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Decentralized and cost-effective colorimetry analysis by smartphone-based method digital image for monitoring electrochemical elimination of dye from water matrices
No full textThe present research provides a newly developed method that aims at versatile, rapid, portable, and low-cost instrumental protocol for colorimetric analysis of waters, polluted by dyes, through the use of a smartphone and app that detects and represents the RGB (red, green, and blue) color model. The calibration of the method is based on RGB values obtained by capturing images of colored solutions with known concentrations. The method was spectrophotometrically validated by analyzing the same samples, reaching more than 95% of accuracy. The utilization of this smartphone-based method for colorimetric analysis was proposed to follow, for the first time, the electrochemical treatment of different water matrices (400 mL of synthetic and real) with substantial organic and salts content (50 mg L−1 of methylene blue in 0.1 mol L−1 Na2SO4) using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode by applying current densities (j) of 15, 30, and 60 mA cm−2. Discoloration results (which were achieved with this novel smart water security solution) clearly showed that significant removal efficiencies were achieved in 2 h, depending on the j, when synthetic and real effluents were used. A key role was played by the sulfates in solution which were electroconverted to persulfates via reaction with •OH produced at BDD surface, enhancing the oxidation power of the electrochemical treatment. Then, the procedure presented here obtained a high level of confidence representing great support for scientific laboratories as an alternative that can replace the use of expensive spectrophotometers.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Renewable Energies and Environmental Sustainability Research Group Institute of Chemistry Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário, Av. Salgado Filho 3000, Lagoa Nova, CEP 59078-970, Rio Grande do NorteSchool of Science and Technology Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho 3000, Lagoa Nova, Rio Grande do NorteNational Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactives (INCT–DATREM) Institute of Chemistry UNESP, P.O. Box 355, São PauloNational Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactives (INCT–DATREM) Institute of Chemistry UNESP, P.O. Box 355, São PauloCNPq: 150933/2021-5FAPESP: 2014/50945-4FAPESP: 2019/13113-4CNPq: 306323/2018-4CNPq: 312595/2019-0CNPq: 315879/2021-1CNPq: 351605/2022-3CNPq: 408110/2022-8CNPq: 409196/2022-3CNPq: 439344/2018-
Automated System for Improving Audit Data Processing Through DAMA-DMBOK Best Practices and Low-Code
No full textIn the context of financial auditing, the efficient retrieval of accurate data, minimization of reprocessing efforts, mitigation of inherent risks in data processing, and improvement of information quality represent crucial objectives. In this regard, we present an automated system designed to optimize data processing in auditing. This system provides an automated assessment of the six data quality dimensions according to the DAMA model: completeness, reasonability, accuracy, uniqueness, validity, and consistency. This process is essential to determine whether data sources meet the necessary standards for use in various analytical processes. The tool was validated in the Wholesale Banking Management of Banco de Crédito del Perú, where it successfully analyzed 100% of data sources in the commercial credit audit, reducing the processing time of each source by 10 times. These results confirm that our software significantly contributes to improving data processing in the field of financial auditing. This system has proven to be effective and reliable in enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of financial audits.Department of Information System Universidad Peruana de Ciencias AplicadasUniversidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Quirino de Andrade, 215Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Quirino de Andrade, 21
Road ecology impact on capybara species: Operational traffic events involving capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) on the western section of highway in Brazil
No full textCapybaras can cause serious traffic accidents, generally resulting in the death of the animal. The objective of this study was to verify the occurrence of accidents expressed as a heat map and propose mitigation measures. The data analyzed comprised a concessioned stretch of highway in the west zone of the state of S & atilde;o Paulo, between January 2019 and December 2020. The parametric data were analyzed using the OneWay ANOVA test and T test. Hotspot maps and Kernel density were done using QGIS 3.20 software. The 946 capybaras were involved in road accidents during this period and, of these, 623 were removed from the highway and 323 died in the accidents. Ten hot spots were found, all concentrated in points with human interference, pointing to the need for mitigating measuresUniv Estadual Paulista, UNESP FMVA, Aracatuba, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, UNESP FMVA, Aracatuba, SP, Brazi
Avaliação da vegetação das praças da cidade de Patos, Paraíba, Brasil
