The “montado”: determinant factor affecting the carcass characteristics and the quality of dry cured hams of Alentejano pig

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the finishing system (under montanheira or with commercial feed) on carcass characteristics and dry cured-ham of Alentejano pigs. 24 pigs were fattening until 130 kg LW under montanheira and 24 pigs were fattening with commercial feed. Carcasses of pigs fattened under the montanheira system were slightly heavy (98,38 vs 96,13 kg), with significantly higher (P>0,01) dressing percentage (79,55% vs 78,11%), backfat thickness (6,09 vs 5,34 cm), percentage of fatty cuts (32,06% vs 30,44%) and weight (21,92 vs 19,77 kg) and percentage of adipose tissue (51,65% vs 47,71%). Percentage of lean cuts (50,03% vs 49,07%), bone cuts (19,53% vs 18,87%), weight (14,91 vs 13,77 kg) and percentage of lean (36,04% vs 32,54%), lean:bone (3,21 vs 3,01) and lean:fat (0,76 vs 0,63) ratios were significantly higher in pigs fed commercial feed. The content of ether extract in lean+fat was significantly higher (63,7% vs 60,41%), in pigs fattened under the montanheira system, while the content of crude protein (7,57% vs 8,41%) was significantly higher in pigs fed commercial feed. Energy retained was higher in pigs finished under montanheira (231,7 vs 217,0 Mcal). The dry cured hams from pigs fattened on acorns were more mono-unsaturated and less poly-unsaturated, especially on subcutaneous fat. It can be concluded that the fattening on pasture and acorns under the oak canopy is considered to be crucial for the quality of the raw material and meat products, as dry cured-ham

Bending resistance of partially encased beams at elevated temperature: advanced calculation model

Partially Encased Beams (PEBs) are composite steel and concrete elements in which the web of the steel section is encased by reinforced concrete. The experimental investigation of the bending resistance was already verified in fire and under elevated temperature (Paulo A. G. Piloto el al., 2013a) (Paulo A. G. Piloto el al., 2013b). The three-dimensional finite element solution, with precise detail of each component (steel profile, reinforcement, stirrups and concrete) was used to determine the bending resistance under three point bending configuration. Four temperature levels were tested (20, 200, 400 and 600 degrees C) and three lengths were considered (2.5, 4.0 and 5.5 m), using three different cross section types, based on the dimensions of IPE100, IPE200 and IPE300 steel profiles. Two distinct types of welded stirrups were simulated (PEBA with "C" shape stirrups welded to the web and PEBB with "I" shape stirrups welded to the flange). The solution method is incremental and iterative (arc length), based on geometric and material non-linear analysis (ANSYS), using reduced integration method. Results are in accordance to the new formula presented (P. M. M Vila Real et al., 2004) and adapted to partially encased beams. The bending resistance was not significantly influenced by the type of welded stirrupinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Balanced summation model for the calculation of the fire resistance of partially encased steel sections: new proposals

Partially Encased Beams (PEB) are composite steel and concrete elements in which the web of the steel section is encased by reinforced concrete. The experimental investigation of the bending resistance was already conducted in fire and under elevated temperature (Paulo A. G. Piloto el al., 2013a) (Paulo A. G. Piloto el al., 2013b). The three-dimensional finite element solution, with precise detail of each component (steel profile, reinforcement, stirrups and concrete) was used to determine the bending resistance under three point bending configuration. Four temperature levels were tested (20, 200, 400 and 600 ºC) and three lengths were considered (2.5, 4.0 and 5.5 m), using three different cross section types, based on the dimensions of IPE100, IPE200 and IPE300 steel profiles. Two distinct types of welded stirrups were simulated (PEBA with “C” shape stirrups welded to the web and PEBB with “I” shape stirrups welded to the flange). The numerical solution method is incremental and iterative (arc length method), based on geometric and material non-linear analysis (ANSYS), using reduced integration method. Results are in accordance to the new formula presented to steel beams (P. M. M Vila Real et al., 2004) and adapted to Partially Encased Beams. The bending resistance was not significantly influenced by any type of tested welded stirrup.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Partially encased section: strength and stiffness under fire conditions

