Submitted by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2016-02-25T13:31:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Uenderson Araujo Barbosa -final.pdf: 2006362 bytes, checksum: 7f8502d02bb06b7f75032fb7a79d79bc (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2016-05-10T17:54:24Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Uenderson Araujo Barbosa -final.pdf: 2006362 bytes, checksum: 7f8502d02bb06b7f75032fb7a79d79bc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-10T17:54:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Uenderson Araujo Barbosa -final.pdf: 2006362 bytes, checksum: 7f8502d02bb06b7f75032fb7a79d79bc (MD5) / CAPES e CNPq / Neste trabalho foram propostas estratégias analíticas visando à avaliação toxicológica de metais e metaloides em medicamentos utilizados no tratamento da anemia ferropriva, empregando técnicas cromatográficas e não cromatográficas. Na primeira parte desta tese determinou-se chumbo nos medicamentos aplicando espectrometria de absorção atômica com atomização eletrotérmica (ETAAS). O preparo da amostra foi realizado fazendo uso de digestão ácida em bloco digestor com sistema de refluxo “dedo frio” usando 3 mL de HNO3 (69% v/v) e 1 mL de H2O2 (30% v/v). Foram otimizadas as temperaturas de pirólise e atomização usando uma mistura de paládio e magnésio como modificador químico convencional, obtendo-se 1100ºC e 2000ºC para pirólise e atomização, respectivamente. Com uma massa característica de 21,3 pg e 0,25 e 0,82 µg L-1, para os limites de detecção (LD) e de quantificação (LQ), respectivamente. A precisão, expressa pelo desvio padrão relativo de 5.92% para uma amostra com concentração de chumbo igual a 2,98 µg g-1. A exatidão foi estimada por comparação entre os resultados obtidos por ETAAS e espectrometria de massas com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS). As concentrações de chumbo nas amostras variaram entre 0,096 e 7,068 µg g-1. Na segunda parte deste trabalho, foi efetuada a determinação de mercúrio através de amostragem em suspensão e espectrometria de absorção atômica com alta resolução e fonte contínua com geração de vapor frio (HR-CS CVAAS). As condições ótimas de preparo das suspensões (1,5 mol L-1 de HCl, 1,25% (m/v) de tioureia e 15 minutos de sonicação) foram otimizadas por planejamento fatorial completo. Os limites de detecção e quantificação foram 0,63 ng g-1 e 2,11 ng g-1, respectivamente. O desvio padrão relativo para avaliação da precisão foi calculado usando duas amostras com concentrações 4,82 e 9,61 ng g-1 com resultados 10,89 e 6,84%, respectivamente. Foi estimada a possível perda de mercúrio durante o procedimento proposto e a exatidão, mediante testes de adição e recuperação, variando entre 85,0 e 106,0%. As concentrações de mercúrio ficaram entre 3,17 e 34,86 ng g-1. A terceira parte deste trabalho descreve a determinação de macro e microelementos e o estudo in vitro da bioacessibilidade de ferro em medicamentos usados no tratamento da anemia ferropriva. Foi escolhida a espectrometria de emissão ótica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) como técnica analítica de medida. Foi efetuada digestão ácida para tratamento das amostras e o método foi validado, demonstrando boa sensibilidade, com limites de quantificação (mg L-1) 0,52 para Ca, 0,14 para K, 0,03 para Mg, 0,07 para Mn, 0,40 para Na, 0,36 para P e 0,24 para Zn. A precisão do método foi reconhecida mediante experimentos repetitivos intradia e interdia com resultados abaixo de 20%. Durante estudo da exatidão, testes de adição e recuperação foram executados em diferentes concentrações com resultados entre 81,85 e 114,97%. A robustez do plasma foi calculada mediante uma razão entre as linhas iônica e atômica de magnésio, Mg(II)/Mg(I) e os resultados, mediante análise componentes principais (PCA) e análise por agrupamentos hierárquicos (HCA). O estudo de bioacessibilidade in vitro de Fe demonstrou que alguns medicamentos são melhores bioacessíveis, sendo portanto, mais recomendados para o tratamento da anemia, comprovando dados da literatura farmacológica. Na quarta parte deste trabalho descreve-se o estudo da determinação e especiação simultânea de arsênio e cromo por 11 cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada à ICP-MS (HPLC-ICP-MS). A determinação total de arsênio e cromo foi realizada usando uma digestão ácida em forno de micro-ondas, uma mistura de 4 mL HNO3 (69% v/v) e 1 mL de H2O2 (30% v/v) e análise por ICP-MS. Para o estudo de especiação foi elaborado um estudo com três possíveis procedimentos para extração das espécies, sendo selecionado um procedimento com água a 80ºC por 30 minutos em energia de micro-ondas. Usando uma fase móvel contendo 1,0 mM de hidróxido de tetrabutilamônio (TBAH), 0,7 mM de ácido etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA) e 5% de metanol (v/v) em pH 7,2 foi possível separar as espécies presentes com tempo de retenção de 5 minutos com separação de As(III), As(V), Cr(III) e Cr(VI), com limites de detecção de 0,002, 0,003, 0,140 e 0,042 µg g-1, respectivamente. A exatidão do método foi avaliada conforme testes de adição e recuperação, entre 80,64 e 109,36%. O método foi aplicado em amostras do Brasil e Espanha, com concentrações entre 0,1-1,3 e 0,18-62,27 µg g-1 para As e Cr, respectivamente. / In this thesis work analytical strategies have been proposed for toxicological assessment of metals and metalloids in medicines used to treat iron deficiency anemia, using chromatographic and non-chromatographic techniques. In the first part of this thesis, lead was determined in drugs using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Sample preparation was performed using acid digestion in digester block with reflux system "cold finger" using 3 mL of HNO3 (69% v / v) and 1 mL of H2O2 (30% v / v). Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were optimized using a mixture of palladium and magnesium as conventional chemical modifier, yielding 1100°C and 2000°C for pyrolysis and atomization, respectively. With a characteristic mass of 21.3 pg and 0.25 and 0.82 µg g-1, for limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), respectively. The accuracy, expressed as relative standard deviation was 5.92% for a sample with lead concentration of 2.98 µg g-1. The accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by ETAAS and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead concentrations found in samples ranged between 0.096 and 7.068 µg g-1. In the second part of this work, the determination of mercury using slurry sampling and high resolution continuous source cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (HR-CS CVAAS) was performed. The optimum conditions for preparation of slurries (1.5 mol L-1 HCl, 1.25% (w / v) thiourea and 15 minutes sonication) were optimized using a two level full factorial design. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.63 ng g-1 and 2.11 ng g-1, respectively. The relative standard deviation for accuracy evaluation was calculated using two samples with concentrations 4.82 and 9.61 ng g-1 from which was obtained as results 10.89 and 6.84%, respectively. The possible loss of mercury was evaluated for the proposed procedure and the accuracy was studied by addition/recovery test, with recoveries ranging from 85.0 to 106.0%. Mercury concentrations ranged between 3.17 and 34.86 ng g-1. The third part of this work describes the determination of macro and micro elements and the in vitro study of iron bioaccessibility in medicines used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It was used inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) measured as an analytical technique. Acid digestion treatment was conducted to the samples and the method was fully validated by demonstrating good sensitivity with quantification limits (mg L-1) 0.52 for Ca, 0.14 for K, 0.03 for Mg, 0.07 for Mn, 0.40 for Na, 0.36 for P and 0.24 for Zn. The precision of the method was evaluated by intraday and interday repetitive experiments with results below 20%. During accuracy evaluation, addition/recovery tests were performed at different concentrations with results between 81.85 and 114.97%. The robustness of plasma was evaluated by a ratio between magnesium atomic and ionic lines, Mg(II)/Mg(I). The results were evaluated by multivariate analysis tools, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The study of in vitro bioaccessibility of Fe showed that some drugs are better bioaccessible, being therefore more recommended for anemia treatment, confirming data of pharmacological literature. The fourth part of this work describes the simultaneous determination of arsenic and chromium speciation using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ICP-MS (HPLC-ICP- MS). The total arsenic and chromium determination was carried out using an acid digestion in microwave oven, using a mixture of 4 mL HNO3 (69% v / v) 9 and 1 mL of H2O2 (30% v / v) and analyzed by ICP-MS. For speciation, a study was performed with three possible procedures for extraction of species, being employed a procedure with water at 80 °C for 30 minutes in microwave energy. Using a mobile phase containing 1.0 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH), 0.7 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5% methanol (v / v) under pH 7.2 was possible the separation of the species present with retention time of 5 minutes with separation of As(III) As(V), Cr(III) and Cr(VI), with a LOD of 0.002, 0.003, 0.140 and 0.042 µg g-1, respectively. The accuracy was assessed using addition/recovery tests, ranging between 80.64 and 109.36%. The method was applied in samples from Brazil and Spain.

