Afin de dépolluer et de réhabiliter les sols contaminés par des hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HAP), différentes techniques ont été développées durant les dernières décennies, mais leur impact sur les fonctions du sol est rarement pris en compte. L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer l'impact des traitements par oxydation chimique sur différents paramètres physico-chimiques et biologiques de terres contaminées aux HAP et de proposer des solutions pour restaurer le fonctionnement biologique des terres oxydées. Les différentes expérimentations de laboratoire et de terrain ont montré que l'efficacité des réactions d'oxydation chimique (réaction de Fenton et persulfate activé) sur la teneur en HAP dépendait de la disponibilité de la pollution et des propriétés physico-chimiques des terres. Par ailleurs, des processus d'acidification ont été observés sur des terres non carbonatées, altérant fortement et durablement les paramètres physico-chimiques et biologiques. Cette altération était plus forte après utilisation du persulfate activé, engendrant ainsi des pertes en éléments traces métalliques dans les eaux de percolations. L'apport de matériaux susceptibles d'augmenter le pH a permis la restauration des activités biologiques et la capacité des terres à supporter la végétation lorsque les terres ont fortement été acidifiées. L'association de traitements d'oxydation chimique et de refonctionnalisation pourrait présenter un moyen de réhabilitation efficace. Un indice, dont l'objectif était de représenter l'état du sol en fonction du poids accordé à différents paramètres, a été proposé et a permis d'évaluer les variations induites par les traitements d'oxydation et les procédés de refonctionnalisation / In order to clean up polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated soils, various techniques have been developed during the last decades, but their impact on soil functions was rarely considered. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of chemical oxidation treatments on different physico-chemical and biological parameters of PAH contaminated soil and to propose solutions to improve the biological functioning of oxidized soil. Various laboratory and field experiments have shown that the efficiency of chemical oxidation reactions (Fenton reaction and activated persulfate) on PAH concentrations depended on pollutant availability and soil physico-chemical properties. Besides, intense acidification processes have been observed on uncarbonated soil with a strong impact on soil physico-chemical and biological parameters. Moreover, this alteration was higher with activated persulfate treatment, leading to the loss of trace metals in water percolation. In the strongly acidified soil, the input of materials, suitable for pH increase, resulted in the restoration of biological activities and soil capacity to support vegetation. The association of chemical oxidation treatment and restoration techniques could present a good mean for soil rehabilitation. Finally, an index, which aimed to represent soil conditions based on the weight given to different parameters, was proposed and was used to evaluate changes induced by oxidation treatments and restoration techniques

La libération des composés d'arôme détermine la qualité aromatique des produits alimentaires, et contribue ainsi aux choix et préférences des consommateurs. Dans ce contexte, la compréhension et la modélisation de la cinétique de libération est un défi scientifique et un enjeu de santé afin de pouvoir formuler des produits en intégrant des critères nutritionnels et sensoriels. Ce travail de thèse a permis d'étudier et de modéliser les mécanismes en bouche responsables de la dynamique de libération des stimuli olfactifs lors de consommation d'un aliment liquide ou solide chez l'homme.<br />• Dans un premier temps, un modèle mécanistique décrivant la libération des composés d'arôme au cours de la consommation d'un aliment liquide ou semi-liquide a été développé. Ces produits ont un temps de résidence en bouche très court et ne nécessitent pas de manipulation intra-orale complexe. Le modèle a été construit sur la base de bilans de matière prenant en compte des mécanismes de transfert entre certains sous-compartiments du système, ainsi que les conditions spécifiques aux différentes étapes de la consommation. Une comparaison du modèle avec des données de libération in vivo lors de la consommation de fluides newtnoniens aromatisés avec du diacétyle et de l'hexanoate d'éthyle a été effectuée. Cette étude nous a permis de comprendre le rôle du résidu post-pharyngé et de la viscosité sur la libération des composés d'arôme : • l'épaisseur du bol tapissant les muqueuses a pu être estimée à environ 15µm; • contrairement à l'hypothèse initiale, il a été mis en évidence que les propriétés pertinentes à prendre en considération pour la libération des composés d'arôme à partir d'un fluide newtonien sont celles d'un mélange de produit hautement dilué par la salive. • Dans un second temps, le modèle a été adapté à des produits nécessitant une mastication. Pour en rendre compte, de nouveaux mécanismes ont été intégrés: phénomènes de transfert de matière et de dissolution du produit dans la salive, génération d'une surface d'échange produit/fraction liquide du bol et l'ouverture vélopharyngienne lors de la mastication