Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina published in 2010"
TL;DR: The pros and cons of molecular techniques for the detection and quantification of pathogens in water are discussed and further refinement is required in order to be standardized and applicable to a diversity of matrices.
410 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the W_Ha versus [NII]/Ha (WHAN) diagram to provide a comprehensive emission-line classification of SDSS galaxies.
Abstract: We use the W_Ha versus [NII]/Ha (WHAN) diagram to provide a comprehensive emission-line classification of SDSS galaxies. This classification is able to cope with the large population of weak line galaxies that do not appear in traditional diagrams due to a lack of some of the diagnostic lines. A further advantage of the WHAN diagram is to allow the differentiation between two very distinct classes that overlap in the LINER region of traditional diagnostic diagrams. These are galaxies hosting a weakly active nucleus (wAGN) and "retired galaxies" (RGs), i.e. galaxies that have stopped forming stars and are ionized by their hot evolved low-mass stars. A useful criterion to distinguish true from fake AGN (i.e. the RGs) is the ratio (\xi) of the extinction-corrected L_Ha with respect to the Ha luminosity expected from photoionization by stellar populations older than 100 Myr. This ratio follows a markedly bimodal distribution, with a \xi >> 1 population composed by systems undergoing star-formation and/or nuclear activity, and a peak at \xi ~ 1 corresponding to the prediction of the RG model. We base our classification scheme on the equivalent width of Ha, an excellent observational proxy for \xi. Based on the bimodal distribution of W_Ha, we set the division between wAGN and RGs at W_Ha = 3 A. Five classes of galaxies are identified within the WHAN diagram: (a) Pure star forming galaxies: log [NII]/Ha 3 A. (b) Strong AGN (i.e., Seyferts): log [NII]/Ha > -0.4 and W_Ha > 6 A. (c) Weak AGN: log [NII]/Ha > -0.4 and W_Ha between 3 and 6 A. (d) RGs: W_Ha < 3 A. (e) Passive galaxies (actually, line-less galaxies): W_Ha and W_[NII] < 0.5 A. A comparative analysis of star formation histories and of other properties in these different classes of galaxies corroborates our proposed differentiation between RGs and weak AGN in the LINER-like family. (Abridged)
394 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed to use the BPT diagram for galaxy classification and showed that the W Hα versus [N II]/Hα diagram can be applied to the largest sample of galaxies without loss of discriminating power between Seyferts and LINERs.
Abstract: A numerous population of weak line galaxies (WLGs) is often left out of statistical studies on emission-line galaxies (ELGs) due to the absence of an adequate classification scheme, since classical diagnostic diagrams, such as [O III]/Hβ versus [N II]/Hα (the BPT diagram), require the measurement of at least four emission lines. This paper aims to remedy this situation by transposing the usual divisory lines between star-forming (SF) galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) hosts and between Seyferts and LINERs to diagrams that are more economical in terms of line quality requirements. By doing this, we rescue from the classification limbo a substantial number of sources and modify the global census of ELGs. More specifically, (1) we use the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 to constitute a suitable sample of 280 000 ELGs, one-third of which are WLGs. (2) Galaxies with strong emission lines are classified using the widely applied criteria of Kewley et al., Kauffmann et al. and Stasinska et al. to distinguish SF galaxies and AGN hosts and Kewley et al. to distinguish Seyferts from LINERs. (3) We transpose these classification schemes to alternative diagrams keeping [N II]/Hα as a horizontal axis, but replacing Hβ by a stronger line (Hα or [O II]), or substituting the ionization-level sensitive [O III]/Hβ ratio with the equivalent width of Hα (W Hα ). Optimized equations for the transposed divisory lines are provided. (4) We show that nothing significant is lost in the translation, but that the new diagrams allow one to classify up to 50 per cent more ELGs. (5) Introducing WLGs in the census of galaxies in the local Universe increases the proportion of metal-rich SF galaxies and especially LINERs. In the course of this analysis, we were led to make the following points. (i) The Kewley et al. BPT line for galaxy classification is generally ill-used. (ii) Replacing [O III]/Hβ by W Hα in the classification introduces a change in the philosophy of the distinction between LINERs and Seyferts, but not in its results. Because the W Hα versus [N II]/Hα diagram can be applied to the largest sample of ELGs without loss of discriminating power between Seyferts and LINERs, we recommend its use in further studies. (iii) The dichotomy between Seyferts and LINERs is washed out by WLGs in the BPT plane, but it subsists in other diagnostic diagrams. This suggests that the right wing in the BPT diagram is indeed populated by at least two classes, tentatively identified with bona fide AGN and 'retired' galaxies that have stopped forming stars and are ionized by their old stellar populations.
