Federal University of São Carlos

About: Federal University of São Carlos is a education organization based out in São Carlos, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Microstructure. The organization has 16471 authors who have published 34057 publications receiving 456654 citations. The organization is also known as: UFSCar & Federal University of São Carlos.

Using Amazon forest fungi and agricultural residues as a strategy to produce cellulolytic enzymes

Abstract: The successful strategy to produce cellulolytic enzymes includes both microorganism selection and improved fermentation process conditions. This work describes the isolation, screening and selection of biomass-degrading fungi species from the Amazon forest and analyzes the enzymatic complex produced by a selected strain of Aspergillus fumigatus cultivated using different agro-industrial residues (wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, soybean bran, and orange peel) as substrate in solid state fermentation (SSF). The profile of endoglucanase (CMCase), FPase, β-glucosidase and xylanase enzymatic activities obtained during 120 h of cultivation is presented. Enzyme activities up 160.1 IU g−1 for CMCase, 5.0 FPU g−1 for FPAse, 105.82 IU g−1 for β-glucosidase and 1055.62 IU g−1 for xylanase were achieved. The enzymatic extract with higher CMCase activity was used to run a zymogram analysis that showed 3 bands of endoglucanase activity. Characterization studies of this extract showed that the CMCase was most active at either 65 °C or pH 3–3.5, indicating that this microorganism produces a thermophilic and acid endoglucanase. These data demonstrate that the fungal isolates from the Amazon forest are a potential source of cellulases and xylanases, providing support to further studies related to the use of these microorganisms to obtain the enzymes needed for biomass conversion.

Dip-coated TiO2CeO2 films as transparent counter-electrode for transmissive electrochromic devices☆

Abstract: The dip-coating process is an attractive way for the preparation of thin films used in the field of electrochromism. The scope of the present paper is focused on the TiO 2 CeO 2 compounds since they exhibit a reversible electrochemical insertion of lithium ions maintaining a high optical transmissivity. These films can be used as transparent counter-electrode in an all solid state electrochromic transmissive device with, for example, WO 3 as electrochromic material and a lithium conductive polymer as electrolyte.

Genome-wide association study for intramuscular fat deposition and composition in Nellore cattle

Abstract: Meat from Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds are an important source of nutrients for humans and intramuscular fat (IMF) influences its flavor, nutritional value and impacts human health. Human consumption of fat that contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) can reduce the concentration of undesirable cholesterol (LDL) in circulating blood. Different feeding practices and genetic variation within and between breeds influences the amount of IMF and fatty acid (FA) composition in meat. However, it is difficult and costly to determine fatty acid composition, which has precluded beef cattle breeding programs from selecting for a healthier fatty acid profile. In this study, we employed a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip to genotype 386 Nellore steers, a Bos indicus breed and, a Bayesian approach to identify genomic regions and putative candidate genes that could be involved with deposition and composition of IMF. Twenty-three genomic regions (1-Mb SNP windows) associated with IMF deposition and FA composition that each explain ≥ 1% of the genetic variance were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 26 and 27. Many of these regions were not previously detected in other breeds. The genes present in these regions were identified and some can help explain the genetic basis of deposition and composition of fat in cattle. The genomic regions and genes identified contribute to a better understanding of the genetic control of fatty acid deposition and can lead to DNA-based selection strategies to improve meat quality for human consumption.

Qualidade de vida, apoio social e depressão em idosos: relação com habilidades sociais

Abstract: Current studies suggest that the capacity to socially interact is basic for the elderly in order to reach out and keep social support, and to guarantee a better quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the social abilities, social support, quality of life and depression of the elderly from Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UnATI/UERJ), in the contexts of family and asylums. For this research the following tools were used: Social Skills Inventory, Social Support Measurement, WHOQOL-BRIEF and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Analysis of the data obtained from the instruments above, show that the elderly that live in asylums present a reduced repertoire of social abilities, a diminished social support network and an impaired quality of life. This research offers subsidies for the implantation of Social Skills Training Programs directed for the elderly, enhancing their ability to get social support and, therefore, a better quality of life.