The pet food industry for dogs and cats has grown extensively. This growth has been reflected from the requirements of the owners of these animals by products with different characteristics and which are suitable nutritional quality, according to the need of the animal. Therefore, we emphasize the importance in determining the mineral composition of these foods, especially in the sense of possible contaminants. In this work, a method proposed for determination of mineral composition (S, Al, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, P, Zn, Sr, V, Fe, Ni, Cr and Ba) in dog and cat foods by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The samples were digested by microwave-assisted digestion method using dilute HNO3 (2.0 mol L-1) and H2O2 (6% m/v). The ratio of the reagents used in digestion was established by a full-two level factorial design. The optimum conditions for RF power was 1.2 kW and nebulization gas flow rate of 1.0 L min-1, which were established by a 32 factorial design with two variables, evaluating these conditions the methodology of response surface analysis. To evaluate the precision and accuracy of the proposed method, five certified reference materials (CRM) were analyzed: wheat flour (NIST 1567a), bovine liver (NIST 1547), peach leaves (NBS 1577), oyster tissue (NIST 1566b) and fish proteins (DORM-3). The analysis of the CRM has shown that the values are in agreement with the certified values ranged between 80 (Cr) and 117% (Cd), with relative standard deviations (% RSD) lower than 5%, except for Ni and Cr which exceeded 15%. The limits of quantification (LOQ) were obtained between 0.075 (Ba, 233.527 nm) and 87 ìg g-1 (Ca, 373.690 nm). The method was applied to analysis of 17 cat food samples with concentrations varying between 2.3 mg kg-1 for Ba and 2.8 g kg-1 for Ca and 24 of dog food samples ranging between 3.8 mg kg-1 for Cu and 3.4 g kg-1 for Ca collected in supermarkets of cities the of State of Sergipe, Brazil. The exploratory techniques of data using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA), can conclude that the ration for the pet foods were uniform, since there was no trend in the formation of distinct groups for possible rating, according to their mineral composition, except the brand "F2", which clustered with the presence of concentrations of aluminum and copper in feed composition for dog. / A industria de racoes destinadas a caes e gatos tem crescido amplamente. Este crescimento tem sido reflexo das exigencias dos donos desses animais por produtos com caracteristicas diferenciadas e que apresentem qualidade nutricional adequada, de acordo com a necessidade do animal. Diante disso, ressalta-se a importancia na determinacao da composicao mineral desses alimentos, principalmente no sentido de possiveis contaminantes. Neste trabalho foi proposto um metodo analitico para determinacao da composicao mineral (S, Al, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, P, Zn, Sr, V, Fe, Ni, Ba e Cr) em racoes de caes e de gatos por espectrometria de emissao optica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES). As amostras foram digeridas por aquecimento assistido por micro-ondas utilizando HNO3 diluido (2,0 mol.L-1) e H2O2 (6% v/v). A condicao da proporcao entre os reagentes utilizados na digestao foi estabelecida por um planejamento fatorial em dois niveis. As condicoes otimas para potencia de radiofrequencia foi de 1,2 kW e vazao do gas de nebulizacao da amostra, de 1,0 L min-1, as quais foram estabelecidas por um planejamento fatorial 32 com duas variaveis, avaliando-se estas condicoes pela metodologia de analise de superficie de resposta. Para avaliar a precisao e a exatidao do metodo proposto foram analisados cinco materiais de referencia certificados (MRC): farinha de trigo (NIST 1567a), figado bovino (NIST 1547), folhas de pessegueiro (NBS 1577), tecidos de ostra (NIST 1566b) e proteinas de peixe (DORM-3). Apos analise dos MRC, os valores encontrados foram concordantes com os valores certificados e informados variaram entre 80 (Cr) e 117% (Cd), com desvios padrao relativos (%RSD) menores do que 5%, exceto para Ni e Cr que excederam 15%. Os limites de quantificacao (LQ) obtidos estiveram entre 0,075 (Ba, 233,527 nm) e 87 Êg g-1 (Ca, 373,690 nm). O metodo foi aplicado na analise de 17 amostras de racoes de gatos, com concentracoes variando entre 2,3 mg Kg-1 para o Ba e 2,8 g Kg-1 para o calcio, e 24 amostras de racoes de caes, variando entre 3,8 mg Kg-1 para o Cu e 3,4 g Kg-1 para o Ca, coletadas em municipios do Estado de Sergipe. A partir das tecnicas exploratorias de dados utilizando PCA e HCA, pode-se concluir que as racoes destinadas aos animais de estimacao apresentaram uniformidade, uma vez que nao houve tendencia na formacao de grupos distintos para uma possivel classificacao conforme a sua composicao mineral, exceto a marca gF2 h, que aglomerou-se atraves da presenca das concentracoes de aluminio e cobre na sua composicao para caes.