Abstract Information from Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) responses regarding the portion of the stem cuttings branch parental plants and the shading level need to be investigated in order to establish techniques for their producing seedlings. We aimed was to evaluate the effect of cutting types and shading levels in the production of P. aculeata seedlings. We studied three cutting types, collected from different portions of the stem cuttings branch: herbaceous, semi-hardwood, and hardwood, which were arranged under two shading levels: 0% (full sun) or 50% (shade). The selected parent plants had an adequate and vigorous phytosanitary aspect. After 90 days after the cuttings, the seedlings were evaluated regarding survival, growth indicators, biomass production and partitioning, and allometric indices. Seedlings from hardwood cuttings and produced under 0% shading showed higher survival. The largest number of sprouts occurred in seedlings of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. The highest leaf area values occurred in seedlings of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings under 0% shading. Seedlings from hardwood cuttings had higher biomass allocation in the roots under 50% shading. Seedlings of herbaceous and semi-hardwood portion allocated values ≥ 70% of the biomass in the aerial part. Seedlings of species are able to adjust to different shading levels as a plasticity mechanism. For the production of P. aculeata seedlings, the hardwood portion of the stem cuttings branch under full sun cultivation is recommended. In addition, semi-hardwood cuttings grown under 50% shading can also be used for seedlings production. Cactaceae (Cactaceae P semihardwood, semihardwood semi 0 50 shade. shade . (shade) aspect 9 survival indicators partitioning indices 70 part mechanism recommended addition 5 (shade 7

Resumo Informações das respostas da Pereskia aculeata Miller. (Cactaceae) quanto à porção da estaca do ramo da planta matriz e o nível de sombreamento precisam ser investigadas com o intuito de estabelecer protocolos para sua produção de mudas. Objetivamos avaliar o efeito do tipo de estaca e níveis de sombreamento na produção de mudas de P. aculeata. Estudamos três tipos de estacas baseados na porção de coleta do ramo: herbácea, semi-lenhosa e lenhosa, acondicionadas sob dois níveis de sombreamento: 0% (pleno sol) ou 50% (sombra). As plantas matrizes selecionadas tiveram aspecto fitossanitário adequado e eram vigorosas. Após 90 dias da estaquia, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto a sobrevivência, indicadores de crescimento, produção e particionamento de biomassa e índices alométricos. Mudas provenientes de estacas lenhosas e produzidas sob 0% de sombreamento tiveram maior sobrevivência. Os maiores números de brotos ocorreram nas mudas de estacas da porção semi-lenhosas e lenhosa. As maiores áreas foliares e radiculares ocorreram nas mudas de estacas semi-lenhosas e lenhosas sob 0% de sombreamento. Mudas provenientes de estacas da porção lenhosa tiveram maior alocação de biomassa nas raízes sob 50% de sombreamento. Mudas de estacas da porção herbáceas e semilenhosas alocaram valores ≥ 70% de biomassa da parte aérea. As mudas da espécie são capazes de se ajustar aos diferentes níveis de sombreamento como mecanismo de plasticidade. Para a produção de mudas de P. aculeata¸ recomenda-se utilizar a porção lenhosa do ramo do caule sob pleno sol. Além disso, estacas semi-lenhosas crescidas sob 50% de sombreamento podem ser utilizadas para a produção de mudas. Miller Cactaceae (Cactaceae P herbácea semilenhosa semi 0 sol 50 sombra. sombra . (sombra) vigorosas 9 estaquia sobrevivência crescimento alométricos 70 aérea plasticidade recomendase recomenda disso 5 (sombra 7