du produit. Le modèle a ensuite été confronté avec les données de libération du propanoate d'éthyle in vivo lors de la consommation de matrices fromagères modèles. Le modèle a pu être ajusté de façon satisfaisante à l'ensemble des données expérimentales et les deux paramètres inconnus de notre modèle (la vitesse d'incorporation moyenne de salive dans le bol au cours de la consommation et la fréquence d'ouverture du vélopharynx) ont pu être estimés. Cette étude nous a permis de comprendre le rôle de la mastication sur la libération des composés d'arôme lors de la consommation d'aliments solides. De plus, l'étude de la libération de la 2-nonanone a permis de mettre en évidence un phénomène d'adsorption sur les muqueuses pour cette molécule. • Enfin, il ressort de la comparaison des deux modèles que les paramèters clés gouvernant la libération des composés d'arôme ne sont pas les mêmes selon la catégorie de produit (liquide ou solide) considérée: • lors de la consommation d'aliments liquides ou semi-liquides, le coefficient de transfert de matière dans le bol, la fréquence respiratoire de l'individu et l'épaisseur du résidu post-pharyngé sont les trois facteurs clés gouvernant la libération des composés d'arôme; • en revanche, lors de la consommation de produits solides mastiqués, ce sont la vitesse d'incorporation moyenne de salive dans le bol, la fréquence d'ouverture du vélopharynx et la durée de mastication qui sont les trois paramètres ayant un effet majeur sur les cinétiques de libération. La démarche de modélisation nous a permis de mieux comprendre les parts relatives du produit, de l'individu, et de l'interaction produit-individu sur la libération des composés d'arôme au cours de la consommation d'un aliment. / Delivery of aroma compounds to olfactory receptors determines the aromatic quality of food products and contributes to consumer choices and preferences. Therefore, understanding and modelling the release kinetic is a scientific challenge and a health issue in order to formulate products of both high nutritional and sensory quality. This thesis studied in-mouth mechanisms responsible of the dynamics of olfactory stimuli release during food consumption. • First, a mechanistic model describing the aroma compounds release during consumption of a liquid or semi-liquid food has been developed. These products have a very short in-mouth residence time and do not require complex intra-oral manipulation. The model takes into account mass balances, transfer mechanisms occurring between some sub-compartments of the system, and the specific conditions at the different stages of consumption. A comparison of the model predictions with in vivo release data during the consumption of Newtnonien fluids flavored with diacetyl and ethyl hexanoate was performed. This study highlighted the role of post-pharyngeal residue and viscosity on the aroma compounds release: • the thickness of bolus covering the mucous membranes has been estimated at about 15μm; • it was found that the relevant properties to be considered for the release of aroma compounds from a Newtonian fluid are those of a mixture highly diluted by saliva. • Second, the model previously developed was adapted for products requiring chewing. It takes into account the phenomena of mass transfer and dissolution of the product in the saliva during chewing. The generation of a product/liquid contact surface as well as the velopharyngial opening that occurs during the mastication of the product were also integrated into the model. The model was then confronted with in vivo release data for ethyl propanoate during consumption of four cheese matrices. All simulations have been satisfactorily fitted to experimental data and the two unknown parameters of our model (the average rate of saliva incorporation into the bolus and the frequency of velopharyngial opening) could be estimated. This study has enabled us to understand the role of mastication on the release of aroma compounds during consumption of solid food: • the opening of velopharynx during intra-oral manipulation of the product produces a continuous supply of aroma compounds in the nose; • the residence time of solid product in the mouth are much longer than for the consumption of liquid and semi-liquid foods, allowing the secretion of significant volumes of saliva. In addition, the study of the release of 2-nonanone highlighted an adsorption phenomenon on the mucous membranes for this molecule. • Finally, sensitivity analysis of the two release models indicates that: • when eating a liquid or semi-liquid food, the mass transfer coefficient in the bolus, the breath rate and the thickness of post-pharyngeal residue are the three key factors governing the release of aroma compounds; • however, when eating a solid food product, it is the average rate of saliva incorporation into the bolus during consumption, the frequency and duration of velopharyngeal opening, and the mastication time which are the three parameters that have major effects on the kinetics of release. The modeling approach allowed us to better understand the relative effects of the product, the individual, and individual-product interaction on the release of aroma compounds during food consumption. The results of this work indicated that the most important parameters depend on the category of product (liquid or solid) under consideration.

