Indoor air quality in Portuguese schools: levels and sources of pollutants

Indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters in 73 primary classrooms in Porto were examined for the purpose of assessing levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, particulate matter, ventilation rates and bioaerosols within and between schools, and potential sources. Levels of VOCs, aldehydes, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, bacteria and fungi, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide, temperature and relative humidity were measured indoors and outdoors and a walkthrough survey was performed concurrently. Ventilation rates were derived from CO₂ and occupancy data. Concentrations of CO₂ exceeding 1000 ppm were often encountered, indicating poor ventilation. Most VOCs had low concentrations (median of individual species <5 μg/m³) and were below the respective WHO guidelines. Concentrations of particulate matter and culturable bacteria were frequently higher than guidelines/reference values. The variability of VOCs, aldehydes, bioaerosol concentrations, and CO₂ levels between schools exceeded the variability within schools. These findings indicate that IAQ problems may persist in classrooms where pollutant sources exist and classrooms are poorly ventilated; source control strategies (related to building location, occupant behavior, maintenance/cleaning activities) are deemed to be the most reliable for the prevention of adverse health consequences in children in schools.     

Modelling of Functionally Graded Adhesive Joints

Nowadays, there is a strong trend towards the use of functionally graded materials, with particular importance for the functionally graded joints. The main objective of this work was to study a functionally modified adhesive in order to have mechanical properties that vary gradually along the overlap of a joint, allowing a uniform stress distribution along the overlap. This allows for a stronger and more efficient adhesive joint and would permit to work with much smaller areas, reducing considerably the weight of the structure which is a key factor in the transport industry. In the proposed joint, the adhesive stiffness varies along the overlap, being maximum in the middle and minimum at the ends of the overlap. The functionally graded joint was found to have a higher joint strength compared to the cases where the adhesive has homogeneous properties along the overlap. A simple analytical model to study the performance of the functionally graded joints was developed. The differential equation of this model was solved by a power series. Numerical modelling by finite element analysis was performed to validate the analytical model developed.     

Hancornia speciosa latex for biomedical applications: physical and chemical properties,biocompatibility assessment and angiogenic activity

The latex obtained from Hancornia speciosa is used in folk medicine for treatment of several diseases, such as acne, warts, diabetes, gastritis and inflammation. In this work, we describe the biocompatibility assessment and angiogenic properties of H. speciosa latex and its potential application in medicine. The physical–chemical characterization was carried out following different methodologies (CHN elemental analyses; thermogravimetric analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The biocompatibility was evaluated through cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests in fibroblast mouse cells and the angiogenic properties were evaluated using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay model. The physical–chemical results showed that the structure of Hancornia speciosa latex biomembrane is very similar to that of Hevea brasiliensis (commercially available product). Moreover, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays showed that H. speciosa latex is biocompatible with life systems and can be a good biomaterial for medical applications. The CAM test showed the efficient ability of H. speciosa latex in neovascularization of tissues. The histological analysis was in accordance with the results obtained in the CAM assay. Our data indicate that the latex obtained from H. speciosa and eluted in water showed significant angiogenic activity without any cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on life systems. The same did not occur with H. speciosa latex stabilized with ammonia. Addition of ammonia does not have significant effects on the structure of biomembranes, but showed a smaller cell survival and a significant genotoxicity effect. This study contributes to the understanding of the potentialities of H. speciosa latex as a source of new phytomedicines.     

Multi-criteria design optimization study of solvent extraction in mixer–settler units

Solvent extraction is considered as a multi-criteria optimization problem, since several chemical species with similar extraction kinetic properties are frequently present in the aqueous phase and the selective extraction is not practicable. This optimization, applied to mixer–settler units, considers the best parameters and operating conditions, as well as the best structure or process flow-sheet. Global process optimization is performed for a specific flow-sheet and a comparison of Pareto curves for different flow-sheets is made. The positive weight sum approach linked to the sequential quadratic programming method is used to obtain the Pareto set.In all investigated structures, recovery increases with hold-up, residence time and agitation speed, while the purity has an opposite behaviour. For the same treatment capacity, counter-current arrangements are shown to promote recovery without significant impairment in purity. Recycling the aqueous phase is shown to be irrelevant, but organic recycling with as many stages as economically feasible clearly improves the design criteria and reduces the most efficient organic flow-rate.     

