Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia disolvente de una sustancia experimental a base de Aceite esencial de Myrciaria dubia en la desobturación de conductos radiculares. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 60 tubos de PLA (ácido poliláctico)que fueron divididos en 5 grupos de 12 especímenes. Estos se rellenaron con un material de restauración temporal (coltosol) el primer tercio y el tercio medio con gutapercha. Se añadió un total de 0,1 ml de disolvente dependiendo del grupo de estudio (Agua destilada,camu camu, xilol,aceite de cascara de naranja y de eucalipto) a la parte superior de los tubos de PLA. Después de 5 minutos, se utilizó la máquina Instron 5566 (Instron, Buckinghamshire, UK) se movió hacia abajo a través de gutapercha con una velocidad de cabecera de 5 mm / min a una profundidad de 5 mm min. La carga(fuerza) utilizada para penetrar el separador en la profundidad de 5 mm se registró en Newton. Para el análisis se realizará la prueba de kruskal Wallis para comparar la medida fuerza de penetración según el tipo de solvente, posterior a comprobarse los supuestos estadísticos. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar todos los solventes (p= 0.001), obteniendo 14.02N para la sustancia experimental. Los resultados de la profundidad de disolución superficial y la fuerza utilizada para penetrar el esparcidor a 5 mm revelaron que el Aceite de Myrciaria Dubia ( Camu Camu) fue significativamente el mejor solvente para ablandar la gutapercha (P <0.05), seguido del xilol y el aceite de cascara de naranja, mientras que el disolvente con menos efectividad fue el aceite de eucalipto. Conclusiones: El aceite esencial de Myrciaria Dubia presento mayor poder reblandecedor que las demás soluciones en estudio. / Objective: To evaluate the solvent efficacy of an experimental substance based on Myrciaria dubia essential oil in the desobturation of root canals. Materials and methods: 60 PLA (polylactic acid) tubes were used, which were divided into 5 groups of 12 specimens. These were filled with a temporary restoration material (coltosol) the first third and the middle third with gutta-percha. A total of 0.1 ml of solvent was added depending on the study group (distilled water, camu camu, xylol, oil of orange peel and eucalyptus) to the top of the PLA tubes. After 5 minutes, the Instron 5566 machine (Instron, Buckinghamshire, UK) was used and moved down through gutta-percha with a head speed of 5 mm / min at a depth of 5 mm min. The load (force) used to penetrate the separator to the depth of 5 mm was recorded in Newton. For the analysis, the kruskal Wallis test will be carried out to compare the penetration force measure according to the type of solvent, after checking the statistical assumptions. Results: Statistically significant differences were found when comparing all solvents (p = 0.001), obtaining 14.02N for the experimental substance. The results of the surface dissolution depth and the force used to penetrate the spreader to 5 mm revealed that Myrciaria Dubia Oil (Camu Camu) was significantly the best solvent to soften gutta-percha (P <0.05), followed by xylol and orange peel oil, while the least effective solvent was eucalyptus oil. Conclusions: The essential oil of Myrciaria Dubia presented greater softening power than the other solutions under study. / Tesis

Orientador: Margarida Maria Barros / Resumo: Foi avaliada a capacidade antioxidante do frit de laranja (OF) no desempenho produtivo, perfil hematológico e atividade das enzimas antioxidante na tilápia-do-Nilo submetidas ao estresse térmico. Um grupo de 440 tilápias-do-Nilo machos (31.7g ± 0.34) foram distribuidos em 40 aquários 250 – L (11 peixes/caixa) e arraçoados com cinco dietas práticas com diferentes níveis de OF 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8% OF por 70 dias. As dietas foram formuladas para conter 26% de proteína digestível e 14.24 MJ de energia digestível kg-1. Após o período de alimentação foi determinado o desempenho produtivo, perfil hematológico, e atividade das enzimas antioxidante. Após, os peixes foram submetidos ao estresse térmico (32°C) durante três e o mesmo perfil hematológico e atividade das enzimas antioxidante foram determinados. Não houve diferença estatística no desempenho produtivo entre os tratamentos. Peixes alimentados com as dietas 0 Of demonstraram menores valores no perfil hematológico após o estresse térmico (P < 0.05). Os peixes alimentados com dietas que continham 0.6 OF apresentaram menor taxa de hematócrito e os alimentados com 0.8 OF menores taxas de hemoglobin e hematócrito após o desafio de estresse térmico. Peixes alimentados com dietas que continham 0.4 OF demonstraram valores mais baixos de volume corpuscular médio (VCM) e maiores valores de concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular media (CHCM) quando comparados antes e após estresse térmico. As dietas com inclusão de frit de laranja det... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The antioxidant capacity of dietary orange frit (OF) on growth, hematological profile and antioxidant enzymes activity of Nile tilapia subjected to heat-induced stress (HIS) was analyzed. A group of 440 male Nile tilapia (31.7g ± 0.34) was randomly distributed in 40 250-L aquaria (11 fish/tank) and fed five practical diets with graded levels of OF at 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% OF orange frit kg-1 diet for 70 days. The diets were formulated to contain 26% digestible protein and 14.24 MJ digestible energy kg-1. After the feeding period, growth performance, hematological profile and antioxidant enzymes activity were determined. Then, fish were subjected to HIS (32°C) for three days and the same hematological profile and antioxidant enzymes activity were determined. There was no statistical difference for growth performance among treatments. Fish fed 0 OF diet showed lower hematological profile after HIS (P < 0.05). Fish fed 0.6OF presented lower hematocrit and fed 0.8 OF lower hemoglobin and hematocrit after HIS. Fish fed 0.4 OF showed the lowest mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the highest mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) comparing the vales before and after HIS. Dietary orange frit determined different activities (P < 0.05) for catalase before HIS. Fish fed 0 OF diet showed the highest activity and 0.2 OF the lowest. After HIS fish fed 0 OF and 0.2 OF showed the lowest activity and 0.6 OF the highest (P < 0.05). A comparison of the values before and after HIS s... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Department of Ecology and Resource Management / PhDENV / Groundwater has traditionally been perceived to be low in chemical species toxicity and microbiologically 'pure'. However, depending on the geological chemistry, formations and anthropogenic activities creating the frequent occurrence of microbiological contamination and excess toxic chemical constituents, the high quality of groundwater as a drinking water source can easily be compromised rendering it unsafe, thus, leading to severe waterborne epidemics. The rapid increase in fluoride and microbial contamination of groundwater have become a global problem to human health. Fluoride in its acceptable concentration in drinking water (< 1.5 mg/L); is known to be beneficial for human growth and development but becomes detrimental at higher concentrations (> 1.5 mg/L) leading to the prevalence of dental and crippling skeletal fluorosis. On the other hand, consumption of microbiologically contaminated water has led to many types of diseases including diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other serious illnesses often leading to millions of deaths annually worldwide. South Africa had experienced water-borne diseases epidemic in the recent past due to failing water treatment facilities in many parts of the country including rural areas. Fluorosis, diarrhea, and cholera are among the chronic health hazards affecting a large population in South Africa. Continuous outbreaks of water-related diseases have been at an unimaginable high level with a reported increase in death rate. The inefficiency of conventional water treatment plants to remove fluoride and disinfect these pathogens from the contaminated domestic and rural community has led to the development of many techniques. These include membrane filtration, ion-exchange, coagulation-precipitation, adsorption among others of which adsorption process proves to be a more significant technology for fluoride removal. Equally, the emergence of nanomaterials has also proved to be the natural answer to solve problems associated with microbes in water since these are absolute barriers to pathogens whose size exceeds most sorbent pore sizes. Also, materials from natural biopolymers or biomass can be utilized at an affordable cost as effective sorbent material for toxic chemical ions and pathogens removal from contaminated water. Consequently, extensive research works have been channeled into the development of more advanced low cost sustainable functionalized sorbent materials and technologies with multifunctional properties for effective water purification. The present study focused on the development of a functionalized chitosan-cellulose hybrid nanocomposite decorated with metal-metal oxides nanoparticles for simultaneous fluoride and microbial removal from groundwater. This was to increase the selectivity and disruption of such pollutants for effective groundwater purification technology. The thesis is presented in nine chapters: (1) General introduction, problem statement, and motivation, research objectives, hypothesis and delimitations of the research are briefly discussed, (2) This chapter gives the literature review of occurrence and sources of fluoride, various fluoride removal techniques; sources, control measures and prevention of microbial pollution in groundwater; the importance of biosynthesis of nanomaterials as emerging novel water treatment adsorbents, the strength of Point-Of-Use as a means of water treatment, water treatment adsorbents synthesis and types of adsorbents with emphasis on hydroxyapatites and biopolymeric based sorbent materials, (3) Optimization of microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticle by Citrus paradisi peel extracts and its application against pathogenic water strain, (4) Biosynthesis of ultrasonically modified Ag-MgO nanocomposite and Its potential for antimicrobial activity, (5) Green synthesis of Ag/MgO nanoparticle modified nanohydroxyapatite and its potential for defluoridation and pathogen removal in groundwater (6) Green Synthesis of AgMgOnHaP nanoparticles supported on Chitosan matrix: defluoridation and antibacterial effects in groundwater, (7) Biosynthesis of nanofibrous cellulose decorated Ag-MgO-nanohydoxyapatite composite for fluoride and bacterial removal in groundwater, (8) Defluoridation and removal of pathogens from groundwater by hybrid vi cross-linked biopolymeric matrix impregnated Ag-MgOnHaP nanocomposite (9) Conclusions and Recommendations. It is important to point out that Chapters 3 to 8 contains a collection of the research deliverables produced in forms of paper publications and manuscripts and are summarized in a systemic order of experimental protocol. This first output (Chapter 3) of this study evaluated the optimization of a time-dependent microwave-assisted biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous peel extracts of Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit red) as a reducing, stabilizing and capping agent with emphasis on its antibacterial property. Optical, structural and morphological properties of