Estimation of the volumetric oxygen tranfer coefficient (KLa) from the gas balance and using a neural network technique

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

Fluorometric fiber optic drop sensor for atmospheric hydrogen sulfide

A fluorometric technique based on a liquid drop excited from its interior by an optical fiber is described for the measurement of low concentrations of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A drop of alkaline fluorescein mercuric acetate (FMA) solution is suspended in a flowing air sample stream and serves as a renewable sensor. An optical fiber contained within the conduit that forms the drop, brings in the excitation beam; the fluorescence emission is measured by an inexpensive photodiode positioned close to the drop. As H2S in the sample is collected by the alkaline drop, it reacts rapidly with FMA resulting in a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity, proportional to the concentration of H2S sampled. The chemistry of this uniquely selective reaction has been well established for many years, the present technique permits a simple fast inexpensive near real-time measurement with very little reagent consumption. Even without prolonged sampling/preconcentration steps, limits of detection (LODs) in the double digit ppbv range is readily attainable. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. B.V.

Transfer of radon and parent nuclides U-238 and U-234 from soils of the Mendip Hills area, England, to the water phase

Laboratory time scale experiments were conducted on soils from the Mendip Hills area, England, with the purpose of evaluating the release of Rn-222 and their parent nuclides U-238 and U-234 to the water phase and to determine the influence of parameters that can affect the geochemical behaviour of these nuclides in natural systems. The specific surface area of the samples ranged from 43.8 to 52.5 cm(2) g(-1), where the particle size for all soil horizons is lognormally distributed, with modal values of the particle radius undersize ranging from 107 up to 203 mu m. The values for the released radon were between 26 and 194 pCi, which allowed to estimate emanation coefficients for these materials between 0.1 and 0.2, within the context of other values reported elsewhere. Soils derived from Carboniferous limestone and characterized by higher pH, exchangeable calcium, and the presence of U, but with a lower U-231/U-238 activity ratio, yielded the highest values for released Rn; however, this trend was not observed for dissolved U and its respective U-234/U-238 activity ratio, when considering the less aggressive etchant. Uranium is mobilized from rock matrix to A and B horizons in the analysed soil profiles, where its enrichment is about 10 times higher in soils derived from Carboniferous limestone. These data also permitted an evaluation of a theoretical model for the generation of Rn in soils and its transfer to water, in order to interpret the radioactivity due to this gas in groundwaters from the Mendip Hills district, England. (C) 1999 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All lights reserved.

Study of potassium additive on the phase formation and ferroelectric properties of 0.9PMN-0.1PT ceramics

A recent and innovative method to include Ti into the columbite precursor has permitted to synthesize 0.9PMN-0.1PT powders with high homogeneity. The present work describes this methodology, named modified columbite method, showing that the reaction between MN(T)and PbO at 800 degrees C for 2 h results in perovskite single-phase. The crystal structure alterations in the columbite and perovskite phases obtained by this methodology and the effects of potassium doping were investigated by the Rietveld method. Changes in the powder morphology, density and weight loss during the sintering process were also studied. Conclusively, potassium does not affect significantly the perovskite amount, but reduces the particle and grain sizes. This dopant also changes the relaxor behavior of 0.9PMN-0.1 PT ceramic, reducing the dielectric loss and enhancing the diffuseness of the phase transition. (C) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd and Techna Gronp S.r.l.

The implications of laboratory Rn-222 flux measurements to the radioactivity in groundwaters: the case of a karstic limestone aquifer

Laboratory time-scale experiments were conducted on Carboniferous Limestone gravels from the Mendip Hills area, England, with the purpose of evaluating the release of Rn-222 to the water phase. The specific surface areas of the samples were 4.14 and 1.69 cm g(-1), which provided, respectively, values of 50.6 and 12.7 pCi for the released Rn. These results allowed the calculation of the emanation coefficient of this rock matrix with respect to the release of Rn, where completely different values corresponding to 23% and 6% were found, suggesting that the extent to which grain boundaries or imperfections in aggregates of micro-crystals of calcite intersect the particle surface certainly affects the Rn release. They also permitted the evaluation of models for the generation of Rn in rocks and transfer to water, in order to interpret the radioactivity due to this gas in groundwaters from the karstic aquifer of the Mendip Hills area, where the calculated activities in groundwater based on the values of 23% and 6% for the emanation coefficient were about 51 and 15 times higher than actually measured in groundwater. Therefore, the emanation coefficient in nature is considerably smaller than in the lab experiment, and another factor k (0 < k < 1) may be introduced into the equations related to the modelling, with the aim of adjusting the theoretical-practical results. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

5-HT2A serotoninergic receptor in the locus coeruleus participates in the first phase of lipopolysaccharide-induced fever

This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that serotoninergic receptors in the locus coeruleus (LC) play a role in bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced fever. To this end, 5-HT1A (WAY-100635; 3 mu g/100 nL) and 5-HT2A (ketanserin; 2 mu g/100 nL) antagonists were microinjected into the LC and body temperature was monitored by biotelemetry. Intra-LC microinjections of ketanserin or WAY-100635 caused no change in body temperature of euthermic animals. 5-HT2A antagonism abolished the first phase of the lipopolysaccharide-induced fever. Taken together, these results indicate that serotonin acting on 5-HT2A receptors in the LC mediates the first phase of the febrile response, whereas 5-HT1A receptors are not involved in the lipopolysaccharide-induced fever.