Proposal of a sequential treatment methodology for the safe reuse of oil sludge-contaminated soil

In this study sequential steps were used to treat and immobilize oil constituents of an oil sludge-contaminated soil. Initially, the contaminated soil was oxidized by a Fenton type reaction (13 wt% for H(2)O(2); 10mM for Fe(2+)). The oxidative treatment period of 80 h was carried out under three different pH conditions: 20 h at pH 6.5, 20 h at pH 4.5, and 40 h at pH 3.0. The oxidized contaminated sample (3 kg) was stabilized and solidified for 2h with clay (1 kg) and lime (2 kg). Finally, this mixture was solidified by sand (2 kg) and Portland cement (4 kg). In order to evaluate the efficiency of different processes to treat and immobilize oil contaminants of the oil sludge-contaminated soil, leachability and solubility tests were performed and extracts were analyzed according to the current Brazilian waste regulations. Results showed that the Fenton oxidative process was partially efficient in degrading the oil contaminants in the soil, since residual concentrations were found for the PAH and BTEX compounds. Leachability tests showed that clay-lime stabilization/solidification followed by Portland cement stabilization/solidification was efficient in immobilizing the recalcitrant and hazardous constituents of the contaminated soil. These two steps stabilization/solidification processes are necessary to enhance environmental protection (minimal leachability) and to render final product economically profitable. The treated waste is safe enough to be used on environmental applications, like roadbeds blocks.     

Unmasking Sensory Defects of Olive Oils Flavored with Basil and Oregano Using an Electronic Tongue-Chemometric Tool

Olive oil price and consumers’ preference depend on the commercial grade classification that can decrease if any sensory defect is perceived leading to an economic loss. Enriched oils, obtained by incorporating dried aromatic herbs, spices, or essential oils, which is a common practice in the Mediterranean region, are commercially available. This practice may conceal the fraudulent purpose of masking the perception of sensory defects. The detection of this type of fraud is a difficult task, requiring sensory analysis. Thus, in this study, extra-virgin and lampante olive oils, the latter classification being due to the perception of an intense winey-vinegary defect, were deliberately enriched with different amounts of basil-dried herbs and oregano-dried herbs. Sensory analysis showed that, depending on the aromatic herb and on the added amount (0.011–0.110 g herb per kg oil), the defect intensity could be masked leading to an erroneous classification of flavored lampante oils as flavored virgin oils. In contrast, the electronic tongue-chemometric approach could unmask the defect in flavored oils (predictive sensitivities: 70–78%) and semiquantitatively discriminate flavored oils according to the added levels of basil or oregano (predictive sensitivities: 93–100%). The electronic tongue approach showed satisfactory unmasking performance when compared with the sensory panel, and so, its future application as a quality control taste-sensor device for disclosing olive oil sensory defects masked by the incorporation of flavoring agents may be forseen.     

Intensity of estrus following an estradiol-progesterone-based ovulation synchronization protocol influences fertility outcomes

