Minerals and essential fatty acids of the exotic fruit Physalis peruviana L.

Physalis peruviana is an exotic fruit that belongs to the Solanaceae family and which has recently started to be produced in Brazil, mainly in the Southern region. Once there is few data regarding its chemical composition, this work presents the centesimal and mineral composition and the fatty acid profile of the lipidic fraction of Physalis peruviana. Concerning the centesimal composition, Physalis presented high contents of ashes and total lipids, 0.8 and 3.16 g.100 g-1, respectively. In its mineral composition, K, Mg, Ca and Fe were the main elements, and Fe is present in concentrations higher than those in the common sources such as beans. The lipidic fraction presented predominance of the linoleic acid (72,42%) in its composition.

Development and chemical characterization of flour obtained from the external mesocarp of "pequizeiro" fruit

The objective of this work was to develop a recommendation for the chemical peeling of pequi fruit and characterize the flour obtained from the external mesocarp of "Pequizeiro", pequi tree (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.). The technology applied to obtain the external mesocarp pequi flour included the epicarp removal with NaOH solution. The Response Surface Method was used to optimize the chemical peeling process by applying the Central Composite Rotatable Design, with eleven trials including three replicates at the central point, varying the NaOH aqueous solution concentration and fruit immersion time. The mass loss was evaluated through the analysis of variance and using bi and three dimensional graphs. The chemical characteristics of the external mesocarp pequi flour evaluated were: moisture content, ashes, proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and some minerals. The best combination for an efficient removal of the fruit peel with the lowest mass loss was reached with 7.05 minutes of immersion in a 5.08 g.L-1 NaOH aqueous solution. This study indicated that the external mesocarp pequi flour is a food source rich in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, ashes, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and copper, but it is poor in lipids, zinc, and iron.

Macrocospic and physiochemical characterization of a sugarless and gluten-free cake enriched with fibers made from pumpkin seed (Cucurbita maxima, L.) flour and cornstarch

The Consumers' interest for products with caloric reduction has increased, and their development is a technological challenge. The consumption of cakes has grown in importance and the demand for dietary products has stimulated the use of sweeteners and the optimization of bakery products. The consumption of fibers is related to chronic diseases prevention. Pumpkin seeds (maximum Cucurbita, L.), rich in fibers, can be used as a source of fiber in food products. A gluten-free diet is not easy to follow since gluten free products are not always available. The objective of this work was to perform a physicochemical characterization of cakes prepared with flours blends (FB) based on Pumpkin Seed Flour (PSF). The cakes were elaborated with FB in the ratios of 30:70 (C30) and 40:60 (C40) of PSF and cornstarch (CS), respectively. The results showed gluten absence and near-neutral pH. The chemical analysis of C30 and B40 showed increase of ashes, lipids, proteins, and insoluble dietary fiber and a decrease in the content of carbohydrates and calories. The chemical composition of C40 presented the greatest content of lipids, proteins, and dietary fibers, the lowest content of calories, and the best physical parameters. Therefore, both products proved suitable for human consumption.

Chemical and sensory characteristics of pulp and peel 'cajá-manga' (Spondias cytherea Sonn.) jelly

Cajá-manga (Spondias cytherea) is a fruit with intense aroma and a sweet sour taste, thus being very appreciated. Its peel, in spite of being more fibrous, is tender and many times consumed with the pulp. The peel is a part of foods normally discarded, but many times, it is rich in taste and fibers, representing an option at the elaboration of new foods. Since there are no reports in the literature on the use of cajá-manga peel for jelly making, this work had the purpose of developing and evaluating this product. Based on the results, it was noted that the peels presented higher contents of protein, lipids, ashes, food fiber, total carbohydrates and pectin, and lower content of moisture, when compared to the pulp. The peel and the pulp (control) jellies presented the following physical-chemical characteristics: moisture, 29.5 and 34.2%; proteins, 0.19 and 0.27%; lipids, 0.11 and 0.16%; total sugars, 56.5 and 65.5%; and total soluble solids, 69 and 66 ºBrix, respectively. The sensory analysis indicated that the product elaborated from the peel presented satisfactory acceptance for all the assessed attributes: appearance, color, odor, texture, taste and global evaluation. It is concluded that the total substitution of the pulp by the peel in the formulation, results in a product with good nutritional value with no sensory damages.

