Water soluble polymeric nanofibres for rapid flocculation and enhanced dewatering of mature fine tailings

Water-soluble polymer flocculants have been used to efficiently release entrapped water in oil sands tailings by bridging fine particles to create large heavier flocs which can then settle faster and release water more efficiently. Due to their initial interaction with the fine particles suspended in tailings, polymer nanofibres may perform better than their parent polymers because of the entire surface of the nanofibres being fully accessible to the fine particles. In this work, commercially available poly(acrylamide-co-diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) was chosen as a basis for this study. Initial settling rate, supernatant turbidity, water recovery, capillary suction time, and solids content were measured to determine the effect of polymer nanofibres on solid-liquid separation. The solid forms of the polymer (either as nanofibre or powder) perform better than the polymer solution in each test, with optimum dosages of 5 wt% mature fine tailings (MFT) loading. Nanofibres could achieve settling rates of 60 m/h, while the other forms were only able to achieve 42 m/h. Additionally, the turbidity of the supernatant obtained after flocculation with nanofibres was 15 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), while the polymer solution and powder produced turbidites of 162 NTU and 70 NTU, respectively. In addition, polymer nanofibres and powders generated larger flocs compared to the polymer solution, which produced small, homogenized flocs.     

Ammonium complex of niobium as a precursor for the preparation of Nb2O5/Al2O3 catalysts

Ammonium oxalate complex of niobium was investigated as an aqueous precursor for the preparation of x% Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ (x=5, 10, 20 and 30 wt.%) samples. Catalysts with the same Nb₂O₅ contents were also prepared from the traditional niobium oxalate/oxalic acid aqueous solution. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), infrared spectroscopy of chemisorbed pyridine and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A comparison with the preparation method using the niobium oxalate salt was performed. The results showed that the niobium precursor influence the species growing leading to phases with different reducibility. The XPS revealed the presence of multilayers of niobium oxide on the Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ samples prepared by using niobium ammonium oxalate complex, while the ones obtained from niobium oxalate led to Nb₂O₅ particles islands. The addition of niobium oxide decreased the fraction of Lewis acid sites and increased the fraction of Brønsted acid sites, independent of the precursor salt. However, the creation of BAS was more pronounced on the Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ samples prepared from niobium oxalate.     

Thermovinification of grapes from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir varieties using immobilized yeasts

This study examined the thermovinification technique using yeasts immobilized on calcium alginate for microvinification of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir grape varieties grown in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The wines obtained by thermovinification were characterized by their chemical and sensory aspects. The varietal wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir had an alcohol content of 9.3 and 10.9 % (v/v), respectively. The total acidity, volatile acidity and the alcohol/reduced dry extract ratio were consistent with the Brazilian standards established for identity and quality of wines. There was a significant reduction in the levels of anthocyanins, flavonoids and total phenolic compounds after aging in the bottle. The sensory evaluation presented an acceptability exceeding 60 % for both wines.     

Evaluation of the effects of operational parameters in the pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse with diluted sulfuric acid using analysis of variance

The pretreatment of lignocellulosic residues has been extensively studied as a method to disrupt the cellulose–hemicelluloses–lignin complex in biomass to access the sugars in their respective components. In this work, we carried out a study using sulfuric acid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse by varying the following operational parameters: solid loading (10–30% of bagasse relative to the volume of the sulfuric acid solution), sulfuric acid concentration (0.5–2.5% relative to the dry mass of bagasse), reaction time (5–25?min), and temperature (135–195°C). The obtained solids from each pretreatment condition were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis under the same process conditions: 0.232?g of Celluclast 1.5?L and 0.052?g of Novozym 188 per g of pretreated sugarcane bagasse, 72?h of hydrolysis, and 200?rpm of agitation at 50°C. Using central composite rotational design configuration in the experiments and analysis of variance, the results indicate that the conditions that produced larger quantities of glucose by enzymatic hydrolysis (0.35?g glucose/g pulp) with minimum amounts of degradation products were as follows: 20% solids loading, 15?min of reaction time, 1.5% sulfuric acid, and a minimum temperature of reaction of 170°C.     

Comparison of vacuum impregnation and soaking techniques for addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus to minimally processed melon

This study aimed to evaluate the vacuum impregnation (VI) and soaking methods in the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilusLA‐3 to minimally processed melon (MPM). The melons were washed, sanitised in chlorine solution (200 mg L^?1), peeled and cutted into cubes. Lactobacillus acidophilusLA‐3 (1.4 × 10¹⁰ CFU g^?1) were added to the MPM through both techniques. The L. acidophilusLA‐3 count in MPM was similar to those commonly found in dairy products having probiotic claim, but VI was more efficient than soaking in maintaining the viability (8.61 and 7.98 Log CFU g^?1, respectively). The pH, acidity and soluble solids were not affected by probiotic culture and the incorporation technique; however, the VI affected the firmness of fruit. The MPM was within Brazilian standards for their microbiological characteristics. MPM may be used as a carrier of probiotic bacteria, being one more alternative for individuals who consume probiotic products.     

