The response of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) to vacuum impregnation: Effect of an antifreeze protein type I

The setting up of methodologies that reduce the size of ice crystals and reduce or inhibit the recrystalli- sation phenomena could have an extraordinary significance in the final quality of frozen products and consequently bring out new market opportunities. In this work, the effect of an antifreeze protein type I (AFP-I), by vacuum impregnation (VI), on frozen watercress was studied. The VI pressure, samples’ weight, Hunter Lab colour, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a wilting test were analysed in this work. The water intake of watercress samples augmented with vacuum pressure increase. The results also showed that, independently from the vacuum pressure used, the Lab colour parameters between raw and impregnated samples were maintained, showing no significant differences (P > 0.05). A VI of 58 kPa, during 5 min, allowed impregnating the AFP-I solution (0.01 mg ml-1) into the water- cress samples. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the AFP-I impregnated frozen samples with better cell wall definition and rounded cell shape with smaller ice crystals compared with the control samples. The wilting test results corroborated that AFP-I is a valuable additive, since the leaves impregnated with AFP-I showed higher turgidity compared to the control samples. The present findings will help to better understand the effect of AFP-I, particularly, on frozen water- cress microstructure and its importance as valuable food additive in frozen foods and mainly in leafy vegetables.

Temporal distribution of the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in the south of Madeira Island (Portugal) and relationship with oceanographic variables

Dissertação de mestrado, Biologia Marinha, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

Incorporation of selenium on microalgae as supplement to artemia and zebrafish

Dissertação de mestrado, Aquacultura, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

Anforderungsgerechte Datenermittlung für Fertigungssysteme

Die in den Betrieben häufig mit hohem gerätetechnischen und organisatorischem Aufwand installierten EDV-gestützten Informationssysteme zur Planung und Steuerung des Fertigungsprozesses genügen im allgemeinen nicht den an sie gestellten Anforderungen. Die Gründe dafür liegen in der Hauptsache in einem falschen Modellansatz und der mangelnden Datenqualität der eingesetzten Daten, verbunden mit einer unzureichenden Rückkopplung zwischen Vorgabe und Rückmeldung. Hinzu kommen das Fehlen geeigneter Aussagen (Kenngrößen) zur gezielten Beeinflussung des Prozesses und Akzeptanzprobleme der Mitarbeiter beim Umgang mit der EDV. Die genannten Schwachstellen geben die Richtung der Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit vor. Dieses Ziel bestand zunächst darin, eine Methode zu entwickeln, mit der die Anforderungen an die in einem Industriebetrieb zur Planung, Steuerung und Überwachung verwendeten Daten zu formulieren sind, um dann eine anforderungsgerechte Abstimmung dieser Daten im betrieblichen Datenfluß im Sinne eines kybernetischen Regelkreises vorzunehmen und Aussagen über die betrieblichen Zielgrößen zu erhalten. Aus der Vielzahl betrieblicher Vorgänge und Funktionsbereiche wurde der Fertigungsprozeß bei der Werkstättenfertigung im Produktionsbetrieb deshalb ausgewählt, weil hier in der Praxis wegen der Komplexität der Abläufe die höchsten Anforderungen an die Daten gestellt werden und deshalb auch die meisten Probleme bei der Erfüllung dieser Anforderungen auftreten. Außerdem ist die Fertigung nach dem Werkstättenprinzip am häufigsten in der Praxis anzutreffen. Als erstes war es nötig, die zeitlichen, quantitativen und qualitativen Anforderungen an die Daten aus einer Vielzahl durchgeführter Schwachstellenanalysen herauszuarbeiten und zu definieren. Die nächste Aufgabe bestand darin, die Einflußgrößen auf die Datenanforderungen, hier unterteilt in innere (datumsbezogene) und äußere (prozeßbezogene) zu bestimmen und in ihren Auswirkungen zu untersuchen. Die Betrachtung der Einflußgrößen ergab, daß die Aufgabe und die Verwendung des Datums im Prozeß für die Ermittlung der Anforderungen exakt bestimmt werden müssen. Aus diesem Grund war der Prozeß primär- und sekundärseitig in Abhängigkeit der Aufgabenstellung ausführlich zu beschreiben. Die Einflüsse der Aufbauorganisation waren ebenso wie die der Ablauforganisation zu berücksichtigen, darunter fielen auch die Auswirkungen der Automatisierungsansätze, z.B. durch den Einsatz flexibler Fertigungssysteme im Primärprozeß. Der Ansatz, von dem hier ausgegangen wurde, baut sich deshalb im ersten Schritt der vorgeschlagenen Vorgehensweise auf dem Modell eines Produktionssystems auf, das aus den Erkenntnissen von in mehreren Firmen durchgeführten Prozeßanalysen entwickelt wurde. In diesem Modell ist der Datenfluß und organisatorische Ablauf im Fertigungsprozeß in Matrixform festgehalten. Für jedes einzelne Prozeßdatum sind in der Matrix, bezogen auf die Aufgabenstellung, detailliert die Verwendungs- und Verflechtungsbeziehungen aufgezeichnet. Im zweiten Schritt erfolgt auf der Grundlage dieses Modells eine bedarfsgerechte Prozeßdatenauswahl. Die zeitliche Struktur des Datenflusses im Prozeß wird in Schritt drei mit Hilfe eines Ereignis-Zeitgraphens dargestellt. Die eigentliche zeitliche, quantitative und qualitative Anforderungsermittlung findet im vierten und gleichzeitig letzten Schritt anhand einer dafür entworfenen Datenanforderungsliste statt. Die Ergebnisse dieser anforderungsgerechten Datenanalyse nach der hier entwikkelten Systematik können in vielerlei Hinsicht Verwendung finden. Im Hinblick auf die eingangs genannten Problemstellungen sind beispielsweise folgende Einsatzmöglichkeiten denkbar und an Beispielen im einzelnen erläutert. - Verbesserung der Datenqualität - Rückkopplung im Sinne des kybernetischen Regelkreismodells - Bilden von Prozeßkenngrößen - Transparenz der EDV-Prozeßabläufe