the synthesized Citrus paradisi peel extract silver nanoparticle (CPAgNp) were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the well- and disc-diffusion as well as microdilution methods. Characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) wavelength in the range of 420-440 nm at an optimized intensity growth rate typical of silver nanoparticles was obtained. Microwave irradiation accelerates the reaction medium within seconds of nucleation compared to conventional heating methods of synthesis. The influence of the reaction mixtures affected the SPR patterns on the different nucleation, stability and nanoparticle growth. The mixing ratio of 2:3 (C. paradisi peel extracts: 1 mM AgNO3) was chosen as the optimum reaction mixing ratio relative to the bio-reduction intensity of SPR process contributing to the particle size growth of CPAgNps. The presence, interaction and shifting of the functional groups in the FT-IR spectra of biosynthesized CPAgNps indicated that bioactive compounds present in C. paradisi peel extract were responsible for the bio-reduction of the silver ion to silver nanoparticles. The electron micrographs of the synthesized CPAgNps showed a face-centered cubic (FCC) unit phase structure, spherically-shaped nanoparticles size of 14.84 ± 5 nm with a BET pore diameter of 14.31 nm. The use of biological material allowed the control of the size and stability of the nanoparticle but was obtained in low quantity. The Citrus paradisi peel extract mediated AgNp were found to possess a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against water-borne pathogenic microbes in the order: Escherichia coli > Staphylococcus aureus > Klebsiella pneumonia. In Chapter 4, a synergistic bi-layered Ag-MgO nanocomposite from Ag and MgO precursor salts using a natural source from the waste product (citrus fruits outer cover) as a reducing and capping agent was successfully synthesized by a simple rapid, integrated bio-mediated microwave and ultrasonic methods. This was carried out to investigate the interfacial interaction and the encapsulated growth rate behind their combination in obtaining an enhanced antibacterial activity against common water fecal pathogen (Escherichia coli). The growth sequence, structural and morphology interface as well as the composition of the nanocomposite were examined and evaluated by the different characterization techniques. The respective potential application as an antimicrobial agent was evaluated and compared against Escherichia coli. The bio-mediated core-shell Ag-MgO nanocomposite showed characteristic synergetic UV-visible absorption bands at 290 nm for MgO nanoparticle and at around 440 nm for Ag nanoparticle, which moved to a lower wavelength of 380 nm in the composite. The shifting to a lower wavelength confirmed the reduction in the particle size as influenced by the growth rate optical property of biomolecular capped Ag-MgO nanocomposite from the phytochemical constituents in the peel extract of the Citrus paradisi. FTIR analysis further elaborated the role of the organic moieties in the Citrus paradisi extracts acting as the capping and stabilizing agent in the formation of the core-shell Ag-MgO nanocomposite. SEM analysis revealed an agglomeration of layered clustered particles, which was poly-dispersed while XRD showed the cubical crystal lattice network phase structure of the Ag-MgO nanocomposite. The TEM micrograph vii showed a structurally uniform and spherical biosynthesized Ag-MgO nanocomposite with a diameter of about 20–100 nm with an average particle size of 11.92 nm. The bi-layered Ag-MgO nanocomposite exhibited a higher level broad-spectrum of antibacterial potential on E. coli with 22 mm zone of inhibition and MIC of 20 (μg/mL) in comparison with the Ag (9 mm; 40 μg/mL) and MgO (9 mm; 80 μg/mL) nanoparticles. The leaching and toxicity level of the time-dependent releases of metal ions indicates that the effluents contain a lower concentration of Ag and Mg ions as compared to World Health Organization permissible limit of < 100 ppb (Ag). The biosynthesized Ag-MgO nanocomposite exhibited an enhanced antibacterial activity synergistic effect against E. coli than Ag and MgO nanoparticles, thus, proving to be a potential disinfect material against common pathogens in water treatment. Chapter 5 presented the biosynthesis, characterization, and assessment of simultaneous fluoride and pathogen removal potential in aqueous solutions of a multi-layered Ag-MgO/nanohydroxyapatite (Ag-MgOnHaP) composite. The successful incorporation of Ag-MgO into nanohydroxyapatite (Ag-MgOnHaP) sorbent via an in-situ solution-gelation (sol-gel) method was ascertained from UV-visible absorption spectrum bands at 290 and 440-378 nm typical of MgO and Ag nanoparticles combination in Ag-MgOnHaP composite. FTIR analysis showed the main surface functional groups involved to be –OH, C=N, carbonate and phosphate species on the backbone of Mg-O-Mg vibrational mode. The hydroxyl and amine groups indicated the interaction of a variety of metabolites components present in citrus peel extract as bio-reductive compounds associated with the Ag-MgO and also in fluoride ion exchange. SEM, TEM images and XRD analysis showed a well-dispersed discretely embedded layered-spherical Ag-MgOnHaP nanocomposite without any form of agglomeration after ultrasound exposure ranging in size from 20 to 100 nm with an average mean particle size diameter of 16.44 nm. The high purity of the synthesized Ag-MgOnHaP nanocomposite was confirmed by the presence Ag, Mg and O impregnated on the nanohydroxyapatite template from EDS spectrum analysis. Batch sorption studies using the nanocomposite under different experimental parameters were conducted and optimized. Equilibrium fluoride adsorption capacity of 2.146 mg/g at 298 K was recorded with more than 90% fluoride removal