Abstract The Brazilian Midwest is responsible for 54.3% of the country’s soybean production. Adequate storage technologies are essential to maintain physical, physiological, and sanitary seed qualities while also minimizing deterioration processes and consequent germination and vigor declines. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological potential and physical qualities of soybean seeds stored under different environmental conditions and storage bag depths. Assays were carried out in September 2021 employing Foco 74i77 RSF IPRO cultivar seeds stored from April to August 2021 under three conditions, as follows: chilled at an average temperature of ≤20 °C, at an average temperature of ≤25 °C using a with blanket, and in without blanket warehouse structure at an average temperature of ≥25 °C with no with blanket. A completely randomized 3x3 factorial experimental design was applied, comprising three storage environments and three bag positions (top, middle, and bottom), with three replication each. Physical, physiological, and biochemical tests were performed on the stored seeds. The findings indicate better seed preservation in the chilled environment or when using a with blanket, with significant differences noted for seeds stored the middle of the storage bag. Therefore, soybean seed storage in a chilled environment or using a with blanket aids in slowing down the seed deterioration processes, preserving physiological quality and vigor compared to a conventional storage environment. Additionally, the quality of soybean seeds stored under these conditions in the middle of storage bags is maintained. 543 54 3 54.3 countrys country s production declines context depths 202 i 74i7 follows 20 ≤2 C 25 ≥2 x 3x applied top, top (top bottom, bottom , bottom) each Physical Therefore Additionally maintained 5 54. 74i 2 ≤ ≥

Resumo A região Centro-Oeste do Brasil representa 54,3% da produção nacional de soja. A busca por tecnologia de armazenamento adequada é primordial para manter as qualidades físicas, fisiológicas e sanitárias, além de minimizar o processo de deterioração e consequente declínio na germinação e vigor de sementes mantidas em ambientes inadequados. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar qualidade de sementes de soja armazenadas em diferentes ambientes e profundidade no bag quanto ao potencial fisiológico e qualidade física. Os ensaios foram realizados com sementes da cultivar Foco 74i77 RSF IPRO, armazenadas nos meses de abril a agosto de 2021 e início dos testes em setembro. As sementes foram armazenadas em ambiente refrigerado com temperatura média ≤20 °C; manta térmica, temperatura média ≤25 °C; ambiente sem manta, estrutura padrão do armazém e temperatura média ≥25 °C. Delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com fatorial 3x3, 3 ambientes de armazenamento e 3 posições no bag, dividido em partes superior, meio e inferior, com 3 repetições. Nas sementes foram realizados testes físicos, fisiológicos e bioquímicos. Os resultados obtidos para as avaliações físicas, fisiológicas e bioquímicas, demonstraram melhor preservação das sementes nos ambientes refrigerado ou com manta térmica. Para profundidade, foi verificada significância nas sementes na porção média do bag. Esse estudo evidencia que o armazenamento de sementes de soja em ambiente refrigerado ou revestido com manta térmica, auxilia no desaceleramento do processo de deterioração das sementes, conservando a qualidade fisiológica e vigor das sementes quando comparados ao ambiente convencional. Assim como, as sementes de soja armazenadas em ambiente refrigerado ou revestido com manta térmica e na profundidade média no bag, mantém a qualidade. CentroOeste Centro Oeste 543 54 54,3 físicas sanitárias inadequados Portanto objetivouse objetivou se física i 74i7 IPRO 202 setembro 20 ≤2 °C C 25 ≥2 3x3 x superior inferior repetições físicos bioquímicos bioquímicas convencional como 5 54, 74i 2 ≤ ≥ 3x

Abstract A new concept of multisystem disease has emerged as a long-term condition following mild-severe COVID-19 infection. The main symptoms of this affection are breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. We present here the clinical case of four COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and 60 days after hospital discharge. Physiological impairment of all patients was assessed by spirometry, dyspnea score, arterial blood gas, and 6-minute walk test 60 days after hospital discharge, and computed tomographic scan 90 days after discharge. All patients had fatigue, which was not related to hypoxemia or impaired spirometry values, and interstitial lung alterations, which occurred in both mechanically ventilated and non-mechanically ventilated patients. In conclusion, identifying the prevalence and patterns of permanent lung damage is paramount in preventing and treating COVID-19-induced fibrotic lung disease. Additionally, and based on our preliminary results, it will be also relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs for these individuals.

