Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-09-29Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T21:08:03Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 pinto_lmc_dr_bauru.pdf: 1029133 bytes, checksum: 1bcbcb88259752d2a9a14915e1682400 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Devido aos significativos avanços em catálise heterogênea, alcançados na segunda metade do século XX, foi possível o desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico em diversas áreas da química, tal como na eletrocatálise de reações envolvidas em células e combustível. As células e combustível sao dispositivos que podem ser utilizados como fontes alternativas de produção de energia que, além de atenderem à crescente demanda no setor energético mundial, emitem uma baixa quantidade de poluentes, sendo este um fator importante nas questões ambientais. No entanto, a sua vasta implementação ainda está limitada pelo desenvolvimento de catalisadores eficientes e enconomicamente viáveis. Não menos importante, existes uma falta de conhecimento aprofundado a respeito de muitos processos que ocorrem na superfície desses materiais. Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados da investigação teórica da eletrocatálise da reação de oxidação de hidrogênio sobre as fases intermediarias ordenadas de estanho com alguns materiais de transição (Au, Pd e Pt). Além disso, outras características desses materiais, como a susceptibilidade ao envenenamento por monóxido de carbono, são abordadas neste estudo. A metodologia empregada consiste na realização de uma extensa série de cálculos baseados na teoria do funcional da densidade e, para os processos que envolvem a transferência eletrônica, na aplicação da teoria da eletrocatálise desenvolvida por Santos e Schmickler. Os cálculos DFT foram utilzados tanto na caracterização da estrutura geométrica e eletrônica dos materiais e na determinação das energias de adsorção das espécies em algumas superfícies selecionadas dos intermetálicos quanto para a obtenção dos parâmetros necessários na avaliação das etapas eletrocatalíticas. Com a formação dos intermetálicos, a banda d do metal nobre fica preenchida... / Significant progresses in heterogeneous catalysis achieved in the second that half of the 20th century has allowed scientific and tehcnological development in several areas of chemistry, such as in the electrocatalysis of fuel cells related reactions. In addition to meeting the growing demand in global energy services, the fuel cells are devices that can be used as alternative sources of energy production and take the low-emission of polluants into account, which is an importance factor in environmental issues. However, its wide implementation is still limited by the development of efficient and cheaper catalysts. No less important, there is a lack of detailed knowledge about many processes occurring on the surface of these materials. In this work the results of a theoretical investigation of the electrocatalysis of hydrogen on ordered intermetallic phases of tin with some transition metals (Au, Pd, and Pt) are presented. Furthermore, other features of these materials such as its susceptibility to be poisoned by