393 citations
TL;DR: In this study, chitosan was crosslinked with both epichlorohydrin (ECH) and triphosphate (TPP), by covalent and ionic crosslinking, respectively, and the resulting new CTS-ECH-TPP adsorbent was characterized by CHN analysis, EDS, FTIR spectroscopy, TGA and DSC, and it was demonstrated that the adsorption process proceeded according to the pseudo-second-order model.
311 citations
TL;DR: The Grid and Cloud Computing Intrusion Detection System integrates knowledge and behavior analysis to detect intrusions.
Abstract: Providing security in a distributed system requires more than user authentication with passwords or digital certificates and confidentiality in data transmission. The Grid and Cloud Computing Intrusion Detection System integrates knowledge and behavior analysis to detect intrusions.
280 citations
TL;DR: The toxicological results of the tests with Daphnia Magna showed that there is an increase in toxicity after ozonization and a decrease after submitting the ozonized synthetic wastewater to biological treatment with a biofilm.
280 citations
TL;DR: This review outlines recent progress in the research on some new classes of sorbents for extraction and microextraction techniques and focuses on recent advanced developments in the design, synthesis and application of sol-gel in preparation of coatings for the SPME fibers.
229 citations
TL;DR: A framework for multi-agent control of linear dynamic systems, which decomposes a centralized model predictive control problem into a network of coupled, but small sub-problems that are solved by the distributed agents.
Abstract: The operation of large dynamic systems such as urban traffic networks remains a challenge in control engineering to a great extent due to their sheer size, intrinsic complexity, and nonlinear behavior. Recently, control engineers have looked for unconventional means for modeling and control of complex dynamic systems, in particular the technology of multi-agent systems whose appeal stems from their composite nature, flexibility, and scalability. This paper contributes to this evolving technology by proposing a framework for multi-agent control of linear dynamic systems, which decomposes a centralized model predictive control problem into a network of coupled, but small sub-problems that are solved by the distributed agents. Theoretical results ensure convergence of the distributed iterations to a globally optimal solution. The framework is applied to the signaling split control of traffic networks. Experiments conducted with simulation software indicate that the multi-agent framework attains performance comparable to conventional control. The main advantages of the multi-agent framework are its graceful extension and localized reconfiguration, which require adjustments only in the control strategies of the agents in the vicinity.
213 citations
TL;DR: Posterior occlusal veneers made of composite resin (Paradigm MZ100) had significantly higher fatigue resistance compared to IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD, and demonstrated survival rates of 30% and 100%, respectively.