The objective of this study was to examine the association between increased physical activity at the moment of timed artificial insemination (AI), detected by an automated activity monitor (AAM), and fertility outcomes. This paper also investigated factors affecting estrous expression in general. A total of 1,411 AI events from 1,040 lactating Holstein cows were recorded, averaging 1.3 ± 0.6 (±standard deviation) events per cow. Activity (measured as steps/h) was monitored continuously by a leg-mounted AAM located on the rear leg of the cow. Ovulation was synchronized by a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and progesterone. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed in all cows on d ?11 (AI = d 0) and in a subset of cows on d 0 (n = 588) and d 7 (n = 819) to determine the presence of a corpus luteum and follicles. The body condition score (1 to 5 scale) was assessed on d 0 and a blood sample was collected for progesterone measurement on d 7. Using the AAM, an estrus event was determined when the relative increase (RI) in physical activity of the cow exceeded 100% of the baseline activity. The physical activity was classified as strong RI (≥300% RI), moderate RI (100–300% RI), or no estrus (<100% RI). Milk production was measured daily and averaged between d ?11 and 0. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 32 and 60 d post-AI and pregnancy losses were calculated. The mean RI at estrus was 328.3 ± 132.1%. Cows with strong RI had greater pregnancy per AI than those with moderate RI and those that did not express estrus (35.1 vs. 27.3 vs. 6.2%). When including only cows that successfully ovulated after timed AI, those that displayed strong intensity RI still had greater pregnancy per AI than those with moderate intensity RI or those that did not express estrus (45.1 vs. 34.8 vs. 6.2%). Cows expressing strong RI at timed AI had greater ovulation rates compared with moderate RI and cows that did not express estrus (94.9 vs. 88.2 vs. 49.5%). Furthermore, pregnancy losses were reduced in cows with strong RI compared with cows expressing moderate RI (13.9 vs. 21.7%). Cows with a strong RI at estrus were more likely to have a corpus luteum at the beginning of the protocol and had greater concentration of progesterone 7 d post-AI. Multiparous cows expressed lower RI compared with primiparous cows. Cows with lower body condition score tended to have decreased RI at estrus. No correlation between estrous expression and pre-ovulatory follicle diameter was observed. Also, no correlation was observed between milk production at AI and RI. In conclusion, strong intensity RI of estrus events at timed AI was associated with improved ovulation rates and pregnancy per AI, and reduced pregnancy losses. These results provide further evidence that measurements of estrous expression can be used to predict fertility at the time of AI and possibly be used as a tool to assist decision making strategies of reproduction programs.     

Rheological, textural and microstructural features of probiotic whey cheeses

Whey cheeses have been manufactured with probiotic bacteria - viz. Bifidobacterium animalis Bo and Lactobacillus casei LAFTI^®L26, from combinations of bovine whey and milk, following protein denaturation at 90 °C; they were subsequently inoculated (at 10%) with those strains, and homogenized afterwards; additives such as salt and sugar were then incorporated; and the resulting solid matrices were stored at 7° C for up to 21 d. Oscillatory measurements and instrumental texture profile analyses were performed, and sensory analyses were carried out by a trained panel. Microstructural features were in addition ascertained by scanning electron microscopy.L. casei exhibited a higher acidifying activity than B. animalis, which produced distinct textures; higher firmness and viscoelasticity were indeed found in matrices inoculated with the former. Incorporation of sugar and L. casei favoured consumer acceptability, relative to plain matrices. Microstructural differences were detected between matrices at different times of storage and formulated with distinct additives.     

Analysis of the Finite Element Method for the Laplace–Beltrami Equation on Surfaces with Regions of High Curvature Using Graded Meshes

We derive error estimates for the piecewise linear finite element approximation of the Laplace–Beltrami operator on a bounded, orientable, \(C^3\), surface without boundary on general shape regular meshes. As an application, we consider a problem where the domain is split into two regions: one which has relatively high curvature and one that has low curvature. Using a graded mesh we prove error estimates that do not depend on the curvature on the high curvature region. Numerical experiments are provided.     

The European debate on rate systems in the interwar period

This article describes a particular branch that evolved in the diffusion of electrical rate systems in twentieth-century Europe and the debate that ensued between the competitive, promotional and cost based approaches. Three major questions are addressed: What factors and historical circumstances favoured the emergence of more or less efficient pricing schemes? Why did some enterprises opt for promotional rates while others defended the cost based alternative? What is the historical origin of marginal cost pricing? It is shown how the volatility of the costs that characterize hydro-electric production made this particular technology very sensitive to a cost approach towards pricing and to a seasonal and time-of-day perspective on rate systems.