Fire resistance of partially encased sections (HEB and IPE) depends on the temperature evolution during fire exposure. Eurocode 4, part 1.2 [1], proposes the assessment of the cross section using the method of the four components under fire (flanges, web, concrete and reinforcement). This study aims to assess the balanced summation model of Eurocode (informative annex G) with respect to the plastic resistance to axial compression and the effective flexural stiffness of the cross section with respect to the weak axis. New formulae will be proposed to evaluate fire resistance, based on new simple formulas to determine the flange average temperature, the residual height and average temperature of the web, the residual cross section and average temperature of concrete, the reduced stiffness and strength of reinforcement. The advance calculation method was used to validate new and safe formulae, based on the analysis of the cross section totally engulfed in fire.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Wind Action Phenomena Associated with Large-Span Bridges

In the past, the design of bridges over increasing distances was limited by construction techniques and, as always, by economics. As technological advances have turned possible cable-supported bridges of incredible spans, a new challenge has been added to the equation: that of withstanding the action of winds without developing undesirable dynamic responses. In this chapter, the several aerodynamic phenomena of relevance to long-span bridges are classified and discussed. This will interest both experts and non-experts in the field, thanks to the overview that is given. For certain cases, codes of practice recommend wind tunnel tests. The reader is introduced to these, as well as to numerical simulations, which are currently gaining increasing importance. Next, measures for attenuating susceptibility for undesirable dynamic responses are reviewed. The chapter ends with a discussion of the Vila Real Bridge deck section, based on wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations carried out by the authors: the aerodynamics was effectively improved with geometrically subtle modifications that were proposed and adopted still in the design phase

A General Backwards Calculus of Variations via Duality

We prove Euler-Lagrange and natural boundary necessary optimality conditions for problems of the calculus of variations which are given by a composition of nabla integrals on an arbitrary time scale. As an application, we get optimality conditions for the product and the quotient of nabla variational functionals.Comment: Submitted to Optimization Letters 03-June-2010; revised 01-July-2010; accepted for publication 08-July-201

Isolation and characterization of a human cementocyte-like cell line, HCY-23

Cementum is the mineralized tissue covering the tooth root that functions in tooth attachment and post-eruptive adjustment of tooth position. It has been reported to be highly similar to bone in several respects but remains poorly understood in terms of development and regeneration. Here, we investigate whether cementocytes, the residing cells in cellular cementum, have the potential to be protagonist in cementum homeostasis, responding to endocrine signals and directing local cementum metabolism. Cells from healthy erupted human teeth were isolated using sequential collagenase/EDTA digestions, and maintained in standard cell culture conditions. A cementocyte-like cell line was cloned (HCY-23, for human cementocyte clone 23), which presented a cementocyte compatible gene expression signature, including the expression of dentin matrix protein 1 ( DMP1 ), sclerostin ( SOST ), and E11/gp38/podoplanin ( E11 ). In contrast, these cells did not express the odontoblast/dentin marker dentin sialoprotein ( DSPP ). HCY-23 cells produced mineral-like nodules in vitro under differentiation conditions, and were highly responsive to inorganic phosphate (Pi). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that cementocytes are phosphate-responsive cells, and have the potential do play a key role in periodontal homeostasis and regeneration33CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP304680/2014-12015/07232-0; 2015/06372-

Necessary Optimality Conditions for Higher-Order Infinite Horizon Variational Problems on Time Scales

We obtain Euler-Lagrange and transversality optimality conditions for higher-order infinite horizon variational problems on a time scale. The new necessary optimality conditions improve the classical results both in the continuous and discrete settings: our results seem new and interesting even in the particular cases when the time scale is the set of real numbers or the set of integers.Comment: This is a preprint of a paper whose final and definite form will appear in Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications (JOTA). Paper submitted 17-Nov-2011; revised 24-March-2012 and 10-April-2012; accepted for publication 15-April-201

Nanoparticles In Treatment Of Thermal Injured Rats: Is It Safe?