at optimized conditions of 60 min, 10 mg/L initial F- concentration, 0.3 g/L dosage, and pH 6 at 250 rpm. pHpzc of Ag-MgOnHaP nanocomposite was established to be 8. The equilibrium data were best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model at room temperature. The presence of competing anions such as Cl−, NO3−, does not have an impact on percentage fluoride uptake efficiency, but SO42− and CO32− reduce the F- removal efficiency. Moreover, as the concentration of the co-anions increased, fluoride adsorption uptake decreases. The biosynthesized nanohydroxyapatite incorporated Ag/MgO nanoparticle adsorbent (Ag-MgOnHaP) showed strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia when compared to hydroxyapatite alone. The presence and interaction between the Ag, MgO nanoparticles with the respective bacterial genomes was suggested to have accounted for this bioactivity. The synthesized Ag-MgOnHaP sorbent was found to portray a better sorption capacity compared to other adsorbents of similar composition in the literature and could be successfully regenerated with 0.01 M NaOH with fluoride removal of 74.24% at the 4th cycle of re-use. The impregnation of metal-metal oxide nanoparticles on sustainable natural biopolymers from waste products was presented in Chapters 6, 7 and 8. The use of these sustainable natural biopolymers (chitosan and cellulose) was targeted with more emphasis on surface functionalization, improved structural diversity and improved specific surface area with the sole aim of increasing the adsorptive capacity of fluoride ions as well as antimicrobial properties. The selected polymers were chosen because of their biodegradability, viii non-toxicity, renewability, selectivity and abundance in nature, which makes them promising starting materials for the purpose of sustainable water treatment. Chapter 6 presents the successful sol-gel biosynthesis, characterization, potential application for fluoride and pathogens removal from aqueous solution using Ag-MgOnHaP embedded on a chitosan polymer backbone (AgMgOnHaP@CSn) sorbent material. The overall formation of the AgMgOnHaP@CSn nanocomposite from different surface functionalization precursors and phases were supported by the various characterization methods such as UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, FTIR, TEM, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. Batch fluoride sorption experiments were conducted to assess fluoride uptake efficiency through optimization of several operational parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial pH and co-competing anions. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgMgOnHaP@CSn nanocomposites was also determined. The presence and bio-reduction processes of both Ag and MgO chemical species due to the interaction and coordination of bonds within the bioactive functional species of the polymer matrix was confirmed by the emergence of a sharp peak appearing at around 290 nm to a broad plateau plasmon absorbance above 440 nm on the AgMgOnHaP@CSn nanocomposite. FTIR analysis further supported the presence of the main bioactive functional species to be –OH, –NH2 CO32−, PO43-, Mg–O-Mg amongst other groups on the material surface. SEM and TEM displayed homogeneously dispersed particles within the aggregated biopolymeric composite with a diameter ranging between 5-30 μm. Pore sizes were observed to be in the micro-mesoporous range with an average size of about 35.36 nm and a pore diameter of 33.67 nm. The optimized conditions were as follows: 30 mins contact time, a dose of 0.25 g/50 mL, adsorbate concentration of 10 mg/L F-, initial pH 7 while adsorption capacity decreases with increase in temperature. AgMgOnHaP@CSn composite has a pHpzc value of ≈ 10.6 and the maximum sorption capacity was established to be 6.86 mg/g for 100 mg/L F- concentration at 303 K. The effect of co-existing anions was observed to be of the following order: Cl- < NO3- < SO42- << CO32-. The fluoride sorption experimental data was well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherm while the sorption reaction mechanisms were diffusion-controlled and followed the pseudo-second-order sorption model. F- sorption process could best be described as a combination of ligand exchange, electrostatic attraction, and improved structural surface modification. The antimicrobial susceptibility analysis through the zone of inhibition (mean and standard deviation) showed the potency to pathogens of the following order: Staphylococcus aureus > Escherichia coli. Chapter 7 gives an insight into the development of cellulose nanofibrous matrix (isolated from saw-dust) decorated with Ag-MgO-nanohydroxyapatite (CNF-AgMgOnHaP) and its application in fluoride and pathogen removal from contaminated water. The synthesized CNF-AgMgOnHaP, unlike the cellulose nanofiber, showed characteristic absorption bands in UV–vis spectroscopy between 270-290 nm typical of MgO together with a broad band around 420 nm associated with the characteristic of silver nanoparticles. FTIR spectrometry suggested the presence of nanohydroxyapatite (nHaP) and MgO species impregnation within the CNF matrix. SEM, TEM, XRD, and EDS analysis showed a well-established structural and morphological modifications between cellulose nanofiber alone, biosynthesized CNF-AgMgOnHaP and fluoride sorbed CNF-AgMgOnHaP nanocomposite. A granulated aggregation of micro-mesoporous particles with an improved BET surface area of 160.17 m²/g was developed. Optimum fluoride sorption capacity was 8.71 mg/g for 100 mg/L F- solution at 303 K. F- sorption capacities decreased as the operating temperatures increases. Optimum F- removal of 93 % was achieved at optimum conditions established: pH 5, solid/liquid ratio of 0.25 g/ 50 mL, 10 mg/L F-, contact time 10 min, temperature 25 ± 3 °C and shaking speed of 250 rpm. Percent F- removal decreased with increasing initial adsorbate concentration. The pHpzc value of the CNF-AgMgOnHaP occurred at ≈ 4.7. Co-existing ions were observed to have an effect on the adsorption of F- in the following order: NO3- < Cl- < SO42- <<CO32-. Equilibrium fluoride sorption onto the CNF-AgMgOnHaP was best described by non-linear Freundlich isotherm model across all the operating temperatures. The linear Dubinin-Radushkevvich (D-R) model for F- sorption energies were in the 3.54 – 4.08 kJ/mol across all operating temperature. This suggested the physical adsorption mechanism processes were involved in the F- uptake by the CNF-AgMgOnHaP sorbent. The overall kinetic results indicated that the mechanisms not only depend on the pseudo-second-order process but were also governed by mass transfer of the adsorbate molecules across the CNF-AgMgOnHaP surface. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that the sorption process of F- onto CNF-AgMgOnHaP was endothermic and spontaneous at the sorbent/solution interface. The regeneration-reuse study showed that the synthesized adsorbent can be reused for a maximum of 5 adsorption-desorption cycles using Na2CO3 and NaOH as regenerants. Overall surface chemistry by XPS, FTIR, EDS as well as sorption isotherm and kinetic models analysis suggested that both physical and chemical adsorption processes were involved in the fluoride uptake by CNF-AgMgOnHaP nanocomposite. The observed zone of inhibition demonstrated that CNF-AgMgOnHaP adsorbent possesses antibacterial activity against all the bacterial strains in the following order: E. Coli > S. aureus > K. pneumonia. The antibacterial potency increased with increasing sorbent concentration. In chapter 8, Defluoridation and antimicrobial activity of synthesized cross-linked cellulose-chitosan impregnated with the developed nanomaterial (AgMgOnHap) are presented. The before and after fluoride sorption by the synthesized CECS@nHapAgMgO nanocomposites were characterized using several physical and chemical techniques which include, BET, SEM-EDS, TEM, XPS, XRD, and FTIR. The overall batch fluoride sorption processes and adsorption capacity through optimization of different experimental sorption parameters, sorption isotherms, and kinetic mechanisms as well as antibacterial potency were studied and reported. SEM and TEM analysis showed densely irregular multiple-layered structures, homogeneous deposition of the AgMgOnHaP on the polymeric matrices. Equilibrium fluoride sorption capacity on CECS@nHapAgMgO sorbents showed an increased affinity of 26.11 mg/g for 150 mg/L F- solution at 313 K.at optimized conditions of 40 min contact time, dosage of 0.3 g and pH of 5. The pH point of zero charge was found to be 7.27. The reaction pathway model sequence of fitness follows the order Pseudo first order < Elovich < Pseudo-second order kinetic model while intra-particle diffusion model and mass transfer of fluoride molecules from the external surface onto the improved pores of the adsorbent were found to be involved in the rate-controlling step. Although both non-linear Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms showed appropriate trends in the F- sorption process, the adsorption isotherm data were better fitted to the non-linear Freundlich isotherms models, suggesting stronger heterogeneous adsorption onto the active binding sites of the CECS@nHapAgMgO surface. The fluoride sorption was observed to be a favorable process across the operating temperatures. Temkin heat of sorption (BT) and the mean free adsorption energy (E) of the D-R isotherm model was within the range of 0.68-3.39 J/mol and 1.58 -7.45 kJ/mol respectively. The fluoride sorption process was observed to be temperature-dependent; while adsorption capacities (Qm) and Temkin heat of sorption (BT) increased with increasing temperature, D-R Mean free sorption energy (E) decreased at higher temperatures. The thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that fluoride sorption on the CECS@nHapAgMgO surface was exothermic, feasible and spontaneously inclined with a decrease in the degree of randomness at the sorbate-sorbent interface. The influence of co-existing anions on fluoride removal exhibited the following trend Cl−< NO3− <SO42- << CO32- <<HCO3−. The practical and economic viability, potential for regeneration showed its reusability up to 3 cycles with water and Na2CO3 as regenerants. The potential ability of CECS@nHapAgMgO to disinfect both gram- positive and gram-negative water bacterial was confirmed by the zone of inhibition and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) measurements. The observed values showed the inhibitory efficiency in the following order: S. aureus > E. Coli > K. pneumonia where the MIC values of 20 μg/mL were recorded for S. aureus and E. Coli respectively and 10 μg/mL for K. pneumonia. Lastly, the applicability of the sorbents was tested with a field water sample collected from a high fluoride borehole water from a local village (Lephalale Municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa). The before and after analysis showed the excellent potential of CECS@nHapAgMgO sorbent in removing fluoride. In conclusion, the successful surface functionalization synthesis of these improved surface area hybrid nano-sorbents supported by the different morphological techniques was found to be effective in creating more surface-active binding sites for fluoride adsorption and disinfection of waterborne pathogens from aqueous solution. The originality of this developed sorbent lies firstly, in the ability to simultaneously remove both chemical and biological water pollutants; secondly, the use of biodegradable, eco-friendly and non-toxic abundance wastes raw materials to develop a water purification material and in solving waste management issues was a key factor