Abstract: Statement of problem Thin, bonded, posterior occlusal veneers constitute a conservative alternative to traditional complete coverage crowns. Information regarding selection of the appropriate material and its influence on fatigue resistance, which may affect the longevity of the restoration, is missing. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the fatigue resistance of composite resin and ceramic posterior occlusal veneers. Material and methods Thirty extracted molars received a standardized nonretentive tooth preparation (simulating advanced occlusal erosion), including removal of occlusal enamel, exposure of dentin, and immediate dentin sealing (Optibond FL). All teeth were restored with a 1.2-mm-thick occlusal veneer (Cerec 3 chairside CAD/CAM system). The restorations (n=10) were milled from leucite-reinforced and lithium disilicate ceramics (IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD, respectively) and a composite resin (Paradigm MZ100). The intaglio surfaces of the ceramic restorations were conditioned by hydrofluoric acid etching and silane. Airborne-particle abrasion and silane were used to condition the composite resin restorations. Preparations were airborne-particle abraded and etched. All restorations were bonded with preheated luting material and submitted to cyclic isometric loading at 5 Hz, starting with a load of 200 N (x5000 cycles), followed by stepwise loading of 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, and 1400 N at a maximum of 30,000 cycles each. The number of cycles at initial failure (first cracks) was recorded. Specimens were loaded for a maximum of 185,000 cycles. Groups were compared using the life table survival analysis (α=.016, Bonferroni method). Results IPS Empress CAD failed at an average load of 900 N, with no specimen withstanding all 185,000 load cycles (survival 0%), while IPS e.max CAD and Paradigm MZ100 demonstrated survival rates of 30% and 100%, respectively. None of the specimens exhibited catastrophic failure, but only cracks limited to the restorative material. Conclusions Posterior occlusal veneers made of composite resin (Paradigm MZ100) had significantly higher fatigue resistance ( P
210 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed biodegradable films based on rice starch and rice flour, and characterized their physicochemical, microscopic and mechanical properties, and found that rice flour films have similar mechanical properties to those of starch based films.
203 citations
TL;DR: This study compared the clinical outcome of bleaching techniques in vital teeth with a split-mouth study design and found that OBL and OB resulted in higher sensitivity rates than HB, and the use of light irradiation did not improve bleaching efficacy.
Abstract: Clinical Relevance Tooth bleaching results obtained with different techniques (home bleaching, in-office bleaching with or without light source and a combination of in-office bleaching + home bleaching) were similar after a two-week period. Dentists must inform their patients about the expected outcomes of each procedure and provide an evidence-based choice.
TL;DR: The present results showed that TRPA1 present at either peripheral or spinal sites play a relevant role in the development and maintenance of both mechanical and cold hyperalgesia during CFA‐induced inflammation, and TRpa1 selective antagonists represent promising candidates to treat hyperAlgesia in persistent inflammatory states.
Abstract: This study investigated the role of TRPA1 in the development and maintenance of mechanical and cold hyperalgesia in persistent inflammation induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) in mice. The intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of CFA induced a long lasting (28 days) hyperalgesia for both mechanical and thermal (cold) stimuli. The intraperitoneal (i.p., 30-300 mg/kg), intraplantar (i.pl., 100 microg/site) or intrathecal (i.t., 10 microg/site) injection of the TRPA1 selective antagonist HC-030031 significantly reduced the mechanical hyperalgesia evaluated by the von Frey hair test. The effect of HC-030031 was evidenced on the day after CFA injection and was kept throughout the test. However, the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v., 10 microg/site) injection of HC-030031 did not interfere with CFA-induced hyperalgesia. Treatment with HC-030031 (300 mg/kg, i.p.) completely inhibited the noxious cold hyperalgesia induced by tetrafluoroethane in mice that received CFA. The pre-treatment with the TRPA1 oligonucleotide antisense (AS-ODN, i.t.) consistently prevented both mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. Interestingly, both TRPA1 protein expression and mRNA were over-expressed in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of mice treated with CFA, an effect that was fully prevented by the pre-treatment with the TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031. Collectively, the present results showed that TRPA1 present at either peripheral or spinal sites play a relevant role in the development and maintenance of both mechanical and cold hyperalgesia during CFA-induced inflammation. Thus, TRPA1 selective antagonists represent promising candidates to treat hyperalgesia in persistent inflammatory states.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify air movement acceptability levels inside naturally ventilated buildings in Brazil and find that the minimal air velocity required were at least 0.4 m/s for 26 °C reaching 0.9 m/m for operative temperatures up to 30 °C.