Rationnel : Le développement des techniques de reperfusion pulmonaire ex vivo (Ex vivo lung perfusion : EVLP) vise à réduire la pénurie d'organes disponibles pour la transplantation. Le monoxyde de carbone (CO) pourrait aider à la sélection des greffons en cours d'EVLP puisque sa production endogène est augmentée en situation d'ischémie reperfusion. Objectifs : Mettre au point une technique de mesure du CO exhalé (eCO) lors de l'EVLP et étudier ses variations en fonction des lésions d'ischémie reperfusion. Méthodes : À partir d'un modèle porcin d'EVLP et à l'aide d'un appareil de spectrométrie laser basé sur le principe d'une cavité résonnante (optical-feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy : OF-CEAS), eCO était mesuré selon différents paramètres ventilatoires, en ambiances polluées par des gaz pauvres (< 0,015ppmv) ou riches (9ppmv) en CO et après perfusion d'un inhibiteur de l'hème oxygénase (SnPP). eCO était ensuite comparé après 30 min (J0) ou 24 h (J1) d'ischémie froide et sa valeur prédictive pour sélectionner des greffons était calculée.Résultats : La concentration d'eCO de poumons isolés était de 0,45 ± 0.19 ppmv. Les pics d'eCO se produisaient pendant la phase expiratoire. Ni les variations de fraction inspirée en oxygène, ni la pollution de l'air ambiant ne modifiaient eCO. Les concentrations d'eCO n'étaient pas différentes après perfusion de SnPP. eCO était plus élevé à J1 par rapport à J0 (1,35 ± 0,259 ppmv vs. 0,951 ± 0,313, p = 0,01) et était corrélé à un indice de perméabilité de la membrane alvéolo capillaire. La meilleure valeur seuil d'eCO déterminée à partir de la courbe ROC était 0,860 ppmv (sensibilité de 1 (0,31 – 1), spécificité de 0,44 (0,15 – 0,77), valeur prédictive positive de 0,37 (0,10 – 0,74), valeur prédictive négative de 1 (0,39 – 1)). Conclusions : La mesure d'eCO en condition d'EVLP est faisable. eCO est significativement augmenté lorsque les lésions d'ischémie reperfusion sont accrues mais eCO ne peut pas être utilisé de façon isolée pour sélectionner les greffons pulmonaires. / Rationale: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a promising technique to reduce the shortage of organs available for transplantation. Carbon monoxide (CO) might help in the selection of grafts during EVLP as its endogenous production is increased by ischemia reperfusion.Objectives: To develop a measurement technique of exhaled CO (eCO) during EVLP and to study its variations depending on ischemia reperfusion injuries.Methods: Using a pig model of EVLP and using a laser spectrometer technique based on the principle of a resonant cavity (optical feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy-OF-CEAS), we measured eCO under different ventilatory parameters, various polluted environments with poor (<0,015ppmv) or rich (9ppmv) CO gas, and after infusion of an inhibitor of heme oxygenase (SnPP). We then compared eCO after 30 min (D0) or 24 h (D1) of cold ischemia and determined the predictive value of eCO to select lung grafts.Results: In isolated lungs, the concentration of eCO reached 0.45 ± 0.19 ppmv. eCO peaks during the expiratory phase. Neither variations of the fraction of inspired oxygen, nor the pollution of the ambient air altered eCO. eCO concentrations were not different after SnPP infusion. eCO was higher on day 1 compared to day 0 (1.35 ± 0.259 vs. 0.951 ± 0.313 ppmv, p = 0.01) and correlated with an index of the permeability of the alveolar capillary membrane. The best treshold value of eCO determined from the ROC curve was 0.860 ppmv (sensitivity 1 (0.31 to 1), specificity of 0.44 (0.15 to 0.77), positive predictive value of 0, 37 (0.10 to 0.74), negative predictive value of 1 (0.39 to 1)).Conclusions: Measurements of eCO during EVLP is feasible. eCO is significantly higher when ischemia-reperfusion injuries are increased. However, eCO can not be used in isolation to select lung grafts.

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Biotechnology) / It has been estimated that the world population will reach about 10 billion by the year 2050 and in order to accommodate the increased demand of food, the world agricultural production needs to rise by 70 % in the year 2030. However, the realisation of the goal in food production is hindered by limited arable land caused by urbanisation, salinisation, desertification and environmental degradation. Furthermore, abiotic and biotic stresses affect plant growth and development, which lead to major crop losses. The long term goal of this study is to improve food security by producing genetically engineered agricultural crops that will be tolerant to diverse stresses. This research aims at developing stress tolerant crops through the determination of important signalling molecules and second messengers, such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and calcium ion (Ca2+), which can bind to plant proteins such as AtNOGC1 in order to induce stress tolerance in plants.