Physiochemical analysis and centesimal composition of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom grown in residues from the Amazon

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the nutritional composition of mushrooms produced in alternative substrates in agricultural and agro-industrial residues from the Amazon. C, N, pH, moisture, soluble solids, protein, lipids, total fibers, ashes, carbohydrates and energy were determined. Substrates were formulated from Simarouba amara Aubl. and Ochroma piramidale Cav. ex. Lam. Sawdust and from Bactris gasipaes Kunth and Saccharum officinarum stipe. Results showed that the nutritional composition of P. ostreatus varied according to the cultivation substrate and that it can be considered important food due to its nutritional characteristics such as: high protein content; metabolizable carbohydrates and fiber; and low lipids and calories contents.

Physicochemical characteristics of organic honey samples of africanized honeybees from Parana River islands

This research was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical composition of organic honey in Paraná River islands, in Porto Brasílio, State of Paraná. Honey was harvested directly from super of the colonies in three apiaries spread in the Floresta and Laranjeira Islands, from August 2005 to August 2006. Twenty-four samples of organic honey produced by Africanized honeybees were evaluated. The following parameters were analyzed: pH, acidity, formol index, hydroxymethylfurfural, ashes, color, electric conductivity and moisture. Three replications per sample were performed for laboratorial analysis, giving the means and standard deviation. Most honey samples were in conformity with the Normative Instruction 11 from October 20, 2000. However, 4.17% were not in accordance with the moisture standards, 8.33% showed high concentrations of hydroxymethylfurfural, thus, totalizing 12.50% of non-complying samples. Nevertheless, 87.50% of the analyzed honey samples are within the standards, being characterized as an organic product of excellent quality, with good commercialization perspectives in the market.

The production of Pleurotus sajor-caju in peach palm leaves (Bactris gasipaes) and evaluation of its use to enrich wheat flour

The aim of this study was to evaluate of Pleurotus sajor-caju production in peach palm leaves and the addition of different fractions of mushroom powder to wheat flour to increase its nutritional value without changing its characteristics. The best yield (48.4%), biologic efficiency (4.5%), and Pr (0.36 g/day) values were obtained using 20% inoculum fraction and 10% rice bran fraction. The Pleurotus sajor-caju fruiting body cultivated under these conditions had the following composition in 100 g: 29.91 g (carbohydrates), 42.92 g (proteins), 1.24 g (lipids), 15.93 g (fibers), 7.42 g (ashes), 1.6 g (phosphorus), 2.7 g (potassium), 8.73 mg (iron), 23.75 mg (sodium), 0.34 mg (thiamine), and 0.57 mg (riboflavin). The wheat flour with mushroom powder had reduced sugar content, but it did not have increased fat content. The fiber, protein, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and riboflavin contents were increased mainly when 10% mushroom powder was added to the wheat flour. Furthermore, this flour does not undergo drastic alterations in its physicochemical characteristics such as in moisture, wet gluten, color, and falling number.

Fat reduction in the formulation of frankfurter sausages using inulin and pectin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of inulin and pectin as fat substitutes on the chemical composition, texture, and sensory acceptance of frankfurter sausages. Six treatments were evaluated to test fat replacement: control (T0); low fat control (T1); low fat with 15% inulin (T2); low fat with 30% inulin (T3); low fat with 7.5% inulin and 7.5% pectin (T4); and low fat with 15% inulin and 15% pectin (T5). The addition of fibers increased the yield (T3 and T5; 98.96%), and the color parameters were slightly reduced (T3). Moisture (61.14%) and ashes (6.96%) of sausages with inulin and pectin were higher (T5), while shear force, hardness, fracturability, gumminess, and chewiness (T3 and T5) were slightly lower than those of the control. The addition of inulin (T2) increased the sensory acceptance of the sausages (5.75). Fat can be replaced with inulin and pectin in frankfurter sausages to produce healthy and functional products.

