Flexural mode of graphene on a substrate

Out of plane vibrations are suppressed in graphene layers placed on a substrate. These modes, in suspended samples, are relevant for the understanding of properties such as the resistivity, the thermal expansion coefficient, and other. We present a general framework for the study of the properties of out of plane modes in graphene on different substrates. We use the model to estimate the substrate induced changes in the thermal expansion coefficient, or in the temperature dependence of the resistivity.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

On the presence of the Ponto-Caspian hydrozoan Cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771) in an Iberian estuary: highlights on the introduction vectors and invasion routes

Several non-native invertebrate and vertebrate species have been detected in the Guadiana Estuary (SW-Iberian Peninsula, Europe) during the 21st century. In June 2015, the non-native hydroid Cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771) was detected for the first time in this estuary, which motivated an assessment of its distribution during late Spring and Summer 2016. The main goals of this paper were to: i) report the presence of Cordylophora caspia and its distribution in the Guadiana Estuary, ii) record the substrates colonized, salinity, and water temperatures at locations where the species was detected, iii) evaluate possible introduction vectors and invasion routes; and iv) discuss the potential impacts and management options. Cordylophora caspia occupied a 25-km stretch of the estuary with salinities between 0.2 and 13.8 and occupied a variety of human-made substrates. Shipping was the most likely introduction vector of C. caspia, which might have originated from populations in the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea. Currently, the potential ecological impacts are likely low since the population size is small due to an apparent shortage of suitable habitat. Economic effects are minimal at present because there are no major industries along the basin extracting water from the estuary. An integrated ecohydrological approach-i.e. freshets released from dams to control the populations of Cnidaria-was proposed to minimize or mitigate the potential negative effects of this species in the Guadiana Estuary.Delta Stewardship Council; Delta Science Program [1167]; Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) through the Jellyfisheries project [PTDC/MAR-BIO/0440/2014]; European Regional Development Fund (COMPETE program-Operational Competitiveness Programme); FCT [SFRH/BPD/108949/2015]; [UID/Multi/04326/2013]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

In silico validation of personalized safe intervals for carbohydrate counting errors

For patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), accurate carbohydrate counting (CC) is essential for successful blood glucose regulation. Unfortunately, mistakes are common and may lead to an incorrect dosage of prandial insulin. In this work, we aim to demonstrate that each person has their own limits for CC errors, which can be computed using patient-specific data. To validate the proposed method, we tested it using several scenarios to investigate the effect of different CC errors on postprandial blood glucose. Virtual subjects from the T1DM Simulator were used in a clinical trial involving 450 meals over 90 days, all following the same daily meal plan but with different intervals for CC errors near, below, and above the limit computed for each patient. The results show that CC errors within personalized limits led to acceptable postprandial glycemic fluctuations. In contrast, experiments where 50% and 97.5% of the meals present a CC error outside the computed safe interval revealed a pronounced degradation of the time in range. Given these results, we consider the proposed method for obtaining personalized limits for CC errors an excellent starting point for an initial assessment of patients? capabilities in CC and to provide appropriate ongoing education.511F-603F-4B30 | Francisco MirandaN/

O futuro do design e sustentabilidade na indústria automóvel TMG

O ramo automóvel, é sem dúvida alguma uma das maiores e mais influentes indústrias no mundo, sendo que com esta magnitude conseguiria ter um efeito substancial num movimento em direção a uma sociedade sustentável. O setor automóvel tem uma enorme responsabilidade em termos de proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida e melhorar o bem estar do ser humano. Contudo o aumento da taxa de produção e o crescimento desta indústria cria outros problemas como excesso de veículos, sendo que isto tem um impacto extremamente negativo no nosso meio ambiente. Já a produção de um veículo de transporte requer muitos materiais que são difíceis de reciclar e consome demasiados recursos, mas também a circulação deles e a utilização de combustíveis fósseis gera problemas em termos de emissões de carbono para a atmosfera criando assim um ambiente onde a qualidade do ar é afetada e o próprio aquecimento global. Considerando o impacto da indústria automotiva nas atividades econômicas, ambientais e sociais em todo o planeta, a gestão eficaz deste setor tornou-se vital para garantir o bem-estar da sociedad

Regional Convergence in Portugal: Policy Impacts (1990-2001)

In this study we look at whether the seven Portuguese NUTS II regions have been able to share equally in the country’s overall growth or whether there have been asymmetries and divergences in their growth patterns. We assess the regional impact of a wide range of Portuguese domestic policies on cohesion. We focus mainly on regional economic cohesion, although social cohesion effects are also considered. As in the case of Portugal structural operations within the community framework programmes and national efforts were highly intertwined, we also contrast the impact of Community policies in two regions.Portugal, European Union, Regional Convergence, Cohesion, National Policies, Structural Funds, Institutions.