Quantificação de açúcares com uma língua eletrónica: calibração multivariada com seleção de sensores

Este trabalho incide na análise dos açúcares majoritários nos alimentos (glucose, frutose e sacarose) com uma língua eletrónica potenciométrica através de calibração multivariada com seleção de sensores. A análise destes compostos permite contribuir para a avaliação do impacto dos açúcares na saúde e seu efeito fisiológico, além de permitir relacionar atributos sensoriais e atuar no controlo de qualidade e autenticidade dos alimentos. Embora existam diversas metodologias analíticas usadas rotineiramente na identificação e quantificação dos açúcares nos alimentos, em geral, estes métodos apresentam diversas desvantagens, tais como lentidão das análises, consumo elevado de reagentes químicos e necessidade de pré-tratamentos destrutivos das amostras. Por isso se decidiu aplicar uma língua eletrónica potenciométrica, construída com sensores poliméricos selecionados considerando as sensibilidades aos açucares obtidas em trabalhos anteriores, na análise dos açúcares nos alimentos, visando estabelecer uma metodologia analítica e procedimentos matemáticos para quantificação destes compostos. Para este propósito foram realizadas análises em soluções padrão de misturas ternárias dos açúcares em diferentes níveis de concentração e em soluções de dissoluções de amostras de mel, que foram previamente analisadas em HPLC para se determinar as concentrações de referência dos açúcares. Foi então feita uma análise exploratória dos dados visando-se remover sensores ou observações discordantes através da realização de uma análise de componentes principais. Em seguida, foram construídos modelos de regressão linear múltipla com seleção de variáveis usando o algoritmo stepwise e foi verificado que embora fosse possível estabelecer uma boa relação entre as respostas dos sensores e as concentrações dos açúcares, os modelos não apresentavam desempenho de previsão satisfatório em dados de grupo de teste. Dessa forma, visando contornar este problema, novas abordagens foram testadas através da construção e otimização dos parâmetros de um algoritmo genético para seleção de variáveis que pudesse ser aplicado às diversas ferramentas de regressão, entre elas a regressão pelo método dos mínimos quadrados parciais. Foram obtidos bons resultados de previsão para os modelos obtidos com o método dos mínimos quadrados parciais aliado ao algoritmo genético, tanto para as soluções padrão quanto para as soluções de mel, com R²ajustado acima de 0,99 e RMSE inferior a 0,5 obtidos da relação linear entre os valores previstos e experimentais usando dados dos grupos de teste. O sistema de multi-sensores construído se mostrou uma ferramenta adequada para a análise dos iii açúcares, quando presentes em concentrações maioritárias, e alternativa a métodos instrumentais de referência, como o HPLC, por reduzir o tempo da análise e o valor monetário da análise, bem como, ter um preparo mínimo das amostras e eliminar produtos finais poluentes.

Study the methods of connecting jacket to the seabed and choosing the best method for Persian Gulf according to soil characteristics

Offshore structures with numerous applications in different environments throughout the world and used at different depths. Due to the expansion of marine industries, including offshore oil industry in Iran , particularly in the Persian Gulf region, in order to more accurately model these structures and to prevent incidents such as the Overturning of the platform serious damage to the South Pars Phase ١٣ was platforms, the use New Technic is essential technologies. One of the methods that are used in the construction of offshore wind turbines, using a pre-pile. In this method, a template is constructed with the dimensions specified in the workshop. After making templates using special vessels for placement in the desired location on the sea bed is carried, then the template is placed on the sea bed, Then, using a hammer for Pile Driving Operation Started Vibration hammer and fit the template of 3 or 4 piles of crushed within this template on the seabed . The next step piling, templates have been removed from the site And Jacket placed on piles. The system was installed on the deck on piles and Consequently Deck Load pile inserted on .It should be noted that the design of these types of platforms, base diameter of the pile diameter independent of the choice as one of the major advantages of this system is. This thesis examines a Template Fixed Platform in the oil Soroush Using the Pre-Piling and the Common Piling systems in the Persian Gulf were studied and the effect of different design compared to the Pre-Piling Platforms Persian Gulf were evaluated. The results suggest that Pre-Piling system compared with conventional systems piling in the Persian Gulf, as a more appropriate model structure and behavior Top Model economic efficiency is selected. It should be noted that all calculations and analyzes were performed using Software Abaqus.