As propriedades no estado sólido de um insumo farmacêutico ativo (IFA) estão diretamente relacionadas com a eficácia terapêutica de um medicamento. Entre todas as propriedades físicas e químicas, que são dependentes doarranjo cristalinodo IFA, destaca-se a solubilidade e a estabilidade, que são as características mais importantes de um fármaco, na medida em que podem alterar a biodisponibilidade. Dentro dessa perspectiva, a engenharia de cristaistem cada vez mais se consolidado como uma estratégia para aperfeiçoar as propriedades no estado sólido de um IFA. Neste trabalho, oito novas formas sólidas cristalinas, entre sais e cocristais, dos fármacos com ação anti-tuberculose etionamida (ETH), etambutol (ETB) e isoniazida (INH), foram preparadas e tiveram suas estruturas cristalinas determinadas por difração de raios X por monocristal. Além disso, todas as modificações cristalinas obtidas foram caracterizadas por difração de raios X por policristais, espectroscopia vibracional no infravermelho e Raman, calorimetria exploratória diferencial, termogravimetria e microscopia ótica térmica. Por fim, estudos de solubilidade em equilíbrio e de estabilidade em atmosfera úmida também foram realizados. A nova modificação cristalina da ETH, o sal nitrato de ETH, foi planejada visando melhorar a solubilidade aquosa deste IFA (&#8764;0,4 mg mL-1). Este é o primeiro relato de uma estrutura de ETH que cristalizou com quatro independentes pares iônicos (ETH+/NO3-) na unidade assimétrica. A análise do empacotamento cristalino e das interações intermoleculares permitiu estabelecer os atributos estruturais que explicam a menor estabilidade térmica e a elevada solubilidade (cerca de 300 vezes maior) deste sal, em comparação com a forma neutra da ETH. A preparação dos novos sais de ETB foi feito considerando o cárater básico da molécula, o que permitiu a obtenção de três novos sais a partir da reação do ETB com os ácidos oxalico, maleico e tereftálico. O desenho dessas formas sólidas teve como principal objetivo minimizar os efeitos da elevada higroscopicidade do ETB, que é tão prejudicial para formulações farmacêuticas. Este objetivo foi alcançado, uma vez que o sal oxalato de ETB, reportado neste trabalho, mostrou ser não-higroscópico. Por fim, quatro novos cocristais da INH, sendo dois cocristais polimórficos, foram preparados por meio de reações estequiométricas deste IFA com ácidos carboxílicos aromáticos derivados do ácido benzóico. O desenho dessas novas modificações cristalinas teve como intuito principal explorar a diversidade de síntons supramoleculares formados entre a INH e moléculas contendo o grupo COOH. A análise dos empacotamentos cristalinos das formas I e II do cocristal INH-PABA, mostrou que este é um típico caso de polimorfismo orientacional. Portanto, os resultados desta dissertação trazem importantes contribuições científicas para a diversidade de formas sólidas, apresentando revelância para o setor farmacêutico no que se refere ao desenvolvimento de novas formulações contendo fármacos anti-tuberculose. / Solid state properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are directly related to drug performance. Among all physical and chemical properties dependent on the crystal arrangement of a drug, stability and solubility are the main ones that alter its bioavailability. In this sense, crystal engineering is a strategy to improve solid state properties of drugs. In this work, eigth new multicomponent solid forms (salts and cocrystals) of the tuberculostatic drugs ethionamide (ETH), ethambutol (ETB) and isoniazid (INH) were prepared and their crystal structures were elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, the crystal modifications were also characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman vibrational spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and Hot-stage microscopy. Finally, equilibrium solubility studies and stability experiments in humid atmosphere were also performed. The new supramolecular modification of ETH, ethionamide nitrate salt, was designed in order to improve the aqueous solubility of the API (&#8764;0.4 mg ml-1). This salt is the first ETH structure that has been crystallized with four independent ionic pairs (ETH+/NO3-) in the asymmetric unit. The analysis of crystal packing and intermolecular interactions allowed to establish the structural attributes that explain the lower thermal stability and high solubility (about 300 times higher) of this salt compared to the neutral ETH form. Due its high hygroscopicity, ETB is known for catalyzing the degradation of isoniazid and rifampicinin pharmaceutical formulations. In order to avoid or even minimize these mutual drug-drug interactions, in this work we have focused on the development of less hygroscopic multicomponent solid forms of ETB. The preparation of the new ETB crystal modifications was carried out considering the pKa values of the molecule, which allowed the design of three new salts (namely oxalate, maleate and terephthalate). These salts were obtained from the reaction of ETB with the carboxylic acids: oxalic, maleic and terephthalic. The hygroscopic nature of these salts was evaluated and all of them were found to be hygroscopic, with exception of ETB oxalate. Finally, four novel INH cocrystals, being two polymorphic forms, with aromatic carboxylic acids derivatives were rationally prepared. The design of these crystal forms aimed to explore the diversity of supramolecular synthons formed between INH and molecules containing COOH. The crystal packing analysis of the INH-PABA cocrystals (polymorphs I and II), showed that this is a typical case of orientational polymorphism. Therefore, the scientific contributions of this work show the diversity of the solid forms and define candidates to new anti-tuberculosis API\'s solid formulations.