TL;DR: The method is designed to identify references with high academic relevance in databases accessed via the internet, using a bibliometric analysis to sift the selected articles.
Abstract: Purpose – This research paper proposes a method for selecting references related to a research topic, and seeks to exemplify it for the case of a study evaluating training programs. The method is designed to identify references with high academic relevance in databases accessed via the internet, using a bibliometric analysis to sift the selected articles.Design/methodology/approach – The study is descriptive, in so far as its goal is to describe a method, and the nature of the paper is theoretical. The study incorporates an inductive logic, and draws on secondary data sources. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods, and can therefore be described as mixed method. The research involves the application of a technical procedure.Findings – The method employed sifted a large number of potential resources identified in a search of the internet and, after 11 stages in the proposed process, 11 papers were identified as being relevant to the research topic and highly cited. Descriptive statistics ...
TL;DR: It was concluded that the biomineralization process positively influenced the push-out bond strength of the cements, particularly the MTA groups.
TL;DR: Monocarboxylate transporter 1 is up‐regulated in basal‐like breast carcinoma and its role in “cell reprograming” is unclear.
Abstract: Aims: Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) have beenconsidered promising targets for cancer therapy, sincethey facilitate lactate efflux in glycolytic tumours.However, their role in solid tumours is still poorlyunderstood. Thus, the present work aimed to contrib-ute to understanding the involvement of MCT1 andMCT4 in breast cancer progression as well as MCTregulation by CD147.Methods and results: The expression of the membranetransporters MCT1 and MCT4 was analysed in a seriesof breast carcinomas (249 cases) and their clinicopath-ological significance investigated. Additionally, weanalysed the significance of CD147 co-expression, asan important regulator of MCT expression and activity.MCT1 was significantly increased in breast carcinomaswhen compared with normal breast tissue and, impor-tantly, both MCT1 and CD147 were associated withpoor prognostic variables such as basal-like subtypeand high grade tumours.Conclusions: These results provide evidence for a prog-nostic value of MCT1 in breast carcinoma and supportthe exploitation of the complex MCT1 ⁄ CD147 as apromising target for cancer therapy, especially in basal-like breast carcinoma.Keywords: breast carcinoma, CD147, immunohistochemistry, monocarboxylate transporterAbbreviations: CK, cytokeratin; DAB, 3,3¢-diaminobenzidine; DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ; EGFR, epidermalgrowth factor receptor; ER, oestrogen receptor; MCTs, monocarboxylate transporters; PR, progesterone receptor;TMA, tissue microarray
TL;DR: In this paper, aqueous ultrasound-assisted extraction method was used to extract flavonoid fractions from citrus peels (lime, orange and tangerine) growing in South American cultivars.
TL;DR: Results showed that although there are different transportation options in Brazil, the current predominance of road transport causes severe environmental impacts, and future studies involving Brazilian soybeans should take into account the region of origin as different levels of environmental impact are predicted.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of nanosilica and silica fume on rheology, spread on flow table, compressive strength, water absorption, apparent porosity, unrestrained shrinkage and weight loss of mortars up to 28 days were investigated through factorial design experiments.
TL;DR: During mammary malignant transformation, tumour cells lose their ability to synthesize the active form of Vitamin D and respond to VDR-mediated Vitamin D effects, while increasing their able to degrade this hormone.
Abstract: Background
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease associated with different patient prognosis and responses to therapy Vitamin D has been emerging as a potential treatment for cancer, as it has been demonstrated that it modulates proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, among others It acts mostly through the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the synthesis and degradation of this hormone are regulated by the enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, respectively We aimed to study the expression of these three proteins by immunohistochemistry in a series of breast lesions
TL;DR: This review highlights the production, purification, characterization, applications and immobilization of lipases from Aspergillus spp.