Characterization of biomasses from the north and northeast regions of Brazil for processes in biorefineries

Abstract In search for renewable energy sources, the Brazilian residual biomasses stand out due to their favorable physical and chemical properties, low cost, and their being less pollutant. Therefore, they are likely to be used in biorefineries in the production of chemical inputs to substitute fossil fuels. This substitution is possible due to the high contents of carbohydrates (>40%), low contents of extractives (<20%), ashes (<8%) and moisture (<8%) found in these residual biomasses. High calorific values of all residues also offer them the chance to be used in combustion. A principal components analysis (PCA) was performed for better understanding of the samples and their hysic-chemical properties. Thus, this study aimed to characterize biomasses from the north (babassu residues, such as mesocarp and endocarp; pequi and Brazil nut) and northeast (agave and coconut) regions of Brazil, in order to contribute to the preservation of the environment and strengthen the economy of the region.

Quadcopter assistant for a mobile assembly robot

Science has revolutionized the human life. The advance progress in science and research is making human life easier and more comfortable. The new and emerging technology of micro drone is penetrating and widening the scientific research. This thesis is a part of work in which a unique work is carried out, although related research paper and journal are available. Design and development of automatic charging station for a ready to fly quadcopter is rare and unusual work. The work is carried out as an standard engineering process that include requirements gathering, creating the required document (this thesis is a part of required document as well), selection of suitable hardware, configuring the hardware, generate the code for software, uploading code to the microcontroller, troubleshooting and rectification, finalized prototype and testing. Thesis describe how mechatronics engineering is useful in generating a customized and unique project. At the starting phase of this project (before purchasing a ready to fly quadcopter) every single aspect of this work was known. The only unknown alternatives was a battery and charger. Several task was achieved including design and development of automatic charging station, accurate landing and telecast a live video on additional screen. At starting it was decided that quadcopter should follow the mobile robot, during study it was concluded there is no such quadcopter available in market to auto follow a robot indoor. This works starts with a market survey and comparing the different brands of quadcopter that meets all the requirements and specifications of the mobile robot assembly. Selection of quadcopter is a result of discussion and meeting with the team members, supervisor, professor and project manage.

Puu- ja turvetuhkan hyötykäyttökelpoisuuteen vaikuttavat tekijät pienillä polttolaitoksilla

Energiantuotannossa syntyvä tuhka voi olla laadultaan hyvin vaihtelevaa ja laadunvaihtelulle on haastavaa löytää yksiselitteistä syy-seuraussuhdetta. Ympäristönsuojelulainsäädäntö ja taloudelliset intressit ohjaavat tuhkantuottajia etsimään tuhkalle sopivia hyötykäyttökohteita, ja sen vuoksi tuhkan laatuun ja hyötykäyttökelpoisuuteen vaikuttavia tekijöitä on tarpeen selvittää. Tässä diplomityössä on tutkittu pienissä, alle 50 MW:n polttolaitoksissa syntyvää tuhkaa. Tavoitteena oli selvittää, kuinka tuhkan hyötykäyttökelpoisuuteen voidaan vaikuttaa. Tutkimuksen kohteena oli polttoainekoostumuksen, poltto-olosuhteiden ja tuhkan jälkikäsittelyn vaikutus tuhkassa olevien haitta-aineiden pitoisuuksiin ja liukoisuuksin. Työhön sisältyi myös aiemmin tehtyjen tuhka-analyysien tarkastelu sekä tuhkakokeet kahdella kohderyhmään kuuluvalla laitoksella. Työssä todettiin lentotuhkan haitta-ainepitoisuuksien ja -liukoisuuksien olevan keskimäärin korkeampia kuin pohjatuhkan vastaavien, ja että tyypillisesti arinakattilan tuhkien haitta-aineet ylittävät useammin hyötykäyttökelpoisuuden raja-arvoja kuin kuplaleijupetikattilan tuhkien. Lisäksi havaittiin metsätähdehaketuhkan kelpaavan useammin hyötykäyttöön kuin rankahaketuhkan.