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In this work were applied experimental designs to the optimization of analytical methods using atomic spectrometry. Firstly, simultaneous experimental designs were applied to the optimization of two analytical methods, being the first analytical method for the simultaneous determination of macronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na and P), micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Pb and V) and other for the simultaneous determination of Th and U in mineral fertilizers, both employing inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The results of the analysis of mineral fertilizers showed that the elements regulated by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento MAPA) were in agreement with the same, and that the high resolution ICP OES allowed to selectivity possible interfering Ca, Fe and Th in the determination of U, indicating that can be performed simultaneous determination of Th and U by technique. In the second part, univariate designs were applied to the optimization of two analytical methods using direct solid sampling (SS) and detection by high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF AAS), one for the determination of Cu and other for Hg in phosphate fertilizers. The results showed that simple superphosphate and triple superphosphate 2 fertilizers samples obtained concentrations of Hg above the maximum limit established by MAPA, as well showed the highest concentrations of Cu, however this is not regulated. The analytical methods proposed in this work were simple, efficient, fast, accurate and reliable for the determination of macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements in mineral fertilizers by atomic spectrometry. / Neste trabalho foram aplicados planejamentos de experimentos para a otimização de métodos analíticos utilizando a espectrometria atômica. Primeiramente, foram aplicados planejamentos simultâneos para a otimização de dois métodos analíticos, sendo o primeiro método analítico para a determinação simultânea de macronutrientes (Ca, Mg, Na e P), micronutrientes (Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) e elementos traço (Al, As, Cd, Pb e V), e outro para a determinação simultânea de Th e U em fertilizantes minerais, ambos empregando espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma acoplado indutivamente (ICP OES). Os resultados das análises de fertilizantes minerais demonstraram que os elementos regulamentados pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) estavam de acordo com a mesma, e que a alta resolução do ICP OES permitiu a seletividade dos possíveis interferentes Ca, Fe e Th na determinação do U, indicando que pode ser realizada a determinação simultânea de Th e U pela técnica óptica. Na segunda parte, foram aplicados planejamentos univariados para a otimização de dois métodos analíticos utilizando análise direta de sólidos (SS) e detecção por espectrometria de absorção atômica de alta resolução com fonte contínua e atomização em forno de grafite (HR-CS GF AAS), um para a determinação de Cu e o outro para Hg em fertilizantes fosfatados. Os resultados mostraram que as amostras de fertilizantes superfosfato simples e superfosfato triplo 2 obtiveram concentrações de Hg acima dos limites máximo estabelecidos pelo MAPA, bem como apresentaram as maiores concentrações de Cu, porém este não é regulamentado. Os métodos analíticos propostos neste trabalho foram simples, eficientes, rápidos, exatos e confiáveis para a determinação de macronutrientes, micronutrientes e elementos traço em fertilizantes minerais por espectrometria atômica.

This diploma thesis deals with the influence of dry hopping on selected analytical and sensory properties of beer. The effect of dry hopping was observed using Czech hop varieties Kazbek and Uran, which were added to the wort during the main fermentation phase in doses of 3 and 6 gdm-3. The contact time of hops with wort was 3, 6 and 9 days. The experimental part describes the technology of preparation of the reference beer, in which dry hopping were subsequently performed. A parallel measurement was performed on each sample. In terms of the basic parameters of beer, the effect of dry hopping, especially its length, on the ethanol content was observed. With a longer period of dry hopping, the concentration of ethanol in beer increased. The higher alcohol concentration was also associated with a decrease in the apparent extract. In terms of color and pH of beer, the effect of dry hopping has not been proven. Elemental analysis performed by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma revealed an increase in the concentration of calcium, magnesium, and iron due to dry hopping. No statistically significant difference was observed for manganese and barium compared to the reference. In terms of bitterness, a significant increase was identified in dry hopped beers compared to the reference, the value being dependent on the dose of hops used. The effect of the hop variety has not been proved. Concentrations of organic acids determined by ion-exchange chromatography with a conductivity detector were affected by dry hopping only in the case of lactic acid and acetic acid. An increase in lactic acid was observed compared to the reference, also related to the degree of fermentation. While in the acetic acid content the hop samples showed a lower concentration than the reference sample. The concentrations of myrcene, humulene and geraniol were determined by gas chromatography with a mass detector. These are volatile components of hop essential oils. Dry hopped samples recorded significantly higher concentrations of all aromatic substances compared to the reference. In terms of hop time, the highest concentrations were shown by samples hopped for three days. The results of the sensory analysis show that the overall best rated sample is a sample hopped with the Kazbek variety with a dose of 3 gdm-3 for three days. Beer which was dry hopped for the shortest time also showed the lowest intensity of bitterness, which was perceived positively.

