Sound and complete axiomatizations of coalgebraic language equivalence

Coalgebras provide a uniform framework to study dynamical systems, including several types of automata. In this paper, we make use of the coalgebraic view on systems to investigate, in a uniform way, under which conditions calculi that are sound and complete with respect to behavioral equivalence can be extended to a coarser coalgebraic language equivalence, which arises from a generalised powerset construction that determinises coalgebras. We show that soundness and completeness are established by proving that expressions modulo axioms of a calculus form the rational fixpoint of the given type functor. Our main result is that the rational fixpoint of the functor $FT$, where $T$ is a monad describing the branching of the systems (e.g. non-determinism, weights, probability etc.), has as a quotient the rational fixpoint of the "determinised" type functor $\bar F$, a lifting of $F$ to the category of $T$-algebras. We apply our framework to the concrete example of weighted automata, for which we present a new sound and complete calculus for weighted language equivalence. As a special case, we obtain non-deterministic automata, where we recover Rabinovich's sound and complete calculus for language equivalence.Comment: Corrected version of published journal articl

Interacciones entre mamíferos marinos y la pesca de cerco en aguas Portuguesas

Marine mammal interactions with Portuguese purse-seine fisheries operating in four different ports (Figueira da Foz, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Sines) were studied (July-October 2003). Observers accompanied commercial fishing vessels and monitored 48 fishing trips. An interview survey of skippers was also carried out (n = 36). Three species of marine mammals were observed in 31 sightings during the commercials trips but only the species Delphinus delphis and the category Delphinidae were observed to interact with fishing activities. Small cetaceans were observed to sink, gather or disperse school fishes and damage gear. Mean CPUE and fishing effort values did not change significantly in the presence of dolphins (H = 0.06 and H = 0, both p>0.05). Results from Figueira da Foz indicate that cetaceans are attracted to fishing grounds with a high abundance of their prey-species. Fishermen reported three by-catch events off Figueira da Foz. Compared with other fisheries, purse-seine fishing does not seem to be among the most damaging to marine mammals.En este trabajo ha sido estudiada la interacción de los mamíferos marinos con la flota de cerco Portuguesa de julio a octubre de 2003, en cuatro puertos pesqueros (Figueira da Foz, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Sines). Los observadores acompañaron los barcos de pesca de cerco y supervisaron 48 viajes de pesca. Una encuesta por entrevista a los capitanes fue también realizada (n = 36). Tres especies de mamíferos marinos han sido observadas en 31 avistamentos durante los viajes de pesca, aunque sólamente la especie Delphinus delphis y la familia Delphinidae han interaccionado con las actividades de pesca. Los pequeños cetáceos fueron observados hundiendo, juntando o dispersando los cardumes de peces y a veces dañando las redes. Los valores del esfuerzo de pesca y de CPUE no cambiaron perceptiblemente con la presencia de delfines (H = 0.06 and H = 0, both p>0.05). Los resultados de Figueira da Foz indican que los cetáceos son atraídos a zonas de pesca con una elevada abundancia de sus especies presas. Los pescadores registraron tres acontecimientos de by-catch en Figueira da Foz. Cuando se compara con otras industrias pesqueras, la pesca de cerco no parece estar entre las que más dañan a los mamíferos marinos

Purification of plasmids using aqueous two-phase systems with amino affinity ligands

The increasing development and future application of molecular therapies such as gene therapy and DNA vaccination is expected to have a great impact in health care. However for their wide application large amounts of plasmid DNA (pDNA) are required with a stringent clearance of impurities. This prompted the development of new, efficient and cost-effective large-scale processes for the production and purification of pDNA. Most of the purification processes described are based on chromatography but dispite their high resolution, frequently they are difficult to scale-up, have low capacity and present low yields. In order to overcome these disadvantages other methodologies are also being developed. Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are one of the most promising approaches for pDNA purification given their several advantages like easy scale-up, high capacity and the possibility of continuous operation. Despite their great potential ATPS have low selectivity, which limits the purification outcome. The addition of certain molecules with affinity for the target molecules (pDNA in this case) may increase their selectivity. In this work it was studied the possibility of using amino ligands for the affinity purification of pDNA from bacterial alkaline lysates. Two free amino acids, lysine and arginine, their respective Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugates, PEG-lysine and PEGarginine, and PEGamine were tested. The system used was composed of 16,2% (w/w) PEG 600 and 17,4% (w/w) dextran 100 (DEX) and it was evaluate the ability of each ligand to steer the pDNA to the phase where less impurities are accumulated (PEG rich phase). The results show that free amino acids did not have any effect on pDNA partitioning but the PEG conjugates were able to steer the pDNA to the PEG phase, at low concentrations. With the addition of 0,2% of PEG-lysine, or 0,5% of PEG-arginine or 4% of PEG-amine in relation to the total PEG, all the pDNA is recovered in the PEG phase. However it presents some RNA contamination, that could be removed by re-extracting with a new phase containing 30% of ammonium sulphate (NH4)2S04. The purified pDNA is obtained in the bottom phase of this new system with no measurable presence of RNA or proteins

