Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Thais Lopes, Adriana Fernandez Campos, Ricardo J. Cassella
Summary: A novel analytical methodology using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was proposed to determine cocaine and the main medicines found in street cocaine in Real banknotes. The study successfully analyzed 158 samples and found that adulterants were mainly present in banknotes of lower value.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vinicius Bonetti Franceschi, Gabriel Dickin Caldana, Amanda de Menezes Mayer, Gabriela Bettella Cybis, Carla Andretta Moreira Neves, Patricia Aline Grohs Ferrareze, Meriane Demoliner, Paula Rodrigues de Almeida, Juliana Schons Gularte, Alana Witt Hansen, Matheus Nunes Weber, Juliane Deise Fleck, Ricardo Ariel Zimerman, Livia Kmetzsch, Fernando Rosado Spilki, Claudia Elizabeth Thompson
Summary: This study tracked the molecular evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Esteio, Southern Brazil, highlighting mutations from May to October 2020, including common mutations in spike glycoprotein and an emergent mutation in spike Receptor Binding Domain. The study also found epidemiologically-related clusters, demonstrating multiple introductions of prevalent Brazilian lineages and their spread to other regions. The correlation of clinical, epidemiological, and genomic information is crucial for understanding viral evolution and informing policy making strategies to combat COVID-19.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Graciela Verdum, Jessica Deise Bersch, Fernanda Lamego Guerra, Rafaela Falcao Socoloski, Caroline Giordani, Lais Zucchetti, Angela Borges Masuero
Summary: This study aimed to contribute to the preservation of historical buildings by investigating and documenting the coating degradation conditions of three historical buildings in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The results showed that the Chateau had the worst conservation condition, with cracks, detachments, dirt, and paint microcracks being the most recurrent damages, particularly in the bottom regions.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Luan Pierre Pott, Telmo Jorge Carneiro Amado, Rai Augusto Schwalbert, Geomar Mateus Corassa, Ignacio Antonio Ciampitti
Summary: Field-scale crop monitoring is crucial for agricultural management and policy making. This study developed an approach for crop classification in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, achieving high overall accuracy and performance. The model showed potential for accurate early season predictions and serves as a foundation for creating crop type maps in other regions.
ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingyan Fu, Shufang Tian, Jia Ge
Summary: In this study, a method called R-Unet was proposed to extract rice based on Sentinel-2 and time-series Sentinel-1. By introducing an attention-residual module and a multi-scale feature fusion module, R-Unet achieved the best performance on Dataset 07, with precision, IOU, F1-score, and MCC of 0.948, 0.853, 0.921, and 0.888, respectively, outperforming the baseline models.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Fidel Makatia, Ricardo Reis
Summary: The CASS Kenya Chapter and CASS Rio Grande do Sul Chapter organized a virtual workshop on August 12, 2022, featuring technical talks and discussions on Education, Research, and Industry in both locations.
IEEE CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS MAGAZINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Alexandra Zimpeck, Guilherme Paim, Leandro M. G. Rocha, Ricardo Reis
Summary: The IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Rio Grande do Sul Workshop (CASSW) is an event that aims to promote academic and industrial exchange, attracting local and foreign researchers, professionals, and students.
IEEE CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS MAGAZINE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ornella Sari Cassol, Gilmara Pandolfo Zabot, Rogerio Saad-Hossne, Alexandre Padoin
Summary: This is the first epidemiological study on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in the southernmost state of Brazil, showing a high prevalence and incidence of IBDs in the region. The study found a higher prevalence of IBDs in females than males, with Crohn's disease (CD) being more prevalent than ulcerative colitis (UC). The highest prevalence was observed in the state capital metropolitan area.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Willian Cezar Nadaleti, Emanuelle Cardozo, Jones Bittencourt Machado, Peterson Maximilla Pereira, Maele Costa dos Santos, Eduarda Gomes de Souza, Paula Haertel, Erico Kunde Correa, Bruno Muller Vieira, Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Junior
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of agricultural residues in the Southern region of Brazil, specifically rice straw and husks from rice cultivation and peach residues, for biohydrogen and energy production. The findings indicate a significant amount of bioH(2) and biogas can be theoretically obtained, which can contribute to the production of clean energy and mitigate environmental impacts. The study also highlights the potential for the implementation of a Circular Economy and the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.