O arroz (Oryza sativa L.) é um dos cereais mais produzidos e consumidos no mundo, caracterizando como principal alimento para mais da metade da população mundial. Sua importância é destacada principalmente em países em desenvolvimento, tais como o Brasil, desempenhando papel estratégico em níveis econômico e social. Atualmente, é crescente o número de pesquisas que integram desde o melhoramento vegetal e o manejo da adubação até o aproveitamento dos nutrientes pelo organismo humano. O melhoramento de plantas pode ajudar a melhorar a dieta humana, com o desenvolvimento de plantas com maiores teores de vitaminas e micronutrientes. A introdução de produtos agrícolas biofortificados como o arroz, complementará as intervenções em nutrição existentes. Sendo assim, tornase imprescindível conhecer como as condições de cultivo influenciam na qualidade do grão e na importância para obtenção de um alimento com maior valor biológico e nutricional e com menores concentrações de antinutricionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as características físico-químicas e nutricionais do arroz (Oryza sativa L.) integral, promovidas por diferentes adubações (experimento I) e aos grãos biofortificados (experimento II). Foram realizadas análises de composição centesimal, composição mineral, diálise in vitro de minerais, vitaminas do complexo B, conteúdo de compostos fenólicos e fitatos em grão, além das análises de parâmetros de qualidade em arroz como conteúdo de amilose aparente, propriedade de pasta e análise instrumental de cor. Os resultados obtidos no estudo assemelham-se aos citados nas literaturas quanto á composição centesimal e mineral, enfatizando a influência da cocção na composição nutricional do grão e em seus compostos como fenólicos e fitatos. Para o dialisado de cálcio e zinco no arroz biofortificado, a variação nos valores foi em média de 1,14% a 3,26% para cálcio e 0,80% a 3,43% para zinco. No experimento II, as perdas de vitaminas para o arroz integral biofortificado após o cozimento foi em torno de 33,4%, 52,17% e 76% para vitamina B1, vitamina B2 e vitamina B6, respectivamente. Por fim, conclui-se que a produção de variedades melhoradas seja através de adubações ou da escolha de melhores cultivares, que apresentam maior teor de minerais e vitaminas, foram eficientes para a melhora da disponibilidade nutricional dos grãos. / Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of most cereals produced and consumed in the world, characterized as the primary food for more than half the world population. Its importance is highlighted especially in developing countries such as Brazil, playing a strategic role in economic and social levels. There is increasing the number of studies since that integrate plant breeding and fertilizer management to use the nutrients the human body. Plant breeding can help improve the human diet, with the development of plants with higher levels of vitamins and micronutrients. The introduction of biofortified crops like rice, will complement existing nutrition interventions. Thus, it becomes essential to know as the cultivation conditions influence the quality of grain and the importance to obtain a food with higher nutritional and biological value and with lower concentrations of antinutritional. Threfore, the aim of this study was to analyze the pshycochemical and nutritional properties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in full, caused by different fertilization (experiment I) and subjected to biofortification (experiment II). Were performed to analyze chemical composition, mineral, dialysis in vitro of minerals, vitamins B, content of phenolic compounds and phytates in grain, in addition to the analysis of quality parameters in rice as apparent amylase content, folder property and instrumental analysis of color. The results obtained in this study are similar to those cited in other literature as to the mineral and chemical composition, emphasizing the influence of cooking on the nutritional composition of grain and as phenolic compounds and phytates. For the dialysate calcium and zinc in rice biofortified crops, the variation in the values averaged 1.14% to 3.26% for calcium and 0.80% to 3.43% for zinc. Losses of vitamins to the rice after cooking was around 33.4%, 52.17% and 76% for vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6, respectively. Finally, we conclude that the production of improved varieties is through fertilization or the best choice of cultivars, that have a higher content of minerals and vitamins, were effective to improve the availability of nutrients of the grains.