Kleben im Kraftfahrzeugbau

Die Klebtechnik hat in den letzten Jahren in der Fertigung von Kraftfahrzeugen weltweit Einzug gehalten. Geklebt wird im Karosseriebereich, bei den Einbau- und Anbauteilen und bei den Aggregaten.

Auswirkungen der Lean Production auf bestehende Logistik-Strukturen : Was die deutsche Wirtschaft von der neuen Philosophie lernen kann

Obwohl durchgängige CIM- und Logistik-Konzepte zur Erfüllung der permanent steigenden Kundenforderungen hinsichtlich spezifischer Produktausführungen bei qualitätsgerechter und termintreuer Auslieferung in den meisten Unternehmen noch nicht realisiert sind, beginnt bereits die Diskussion um eine neue Unternehmensstrategie: die "Lean Production". Das Ziel heißt diesmal, in allen Bereichen Ressourcen zu minimieren, um mit Hilfe einer schlanken Fertigung bei den Kosten Weltstandard zu erreichen.

Generative Divergent Analysis as a Model for Reflection Illustrated with Reference to an Early-years Reception Class and Wicker Settee

Generative divergent analysis (GDA) is a creative additive approach to raising insignificant details of experience to significance. A schematic view of the model highlights use of evocative objects as starting point for ‘turning towards’, ‘turning away’ and ‘being-in-relation-to’ as part of an ongoing burgeoning of experience.The model is exemplified by focusing on a wicker settee as an evocative object that was noticed in an early-years reception class. Revisiting the object generated several speculative ideas relating to the hidden curriculum and energies of childhood. Poetry and song were used during the revisiting in order to develop a more direct experience in addition to the more contemplative awareness that was evoked during the first encounters. As an additive process the outcome of GDA takes the form of unfinished resources for thinking.

Acute hypoxia improves insulin sensitivity (SI2*) and β cell function in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial metabolic disease characterized by defects in β-cells function, insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness and endogenous glucose production (1). It is widely accepted that insulin and exercise are potent stimuli for glucose transport (2). Acute exercise is known to promote glucose uptake in skeletal muscle via an intact contraction stimulated mechanism (3), while post-exercise improvements in glucose control are due to insulin-dependant mechanisms (2). Hypoxia is also known to promote glucose uptake in skeletal muscle using the contraction stimulated pathway. This has been shown to occur in vitro via an increase in β-cell function, however data in vivo is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute hypoxia with and without exercise on insulin sensitivity (SI2*), glucose effectiveness (SG2*) and β-cell function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Following an overnight fast, six type 2 diabetics, afer giving informed written consent, completed 60 min of the following: 1) normoxic rest (Nor Rest); 2) hypoxic rest [Hy Rest; O2 = 14.6 (0.4)%]; 3) normoxic exercise (Nor Ex); 4) hypoxic exercise [Hy Ex; O2 = 14.6 (0.4)%]. Exercise trails were set at 90% of lactate threshold. Each condition was followed by a labelled intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) to provide estimations of SI2*, SG2* and β-cell function. Values are presented as means (SEM). Two-compartmental minimal model analysis showed SI2* to be higher following Hy Rest when comparisons were made with Nor Rest (P = 0.047). SI2* was also higher following Hy Ex [4.37 (0.48) x10-4 . min-1 (μU/ml)] compared to Nor Ex [3.24 (0.51) x10-4 . min-1 (μU/ml)] (P = 0.048). Acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) was reduced following Hy Rest vs. Nor Rest (P = 0.014 - Table 1). This study demonstrated that 1) hypoxia has the ability to increase glucose disposal; 2) hypoxic-induced improvements in glucose tolerance in the 4 hr following exposure can be attributed to improvements in peripheral SI2*; 3) resting hypoxic exposure improves β-cell function and 4) exercise and hypoxia have an additive effect on SG2* in type 2 diabetics. These findings suggest a possible use for hypoxia both with and without exercise in the clinical treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The influence of multimorbidity on hospital, intensive care, and emergency department use at the end of life for patients with chronic conditions