Abstract The performance of Salvinia natans macrophyte to recover lead and chromium from single and bicomponent solutions in batch and fixed bed systems was investigated. Equilibrium data were obtained through isotherms and fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and D-R models for a single component system. In the fixed bed study the breakthrough curves were carried out at three different ratios of concentrations for the bicomponent study and at the concentration of 1 mmol.L-1 for the single system. In order to know the biosorption mechanism, FT-IR analyses were performed for S. natans before and after the uptake of metal ions. The results showed different functional groups in the biomass and the ability of these groups to bind Cr+3 and Pb2+. Studies of the binary system of Cr3+/Pb2+ are not common in the literature, which makes the experimental data obtained in this work very important for providing information that could be used in adsorption processes.

Resumo O grupo Incertae sedis, dentro da família Characidae inclui atualmente 88 gêneros, anteriormente incluídos na subfamília Tetragonopterinae. Dentre eles encontra-se o gênero Astyanax que compreende um grupo de espécies com morfologia similar e com ampla distribuição na região Neotropical. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a diversidade cariotípica em espécies de Astyanax de diferentes bacias hidrográficas, através da coloração convencional com Giemsa, bandeamento C e hibridização fluorescente in situ (FISH com rDNA 18S). Exemplares de Astyanax aff. paranae, pertencentes ao “complexo scabripinnis”; Astyanax asunsionensise Astyanax aff. bimaculatus foram analisados. Dois cariomorfos foram observados em A. aff. paranae, um deles com 2n=48 cromossomos e outro com 2n=50 cromossomos. Outra população apresentou 2n=50 cromossomos, ambas diferindo na fórmula cariotípica e um cromossomo supranumerário encontrado em 100% das células, em aproximadamente 80% das fêmeas analisadas. Populações de A.asunsionensis e uma população de Astyanax aff. Bimaculatus também mostraram número diplóide de 50 cromossomos, mas diferindo em suas fórmulas cariotípicas. Portanto, A. asuncionensis foi também caracterizado por uma diversidade cariotípica intraespecífica. As análises de bandeamento C foi capaz de demonstrar um padrão distinto de heterocromatina, diferindo A. asuncionensis de A.aff. paranae e A. aff. bimaculatus. O cromossomo supranumerário de Astyanax aff. paranae mostrou-se completamente heterocromático. Apenas Astyanax aff. bimaculatus mostrou múltiplos sítios de regiões organizadoras de nucléolo(NORs). As outras espécies foram caraterizadas por apresentar um sistema simples de NOR. Estes dados contribuem para o conhecimento da existência de biodiversidade em nossa fauna de peixes, aqui em destaque pela diversidade cromossômica inter e intraespecífica no gênero Astyanax.

Abstract The group Incertae sedis within the Characidae family currently includes 88 genera, previously included in the subfamily Tetragonopterinae. Among them is the genus Astyanax comprising a group of species with similar morphology and widely distributed in the Neotropics. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the karyotype diversity in Astyanax species from different watersheds by conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH rDNA 18S) probe.specimens of Astyanax aff. paranae belonging to the “scabripinnis complex”, Astyanax asunsionensis and Astyanax aff. bimaculatus were analyzed”. Two sympatric karyomorphs were observed in Astyanax.aff paranae, one of them having2n=48andthe other one with 2n=50 chromosomes. Other population of this same species also presented 2n=50 chromosomes, but differing in the karyotype formula and with macro supernumerary chromosome found in 100% of the cells in about 80%of females analyzed. Two population of A. asuncionensis and one population of Astyanax. aff. bimaculatus, also showed a diploid number of 50 chromosomes, but also differing in their karyotype formulas. Therefore, A. asuncionensis was also characterized by intraspecific chromosome diversity. The C-banding analysis was able to demonstrate a distinctable to demonstrate a distinct pattern of heterochromatin differing A. asuncionensis from Astyanax aff. paranae and Astyanax aff. bimaculatus. The supernumerary chromosome of Astyanax aff. paranae proved completely heterochromatic. Only Astyanax.aff. bimaculatus multiple showed multiple sites of nucleolar organizing regions. The other species were characterized by having a simple system of NOR. These data contributes to the know ledge of the existing biodiversity in our fish fauna, here highlighted by the inter- and intraspecific chromosomal diversity in the genus Astyanax.

