Effects of nisin concentration on properties of gelatin film-forming solutions and their films

The addition of nisin into a gelatin matrix can change properties of the film. The aim of this work was to develop gelatin-based films containing different nisin concentrations in order to study their influence on the film's antimicrobial and physical properties and their rheological properties as a film-forming solution (FFS). The FFS was characterised by rheological assays, and the gelatin-based active films were characterised and assessed by the effects of nisin concentrations on their various properties, including antimicrobial activity. Nisin's concentration affected not only its viscoelastic properties of FFS but also its film solubility in water, film surface roughness and light barrier. The addition of nisin also slightly modified the water contact angle and the mechanical properties of the gelatin films. Finally, the films demonstrated activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes at concentrations above 56 mg of nisin g⁻¹ of gelatin.     

A feasibility study of Lactobacillus plantarum in fruit powders after processing and storage

The aim of this study was to develop fruit powders (apple, banana and strawberry) enriched with a probiotic strain (Lactobacillus plantarum 299v). Two methodologies were proposed: (i) drying of the fruit with probiotic culture incorporated (by convection) or (ii) drying of fruit (by convection) and addition of spray‐dried probiotic culture. In the first methodology, processing caused a notable reduction in probiotic viable counts in apple, but this reduction was lower during drying of banana and strawberry. A large reduction in viable cells was also recorded during storage. In the second methodology, the survival of L. plantarum 299v was considerably higher during spray‐drying, and fruit powders with a microbial content suitable for a probiotic food (10⁸–10⁹ cfu g^?1) were obtained. The fruit powders incorporating L. plantarum 299v can be stored at 4 °C or at room temperature, for at least 3 months. This preliminary study demonstrated that fruit powders are good carriers of probiotic cultures, but the techniques used to produce them should be carefully considered.     

Mapping inland water carbon content with Landsat 8 data

Landsat 8 is the first Earth observation satellite with sufficient radiometric and spatial resolution to allow global mapping of lake CDOM and DOC (coloured dissolved organic matter and dissolved organic carbon, respectively) content. Landsat 8 is a multispectral sensor however, the number of potentially usable band ratios, or more sophisticated indices, is limited. In order to test the suitability of the ratio most commonly used in lake carbon content mapping, the green–red band ratio, we carried out fieldwork in Estonian and Brazilian lakes. Several atmospheric correction methods were also tested in order to use image data where the image-to-image variability due to illumination conditions would be minimal. None of the four atmospheric correction methods tested, produced reflectance spectra that matched well with in situ measured reflectance. Nevertheless, the green–red band ratio calculated from the reflectance data was in correlation with measured CDOM values. In situ data show that there is a strong correlation between CDOM and DOC concentrations in Estonian and Brazilian lakes. Thus, mapping the global CDOM and DOC content from Landsat 8 is plausible but more data from different parts of the world are needed before decisions can be made about the accuracy of such global estimation.     

Preliminary Developments of Miniplate-Type Fuel of U-2.5Zr-7.5Nb Alloy Dispersed and Cladded in Zircaloy

Nuclear fuel based on uranium metal alloys is utilized in research and test reactors. For the purpose of the reduction of fuel enrichment, high densities of uranium-235 in this kind of fuel are needed. This can be achieved when uranium alloys are used containing elements such as Zr, Mo and Nb. The construction of fuel element with high-uranium density requires materials with low cross sections for neutron absorption, stability under irradiation and absence of the chemical interactions between the fuel and cladding elements. In case of U-Zr-Nb alloys, Zry （zircaloy） cladding is a better option due to the fact that they have a higher chemical compatibility when compared with the use of aluminum alloys. This study aims to develop plate type nuclear fuel using the U-2.5Zr-7.5Nb alloy dispersed in Zry. Powders of this uranium based alloy and Zry were obtained by hydriding-dehydriding process. These powders were homogenized, compacted in pellet that was sandwiched in plates and frame of Zry. This assembly was hot rolled forming the dispersion fuel miniplate.     

Evaluation of the peptide profile with a view to authenticating buffalo mozzarella cheese

Electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques were used to determine water‐soluble peptide profiles aiming to identify the adulteration of buffalo milk mozzarella cheese by the addition of cow's milk. Thus, cheeses were produced with contents of cow's milk varying from 0% to 100%, and the peptides extracted after production and after 20 days of refrigeration. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS‐PAGE) identified a potential peptide marker of exclusively bovine origin with a size of about 21 kDa for the addition of cow's milk above 30%. Reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) indicated the existence of two potential peptides present in higher concentrations in buffalo milk and one exclusive for cow's milk, the latter making it possible to estimate the addition of cow's milk to buffalo milk. Six commercial brands of buffalo mozzarella cheese were evaluated, and indications of adulteration found in four of them.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Allyl Fatty Acid Derivatives as Reactive Coalescing Agents for Latexes