Determination of thresholds in marine molluscs as an alternative to the Environmental Quality Standards in marine water defined in the Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) in marine water for 34 priority substances. Among these substances, 25 are hydrophobic and bioaccumulable (2 metals and 23 organic compounds). For these 25 substances, monitoring in water matrix is not appropriate and an alternative matrix should be developed. Bivalve mollusks, particularly mussels (Mytilus edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis), are used by Ifremer as a quantitative biological indicator since 1979 in France, to assess the marine water quality. This study has been carried out in order to determine thresholds in mussels at least as protective as EQS in marine water laid down by the WFD. Three steps are defined: - Provide an overview of knowledges about the relations between the concentrations of contaminants in the marine water and mussels through bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF). This allows to examine how a BCF or a BAF can be determined: BCF can be determined experimentally (according to US EPA or ASTM standards), or by Quantitative Activity-Structure Relationship models (QSAR): four equations can be used for mussels. BAF can be determined by field experiment; but none standards exists. It could be determined by using QSAR but this method is considered as invalid for mussels, or by using existing model: Dynamic Budget Model, but this is complex to use. - Collect concentrations data in marine water (Cwater) in bibliography for those 25 substances; and compare them with concentration in mussels (Cmussels) obtained through French monitoring network of chemicals contaminants (ROCCH) and biological integrator network RINBIO. According to available data, this leads to determine the BAF or the BCF (Cmussels /Cwater) with field data. - Compare BAF and BCF values (when available) obtained with various methods for these substances: BCF (stemming from the bibliography, using experimental process), BCF calculated by QSAR and BAF determined using field data. This study points out that experimental BCF data are available for 3 substances (Chlorpyrifos, HCH, Pentachlorobenzene). BCF by QSAR can be calculated for 20 substances. The use of field data allows to evaluate 4 BAF for organic compounds and 2 BAF for metals. Using these BAF or BCF value, thresholds in shellfish can be determined as an alternative to EQS in marine water.

On the construction of new bent functions from the max-weight and min-weight functions of old bent functions

Given a bent function f (x) of n variables, its max-weight and min-weight functions are introduced as the Boolean functions f + (x) and f − (x) whose supports are the sets {a ∈ Fn2 | w( f ⊕la) = 2n−1+2 n 2 −1} and {a ∈ Fn2 | w( f ⊕la) = 2n−1−2 n 2 −1} respectively, where w( f ⊕ la) denotes the Hamming weight of the Boolean function f (x) ⊕ la(x) and la(x) is the linear function defined by a ∈ Fn2 . f + (x) and f − (x) are proved to be bent functions. Furthermore, combining the 4 minterms of 2 variables with the max-weight or min-weight functions of a 4-tuple ( f0(x), f1(x), f2(x), f3(x)) of bent functions of n variables such that f0(x) ⊕ f1(x) ⊕ f2(x) ⊕ f3(x) = 1, a bent function of n + 2 variables is obtained. A family of 4-tuples of bent functions satisfying the above condition is introduced, and finally, the number of bent functions we can construct using the method introduced in this paper are obtained. Also, our construction is compared with other constructions of bent functions.

Hemolytic activity of alternative complement pathway as an indicator of innate immunity in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the methodology to establish the hemolytic activity of alternative complement pathway as an indicator of the innate immunity in Brazilian fish pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), in addition to verifying the influence of β-glucan as an immunostimulant. Fish were fed with diets containing 0, 0.1 and 1% β-glucan, during seven days, and then inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila. Seven days after the challenge, they were bled for serum extraction. The methodology consisted of a kinetic assay that allows calculating the required time for serum proteins of the complement to promote 50% lysis of a rabbit red blood cell suspension. The method developed in mammals was successfully applied for pacu and determined that the hemolytic activity of the proteins of the complement system (alternative pathway) increased after the pathogen challenge, but was not influenced by the β-glucan treatment.