Using artificial neural networks for identification of electrical losses in transformers during the manufacturing phase

The paper describes a novel neural model to estimate electrical losses in transformer during the manufacturing phase. The network acts as an identifier of structural features on electrical loss process, so that output parameters can be estimated and generalized from an input parameter set. The model was trained and assessed through experimental data taking into account core losses, copper losses, resistance, current and temperature. The results obtained in the simulations have shown that the developed technique can be used as an alternative tool to make the analysis of electrical losses on distribution transformer more appropriate regarding to manufacturing process. Thus, this research has led to an improvement on the rational use of energy.

Solid mass falling into the reservoirs shallow water equations validity from the engineering point of view

Water waves generated by a solid mass is a complex phenomenon discussed in this paper by numerical and experimental approaches. A model based on shallow water equations with shocks (Saint Venant) has developed. It can reproduce the amplitude and the energy of the wave quite well, but because it consistently generates a hydraulic jump, it is able to reproduce the profile, in the case of high relative thickness of slide, but in the case of small relative thickness it is unable to reproduce the amplitude of the wave. As the momentum conservation is not verified during the phase of wave creation, a second technique based on discharge transfer coefficient α, is introduced at the zone of impact. Numerical tests have been performed and validated this technique from the experimental results of the wave's height obtained in a flume.

Influence of cerium (IV) ions on the inorganic and organic phase for preparation of a siloxane-PMMA based film on tin plate substrate

Tinplate is one of the most widely used food canning materials, however, there are significant problems related to the use of tinplate cans, such as alterations in sensory features affecting food quality and corrosion phenomena of the canning material. To avoid corrosion problems different methods have been used for the passivation of tinplate such protective lacquers or different kinds of corrosion inhibitors (chromate and dichromate). However, chromates and dichromates are extremely harmful to the environment and can cause carcinogenic tumors to humans. An option, protective coatings obtained by the sol-gel process, act as a physical barrier, which isolates the surface of metal protecting from the corrosive agents. The aim of this work is to study the influence of addition of cerium (IV) ions in the inorganic and organic part of sol-gel processing in the formation of hybrid coatings based on siloxane-PMMA on tin plate. The coatings were obtained by dip-coating technique and evaluated by open circuit and impedance measurements, linear polarization and polarization curves obtained in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results have clearly shown the improvement on the protective properties of the Ce 4+ modified film when added into the organic phase, which can be due to the formation of a more uniform and densely reticulated siloxane-PMMA film. © 2009 by NACE International.

Utilization of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the acute phase of ankle immobilization at 90°: Study in rats

Objective: To evaluate the skeletal muscle glycogen content and plasmatic concentration of interleukin -6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in rats submitted to electrical stimulation sessions during the first three days of ankle immobilization at the position of 90°. Methods: Albinomale Wistar rats(3-4 months) were maintained in vivarium. conditions with food and water ad libitum, Submitted to 12 h photoperiodic cycles of light/dark, and distributed into 7 experimental groups (n = 6): control(C), immobilized 1 day(I1) immobilized 1 day and electrically stimulated(IE1) immobilized 2 days(12), immobilized 2 days and electrically stimulated(IE2), immobilized 3 days(13) and immobilized 3 days and electrically stimulated(IE3). Groups I utilized an acrylic resin orthesis model and groups electrically stimulated (IE) utilized the orthesis and a session of electrotherapy by a Dualpex 961 (biphasic quadratic pulse, 10 Hz, 0.4 ms, 5.0 mA, one 20 min session a day). After the experimental period, the rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium(40 mg/kg) and a blood sample was colleted to evaluate the plasmatic concentration of interleukins by means of the radioimmunoassay method. The soleus and the white portion of the gastrocnemius muscle were colleted for glycogen reserves analysis(GLY). Other groups of rats were used to apply the glucose tolerance test(GTT) and insulin tolerance test(ITT). For statistical analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test followed by ANOVA and the Tukey tests were utilized, with a critical level established at 5%. Results: In ITT test, groups IE enhanced the skeletal muscle glucose uptake, but no changes were observed in GTT after the therapy session, which indicates that electrical stimulation is a sensibilizing method to augment skeletal muscle glucose uptake. The GLY reserves were reduced in I groups, which indicate that disuse altered insulin sensitivity and compromised energetic homeostasis. However. the IE groups displayed an augment in GLY content, suggesting that electrical stimulation restores the enzymatic pathways altered by immobilization. The improvement in GLY was accompanied by an elevation of the plasmatic concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α, showing the participation of these interleukins in the control of metabolic profile. Plasmatic concentrations of IL-10 were elevated only after 3 days of IE while IL-4 did not display any modifications. Conclusion: The results suggest that neuromuscular electricaf stimulation is an important toot in the maintenance of energetic, conditions of musculature submitted to immobilization, and presents multifactor mechanisms linked to interleukins action that converge to maintain the energetic equilibrium of the tissue in disuse.