This work evaluated the use of allyl fatty acid esters derived from vegetable oil (palmitic acid, soybean and sunflower oils) as reactive coalescing agents in a waterborne latex system. Allyl fatty acid derivatives (AFAD) from vegetable oils were synthesized by two different processes. The synthesis was monitored by IR-spectroscopy and the final product characterized by FT-IR, GC–MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The presence of conjugated double bonds in the aliphatic chain was confirmed, which is a determinant for the proposed autoxidative latexes drying mechanism. Each of the AFAD were subsequently added to a standard acrylic emulsion, in order to study its potential as reactive coalescing agent. The minimum film-forming temperature (MFT), glass transition temperature (T _g), drying time and rubbing resistance to solvents were evaluated. The results showed that, when added to water-borne acrylic resins, an AFAD acts as a non-volatile plasticizer capable of autoxidative crosslinking with itself.     

In search of computer-aided social support in non-communicable diseases care

Non-communicable diseases burden is well-known and care for these diseases goes beyond patients’ engagement, extending to their family, friends, and acquaintances. The ability of social relations in alleviating the harmful effects of health risks is known as social support. Computing can be used to promote social support to enhance the care of non-communicable diseases. However, it is unclear how computing obtains such enhancement. This paper presents a systematic review, in the form of a mapping study, aiming to answer how computing enhances non-communicable diseases care by using social data and by promoting social support. It also looks for available computing models focused on social support promotion in non-communicable diseases care. The study was guided by a two-phase process review, resulting in 38 reviewed papers from journals, conferences, and chapters in the period from 2010 to 2016. In general, the reviewed papers focus on controlled trials, frameworks and systems, knowledge discovery, simulation models or social media usage analysis. Knowledge discovery was the predominant subject, followed by social media usage analysis, and frameworks and systems.     

Intelligent micellar polymeric nanocarriers for therapeutics and diagnosis

Polymeric micelles can be designed and synthesized to bear polymeric blocks with different hydrophilicities; this triggers their self‐assembly into micellar aggregates similar to those generated with traditional surfactants. The basic structure consists of a hydrophobic core, capable of containing guest substances, and a hydrophilic shell, which stabilizes the payload and protects it from external degradation or prevents its quick elimination from the body. The accumulation of block copolymer micelles (BCMs) in a target cell or tissue can be accomplished by two main mechanisms, passive and active targeting; this allows the payload release at the site of action when desired. Hence, in this general overview, we pay special attention to newly developed single‐stimulus‐ and multi‐stimuli‐responsive delivery systems capable of disassembling and reassembling (in some cases) as a response to changes in their physicochemical properties. Also, special interest is also devoted to multifunctional BCMs incorporating multiple therapeutic agents and/or multiple imaging contrast agents, which can be considered the new generation (third generation) of drug‐delivery systems, that is, nanotheranostic platforms. Finally, a summary of BCM‐based drug‐delivery systems currently under clinical trials is given. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42650.     

Biocompatibility and cutaneous reactivity of cellulosic polysaccharide film in induced skin wounds in rats

The development of a skin substitute suitable for immediately performing the function of the lost dermis and epidermis could result in a positive impact on the treatment of patients with extensive skin lesions. A biopolymer film was applied to skin wounds to investigate the biocompatibility and cutaneous reaction and to test its activity as a mechanical barrier and conductor in the healing process. Forty Wistar rats of both sexes were used in the present study. Two excisions were performed in the dorsal part of the skin flaps. The polysaccharide film was applied over one of the incisions and other incision was washed with saline. The time spent for complete healing of both lesions was virtually the same in both groups, during 21 days of observation. The film remained attached to the bed of the exposed wound for an average period of 6 days. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to lesion measurement area at assessment times of 2nd, 7th and 14th postoperative days. At day 21, the scar area showed a significant difference (0.0229). After 40 days, all wounds were completely healed. No statistically significant differences were found between the histological parameters assessed in the experimental and control groups. The cellulosic polysaccharide film integrated well with the tissue showing high biocompatibility and low skin reactivity.     

A linear programming model for cash flow management in the Brazilian construction industry

A linear programming model has been developed for optimal cash flow management addressing specific cash flow issues related to the construction industry. These include typical financial transactions, possible delays on payments, use of available credit lines, effect of changing interest rates, and budget constraints that often occur in the construction industry. A small size project from the Brazilian construction industry is provided as a case study, aiming at evaluating the potential benefits from using the model. Different changes to the basic structure of the model allow and establish the consistency of the results. Alternative formulations are suggested to deal with uncertainties, longer planning horizons, and multiple subcontractors and suppliers. In addition to the tangible financial earnings derived from the optimization process, the simple structure of the model, as a network flow and corresponding equations, provides much visual insight concerning the relationships between the external inputs and the variables of the problem. Optimal results have yet to be achieved in a real life situation, but a better view of whole cash flow management is provided when using the model.