Orientador: Carmem Silvia Fontanetti Christofoletti / Banca: Patricia Pasquali Parise Maltempi / Banca: José Augusto de Oliveira David / Banca: Maria Aparecida Marin-Morales / Banca: Elaine Cristina Mathias da Silva Zacarin / Resumo: O sistema de biorremediação denominado landfarming tem sido utilizado por refinarias de petróleo para dispor e tratar, em grandes áreas de solo, localizadas na própria indústria, o resíduo sólido final gerado, que é composto por uma emulsão formada por água, diversas frações de hidrocarbonetos e metais. Contudo, em landfarmings, a biodegradação de algumas classes de hidrocarbonetos pode levar tempo, meses ou anos. Desse modo, tratamentos complementares podem ser utilizados, visando estimular o metabolismo microbiano, tais como a adição de agentes descompactantes e nutrientes no solo. O progresso da biorremediação pode ser acompanhado por meio de medidas da concentração dos contaminantes de interesse, pela análise do metabolismo microbiano e por meio de ensaios biológicos que mensuram as atividades tóxica, genotóxica e mutagênica das amostras avaliadas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da adição de dois resíduos agroindustriais, casca de arroz e vinhaça, na biorremediação, na genotoxicidade e na mutagenicidade de um solo de landfarming proveniente de uma refinaria de petróleo, por meio de análises químicas, taxa de CO2 liberado por microrganismos e por meio do teste de anormalidades mitóticas e cromossômicas na espécie vegetal Allium cepa. Também foi objetivo desse trabalho avaliar o potencial bioindicador do invertebrado terrestre Rhinocricus padbergi após exposição a amostras do landfarming desativado. Análises histológicas e histoquímicas no intestino médio e no corpo gorduroso perivisceral do diplópodo foram realizadas. Os resultados do presente trabalho mostraram que a casca de arroz, empregada como agente descompactante do solo, constitui uma alternativa economicamente viável para a biorremediação de resíduos derivados da indústria do petróleo. A adição desse material promoveu um aumento da quantidade... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The bioremediation system called landfarming has been used by petroleum refineries to dispose and treat, in large areas of soil, located in the own industry, the final solid residue generated, which is composed by an emulsion formed by water, several fractions of hydrocarbons and metals. However, in landfarmings, the biodegradation of some classes of hydrocarbons can take time, months or years. Thus, complementary treatments can be used in order to stimulate the microbial metabolism, such as addition of uncompressing agents and nutrients in the soil. The bioremediation progress can be monitored by measuring the concentrations of contaminants of interest, by the analysis of the microbial metabolism and by biological assays that measure toxic, genotoxic and mutagenic activities of the assessed samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adding two agroindustrial residues, rice hull and vinasse, in the bioremediation, genotoxicity and mutagenicity of a soil of landfarming from a petroleum refinery by chemical analyses, rate of CO2 released by microorganisms and by the mitotic and chromosomal abnormalities test in the plant species Allium cepa. It was also objective of this study assess the bioindicator potential of the terrestrial invertebrate Rhinocricus padbergi after exposure to deactivated landfarming samples. Histological and histochemical analyses of the midgut and fat body of this invertebrate were also carried out. The results of this study showed that rice hull, used as an uncompressing agent of the soil, constitutes an economically viable alternative for the bioremediation of residues derived from petroleum industry. The addition of this material promoted an increase in the quantity of CO2 released, decreased the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) of the landfarming soil and reduced its genotoxicity. On the contrary, vinasse... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health problem in developed countries and, with increasing prevalence in developing countries and Eastern Europe. Due to the increased incidence with advancing age, there is a need to develop primary preventive interventions to prolong the period of healthy life. Diet has a substantial influence on health and aging. The composition of the human diet plays an important role in the management of lipid and lipoprotein. In this respect, we have focused on the effects of two kinds of functional foods, tea seed oil and dietary onion on their hypocholesterolemic activities and underlying mechanisms in the present study. / Clearly, there are many claims on health benefits of Alliums , however, most, with the exception of garlic, have not received any rigorous or even gentle scientific investigation. Thus, the present study was carried out to explore hypocholesterolemic effects of onion supplementation. After fed for 2 weeks of the high fat high cholesterol diet, thirty-six 8-week male hamsters were divided into four groups. Control group was continued fed with high fat high cholesterol diet, while the other two experimental groups were fed control diet plus 1% (1OP) and 5% (5OP) onion powder for 8 weeks. It was found that feeding high dose of onion powder diet significantly prevented the increase in serum TC, Non-HDL-C and the ratio of non-HDL-C/HDL respectively in hamsters fed a 0.1% cholesterol diet. In contrast, the ratio of HDL/TC in high dose group was significantly increased than that in the control. Low onion dose group tended to have the similar effects as high dose group but, statistically, no difference was observed between the control and low dose groups. Besides, both doses of onion powder diets could significantly countered the increase in serum TG