Resumo: Essa tese apresenta o desenvolvimento de um sistema de mineração de dados baseado na técnica de computação evolucionária denominada Algoritmos Genéticos. O sistema resultante, de nome MinAG, realiza a tarefa de classificação de dados contínuos e destina-se a minerar dados físico-químicos do solo e da água. Os padrões de comportamento dos atributos minerados são apresentados no formato SE-ENTÃO, facilitando a compreensão da informação descoberta. Foram definidos alguns requerimentos e restrições para o uso desse sistema relacionados às características do arquivo de dados possível de ser minerado. O MinAG adota o conceito de computação em grid, o que propicia para que mais e melhores resultados sejam obtidos. Os testes realizados permitiram concluir que o sistema executou as tarefas definidas para o mesmo e gerou resultados corretos ao minerar as bases de dados a que se propôs, atingindo, portanto os objetivos dessa tese. Foram realizados dois estudos de casos. No primeiro foi utilizada uma base de dados brasileira sobre dados físico-químicos do solo obtidos por equipamentos de agricultura de precisão na região de Campos Novos Paulista - SP. No segundo estudo de caso usou-se uma base de dados de qualidade de água do estado da Flórida - EUA. Em ambos os casos o sistema foi capaz de atingir seu objetivo encontrando padrões de comportamento nos dados. Pode-se concluir que o sistema MinAG apresenta-se como uma nova maneira de analisar a correlação entre os elementos físico-químicos do solo e da água. Esse sistema não deve ser entendido como um substituto de métodos de análise tradicionais, como a estatística. Sua função é servir como uma ferramenta adicional na geração de informações para auxílio à compreensão do comportamento existente nos dados. / Abstract: This thesis presents the data mining system development based on an evolutionary computation technique named Genetic Algorithms. The MinAG system performs the continuous data classification task and mines water and soil physico-chemical datasets. The patterns discovered by mining the attributes are presented using the IF-THEN rule format. It makes it easier to understand the information discovered. Some requirements and restrictions related to the dataset features were defined in order to use the system. MinAG adopts the grid computing concept in order to produce more and better results. By the evaluation system, it was possible to conclude that it is able to perform the proposed tasks and produces correct results when mining the datasets. Therefore, the system reached the thesis goals. Two case studies were performed. In the first one, a Brazilian dataset related to soil physico-chemical properties was used. The data was obtained in Campos Novos Paulista - SP by Precision Agriculture equipment. In the second case study, a Florida - USA water quality dataset was utilized. The system discovered behavior patterns achieving the goals in both cases. The MinAG system presents a new way to analyse the correlation between the water and soil physico-chemical attributes. This system is not a substitute for traditional methods such as statistics. In fact, it is an auxiliary tool to generate information in order to help understand the behavior between data. / Orientador: Angelo Cataneo / Coorientador: Fedro S. Zazueta / Banca: Manoel Henrique Salgado / Banca: José Luis Braga / Banca: Luiz Roberto Almeida Gabriel / Banca: Marcelo Giovaneti Canteri / Doutor

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / O diagnÃstico de falhas incipientes em transformadores de potÃncia imersos em Ãleo està diretamente relacionado à avaliaÃÃo das condiÃÃes do sistema de isolamento. Este estudo aborda a relaÃÃo entre os gases dissolvidos no Ãleo e a qualidade do Ãleo mineral isolante utilizado em transformadores de potÃncia. As redes neurais artificiais sÃo utilizadas na abordagem da avaliaÃÃo das condiÃÃes operacionais do Ãleo isolante em transformadores de potÃncia, que à caracterizada por um comportamento dinÃmico nÃo-linear. As condiÃÃes de operaÃÃo e a integridade do sistema de isolamento de um transformador de potÃncia podem ser inferidas atravÃs das anÃlises fÃsico-quÃmicas e cromatogrÃficas (AnÃlise de GÃs Dissolvido). Estes ensaios permitem estabelecer procedimentos de operaÃÃo e manutenÃÃo do equipamento e normalmente sÃo realizados simultaneamente. Esta tese de doutorado propÃe um mÃtodo que pode ser usado para extrair informaÃÃes cromatogrÃficas usando as anÃlises fÃsico-quÃmicas atravÃs de redes neurais artificiais. As anÃlises atuais das propriedades fÃsico-quÃmicas fornecem apenas diagnÃstico do estado do Ãleo, o que nÃo permite o diagnÃstico de falhas incipientes. Acredita-se que, as concessionÃrias de energia podem melhorar a confiabilidade na previsÃo de falhas incipientes a um custo menor com este mÃtodo, uma vez que apenas um ensaio à necessÃrio. Os resultados mostraram que esta estratÃgia à promissora com mÃdia de acertos em diagnÃsticos de falhas maiores que 72%. O objetivo deste trabalho à a aplicaÃÃo direta do diagnÃstico de falhas incipientes atravÃs da utilizaÃÃo de propriedades fÃsico-quÃmicas, sem a necessidade de fazer uma cromatografia do Ãleo. / The diagnosis of incipient fault in power transformers immerses in oil are directly related to the assessment of the isolation system conditions. This search is about the relationship between dissolved gases and the quality of the insulating mineral oil used in power transformers. Artificial Neural Networks are used to approach operational conditions assessment issue of the insulating oil in power transformers, which is characterized by a nonlinear dynamic behavior. The operation conditions and integrity of a power transformer can be inferred by analysis of physicochemical and chromatographic (DGA â Dissolved Gas Analysis) profiles of the isolating oil. This tests allow establishing procedures for operating and maintaining the equipment and usually are performed simultaneously. This work proposes a method that can be used to extract chromatographic information using physicochemical analysis through Artificial Neural Networks. The present analysis of physicochemical properties only provide a diagnostic tool for the oil quality, which does not allow the diagnosis of incipient faults. ItÂs believed that, the power utilities could improve reliability in the prediction of incipient failures at a lower cost with this method, since only one test is required. The results show this strategy might be promising with an average accuracy for diagnosis of faults greater than 72%. The purpose of this work is the direct implementation of the diagnosis of incipient faults through the use of physicochemical properties without the need to make an oil chromatography.