Models to study intermediate filament dynamics and functions

Intermediate filaments are part of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton; they provide cells with structure and have important roles in cell signalling. The IFs are a large protein family with more than 70 members; each tightly regulated and expressed in a cell type-specific manner. Although the IFs have been known and studied for decades, our knowledge about their specific functions is still limited, despite the fact that mutations in IF genes cause numerous severe human diseases. In this work, three IF proteins are examined more closely; the nuclear lamin A/C and the cytoplasmic nestin and vimentin. In particular the regulation of lamin A/C dynamics, the role of nestin in muscle and body homeostasis as well as the functions and evolutionary aspects of vimentin are investigated. Together this data highlights some less well understood functions of these IFs. We used mass-spectrometry to identify inter-phase specific phosphorylation sites on lamin A. With the use of genetically engineered lamin A protein in combination with high resolution microscopy and biochemical methods we discovered novel roles for this phosphorylation in regulation of lamin dynamics. More specifically, our data suggests that the phosphorylation of certain amino acids in lamin A determines the localization and dynamics of the protein. In addition, we present results demonstrating that lamin A regulates Cdk5-activity. In the second study we use mice lacking nestin to gain more knowledge of this seldom studied protein. Our results show that nestin is essential for muscle regeneration; mice lacking nestin recover more slowly from muscle injury and show signs of spontaneous muscle regeneration, indicating that their muscles are more sensitive to stresses and injury. The absence of nestin also leads to decreased over-all muscle mass and slower body growth. Furthermore, nestin has a role in controlling testicle homeostasis as nestin-/- male mice show a greater variation in testicle size. The common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster lacks cytoplasmic IFs as most insects do. By creating a fly that expresses human vimentin we establish a new research platform for vimentin studies, as well as provide a new tool for the studies of IF evolution.

Teollisuusjätteen käyttö kiinteytys-stabiloinnin sideaineena ja haitta-aineiden stabiloinnin tehostamisessa

Tässä kanditaatintyössä selvitettiin kuinka erilaiset sideaineseokset soveltuvat raskas-metallien sitomiseen 28 vuorokautta stabiloiduissa näytteistä. Työssä oletettiin teollisten jätefraktioiden käytön tehostavan eräiden metallien, kuten kupari ja sinkki, immobilisointia lievästi pilaantuneista maa-aineksista. Kokeellisessa osassa stabiloitiin Kokkolan satamasta ruopattua sedimenttiä, jonka sinkkipitoisuudet olivat ylittäneet saastuneen sedimentin ohjearvon (≥400 mg/kg). Sedimenttiin lisättiin eri sideaineseoksia ja näytteiden annettiin stabiloitua 28 vuorokautta, minkä jälkeen niistä testattiin liukenevat raskasmetallit muokatulla ravistelutestillä. Eri sideaineseoksilla saatuja tuloksia verrattiin pelkän yleissementin käyttöön. Lisäksi erillisistä näytteistä otettiin pyyhkäisyelektronimikros-koopilla (SEM) kuvia havainnollistamaan stabiloitumista. Näissä näytteissä käytettiin samoja sideaineita kuin tehdyissä kokeissa. Liukoisuustestien tuloksista voidaan huomata näytteissä ongelmalliseksi raskasmetalliksi identifioidun sinkin sitoutuvan parhaiten sementin ja kipsin sekoituksella. Myös tuhkaa sisältävät sideainesekoitukset pienensivät sinkin liukoisuutta verrattuna pelkkään yleis-sementtiin. Jatkotutkimuksissa voitaisiin testata erilaisia sideainesekoituksia betonira-kentamisessa, joilla saadaan ainakin 25 MPa lujuusarvo, pilaantunutta sedimenttiä tai maa-ainesta käyttäen.