Abstract: The lipases obtained from the genus Aspergillus present remarkable importance in biotechnological applications, and numerous studies have reported the importance of the fermentation parameters, such as nutrients, temperature and fermentation time. Moreover, many Aspergillus spp. lipases present several properties of immense industrial importance, such as their pH and temperature stability and excellent enantioselectivity. Different strategies have been used in order to immobilize crude or purified Aspergillus spp. lipases. Hence, Aspergillus spp. lipases have been studied for different industrial applications such as in the food and detergent industries, and also in the kinetic resolution of pharmaceuticals and chiral intermediates. This review highlights the production, purification, characterization, applications and immobilization of lipases from Aspergillus spp.
17 Feb 2010
TL;DR: An extensive experimental analysis shows that F-LQE outperforms existing estimators, that estimates link quality on the basis of four link quality properties: packet delivery, asymmetry, stability, and channel quality.
Abstract: Radio Link Quality Estimation (LQE) is a fundamental building block for Wireless Sensor Networks, namely for a reliable deployment, resource management and routing. Existing LQEs (e.g. PRR, ETX, Four-bit, and LQI) are based on a single link property, thus leading to inaccurate estimation. In this paper, we propose F-LQE, that estimates link quality on the basis of four link quality properties: packet delivery, asymmetry, stability, and channel quality. Each of these properties is defined in linguistic terms, the natural language of Fuzzy Logic. The overall quality of the link is specified as a fuzzy rule whose evaluation returns the membership of the link in the fuzzy subset of good links. Values of the membership function are smoothed using EWMA filter to improve stability. An extensive experimental analysis shows that F-LQE outperforms existing estimators.
TL;DR: In this paper, a trabalho consiste em construir um modelo for avaliar o desempenho de empresas terceirizadas na area of telecomunicacoes.
Abstract: O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em construir um modelo para avaliar o desempenho de empresas terceirizadas na area de telecomunicacoes. Trata-se de um estudo de caso, caracterizando-se como exploratorio de natureza pratica. Segue uma abordagem quali-quantitativa, tendo como instrumentos para a coleta de dados entrevistas semi-estruturadas com o Gestor de Projetos responsavel pela selecao das empresas terceirizadas complementado por analise documental. O instrumento de intervencao utilizado foi a metodologia MCDA-C. A metodologia permitiu identificar, organizar, mensurar e integrar os criterios. O modelo construido permite ao gerente visualizar o perfil das empresas terceirizadas nos criterios por ele identificados como relevantes para o sucesso de sua organizacao. O trabalho ilustra para uma das terceirizadas: o perfil de impacto; o resultado numerico de sua avaliacao; o processo disponibilizado pelo modelo para gerar alternativas para aperfeicoar o desempenho da terceirizada e permitir ao gerente compreender as consequencias destas acoes.
TL;DR: The present results show that QU-ME exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory properties in a murine model of airways allergic inflammation and suggest that it might present therapeutic potential for the airways inflammatory diseases management.
TL;DR: Novel symmetric hybrid multilevel topologies are introduced for both single- and three-phase medium-voltage high-power systems, and the topology conception is presented in detail, where a three-level switching cell with low component count and its modulation pattern give the origin of the proposed converters.
Abstract: Novel symmetric hybrid multilevel topologies are introduced for both single- and three-phase medium-voltage high-power systems. The topology conception is presented in detail, where a three-level switching cell with low component count, and its modulation pattern give the origin of the proposed converters. Voltage sharing and low output-voltage distortion are achieved. The theoretical frequency spectra are derived. Switching devices are separated into high- and low-frequency devices, generating hybrid converters. Five-level three-phase topologies are generated from only three insulated dc sources, while the number of semiconductors is the same as for the cascaded H bridge. Both simulation and experimental results are provided showing the validity of the analysis.
TL;DR: In this article, ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by the Pechini method from a polyester by reacting citric acid with ethylene glycol in which the metal ions are dissolved, and incorporated into blend films of chitosan (CS) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with different concentrations of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, Tween 80 (T80).