On the existence of ordered phases of encapsulated diamondoids into carbon nanotubes

We have investigated some diamondoids encapsulation into single walled carbon nanotubes (with diameters ranging from1.0 up to 2.2 nm) using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Diamondoids are the smallest hydrogen-terminated nanosized diamond-like molecules. Diamondois have been investigated for a large class of applications, ranging from oil industry to pharmaceuticals. Molecular ordered phases were observed for the encapsulation of adamantane, diamantane, and dihydroxy diamantanes. Chiral ordered phases, such as; double, triple, 4- and 5-stranded helices were also observed for those diamondoids. Our results also indicate that the modification of diamondoids through chemical functionalization with hydroxyl groups can lead to an enhancement of the molecular packing inside the carbon nanotubes in comparison to non-functionalized molecules. For larger diamondoids (such as, adamantane tetramers), we have not observed long-range ordering, but only a tendency of incomplete helical structural formation. © 2012 Materials Research Society.

Radon emissions related to the granitic Precambrian shield in southern Brazil

The equivalent uranium (eU) activity concentration was analysed in selected granite samples at several sites in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, to obtain information on the radon (222Rn) generation by the aquifer rock matrices. Radon analyses of ground water and soil samples were also performed. Several samples exhibited a dissolved 222Rn activity concentration exceeding the World Health Organization maximum limit of 100 Bq l-1. The dissolved radon content in ground waters from the Fractured Precambrian Aquifer System exhibited a direct significant correlation with the eU in the rock matrices, which is a typical result of water-rock interactions. Variation in the soil's porosity was confirmed as an important factor for 222Rn release, as expected, due to its gaseous nature. Thus, although the calcic-alkaline to alkaline Precambrian granitoid rocks of the study area are important reservoirs for underground resources, they can release high amounts of radon gas into the liquid phase. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Influence of specimen size, tray inclination and air flow rate on the emission of gases from biomass combustion

Experiments of biomass combustion were performed to determine whether specimen size, tray inclination, or combustion air flow rate was the factor that most affects the emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. The chosen biomass was Eucalyptus citriodora, a very abundant species in Brazil, utilized in many industrial applications, including combustion for energy generation. Analyses by gas chromatograph and specific online instruments were used to determine the concentrations of the main emitted gases, and the following figures were found for the emission factors: 1400 ± 101 g kg-1 of CO2, 50 ± 13 g kg-1 of CO, and 3.2 ± 0.5 g kg-1 of CH4, which agree with values published in the literature for biomass from the Amazon rainforest. Statistical analysis of the experiments determined that specimen size most significantly affected the emission of gases, especially CO2 and CO. •Statistical analysis to determine effects on emission factors.•CO2, CO, CH4 emission factors determined for combustion of Eucalyptus.•Laboratory results agreed with data for Amazonian biomass combustion in field tests.•Combustion behavior under flaming and smoldering was analyzed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Mechanisms of phase formation along the synthesis of Mn-Zn ferrites by the polymeric precursor method

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Hydrogen peroxide attenuates the dipsogenic, renal and pressor responses induced by cholinergic activation of the medial septal area

Cholinergic activation of the medial septal area (MSA) with carbachol produces thirst, natriuresis, antidiuresis and pressor response. In the brain, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) modulates autonomic and behavioral responses. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the combination of carbachol and H2O2 injected into the MSA on water intake, renal excretion, cardiovascular responses and the activity of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. Furthermore, the possible modulation of carbachol responses by H2O2 acting through K+ATP channels was also investigated. Male Holtzman rats (280–320 g) with stainless steel cannulas implanted in the MSA were used. The pre-treatment with H2O2 in the MSA reduced carbachol-induced thirst (7.9 ± 1.0, vs. carbachol: 13.2 ± 2.0 ml/60 min), antidiuresis (9.6 ± 0.5, vs. carbachol: 7.0 ± 0.8 ml/120 min,), natriuresis (385 ± 36, vs. carbachol: 528 ± 46 μEq/120 min) and pressor response (33 ± 5, vs. carbachol: 47 ± 3 mmHg). Combining H2O2 and carbachol into the MSA also reduced the number of vasopressinergic neurons expressing c-Fos in the PVN (46.4 ± 11.2, vs. carbachol: 98.5 ± 5.9 c-Fos/AVP cells) and oxytocinergic neurons expressing c-Fos in the PVN (38.5 ± 16.1, vs. carbachol: 75.1 ± 8.5 c-Fos/OT cells) and in the SON (57.8 ± 10.2, vs. carbachol: 102.7 ± 7.4 c-Fos/OT cells). Glibenclamide (K+ATP channel blocker) into the MSA partially reversed H2O2 inhibitory responses. These results suggest that H2O2 acting through K+ATP channels in the MSA attenuates responses induced by cholinergic activation in the same area.