Effect of mining residues treated with an electrodialytic technology on cement-based mortars

UIDB/04085/2020 PD/BD/135170/2017Mining residues have been accumulated for centuries due to excavation and mining processes, causing environmental degradation worldwide. Their application in cementitious products is a feasible alternative to waste disposal. Electrodialytic technologies can promote a safer reuse of mining residues in the construction sector, coupling economic advantages due to the possible removal of toxic elements and the recovery of critical raw materials. The application of treated mining residues in construction products, namely their effects on physico-mechanical properties, in comparison to raw residues and cement uses needs to be addressed. This work presents a study of cement-based mortars with the incorporation of mining residues treated with an electrodialytic process in comparison to raw mining residues. The replacement percentages studied were 0, 10, 25 and 50 % of the binder in volume. Tests were conducted to evaluate fresh and hardened properties of mortars considering physical, microstructural and mechanical performances. Results show the viability of applying mining residues after the electrodialytic treatment as mortars materials in rendering, plastering, joint repointing, bedding masonry or screed requirements, with improved thermal conductivity and eco-efficiency.proofpublishe

Concentraciones de nutrientes en aguas costeras: impacto del Río Guadiana

Water samples were collected over an area of 900 km(2) adjacent to the outflow of the Guadiana River in January 1999 to characterize the concentrations and spatial distribution of nutrients (ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and silicate) in the water column. The purpose of the study was to characterize a winter situation of low discharge in terms of nutrient concentrations in the coastal area adjacent to the Guadiana outflow, before the reduction of the river flow due to the completion of the Alqueva Dam. The results show that the maximum influence of the Guadiana outflow was close to the mouth of the Guadiana River, where the highest nutrient concentrations and the minimum of salinity were registered. At the surface, the nutrient concentrations decreased gradually as the distance from the coast increased. The influence of the Guadiana outflow at the surface, despite being small, was evident in the area of about 90 km(2) that extends westwards from the mouth of the river. In this area, the increase in N compounds was more significant than in P and Si. The vertical influence of the outflow of the Guadiana River, until over the isobath lower than 30 m, was reflected in nutrient concentrations that decreased with the increase in depth. However, when the depth of the water column was greater than 30 m, the nutrient concentrations increased with the increase in depth. It is expected that with the completion of the Alqueva Dam, the outflow of the Guadiana River will be reduced even further. Nutrient concentrations will also be reduced and the influence of the river in the coastal zone will be even smaller. This could have a negative impact on the nutrient biogeochemical cycles and on the overall productivity of the area.En un área de 900 km2 alrededor de la desembocadura del Río Guadiana se recolectaron muestras de agua para caracterizar las concentraciones y distribución espacial de nutrientes (amonio, nitritos, nitratos, fosfatos y silicatos) en la columna de agua. El propósito de este estudio fue caracterizar la condición invernal de pocas descargas, en términos de concentración de nutrientes en el área costera adyacente a la desembocadura del Guadiana, antes de que el flujo del río se vea reducido por la conclusión de la Presa Alqueva. Los resultados indican que la mayor influencia de la descarga del Guadiana se observó cerca de la boca del río, donde se registraron las mayores concentraciones de nutrientes y la salinidad más baja. En superficie, las concentraciones de nutrientes disminuyeron gradualmente con el aumento de la distancia a la costa. La influencia de la descarga del Guadiana en superficie, aunque pequeña, fue evidente en el área de ~90 km2 que se extiende de la boca del río hacia el oeste. En esta área el incremento de compuestos de N fue más significativo que el de los de P y Si. La influencia vertical de la descarga del Río Guadiana, hasta por encima de la isóbata < 30 m se reflejó en las concentraciones de nutrientes que disminuyeron conforme aumentaba la profundidad. Sin embargo, cuando la profundidad de la columna de agua era > 30 m las concentraciones de nutrientes aumentaron con la profundidad. Es de esperar que con la terminación de la Presa Alqueva la descarga del río se vea aún más disminuida. Las concentraciones también se verán reducidas y la influencia del río en la zona costera será aún menor. Esto podría tener un impacto negativo en los ciclos biogeoquímicos de nutrientes y en la productividad global del área.proyecto SIRIA, financiado conjuntamente entre el Ministerio de Defensa y la Fundación de las Universidades de Portugal, en el marco del Programa Medio Ambiente y Defensainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Initial screening of poly(ethylene glycol) amino ligands for affinity purification of plasmid DNA in aqueous two-phase systems

