The participatory process in the review of the Master Plan of Vitória (2014-2018)

The Federal Constitution of 1988 defined the Master Plan as a 'basic instrument' of urban development policy and subsequent legislation, which regulated the Urban Policy chapter (Estatuto da Cidade, Federal Law No. 10,257 / 2001), reinforced a set of participatory requirements in the availability and implementation of the corresponding policies. Based on this new institutional arrangement, this research paper analyzes a participatory structure in the process of reviewing the Master Plan for the municipality of Vitória, capital of Espírito Santo, in the period 2014-2018. The investigation took as an analytical parameter the participatory methodology proposed by the Ministry of Cities, whose distinguishing feature was the dissemination of democratic management instruments. The empirical analysis shows that several participatory mechanisms were implemented, such as public hearings of regional and social segments, thematic seminars, round tables, territorial assemblies, implementation of a collaborative website, involvement of the Municipal Council of the Urban Master Plan (CMPDU) and realization of the Municipal Conference on Urban Policy (Encontro da Cidade), in which the draft of the Master Plan bill was presented, discussed and voted on. Thus, the process incorporated the participatory methodology recommended by the Ministry of Cities and the corresponding legislation. The effectiveness of participation according to the guidelines of the City Statute is still an ongoing process, but the inclusion of democratic management mechanisms is a reality in Vitória, constituting an institutional advance.

Comparison Between Heidler Function And The Pulse Function For Modeling The Lightning Return-Stroke Current

In the past, many functions were considered for simulating the lightning return-stroke current. Some of these functions were found to have problems related to their discontinuities or the discontinuities of their derivatives at onset time. Such problems appear in the double exponential function and its modifications. However, other functions like the Pulse function and Heidler function do not suffer from such problems. One of the main objectives of this work is to simulate the lightning return-stroke current full wave, including the decay part, using either Heidler function or the Pulse function. This work is not only necessary for the evaluation and development of lightning return-stroke modeling, but also for the calculation of the lightning current waveform parameters. Although the lightning return-stroke current, measured at the CN Tower, is simulated using the Pulse function and Heidler function, the simulation of the CN Tower lightning current derivative signal is considered using the derivative of the Pulse and Heidler functions. First, we build a modeling environment for each function, which can be described as parameter estimation system. This system, which represents an automated approach for estimating the analytical parameters of a given function, is capable to best fit the function with the measured data. Using these analytical parameters transforms the discrete data into a continuous signal, from which the current waveform parameters can be estimated. This analytical parameters estimation system is recognized as a curve fitting system. For curve fitting technique, the initial value of each analytical parameter and its feasible region, where the optimal value of this analytical parameter is located, must be specified. The more accurate the initial point is the easier and faster the optimal value can be estimated. On choosing the best approach of the initial condition, which gives the nearest location to the optimal point, applying the estimation system and achieving the analytical model that fits the CN Tower measured current derivative, the current waveform parameters can be easily studied. In order to be sure that the analytical parameter extraction system gives the best fit of a function, it needs to be evaluated. Instead of going through the measured data, we first use artificial digital data as a productive way to evaluate the system. Also, a comparison between both the Pulse and Heidler functions is performed. The described fitting process is applied on 15 flashes, containing 31 return strokes. The calculated current waveform parameters were used to form statistics to determine the probability distribution of the value of each parameter, including the range and the 50% probability level, which is fundamental in building lightning protection systems.

Comparison Between Heidler Function And The Pulse Function For Modeling The Lightning Return-Stroke Current

In the past, many functions were considered for simulating the lightning return-stroke current. Some of these functions were found to have problems related to their discontinuities or the discontinuities of their derivatives at onset time. Such problems appear in the double exponential function and its modifications. However, other functions like the Pulse function and Heidler function do not suffer from such problems. One of the main objectives of this work is to simulate the lightning return-stroke current full wave, including the decay part, using either Heidler function or the Pulse function. This work is not only necessary for the evaluation and development of lightning return-stroke modeling, but also for the calculation of the lightning current waveform parameters. Although the lightning return-stroke current, measured at the CN Tower, is simulated using the Pulse function and Heidler function, the simulation of the CN Tower lightning current derivative signal is considered using the derivative of the Pulse and Heidler functions. First, we build a modeling environment for each function, which can be described as parameter estimation system. This system, which represents an automated approach for estimating the analytical parameters of a given function, is capable to best fit the function with the measured data. Using these analytical parameters transforms the discrete data into a continuous signal, from which the current waveform parameters can be estimated. This analytical parameters estimation system is recognized as a curve fitting system. For curve fitting technique, the initial value of each analytical parameter and its feasible region, where the optimal value of this analytical parameter is located, must be specified. The more accurate the initial point is the easier and faster the optimal value can be estimated. On choosing the best approach of the initial condition, which gives the nearest location to the optimal point, applying the estimation system and achieving the analytical model that fits the CN Tower measured current derivative, the current waveform parameters can be easily studied. In order to be sure that the analytical parameter extraction system gives the best fit of a function, it needs to be evaluated. Instead of going through the measured data, we first use artificial digital data as a productive way to evaluate the system. Also, a comparison between both the Pulse and Heidler functions is performed. The described fitting process is applied on 15 flashes, containing 31 return strokes. The calculated current waveform parameters were used to form statistics to determine the probability distribution of the value of each parameter, including the range and the 50% probability level, which is fundamental in building lightning protection systems.