levels. High dose of onion supplementation tended to increase output of fecal neutral and acidic sterols, resulting in reduction of cholesterol retained and absorption. High dose of onion powder diet could significantly up- regulate SREBP-2, LXRbeta, and CYP7A1 protein expressions. The hypocholesterolemic activities of onion might due to the richness in alkyl and alkenyl sulfoxide compounds, anthocyanin, quercetin and cycloalliin, all of which have therapeutic effects. / In conclusion, diet plays an important role in reducing the risk of CVD. This has led to the search for specific foods and food components that may help to improve the serum lipoprotein profile. In present study, tea seed oil and onion was proved to help favorably modify the plasma lipoprotein profile, serving as health supplementation. However, their potential mechanisms were not fully studied and need to be further explored. / Interest in tea seed oil (named tea oil) as a cooking oil is increasing. However, its effect on blood cholesterol is not known. This study was therefore conducted to compare the hypocholesterolemic activity of tea oil with grape seed, canola and corn oils. Fifty 8-week-old male hamsters were first fed a high fat diet (5% lard), and supplemented with 0.1% cholesterol for 2 weeks and then divided into five groups. Control group was continuously fed high fat high cholesterol diet, while the experimental groups were fed high fat, high cholesterol diet plus 10% tea oil, grape seed oil, canola oil and corn oil for 12 weeks. Results showed that plasma total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TG) in hamsters fed a 0.1% cholesterol diet containing tea, grape, canola or corn oil was significantly reduced compared with those in lard-fed group. Tea oil decreased only non-HDL-C and had no or little effect on HDL-C concentration, while grape oil reduced both. Besides, tea oil-fed hamsters excreted less neutral but greater acidic sterols compared with other three oils. Unlike grape oil, tea oil up-regulated sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-2) and LDL receptor. Differences between tea oil and the tested vegetable oils could be attributable partially to >80% oleic acid in tea oil. / Guan, Lei. / Adviser: Chung Hau Yin. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-04, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-125). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs) discovered by Ugarte in 1992 are multi-layered fullerenes that are spherical analogs of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with diameters varying from 6 nm to 30 nm. Among the various methods of synthesis, CNOs prepared by graphitization of nanodiamonds (N-CNOs) and underwater electric arc of graphite rods (A-CNOs) are the subject of our research. N-CNOs are considered as more reactive than A-CNOs due to their smaller size, high curvature and surface defects. This dissertation focuses on structural analysis and surface functionalization of N- CNOs with diameters ranging from 6—10 nm. Synthetic approaches such as oleum- assisted oxidation, Freidel-Crafts acylation and Billups reductive alkylation were used to functionalize N-CNOs to improve their dispersion properties in aqueous and organic solvents. Functionalized N-CNOs were characterized using various techniques such as TGA, TG-MS, Raman spectroscopy and pH-titrimetry. We designed an experimental method to isolate polycyclic aromatic adsorbates formed on the surface of oleum oxidized N-CNOs (ON-CNOs) and characterized them. A-CNOs, on the other hand are bigger than N-CNOs with diameters ranging from 20—40 nm. In this dissertation, we discuss the preparation of graphene structures by unzipping of A-CNOs using KMnO4 as oxidizing agent. These graphene structures were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, TGA, BET nitrogen adsorption/desorption studies and compressed powder conductivity. This dissertation also focuses on lithiation/delithiation studies of N-CNOs, A- CNOs and A-CNO-derived graphene structures to use them as negative electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The cycling performances of these materials at a charge/discharge rate of C/10 were discussed. The cycling performance of N-CNOs was tested at faster charge/discharge rate of C.

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs), concentrically multilayered fullerenes, are prepared by several different methods. We are studying the properties of two specific CNOs: A-CNOs and N-CNOs. A-CNOs are synthesized by underwater arc discharge, and N-CNOs are synthesized by high-temperature graphitization of commercial nanodiamond. In this study the synthesis of A-CNOs are optimized by designing an arc discharge aparatus to control the arc plasma. Moreover other synthesis parameters such as arc power, duty cycles, temperature, graphitic and metal impurities are controlled for optimum production of A-CNOs. Also, a very efficient purification method is developed to screen out A-CNOs from carboneseous and metal impurities. In general, A-CNOs are larger than N-CNOs (ca. 30 nm vs. 7 nm diameter). The high surface area, appropriate mesoporosity, high thermal stability and high electrical conductivity of CNOs make them a promising material for various applications. These hydrophobic materials are functionalized with organic groups on their outer layers to study their surface chemistry and to decorate with metal oxide nanoparticles. Both CNOs and CNO nanocomposites are investigated for application in electrochemical capacitors (ECs). The influences of pH, concentration and additives on the performance of the composites are studied. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate high specific capacitance and high cycling stability with high energy and power density of the composite materials in aqueous electrolyte.