towards environmental sustainability. Above all the developed materials were established to possess superior fluoride adsorption capacity when compared to other reported sorbent materials. Lastly, the project findings /innovation will contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 and 6, aimed at improving clean water supply and health of the communities and the world at large. However, the following recommendations were made following the findings from this study: 1) In order to increase the surface area to volume ratio, greater selectivity, porosity, and mechanical stability of the polymers as well as size-exclusion mechanism without a large energy penalty of the microbes and fluoride ion for effective water treatment, a more effective and an enhanced multifunctional, multi-layer nanofibrous hybrid sorbent through electrospinning techniques should be considered for future work, 2) More studies on the mode of actions and morphological changes in the pathogens leading to the cell death through the influence of the nanocomposites should be further explored, 3) Application of this advanced technology vis-à-vis other biomaterials to generate filter membrane towards efficient microbial removal and deflouridation is a great challenge worth looking at, 4) Lastly, materials developed in the present study should be modeled, tested and fabricated at the point of use for fluoride and pathogen removal at household level. / NRF

. / Introduction: The present study aimed to take advantage of residues such as the Persea Americana (avocado) peel to obtain flour used in the preparation of a food of high consumption in the Peruvian population, noodles. Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional composition of the production of noodles by partially substituting wheat flour for Persea Americana shell flour. Methods: Laboratory study carried out in the laboratories of the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) and Certificaciones Del Perú CERPER. Results: Titratable acidity (1.0), ash (2.85), fiber (50.08) and moisture (6.89) were determined in avocado peel flour. Wheat flour was substituted for avocado peel flour at 0, 10, 15 and 20%, being F0, F1, F2 and F3 respectively. In F0, ash (0.56), moisture (32.7), proteins (10.13), fats (3), fiber (0.85) and carbohydrates (53.49) were determined. In F1 ashes (0.76), moisture (35.60), proteins (9.68), fats (3.20), fiber (3.44) and carbohydrates (50.76). F2 ashes (0.85), moisture (37.25), proteins (9.23), fats (3.11), fiber (5.18) and carbohydrates (49.56). Finally, F3 ashes (0.94), moisture (41.21), proteins (7.71), fats (2.66), fiber (9.88) and carbohydrates (47.48).  Conclusions: Flour and noodles met the characteristics stipulated by Peruvian Technical Standards (NTP 205.053:1987 y NTS 071-2008 DIGESA - MINSA) and CODEX (Codex Stan 152-1985). The fiber in the final product was highlighted and the microbiological parameters requested by DIGESA - MINSA were met. / Introducción: El presente estudio tuvo como finalidad aprovechar residuos como la cáscara de Persea Americana (palta) para la obtención de harina usada en la elaboración de un alimento de alto consumo en la población peruana, fideos. Objetivo general: Evaluar la composición nutricional de la elaboración de fideos mediante sustitución parcial de harina de trigo por harina de cáscara de Persea Americana. Métodos: Estudio de laboratorio realizado en los laboratorios de la Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) y Certificaciones Del Perú CERPER. Resultados: En la harina de cáscara de palta se determinó acidez titulable (1.0), cenizas (2.85), fibra (50.08) y humedad (6.89). Se realizaron sustituciones de harina de trigo por harina de cáscara de palta al 0, 10, 15 y 20%, siendo F0, F1, F2 y F3 respectivamente. En F0 se determinó cenizas (0.56), humedad (32.7), proteínas (10.13), grasas (3), fibra (0.85) y carbohidratos (53.49). En F1 cenizas (0.76), humedad (35.60), proteínas (9.68), grasas (3.20), fibra (3.44) y carbohidratos (50.76). F2 cenizas (0.85), humedad (37.25), proteínas (9.23), grasas (3.11), fibra (5.18) y carbohidratos (49.56). Finalmente, F3 cenizas (0.94), humedad (41.21), proteínas (7.71), grasas (2.66), fibra (9.88) y carbohidratos (47.48). Conclusiones: Harina y fideos cumplieron con características estipuladas por Normas Técnicas Peruanas (NTP 205.053:1987 y NTS 071-2008 DIGESA - MINSA) y las normas CODEX (Codex Stan 152-1985). Se destacó la fibra en el producto final y se cumplió con los parámetros microbiológicos solicitados por DIGESA - MINSA. / Tesis

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Miniaturizing circuit size and increasing power density are the latest trends in modern power electronics development. In order to meet the requirements of higher frequency and higher power density in power electronics applications, planar interconnections are utilized to achieve a higher integration level. Power switching devices, passive power components, and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) filters can all be integrated into planar power modules by using planar metallization, which is a technology involving electrical, mechanical, material, and thermal issues. By processing high dielectric materials, magnetic materials, or silicon chips using compatible manufacturing procedures, and by carefully designing structures and interconnections, we can realize the conventional discrete inductors, capacitors, and switch circuits with planar modules. Compared with conventional discrete components, the integrated planar modules have several advantages including lower profiles, better form factors, and less labor-intensive processing steps. In addition, planar interconnections reduce the wire bond inductive and resistive parasitic parameters, especially for high frequency applications. However, planar