Isotopic Characterization of 100% Agave Tequila (Silver, Aged and Extra-Aged Class) for Its Use as an Additional Parameter in the Determination of the Authenticity of the Beverage Maturation Time

Isotopic ratios of δ13CVPDB and δ18OVSMOW have been used as an additional parameter to ensure the authenticity of the aging time of 100% agave tequila. For this purpose, 120 samples were isotopically analyzed (40 silver class, 40 aged class, and 40 extra-aged classes). The samples were obtained through a stratified sampling by proportional allocation, considering tequila producers from the main different regions of Jalisco, Mexico (Valles 41%, Altos Sur 31%, Cienega 16%, and Centro 12%). The results showed that the δ13CVPDB was found in an average of −12.85 ‰ for all the analyzed beverages, with no significant difference between them. Since for all the tested samples the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety was used as source of sugar to obtain alcohol, those results were foreseeable, and confirm the origin of the sugar source. Instead, the results for δ18OVSMOW showed a positive slope linear trend for the aging time (silver class 19.52‰, aged class 20.54‰, extra-aged class 21.45‰), which is associated with the maturation process, there are oxidation reactions that add congeneric compounds to the beverage, these can be used as tracers for the authenticity of the aging time. Additionally, the experimental data showed homogeneity in the beverages regardless of the production region, evidencing the tequila industry’s high-quality standards. However, a particular case occurs with the δ18OVSMOW data for the silver class samples, in which a clear trend is noted with the altitude of the region of origin; therefore, this information suggests that this analytical parameter could be useful to authenticate the regional origin of beverage.

Development and Validation of a Gas Chromatographic Method for the Quantification of Minor Alkaloids in Cocaine

The quantification of minor alkaloids in seized cocaine can provide information for drug profiling and law enforcement initiatives. This work presents the development and validation of an analytical method to quantitate minor alkaloids in cocaine samples using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector, after derivatization. The method was validated in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17.025:2017 requirements. The calibration was linear (determination coefficient (R2) ≥ 0.998), ranging from 1.0 to 3,500 mg L-1 for all target analytes with suitable selectivity and precision (relative standard deviation lower than 10%). The method showed stability and robustness with respect to analytical parameter variations and presented good accuracy (recovery ranging from 90 to 108%). The method was considered adequate to routine forensic analysis in simultaneous quantification of anhydroecgonine methyl ester, anhydroecgonine, methylecgonine, tropacocaine, norcocaine, N-formylcocaine, trimethoxycocaine, ecgonine, benzoylecgonine, trans- and cis-cinnamoylcocaine. Eleven cocaine samples seized in different Brazilian regions were analyzed and their relative amounts of tropacocaine and trimethoxycocaine with respect to cocaine indicate both the possible varieties of coca leaf used for cocaine production and the likely origin of drug samples (Bolivia/Peru or Colombia). The contents of other minor alkaloids depict aspects of sample history such as purification by oxidation, hydrolysis and dehydration by thermal processes.

Quality standards of Palasha Kshara Gritha with reference to different vessels

This article attempts to clear the dogma that exists in the preparation of Kshara Ghrita with reference to its critical final stage of Siddhi Laxanas. Palasha Kshara Ghrita (PKG) prepared from the Kshara of Palasha (Grewia asiatica) mentioned in Rasa Tarangini, which is indicated in the treatment of Granthi (tumor) is taken for the study. The present article is an extract of all the observations made during the pharmaceutical study of PKG. All these observations will be of great help when we go for large scale production. The study has tried to establish the ratios of Dravadravyas with Kshara, besides addressing the type of vessels appropriate in such preparations. After preparation of sample in different vessels, these were subjected to analytical study using relevant analytical parameters to find out any difference. During pharmaceutical process Copper vessel was found appropriate on the lines of pharmaceutical preparations. The analytical report of samples reveals no much difference in the parameter findings except pH of PKG 7.00, 9.91 and 9.46 in the vessels such as copper, iron and mud pot respectively. The particle size of Kshara was in between 429.7 to 667 nm under 15.00KV magnification 7.5 KX and EDAX report of Phalasha Kshara under 400 μm potassium Wt% 40.05 and Oxygen is Wt% 39.12. Under 50 μm potassium Wt% 48.91 and Oxygen Wt% 33.40. Under 70 μm potassium Wt% 27.90 and Oxygen Wt% 37.78. As per this study copper vesse l is found better for PKG than Iron and Mud pot for assessment of end process and also on analytical parameter.

Dynamics of a Predator–Prey Model with Hunting Cooperation and Allee Effects in Predators

With both hunting cooperation and Allee effects in predators, a predator–prey system was modeled as a planar cubic differential system with three parameters. The known work numerically plots the horizontal isocline and the vertical one with appropriately chosen parameter values to show the cases of two, one and no coexisting equilibria. Transitions among those cases with the rise of limit cycle and homoclinic loop were exhibited by numerical simulations. Although it is hard to obtain the explicit expression of coordinates, in this paper, we give the distribution of equilibria qualitatively, discuss all cases of coexisting equilibria, and obtain the Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation diagram to show analytical parameter conditions for those transitions. Our results give analytical conditions for not only the observed saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and homoclinic bifurcation but also the transcritical and pitchfork bifurcations at the predator-extinction equilibrium, which were not considered in the known work. Our analytic conditions provide a quantitative instruction to reduce the risk of predator extinction and promote the ecosystem diversity.

DEPENDENCE OF NUCLEAR-MAGNETIC RELAXATION CHARACTERISTICS OF LIQUID SOY LECITHINS ON THE CONTENT OF LIPIDS SHOWING ACIDIC PROPERTIES

Жидкие соевые лецитины вырабатывают в больших объемах, чем лецитины из других растительных масел. Поэтому актуален поиск инструментального способа определения качества жидких соевых лецитинов – кислотного числа (КЧ). Для разработки способа определения КЧ жидких соевых лецитинов на основе импульсного метода ядерного магнитного резонанса (ЯМР) исследовали содержание и влияние на ядерно-магнитные релаксационные характеристики (ЯМ-релаксационные характеристики) жидких соевых лецитинов липидов, проявляющих кислотные свойства. Объектом исследования были две пары образцов жидких соевых лецитинов. Образцы в каждой паре имели одинаковое содержание фосфолипидов и масла при различных значениях КЧ. Исследование ЯМ-релаксационных характеристик протонов жидких соевых лецитинов проводили на ЯМР-анализаторе АМВ-1006М при температуре 23°С. Установлено, что значение КЧ жидких соевых лецитинов не влияет на время релаксации и амплитуду сигналов ЯМР протонов компонент жидких соевых лецитинов, которая изменяется только в зависимости от содержания в лецитине масла и фосфолипидов. Таким образом, необходимо продолжить поиск аналитического параметра, который бы с высокой точностью характеризовал содержание липидов, проявляющих кислотные свойства, в жидких соевых лецитинах и, следовательно, значение их КЧ. Liquid soy lecithins are produced in larger volumes than lecithins from other vegetable oils. Therefore, the search for an instrumental method for determining the quality of liquid soy lecithins – the acid number (AN) is relevant. To develop a method for determining the AN of liquid soy lecithins based on the pulse method of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the content and effect on the nuclear magnetic relaxation characteristics (NM-relaxation characteristics) of liquid soy lecithins of lipids that exhibit acidic properties were studied. The object of the study was two pairs of samples of liquid soy lecithins. The samples in each pair had the same content of phospholipids and oil at different values of AN. The study of the NM-relaxation characteristics of protons of liquid soy lecithins was performed on an AMV-1006M NMR-analyzer at a temperature of 23°C. It was found that the value AN of liquid soy lecithins does not affect the relaxation time and the amplitude of NMR signals of proton components of liquid soy lecithins, which changes only depending on the content of oil and phospholipids in lecithin. Thus, it is necessary to continue searching for an analytical parameter that would accurately characterize the content of lipids that exhibit acidic properties in liquid soy lecithins and, consequently, the value of their AN.