+55 11 3385-4137 (VoIP 3545)
- ecqv@unifesp.br
- Federal University of São Paulo - Unifesp Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, n° 275 - Jd. Eldorado - São Paulo
The increase in profitability resulting from the incorporation of specialty chemicals and material, derived from traditional sources or bioresources, and the increasingly challenging socio-technical needs make Process Engineering more attractive. ECQV researchers target to analyze and evaluate the general performance of the processes and their possible operational routes and politics, and participate in the megatrends, problems and challenges announced in the chemical and related industries. Also, Process and Systems Engineering tools are essential for the experimental exercise, design, synthesis, analysis and optimization of chemical processes in the search for sustainable prospects.
The systematic uses of process simulation and optimization in the catalytic and adsorptive processes is valuable and advantageous both for the process model and for the experiments and allows to be more efficient in the design and synthesis of the process. The industry uses catalytic processes in several production sectors such as fuels, petrochemicals, biofuels, polymers, acids, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and food, which makes catalysts essential in these applications. Also, adsorbents are widely used in product separation/purification processes, requiring intensive development and optimization on new adsorption technologies.
From the technological point of view, the diversity and multifunctionality of biorefinery provide a fascinating way to establish multicomponent reactions aiming to develop chemical bioplatforms for the production of green chemicals, precursors of biopolymers, high performance renewable biofuels, and biogas from agricultural and agro-industrial residues (straw, bagasse, sawdust, etc.). Within the framework of policies for promotion of science, technology and innovation in bioeconomy and biorefinery, the management along with the economic and productive use of bioresources and agro-industrial waste to generate new value-added products, processes and services are impacted. However, the biggest challenges faced for the transition from petroleum-based raw materials to biomass are (i) the effective deoxygenation of biomolecules, (ii) the expansion of knowledge about the use and valorization of agricultural residual biomass in an integrated way, and the valorization of by-products in the field of bioeconomy and (iii) the large-scale adoption of technologies for selective fractionation of the main constituents subject to the barriers of variability in chemical and physical properties of biomass.
“Green” and “efficiency” are the two main issues for a sustainable development interconnected with science and industry, involving several areas of knowledge such as basic and elementary science (chemistry and biology) and process engineering (chemical engineering and computer science, among others). ECQV researchers take this aspect as a reason to seek new synthesis routes, green solvents, catalysts, materials and processable strategies to replace conventional ones, reducing the use or generation of substances harmful to human health and the environment.
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Catalytic Processes / Chemical reaction engineering
The study of reaction rate provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the effects of variation of operating conditions (time, temperature, substrate load and concentration of reagents, catalyst, among others) on yielding and selectivity of aimed products and on conversion of raw materials. Thus, the development front aims to build kinetic databases, estimate kinetic parameters and define the reaction mechanism(s) regarding the production of compounds with industrial interest, biofuels and materials under different operating conditions. The development front also includes the definition of critical and operational intervals of production reactions, and the synthesis, analysis and reactor designing for the production of chemical products based on statistical analysis and computer simulation of respective kinetics, aiming the optimization of reaction process variables (maximization of product concentration, selectivity and yield).
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Adsorptive processes and materials
Currently, the demand for materials with catalytic and adsorptive properties demands a development of nanomaterials or new methodologies for catalyst/adsorbent synthesis. For this purpose, ECQV proposes to develop methods in order to optimize catalysts properties. Given the large demand for production of compounds in the field of fine chemistry, the Group develops heterogeneous catalysts that allow the use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, mainly in the production of epoxides, via environmentally friendly processes. Research work indicates that approximately two thirds of the world’s rivers are contaminated by drugs (antibiotics, analgesics, hormones, etc.) and this ends up generating strong impacts on the environment and on people health due to the presence of multi-resistant bacteria. In order to mitigate the management of these residues, we carried out the development of mesoporous adsorbents (modified MCM-41 and SBA-15) searching to clarify the mechanisms of solid surface interaction of these adsorbents and the adsorbates during the processes of removal of emerging micropollutants (antibiotics, analgesics, hormones, etc.) and proposing ways to optimize the properties of these solids. Considering the criteria established by the Kyoto Protocol, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gases, we seek to develop molecular sieves for the purification of methane present in biogas, generated in sewage treatment plants and in sanitary landfills in large cities. We have also developed new methodologies for molecular sieve synthesis using ionic liquids and eutectic mixtures for the synthesis of solid nanoparticles, such as zeolites, aluminophosphates and hybrid materials.
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Computer-aided process engineering applied to the recovery of industrial, agro-industrial and bioresources waste resulting in generation of products, chemicals and materials
In the current scenario of process engineering, there is an intense trend for systematizing processes aiming at computational processes based on system modeling, simulation and optimization with the purpose of verifying performance parameters, system dynamics, permanent improvements, safer or more globalized and sustainable processes depending on operational variables. For this purpose, the ECQV researchers seeks to study and apply several Process and Systems Engineering (PSE) tools. To approach the process modeling, equations and/or mathematical structures (deterministic and/or stochastic) can be used to describe the behavior of the process. The process simulation can be performed by assisted platforms (or process simulators) or integrated development environments. This development front also addresses research related to the improvement and optimization of chemical and biochemical processes, using techniques such as energy integration and process intensification. Our scope: Future Perspectives, Engineering, and Sustainability.
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Biomass biorefinery as an alternative for the production of fuels and chemicals
The analogy between biorefineries and petrochemical refineries is inevitable. In petrochemical refinery, oil is processed and the different fractions are separated into different products, such as fuels (gasoline, diesel, etc.), building blocks or petrochemical commodities (ethylene, methanol, propylene, etc.). In a biorefinery, biomass plays the role of oil or crude oil, which is separated into different fractions such as reducing sugars, cellulose, proteins, lignin, and others. In this context, this development front aims at developing chemical bioplatforms for the production of “green chemicals”, precursors of biopolymers, high-performance renewable biofuels and biogas from agricultural and agro-industrial residues (straws, bagasse, sawdust, etc.). This front also works on models for the implementation of bottom-up biorefineries (in a virtual environment) allowing to expand the range of products and/or increase the possibilities on using biomass fractions, but also top- down biorefinery models, allowing to define new highly-integrated systems designed for the use of different biomass fractions.
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Conventional and unconventional separation and purification technologies
The production and development of high-value products and materials is strongly correlated with the development of so-called intensified technologies. Therefore, the development front aims at addressing technologies intended to experimental studies and theoretical (computational) analysis of phenomena resulting from separation and purification, as well as process development, simulation and scale-up. Contributions and approaches are related to operations, methods or procedures for conventional and unconventional separation (molecular distillation, reactive molecular distillation, reactive distillation, and others). Special interest is directed to solving problems related to the synthesis of separation systems, as found in emerging technologies such as: bioprocesses, biofuels, and green technology; and to the development of computational tools directed to energy efficiency and optimization of separation processes.
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Chemical synthesis
A field of particular interest to green chemistry is the synthesis of organic compounds and the development of catalysts and processes intended to reduce the use or generation of substances with negative impact on health and the environment. Expanding our understanding on synthetic chemical routes, we intend to develop systems using, for example, biosolvents (or green solvents such as ethanol, butanol or isopropanol) or one-pot reactions with maximum selectivity to the products of interest, in order to obtain benefits that include a sustainable product engineering.
Item of Interest to Process R&D: Sustainable process engineering
A lifecycle analysis of a chemical product is carried out, including the design, manufacture, use and final disposal of such compound.
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Title
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Circular Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Automotive Industry - Biocias
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Type
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ICT Network - 01/2023
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Funding agency
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CHAMADA PÚBLICA MCTI/FINEP/PROGRAMA FINEP 2030 – Rede de ICT - 01/2023 CONVÊNIO PARA TRANSFERÊNCIA DE RECURSOS DO PROGRAMA ROTA 2030
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Grant number
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2060/23
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Effective date (Start to end)
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08/2024 to 08/2027
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Principal researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Collaborating/Participating Researcher
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Raúl Bonne Hernandez, Prof.; Yurimiler Leyet Ruiz, Prof.; Karen de Souza do Prado, PhD.; Jocinei Dognini, PhD.; Barbara Yadira M Perez, PhD.; Creciana Maria Endres, PhD.; Danieli Aparecida Pereira Reis, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Collaborating/Participating Researcher
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Circular Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Automotive Industry - Biocias
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ICT Network - 01/2023
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CHAMADA PÚBLICA MCTI/FINEP/PROGRAMA FINEP 2030 – Rede de ICT - 01/2023 CONVÊNIO PARA TRANSFERÊNCIA DE RECURSOS DO PROGRAMA ROTA 2030
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2060/23
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08/2024 to 08/2027
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Raúl Bonne Hernandez, Prof.; Yurimiler Leyet Ruiz, Prof.; Karen de Souza do Prado, PhD.; Jocinei Dognini, PhD.; Barbara Yadira M Perez, PhD.; Creciana Maria Endres, PhD.; Danieli Aparecida Pereira Reis, Prof.
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Title
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Innovative Bio-Based or Recycled Chemicals for a Green Automotive Industry
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Type
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ICT Network - 01/2023
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Funding agency
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CHAMADA PÚBLICA MCTI/FINEP/PROGRAMA FINEP 2030 – Rede de ICT - 01/2023 CONVÊNIO PARA TRANSFERÊNCIA DE RECURSOS DO PROGRAMA ROTA 2030
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Grant number
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2060/23
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Effective date (Start to end)
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08/2024 to 08/2027
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Principal researcher
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Raúl Bonne Hernandez, Prof.
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Collaborating/Participating Researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.; Yurimiler Leyet Ruiz, Prof.; Karen de Souza do Prado, PhD.; Jocinei Dognini, PhD.; Barbara Yadira M Perez, PhD.; Creciana Maria Endres, PhD.; Danieli Aparecida Pereira Reis, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Collaborating/Participating Researcher
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Innovative Bio-Based or Recycled Chemicals for a Green Automotive Industry
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ICT Network - 01/2023
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CHAMADA PÚBLICA MCTI/FINEP/PROGRAMA FINEP 2030 – Rede de ICT - 01/2023 CONVÊNIO PARA TRANSFERÊNCIA DE RECURSOS DO PROGRAMA ROTA 2030
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2060/23
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08/2024 to 08/2027
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Raúl Bonne Hernandez, Prof.
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.; Yurimiler Leyet Ruiz, Prof.; Karen de Souza do Prado, PhD.; Jocinei Dognini, PhD.; Barbara Yadira M Perez, PhD.; Creciana Maria Endres, PhD.; Danieli Aparecida Pereira Reis, Prof.
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Title
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GRELE+:GREEN-SOLVENT PROCESSABLE STRATEGIES FOR ATTAINING LEVULINIC ACID FUNCTIONALIZED AND HIGH-VALUE CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES
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Type
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Grants support research
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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Grant number
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402900/2023- 5
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Effective date (Start to end)
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18/12/2023 to 31/12/2026
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Principal researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Collaborating/Participating Researcher
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Collaborating/Participating Researcher
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GRELE+:GREEN-SOLVENT PROCESSABLE STRATEGIES FOR ATTAINING LEVULINIC ACID FUNCTIONALIZED AND HIGH-VALUE CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES
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Grants support research
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CNPq
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402900/2023- 5
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18/12/2023 to 31/12/2026
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
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Thermochemical valorization of insoluble humines derived from the C5 and C6 sugar conversion platform
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Type
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Scholarships in Brazil
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Funding agency
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FAPESP
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Grant number
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2020/11347-5
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/12/2020 to 30/11/2021
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Principal researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Thermochemical valorization of insoluble humines derived from the C5 and C6 sugar conversion platform
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Scholarships in Brazil
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FAPESP
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2020/11347-5
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01/12/2020 to 30/11/2021
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
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Integrated production of levulinic acid and synthesis gas from agro-industrial residues: a challenge for current bioeconomy by valorizing the humin-based byproducts
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Type
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Regular Grants support research
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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Grant number
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408149/2018-3
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Effective date (Start to end)
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13/12/2018 to 28/02/2023
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Principal researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Integrated production of levulinic acid and synthesis gas from agro-industrial residues: a challenge for current bioeconomy by valorizing the humin-based byproducts
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Regular Grants support research
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CNPq
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408149/2018-3
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13/12/2018 to 28/02/2023
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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Development of mesoporous adsorbents for antibiotic removal by column adsorption
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Type
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Regular Grants support research
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Funding agency
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FAPESP
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Grant number
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2019/22127-9
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/02/2020 to 31/01/2023
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Principal researcher
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Development of mesoporous adsorbents for antibiotic removal by column adsorption
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Regular Grants support research
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FAPESP
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2019/22127-9
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01/02/2020 to 31/01/2023
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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Integrated development of zero CO2 emission sugarcane biorefinery and bioethanol plant: routes to convert renewable resources into bioproducts and bioelectricity
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Type
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Thematic Grants - research
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Funding agency
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FAPESP
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Grant number
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2015/20630-4
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/04/2017 to 31/03/2023
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Principal researcher
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Rubens Maciel Filho, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Integrated development of zero CO2 emission sugarcane biorefinery and bioethanol plant: routes to convert renewable resources into bioproducts and bioelectricity
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Thematic Grants - research
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FAPESP
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2015/20630-4
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01/04/2017 to 31/03/2023
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Rubens Maciel Filho, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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Tetracycline adsorption on MCM-41 silica – Langmuir, Freundlich and DUBININ–RADUSHKEVICH models
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Type
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PIBIC
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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Grant number
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166824/2022-4
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/12/2022 to 30/08/2023
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Principal researcher
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Sarah I. P.M. do Nascimento Alves, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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Tetracycline adsorption on MCM-41 silica – Langmuir, Freundlich and DUBININ–RADUSHKEVICH models
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PIBIC
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CNPq
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166824/2022-4
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01/12/2022 to 30/08/2023
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Sarah I. P.M. do Nascimento Alves, Prof.
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Title
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PERFORMANCE STUDY OF HORMONES ADSORPTION APPLYING MESOPOROUS SILICA
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Type
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PIBIC
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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Grant number
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166987/2022-0
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/12/2022 to 30/08/2023
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Principal researcher
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
|
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PERFORMANCE STUDY OF HORMONES ADSORPTION APPLYING MESOPOROUS SILICA
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PIBIC
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CNPq
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166987/2022-0
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01/12/2022 to 30/08/2023
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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REMOVAL OF ANTIBIOTICS APPLYING La-MCM-41 AS ADSORBENTS IN A FIXED BED COLUMN
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Type
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PIBITI
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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Grant number
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166823/2022-8
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/12/2022 to 30/08/2023
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Principal researcher
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
|
Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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REMOVAL OF ANTIBIOTICS APPLYING La-MCM-41 AS ADSORBENTS IN A FIXED BED COLUMN
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PIBITI
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CNPq
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166823/2022-8
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01/12/2022 to 30/08/2023
|
Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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Optimization of the Wittig reagent production for the functionalization of levulinic acid in a renewable route: Application of the GA-SQP hybrid technique
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Type
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PIBITI/CNPq
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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Grant number
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162646/2022-4
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/10/2022 to 30/09/2023
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Principal researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
|
Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
|
Principal researcher
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Optimization of the Wittig reagent production for the functionalization of levulinic acid in a renewable route: Application of the GA-SQP hybrid technique
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PIBITI/CNPq
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CNPq
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162646/2022-4
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01/10/2022 to 30/09/2023
|
Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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|
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---|---|---|
Title
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Efficient purification and mechanism of pyrolysis of insoluble humins obtained during the production of levulinic acid from sugarcane bagasse
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Type
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Scholarships in Brazil PIBITI/CNPq
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Funding agency
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CNPq
|
|
Grant number
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162373/2020-1
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/11/2020 to 31/08/2021
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Principal researcher
|
Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
|
Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
|
Principal researcher
|
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efficient purification and mechanism of pyrolysis of insoluble humins obtained during the production of levulinic acid from sugarcane bagasse
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Scholarships in Brazil PIBITI/CNPq
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CNPq
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162373/2020-1
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01/11/2020 to 31/08/2021
|
Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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|
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---|---|---|
Title
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Cane molasses circularity in the value chain towards the high-yield production of levulinic acid
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Type
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Scholarships in Brazil – IC / CNPq
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Funding agency
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CNPq
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|
Grant number
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160034/2020-5
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Effective date (Start to end)
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01/10/2020 to 30/09/2021
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|
Principal researcher
|
Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
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Type
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Funding agency
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Grant number
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Effective date (Start to end)
|
Principal researcher
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cane molasses circularity in the value chain towards the high-yield production of levulinic acid
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Scholarships in Brazil – IC / CNPq
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CNPq
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160034/2020-5
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01/10/2020 to 30/09/2021
|
Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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|
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---|---|---|
Title
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Pinch Analysis: Energy targets of an industrial process
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Effective date (Start to end)
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02/08/2024-20/09/2024
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Principal researcher
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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Institutional Course UNIFESP/Diadema - CIUNI
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Effective date (Start to end)
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2015 - 2020
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Principal researcher
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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---|---|---|
Title
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Program of continuing education for Elementary Education professionals begins - specialization course in Environmental Education with emphasis on sustainable learning spaces
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Effective date (Start to end)
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2014 - 2017
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Principal researcher
|
Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
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Effective date (Start to end)
|
Principal researcher
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pinch Analysis: Energy targets of an industrial process
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02/08/2024-20/09/2024
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Laura Plazas Tovar, Prof.
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Title
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Effective date (Start to end)
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Principal researcher
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||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Institutional Course UNIFESP/Diadema - CIUNI
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2015 - 2020
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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Title
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Effective date (Start to end)
|
Principal researcher
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Program of continuing education for Elementary Education professionals begins - specialization course in Environmental Education with emphasis on sustainable learning spaces
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2014 - 2017
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Romilda Fernández Felisbino, Prof.
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