O estudo do potencial biológico do ecossistema florestal torna-se essencial quando o objetivo é o seu manejo racional, visando a maximização da produtividade, e evitando-se a exaustão dos recursos do sítio florestal. Na área florestal é comum a aplicação de modelos que projetam o futuro do povoamento, pois desta forma pode-se tomar as decisões apropriadas a cerca do manejo a ser seguido. Dentre outros modelos, o 3-PG foi testado para inúmeras espécies florestais e em diversas condições edafoclimáticas, e tem sido reportado, por unanimidade, como uma poderosa ferramenta para auxiliar o manejo de povoamentos florestais. O objetivo desse estudo foi: calibrar, validar e simular a produtividade de plantações clonais de Eucalyptus com o uso do modelo 3-PG integrado a um sistema de informações geográficas. Foram selecionadas 20 parcelas de inventário que continham o material genético C219H (Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla) plantados no mesmo espaçamento de 3 x 3m e de mesma idade, com data de plantio no ano 2000, na região de Capão Bonito, sul do estado de São Paulo. Em cada parcela foram realizadas avaliações edáficas, dendrométricas e nutricionais em três árvores médias. A incorporação das características do relevo apresentou diferença no mapeamento da radiação global, principalmente no inverno, onde os efeitos do relevo foram elevados, apresentando diferenças de até 147%, em relação ao relevo plano. O número de geadas mensais foi determinado pela temperatura média mínima mensal, aprensentando uma relação linear negativa. A maioria das variáveis de solos analisadas aproximou-se da distribuição lognormal de freqüências. Na análise geoestatística, as variáveis relacionadas à fertilidade do solo apresentaram maiores alcances de dependência espacial no horizonte A, indicando que há maior homogeneidade na distribuição dos nutrientes na camada superficial do solo. A CTCefetiva apresentou relação exponencial positiva com o volume de madeira. Paralela a essa curva, foi proposta uma equação relacionando o índice de fertilidade do modelo 3-PGIS e esse atributo do solo. O teor de argila exerceu forte influência sobre os teores de água na capacidade de campo e no ponto de murcha permanente, por conseguinte, na disponibilidade de água dos solos. A máxima biomassa de fuste, encontrada nos povoamentos florestais manejados com elevado padrão tecnológico, relacionou-se diretamente com o teor argila+silte. Essa mesma propriedade do solo, exerceu influência na densidade da madeira. Sítios de maiores produtividades, por conseguinte, de maior teor de argila+silte, resultaram em árvores de menor densidade básica. Os teores foliares de N, Mg, Cu e Zn, aumentaram exponencialmente com o teor de argila, da mesma forma que o DAP e a biomassa de folhas. Por outro lado, os teores foliares de P, K, Ca, S, B, Fe e Mn apresentaram relação oposta, decresceram exponencialmente nos solos mais argilosos. Foi obtida a calibração, a validação e aplicação do modelo 3-PGIS nas condições edafoclimáticas de Capão Bonito em povoamentos clonais do material genético C219H. No geral, o modelo 3-PGIS, apresentou bom desempenho, principalmente nas estimativas do volume de lenho com casca e da biomassa de fuste. As simulações do DAP e do IMA foram mais dispersas. / The study of the biological potential of forest ecosystems become essential when the objective is rational management, aiming productivity maximization, and avoiding resource exhaustion of the forest site. Forest sector usually apply models to simulate the future of the stand, aiming make appropriated decisions regarding the management to be followed. Among other models, 3-PG was tested for several forest species across different edaphoclimatic conditions, and has been reported unanimously, as a powerful tool to help on forest stands management. The objective of this study was: calibrate, validate and simulate productivity of clonal Eucalyptus plantations using 3-PG model integrated with a geographical information system. Twenty inventory plots were selected containing genetic material C219H (Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla) planted on spacing 3 x 3m, even aged, with planting date at 2000, Capão Bonito region, south of São Paulo state. On each plot were evaluated edaphic, dendrometric and nutritional variables on three average trees. Incorporation of relief characteristics resulted in differences on global radiation mapping, mainly during winter, where the effects of relief were elevated, showing up to 147% comparing to flat relief. Number of frosts per month was determined by monthly mean minimum temperature, with a negative linear relation. Most of soil variables evaluated showed a log-normal frequency distribution. At geostatistical analysis, variables related to soil fertility presented higher reaches of spatial dependency at A horizon, indicating higher homogeneity on nutrient distribution at superficial soil layer. The effective CEC showed positive exponential relation with wood volume. Parallel to that curve, we proposed an equation relating the fertility index of 3-PGIS and that soil attribute. Clay content showed strong influence on water levels at field capacity and wilting point, and as consequence, on soil water availability. Stem maximum biomass, observed on forest stands, managed with high technological standards, related directly with clay+silt contents. Same soil property affected wood density. High productivity sites, as consequence, with higher clay+silt contents, resulted in trees with lower wood density. Leaf level of N, Mg, Cu and Zn increased exponentially with clay content, like DBH and foliage biomass. Otherwise, leaf level of P, K, Ca, S, B, Fe and Mn showed opposite relation, decreasing exponentially on clayey soils. Calibration, validation and application of 3-PGIS were obtained for Capão Bonito edaphoclimatic conditions, on clonal stands of the genetic material C219H. Overall, 3- PGIS model showed good performance, mainly on estimative of stem plus bark volume and stem biomass. Simulations of DBH and MAI were dispersing.