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-03

Interactions between physical activity and the environment to improve adolescent psychological wellbeing: a randomised controlled trial

Natural environments promote physical activity (PA) and are psychologically restorative. In adults, performing PA in nature provides additive benefits for self-esteem (SE). Studies in adolescents indicate no such effect. However, they have not examined the effect of interaction with natural environments. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of exercising in natural and built environments on adolescent PA and SE. Sixty adolescents participated in a natural and built orienteering course in a randomised order. PA was assessed throughout whilst SE was assessed pre- and post-intervention. There was a significant effect for PA due to environment (P < 0.001) and sex (P < 0.01). Almost half the time in the natural environment was spent in moderate to vigorous PA, compared to a quarter in the built. The PA significantly improved SE (P < 0.05); however there was no environmental effect (P > 0.05). Natural environments should be used as a tool for engaging adolescents in PA.

Tratamento de cor em pós-produção televisiva: o caso da produtora de conteúdos SP Televisão

Dissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Comunicação Social como parte dos requisitos para obtenção de grau de mestre em Audiovisual e Multimédia.

Terpinen-4-ol: estudo do efeito sinérgico/aditivo, adesão em co-cultura e alteração dos fatores de virulência sobre Candida spp

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

Determination of tartaric acid in wines by FIA with tubular tartrate-selective electrodes

A flow injection analysis (FIA) system comprising a tartrate- (TAT) selective electrode has been developed for determination of tartaric acid in wines. Several electrodes constructed for this purpose had a PVC membrane with a complex of quaternary ammonium and TAT as anion exchanger, a phenol derivative as additive, and a more or less polar mediator solvent. Characterization of the electrodes showed behavior was best for membranes with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as solvent. On injection of 500 μL into a phosphate buffer carrier (pH = 3.1; ionic strength 10–2 mol/L) flowing at 3 mL/min, the slope was 58.06 ± 0.6 with a lower limit of linear range of 5.0 × 10–4 mol/L TAT and R2 = 0.9989. The interference of several species, e.g. chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, gallic acid, tannin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, acetate, and citrate, was evaluated in terms of potentiometric selectivity coefficients. The Hofmeister series was followed for inorganic species and the most interfering organic ion was citrate. When red and white wines were analyzed and the results compared with those from an independent method they were found to be accurate, with relative standard deviations below 5.0%.

Citrate selective electrodes for the flow injection analysis of soft drinks, beers and pharmaceutical products

Aiming the establishment of simple and accurate readings of citric acid (CA) in complex samples, citrate (CIT) selective electrodes with tubular configuration and polymeric membranes plus a quaternary ammonium ion exchanger were constructed. Several selective membranes were prepared for this purpose, having distinct mediator solvents (with quite different polarities) and, in some cases, p-tert-octylphenol (TOP) as additive. The latter was used regarding a possible increase in selectivity. The general working characteristics of all prepared electrodes were evaluated in a low dispersion flow injection analysis (FIA) manifold by injecting 500µl of citrate standard solutions into an ionic strength (IS) adjuster carrier (10−2 mol l−1) flowing at 3ml min−1. Good potentiometric response, with an average slope and a repeatability of 61.9mV per decade and ±0.8%, respectively, resulted from selective membranes comprising additive and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (bEHS) as mediator solvent. The same membranes conducted as well to the best selectivity characteristics, assessed by the separated solutions method and for several chemical species, such as chloride, nitrate, ascorbate, glucose, fructose and sucrose. Pharmaceutical preparations, soft drinks and beers were analyzed under conditions that enabled simultaneous pH and ionic strength adjustment (pH = 3.2; ionic strength = 10−2 mol l−1), and the attained results agreed well with the used reference method (relative error < 4%). The above experimental conditions promoted a significant increase in sensitivity of the potentiometric response, with a supra-Nernstian slope of 80.2mV per decade, and allowed the analysis of about 90 samples per hour, with a relative standard deviation <1.0%.

Desenvolvendo o pensamento algébrico no 2.º ciclo do ensino básico: o sentido dos símbolos e da generalização

Dissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção do grau de mestre em Educação Matemática na Educação Pré-escolar e nos 1.º e 2.º Ciclos do Ensino Básico