitumor effect of MSE-NC. It was concluded that selol-loaded magnetic PLGA-nanocapsules (MSE-NC) represent an effective magnetic material platform to promote magnetohyperthermia and thus a potential system for antitumor therapy.

Avaliação da mucosa sinusal do coelho à presença de implante biodegradável

Pensando em melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com doenças do humor vítreo, os oftalmologistas começaram a utilizar recentemente implantes biodegradáveis com corticoide. Estes mesmos implantes podem ser uma alternativa no tratamento da RSC e, para isso, realizamos um estudo experimental em seios maxilares de coelhos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar histologicamente a mucosa de seio maxilar de coelhos após a colocação de implante biodegradável de prednisolona. MÉTODO: Dezoito coelhos foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo 1: no seio maxilar esquerdo foi inserido um implante biodegradável com prednisolona; Grupo 2: No seio maxilar esquerdo foi inserido um implante biodegradável sem medicação. Os seios maxilares do lado direito serviram como controle. Após 7, 14 e 28 dias foram escolhidos aleatoriamente três coelhos de cada grupo e a resposta tecidual inflamatória foi avaliada. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada diferença não significativa de inflamação na mucosa, quando comparamos o grupo de coelhos que receberam implantes com e sem medicação com o grupo controle; ou quando comparamos o grupo que recebeu implante com prednisolona com o grupo que recebeu implante sem medicação. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram observados sinais de toxicidade ou inflamação na mucosa do seio maxilar do coelho à presença do implante com ou sem prednisolona.