Os polímeros reforçados com fibra de carbono (PRFC) têm sido bastante utilizados no reforço de estruturas de concreto armado devido à sua praticidade e versatilidade na aplicação, baixo peso e elevada resistência à tração e à corrosão. Algumas empresas que atuam no mercado da construção civil utilizam o PRFC no reforço à flexão de vigas de concreto armado, contudo sem fazer uso de sistemas de ancoragem, o que influencia na capacidade resistente da viga. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho é analisar, por meio de um programa experimental, o comportamento estrutural de vigas de concreto armado reforçadas à flexão com PRFC variando-se a taxa de armadura e a quantidade de camadas do reforço, sem fazer o uso de sistemas de ancoragem. Para tanto, foram produzidos dois grupos de vigas de concreto armado, de mesma característica geométrica mas com taxas de armadura distintas. Cada grupo possuía cinco vigas: uma que não foi reforçada (de referência) e as demais reforçadas com duas, três, quatro e cinco camadas de fibra de carbono. As vigas foram dimensionadas utilizando-se uma rotina computacional desenvolvida no pacote comercial MAPLE, sendo posteriormente ensaiadas à flexão em 4 pontos até o seu colapso. Os ensaios experimentais comprovaram a eficácia do reforço, constatando-se que as vigas colapsavam com cargas superiores e deformações inferiores à medida que se aumentava a quantidade de camadas de fibra no reforço. Contudo o aumento do número de camadas não proporcionou um incremento expressivo na capacidade resistente das vigas reforçadas, indicando que não foi possível tirar proveito por completo do reforço aplicado devido a ocorrência nas vigas reforçadas do modo de ruína prematuro por arrancamento do cobrimento que poderia ter sido evitado com o uso de um sistema de ancoragem adequado para o PRFC.

The use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been widely used for the reinforcement of concrete structures due to its practicality and versatility in application, low weight, high tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Some construction companies use CFRP in flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beams, but without anchor systems. Therefore, the aim of this study is analyze, through an experimental program, the structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams flexural strengthened by CFRP without anchor fibers, varying steel reinforcement and the amount of carbon fibers reinforcement layers. Thus, two groups of reinforced concrete beams were produced with the same geometric feature but with different steel reinforcement. Each group had five beams: one that is not reinforced with CFRP (reference) and other reinforced with two, three, four and five layers of carbon fibers. Beams were designed using a computational routine developed in MAPLE software and subsequently tested in 4-point points flexural test up to collapse. Experimental tests have confirmed the effectiveness of the reinforcement, ratifying that beams collapse at higher loads and lower deformation as the amount of fibers in the reinforcing layers increased. However, the increase in the number of layers did not provide a significant increase in the performance of strengthened beams, indicating that it was not possible to take full advantage of strengthening applied due to the occurrence of premature failure mode in the strengthened beams for pullout of the cover that could have been avoided through the use of a suitable anchoring system for CFRP.

The bentonitic clays show good adsorptive characteristics, being used as alternative material for removing metals. This study evaluates several treatments (calcination, acid activation and treatment with sodium) of bentonite type Bofe in the removal of nickel and copper. Analyses were performed for physicochemical characterization of clay using the techniques: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermal analysis (TG and DTA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), the ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME) method, N2 adsorption (BET) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Among the changes induced by acid activation and sodium transformations, the treatment with sodium chloride in fixed bed showed the highest performance in the monocomponent removal of nickel and copper.