<p>The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprise a group of 209 congeners varying in the number of chlorine atoms and substitution patterns. These compounds tend to be biomagnified in foodwebs and have been shown to induce an array of effects in exposed organisms. The structural characteristics of the PCBs influence their potency as well as mechanism of action. In order to assess the biological potency of these compounds a multi-step quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) procedure was used in the project described in this thesis.</p><p>The ultraviolet absorption (UV) spectra were measured for all 209 PCBs, and digitised for use as physico-chemical descriptors. Interpretations of the spectra using principal component analysis (PCA) showed the number of ortho chlorine atoms and para-para substitution patterns to be significant. Additional physico-chemical descriptors were derived from semi-empirical calculations. These included various molecular energies, the ionisation potential, electron affinity, dipole moments, and the internal barrier of rotation. The internal barrier of rotation was especially useful for describing the conformation of the PCBs on a continuous scale.</p><p>In total 52 physico-chemical descriptors were compiled and analysed by PCA for the tetra- to hepta-chlorinated congeners. The structural variation within these compounds was condensed into four principal properties derived from a PCA for use as design variables in a statistical design to select congeners representative for these homologue-groups. The 20 selected PCBs have been applied to study structure-specific biochemical responses in a number of bioassays, and to study the biomagnification of the PCBs in various fish species.</p><p>QSARs were established using partial least squares projections to latent structures (PLS) for the PCBs potency to inhibit intercellular communication, activate respiratory burst, inhibit dopamine uptake in synaptic vesicles, compete with estradiol for binding to estrogen receptors, and induce cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) related activities. By the systematic use of the designed set of PCBs the biological potency was screened over the chemical domain of the class of compounds. Further, sub-regions of highly potent PCBs were identified for each response measured. For risk assessment of the PCBs potency to induce dioxin-like activities the predicted induction potencies (PIPs) were calculated. In addition, two sets of PCBs were presented that specifically represent congeners of environmental relevance in combination with predicted potency to induce estrogenic and CYP1A related activities.</p>

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprise a group of 209 congeners varying in the number of chlorine atoms and substitution patterns. These compounds tend to be biomagnified in foodwebs and have been shown to induce an array of effects in exposed organisms. The structural characteristics of the PCBs influence their potency as well as mechanism of action. In order to assess the biological potency of these compounds a multi-step quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) procedure was used in the project described in this thesis. The ultraviolet absorption (UV) spectra were measured for all 209 PCBs, and digitised for use as physico-chemical descriptors. Interpretations of the spectra using principal component analysis (PCA) showed the number of ortho chlorine atoms and para-para substitution patterns to be significant. Additional physico-chemical descriptors were derived from semi-empirical calculations. These included various molecular energies, the ionisation potential, electron affinity, dipole moments, and the internal barrier of rotation. The internal barrier of rotation was especially useful for describing the conformation of the PCBs on a continuous scale. In total 52 physico-chemical descriptors were compiled and analysed by PCA for the tetra- to hepta-chlorinated congeners. The structural variation within these compounds was condensed into four principal properties derived from a PCA for use as design variables in a statistical design to select congeners representative for these homologue-groups. The 20 selected PCBs have been applied to study structure-specific biochemical responses in a number of bioassays, and to study the biomagnification of the PCBs in various fish species. QSARs were established using partial least squares projections to latent structures (PLS) for the PCBs potency to inhibit intercellular communication, activate respiratory burst, inhibit dopamine uptake in synaptic vesicles, compete with estradiol for binding to estrogen receptors, and induce cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) related activities. By the systematic use of the designed set of PCBs the biological potency was screened over the chemical domain of the class of compounds. Further, sub-regions of highly potent PCBs were identified for each response measured. For risk assessment of the PCBs potency to induce dioxin-like activities the predicted induction potencies (PIPs) were calculated. In addition, two sets of PCBs were presented that specifically represent congeners of environmental relevance in combination with predicted potency to induce estrogenic and CYP1A related activities.