Interpreting behaviors from accelerometry: a method combining simplicity and objectivity.

Quantifying the behavior of motile, free-ranging animals is difficult. The accelerometry technique offers a method for recording behaviors but interpretation of the data is not straightforward. To date, analysis of such data has either involved subjective, study-specific assignments of behavior to acceleration data or the use of complex analyses based on machine learning. Here, we present a method for automatically classifying acceleration data to represent discrete, coarse-scale behaviors. The method centers on examining the shape of histograms of basic metrics readily derived from acceleration data to objectively determine threshold values by which to separate behaviors. Through application of this method to data collected on two distinct species with greatly differing behavioral repertoires, kittiwakes, and humans, the accuracy of this approach is demonstrated to be very high, comparable to that reported for other automated approaches already published. The method presented offers an alternative to existing methods as it uses biologically grounded arguments to distinguish behaviors, it is objective in determining values by which to separate these behaviors, and it is simple to implement, thus making it potentially widely applicable. The R script coding the method is provided.

Carbon productivity: a case study in the Australian construction industry

Climate change is a severe threat to human development. Environmental protection and economic growth are two significant dimensions of promoting sustainable global development. In this research, a two-step procedure has been applied to investigate carbon productivity, which is deemed an appropriate indicator to measure sustainable development in conjunction with carbon reduction and production advancement. A decomposition method with the Log Mean Divisia Index has been applied to explore the factors influencing carbon productivity change, including technological innovation and regional adjustment. The carbon productivity of the Australian construction industry from 1990 to 2012 was then investigated. Research results indicate that carbon productivity in Australian construction had increased significantly and could be further improved. Technological innovation has played an important role in promoting carbon productivity, while regional adjustment has remained roughly steady. Based on correlation analyses, scale of the construction market and stock of machinery and equipment had shown weak correlations with carbon productivity changes, and it was clear that improvement in carbon productivity could benefit capital productivity and investment return. The research has systematically defined carbon productivity and for the first time measured it for the construction industry. The results are expected to assist construction industries worldwide to investigate productivity performance and to identify the influencing factors for improving development sustainability.

Managing undesirable outputs in the Australian construction industry using Data Envelopment Analysis models

Carbon reduction has become one of the most significant challenges for economic growth. This paper presents the preliminary analysis of undesirable output reduction targets and emission schedules in temporal-spatial comparisons based on Data Envelopment Analysis. The reduction targets of undesirable outputs are investigated, including the maximum, input, technical and ideal reduction targets. Four Data Envelopment Analysis models that are based on a sequential benchmark technology and variable returns to scale are introduced to measure these reduction percentages. In order to formulate the optimal emission schedule of undesirable outputs, an optimal model is provided without inflation. Data from the Australian construction industry from 2000 to 2010 are employed to develop the models. The results of the analysis indicate that the Australian Government could achieve its promised carbon reduction targets in the construction industry. Most Australian regions' construction industries possess carbon mitigation potential and some of them could increase their desirable outputs if carbon were decreased. This paper suggests that policymakers can benefit from formulating various suitable undesirable output reduction objectives and schedules through the models developed. The research method can be replicated for other sectors and regions focussing on undesirable output reduction.

An enhanced method for determining the maximum strain a pipeline coating could tolerate

An enhanced mandrel bend testing method has been proposed for the evaluation of the maximum strain level that could be tolerated by an organic coating, and for the understanding of localised coating deformation and cracking behaviours under nonuniform mechanical strains. The aim is to develop a practical method that is suitable for selecting pipeline coatings in order to ensure that the selected coatings have sufficient flexibility to meet the high strain demand during the construction, hydrostatic testing and operation of high pressure pipelines. Two new mandrel bend testing setups have been designed by employing either centre or end clamps in order to improve the uniformity of strain distributions over coated steel coupons, and by using strain gauges to perform in situ measurements of local strains. A series of tests have been carried out to evaluate the new method for testing the flexibility of selected epoxy based pipeline industry coatings. Preliminary computational simulation has also been carried out for assisting the interpretation of mandrel bending test results.

The method is design: towards a handbook of design research tactics

New Zealand's schools of architecture are unique in the Australasian context, in that the fifth year of study for students takes the form of a 12-month research thesis. This structure prompts reflection on research through the medium of design, which we will explore here in the context of the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW).

But with recent developments in digital technology, new materials and construction practices, shifts in the client-architect relationship, and architectural practice subject to evermore-onerous procurement models, is the studio model still ...

Rare earth-based corrosion inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors are an important method for minimizing corrosion; however traditional inhibitors such as chromates pose environmental problems. Rare earth metals provide an important, environmentally-friendly alternative. This book provides a comprehensive review of current research and examines how rare earth metals can be used to prevent corrosion and applied to protect metals in such industries as aerospace and construction. Chapter 1 begins by examining the important need to replace chromate, and then goes on to discuss the chemistry of the rare earth metals and their related compounds. Chapter 2 considers the techniques that can be used to identify corrosion inhibition mechanisms and to test the levels of protection offered to different metals by rare earth compounds. Subsequent chapters consider in more detail how rare earth elements can be used as corrosion inhibitors in different forms and for different metals. This includes discussion on the potential of rare earth elements for self-healing, tunable and multifunctional coatings. Finally, chapter 10 considers the cost and availability of the rare earths and the potential health and environmental risks associated with extracting them. Provides a review of current research and examines how rare earth metals can be used to prevent corrosion and applied to protect metals in such industries as aerospace and construction. Includes discussion on the potential of rare earth elements for self-healing, tunable and multifunctional coatings. Considers the cost and availability of the rare earths and the potential health and environmental risks associated with extracting them.

Construction labor productivity convergence: a conditional frontier approach

Purpose-Understanding and simulating construction activities is a vital issue from a macro-perspective, since construction is an important contributor in economic development. Although the construction labor productivity frontier has attracted much research effort, the temporal and regional characteristics have not yet been explored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-run equilibrium and dynamics within construction development under a conditional frontier context. Design/methodology/approach-Analogous to the simplified production function, this research adopts the conditional frontier theory to investigate the convergence of construction labor productivity across regions and over time. Error correction models are implemented to identify the long-run equilibrium and dynamics of construction labor productivity against three types of convergence hypotheses, while a panel regression method is used to capture the regional heterogeneity. The developed models are applied to investigate and simulate the construction labor productivity in the Australian states and territories. Findings-The results suggest that construction labor productivity in Australia should converge to stable frontiers in a long-run perspective. The dynamics of the productivity are mainly caused by the technology utilization efficiency levels of the local construction industry, while the influences of changes in technology level and capital depending appear limited. Five regional clusters of the Australian construction labor productivity are suggested by the simulation results, including New South Wales; Australian Capital Territory; Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia; South Australia; and Tasmania and Victoria. Originality/value-Three types of frontier of construction labor productivity is proposed. An econometric approach is developed to identify the convergence frontier of construction labor productivity across regions over time. The specified model can provides accurate predictions of the construction labor productivity.

On the fast Lanczos method for computation of eigenvalues of Hankel matrices using multiprecision arithmetics

The use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) accelerates Lanczos tridiagonalisation method for Hankel and Toeplitz matrices by reducing the complexity of matrix-vector multiplication. In multiprecision arithmetics, the FFT has overheads that make it less competitive compared with alternative methods when the accuracy is over 10000 decimal places. We studied two alternative Hankel matrix-vector multiplication methods based on multiprecision number decomposition and recursive Karatsuba-like multiplication, respectively. The first method was uncompetitive because of huge precision losses, while the second turned out to be five to 14 times faster than FFT in the ranges of matrix sizes up to n = 8192 and working precision of b = 32768 bits we were interested in. We successfully applied our approach to eigenvalues calculations to studies of spectra of matrices that arise in research on Riemann zeta function. The recursive matrix-vector multiplication significantly outperformed both the FFT and the traditional multiplication in these studies.