No full textGreen areas are elements of the urban environment that provide environmental improvements, preserve values, and benefit society. This study aimed to diagnose the vegetation present in the squares of the city of Patos, State of Paraíba, Brazil, and verify whether their vegetation cover is sufficient and in satisfactory condition. For this, the floristic survey and the measurement of individuals and the area of the squares were conducted. The individuals were classified according to botanical family, genus, species, common name, and origin. The green area index, the vegetation cover index, and the percentage of vegetation cover were calculated for the squares. A total of 817 individuals belonging to 67 species, distributed in 28 botanical families and 58 genera, were recorded in the 37 inventoried squares. As for the origin of individuals found in the urban forestry in the squares of Patos, 68.71% are exotic and 31.28% are native to Brazil. The calculated percentage of vegetation cover of the squares was considered satisfactory, but the green area index per inhabitant (0.58 m2 inhabitant−1) is below what the Brazilian Society of Urban Forestry recommends. In this context, the tree and shrub individuals present in the squares of the city of Patos, in general, are in good condition, Fabaceae is the predominant botanical family, and Azadirachta indica A. Juss is the dominant species. The native species Tabebuia aurea, Sarcomphalus joazeiro, Cenostigma pluviosum, Peltophorum dubium, and Handroanthus impetiginosus can be used in the urban forestry of squares.Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, PBFederal University of Ceará, CESão Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, SPSão Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, S
Analysis of the solution technique for the optimal allocation problem of sectionalizing switches in electric power distribution networks
No full textA segmentação dos alimentadores primários em seções consiste em uma etapa fundamental para o planejamento das redes de distribuição, possibilitando melhorar tanto a qualidade da energia fornecida aos consumidores, quanto a confiabilidade dos sistemas de distribuição. A reconfiguração das redes é realizada através da abertura e fechamento das chaves seccionadoras. O problema de alocação, ou realocação dessas chaves é modelado como um modelo de programação não-linear inteiro misto. Em se tratando de redes elétricas de grande porte, uma abordagem viável para encontrar soluções é a aplicação de técnicas de busca, como por exemplo as técnicas metaheurísticas. As análises de testes utilizando a implementação destas metaheurísticas devem ser efetuadas para alimentadores de distribuição típicos da literatura especializada e o seu desempenho computacional deve ser criteriosamente comparado, determinando os parâmetros de controle, sistema de codificação e avaliação da função objetivo que sejam eficientes para a solução do problema em estudo. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo principal a implementação e análise crítica do algoritmo genético (AG), uma das técnicas metaheurísticas, para minimizar o custo de interrupção ao consumidor, por meio da alocação/realocação das chaves seccionadoras em alimentadores radiais de distribuição de energia. O desenvolvimento do modelo matemático e o algoritmo para o cálculo da função objetivo são detalhados levando em consideração a topologia do alimentador, um conjunto predeterminado de ramais para a alocação, ou realocação das chaves e um número fixo dessas chaves seccionadoras. São avaliados criteriosamente os fatores que impactam o desempenho computacional e a robustez da metaheurística, como a determinação dos parâmetros de controle do AG e a codificação das possíveis soluções. A validação do método é realizada através de testes de desempenho usando alimentadores típicos da literatura para estudos de confiabilidade em sistemas de distribuição de energia elétrica.The segmentation of primary feeders into sections constitutes a fundamental step in distribution network planning, enabling improvements in both the quality of power delivered to consumers and the reliability of distribution systems. Network reconfiguration is carried out through the opening and closing of sectionalizing switches. The problem of allocating or reallocating these switches is modeled as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem. For large-scale power networks, a viable approach to finding solutions is the application of adaptive search techniques, known as metaheuristics. Test analyses using the implementation of this metaheuristic should be conducted on typical distribution feeders from specialized literature, and its computational performance must be rigorously compared, determining the control parameters, coding scheme, and objective function evaluation that are efficient for solving the problem under study. Accordingly, the main objective of this work is the implementation and critical analysis of the genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize the customer interruption cost by means of allocating/reallocating sectionalizing switches in radial distribution feeders. The development of the mathematical model and the algorithm for calculating the objective function must be detailed considering the feeder topology, a predetermined set of branches for the allocation or reallocation of switches, and a fixed number of these sectionalizing switches. Factors affecting the computational performance and robustness of the metaheuristic, such as the determination of the GA control parameters and the encoding of possible solutions, are carefully evaluated. The method validation is performed through performance tests using typical feeders from the literature for reliability studies in electric distribution systems
Volumetric zirconia stabilization using carbon nanotubes