A construção civil movimenta, anualmente, toneladas de cimento para as suas mais diversas aplicações, mas, a sua fabricação gera teores elevados de poluentes ambientais. Decorrente disto tem-se uma constante busca por novos métodos sustentáveis e alternativos de fabricação. Neste trabalho, a pesquisa foi direcionada em dois aspectos: a adição de fibras de coco (FC) e de sisal (FS) a um concreto referência, com a intenção de aumentar suas demandas nacionais e diminuir o impacto ambiental resultante da quantidade de resíduos descartados no ambiente após o consumo do fruto, com redução do consumo de cimento em cada dosagem, respectivamente; e, a fotocatálise de gases poluentes por argamassas à base do nanocomposto dióxido de titânio, fase anatásio. Para a avaliação do concreto com adições foram realizados ensaios de resistência à compressão axial, variação dimensional de barras de argamassa expostas em solução agressiva de sulfato e o acompanhamento da durabilidade de corpos de prova (CPs) envelhecidos em câmaras de intemperismo de névoa salina e de dióxido de enxofre pela técnica do potencial de corrosão. As argamassas com TiO2 foram avaliadas quanto ao seu potencial fotocatalítico para a redução na concentração de gases tipo NOx em câmara de UV-A, produzida para esta verificação. Os resultados indicaram um aumento em até 16% da resistência mecânica dos concretos com adições e uma eficiência das argamassas com teores de nano TiO2-fase anatásio a partir de 20% em massa, para promover a fotocatálise do NOx ao redor de 40%, em presença de radiação UV-A.

The construction moves annually, tons of cement for their diverse applications, but their manufacturing generates high levels of environmental pollutants. Resulting from this is a constant search for new sustainable and alternative methods. In this work, the research was directed at two aspects: the addition of coconut fibers (CF) and sisal (SF) to a concrete reference, with the intention of increasing their national demands and diminishes the impact of the amount of waste disposed the environment after consumption of the fruit and reducing the cement consumption in each dosage, respectively; and photocatalysis of gaseous pollutants by mortars based nanocomposite titanium dioxide, anatase phase. For the evaluation of concrete with additions testing compressive strength, dimensional change of mortar bars exposed to aggressive sulfate solution and monitoring the durability of specimens aged in chambers salt spray and weathering dioxide were performed the technique of sulfur corrosion potential. Mortars with TiO2 were evaluated for their potential for photocatalytic reduction in the concentration of NOx in gas type UV-A chamber. The results showed an increase up to 16% of the strength of concrete with additions and efficiency of mortars with levels of nano TiO2 anatase-phase from 20%, by weight, to promote photocatalysis of NOx around 40% in the presence UV-A radiation.

Batch experiments were carried out for biosorption of Remazol Brilliant Blue R dye onto the macrophyte Salvinia natans. Effects of parameters such as initial dye concentration, pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time and temperature were investigated. Chemical and morphological characteristics of the biosorbent were evaluated before and after the biosorption process using methods such as Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Sorption kinetics were conducted and followed a pseudo-second order kinetic model. Equilibrium data were well represented by the Langmuir model. Salvinia natans exhibited a maximum uptake of 61.9 mg.g-1. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model indicated that the adsorption takes place by a physical process. Thermodynamic parameters were estimated. The negative values of the Gibbs energy indicated the spontaneous nature of the adsorption. The entropy was positive and the positive value of the enthalpy showed that the process is endothermic.

This study evaluated the kinetic adsorption of Pb and Cu ions using rice husk ash as adsorbent in a fixed bed. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained for lead and copper ions in the fixed bed were 0.0561 and 0.0682 mmol/g (at 20 ºC), respectively. The thermodynamic studies indicated that the lead adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous, while the copper adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Characterization results indicated the presence of several functional groups, amorphous silica and a fibrous and longitudinal structure of rice husks. Rice husk ash (RHA) from northern Brazil can be used as a bioadsorbent for the individual removal of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions from metal-containing effluents.

