Shiga‐Toxin Genes and Genetic Diversity of Escherichia coli Isolated from Pasteurized Cow Milk in Brazil

This study evaluated the genetic similarity and prevalence of the stx1, stx2, eae, and ehxA genes in Escherichia coli isolated from pasteurized cow milk. Eighty‐seven E. coli isolates from pasteurized cow milk from 22 dairies located in northwestern Paraná state, Brazil, were analyzed. Genetic similarity was evaluated using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence polymerase chain reaction (ERIC‐PCR) and repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence PCR (REP‐PCR). E. coli isolates were also analyzed by PCR to investigate the presence of the stx1, stx2, eae, and ehxA genes. ERIC‐PCR and REP‐PCR clustered 87 bacterial isolates in 76 and 81 genomic profiles, respectively. Both techniques revealed high genetic diversity among the E. coli isolates, confirming the possibility of their use in epidemiological studies. The stx1, stx2, eae, and ehxA virulence genes were not detected in E. coli isolates, indicating a low prevalence of Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli in milk produced in the region studied.     

Analysis and design of a new constant frequency control for QRC andMRC based on magnetic elements modification

Multiresonant power converters (MRCs) and quasi-resonant power converters (QRCs) have been modified to provide constant-frequency operation. Transformer leakage inductance has been used to adapt the traditional pulse-width-modulation (PWM) control to these converters. Conventional PWM integrated circuits can be used for the power converter regulation. Several experimental results are developed to test the control method proposed     

A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis of the Lipoxygenases Superfamily in Shewanella Woodyi Strain （Strain ATCC 519081MS32）

Sbewanella bacteria have real potential for the bioremediation of contaminated environmental and presents a differential that are three lipoxygenases described in its genome. Lipoxygenases （LOX） are a family of iron-containing enzymes that catalyze the dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in lipids. They occur ubiquitously in plants and mammals, and only recently, they have been detected in coral, moss, fungi and a number of bacteria as well. In this work, analyzed three enzymes lipoxigenases described for Shewanella woodyi deposited in GeneBank as probable LOX gene in the Swoo_2318 S. woodyi ATCC 51908： Proteins Code （ACA86597.1） hypothetical protein, （ACA87192. I） arachidonate 15-1ipoxygenase and （AEF01209.1） arachidonate 15-1ipoxygenase precursor the strain S. woodyi DSM 12036. The bioinformatics tools tend to solve impossible problems to be addressed in the past decades. These analyses identified were the three proteins described as lipoxygenases have different secondary structures, the phosphorylation sites; the protein GRAVY （grand average of hydropathy） and protein isoelectric point are distinct. However, binding site is Fe for three lipoxygenases. This suggested that three lipoxygenases deserve special attention for work in situ, due to peculiar characteristics and still not know what is the need ofS. woodyi have in its genome three genes encoding the same protein.     

Acceleration tests using gasolines formulated with di-TAE, TAEE and MTBE ethers

This study evaluates the acceleration and performance of car engines fueled by gasoline formulated with di-tert-amyl ether (di-TAE), tert-amyl ethyl ether (TAEE), and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), whose compositions contain an oxygen concentration of 2.7 wt.%. The performance tests were carried out in a roll dynamometer using a Fiat-Strada commercial vehicle equipped with open-loop electronic fuel injection. The use of ethers from partially renewable sources, such as di-TAE and TAEE in gasoline formulations, is an attractive alternative to reduce fossil fuel consumption. These ethers, both pure and in formulations, require a lower air/fuel ratio, since part of the oxygen needed to oxidize the fuel is already present in the molecule. The results obtained in acceleration tests using gasoline formulated with the di-TAE, TAEE and MTBE ethers indicated that the best acceleration response was obtained with the gasoline/TAEE mixture and the lowest specific consumption was with the gasoline/di-TAE mixture. TAEE is an adequate alternative to replace MTBE in Otto cycle internal combustion engines, since this compound is partially biorenewable and provides a comparable thermal efficiency and lower specific fuel consumption.     

An eutrophication index for lowland sandy rivers in Mediterranean coastal climatic regions of Southern Africa

The eutrophication of waterways has become an endemic global problem. Nutrient enrichment from agriculture activities and waste water treatment plants are major drivers, but it remains unclear how lowland sandy rivers respond to eutrophication. The objective of this study was the development and verification of eutrophication index for sandy rivers (EISR) to prioritize nutrient enrichment river stretches caused by different land use activities that include point and nonpoint sources of nutrient enrich water. The Berg River drainage system in South Africa served as a case study area for this purpose during the dry seasons (December and January) of 2015 and 2016. In the initial EISR development phase, periphyton, benthic biomass (chl‐a mg m^?2), and macroinvertebrate families were employed as benthic bioindicators of river bedforms, whereas in the second phase, physicochemical and abiotic variables were used as target indicator. Using a weight of support approach, the site receiving sewage effluent was categorize as heavily polluted whereas sites impacted by agriculture land use activities were polluted. The EISR that focuses strongly on benthic bioindicators, which are close to the transfer of nutrients and energy in the food web, showed a distinct difference between river bedform impacted by sewage effluent and agriculture none point source. A maximum benthic algae biomass of 110 mg m^?2 chl‐a was recorded with higher sediment orthophosphate concentration at sewage‐impacted sites. The outcome of the proposed EISR showed that it can be employed as a decision support tool for eutrophication management of sandy rivers.     

Electro‐Drawn Drug‐Loaded Biodegradable Polymer Microneedles as a Viable Route to Hypodermic Injection

Hypodermic needle injection is still the most common method of drug delivery despite its numerous limitations and drawbacks, such as pain, one‐shot administration, and risk of infection. Seeking a viable, safe, and pain‐free alternative to the over 16 billion injections per year has therefore become a top priority for our modern technological society. Here, a system that uses a pyroelectric cartridge in lieu of the syringe piston as a potential solution is discussed. Upon stimulation, the cartridge electro‐draws, at room temperature, an array of drug‐encapsulated, biodegradable polymer microneedles, able to deliver into hypodermic tissue both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive agents, according to a predefined chrono‐programme. This mould‐free and contact‐free method permits the fabrication of biodegradable polymer microneedles into a ready‐to‐use configuration. In fact, they are formed on a flexible substrate/holder by drawing them directly from drop reservoirs, using a controlled electro‐hydrodynamic force. Tests of insertion are performed and discussed in order to demonstrate the possibility to prepare microneedles with suitable geometric and mechanical properties using this method.     

The appropriation and transformation of the landscape: the urbanization process resulting from the cultivation of the erva mate in Paraná (Brazil)

This paper aims to describe the landscape patterns and the urbanization process which evolved due to the mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill) cultivation in the Brazilian state of Paraná. Drinking mate tea is an ancient tradition of the Guarani Indians who settled the southeastern region of South America. The large-scale cultivation of mate in Paraná has been taking place for centuries, mainly in the region around the city of Irati. Mate cultivation induced the development of settlements and influenced their growth; it stamped the economic and social character of the region, and shaped a rich and characteristic landscape. As other cultural landscapes, the ‘mate landscape’ is undergoing changes, with agriculture and urbanization being the most important drivers. To sustain its values it is necessary to call for attention to its environmental, economic, social and cultural virtues. We discuss the ecological and aesthetic value of mate culture, and the social and environmental demands of its future. We also offer arguments and some ideas to create from the landscape a significant community added value, bearing in mind that landscape is a key element of the quality of life and an important asset for future generations.