This work deals with elemental analysis of inorganic materials, that are presented by blast furnace slag and geopolymeric material containing fly-ashes. In the theoretical part there are explained principles of elemental analysis of inorganic materials. Ways of dissolution of samples, optical emission spectroscopy and electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis are commented. In experimental part the ICP analysis of oxide standards is described. The standards were used for estimation of EDS-correction factors. Then follow the preparation, proving and use of standards in analysis of blast furnace slag. The work is finished by exact analysis of concentration profiles of elements in interface of phases in geopolymeric material.

Creatine is nitrogen-containing organic acid which naturally occurs in the human body. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal dose of creatine in combination with vitamin C and magnesium for male respondents aged 18-26 years. They were divided into two groups differing in the creatine dosage. Group 1 took smaller dose of creatine (3 g per day) and group 2 higher dose of creatine (10 g per day). Both groups took both magnesium and vitamin C at constant doses throughout the study. The effects of significantly different dose of creatine in the individual groups were compared with each other in terms of the performance of individuals in the powerlifting, the anthropological changes and the overal metabolism of the intakes. In all disciplines of powerlifting, group 1 recorded higher average weight gains, which were not found to be statistically significant at a significance level of alpha 0,05. Anthropological changes were measured using the InBody 160 and a diagnostic measuring tape. In both cases, group 1 recorded better results than group 2, but these results were not statistically significant at a significance level of alpha 0,05. The total metabolism of the accepted dietary supplements was investigated through analytical methods. The urine of each respondent was regularly collected and subsequently analyzed during the research. Determination of creatinine, a creatine waste product, was performed by UV-VIS spectrophotometry using the Jaffe reaction. Vitamin C was analyzed by RP-HPLC. Magnesium was determined by the ICP-OES method. After creatine suplemantion of 3 per day, group 1 showed a slight increase in creatinine in the urine, but still in the physiological range. At the significance level alpha 0,05 there was no statistically significant difference. Group 2 showed an increase above the physiological limit which was already a statistically significant difference. Overall, creatine supplementation of 3 g per day has been found as a sufficient intake of creatine needed to build up muscle mass, increase energy metabolism and overall physical performance. The metabolization itself works very well and within the physiological values.

Under high irradiation, a fourth state of matter named plasma can be obtained. Plasmas emit electromagnetic radiation that can be recorded in the form of spectra for spectroscopic elemental analysis. With the advent of lasers in the 1960s, spectroscopists realized that lasers could be used simultaneously as a source of energy and excitation to create plasmas. The use of a laser to ignite a plasma subsequently led to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), an optical emission spectroscopy capable of analyzing samples in various states (solids, liquids, gases) with minimal sample preparation, rapid feedback, and endowed with in situ capability. In this dissertation, studies of LIBS for multi-elemental analysis and geological applications are reported. LIBS was applied to cosmetic powders for elemental analysis, screening and classification based on the raw material used. Principal component analysis (PCA) and internal standardization were used. The intensity ratios of Mg/Si and Fe/Si observed in talcum powder show that these two ratios could be used as indicators of the potential presence of asbestos. The feasibility of LIBS for the analysis of gasification slags was investigated and results compared with those of inductively-coupled plasma−optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The limits of detection for Al, Ca, Fe, Si and V were determined. The matrix effect was studied using an internal standard and PLS-R. Apart from V, prediction results were closed to those of ICP-OES with accuracy within 10%. Elemental characterization of outcrop geological samples from the Marcellus Shale Formation was also carried out. The matrix effect was substantially reduced. The limits of detection obtained for Si, Al, Ti, Mg, Ca and C were determined. The relative errors of LIBS measurements are in the range of 1.7 to 12.6%. Gate delay and laser pulse energy, have been investigated in view of quantitative analysis of variation of trace elements in a high-pressure environment. Optimization of these parameters permits obtaining underwater plasma emission of calcium with quantitative results on the order of 30 ppm within a certain limit of increased pressure. Monitoring the variation of the trace elements can predict changes in the chemical composition in carbon sequestration reservoir.