The association between intoxication by hazardous chemicals and selected parameters response of the Integrated Rescue System is currently a frequently discussed theme. This connection is especially observed where the main source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the Integrated Rescue System units solves a wide range of events every year just with the leakage of carbon monoxide. This gas was, and today still is the cause of much intoxication, especially when using Karma for water heating. That is the reason why this thesis focuses precisely on the investigation of selected parameters response of the Fire and Rescue Service of the capital City of Prague upon the carbon monoxide occurrence. Important factors influencing the progress of the intervention is i.a., knowledge of the toxic effects of this gas and its effects on the human body, but also adequate quantity and quality of the detection devices and protective equipment. This diploma thesis deals with the investigation of selected parameters mentioned above emergency interventions, be subsequently treated by in the period from 2010 to 2014 under the Fire and Rescue Service of the capital City of Prague. The theoretical part describes the hazardous chemical substance (carbon monoxide) in terms of chemical, physical, biological, and also its use. The important part is the detailed description of the intoxication of carbon monoxide in the organism, the degradation of the organism, consequences of poisoning and medical procedures. Further have been also described respiratory protective devices, which are focused on the protective filters. When processing the diploma thesis is also found all events with the release of carbon monoxide in the capital City of Prague territory. These data are based on the statistical monitoring of events that leads and processes Fire and Rescue Service of the capital City of Prague. From statistic of interventions are subsequently searched data on the number of killed, wounded and rescued persons who are within the statistics registered. As comparative parameters are selected data on average daily temperatures and average daily pressures in the capital City of Prague territory. These data are for the period provided by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Prague subdivision. The diploma thesis is determined and verified hypotheses of influence of the average daily temperature on the frequency of interventions with the presence of carbon monoxide in the capital City of Prague territory in the monitored period, average daily pressures influence on the frequency of interventions with the presence of carbon monoxide in the capital City of Prague territory and affect of the average daily temperature on the average daily pressures. The gained information is comprehensively and detailed processed into tables. The events in tables are divided by years, months. Afterwards it provides a general overview of emergency interventions in the monitored period. The processed data are then statistically examined and evaluated. In the first part is determined statistical unit for the period of five years. The data are also tabulated together with the average temperature and the average pressure and then suitably scaled. Then calculation of the general moments of the first order, standard deviations and correlation analysis follows. The results are compared with prescribed intervals. Based on a comparison of the results with the prescribed intervals is evaluated that the number of events does not correlate with the temperature, so the number of events with a temperature not connected, the number of events is positively correlated with the pressure, which means that the number of events related to the pressure. The temperature correlates positively with the pressure, i.e., these two parameters together, purview within performed examination, related.

abstract: On average, our society generates ~0.5 ton of municipal solid waste per person annually. Biomass waste can be gasified to generate synthesis gas (syngas), a gas mixture consisting predominantly of CO, CO2, and H2. Syngas, rich in carbon and electrons, can fuel the metabolism of carboxidotrophs, anaerobic microorganisms that metabolize CO (a toxic pollutant) and produce biofuels (H2, ethanol) and commodity chemicals (acetate and other fatty acids). Despite the attempts for commercialization of syngas fermentation by several companies, the metabolic processes involved in CO and syngas metabolism are not well understood. This dissertation aims to contribute to the understanding of CO and syngas fermentation by uncovering key microorganisms and understanding their metabolism. For this, microbiology and molecular biology techniques were combined with analytical chemistry analyses and deep sequencing techniques. First, environments where CO is commonly detected, including the seafloor, volcanic sand, and sewage sludge, were explored to identify potential carboxidotrophs. Since carboxidotrophs from sludge consumed CO 1000 faster than those in nature, mesophilic sludge was used as inoculum to enrich for CO- and syngas- metabolizing microbes. Two carboxidotrophs were isolated from this culture: an acetate/ethanol-producer 99% phylogenetically similar to Acetobacterium wieringae and a novel H2-producer, Pleomorphomonas carboxidotrophicus sp. nov. Comparison of CO and syngas fermentation by the CO-enriched culture and the isolates suggested mixed-culture syngas fermentation as a better alternative to ferment CO-rich gases. Advantages of mixed cultures included complete consumption of H2 and CO2 (along with CO), flexibility under different syngas compositions, functional redundancy (for acetate production) and high ethanol production after providing a continuous supply of electrons. Lastly, dilute ethanol solutions, typical of syngas fermentation processes, were upgraded to medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), biofuel precursors, through the continuous addition of CO. In these bioreactors, methanogens were inhibited and Peptostreptococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae spp. most likely partnered with carboxidotrophs for MCFA production. These results reveal novel microorganisms capable of effectively consuming an atmospheric pollutant, shed light on the interplay between syngas components, microbial communities, and metabolites produced, and support mixed-culture syngas fermentation for the production of a wide variety of biofuels and commodity chemicals. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2017