Optimal Recycling Combination of Ash in South-East Finland

The present world energy production is heavily relying on the combustion of solid fuels like coals, peat, biomass, municipal solid waste, whereas the share of renewable fuels is anticipated to increase in the future to mitigate climate change. In Finland, peat and wood are widely used for energy production. In any case, the combustion of solid fuels results in generation of several types of thermal conversion residues, such as bottom ash, fly ash, and boiler slag. The predominant residue type is determined by the incineration technology applied, while its composition is primarily relevant to the composition of fuels combusted. An extensive research has been conducted on technical suitability of ash for multiple recycling methods. Most of attention was drawn to the recycling of the coal combustion residues, as coal is the primary solid fuel consumed globally. The recycling methods of coal residues include utilization in a cement industry, in concrete manufacturing, and mine backfilling, to name few. Biomass combustion residues were also studied to some extent with forest fertilization, road construction, and road stabilization being the predominant utilization options. Lastly, residues form municipal solid waste incineration attracted more attention recently following the growing number of waste incineration plants globally. The recycling methods of waste incineration residues are the most limited due to its hazardous nature and varying composition, and include, among others, landfill construction, road construction, mine backfilling. In the study, environmental and economic aspects of multiple recycling options of thermal conversion residues generated within a case-study area were studied. The case-study area was South-East Finland. The environmental analysis was performed using an internationally recognized methodology — life cycle assessment. Economic assessment was conducted applying a widely used methodology — cost-benefit analysis. Finally, the results of the analyses were combined to enable easier comparison of the recycling methods. The recycling methods included the use of ash in forest fertilization, road construction, road stabilization, and landfill construction. Ash landfilling was set as a baseline scenario. Quantitative data about the amounts of ash generated and its composition was obtained from companies, their environmental reports, technical reports and other previously published literature. Overall, the amount of ash in the case-study area was 101 700 t. However, the data about 58 400 t of fly ash and 35 100 t of bottom ash and boiler slag were included in the study due to lack of data about leaching of heavy metals in some cases. The recycling methods were modelled according to the scientific studies published previously. Overall, the results of the study indicated that ash utilization for fertilization and neutralization of 17 600 ha of forest was the most economically beneficial method, which resulted in the net present value increase by 58% compared to ash landfilling. Regarding the environmental impact, the use of ash in the construction of 11 km of roads was the most attractive method with decreased environmental impact of 13% compared to ash landfilling. The least preferred method was the use of ash for landfill construction since it only enabled 11% increase of net present value, while inducing additional 1% of negative impact on the environment. Therefore, a following recycling route was proposed in the study. Where possible and legally acceptable, recycle fly and bottom ash for forest fertilization, which has strictest requirements out of all studied methods. If the quality of fly ash is not suitable for forest fertilization, then it should be utilized, first, in paved road construction, second, in road stabilization. Bottom ash not suitable for forest fertilization, as well as boiler slag, should be used in landfill construction. Landfilling should only be practiced when recycling by either of the methods is not possible due to legal requirements or there is not enough demand on the market. Current demand on ash and possible changes in the future were assessed in the study. Currently, the area of forest fertilized in the case-study are is only 451 ha, whereas about 17 600 ha of forest could be fertilized with ash generated in the region. Provided that the average forest fertilizing values in Finland are higher and the area treated with fellings is about 40 000 ha, the amount of ash utilized in forest fertilization could be increased. Regarding road construction, no new projects launched by the Center of Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in the case-study area were identified. A potential application can be found in the construction of private roads. However, no centralized data about such projects is available. The use of ash in stabilization of forest roads is not expected to increased in the future with a current downwards trend in the length of forest roads built. Finally, the use of ash in landfill construction is not a promising option due to the reducing number of landfills in operation in Finland.

Brock U Swim Club

13 year old Bini Gras just finishing her 200m fly in 1985.