No full textCarbon-based materials (CBMs) have been considered promising reinforcing agents in ceramic composites. This study investigates the potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as stabilizers for the tetragonal phase of yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ). The CNT-YSZ composites were produced by conventional sintering techniques in a carbon-rich-atmosphere. We observed a significant reduction in the yttria content required for stabilization due to carbon diffusion into the zirconia crystalline lattice. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement analyses confirmed the YSZ phase transformation from monoclinic to tetragonal, as well as lattice extensive strain. These findings suggest that CNTs, and potentially other CBMs, can effectively stabilize zirconia phases under conventional sintering, thus representing a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative. The successful implementation of these results using conventional industrial sintering techniques underscores the practical feasibility of this approach, paving the way for advanced ceramic composites with enhanced mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact.Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), São PauloSão Paulo State University São Paulo State University (UNESP) Mechanical Engineering Department, SPFederal Institute of Education Science and Technology of São Paulo – IFSP, SPSão Paulo State University São Paulo State University (UNESP) Mechanical Engineering Department, S
A novel serous ovarian carcinoma model induced by DMBA: Results from OncoTherad® (MRB-CFI-1) immunotherapy preclinical testing
No full textAims: The term ovarian carcinoma (OC) refers to a heterogeneous collection of five distinct diseases known as histotypes. While histotype-specific treatment is still a clinical challenge in OC, well-characterized models are required for testing new therapeutic strategies. We employed OncoTherad® (MRB-CFI-1), an interferon (IFN-γ)-stimulating nano-immunotherapy mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2/4, in association or not with Erythropoietin (EPO) in a chemically-induced ovarian cancer model. Besides characterization of the therapies effects, we also assessed whether the animal model was representative of human OC by providing histotype classification. Main methods: Thirty-five Fischer rats were distributed into five groups: Control (Sham surgery); Cancer (7,12-dimethylbenzoanthracene – DMBA injection in the ovarian bursa, 1.25 mg/kg); OncoTherad® (20 mg/kg intraperitoneal); EPO (8.4 µg/kg intraperitoneal); and OncoTherad+EPO (same doses). Ovaries were formalin-fixed into paraffin-embedded blocks. TLR pathway and the inflammatory response profile were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). After DNA extraction and tissue microarray construction, we assessed typical gene mutations directly (Sanger sequencing) or indirectly (IHC surrogates) and examined biomarkers of different OC histotypes. Key findings: OC induction decreased TLR2, TLR4, and proinflammatory cytokines. OncoTherad® alone or associated with EPO modulated the OC microenvironment to a cytotoxic immune profile through stimulation of the TLR4-mediated non-canonical pathway. EPO stimulated TLR2-mediated canonical pathway and notably increased Tregs. Significance: The features analyzed favored interpretation of our DMBA-induced tumor model as predominantly low-grade, serous carcinoma-like, in which treatments with OncoTherad® and EPO showed immunomodulatory properties related to the reduction of ovarian lesions.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Department of Structural and Functional Biology Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São PauloDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology The University of British ColumbiaDepartment of Diagnosis and Surgery School of Dentistry São Paulo State University (UNESP), São PauloNanomedicine Research Unit (Nanomed) Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São PauloDepartment of Diagnosis and Surgery School of Dentistry São Paulo State University (UNESP), São PauloFAPESP: 20/15687–5FAPESP: 21/12357–
Melt electrowriting of bioglass-laden poly(ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds for bone regeneration
No full textNovel and promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering have been investigated over the years. Aiming to contribute to this progress, this study developed and evaluated polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with 5% (w/w) 58S-bioactive glass (58S-BG) fabricated via melt electrowriting (MEW). Morphological and chemical characterization of the scaffolds was conducted. The biological potential was assessed in vitro with alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells through cytotoxicity, adhesion, protein production, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineral nodule formation assays. In vivo, scaffolds implanted in rats were analyzed for biocompatibility, inflammation, and degradation using H&E staining and immunohistochemical markers for angiogenesis and macrophage polarization. Statistical analysis was performed at a 5% significance level. Appropriate fiber alignment but a higher fiber diameter was found for PCL + BG5% compared to PCL scaffolds (p = 0.002). EDS spectra confirmed the presence of BG's chemical components for BG-laden scaffolds, attesting to BG particle incorporation into the filaments. Raman spectroscopy evidenced the chemical nature of the BG powder, and FTIR spectra revealed -OH stretching for PCL + BG5%, evidencing its hydrophilic potential. None of the scaffolds were cytotoxic, and BG-laden formulation increased cell viability after 7 days (p = 0.0006), also showing greater cell adhesion/spreading over time compared to pristine PCL scaffolds. BG's presence also increased the mineral matrix formation (p ≤ 0.0021) over 21 days and retained ALP activity after 14 days (p = 0.705) compared to PCL. In vivo, PCL scaffolds retained fiber alignment and preserved their volume throughout the evaluation, showing minimal structural alteration. In contrast, PCL + BG5% scaffolds showed more visible structural changes at 28 days. Despite this, the