Article
Agronomy
Marcio Pereira Cordeiro, Joao Garibaldi Almeida Viana, Vicente Celestino Pires Silveira
Summary: This study analyzed meso-institutions and their impact on the performance of dairy farms in the western border regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The research used exploratory and descriptive methods, collecting data through various techniques such as interviews and questionnaires. The findings showed that the operation of meso-institutions varied across different milk-producing regions, and effective monitoring by these institutions positively influenced the farmers' perception of performance. The study highlights the importance of meso-institutions in interpreting, implementing, and monitoring rules in the dairy supply chain.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Debora Seben, Marcos Toebe, Arci D. Wastowski, Genesio M. da Rosa, Osmar D. Prestes, Renato Zanella, Jaqueline Golombieski
Summary: This study aimed to verify the linear associations between the physical, chemical and microbiological variables of spring water. The research found strong positive correlations among certain variables, indicating that the quality of spring water is influenced by the interaction between water, soil, and compounds. It was also observed that the lack of masonry protection makes the water susceptible to animal contact.
Article
Virology
Marina Beretta Duarte, Tatiana Schaffer Gregianini, Leticia G. Martins, Ana Beatriz G. Veiga
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology of IBV infection in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil over 17 years, and found that IBV infection is associated with age and seasonality, with a high risk of severe infection. The research also highlighted that cardiopathy, metabolic disease, and smoking are risk factors for fatality in IBV infection.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudenice Hilda Dalastra, Gustavo Heiden
Summary: This study presents a taxonomic review of native species of Ericaceae in Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil, and provides identification keys and conservation guidelines. It identifies new species and their distribution and confirms the threatened status of certain species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leticia Batista Dutra, Janaina Francieli Stein, Bruna Seixas da Rocha, Andresa Berger, Beatriz Andrade de Souza, Bruno Aschidamini Prandi, Arthur Tonietto Mangini, Andre Jarenkow, Aline Alves Scarpellini Campos, Fernando Mainardi Fan, Maria Cristina de Almeida Silva, Katia Helena Lipp-Nissinen, Manuel Rodrigues Loncan, Matheus Ribeiro Augusto, Ana Claudia Franco, Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno, Caroline Rigotto
Summary: This study aimed to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples from different locations in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The results showed varying levels of viral presence in different sample types, and a correlation between environmental viral load and clinical COVID-19 cases.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Cassio Augusto Bettim, Alexsandro Vasconcellos da Silva, Alessandro Kahmann, Marcio Dorn, Clarice Sampaio Alho, Eduardo Avila
Summary: Forensic DNA phenotyping is a promising tool for aiding human identification in police activities. This study aimed to test the association between MC1R gene polymorphisms and perceived age (PA) in the Rio Grande do Sul admixed population. By analyzing genomic data and using a multiple linear regression model, nine intronic variants adjacent to MC1R were found to be significantly associated with facial age appearance. The influence of the selected variants on PA varied in our sample, impacting both younger and older face phenotypes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Roberta Petry Gorziza, Marina Gonzalez, Carina Maria Bello de Carvalho, Rafael Scorsatto Ortiz, Arco Flores Ferrao, Renata Pereira Limberger
Summary: Questioned documents involve analysis of various issues, such as identity theft, forged signatures or texts, documents alterations, and falsification of security documents or banknotes. Chemical analysis is required for questions concerning inks or paper, and multivariate analysis has emerged as an important tool for data evaluation. This study aimed to identify previous articles that applied multivariate analysis in the field of questioned documents for forensic purposes. Sixty studies published in the last ten years were selected. These studies covered various aspects, including pen inks analysis, printed documents studies, paper analysis, and banknotes analysis. Different analytical methods, such as spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and multivariate image analysis, were used to collect chemical data. The application of chemometrics methods, including unsupervised pattern recognition techniques, regression methods, and supervised pattern recognition techniques, was also discussed.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Fernanda C. Bock, Gilson A. Helfer, Adilson B. da Costa, Morgana B. Dessuy, Marco F. Ferrao
Summary: The study utilized smartphone analysis to quantify copper levels in sugarcane spirit samples, optimizing experimental design and image acquisition procedures for improved accuracy. The proposed method offers advantages of portability, low cost, and reduced reagent consumption compared to traditional techniques.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Thais Livramento Silva, Juciana Clarice Cazarolli, Tania Mara Pizzolato, Ana Paula Guedes Frazzon, Michele Bertoni Mann, Jeverson Frazzon, Danielle Kochenborger John, Marco Flores Ferrao, Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto, Emmanuel Bezerra D'Alessandro, Nelson Roberto Antoniosi Filho, Fatima Menezes Bento
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of adding biodiesel to marine diesel oil, finding that adding 20% biodiesel had a greater impact on microbial growth and oil phase composition.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sabrina Laiz Buttenbender, Anderson Ramos Carvalho, Fabio de Souza Barbosa, Rafael Scorsatto Ortiz, Renata Pereira Limberger, Andreas S. L. Mendez
JOURNAL OF AOAC INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Anderson Ramos Carvalho, Luana Candice Genz Bazana, Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria, Marco Flores Ferrao
Summary: This study proposes a method for determining pH without contact with the sample using digital images and regression analysis, which is validated by comparative calibration. The results demonstrate that digital images are a good alternative for determining the pH of RPMI 1640 medium, offering convenience, speed, and cost-effectiveness, and producing results similar to a pH meter.
BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carlos H. H. Junges, Celito C. C. Guerra, Natalia A. P. Canedo-Reis, Adriano A. A. Gomes, Marco F. F. Ferrao
Summary: In this study, a new approach using unfolded excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometrics was developed to classify grape juices produced in Brazil based on conventional or organic agricultural production systems. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) coupled to ant colony optimisation (ACO) and the genetic algorithm (GA) were used to select a more effective subset of variables for discrimination. The proposed method showed highly efficient classification of grape juice samples with up to 97% accuracy for the models and 94% accuracy for external samples, demonstrating its viability for quality control in the food industry.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Danielle Kochenborger John, Klester dos Santos Souza, Marco Flores Ferrao
Summary: The use of non-destructive forensic methods for cocaine identification is crucial due to the large number of seized samples. Spectroscopic techniques such as ATR-FTIR, Raman, and NIR spectroscopy offer fast and cost-effective analysis, along with the reanalysis of samples. When combined with chemometrics, these methods allow for accurate determination and quantification of cocaine, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques. This review article comprehensively discusses the application of spectroscopic techniques in identifying cocaine in various forms and matrices, including food and textiles used for smuggling. It also explores the chemometric identification of cocaine in oral fluid and water, as well as the use of portable equipment for vibrational spectroscopy. The article aims to evaluate the main chemometric applications of spectroscopic data and provide new perspectives on cocaine identification using chemometrics.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Carlos H. Junges, Celito C. Guerra, Natalia A. P. C. Reis, Adriano A. Gomes, Fernando S. Diogo, Marco F. Ferrao
Summary: In this study, visible spectra combined with chemometric methods were used to differentiate Brazilian grape juices by conventional and organic production systems. A new pH modulation approach was employed to build a more accurate classification model. Visible spectroscopy proved to be a simple, fast, and low-cost method for evaluating the quality of grape juice.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bruno Nunes da Rosa, Guilherme Kurz Maron, Bruno Vasconcellos Lopes, Ana Carolina Silva Rocha, Fernando de Moura Gatti, Joao Otavio Anhaia Machado, Jose Mario Barichello, Kristiane de Cassia Mariotti, Gustavo Henrique Goulart Trossini, Neftali Lenin Villarreal Carreno, Claudio Martin Pereira
Summary: The aim of this study was to obtain a novel composite material for fingermark development in forensic science. Among the investigated samples, the one composed of acetylthiophene chalcone/SiO2/ZnO showed the most promising results with clear ridge details and minimal background smearing.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Natalia Alejandra Pisoni Canedo-Reis, Flavia Suelen de Oliveira Pereira, Daiana Silva Avila, Celito Crivellaro Guerra, Leticia Flores da Silva, Carlos Henrique Junges, Marco Flores Ferrao, Ana Maria Bergold
Summary: This study found that multiple grape juices can improve symptoms and extend lifespan in an Alzheimer's disease model. The rich constitution of grape juices is responsible for attenuating the phenotype caused by A beta aggregation.
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Kristiane de Cassia Mariotti, Rafael Scorsatto Ortiz, Marco Flores Ferrao
Summary: Analysis of evidence is a complex task in forensic science due to the complex and diverse nature of crime scene materials. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has emerged as a valuable analytical tool for maintaining sample integrity and conducting sequential analysis. This paper provides an overview of the application of HSI techniques in forensic science, focusing on document examination, bloodstain analysis, trace analysis of explosives, gunshot residue, and the importance of chemometric tools in obtaining crucial information from the samples. Despite the challenges, there have been significant technological and scientific advancements, establishing a solid foundation for the use of HSI in real-life forensic cases.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ellisson H. de Paulo, Marcia H-C. Nascimento, Pedro H. -P. da Cunha, Lucas L. Pereira, Emanuele C. da S. Oliveira, Paulo R. Filgueiras, Marco F. Ferrao
Summary: The determination of sensory attributes of coffee samples through trained cupping tasters is important for coffee quality control, but may be distorted due to different interpretations of quality from tasters' perspectives. Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) can predict sensory attributes using chemometric methods. Variable selection by Ordered predictors selection (OPS) improves the prediction of regression models. In this study, OPS-PLS model was the best strategy to predict aftertaste, balance, and fragrance, while OPS-SVR predominated in predicting acidity, body, and flavor.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Danielle Kochenborger John, Rafael Dutra Soares, Patricia dos Santos Correa, Klester dos Santos Souza, Marco Flores Ferrao
Summary: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and DD-SIMCA were used to identify ecstasy and its adulterants, demonstrating their effectiveness in drug classification and analysis.
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carlos H. Junges, Celito C. Guerra, Adriano A. Gomes, Marco F. Ferrao
Summary: We explored a methodology using mid-infrared spectral data and chemometric procedures to differentiate organic from conventional grape juice. The models built using genetic algorithm, stepwise regression algorithm, ant colony optimization algorithm, and successive projection algorithm showed excellent performance in distinguishing organic and conventional grape juice.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gang Qu, Yuxin Zhao, Qiaoli Zhang, Jina Wu, Xiaosen Li, Yang Yang, Shilei Liu
Summary: In this study, magnetic mesoporous materials combined with real-time in situ mass spectrometry were used for the high-throughput detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents. The method showed good linearity, low limits of detection and quantification, and high extraction recoveries. The magnetic preparation method used was quick, cost-effective, rugged, and safe. The results demonstrated the potential of this method for rapid and efficient determination of the target analytes in environmental samples.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anna Hildebrand, Mariam Merchant, Danny O'Hare
Summary: Substandard and falsified artemisinin derivatives in antimalarials have caused significant deaths and economic losses. This study evaluates the feasibility of voltammetric methods for identifying and quantifying artemether. The findings suggest that electrochemical analysis shows promise as a method for artemether identification and quantification.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marx Osorio Araujo Pereira, Alvaro Ferreira Junior, Edson Silvio Batista Rodrigues, Helena Mulser, Giovanna Nascimento de Mello e Silva, Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos, Eric de Souza Gil
Summary: Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a serious and rapidly evolving disease. A new impedimetric immunosensor was developed for rapid diagnosis by measuring specific antibodies in plasma. The sensor demonstrated selectivity and accuracy, and has potential for important applications in diagnostic testing.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kathrin Schilling, Ronald A. Glabonjat, Olgica Balac, Marta Galvez-Fernandez, Arce Domingo-Relloso, Vesna Slavkovich, Jeff Goldsmith, Miranda R. Jones, Tiffany R. Sanchez, Ana Navas-Acien
Summary: Analysis of trace elements in urine is an important tool for assessing exposures, diagnosing nutritional status, and guiding public health and healthcare intervention. This study provides a sensitive method for analyzing 18 elements in urine samples, using only 100 μL. The results show good accuracy and sensitivity of the method.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengya Li, Shijie Liu, Shiliang Guo, Dong Liang, Miaoyun Li, Yaodi Zhu, Lijun Zhao, Jong-Hoon Lee, Gaiming Zhao, Yangyang Ma, Yanxia Liu
Summary: In this study, a magnetic flow device was developed to purify spores in a culture medium system. The device used magnetic nanoparticles to absorb vegetative cells, separating them from the spores. The achieved purity of the collected spores was over 95%. The study also demonstrated a rapid quantitative detection method using Raman spectroscopy.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wanqiong Liu, Zixuan Wu, Jianwei Peng, Zebin Xu, Yong Liang
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are effective carriers for molecular imprinting, but their poor dispersibility in aqueous solution is a significant drawback. In this study, we have applied amphiphilic block copolymers and molecularly imprinted technology on MOFs to improve the hydrophilicity of molecularly imprinted fluorescent materials.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