Analysis of reverse logistics implementation practices by South Australian construction organisations

Purpose – A large number of benefits have been reported when reverse logistics (RL) is fully implemented in the construction industry. However, RL is yet to become common place in the construction sector, particularly in Australia. The particular sub-sector in which RL operates is small and weak and the remainder of the sector must embrace and accommodate it comfortably. Research is lacking on how to promoting RL in the construction industry. Very little has been done to identify the current practices that have the potential to promote RL industry-wide. The purpose of this paper is to identify the practices that work well in the sector, a strategy could be mapped out to promote RL to all stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – In order to fill the above gap, the present study used a mixed method approach to gather and evaluate current practices and their potential to promote RL in South Australia’s construction industry. Practices that were identified using a comprehensive literature review were evaluated with a questionnaire survey and series of interviews involving construction professionals. Findings – The findings are that practices facilitating deconstruction is the most important, followed by practices facilitating the use of salvaged materials in new construction to promote RL in South Australia. Awareness of deconstruction benefits, challenges and procedures at the organisation level and facilities and services at industry level were associated with RL implementation. Availability of salvaged materials in the market was found to influence its use in new construction and as a consequence its demand. Designing for reverse logistics is another practice that could facilitate deconstruction and the onus of its promotion lies mainly with the designers. Research limitations/implications – This research was confined to one state in Australia. As such the generalisation to other states and other countries should be treated cautiously. Practical implications – The findings of this study can help inform the industry and its stakeholders on areas that they need to concentrate more on to make the South Australian construction industry a fully RL integrated one. To that end the authors propose some recommendations arising from the findings reported here. Originality/value – This study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on reserve logistics within a previously unexplored South Australian context. In addition, the study provides valuable insights into the contribution of RL practices to the construction industry.

A Model for Continuous Measurement of Drilled Shaft Diameter During Construction

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of deep foundations has become an integral part of the industry’s standard manufacturing processes. It is not unusual for the evaluation of the integrity of the concrete to include the measurement of ultrasonic wave speeds. Numerous methods have been proposed that use the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves to check the integrity of concrete for drilled shaft foundations. All such methods evaluate the integrity of the concrete inside the cage and between the access tubes. The integrity of the concrete outside the cage remains to be considered to determine the location of the border between the concrete and the soil in order to obtain the diameter of the drilled shaft. It is also economic to devise a methodology to obtain the diameter of the drilled shaft using the Cross-Hole Sonic Logging system (CSL). Performing such a methodology using the CSL and following the CSL tests is performed and used to check the integrity of the inside concrete, thus allowing the determination of the drilled shaft diameter without having to set up another NDT device. This proposed new method is based on the installation of galvanized tubes outside the shaft across from each inside tube, and performing the CSL test between the inside and outside tubes. From the performed experimental work a model is developed to evaluate the relationship between the thickness of concrete and the ultrasonic wave properties using signal processing. The experimental results show that there is a direct correlation between concrete thicknesses outside the cage and maximum amplitude of the received signal obtained from frequency domain data. This study demonstrates how this new method to measuring the diameter of drilled shafts during construction using a NDT method overcomes the limitations of currently-used methods. In the other part of study, a new method is proposed to visualize and quantify the extent and location of the defects. It is based on a color change in the frequency amplitude of the signal recorded by the receiver probe in the location of defects and it is called Frequency Tomography Analysis (FTA). Time-domain data is transferred to frequency-domain data of the signals propagated between tubes using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Then, distribution of the FTA will be evaluated. This method is employed after CSL has determined the high probability of an anomaly in a given area and is applied to improve location accuracy and to further characterize the feature. The technique has a very good resolution and clarifies the exact depth location of any void or defect through the length of the drilled shaft for the voids inside the cage. The last part of study also evaluates the effect of voids inside and outside the reinforcement cage and corrosion in the longitudinal bars on the strength and axial load capacity of drilled shafts. The objective is to quantify the extent of loss in axial strength and stiffness of drilled shafts due to presence of different types of symmetric voids and corrosion throughout their lengths.