PCL + BG5% formulation remained biocompatible and significantly promoted angiogenesis compared to pristine PCL scaffolds. In sum, BG-laden scaffolds were successfully melt electrowritten, retaining the scaffolds’ porous architecture, showing appropriate properties, including cell viability, adhesion, mineralized nodule deposition, biocompatibility, and angiogenesis, indicating that these materials are a promising alternative for enhancing bone tissue regeneration.Department of Cariology Restorative Sciences and Endodontics School of Dentistry University of MichiganDepartment of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics São Paulo State University, SPDepartment of Morphology and Pediatric Dentistry São Paulo State University, SPDepartment of Prosthodontics and Periodontology São Paulo University, SPDepartment of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of MichiganDepartment of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics São Paulo State University, SPDepartment of Morphology and Pediatric Dentistry São Paulo State University, S
An intuitive approach to differential and integral calculus concepts through modeling and video analysis using Tracker and Geogebra software
No full textNas universidades, a disciplina de Cálculo Diferencial e Integral é componente curricular nos cursos de Matemática, Física, Química, Engenharias, entre outros. Muitos alunos, ao cursarem a disciplina mencionada, apresentam dificuldades nos estudos, o que muitas vezes ocasionam a sua desistência do curso. Ao pensar nessas dificuldades, esta dissertação busca propor sequências didáticas que auxiliem os alunos do ensino superior a visualizar os conceitos de limite, derivada e integral. Para isso, foram feitas vídeo-análises utilizando os softwares Tracker e Geogebra. O Tracker é um software de vídeo-análise que permite coletar dados do movimento de fenômeno físico. O Geogebra é um software de matemática dinâmica que possibilita combinar geometria, álgebra, entre outros, na mesma plataforma. Os movimentos de fenômenos físicos foram registrados com câmera, após isso, utilizamos o Tracker para coletar os dados e modelar os experimentos e usamos o Geogebra para estudá-los. Os questionários propostos possuem sequências de atividades para o aluno desenvolver sobre limite, derivada e integral, as respostas esperadas estão apresentadas para o docente com comentários e sugestões de como realizar o experimento e analisá-lo nos softwares. As dificuldades encontradas durante a realização do experimento estão mencionadas em um apêndice para que diminua possíveis complicações ao solucionar o questionário.At universities, the subject of Differential and Integral Calculus is a curricular component in courses such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, among others. Many students, when taking this subject, face difficulties in their studies, which often leads them to drop out of the course. Considering these difficulties, this dissertation aims to propose didactic sequences that help higher education students visualize the concepts of limit, derivative, and integral. To this end, video analyses will be carried out using the Tracker and GeoGebra software. Tracker is a video analysis software that allows data collection from the motion of physical phenomena. GeoGebra is a dynamic mathematics software that enables the combination of geometry, algebra, and more on the same platform. The motions of physical phenomena will be recorded with a camera; afterwards, we will use Tracker to collect data and model the experiments, and we will use GeoGebra to study them. The questionnaires contain sequences of activities for students to develop on limits, derivatives, and integrals, and the expected answers will be presented to the instructor along with comments and suggestions on how to conduct and analyze the experiment using the software. The difficulties encountered during the experiments will be mentioned in order to reduce potential complications when solving the questionnaire
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF COTESIA FLAVIPES (CAM). II. EFFECT OF MULTIPLE MATINGS ON THE NUMBER OF LAYINGS, OFFSPRING AND SEX RATIO OF PARASITOIDS THAT EMERGE FROM DIATREA SACCHARALIS (F.)
No full textCotesia flavipes (Cam.) females that have mated with one and two males were individually set aside with fifth instar Diatraea saccharalis (F.) larvae. Number of layings as well as nonviable the number of emerged parasitoids, and larvae were registered. The sex ratio was also analyzed. It was observed that parasitoid females are mostly monogamic and prefer to lay a batch of eggs once. The number of laid eggs, the offspring sex ratio and the number of nonviable larvae produced by parasitoids that mated with one and two males were similar, even when variable number of layings occurred. Results suggest that a second mating does not influence parasitoid fitness.Fêmeas de Cotesia flavipes (Cam.) que copularam com um e dois machos foram colocadas, individual..: mente, em placas de Petri na presença de lagartas de 5º ínstar de Diatraea saccharalis (F.). O número de posturas realizadas, bem como o número de parasitóides emergidos e larvas inviáveis foram registrados. A razão sexual da prole também foi verificada. Foi observado que as fêmeas são basicamente monogâmicas e que preferem ovipositar apenas uma vez na lagarta hospedeira. O número de ovos depositados, a razão sexual da prole e o número de larvas inviáveis produzido pelas vespas que copularam com um e dois machos foi semelhante, mesmo quando elas fizeram posturas em número variável. Estes resultados sugerem que uma segunda cópula não influencia o valor adaptativo da prole deste parasitóide.Instituto Biológico, Centro de Sanidade VegetalUNESP/Rio Claro, Departamento de BiologiaUNESP/Rio Claro, Departamento de Biologi