TL;DR: In this article, the treatment of wastewater containing three NSAIDs (acetaminophen, ketoprofen and naproxen) and three antibiotics (roxithromycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) in two Membrane Bioreactors with sludge retention times (SRTs) of 15 (MBR-15) and 30 (MBr-30) days over a period of 4 weeks.
01 Feb 2010
TL;DR: In this article, the capacity of the membrane to retain the compounds was verified by spectrophotometric analysis: for aqueous solution, the membrane retained around 94% of the phenolic compounds, while for the ethanolic solution these values were 53% and 90%, respectively.
Abstract: Propolis has a variable and complex chemical composition with high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in the extract. The extract varies with the solvent used in extraction. Ethanol extracts more phenolic acid and polar compounds than water. Before their use in industry, extracts must be concentrated but the use of high temperatures can degrade some compounds. Membrane processes is an option that allows concentration at low temperatures. Nanofiltration was carried out with aqueous and ethanolic extracts and each extract results in two distinct fractions: permeate and retentate. The capacity of the membrane to retain the compounds was verified by spectrophotometric analysis: for aqueous solution, the membrane retained around 94% of the phenolic compounds and 99% of the flavonoids, while for the ethanolic solution these values were 53% and 90%, respectively. Ferulic acid retention index was 1.00 and 0.88 to aqueous and ethanolic solutions, respectively. Thus, the nanofiltration process showed high efficiency in the concentration of propolis extracts.
TL;DR: Results reported in epidemiological, clinical and animal studies are examined to provide a comprehensive picture of the antiparkinsonian potential of caffeine and provide strong evidence that caffeine may represent a promising therapeutic tool in PD, thus being the first compound to restore both motor and non-motor early symptoms of PD together with its neuroprotective potential.
Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population older than 60 years. Classically, PD is considered to be a motor system disease and its diagnosis is based on the presence of a set of cardinal motor signs (rigidity, bradykinesia, rest tremor) that are consequence of a pronounced death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Nowadays there is considerable evidence showing that non-dopaminergic degeneration also occurs in other brain areas which seems to be responsible for the deficits in olfactory, emotional and memory functions that precede the classical motor symptoms in PD. The present review attempts to examine results reported in epidemiological, clinical and animal studies to provide a comprehensive picture of the antiparkinsonian potential of caffeine. Convergent epidemiological and pre-clinical data suggest that caffeine may confer neuroprotection against the underlying dopaminergic neuron degeneration, and influence the onset and progression of PD. The available data also suggest that caffeine can improve the motor deficits of PD and that adenosine A2A receptor antagonists such as istradefylline reduces OFF time and dyskinesia associated with standard 'dopamine replacement' treatments. Finally, recent experimental findings have indicated the potential of caffeine in the management of non-motor symptoms of PD, which do not improve with the current dopaminergic drugs. Altogether, the studies reviewed provide strong evidence that caffeine may represent a promising therapeutic tool in PD, thus being the first compound to restore both motor and non-motor early symptoms of PD together with its neuroprotective potential.
TL;DR: In this paper, a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method was used to obtain oranges pomace extract using CO 2 and CO 2 with co-solvent in order to evaluate the high pressure method in terms of process yield, extract composition and biological activity.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to obtain orange ( Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) pomace extract using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO 2 and with CO 2 and co-solvent. In order to evaluate the high pressure method in terms of process yield, extract composition and biological activity, low pressure methods were also applied to obtain orange extracts, such as ultrasound (UE) and soxhlet (SOX), with different organic solvents, and hydrodistillation (HD). The SFE conditions were temperatures of 313.15 K and 323.15 K and pressures from 100 to 300 bar. The SFE kinetics and mathematical modeling of the overall extraction curves (OEC) were also investigated. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was evaluated by the DPPH method, by the Folin–Ciocalteau method and by the β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching method. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was also studied. The main compounds identified were l -limonene, palmitic and oleic acids, n-butyl benzenesulfonamide and β-sitosterol.