This study aims to characterize the complex metal-clay formed by adsorption of lead. In this work, the bentonite clay named Fluidgel was calcined at 750 ºC and was used as adsorbent for lead removal. The characterization of this clay and complex metal-clay was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface area (BET method), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The removal of lead from aqueous solution was carried out in a fixed bed. Dynamic experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of flowrate on adsorption efficiency. The experiments were accomplished at room temperature, the clay adsorbent particle diameter was of 0.855 mm and the flow rate varied from 0.6 to 2 mL/min. The feed concentration of lead was about 0.24 mmol/L. Comparing the chemical compositions of the clays obtained by EDX before and after removal of the lead, it was concluded that the ion exchange process might be important to lead removal. From the semi-quantitative analysis of chemical composition in clays with and without adsorbed lead it was observed a reduction of the amount of Ca2+, K+ cations and the disappearance of Na+ cations, which was caused by cation exchange process.

The equilibrium and thermodynamics of azo dye (tartrazine and allura red) biosorption onto Spirulina platensis biomass were investigated. The equilibrium curves were obtained at 298, 308, 318 and 328 K, and four isotherm models were fitted the experimental data. Biosorption thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were estimated. The results showed that the biosorption was favored by a temperature decrease. For both dyes, the Sips model was the best to represent the equilibrium experimental data (R²>0.99 and ARE<5.0%) and the maximum biosorption capacities were 363.2 and 468.7 mg g-1 for tartrazine and allura red, respectively, obtained at 298 K. The negative values of ΔG and ΔH showed that the biosorption of both dyes was spontaneous, favorable and exothermic. The positive values of ΔS suggested that the system disorder increases during the biosorption process.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar as espécies medicinais nativas em um fragmento de mata situada na Fazenda Azulão, em Dourados/MS, baseando-se no conhecimento popular de mateiros da região, com intuito de gerar subsídios para perpetuar a preservação, a diversidade e variabilidade das espécies, bem como, incentivar populações locais a valorizar e preservar esses recursos naturais, retardando o impacto sobre a biodiversidade. Partes das plantas indicadas como medicinais foram coletadas, as quais foram identificadas mediante literaturas especializadas e por comparações com plantas depositadas no Herbário da Cidade Universitária de Dourados. Foram identificadas 61 espécies distribuídas em 35 famílias e 53 gêneros. As famílias Asteraceae (9), Fabaceae (5) e Piperaceae (4) foram as que apresentaram o maior número de espécies. Dentre as formas de vida encontradas na vegetação nativa do local, as espécies medicinais de hábito arbustivo (39,34%) foram as que apresentaram os maiores valores, seguido pelas herbáceas (27,86%), arbóreas (24,6%), e lianas (8,2%). As partes das plantas mais utilizadas são as folhas, seguidas da raiz e casca. Com base nos resultados obtidos nesse estudo, as indicações da utilização das plantas medicinais podem fornecer subsídios para estudos bioquímicos e farmacológicos, diminuindo os custos e o tempo na extração de princípios ativos, bem como, permitir o fortalecimento do conhecimento cultural da comunidade local, incentivando a preservação ambiental de diversas espécies medicinais utilizadas na região. Novos estudos devem ser conduzidos no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, a fim de se garantir o registro de dados mais precisos sobre as espécies medicinais ocorrentes.

This study aimed to identify the native medicinal species in a forest fragment located at Azulão Farm in Dourados/ MS, based on the popular knowledge of the bushmen of the region, aiming to generate data to perpetuate the preservation, diversity and variability of the species, as well as to encourage local people to value and preserve these natural resources, slowing the impact on biodiversity. Samples of plants indicated as medicinal were collected, and then identified by the specialized literature and by comparison with plants deposited in the Herbarium of the University City of Dourados. We identified 61 species belonging to 35 families and 53 genera.The Asteraceae (9), Fabaceae (5) and Piperaceae (4) showed the largest number of species. Among the life forms found in the local native vegetation, the medicinal species of shrubby habit (39.34%) were the ones that presented the highest values, followed by the herbaceous (27.86%), trees (24.6%), and lianas (8.2%). The most frequently used plant parts are the leaves, followed by the roots and bark. Based on the results of this study, the indications of use of medicinal plants can provide subsidies for biochemical and pharmacological studies, reducing the costs and the time for the extraction of active ingredients, also contributing with the cultural knowledge of the local community, encouraging environmental preservation of many medicinal species used in the region. Further studies should be conducted in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, in order to ensure the registration of more accurate data on the existing medicinal species.