Arthropod hemocyanin and phenoloxidase are members of a group of proteins called the Type-3 copper oxygen-binding proteins, both possessing a highly conserved oxygen-binding site containing two copper atoms each coordinated by three histidine residues (Decker and Tuczek, 2000). Despite similarities in their active site, these proteins have very different physiological functions. Phenoloxidase possesses both tyrosinase and o-diphenoloxidase activity, and is predominantly involved in reactions which protect insects from infection (Kopàcek et al., 1995). Hemocyanin is a large multi-subunit protein with a primary function as a respiratory protein, reversibly binding and transporting molecular O2 (Decker and Rimke, 1998; Decker and Tuczek, 2000). Recently, it has been demonstrated in vitro that arthropod hemocyanin possesses an inducible phenoloxidase activity when incubated with denaturants, detergents, phospholipids or proteolytic enzymes. This activity appears to be restricted to only a few subunit types, and it has been hypothesised that it may be accompanied by conformational change which opens the active site increasing access for larger phenolic substrates (Decker and Jaenicke, 2004; Decker et al., 2001; Decker and Tuczek, 2000). This possibly suggests a dual role of hemocyanin in arthropods. The presented thesis deals with two distinct aims. The first was to isolate and sequence a phenoloxidase gene from the insect Spodoptera littoralis (Egyptian Cottonleaf Worm). Despite efforts, progress was hindered by a number of experimental problems which are outlined within the relevant chapters. The second aim was to characterise the mode of SDS induced phenoloxidase activity in arthropod hemocyanin from the ancient chelicerates Limulus polyphemus (horseshoe crab) and Eurypelma californicum (tarantula) and the more modern chelicerate Pandinus imperator (scorpion), using a number of biophysical techniques. The results indicated that the SDS induced phenoloxidase activity is associated with localised tertiary and secondary conformational changes in hemocyanin, most likely in the vicinity of the dicopper centre, thus enhancing access for larger phenolic substrates. Experiments indicate that copper remains associated with the protein during these structural changes; however the nature of the association is unclear. SDS concentrations approximating the CMC appeared critical in causing the necessary structural changes required for a significant increase in the detectable phenoloxidase activity to be exhibited.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In this work, four methods were developed for analysis of feed for dogs and cats using atomic spectrometry techniques. Initially, the multivariate optimization of sample digestion procedure was employed in wet feed for dogs and cats and then the simultaneous determination of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg and P), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and trace elements (Al, B, Ba and Sr) was carried out by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES). The results of the elements concentrations in the samples were in agreement with the values provided and regulated by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento - MAPA) and American Association of Official Food Control Officials (AAFCO). Limits of detections (LoD) ranged between 0.1 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg and Sr) and 15.0 μg g-1 (P) and limits of quantification (LoQ) between 0.3 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg and Sr) and 49.9 μg g-1 (P). In the second part of the work two analytical methods were optimized for Co and Cr determination in wet food (sachets and cans) for dogs and cats using direct sample analysis (SS) and detection by high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF AAS). Pyrolysis temperatures were 1500 ° C and 1400 ° C for Cr and Co determination, respectively. Atomization temperatures of 2500 ° C for Cr, and 2400 ° C for Co with chemical modifiers were adopted. The optimized method for Co and Cr determination in wet feed was fast, precise and accurate and contributes to the concept of “Green Chemistry”. The results obtained for concentrations of Cr and Co were not compared to any official rule, since there is no regulation for these elements. The LoD's obtained for Cr and Co were 0.01 and 0.05 ug g-1, respectively, and LoQ's obtained were 0.03 to 0.17 ug g-1 for Cr and Co, respectively. Finally, in the third part of the work, an analytical method for determination of Zn in dry feed for dogs and cats using energy dispersive Xray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) was developed. Sample were prepared as pressed pellets. The concentration of Zn in seven dry feed samples for dogs and cats were determinate. The results were statistically compared to the values found by