Uso de PCR em tempo real como ferramenta para garantir a autenticidade de alimentos processados à base de mamão (Carica papaya).

bitstream/item/91526/1/2009-CTE-0148.pd

On the electrical conductivity of composites with a polymeric matrix and a non-uniform concentration of carbon nanotubes

We present a multiscale modelling approach to explore the effects of a non-uniform concentration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the electrical conductivity of CNT-polymer composites. Realistic three-dimensional representative volume elements (RVEs) are generated from a two-dimensional CNT concentration map, obtained via microscopy techniques. The RVEs capture the measured probability density function of the CNT concentration and include a length-scale to represent the details of the spatial distribution of the concentration. The homogenized conductivity of the RVEs is computed via multiscale FE analyses for different values of such length-scale, and it is compared to measurements. The modelling strategy is then used to explore the effects of the microstructural features of these materials on their electrical conductivity

Application of machine learning to predict the multiaxial strain-sensing response of CNT-polymer composites

We present predictive multiscale models of the multiaxial strain-sensing response of conductive CNT-polymer composites. Detailed physically-based finite element (FE) models at the micron scale are used to produce training data for an artificial neural network; the latter is then used, at macroscopic scale, to predict the electro-mechanical response of components of arbitrary shape subject to a non-uniform, multiaxial strain field, allowing savings in computational time of six orders of magnitude. We apply this methodology to explore the application of CNT-polymer composites to the construction of different types of sensors and to damage detection

Anti-bacterial activity of Annona muricata Linnaeus extracts: a systematic review

Current analysis systematically reviews data available in the literature on the anti-bacterial activity of Annona muricata extracts (AME) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Search was undertaken at four electronic databases and studies’ quality were assessed. Results were summarized and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of AME (versus antimicrobial control) against S. aureus and E. coli was the main datum analyzed. The initial database search yielded 2,433 results. We selected 14 studies and four were used for meta-analysis. The MIC ranged between 156 μg/mL and 1,024 μg/mL against S. aureus and between 256 μg/mL and 1,024 μg/mL against E. coli. The different strains of E. coli studied were more sensitive to AME than those of S. aureus. The differences mean concentrations and standard deviations between AME and antimicrobials were 101.91 and 946.05 for E. coli, and 388.90 and 970.61 for S. aureus respectively. The heterogeneity of data is highlighted. Different methodologies were used, several studies didn’t include antibiotics as control, antibiotics were different and various concentrations of extracts were tested. Studies showed possibilities of the plant under analysis as a source of new phytochemical compounds against microorganisms.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Perception of reality vs. professional reality in unilateral lower limb prothesis user amputees

Introduction To understand the perception of lower limb amputees, regarding movement with prothesis, wellbeing and perceived appearance, and to elaborate a socio-professional demographic and clinical study, to establish patterns and relations that may help enjoy a better quality of life. Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey of socio-professional, demographic and clinical data of 103 lower limb amputees, between 29th March 2018 and 9th July 2018. 74 interviewees also replied to sub-scales from the PEQPT questionnaire. Results The values attributed to movement, wellbeing and perceived appearance, were on average, 59.3%, 62.7% and 75.3%, respectively. A large number of patients (80.6%) stated that because of the amputation, there is an increase in the monthly expenses and a reduction in the monthly income. The value attributed to the prosthetics perceived appearance for males and females, was, on average, 79.32% and 65.03% respectively, this difference being significant. Conclusions Our main aim was to study the perception regarding movement with prothesis; the perception regarding wellbeing with prothesis; the perception regarding prothesis perceived appearance; to elaborate a socioprofessional, demographic and clinical analysis.In the first three points, the values attributed are good, mainly the perceived appearance issue. In the fourth point, we can conclude that it was successfully undertaken.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Rethinking Leahy’s Emotional Schema Scale (LESS): Results from the Portuguese Adaptation of the LESS

This study aims to contribute to the study of emotional schemas, through the adaptation of the Leahy Emotional Schema Scale (LESS) to Portuguese. The LESS is a 50 item self-report with 14 theoretical dimensions, representing concepts, evaluations, attributions of emotions, and strategies of emotion regulation (Leahy in Cognit Behav Pract 9(3):177–190, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1077-7229(02)80048- 7). Translation, back-translation and pilot assessment of LESS’s Portuguese version were completed. Data was collected online with 396 participants. An exploratory principal component analysis was conducted. Parallel analysis revealed a 5-component structure, which after the deletion of eight items generated a fnal solution explaining 48% of the variance. Components internal consistency was adequate and convergent validity supported with signifcant correlations with difculties in emotional regulation and emotional processing, and psychopathology. It presents dimensions that are highly relevant for assessment, case conceptualization and clinical decision making. Although this scale is related to a specifc cognitive theory, the construct and its subscales may be useful beyond the psychotherapeutic model, stressing the transtheoretical potential of the scale.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A neural qualitative approach for automatic territorial zoning.

This article presents the application of the Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) as an exploratory tool for automatic territorial zoning by combining the handle of categorical data and the other for automatic clustering. The SOM online learning algorithm had been chosen to treat categorical data by using the dot product method and the Sorense-Dice binary similarity coefficient. To automatically perform a spatial clustering, an adaptation of the automatic clustering Costa-Netto algorithm had been also proposed. The correspondence analysis had been used to examine the profiles of each homogeneous zones. To explore the approach it has been performed the territorial zoning of the Alto Taquari River Basin, Brazil, using as input data a set of thematic maps. The results indicate the applicability of the approach to perform the exploratory territorial zoning.GeoComputation 2017