Technological and organizational change in the Brazilian computer industry: A case study

Abstract

This article gives an account of the results of a case study undertaken at a pioneer and particularly prominent firm in the Brazilian computer industry: COBRA — Computadores e Sistemas Brasileiros SA.

The study is part of a research project¹ whose main goal is the identification of viable organizational and technological options that could enhance the performance of firms in the Brazilian electro‐electronics industry. Among the more important findings, it was observed that the firm has the potential to evolve to a more flexible structure, in keeping with the new requirements of the probable future market scenarios within its sector.

Everything indicated, however, that the main constraining factors for bringing about such a structure were connected with the firm's culture and beliefs and with the indirect influence of the National Policy of Information Technology upon these. An hypothesis was put forward for an organizational model, and the necessary supportive computerized technology, which could be particularly appropriate in view of the impending deregulation, of the Brazilian computer industry. Also, in the scope of the current discussion on the restructuring of this industry in terms of a greater concentration, an alternative to the prevailing school of thought was proposed, and for whose success the organizational model at issue purports to be particularly relevant.     

Development of molecularly imprinted co-polymeric devices for controlled delivery of flufenamic acid using supercritical fluid technology

This work reports the development of a novel class of affinity co-polymeric materials using supercritical fluid technology. Polymeric materials with molecular recognition to flufenamic acid, were first synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) using the drug as template. Molecularly imprinted co-polymers of methacrylic acid (MAA) or N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were synthesized using different crosslinking degrees and template:monomer ratios, at 65 °C and 21 MPa. High-pressure NMR experiments confirmed that the nature of the interactions between the drug and the functional monomers during the polymerization step are mainly hydrogen bonds. scCO₂-assisted impregnation revealed that the imprinted matrices were able to uptake higher amounts of flufenamic acid. This effect was particularly evidenced in the more crosslinked matrices, with P(MAA-EGDMA) imprinted copolymers binding up to 101.5 mg drug/g polymer against only 50.5 mg/g in the non-imprinted copolymer. In vitro drug delivery experiments showed that imprinted co-polymers release the drug in a more sustained way than the corresponding non-imprinted matrices. Overall it was shown that supercritical fluid technology is a viable approach for the development of self-assembly molecular recognition polymers with potential application in controlled drug delivery systems.     

Effects of different restraints on the weld-induced residual deformations and stresses in a steel plate

Effects of three different plate boundary constraints on the residual stress field and deformation are investigated numerically during butt-joint welding. For the numerical solution of the heat transfer equations, the finite element method is used to predict the temperature profile as well as residual stress field due to three different plate boundary conditions. The distortion of the welded plate is modeled as a nonlinear problem in geometry and material, adopting a finite element solution based upon the thermo–elastic–plastic large deflection theory. High-strength shipbuilding steel AH36 with temperature-depending material properties and nonlinear stress–strain material properties (bilinear isotropic hardening option uses the von Mises yield criteria) are assumed for the numerical analysis. For verifying the results, the temperature profile is compared with the result obtained in a previous research. In the mechanical analysis, three different boundary conditions are applied. Effects of plate thickness, plate width, and mesh model on the residual stress with boundary constraint are studied.     

Tritrichomonas foetus adhere to superhydrophilic vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube surface

For the first time, we show that Tritrichomonas foetus can adhere on superhydrophilic vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) films. Scanning electron microscopy shows an unusual adhesion with a higher membrane filopodium projection in all directions, directly attached to superhydrophilic VACNT tips.     

A Weibull model to describe antimicrobial kinetics of oregano and lemongrass essential oils against Salmonella Enteritidis in ground beef during refrigerated storage

The antimicrobial effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.) essential oils (EOs) against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis in in vitro experiments, and inoculated in ground bovine meat during refrigerated storage (4 ± 2 °C) for 6 days was evaluated. The Weibull model was tested to fit survival/inactivation bacterial curves (estimating of p and δ parameters). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for both EOs on S. Enteritidis was 3.90 μl/ml. The EO concentrations applied in the ground beef were 3.90, 7.80 and 15.60 μl/g, based on MIC levels and possible activity reduction by food constituents. Both evaluated EOs in all tested levels, showed antimicrobial effects, with microbial populations reducing (p ≤ 0.05) along time storage. Evaluating fit-quality parameters (RSS and RSE) Weibull models are able to describe the inactivation curves of EOs against S. Enteritidis. The application of EOs in processed meats can be used to control pathogens during refrigerated shelf-life.