the analytical method by ICP OES. Additionally, paired t-test between concentrations of Zn by EDXRF and ICP OES was applied. The LoD e LoQ obtained for Zn determination were 0.1 e 0.4 mg kg-1, respectively. The independent methods were not significantly different at a 95% confidence level. In our work, the analytical methods proposed were efficient, fast and reliable for the determination of macroelements (Ca, Mg, K and P), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and trace elements (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr and Sr) in feeds for dogs and cats using atomic spectrometry techniques. This work was financially supported through the project Universal notice nº 014/2013 approved by CNPq, registered process nº 482416 / 2013-0. / Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos quatro métodos para análise de rações de cães e gatos, usando técnicas de espectrometria atômica. Primeiramente, foi empregada a otimização multivariada do procedimento de digestão da amostra para determinação simultânea de macroelementos (Ca, K, Mg e P), microelementos (Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) e elementos traço (Al, B, Ba e Sr) em rações úmidas de cães e gatos, utilizando a espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma acoplado indutivamente (ICP OES). Os resultados das concentrações dos elementos nas rações dos animais mostraram-se de acordo com os valores fornecidos e regulamentados pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) e pela Associação Americana de Controle Oficial dos Alimentos (AAFCO). Os LoD’s variaram entre 0,1 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg e Sr) e 15,0 μg g-1 (P) e os LoQ’s variaram entre 0,3 μg g-1 (Ba, Mg e Sr) e 49,9 μg g-1 (P). Na segunda parte do trabalho, foram otimizados dois métodos analíticos para determinação de Co e Cr em rações úmidas (sachês e enlatadas) para cães e gatos utilizando análise direta de sólidos (SS) e detecção por espectrometria de absorção atômica de alta resolução com fonte contínua e atomização em forno de grafite (HR-CS GF AAS). Foram estabelecidas temperaturas de pirólise de 1500°C e de 1400°C para a determinação de Cr e Co respectivamente, e temperaturas de atomização de 2500°C para Cr e de 2400°C para Co, sem o uso de modificadores químicos. Os métodos otimizados foram rápidos, precisos e exatos, além de contribuir com a concepção da Química Verde. Os resultados obtidos para as concentrações de Cr e Co não foram comparados com nenhuma norma, uma vez que estes elementos não são regulamentados. Os LoD’s obtidos para Cr e Co foram de 0,01 e 0,05 μg g-1 respectivamente, já os LoQ’s obtidos para Cr e Co foram de 0,03 a 0,17 μg g-1 respectivamente. Por fim, na terceira parte do trabalho, foi desenvolvido um método analítico para determinação de Zn em rações secas destinadas à alimentação de cães e gatos empregando a espectrometria de fluorescência de raios-X com energia dispersiva (EDXRF). As amostras foram preparadas na forma de pastilhas prensadas e a concentração de Zn, determinada em sete rações secas de cães e gatos. Os resultados obtidos foram estatisticamente comparados com os valores encontrados através de um método analítico estabelecido por ICP OES, em que foi aplicado o teste t pareado entre as concentrações de Zn por EDXRF e ICP OES. Os LoD e LoQ obtidos na determinação de Zn através do método foram de 0,1 e 0,4 mg kg-1 respectivamente. Os métodos independentes não apresentaram diferença significativa para um nível de confiança de 95%. Em nosso trabalho, os métodos analíticos propostos foram eficientes, rápidos, e confiáveis para a determinação de macroelementos (Ca, Mg, K e P), microelementos (Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) e elementos traço (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr e Sr) em rações de cães e gatos, usando técnicas espectroanalíticas. Este trabalho teve o auxílio financeiro do projeto Universal Edital 014/2013 aprovado pelo CNPq, registrado sob processo nº 482416/2013-0.

The topic of this work is the monitoring of the effect of zinc on the hydration process in Portland mixed cement (specifically with the addition of finely ground granulated blast-furnace slag, high temperature fly ash and fluidized bed combustion filter ash). How much zinc and at what time it remains in the pore solution during hydration. Activation energy of a mixture of cement with zinc in the form of soluble salts (Zn(NO3)2.6H2O and ZnCl2) and insoluble oxide (ZnO) by isothermal calorimetry was also investigated. The XRF method has shown composition during hydration. The zinc retardation effect was investigated by isothermal calorimetry and activation energy was calculated using this method. The XRF and ICP-OES methods were used to measure the zinc content of the pore solution. And the amount of portlandite was monitored by the DTA and XRF method.