The aim of this study was to assess whether thermal trauma induced oxidative stress altered the balance between oxidant and antioxidant systems in the blood of burn wound rats in the absence and presence of silver nanoparticles and S-nitrosoglutathione, GSNO. Free silver nanoparticles, free GSNO and silver nanoparticles + GSNO had no cytotoxic effects. Under anesthesia, the shaved dorsum of the rats was exposed to 90°C (burn group) water bath. Studied compounds were administered topically immediately and at 28 days after the burn injury, four times a day. Silver nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles + GSNO were no toxic in vitro and in vivo. There were no significant differences in the levels of urea, creatinine, aminotransferases and hematological parameters, in control-burn groups (free silver nanoparticles) and treated-burn groups (free GSNO or silver nanoparticles + GSNO). There were no differences in lipid peroxidation and in the levels of protein carbonyls and glutathione, used as oxidative stress markers. A little inflammatory cell response, papillary dermis vascularization, fibroblasts differentiated into contractile myofibroblasts and the presence of a large amount of extracellular matrix were evidenced in treated groups following skin injury. These results indicate that silver nanoparticles and GSNO may provide an effective action on wound healing.3041Tian, J., Wong, K.K.Y., Ho, C.M., Lok, C.N., Yu, W.Y., Che, C.M., Chiu, J.F., Tam, P.K.H., (2007) J. Chem. Med. Chem., 2, p. 129Teli, M.K., Mutalik, S., Rajanikant, G.K., (2010) Cur. Pharm. Design., 16, p. 1882Schaller, M., Laude, J., Bodewaldt, H., Hamm, G., Korting, H.C., (2004) Skin Pharmacol. Physiol., 17, p. 31Seabra, A.B., Da Silva, R., De Souza, G.F.P., De Oliveira, M.G., (2008) Artif. Organs, 32, p. 262Seabra, A.B., Pankotai, E., Fehér, M., Somlai, A., Kiss, L., Bíró, L., Szabó, C., Lacza, Z., (2007) Br. J. Dermatol., 156, p. 814Seabra, A.B., Martins, D., Simes, M.M.S.G., Da Silva, R., Brocchi, M., De Oliveira, M.G., (2010) Artif. Organs, 34, p. 204Durán, N., Marcato, P.D., Alves, O.L., De Souza, G.I.H., Esposito, E., (2005) J. Nanobiotechnol., 3, p. 1Durán, N., Marcato, P.D., De Souza, G.I.H., Alves, O.L., Esposito, E., (2007) J. Biomed. Nanotechnol., 3, p. 203Amadeu, T.P., Seabra, A.B., De Oliveira, M.G., Costa, A.M.A., (2007) J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol., 21, p. 629Amadeu, T.P., Seabra, A.B., De Oliveira, M.G., Costa, A.M.A., (2008) J. Surg Res., 149, p. 84Correa, D.H.A., Melo, P.S., De Carvalho, C.A.A., De Azevedo, M.B.M., Durán, N., Haun, M., (2005) Eur. J. Pharmacol., 510, p. 17De Conti, R., Oliveira, D.A., Fernandes, A.M.A.P., Melo, P.S., Rodriguez, J.A., Haun, M., Castro, S.L., Durán, N., (1998) Vitro Mol. Toxicol, 11, p. 153Borefreund, E., Puerner, J.A., (1984) J. Tissue Cult. Methods, 9, p. 7Denizot, F., Lang, R., (1986) J. Immunol. Methods, 89, p. 271Michailidis, Y., Jamurta, A.Z., Nikolaidis, M.G., Fatouros, I.G., Koutedakis, Y., Papassotiriou, I., (2007) Med. Sci. Sport Exerc., 39, p. 1107Davis, T.A., Amare, M., Naik, S., Kovalchuk, A.L., Tadaki, D., (2007) Wound Repair Regen., 15, p. 57

Structure-antifouling activity relationship and molecular targets of bio-inspired(Thio)xanthones

The development of alternative ecological and effective antifouling technologies is still challenging. Synthesis of nature-inspired compounds has been exploited, given the potential to assure commercial supplies of potential ecofriendly antifouling agents. In this direction, the antifouling activity of a series of nineteen synthetic small molecules, with chemical similarities with natural products, were exploited in this work. Six (4, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 17) of the tested xanthones showed in vivo activity toward the settlement of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae (EC50: 3.53–28.60 µM) and low toxicity to this macrofouling species (LC50 > 500 µM and LC50/EC50: 17.42–141.64), and two of them (7 and 10) showed no general marine ecotoxicity (<10% of Artemia salina mortality) after 48 h of exposure. Regarding the mechanism of action in mussel larvae, the best performance compounds 4 and 5 might be acting by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity (in vitro and in silico studies), while 7 and 10 showed specific targets (proteomic studies) directly related with the mussel adhesive structure (byssal threads), given by the alterations in the expression of Mytilus collagen proteins (PreCols) and proximal thread proteins (TMPs). A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was built with predictive capacity to enable speeding the design of new potential active compounds.This research was supported by national funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020 and under the project PTDC/AAG-TEC/0739/2014 (reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016793) supported through national funds provided by FCT and ERDF - European Regional Development Fund through the COMPETE - Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade (POFC) programme and RIDTI - Reforçar a Investigação, o Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e a Inovação (project 9471) and the project NASCEM PTDC/BTA-BTA/31422/2017 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031422) also financed by FCT, COMPETE2020 and PORTUGAL2020