The effects of sulfur-containing amendments (H₂SO₄,Al₂(SO₄)₃ and gypsum) or crust formation, soil chemical properties, seedling emergence and yields of onions (Allium cepa), tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) and chili peppers (Capsicum sp.) were studied on a Pima clay loam soil. Treatments were surface applied on a strip above the seeds. The chemicals influenced the penetrometer index, soil-pH, electrical conductivity, DPTA-extractable soil Fe, Cu, Zn, Mu and seedling emergence in two greenhouse experiments. Gypsum and H₂SO₄ increased seedling emergence while Al₂(SO₄)₃ reduced the soil-pH and EC more than H₂SO₄ and gypsum. Based upon penetrometer readings, H₂SO₄ was the best anti-crusting agent tested followed by gypsum and Al₂(SO₄)₃. At the end of the study, all soil samples were very low in KCl extractable Al, showing that Al toxicity was not responsible for seedling damage. Gypsum decreased levels of Mn and Zn but did not affect Fe and Cu. Al₂(SO₄)₃ increased Fe and Zn, decreased Cu but did not affect Mn. H₂SO₄ did not affect extractable Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe levels. In a field study using two water qualities at Safford, gypsum produced the most tomato seedlings whereas Al₂(SO₄)₃ and H₂SO₄ produced the least. Onion stand counts were not affected by the chemicals with either water. Gypsum, H₂SO₄ and Al₂(SO₄)₃ polymer produced the highest pepper stand counts with the saltier water but there were no differences with lower salt water. Tomatoes produced the highest yield with gypsum and lowest with H₂SO₄ and Al₂(SO₄)₃ with saltier water. With lower salt water, gypsum produced highest yield, followed by the H₂SO₄. Both H₂SO₄ treatments produce low yields. Onions showed no treatment response under lower salt water, while with saltier water, gypsum and H₂SO₄ produced the highest yields. Pepper yields were not affected by amendments with the lower salt water. Al₂(SO₄)₃ polymer, H₂SO₄ and gypsum increased yields with the saltier water. Varieties of peppers and tomatoes produced different yields in response to water quality in a supplementary field study.

Thesis (MTech (Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / Fruit and vegetables are the major antioxidant contributors to the diet Antioxidants assist in the prevention of oxidative damage in the body and may as a result prevent the causation of degenerative diseases. Thermal household processing plays an integral part in South African consumers' lives, as most fruit and vegetables consumed are processed at home. Consumers' perceptions that food processing causes nutrient losses, especially of vitamin C, have been corroborated by studies that investigated thermal household processing of single foods or that of industrial processing. No studies have determined the effect of thermal household processing on mixed dishes. A popular consumed South African mixed dish, namely, stewed tomato and onion flavoured with parsley, was investigated by using three recipes, each using a different preparation method. The traditional recipe for the preparation of stewed tomato and onion was modified (control recipe) to contain parsley. Two other recipes (Recipe 1 and 2) were compiled based on the recipe formulation of the control recipe but differed in the preparation methods used. In Recipe 1, raw onion was added to cooked tomato and in Recipe 2, sauteed onions were added to cooked tomato.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-06-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:19:45Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_ts_dr_rcla.pdf: 1037350 bytes, checksum: 91b3f00c26815136b8cd76e95397bc77 (MD5) / O sistema de biorremediação denominado landfarming tem sido utilizado por refinarias de petróleo para dispor e tratar, em grandes áreas de solo, localizadas na própria indústria, o resíduo sólido final gerado, que é composto por uma emulsão formada por água, diversas frações de hidrocarbonetos e metais. Contudo, em landfarmings, a biodegradação de algumas classes de hidrocarbonetos pode levar tempo, meses ou anos. Desse modo, tratamentos complementares podem ser utilizados, visando estimular o metabolismo microbiano, tais como a adição de agentes descompactantes e nutrientes no solo. O progresso da biorremediação pode ser acompanhado por meio de medidas da concentração dos contaminantes de interesse, pela análise do metabolismo microbiano e por meio de ensaios biológicos que mensuram as atividades tóxica, genotóxica e mutagênica das amostras avaliadas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da adição de dois resíduos agroindustriais, casca de arroz e vinhaça, na biorremediação, na genotoxicidade e na mutagenicidade de um solo de landfarming proveniente de uma refinaria de petróleo, por meio de análises químicas, taxa de CO2 liberado por microrganismos e por meio do teste de anormalidades mitóticas e cromossômicas na espécie vegetal Allium cepa. Também foi objetivo desse trabalho avaliar o potencial bioindicador do invertebrado terrestre Rhinocricus padbergi após exposição a amostras do landfarming desativado. Análises histológicas e histoquímicas no