Gene therapy and DNA vaccination are among the most expected biotechnological and medical advances for the coming years. However, the lack of cost-effective large-scale production and purification of pharmaceutical-grade plasmid DNA (pDNA) still hampers their wide application. Downstream processing, which is mainly chromatography-based, of pDNA remains the key manufacturing step. Despite its high resolution, the scaling-up of chromatography is usually difficult and presents low capacity, resulting in low yields. Alternative methods that are based on aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been studied. Although higher yields may be obtained, its selectivity is often low. In this work, modified polymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatisation with amino groups (PEGamine) or conjugation with positively charged amino acids (PEGlysine, PEGarginine, and PEGhistidine) were studied to increase the selectivity of PEGdextran systems towards the partition of a model plasmid. A two-step strategy was employed to obtain suitable pure formulations of pDNA. In the first step, a PEGdextran system with the addition of the affinity ligand was used with the recovery of the pDNA in the PEG-rich phase. Then, the pDNA was re-extracted to an ammonium-sulphate-rich phase in the second step. After removing the salt, this method yielded a purified preparation of pDNA without RNA and protein contamination.Thanks are due to the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to the NMR Portuguese network (PTNMR, Bruker Avance III 400-Univ. Minho) and strategic funding for CQUM (UID/QUI/00686/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Integrating education, group support, and case management for diabetic Hispanics

Objectives: Culturally tailored diabetes self-management education (DSME) improves glycemic control and other health outcomes in Mexican Americans but sociocultural barriers to health improvements remain. This study explored the feasibility of adding a nurse case manager (NCM) to DSME to foster DSME attendance and increase utilization of other available health care services. Design, setting and participants: The setting was a rural community on the Texas-Mexico border in one of the poorest counties in the United States. Using a repeated measures pretest, post-test control group design, we enrolled 165 Mexican American adults into: 1) an experimental group that received a DSME intervention plus access to a NCM; or 2) a control group that received DSME only. Results: Both experimental and control groups received the DSME intervention, reported positive changes in diet and physical activity, and showed improved clinical outcomes; there were no significant group differences. A statistically significant reduction in body mass index was seen in women compared to men, regardless of group or number of NCM contacts. For individuals having the most NCM contacts, DSME attendance rates were greater. Participants expressed acceptance of the NCM; they preferred face-to-face contact rather than by telephone. Conclusions: Our previously tested, culturally tailored DSME continues to be an effective strategy for improving glycemic control in Mexican Americans. This feasibility study provided partial support for the NCM model for underserved border communities, but additional research is needed on resource utilization and the nature of NCM contacts

Response surface optimization of the culture medium for production of elastin-like polymers by E. coli

ASTM program POCI 2010 (project POCI/CTM/57177/2004) suported by FEDER and FCTElastin-Like Polymers (ELP`s), a family of proteins based on repetitive pentapeptide sequences known by their smart and extremely biocompatible behavior (1, 2), are of great interest to our research group. Ongoing work using E. coli as the expression system, strongly suggests that the biomass and polymer production are closely related. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques useful for the modeling and analysis of problems, in which a response of interest is influenced by several variables and the objective is to optimize this response, in a suitable set of experiments (3). This strategy was employed in order to improve the production of both, biomass and ELP`s, in an auto induction medium previously designed by us (adapted from Terrific Broth and Phosphate Buffer Glycerol). The nutrients yeast extract, lactose and glycerol were the factors subjected to this statistical treatment. Knowing that glycerol and lactose are, respectively, sub-products of biodiesel production and dairy industry, the use of these compounds is highly favorable for the design of a sustainable scale-up procedure. On the other hand, yeast extract was selected in order to maximize the final yield due to it`s described importance in the boost of production. The validation of the model obtained was achieved and allowed the optimization of biomass levels.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dry sliding wear behaviour of Ti-TiB-TiNx in-situ composite synthesised by reactive hot pressing

Ti and its alloys are attractive materials for a variety of fields; however, a major problem of Ti and its alloys is their poor wear resistance. It is known that reinforcing Ti with hard ceramic phases can substantially improve the wear resistance. Thus, Ti-TiB-TiNx in-situ metal matrix composites were synthesised by reactive hot pressing utilising Ti/BN powder blends with 23:1 Ti:BN weight ratio. Ball-on-plate reciprocating dry sliding wear tests were performed against a 10 mm of alumina ball under 10 N normal load, at a frequency of 1 Hz, and with the total stroke length of 3 mm during 1,800 s. Results showed that the total wear volume loss was significantly decreased on the composite (11.4 +/- 2.0 x 10(-3) mm(3)) as compared to the unreinforced Ti (40.9 +/- 4.2 x 10(-3) mm(3)) due to the strengthening effect of the in-situ reinforcing phases.This study was supported by The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation through Programa de Mobilidade Academica para Professores and Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT-Portugal), under the project EXCL/EMS-TEC/0460/2012. The authors also would like to thank Prof. Amilcar Ramalho (Universidade de Coimbra) for the provision of profilometry facilities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio