Abstract Understanding and quantifying the effects of aerodynamic interference is fundamental to designing safe and efficient buildings; however, there is a complexity in this phenomenon that characterizes it as the greatest challenge of wind engineering and thus limits improving design guidelines in a normative way. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of building interference on wind-induced loads on a tall building through wind tunnel tests conducted using the synchronous pressure measurement technique. This impact was quantified using the interference factors (IFs) on the along-wind, across-wind and torsional force coefficients, which were mapped considering different wind angles, relative positions and number of buildings, in addition to the terrain roughness. It was observed that the protection effect in a static analysis is a dominant phenomenon in most studied scenarios when there is wind interference. The largest extension of the amplification zones occurred in scenarios in which the wind blew against the smallest facade of the analyzed building and the largest facade of the interfering building, where the coefficient of torsional moment was more sensitive to changes in wind turbulence. buildings however way Therefore windinduced induced technique IFs (IFs alongwind, alongwind along wind, along-wind acrosswind across coefficients angles roughness turbulence

Resumo Compreender e quantificar os efeitos de interferência aerodinâmica é fundamental para projetar edifícios seguros e eficientes, no entanto, há uma complexidade nesse fenômeno que o caracteriza como o maior desafio da engenharia do vento e, por tanto, limita o aprimoramento das diretrizes de projeto de maneira normativa. Logo, essa pesquisa investigou o impacto da interferência de edificações nas cargas induzidas pelo vento em um edifício alto, através de testes em túnel de vento conduzidos utilizando a técnica de medição de pressão síncrona. Esse impacto foi quantificado por meio dos fatores de interferência (FIs) nos coeficientes da força longitudinal, transversal e torcional, os quais foram mapeados considerando diferentes ângulos de vento, posições relativas e quantidade dos edifícios, além da rugosidade do terreno. Observou-se que o efeito de proteção em uma análise estática é um fenômeno dominante na maioria dos cenários estudados quando há interferência do vento. A maior extensão das zonas de amplificação ocorreu nos cenários em que o vento incidiu na menor fachada do edifício analisado e na maior fachada do edifício interferente, onde o coeficiente do momento torcional mostrou-se mais sensível às mudanças de turbulência do escoamento do vento. eficientes entanto tanto normativa Logo alto síncrona FIs (FIs longitudinal terreno Observouse Observou se interferente mostrouse mostrou

Abstract The leading cause of death and disability worldwide are due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), entailing a heavy economic impact, in Portugal corresponding to 1% of the gross domestic product. The development and progression of ASCVD are closely related to hypercholesterolaemia, with high LDL-C levels being its most important and easily modifiable risk factor. Reducing LDL-C has been shown to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular events and European recommendations advocate LDL-C target values according to the patient's cardiovascular risk. The risk of hypercholesterolaemia is cumulative, making it relevant to reduce LDL-C as early as possible. Despite the efficacy and safety demonstrated by several existing lipid-lowering therapies, in the real world most patients do not achieve the recommended lipid values. Several limita-tions to adequate lipid control have been pointed out, namely the low adherence of patients to treatment. Inclisiran is the first drug to inhibit PCSK9 synthesis through RNA small interference mechanism. With a subcutaneous administration every six months after initial and 3-month dose, it allows a LDL-C reduction higher than 50%, with a good safety profile. The advantage of its long duration of action will potentially overcome the low compliance of patients to treat-ment and increase the effectiveness in reducing LDL-C, which may translate into a reduction in morbidity and mortality from ASCVD and its high economic impact.

Resumo A doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica (DCVA) lidera as principais causas de morte e incapacidade a nível mundial, acarretando um pesado impacto económico, correspondente a 1% do produto interno bruto em Portugal. O desenvolvimento e progressão da DCVA encontra-se em estreita relação com a hipercolesterolemia, sendo que níveis elevados de C-LDL são o seu fator de risco mais importante e facilmente modificável. A redução do C-LDL provou diminuir a incidência de eventos cardiovasculares e as recomendações europeias advogam valores alvo de C-LDL de acordo com o risco cardiovascular do doente. O risco da hipercolesterolemia é cumulativo, tornando-se relevante a redução do C-LDL o mais precocemente possível. Apesar da eficácia e segurança demonstrada pelas diversas terapêuticas hipolipemiantes existentes, no mundo real a maioria dos doentes não atinge os valores lipídicos recomendados. Várias limitações ao adequado controlo lipídico foram apontadas, nomeadamente a baixa adesão dos doentes ao tratamento. Inclisiran é o primeiro fármaco que permite inibir a síntese de PCSK9 através do mecanismo de RNA de interferência. Com uma administração subcutânea semestral, após administração nos dias 1 e 90, possibilita uma redução do C-LDL superior a 50%, com bom perfil de segurança. A vantagem da sua longa duração de ação permitirá potencialmente contornar a baixa adesão dos doentes ao tratamento e aumentar a efetividade na redução do C-LDL, que se poderá traduzir na redução da morbi-mortalidade por DCVA e do seu elevado impacto económico.

Abstract: Hyperlipidemia is a highly prevalent condition and contributes substantially to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Colombia. The reduction of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) decreases the risk of ASCVD and adverse cardiovascular events. Targeted therapy for the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) has emerged as a novel tool for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Inclisiran is a small double-stranded small interfering RNA that acts by blocking PCSK-9 transcription in hepatocytes, leading to a marked and sustained reduction in circulating LDL-C levels. In contrast to other lipid-lowering therapies such as statins, ezetimibe and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) PCSK-9 inhibitors, Inclisiran proposes an infrequent dosing regimen of twice or three times a year. Its prolonged effect represents an advantage over non-compliance of the treatment, which is one of the main reasons why LDL-C goals are not achieved with standard therapy. This review aims to present and discuss current scientific data regarding the efficacy, tolerability and safety of Inclisiran in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Resumen: La hiperlipidemia es altamente prevalente y contribuye de forma sustancial a la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica, que es una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en Colombia. La reducción del colesterol LDL (c-LDL) produce una disminución del riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica y de eventos cardiovasculares adversos. La terapia dirigida a la proproteína convertasa subtilisina/kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9; su sigla en inglés) ha surgido como una herramienta novedosa para el tratamiento de la hiperlipidemia. Inclisiran es un ARN pequeño de doble hebra, que actúa inhibiendo la transcripción de PCSK-9 en los hepatocitos, lo que conduce a una reducción marcada y sostenida del c-LDL. En contraste con otras terapias hipolipemiantes, como estatinas, ezetimibe y anticuerpos monoclonales (MAbs; su sigla en inglés) e inhibidores de PCSK9, inclisiran propone un régimen de dosificación infrecuente de dos o tres veces al año. Su efecto prolongado representa una ventaja frente al incumplimiento del tratamiento, que es una de las principales causas por las que no se alcanzan los objetivos de c-LDL con la terapia estándar. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo presentar y discutir los datos científicos actuales con relación a la eficacia, tolerabilidad y seguridad del inclisiran en el tratamiento de la hipercolesterolemia.

Resumen La supresión de moléculas de ácido ribonucleico mensajero (ARNm) mediante ARN interferente (ARNi) se ha propuesto como método de control de insectos plagas. El ARNi impide el desarrollo morfológico y funcional de los insectos y se considera altamente específico. En este estudio se buscaron receptores de insulina (InR) en Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) a partir del ARNm de pulgones, como primer paso para el diseño posterior de ARNi dirigido a la supresión de InR. A partir del ácido desoxirribonucleico complementario (ADNc) y mediante PCR anidada, se amplificó la región correspondiente a InR con dos pares de cebadores diseñados para Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae). No se logró identificar InR, en su lugar se predice la presencia de la proteína receptora Dip2A de unión a folistatina (FS) debido a que comparten regiones proteicas similares con los InR, involucradas en la traducción de señales en los insectos. Se sugiere continuar con la búsqueda de InR específicos para el pulgón, así como posibles cebadores para regiones de Dip2A, para lograr un ARNi altamente específico.

Abstract Suppression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) molecules by RNA interference (RNAi) has been proposed as a method for controlling insect pests. RNAi impedes the morphological and functional development of insects and is considered highly specific. In this study, insulin receptors (InR) were searched for in Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from aphid mRNA, as a first step for further design of RNAi targeting InR suppression. From complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) and by means of nested PCR, the region corresponding to InR was amplified with two pairs of primers designed for Nilapavata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae). InRs could not be identified. However, the presence of the follistatin-binding receptor protein Dip2A (FS) was predicted from the regions of similarity with the InRs that are involved in signal translation in insects. We recommend continuing the search for aphid specific InRs, as well as possible primers for Dip2A regions, to identify a highly specific RNAi.

RESUMEN Introducción: los errores del proceso de análisis de las muestras del laboratorio clínico, impactan negativamente a la práctica médica, la seguridad del paciente e incrementan los costos de atención en la salud. El uso de estaciones automatizadas demostró una disminución de los errores en los laboratorios clínicos de inmunoquímica y hematología. Se propone comparar las primeras estaciones automatizadas de hemostasia con el método manual para determinar los interferentes en las muestras de cinco servicios del hospital durante tres meses. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo de corte trasversal. Las muestras que ingresaron al laboratorio clínico fueron analizadas por la estación automatizada y el método manual. Las interferentes bilirrubinas, hemoglobina, lipemia, volumen de llenado del tubo y obstrucción fluídica-coágulo se estudiaron con ambos métodos. Se realizó el análisis estadístico y se calculó el índice kappa para determinar la fuerza de la concordancia entre los métodos. Resultados: de 8.970 muestras analizadas, 29 % provinieron del servicio de urgencias. Las muestras aportadas por la unidad de cuidado intensivo reportaron más interferentes con ambos métodos; la estación automatizada reportó más interferentes que el método manual, con un índice kappa 0,52; la bilirrubina fue el interferente más detectado por ambos métodos. El método manual no evidenció el interferente volumen de llenado del tubo ni obstrucción fluídica-coágulo, los cuales fueron detectados por la estación automatizada. Conclusiones: la estación automatizada detectó más interferentes en comparación con el método manual. Los interferentes son errores preanalíticos en el laboratorio de hemostasia y son detectados con poca frecuencia de forma visual, especialmente los interferentes volúmenes de llenado del tubo y obstrucción fluídica-coágulo.

SUMMARY Introduction: Errors in the process of analyzing a clinical laboratory sample have a negative impact on medical practice, patient safety and health care cost. The use of automated units demonstrated the reduction of errors in the clinical laboratories of immunochemistry and hematology. The purpose of the study is to compare the first automated unit with a manual method and to determine the interferences informed in the samples provided by five services studied in the hospital for three months. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was developed. The automated unit and manual method analyzed all analytical requested samples received by the clinical laboratory. Interferences such as bilirubin, hemoglobin, lipemic, tube filling volume, and fluidclot obstruction were studied with both methods. The statistical analysis was performed and the kappa coefficient was calculated to determine the strength of agreement between both methods. Results: Of the 8.970 samples analyzed, 29 % came from the emergency service. The samples contributed by the intensive united care reported more interferences with both methods. The automated unit reported more interference than the manual method, with a kappa coefficient of 0,52. Bilirubin was the most commonly detected interference by both methods. The manual method did not show the interferences volume of tube filling or fluidic obstruction-clot, which have been detected by the automated unit. Conclusions: Automated unit detected more interference in comparison with the manual method. The interferences are preanalytical errors in the hemostasis laboratory and are less frequently detected by visual examination, especially interferences volume of tube filling or fluidic obstruction-clot.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Interferences in the electrophoretic proteinogram by capillary electrophoresis include the appearance of peaks with concentrations and electrophoretic mobilities, which could simulate the presence of a monoclonal component. Objectives: In the light of an additional peak with inter2- mobility by capillary electrophoresis (MINICAP-Sebia), the aim was to identify the interferent and evaluate its connection to renal functionality. Methods: Serum samples that presented this interference over a period of one year were studied by proteinogram on solid support, electroimmunofixation and immunoelectrophoresis. The probable interferent was added in vitro to confirm its electrophoretic mobility. The impact of the interference correction with the artifact removal tool (Phoresis-Sebia) and the correlation of the baseline peak concentration of the interferent with the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (CKD-EPI) were evaluated. Results: The integration to the baseline of the peaks was 0.07-0.36 g/dL. No particularities were observed when performing the complementary studies. In all cases, the administration of Iopamidol as a contrast medium was demonstrated, confirming its electrophoretic mobility due to its in vitro addition. Using the artifact removal tool, the basal levels of the fractions were recovered. The existence of a correlation between the concentration of the baseline peak of the interferent and the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate by CKD-EPI was shown (r=-0.534, p <0.0001). Conclusions: The interferent was identified as Iopamidol and its connection to the decrease in the glomerular filtration rate was demonstrated.

Introducción: Las interferencias en el proteinograma electroforético por electroforesis capilar incluyen la aparición de picos con concentraciones y movilidades electroforéticas, que podrían simular la presencia de un componente monoclonal. Objetivos: Ante la aparición de un pico adicional con movilidad inter2- por electroforesis capilar (Minicap-Sebia), el objetivo fue identificar el interferente y evaluar su relación con la funcionalidad renal. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron muestras de suero que presentaron dicha interferencia en un período de un año mediante proteinograma en soporte sólido, electroinmunofijación e inmunoelectroforesis. Se adicionó in vitro el probable interferente para confirmar su movilidad electroforética. Se evaluó el impacto de la corrección de la interferencia con la herramienta eliminación de artefactos (Phoresis-Sebia) y la correlación de la concentración del pico a línea de base del interferente con la estimación de la tasa de filtrado glomerular (CKD- EPI). Resultados: La integración a la línea de base de los picos fue de 0,07-0,36 g/dL. No se observaron particularidades al realizar los estudios complementarios. Se evidenció, en todos los casos, la administración de iopamidol como medio de contraste, confirmándose su movilidad electroforética por su adición in vitro. Mediante la herramienta eliminación de artefactos se recuperaron los niveles basales de las fracciones. Se demostró la existencia de una correlación entre la concentración del pico a línea de base del interferente y la estimación de la tasa de filtración glomerular por CKD-EPI (r=-0.534, p<0.0001). Conclusiones: Se identificó al interferente como Iopamidol y se demostró su relación con la disminución de la tasa de filtración glomerular.

RESUMO Objetivo Mensurar os níveis de pressão sonora em salas de aula de uma Universidade, bem como verificar a autopercepção do ruído e sua influência nas atividades desempenhadas por alunos e professores universitários. Método Trata-se de um estudo realizado em dez salas de aula do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais. Participaram do estudo 279 alunos e 20 professores. Alunos e professores responderam a um questionário destinado ao levantamento de informações sobre a autopercepção do ruído nas salas de aula, seus impactos nas atividades acadêmicas e presença de sintomas associados à exposição ao ruído. Foi realizada também medição dos níveis de pressão sonora nas salas de aula, em pontos selecionados de acordo com o recomendado pela literatura e conforme consta na legislação. Resultados As salas de aula do turno da manhã apresentaram o maior nível de ruído. O primeiro andar apresenta maior nível de ruído mensurado, sendo classificado como o andar mais ruidoso. O ruído é percebido tanto por alunos quanto pelos professores como fator interferente nas atividades desempenhadas dentro das salas de aula, entretanto professores apresentam maior percepção da interferência do ruído em suas atividades que os alunos. Não foi observada ocorrência significativa de sintomas associados à exposição ao ruído. Conclusão O ruído está presente em todas as salas de aula com valores superiores ao preconizado pela legislação nacional. Este ruído é percebido por alunos e professores e interfere negativamente nas atividades de ensino-aprendizagem.

ABSTRACT Purpose Measure the sound pressure levels in classrooms of a university as well to verify the self-perception of noise in the educational environment and its influence on the activities carried out by students and professors. Methods The study was carried out with students and professors who answered a questionnaire regarding self-perception of noise in the classroom, as well as the presence of auditory and non-auditory complaints. Measurement of sound pressure levels was performed in ten classrooms of Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais. The points for measuring the sound pressure level inside the classrooms were selected according to the literature and legislation: three distinct points, totaling nine measurements in each room. Results Participated in this study students and professors from the Institute of Biological and Health Sciences. The classrooms of the morning shift had the highest noise measurement. Classrooms at lunch time had the lowest average noise. The first floor has the highest average noise, being classified as the noisiest floor. Noise is perceived by both students and professors as an interfering factor in the activities performed inside the classrooms, however, professors have a greater perception of noise interference in their activities than students. Conclusion Noise is present in all classrooms with values higher than those recommended by national legislation. This noise is perceived by students and professors and negatively interferes in the teaching-learning activities.

Abstract Oocyte maturation involves several complex events which are partially regulated by the gonadotropins. However, in order to fully understand these events it is necessary to identify all those genes whith roles in maturation. One of these genes is the protein ATPase6, which is a component of ATP synthase and is upregulated during oocyte maturation, nevertheless, its participation has not been experimentally evaluated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine if ATPase6 has a relevant role in pig oocyte maturation, by conforming two groups of oocytes: The experimental, oocytes microinjected with ATPase6-interfering RNA (RNAi) in order to silence its expression, and the control, oocytes microinjected with an invertebrate gene-RNAi. After microinjection, both groups of oocytes were cultured in maturation medium for 48 h. ATPase6 expression was reduced 71% in ATPase6-RNAi microinjected oocytes, while the percentage of matured oocytes was reduced 51% in this group (67.5% in control oocytes vs 33% in ATPase6-RNAi microinjected oocytes; p<0.05 with Student’s t test). These results allow us to conclude that ATPase6 has an important role in the maturation of pig oocytes.

Resumen La maduración del ovocito en los folículos preovulatorios comprende complejos eventos regulados en parte por gonadotropinas. Sin embargo para entender estos eventos, es necesario identificar los diferentes genes que participan en la maduración. Uno de estos genes corresponde a la proteína ATPasa6, componente de la ATP sintasa que se sobreexpresa durante la maduración de los ovocitos pero hasta ahora no ha sido comprobada su participación experimentalmente. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio se encaminó a determinar si la ATPasa6 tiene un papel relevante en la maduración de los ovocitos del cerdo, a partir de la conformación de dos grupos de ovocitos: El experimental microinyectados con un RNA interferente para ATPasa6, silenciando su expresión, y el grupo control microinyectados con un RNAi para un gen de invertebrado. Después de la microinyección, ambos grupos se cultivaron in vitro durante 48 h en medio de maduración. El grupo microinyectado con siRNA para ATPasa6 mostró una disminución del 71% en la expresión de este gen a las 24 h de incubación, en tanto que el porcentaje de ovocitos maduros en este grupo disminuyó 51.1% (67.5% en el grupo control vs 33% en el grupo tratado con ATPasa6-RNAi; p<0.05 con t de Student). Estos resultados permiten concluir que la ATPasa6 juega un papel importante durante la maduración de los ovocitos del cerdo.

Resumen Introducción. La isquemia cerebral es la tercera causa de riesgo de muerte en Colombia y la primera causa de discapacidad física en el mundo. En diversos estudios en los que se silenció la cinasa 5 dependiente de la ciclina (CDK5) se ha demostrado que la reducción de su actividad es beneficiosa frente a la isquemia. Sin embargo, su efecto sobre la neurogénesis después de la isquemia no se ha dilucidado suficientemente. Objetivo. Evaluar el silenciamiento de la CDK5 en la neurogénesis y la gliogénesis después de la isquemia cerebral focal en ratas. Materiales y métodos. Se usaron 40 machos de rata Wistar de ocho semanas de edad. Los grupos de control y los isquémicos sometidos a transducción en la región del hipocampo CA1, se inyectaron intraperitonealmente por estereotaxia con 50 mg/kg de bromodesoxiuridina (BrdU) a partir de las 24 horas y hasta el día 7 después de la isquemia, con un vector viral asociado a adenovirus usando una secuencia no interferente (SCRmiR) y una interferente (CDK5miR). Se evaluó la capacidad neurológica durante los quince días siguientes y se detectó la capacidad de inmunorreacción para la BrdU, la proteína doblecortina (DCX), los núcleos neuronales (NeuN), y la proteína fibrilar acídica de la glía (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, GFAP) a los 15 y 30 días de la isquemia. Resultados. Los animales isquémicos tratados con CDK5miR mejoraron su puntuación neurológica y presentaron un incremento de la BrdU+ a los 15 días de la isquemia, lo cual se correlacionó con una mayor intensidad de la DCX+ y una menor de la GFAP+. No hubo modificación de los NeuN+, pero sí una reducción significativa de la GFAP+ a los 30 días de la isquemia en los animales tratados comparados con los animales isquémicos no tratados. Conclusión. La terapia con CDK5miR generó la recuperación neurológica de ratas isquémicas asociada con la inducción de la neurogénesis y el control de la capacidad de reacción de la proteína GFAP a corto y largo plazo después de la isquemia.

Abstract Introduction: Cerebral ischemia is the third cause of death risk in Colombia and the first cause of physical disability worldwide. Different studies on the silencing of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) have shown that reducing its activity is beneficial in ischemic contexts. However, its effect on neural cell production after cerebral ischemia has not been well studied yet. Objective: To evaluate CDK5 silencing on the production of neurons and astrocytes after a focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Materials and methods: We used 40 eight-week-old male Wistar rats. Both sham and ischemia groups were transduced at CA1 hippocampal region with an adeno-associated viral vector using a noninterfering (shSCRmiR) and an interfering sequence for CDK5 (shCDK5miR). We injected 50 mg/kg of bromodeoxyuridine intraperitoneally from hour 24 to day 7 post-ischemia. We assessed the neurological abilities during the next 15 days and we measured the immunoreactivity of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), doublecortin (DCX), NeuN, and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) from day 15 to day 30 post-ischemia. Results: Our findings showed that CDK5miR-treated ischemic animals improved their neurological score and presented increased BrdU+ cells 15 days after ischemia, which correlated with higher DCX and lower GFAP fluorescence intensities, and, although mature neurons populations did not change, GFAP immunoreactivity was still significantly reduced at 30 days post-ischemia in comparison with untreated ischemic groups. Conclusion: CDK5miR therapy generated the neurological recovery of ischemic rats associated with the induction of immature neurons proliferation and the reduction of GFAP reactivity at short and longterm post-ischemia.

RESUMO: O bisfenol-A é considerado um poluente ambiental capaz de interferir no sistema endócrino dos organismos, ocasionando alterações em seu desenvolvimento e sistema de reprodução. Um método alternativo ao tratamento químico desse tipo de poluente tem sido a utilização de enzimas oxidativas, especialmente as lacases, produzidas por fungos. A fim de diminuir custos de produção, resíduos agroindustriais podem compor o meio de cultivo. Assim, surfactantes não iônicos e pouco tóxicos para as membranas biológicas, como o Tween 80, podem ser utilizados para facilitar a excreção dessas enzimas para o meio de cultivo. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: caracterizar quimicamente o resíduo água de imersão de palha de bananeira, usado na formulação do meio de cultivo; avaliar a produção de lacase por Pleurotus sajor-caju em meio de cultivo líquido (frascos Erlenmeyer) com e sem adição de Tween 80; e avaliar a eficiência do caldo enzimático bruto em degradar bisfenol-A. Os frascos foram incubados a 30°C, por 12 dias. A água de imersão apresentou relação C:N 13,8, percentual de cinzas 28,6% e pH próximo da neutralidade. O cultivo adicionado de Tween 80 (7,5%, m/v) propiciou valores de atividade e produtividade em lacase iguais a 3.016,47 U L-1 e 502,7 U L-1 dia-1, respectivamente. Esses valores são 50 e 33,5 vezes maiores que os obtidos no cultivo sem adição de Tween 80, para atividade e produtividade em lacase, respectivamente. O caldo enzimático bruto degradou 100% do bisfenol-A após 48 horas, independentemente da concentração (500, 750 e 1.000 mg L-1).

