Radiometric evaluation of Ouratea miersii (Planch.) Engl. From the Municipal Natural Park of Niterói, Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest remnant.

Concern about radiation exposure to non-human biota and the environment has increased since the 1990s, resulting in several publications by UNSCEAR, IAEA, ICRP, among other agencies, which highlighted significant gaps in knowledge regarding non-human biota and resulted in the establishment of Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs). In Brazil, the Atlantic Forest biome has vast biodiversity, but there is a lack of information on the radiometric profile of plant species growing there. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the radiometric profile of Ouratea miersii (Malpighiales), endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest, collected in the State of Rio de Janeiro, city of Niterói, at the Municipal Natural Park (PARNIT), which covers a region of protected Atlantic Rainforest.

Use of Yarn and Carded Jute as Epoxy Matrix Reinforcement for the Production of Composite Materials for Application in the Wind Sector: A Preliminary Analysis for the Manufacture of Blades for Low-Intensity Winds.

The development of wind turbines for regions with low wind speeds imposes a challenge to the expansion of the corresponding energy generation capacity. The present work consists of an evaluation of the potential carded jute fiber and jute yarn to be used in the construction of a wind blade for regions of low wind intensity. The fibers used were supplied by Company Textile of Castanhal (Castanhal-Para-Brazil) and used in the study without chemical treatment in the form of single-filament fibers and yarns with a surface twist of 18.

Manufacturing and characterization of a 3D printed lithium disilicate ceramic via robocasting: A pilot study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to manufacture and to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties of the Lithium disilicate (LiOSi) ceramic structures fabricated using additive manufacturing (3D printing).

Methods: LiOSi samples were divided into (n = 30/group): SM (subtractively manufactured) and AR (additive/robocasting). For the AR group, LiOSi powder was combined with ammonium polyacrylate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and polyelectrolyte to create a colloidal gel, which was then used for printing.

Evaluation of Smart Sensors for Subway Electric Motor Escalators through AHP-Gaussian Method.

This paper proposes the use of the AHP-Gaussian method to support the selection of a smart sensor installation for an electric motor used in an escalator in a subway station. The AHP-Gaussian methodology utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework and is highlighted for its ability to save the decision maker's cognitive effort in assigning weights to criteria. Seven criteria were defined for the sensor selection: temperature range, vibration range, weight, communication distance, maximum electric power, data traffic speed, and acquisition cost.

Recycled Aggregate: A Viable Solution for Sustainable Concrete Production.

Construction and demolition activities consume large amounts of natural resources, generating 4.5 bi tons of solid waste/year, called construction and demolition waste (C&DW) and other wastes, such as ceramic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, and slag. Furthermore, around 32 bi tons of natural aggregate (NA) are extracted annually.

Mechanical Feasibility Study of Pressed and Burned Red Ceramic Blocks as Structural and Sealing Masonry.

In the search for better constructive efficiency and a reduction of the waste of construction materials, several researches have been performed in the last years around the world. Red ceramic blocks are artifacts widely used in civil construction around the world, and they result in a great consumption of raw materials and energy. The great innovation of this research was the development of ceramic blocks through an innovative method of pressing and dosing materials, replacing the traditional stage of extrusion in the manufacture of ceramics.

Influence of Ultrasonication of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on the Rheology, Hydration, and Compressive Strength of Portland Cement Pastes.

The functionalization process usually increases the localized defects of carbon nanotubes (CNT). Thus, the ultrasonication parameters used for dispersing non-functionalized CNT should be carefully evaluated to verify if they are adequate in dispersing functionalized CNT. Although ultrasonication is widely used for non-functionalized CNT, the effect of this dispersing process of functionalized CNT has not been thoroughly investigated.

In Silico Study, Physicochemical, and In Vitro Lipase Inhibitory Activity of ,-Amyrenone Inclusion Complexes with Cyclodextrins.

,-amyrenone (ABAME) is a triterpene derivative with many biological activities; however, its potential pharmacological use is hindered by its low solubility in water. In this context, the present work aimed to develop inclusion complexes (ICs) of ABAME with - and -cyclodextrins (CD), which were systematically characterized through molecular modeling studies as well as FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, and SEM analyses. In vitro analyses of lipase activity were performed to evaluate possible anti-obesity properties.

Technological Characterization of PET-Polyethylene Terephthalate-Added Soil-Cement Bricks.

The ever-growing consumption and improper disposal of non-biodegradable plastic wastes is bringing worrisome perspectives on the lack of suitable environmentally correct solutions. Consequently, an increasing interest in the circular economy and sustainable techniques is being raised regarding the management of these wastes. The present work proposes an eco-friendly solution for the huge amount of discarded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes by addition into soil-cement bricks.

TLC-ESI-MS as a QuEChERS approach to detection of capsaicin present in different matrices.

Pepper is one of the most consumed spices in the world. Its main compound is capsaicin, a widely studied biomarker that has pharmacological activities due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic capacity. Topical formulations such as patches based on capsaicin have been developed as an option in relieving pain and reducing swelling.

Evaluation of craft beers through the direct determination of amino acids by capillary electrophoresis and principal component analysis.

The composition of beer wort in terms of amino acid (AA) content affects the final product quality, once it is related to the vitality of yeast during the initial exponential growth phase and throughout fermentation. The objective of this work was the use of a capillary zone electrophoresis method with UV-vis detection in association with Principal Component (Data) Analysis for craft beer classification. Cysteine, histidine, phenylalanine, lysine, tryptophan and arginine were the monitored AAs in wort and finished beer, which were extracted through cation exchange resin.

Construction and validation of a psychometric scale to measure awareness on consumption of irradiated foods.

Although food irradiation has been used to ensure food safety, most consumers are unaware of the basic concepts of irradiation, misinterpreting information and demonstrating a negative attitude toward food items treated with ionizing radiation. This research is aimed at developing a tool to assess the awareness on the consumption of irradiated food. The sample was composed by employees from different social classes and school levels of Brazilian universities, who reflect the end-users of the irradiated foods, representative of the views of lay consumers.

Frictional resistance of self-ligating versus conventional brackets in different bracket-archwire-angle combinations.

Objective: To compare the influence of archwire material (NiTi, beta-Ti and stainless steel) and brackets design (self-ligating and conventional) on the frictional force resistance.

Material And Methods: Two types of brackets (self-ligating brackets - Smartclip, 3M/Unitek - and conventional brackets - Gemini, 3M/Unitek) with three (0, 5, and 10 degrees) slot angulation attached with elastomeric ligatures (TP Orthodontics) were tested. All brackets were tested with archwire 0.