intestino médio e no corpo gorduroso perivisceral do diplópodo foram realizadas. Os resultados do presente trabalho mostraram que a casca de arroz, empregada como agente descompactante do solo, constitui uma alternativa economicamente viável para a biorremediação de resíduos derivados da indústria do petróleo. A adição desse material promoveu um aumento da quantidade... / The bioremediation system called landfarming has been used by petroleum refineries to dispose and treat, in large areas of soil, located in the own industry, the final solid residue generated, which is composed by an emulsion formed by water, several fractions of hydrocarbons and metals. However, in landfarmings, the biodegradation of some classes of hydrocarbons can take time, months or years. Thus, complementary treatments can be used in order to stimulate the microbial metabolism, such as addition of uncompressing agents and nutrients in the soil. The bioremediation progress can be monitored by measuring the concentrations of contaminants of interest, by the analysis of the microbial metabolism and by biological assays that measure toxic, genotoxic and mutagenic activities of the assessed samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adding two agroindustrial residues, rice hull and vinasse, in the bioremediation, genotoxicity and mutagenicity of a soil of landfarming from a petroleum refinery by chemical analyses, rate of CO2 released by microorganisms and by the mitotic and chromosomal abnormalities test in the plant species Allium cepa. It was also objective of this study assess the bioindicator potential of the terrestrial invertebrate Rhinocricus padbergi after exposure to deactivated landfarming samples. Histological and histochemical analyses of the midgut and fat body of this invertebrate were also carried out. The results of this study showed that rice hull, used as an uncompressing agent of the soil, constitutes an economically viable alternative for the bioremediation of residues derived from petroleum industry. The addition of this material promoted an increase in the quantity of CO2 released, decreased the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) of the landfarming soil and reduced its genotoxicity. On the contrary, vinasse... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

On Earth is a collection of poems celebrating, investigating, and documenting human relationships, spiritual devotion, and both natural and cultivated environments. The focus of all five sections is largely agricultural and botanical, reflecting often on the writer’s experience of farming in Maryland and South Carolina. Onionlight is a long-form segmented essay that leaps between diverse topics including gastronomy, the agricultural and ethnobotanical history of onions, the history and culture of Bermuda, scallop shell fossils found in present-day Virginia, bulb flowers in the Amaryllidaceae family, intimate relationships, personal history, love, marriage, the specific history of the Vidalia onion, and farm experiences in the South. Short “onion epigraphs” from writers like C.D. Wright, Mary Oliver, Lucille Clifton, and Carol Ann Duffy link the individual segments.

The hypothesis that inoculation of transplants with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi before planting into saline soils would alleviate salt effects on growth and productivity was tested on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.). A secondary hypothesis was that the fungi isolated from a saline soil would be more effective than those from a nonsaline soil. VAM inocula from a high-and a low-salt soil were trap-cultured, their propagules quantified, adjusted, and added to a pasteurized growth medium in which seeds germinated and seedlings grew for a few weeks. These seedlings, once colonized by VAM fungi, were transplanted into saline soil. Seedlings were exposed to high concentrations of NaCl at the time of transplant; in this respect, our technique aimed to simulate conditions of high salinity prevalent in soils affected by NaCl. Preinoculated lettuce and onion transplants grown for 10 weeks had increased shoot biomass compared with nonVAM plants at all salinity (NaCl) levels tested. Leaves of VAM lettuce at the highest salt level were significantly greener than those of the nonVAM lettuce. NonVAM onions were stunted due to available P deficiency in the soil, but inoculation with VAM fungi alleviated P deficiency and salinity effects except at the highest salinity level; nevertheless, VAM onions were significantly larger at all salinity levels. Increasing the level of available P by weekly applications to nonVAM plants partially alleviated the salinity effects on onion growth. VAM fungi from the saline soil site were not more effective in ameliorating the reduction on plant growth caused by salt than those from the nonsaline site. Colonization of roots and length of soil hyphae produced by the test fungi decreased with increasing salt. Results indicate that preinoculation of transplants with VAM fungi can effectively alleviate deleterious effects of saline soils on crop productivity. / Graduation date: 2000