integration technology is a packaging approach with a large contact area between different materials. This may result in unknown failure mechanisms in power applications. Extensive research has already been done to study the performance, processing, and reliability of the planar interconnects in thin film structures. The thickness of the thin films used in integrated circuits (IC) or microelectronics applications ranges from the magnitude of nanometers to that of micrometers. In this work, we are interested in adopting planar interconnections to Integrated Power Electronics Modules (IPEM). In Integrated Power Electronics Modules (IPEMs), copper traces, especially bus traces, need to conduct current ranging from a few amps to tens of amps. One of the major differences between IC and IPEM is that the metal layer in IPEMs (normally >75µm) is much thicker than that of the thin films in IC (normally <1µm). The other major difference, which is also a feature of IPEM, is that the planar metallization is deposited on different brittle substrates. In active IPEM, switching devices are in a bare die form with no encapsulation. The copper deposition is on top of the silicon chips and the insulation polyimide layer. One of the key elements for passive IPEM and the EMI IPEM is the integrated inductor-capacitor (LC) module, which realizes equivalent inductors and capacitors in one single module. The deposition processes for silicon substrates and ceramic substrates are compatible and both the silicon and ceramic materials are brittle. Under high current and high temperature conditions, these copper depositions on brittle materials will cause detrimental failure spots. Over the last few years, the design, manufacture, optimization, and testing of the IPEMs has been developed and well documented. Up to this time , the research on failure mechanisms of conventional integrated power modules has led to the understanding of failures centered on wire bond or solder layer. However, investigation on the reliability and failure modes of IPEM is lacking, particularly that which uses metallization on brittle substrates for high current operations. In this study, we conduct experiments to measure and calculate the residual stresses induced during the process. We also, theoretically model and simulate the thermo-mechanical stresses caused by the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients between different materials in the integrated power modules. In order to verify the simulation results, the integrated power modules are manufactured and subjected to the lifetime tests, in which both power cycling and temperature cycling tests are carried out. The failure mode analysis indicates that there are different failure modes for copper films under tensile or compressive stresses. The failure detection process verifies that delamination and silicon cracks happen to copper films due to compressive and tensile stresses respectively. This study confirms that the high stresses between the metallization and the silicon are the failure drivers in integrated power electronics modules.. We also discuss the driving forces behind several different failure modes. Further understanding of thesefailure mechanisms enables the failure modes to be engineered for safer electrical operation of IPEM modules and helps to enhance the reliability of system-level operation. It is also the basis to improve the design and to optimize the process parameters so that IPEM modules can have a high resistance to recognized failures. / Ph. D.

Resumo: A banana é a fruta com maior produção mundial, sendo plantada em quase todos os continentes. Devido à grande oferta de banana no mercado, é notável a existência de problemas com a geração de resíduos causados por desperdícios (fruta sobremadura) e material celulósico gerado no cultivar. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo principal a aplicação do processo de secagem para resíduos do cultivar da banana nanica (Mussa spp. Haploide AAB ), visando seu possível aproveitamento na indústria. Resíduos de banana tipo nanica (casca, pedicelo, pedúnculo) e polpa foram caracterizados quimicamente, encontrando valores de cinza, umidade, matéria seca, proteína, lipídeos e carboidratos totais muito próximos à literatura. A relação entre o conteúdo de umidade e a atividade de água proporciona informações uteis para a armazenagem e processamento destes resíduos. Na pesquisa foram determinadas isotermas de desorção para casca, pedicelo e polpa de banana a seis temperaturas (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 e 70°C), na faixa de conteúdo de umidade entre 0,001-6,360 kg·kg -1 e atividades de água entre 0,02-0,907. O modelo teórico de GAB foi empregado para a modelagem das isotermas de desorção. Foi proposta a segunda derivada da solução analítica da equação de Clausius-Clapeyron para calcular o calor isostérico de sorção, a entropia diferencial e, a energia livre de Gibbs, através do modelo de GAB quando o efeito da temperatura em equilíbrio higroscópico é considerado. Experimentos de secagem para casca de banana foram realizados em um secador de leito fixo, a três diferentes velocidades de ar (2.5, 1.5 e 1.0 m·s -1 ), e quatro temperaturas (40, 50, 60 e 70°C). Os modelos de Peleg, Lewis, Henderson-Pabis e difusivo, foram empregados na modelagem das curvas de secagem. Na análise gráfica, encontrou-se que a velocidade de ar não influência no tempo final secagem... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Banana is the most produced fruit in the world, being planted in every continent. Due to the large supply bananas in the market, the existence of problems with waste generation caused for overripe fruit and cellulosic material is noteworthy. The objective of this paper is the drying process implementation for banana waste, variety nanica (Mussa spp. Haploid AAB), for a possible application in the industry. Waste (peel, pedicel and peduncle) and pulp of banana nanica were characterized chemically, where values of ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and water were quantified, showing similar results with literature. The relationship between moisture content and water activity provides useful information for processing and storage of banana waste. The desorption isotherms of peel, pedicel and pulp of overripe bananas were determined at six different temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70ºC) over wide ranges of moisture content (0,001-6,360 kg kg-1 d.b.) and water activity (0,02- 0,907). The theoretical model of GAB was used for modeling the desorption isotherms. An analytical solution of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation was proposed to compute the isosteric heat of sorption, the differential entropy, and the Gibbs' free energy, by means of the GAB model when the effect of temperature on hygroscopic equilibrium is considered. Drying kinetics for peel banana in convective hot air forced equipment were determined, at three air velocities (2.5, 1.5 and 1.0 m·s -1 ), and four temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 ° C). The models of Peleg, Lewis, Henderson-Pabis, and diffusive were used to the modeling of drying curves. In the graphical analysis, for all experiments, air velocity does not influence in the final time of drying, showed a decreasing rate period of drying. Finally, acid hydrolysis of dry peel banana was performed by using a central composite design experimental with three... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Javier Telis Romero / Coorientador: Vanildo Luiz Del Bianchi / Co-oreintador: Henry Alexander Váquiro Herrera / Banca: Miriam Dupas Hubinger / Banca: José Francisco Lopes Filho / Mestre

Orientador: Wagner Bettiol / Banca: Edson Luiz Furtado / Banca: Marcelo Augusto Boechat Morandi / Banca : Nelson Sdney Massola Júnior / Banca: Flávia Rodrigues Alves Patrício / Resumo: A murcha de Fusarium spp. em crisântemo é responsável por sérios prejuízos à cultura no Brasil. Uma alternativa para o seu controle é o uso de substrato supressivo, o qual pode ser obtido pela adição de fontes de matérias orgânicas. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo desenvolver um substrato supressivo à murcha do Fusarium em crisântemo com a introdução de matéria orgânica em substratos comerciais. Para tanto, lodo de esgoto e lodo de esgoto compostado; torta de mamona; esterco suíno; cama aviária; compostos comerciais Lanzi®; casca de camarão, biofertilizante e hidrolisado de peixe foram incorporados a substratos à base de casca de Pinus e de turfa em diferentes concentrações e combinações. Os experimentos foram realizados em propriedade produtora de crisântemo Bola-belga com problemas de Fusarium. Em todos os experimentos o número mínimo de repetições foi de 20 vasos por tratamento. Transcorridas 8, 12, 15 e 20 semanas do transplantio foi avaliada a severidade da doença por uma escala de notas de 0 para planta sadia a 5 para planta morta. Com os dados foram calculadas as áreas abaixo da curva de progresso da severidade da murcha de Fusarium. Além disso, foram realizadas análises dos atributos químicos e da atividade microbiana dos substratos bem como do desenvolvimento das plantas. O lodo de esgoto, lodo de esgoto compostado, cama aviária, casca de camarão e o composto Lanzi® induziram a supressividade do substrato à base de casca se Pinus e/ou de turfa, controlando a murcha de Fusarium. Por outro lado, esterco suíno, torta de mamona, hidrolisado de peixe, quitosana e Trichoderma asperellum não interferiram na supressividade à doença. Substratos obtidos com lodo de esgoto e cama aviária, em mistura ou não, nas concentrações de 10, 20 e 30% (v/v) foram os mais adequados do ponto de vista de indução de supressividade... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Fusarium spp. wilt causes serious damages to chrysanthemum crops in Brazil. An alternative for its control is the use of suppressive plant growth media, which can be obtained by the addition of organic matter to container media. The objective of the present work was to develop a plant growth media suppressive to the Fusarium spp. in chrysanthemum with the introduction of organic matter to commercial container media. Sewage sludge and sewage sludge compost; castorbean presscake, swine manure; poultry litter; shrimp peel, biofertilizer, chitosan and fish hydrolyzed were incorporated to pine-bark and turf container media in different concentrations and combinations. The experiments were conducted in a Belgianchrysanthemum variety producing property with a Fusarium problem. In all experiments the minimum number of repetitions was 20 containers per treatment. Eight, 12, 15 and 20 weeks following transplanting the severity of the disease was evaluated according to a progressive scale from 0 (healthy plant) to 5 (dead plant). Areas under the disease progress curve for disease severity of Fusarium wilt were calculated. Chemical and microbiological attributes of container media and plant development were analyzed. The sewage sludge, sewage sludge compost, poultry litter, shrimp peel and the Lanzi® compost induced the suppressiveness of pine bark and/or turf container media, controlling the wilt. On the other hand, swine manure, castorbean presscake, fish hydrolyzed, chitosan and Trichoderma asperellum did not affect the suppressiveness to the disease. Plant growth media with sewage sludge and poultry litter, in mixture or alone, in the concentrations of 10, 20 and 30% (v/v) were the most appropriate from the point of view of induction of suppressiveness and product quality, being the plant growth media recommended... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor