Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a polymeric matrix or a gel containing functional enzymes capable of re-creating under culture conditions the cell microenvironment existing in vivo. The present invention also relates to devices for cell cultures comprising such compositions, in particular hydrogel and the use thereof to control the chemical microenvironment of a cell culture or mimic physiological or pathological conditions of the in vivo cells. The compositions and the devices described herein could be also used in vitro for evaluating the therapeutic effect of a compound on a determined cell line or on primary cells.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an online monitoring system for the gravitational separation of oil emulsions, more specifically, a monitoring system for the properties related to the emulsions, such as the drop size distribution (DSD) and the water content (WC), simultaneously, in pressurized and heated systems at high pressures and temperatures, respectively, using near-infrared region (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with optical microscopy. The online monitoring system is innovative as it overcomes the current need of the oil industry to remove aliquots from emulsified systems under high pressure and temperature, preferably up to 70 bar (7 MPa) and 150° C., respectively, for determination of the properties of emulsions, which causes disturbances and affects the physicochemical characteristics of emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for online monitoring, without the need for sampling and in real time, the precipitation of inorganic salts in aqueous streams related to the petroleum industry. This method is based on the use of the NIR technique with the aid of the FBRM technique. The NIR technique makes it possible to collect spectra and monitor the variation in absorbances, concerning the formation of particles of inorganic salts in the aqueous solution, while the FBRM technique provides the number and size of precipitated particles through the reflection of light emitted by a beam of Incident light in aqueous systems in the presence of different solvents, pH conditions, supersaturation, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a polymeric matrix or a gel containing functional enzymes capable of re-creating under culture conditions the cell microenvironment existing in vivo. The present invention also relates to devices for cell cultures comprising such compositions, in particular hydrogel and the use thereof to control the chemical microenvironment of a cell culture or mimic physiological or pathological conditions of the in vivo cells. The compositions and the devices described herein could be also used in vitro for evaluating the therapeutic effect of a compound on a determined cell line or on primary cells.

Abstract: A torque limiter for transmitting motion from a drive shaft to a driven member, and for selectively disconnecting the driven member from the drive shaft when a predetermined transmitted twisting torque value is exceeded. The torque limiter has a hub fitted to the drive shaft; a rotary first flange fixed to an axial end of the hub; a second flange fixed to the driven member; and a number of modules fitted to the first flange. The first flange is fixed to the hub. The modules are equally spaced along the annular portion of the first flange, and one appendage is located between each two adjacent modules.

Abstract: A torque limiter for transmitting motion from a drive shaft to a driven member, and for disconnecting the driven member from the drive shaft when a predetermined transmitted twisting torque value is exceeded is provided. The torque limiter has a hub fitted to the drive shaft; a rotary first flange fixed to an axial end of the hub; a second flange fixed to the driven member and facing the first flange; and a number of modules fitted to an annular portion of the first flange, and for transmitting motion from the first flange to the second flange, and for cutting off transmission when the transmitted torque exceeds a predetermined maximum value. The first flange is fixed to the hub at the same annular portion to which the modules are fitted, and the hub has a number of appendages projecting radially outwards and each fixed to the first flange by at least one bolt. The modules are equally spaced along the annular portion of the first flange, and one appendage is located between each. two adjacent modules.