ABSTRACT: Bisphenol-A is currently considered an environmental pollutant, capable of interfering in the endocrine system of organisms and causing alterations in its development and reproductive system. An alternative method to the chemical treatment of this pollutant has been the use of oxidative enzymes, especially laccases produced by fungi. In order to reduce production costs, agro-industrial waste can be used in the culture medium composition. Nonionic surfactants, which are only slightly toxic to biological membranes, can be applied, as well as Tween 80, to facilitate the excretion of these enzymes into the culture medium. The objectives of this work were: a) characterize the immersion water of banana straw used in the formulation of the culture medium; b) evaluate laccase production by Pleurotus sajor-caju in culture medium with and without addition of Tween 80, through shaken flasks; c) evaluate the efficiency of the crude enzyme broth in degrading bisphenol-A. The shaken flasks were incubated at 30°C for 12 days. The immersion water had a C:N ratio of 13.8, ash percentage of 28.6%, and pH close to neutrality. The addition of Tween 80 on the culture medium (7.5%, m/v) yielded laccase activity and productivity values equal to 3,016.47 U L-1 and 502.7 U L-1 day-1, respectively. These values were 50 and 33.5 times higher than those obtained in the culture medium without addition of Tween 80 for laccase activity and productivity, respectively. The crude enzyme broth degraded 100% of bisphenol-A after 48 hours, regardless of concentration (500, 750 and 1,000 mg L-1).

Resumen Contexto: La modelación estadística de la señal interferente conocida como clutter marino se efectúa a través de dos componentes: uno de capilaridad y otro de textura. La distribución más utilizada para la textura es la gamma. No obstante, varios autores han defendido el uso alternativo de la inversa gamma y la inversa gaussiana. Método: Con el objetivo de brindar un acceso fácil a la manipulación de los modelos y a la realización de comparaciones entre ellos, los autores del presente artículo simularon en Matlab las características principales de estas tres distribuciones. Adicionalmente, se agregó la distribución raíz gamma que sustituye a la gamma cuando se trabaja con muestras de amplitud. El método aplicado consistió en la revisión bibliográfica para encontrar las expresiones de cada uno de los parámetros modelados, y la posterior simulación computacional que permitió detectar errores ocasionales que surgen al consultar diferentes estudios. Resultados: Se creó una pequeña librería de simulación estocástica que incluye funciones de densidad y distribución, generación de variables aleatorias, estimación de parámetros y cálculo de momentos estadísticos, entre otros. Además, se elaboraron funciones informáticas complementarias que permitieron la validación por comparación con resultados dados por terceros y mediante la interacción de los diferentes componentes de la librería. Conclusiones: La librería creada habilita el uso de múltiples distribuciones, para la modelación del eco electromagnético de la superficie marina. Esto permitirá generar nuevos detectores de radar que se adapten a condiciones heterogéneas como las encontradas en las costas cubanas, donde alternan distintos niveles de profundidad, manglares, aguas salobres, islotes, vegetación acuática prominente, entre otras.

Abstract Context: The statistical modeling of the interference signal known as sea clutter is achieved assuming the input results from the combination of two components: one for the speckle and another for the texture. The Gamma distribution is the more widely applied for the texture component. Nevertheless, several authors have defended the idea of using the Inverse Gamma and Inverse Gaussian instead. Method: In order to provide an easy access to the handling of the models and the execution of comparisons between them, the authors of the current paper simulated in MATLAB the main characteristics of these distributions. In addition, the Root-Gamma model was also included because it replaces the Gamma distribution when samples are processed in the amplitude domain. The applied method consisted in a deep bibliography review for finding the corresponding expressions for each simulated model; the method also included additional computational simulations that allowed to identify occasional errors that were committed by different authors when characterizing the models. Results: A small framework was created for stochastic simulation containing density and distribution functions, mechanisms for random variable generation, parameter estimation methods and statistical moment closed expressions, among others. Besides, complementary functions were prepared for guaranteeing the validation by comparison with results provided by third parties and through the interaction between the different components of the library. Conclusions: The created library enables the use of multiple distributions for the modeling of the electromagnetic echo received from the sea surface. This will certainly motivate the creation of new radar detectors adapted to heterogeneous conditions such as the ones existing in Cuban coastal regions, where one may find different depth levels, mangrove swamps, brackish water, islets, prominent aquatic vegetation, among others.

Resumen El clutter es una señal interferente causada por la reflexión de la emisión del radar sobre la superficie que rodea al blanco. Tradicionalmente, se han utilizado las distribuciones K, Weibull, Log-Normal, Rayleigh y Pareto para representar el comportamiento del clutter sin embargo, varios estudios han señalado la aplicación de otras alternativas novedosas que pudieran ser más adecuadas que las distribuciones tradicionales. Este artículo presenta la modelación de tres alternativas novedosas, las distribuciones Log-Weibull, Pearson (Lévy) y Lomax, en un conjunto de funciones informáticas de MATLAB. El código implementado permite un acceso fácil a la manipulación de las funciones de densidad y distribución, a la generación de variables aleatorias, al cálculo de los momentos y a la estimación de los parámetros de las distribuciones abordadas. La implementación está concebida para brindar a la comunidad de radares herramientas de simulación de la respuesta de los detectores de radar ante un amplio rango de condiciones de operación, lo cual permite la creación de nuevos mecanismos de procesamiento. Asimismo, se viabiliza el estudio del eco electromagnético que se obtiene de las superficies terrestres y marinas, con posibles aplicaciones medioambientales. El código creado formará parte de la librería MATE-CFAR 2 que incluirá varias distribuciones de clutter y detectores de radar.

Abstract The clutter is a distortion signal caused by the reflection of the radar emission on the surface surrounding the target. Traditionally, the K, Weibull, Log-Normal, Rayleigh and Pareto distributions have been used for representing the clutter behavior; however several studies have pointed out the application of other innovative alternatives that may be best suited than the traditional distributions. This paper presents the modeling of three innovative alternatives: the Log-Weibull, the Pearson (Lévy) and the Lomax distributions, in a set of MATLAB functions. The implemented code provides an easy access to the handling of density and accumulative distribution functions, to the generation of random variables, to the computation of moments and to the estimation of the parameters of the addressed distributions. The implementation is conceived for providing the radar community with a tool for simulating the response of radar detectors against a wide range of operating conditions, which allows the creation of new processing mechanisms. Likewise, the investigation contributes to the study of the electromagnetic echo received form the ground and sea surfaces, with possible environmental applications. The created code will be assembled into the MATE-CFAR 2 library that will include several clutter distributions and radar detectors.

Resumo A clutter é uma comunicação de sinal pela reflexão da emisão do radar sobre a superfície que rodea ao branco. Tradicionalmente, utilizou as distribuições K, Weibull, Log-Normal, Rayleigh e Pareto para representar o comportamento da confusão; Sin embargo, vários estudos têm designado o uso de outras alternativas novedosas que contribuem para a garantia de reparações tradicionais. Este artigo apresenta a modelagem de três alternativas novedosas, as distribuições Log-Weibull, Pearson (Lévy) e Lomax, em conjunto de funções informáticas de MATLAB. O código implementado permite um acesso fácil à manipulação das funções de densidade e distribuição, uma geração de aleatorias de variáveis, uma avaliação dos momentos e uma estimativa dos parâmetros das distribuições abordadas. A implementação está projetada para brindar a comunidade de radares ferramentas de simulação de resposta de detectores de radar ante um amplio alcance de condições de operação, por favor permita a criação de novos mecanismos de processamento. Além disso, é possível viabilizar o estudo do eletro-eletromagnético eletrico que se ocupa das superfícies terrestres e marítimas, com possíveis aplicações meioambientales. O código criado formará parte da libração MATE-CFAR 2 que inclui várias distribuições de clutter e detectores de radar.

The sea clutter is a random interfering signal that appears in radar readings caused by the reflection experienced by the emission over the sea surface. After a deep review on the related literature, 23 statistical distributions or models were found for representing sea clutter. The authors classified these models into five groups taking into account the frequency of use and the importance of each distribution. The performed review has two main achievements. Firstly, the mathematical expressions for the distributions were gathered and unified, which contributes to the homogenization of the studies. Secondly, a wide set of candidate distributions were offered enabling the execution of new investigations related to the fit of statistical distributions to empirical clutter data. The investigation strongly recommends the use of 15 distributions, while common studies rarely used more than four.

El clutter marino es una señal aleatoria interferente que aparece en lecturas de radar producto de la reflexión que experimenta la emisión sobre la superficie del mar. Luego de una intensa revisión sobre la literatura relacionada, se concluyó que existen 23 distribuciones estadísticas o modelos que pueden usarse para representar el clutter. Los autores clasificaron los modelos en cinco grupos diferentes atendiendo a la frecuencia de utilización y la relevancia de cada uno. La revisión realizada tiene dos logros fundamentales. Primeramente, se reunieron y unificaron las expresiones matemáticas de las distribuciones, lo que contribuye a la homogenización de los estudios. En segundo lugar, se ofreció un conjunto amplio de distribuciones candidatas para nuevas investigaciones relacionadas al ajuste de datos de lecturas de radar con modelos estadísticos. La investigación recomienda el empleo de 15 distribuciones, mientras que los estudios comunes rara vez utilizan más de cuatro.

La presencia de la señal interferente de clutter marino establece limitaciones en la calidad de la detección de radar en ambientes costeros y de alta mar. El procesador CA-CFAR es la solución clásica para detectar blancos de radar. Usualmente mantiene su factor de ajuste constante todo el período de operación. Como consecuencia, el esquema no toma en consideración las variaciones estadísticas de la señal de fondo cuando realiza la discriminación del clutter. Para resolver este problema, los autores realizaron un procesamiento intensivo de 40 millones de muestras de clutter de intensidad, generadas en computadora a través de MATLAB. Como resultado, encontraron los valores óptimos del factor de ajuste a ser aplicados para 40 posibles estados estadísticos del clutter, sugiriendo el uso de la arquitectura CA-CFAR con un factor de ajuste variable. Adicionalmente, fue llevado a cabo un ajuste de curvas, obteniéndose expresiones matemáticas que generalizan los resultados en todo el intervalo de considerado de estados estadísticos del clutter. Los experimentos se ejecutaron con un CA-CFAR de 64 celdas y apuntaron a encontrar los valores del factor de ajuste para tres probabilidades de falsa alarma comunes. La distribución K fue elegida como el modelo usado para el clutter, gracias a su amplia popularidad. Este artículo facilita el manejo de la distribución K de intensidad, evitando el uso de funciones Gamma y Bessel, comúnmente encontradas en desarrollos relacionados con el modelo K. Además, fueron cumplidos los requerimientos necesarios para construir un detector adaptativo en clutter de potencia K con conocimiento previo del parámetro de forma. Al mismo tiempo, fueron dadas varias recomendaciones para continuar el desarrollo de una solución más general que también incluirá la estimación del parámetro de forma.

The presence of the sea clutter interfering signal sets limitations on the quality of radar detection in coastal and ocean environments. The CA-CFAR processor is the classic solution for detecting radar targets. It usually operates keeping constant its adjustment factor during the entire operation period. As a consequence, the scheme does not take into account the slow statistical variations of the background signal when performing the clutter discrimination. To solve this problem, the authors conducted an intensive processing of 40 million computergenerated clutter power samples in MATLAB. As a result, they found the optimal adjustment factor values to be applied in 40 possible clutter statistical states, suggesting thus the use of the CA-CFAR architecture with a variable adjustment factor. In addition, a curve fitting procedure was performed, obtaining mathematical expressions that generalize the results for the whole addressed range of clutter statistical states. The experiments were executed with a 64 cells CA-CFAR and found the adjustment factor values for three common false alarms probabilities. The K distribution was used as clutter model, thanks to its wide popularity. This paper facilitates the handling of the K power distribution avoiding the use of Gamma and Bessel functions, commonly found in developments related to the K model. Moreover, requirements for building an adaptive clutter detector in K power clutter with a priori knowledge of the shape parameter were fulfill. Also, several recommendations are given to continue the development of a more overall solution which will also include the estimation of the shape parameter.

The sea clutter is an interfering signal that appears in radar systems operating in oceanic or offshore scenarios. The author simulated in MATLAB the K distribution, widely recognized as the best model for sea clutter because it takes into account the two fluctuation mechanisms coexisting in the background signal. The implementation allows an easy access to the handling of probability distribution functions, generating functions, moments, goodness of fit algorithms and parameter estimation techniques. Mathematical expressions and notations for computer functions were defined as a contribution to the unification of radar clutter studies related to the K distribution. The solution is a start point for the development of new detection schemes by the Radar Research Team from the CUJAE’s Electrical Engineering Faculty and contributes to the realization of the MATE-CFAR 2 library.

El clutter marino es una señal interferente que aparece en los sistemas de radar que operan en escenarios oceánicos o costeros. Los autores modelaron en MATLAB la distribución K, ampliamente reconocida como el mejor modelo para clutter marino ya que tiene en cuenta los dos mecanismos de fluctuación presentes en la señal de fondo. La implementación permite un acceso fácil a la manipulación de las funciones de distribución de probabilidad, funciones generadoras, momentos, algoritmos de bondad de ajuste y estimación de parámetros de la distribución. Expresiones matemáticas y notaciones de funciones informáticas fueron definidas para contribuir a la unificación de los estudios de clutter de radar relacionados al modelo K. La solución es un punto de partida para el desarrollo de nuevos esquemas de detección por parte del grupo de investigación de radares de la Facultad de Eléctrica de la CUJAE y contribuye a la conformación de la biblioteca MATE-CFAR 2.