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-05-10Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:31:52Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 nicolai_al_me_bauru.pdf: 654716 bytes, checksum: 879497effab083cf73c94f0509a944da (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A oxidação de pequenos compostos orgânicos, tais como: gás natural, metano, propano, metanol e etc., tem gerado um grande interesse para a utilização em células a combustível, pois, o hidrogênio pode ser obtido por reforma catalítica dos mesmos e ou por oxidação direta dos combustíveis. Porém, o eletrocatalisador mais utilizado para a oxidação, a platina, é facilmente envenenado pela adsorção química do monóxido de carbono (CO). O CO se adsorve de duas maneiras; a primeira, de forma linear, utilizando um sítio de platina e, a segunda, em forma de ponte, utilizando dois sítios, fazendo com que o rendimento e eficiência da célula a combustível seja comprometido. Assim torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de eletrocatalisadores que sejam mais tolerantes ao envenenamento por CO. Uma alternativa seria os materiais intermetálicos, que são um tipo especial de liga metálica, formada de platina e outros metais M (M = Mn, Pb, Sb e Sn)... / The oxidation of small organic compounds such as natural gas, methanol, ethanol etc.m has highly increased interest for utilization of such compounds in fuel cells, once the hydrogen can be easily obtained by catthalitic reform of the compounds or by direct oxidation of such fuels. However, platinum, which is the most used electrocatalyst is easily poisoned by chemical adsortion of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is adsorption in two different ways: in the first one, in a linearly configuration, the adsorption is performed using a platinum site, while in the second one it is performed, in a bridge configuration, using two sites, compromising performance and the efficiency of the fuel cell. For such a reason, the development of electrocatalyst which are more tolerant to CO poisoning is necessary. A potential alternative would be the intermetallic materials, which are special metallic alloy, formed by platinum and other...(Complete abstract, click electronic address below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:49:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:02:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 10427.pdf: 11180152 bytes, checksum: f8294650781a8994bcbc91409d2cadb8 (MD5) / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Intituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares, IPEN/CNEN-SP

Orientador: Antonio Carlos Dias Angelo / Banca: Gilberto Maia / Banca: Hebe de Las Mercedes Villullas / Banca: Julio Ricardo Sambrano / Banca: Alexandre de Oliveira Legendre / Resumo: Devido aos significativos avanços em catálise heterogênea, alcançados na segunda metade do século XX, foi possível o desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico em diversas áreas da química, tal como na eletrocatálise de reações envolvidas em células e combustível. As células e combustível sao dispositivos que podem ser utilizados como fontes alternativas de produção de energia que, além de atenderem à crescente demanda no setor energético mundial, emitem uma baixa quantidade de poluentes, sendo este um fator importante nas questões ambientais. No entanto, a sua vasta implementação ainda está limitada pelo desenvolvimento de catalisadores eficientes e enconomicamente viáveis. Não menos importante, existes uma falta de conhecimento aprofundado a respeito de muitos processos que ocorrem na superfície desses materiais. Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados da investigação teórica da eletrocatálise da reação de oxidação de hidrogênio sobre as fases intermediarias ordenadas de estanho com alguns materiais de transição (Au, Pd e Pt). Além disso, outras características desses materiais, como a susceptibilidade ao envenenamento por monóxido de carbono, são abordadas neste estudo. A metodologia empregada consiste na realização de uma extensa série de cálculos baseados na teoria do funcional da densidade e, para os processos que envolvem a transferência eletrônica, na aplicação da teoria da eletrocatálise desenvolvida por Santos e Schmickler. Os cálculos DFT foram utilzados tanto na caracterização da estrutura geométrica e eletrônica dos materiais e na determinação das energias de adsorção das espécies em algumas superfícies selecionadas dos intermetálicos quanto para a obtenção dos parâmetros necessários na avaliação das etapas eletrocatalíticas. Com a formação dos intermetálicos, a banda d do metal nobre fica preenchida... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Significant progresses in heterogeneous catalysis achieved in the second that half of the 20th century has allowed scientific and tehcnological development in several areas of chemistry, such as in the electrocatalysis of fuel cells related reactions. In addition to meeting the growing demand in global energy services, the fuel cells are devices that can be used as alternative sources of energy production and take the low-emission of polluants into account, which is an importance factor in environmental issues. However, its wide implementation is still limited by the development of efficient and cheaper catalysts. No less important, there is a lack of detailed knowledge about many processes occurring on the surface of these materials. In this work the results of a theoretical investigation of the electrocatalysis of hydrogen on ordered intermetallic phases of tin with some transition metals (Au, Pd, and Pt) are presented. Furthermore, other features of these materials such as its susceptibility to be poisoned by / Doutor

Orientador: Ivo Milton Raimundo Junior / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T22:55:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pinheiro_SilviaCristinaLopes_M.pdf: 5873346 bytes, checksum: 978465ffcf96f296fbc2acb75ab9102a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Mestrado / Quimica Analitica / Mestre em Química