The structure of 11S cruciferin has been solved; however, how the individual subunits contribute to its physico-chemical and functional properties are not well known. The cruciferin isoforms in Arabidopsis thaliana, CRUA, CRUB, and CRUC, were investigated with respect to their molecular structures and the relationship of structural features to the physico-chemical and functional properties of cruciferin using homology modeling and various analytical techniques. Comparison of these models revealed that hydrophobicity and electrostatic potential distribution on the surface of the CRUC homotrimer had more favorable interfacial, solubility, and thermal properties than those of CRUA or CRUB. Flavor binding and pepsin digestion were associated with hypervariable regions (HVRs) and center core regions, respectively, moreso for CRUA and CRUB homotrimers than for CRUC. Chemical imaging of a single cell area in wild type (WT) and double-knockout seeds (CRUAbc, CRUaBc, and CRUabC) using synchrotron FT-IR microscopy (amide I band, 1650 cm-1, νC=O) showed that seed storage proteins were concentrated in the cell center and protein storage vacuoles, whereas lipids were closer to the cell wall. Secondary structure components of proteins of double-knockout lines did not show major differences. Changes in protein secondary structure components of pepsin-treated CRUabC (CRUC) mutant were minimal, indicating low enzyme accessibility. A three-step chromatographic procedure allowed isolation of the hexameric form of cruciferin with high purity (>95%). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic analysis of the secondary structure of these proteins revealed cruciferins were folded into higher order secondary structures; 44−50% β-sheets and 7−9% α-helices. The relative subunit ratio was approximately 1:3:6 (CRUA:CRUB:CRUC) in the WT cruciferin. The Tm values of purified cruciferin at pH 7.4 (μ = 0.0) were in the order of WT = CRUA = CRUB < CRUC. The order of surface hydrophobicity as determined by ANS (1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate) probe binding was CRUA > CRUB = WT >> CRUC. Intrinsic fluorescence studies revealed a compact molecular structure for the CRUC homohexamer compared to the CRUA and CRUB homohexamers. The order of emulsion forming abilities was CRUA = CRUB > WT > CRUC (no emulsion formation) and the order of heat-induced network structure strength was WT > CRUA = CRUB > CRUC (no gel formation). The inability of CRUC to form gels or emulsions may be attributed to its low surface hydrophobicity and molecular compactness. At pH 2.0, CRUC hexamers dissociated into trimers which allowed the formation of an O/W emulsion and heat-induced network structures. Solubility of cruciferin as a function of pH at low ionic strength gave two minima around pH 4 and 7.4 yielding a “W” shape solubility profile deviating from the typical “U” or “V” shape solubility profile of other 11S globulins. The high ionic strength (μ = 0.5) was not favorable for emulsification, heat-induced gel formation, or solubilization for all cruciferins. Furthermore, the CRUA and CRUB homohexamers exhibited rapid pepsinolysis, while the CRUC homohexamer and WT heterohexamer were digested more slowly. Although fairly well conserved regions were found in the primary structure of these three cruciferin subunits, differences were found in the hypervariable regions and extended loop regions resulting in slight differences in 3D structures and interactions that occur during association to form superstructures, such as hexamers. These differences were reflected in the physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of hexamers and trimers composed of each subunit. In silico predictions for certain functionalities were highly correlated with empirical data from laboratory experiments.