Heavy metal removal by adsorption using rice husks as a bioadsorbent was evaluated as an alternative for wastewater treatment. Batch equilibrium experiments and kinetic sorption studies were performed using monocomponent solutions of Ni(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) in surface samples of in natura(RH) and calcined rice husks (RHA). RHA showed higher potential for removing lead and copper. Experimental data for adsorption isotherms of lead and copper were adjusted by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevick (D-R) models, being better represented by the Langmuir model. The calcination of RH increased its surface area, improving its adsorption properties. From a morphological analysis obtained by SEM and diffraction patterns (XRD), a longitudinal fibrous and amorphous structure was observed for RH. TGA resultsindicated a total mass loss of around 60% for RH and 24.5% for RHA.

Background & aim: Many disease outbreaks of food origin are caused by foods prepared in Food Service and Nutrition Units of hospitals, affecting hospitalized patients who, in most cases, are immunocompromised and therefore at a higher risk of severe worsening of their clinical status. The aim of this study was to determine the variations in temperature and the time-temperature factor of hospital diets. Methods: The time and temperature for the preparation of 4 diets of modified consistency were determined on 5 nonconsecutive days in a hospital Diet and Nutrition Unit at the end of preparation and during the maintenance period, portioning and distribution at 3 sites, i.e., the first, the middle and the last to receive the diets. Results and discussion: All foods reached an adequate temperature at the end of cooking, but temperature varied significantly from the maintenance period to the final distribution, characterizing critical periods for microorganism proliferation. During holding, temperatures that presented a risk were reached by 16.7% of the meats and 59% of the salads of the general diet, by 16.7% of the garnishes in the bland diet and by 20% of the meats and garnishes in the viscous diet. The same occurred at the end of distribution for 100% of the hot samples and of the salads and for 61% of the desserts. None of the preparations remained at risk temperature for a time exceeding that established by law. Conclusion: The exposure to inadequate temperature did not last long enough to pose risks to the patient.

Antecedentes y objetivos: muchas epidemias de origen alimentario están causadas por alimentos preparados en las unidades de alimentación y nutrición de los hospitales y afectan a pacientes hospitalizados que, en su mayoría, están inmunodeprimidos y presentan, por lo tanto, un mayor riesgo de empeoramiento grave de su estado clínico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las variaciones en la temperatura y el factor tiempo-temperatura en las dietas de los hospitales. Métodos: se determinó el tiempo y la temperatura de preparación de 4 dietas de consistencia modificada durante 5 días consecutivos en una Unidad de alimentación y nutrición, al final de la preparación y durante el periodo de mantenimiento, racionamiento y distribución en 3 sitios, es decir, el primer sitio en recibir la dieta, el intermedio y el último. Resultados y discusión: todos los alimentos alcanzaron una temperatura adecuada al final de su preparación, pero la temperatura varió significativamente desde su periodo de mantenimiento hasta su distribución final, caracterizando periodos críticos para la proliferación de microorganismos. Durante su almacenamiento, las temperaturas que representaron un riesgo se dieron en el 16,7% de las carnes y el 59% de las ensaladas de la dieta general, en el 16,7% de las guarniciones de la dieta blanda y en el 20% de las carnes y las guarniciones de la dieta viscosa. Lo mismo ocurrió al final de la distribución en el 100% de las muestras calientes y de las ensaladas y en el 61% de los postres. Ninguna de las preparaciones permaneció a una temperatura de riesgo durante un tiempo que excediese el tiempo establecido por ley. Conclusión: La exposición a una temperatura inadecuada no fue lo suficientemente prolongada para presentar un riesgo para el paciente.