Digital image colorimetry for determination of sulfonamides in water

This work aims to develop a digital image-based colorimetry for screening of sulfonamides (SAs) in water. It will be based on the determination of SAs in water, by analyzing the color response with an automatic image processing algorithm.Antimicrobial agents are considered emerging pollutants in water, because of their potential to accelerate spread of bacterial resistance genes, and due to their harmful effect to ecosystem through death or inhibition of natural microbiota. Sulfonamides (SAs) are an important antimicrobial group and it is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine. Studies have demonstrated that SAs are very mobile and highly available in soil with no bioaccumulation. Furthermore, these compounds seem to be quite resistant to biodegradation in surface water which can benefit contamination of aquatic environment. Thus, monitoring of SAs levels in water are very important to determine their aquatic risk assessment. Several methods for determination of SAs in water have been developed. Most of them are based on the coupling of high-performance liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS). LC-MS is widely used due to their high sensitivity and specificity; however, this approach is very expensive and does not allow in situ analysis. Hence, development of field deployable screening methods is required. Methods based on digital image colorimetry have been broadly applied for point-of-care tests, forensic analysis and environmental monitoring. The digital image based methods are very promising as field screening techniques because they are fast, low cost, portable and easy handling methodologies

Evolutive Software Asset Management

Uma boa gestão de ativos de software é crucial para implementar práticas eficazes de segurança. Esta gestão é essencial para ajudar a combater ataques que podem traduzir-se em custos elevados para as empresas, tanto em termos financeiros como na sua reputação. Ao realizar a gestão de ativos estamos a reduzir os riscos legais e de segurança associados a estes ativos, bem como aumentar o desempenho operacional através da redução da taxa de falhas e aumento de disponibilidade. Em suma, a gestão de ativos permite a gestão da informação de forma simples e unificada o que se traduz numa otimização de processos e custos inerentes ao software e seu licenciamento e ainda numa resposta mais eficaz a potenciais problemas de segurança. Nesta dissertação foi desenvolvida uma solução, denominada E-Sam, de gestão de ativos mais concretamente de software e licenças associadas com o intuito de ajudar as organizações a mitigar potenciais problemas de segurança. O modelo de suporte à solução é constituído por uma aplicação central que efetua a recolha dos dados, alimentada por um conjunto de agentes configuráveis e extensíveis que são executados em múltiplos dispositivos. Os dados relativos aos ativos são armazenados e é feita a sua análise, nomeadamente a pesquisa de vulnerabilidades que possam existir e afetem esses ativos. Esta solução é importante para as organizações na medida em que automatiza o processo de recolha de informação sobre ativos, análise a existência de vulnerabilidades conhecidas e despoleta alarmes que podem ajudar a sua rápida mitigação. Considerando a dimensão e complexidade dos parques informáticos, a nível de hardware e software, dispor de soluções automatizadas deste tipo é um aspeto crucial para a manutenção e bom funcionamento dos sistemas e consequentemente das organizações suportadas por estes.Good software asset management is crucial to implementing effective security practices. This management is essential to help fight attacks that can translate into high costs for companies, both in financial terms and in their reputation. By performing asset management, we are reducing the legal and security risks associated with these assets, as well as increasing operational performance by reducing the failure rate and increasing availability. In short, asset management allows the management of information in a simple and unified manner, which translates into an optimization of processes and costs inherent to software and its licensing, as well as a more effective response to potential security problems. In this dissertation, an asset management solution was developed, named E-Sam, more specifically software and associated licenses in order to help organizations mitigate potential security problems. The solution support model consists of a central application that collects data, powered by a set of configurable and extensible agents that run on multiple devices. The data related to the assets are stored and analyzed, namely the search for vulnerabilities that may exist and affect these assets. This solution is important for organizations as it automates the process of gathering information about assets, analyzes the existence of known vulnerabilities and triggers alarms that can help its rapid mitigation. Considering the size and complexity of computer parks, in terms of hardware and software, having automated solutions of this type is a crucial aspect for the maintenance and smooth functioning of the systems and, consequently, of the organizations supported by them

HAL-ASOS accelerator model: evolutive elasticity by design

To address the integration of software threads and hardware accelerators into the Linux Operating System (OS) programming models, an accelerator architecture is proposed, based on micro-programmable hardware system calls, which fully export these resources into the Linux OS user-space through a design-specific virtual file system. The proposed HAL-ASOS accelerator model is split into a user-defined Hardware Task and a parameterizable Hardware Kernel with three differentiated transfer channels, aiming to explore distinct BUS technology interfaces and promote the accelerator to a first-class computing unit. This paper focuses on the Hardware Kernel and mainly its microcode control unit, which will leverage the elasticity to naturally evolve with Linux OS through key differentiating capabilities of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) when compared to the state of the art. To comply with the evolutive nature of Linux OS, or any Hardware Task incremental features, the proposed model generates page-faults signaling runtime errors that are handled at the kernel level as part of the virtual file system runtime. To evaluate the accelerator model’s programmability and its performance, a client-side application based on the AES 128-bit algorithm was implemented. Experiments demonstrate a flexible design approach in terms of hardware and software reconfiguration and significant performance increases consistent with rising processing demands or clock design frequencies.This work has been supported by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020

Etch-and-Rinse and Self-Etch Adhesives Behavior on Dentin

Hybridization is a key phenomenon in bonding resin-based composite restorations to dentin, and results from a molecular-level interaction between the resin and the demineralized collagen fibrils network. Nanoleakage occurs when small molecules or ions infiltrate into the hybrid layer. Our work aims to evaluate if the type of solvent and adhesive system influences the morphology of the hybrid layer and the occurrence of nanoleakage within it. Human molar teeth were distributed into six groups corresponding to adhesives with different solvents (ScotchbondTM 1XT, XP BondTM, Prime&Bond® NT, One Coat Bond®, AdheSE® and Xeno® V). Dentin disks (specimens) were cut from those teeth. The corresponding adhesive systems and a microhybrid composite (Synergy® D6) were applied onto them. The specimens were thermocycled, fixed, cut, polished, decalcified, dried, and, for nanoleakage evaluation, immersed into a tracer solution. The morphology and nanoleakage analyses were performed with a high-resolution scanning electron microscope (field-emission scanning electron microscope—FESEM), and the results were statistically processed. AdheSE® achieved the overall best performance. The type of adhesive, the number of steps, and the solvent seem to play a significant role in hybrid layer morphology and nanoleakage within it. The hybrid layer water absorption can determine the adhesion longevity

Ginkgo biloba L. Leaf Extract Protects HepG2 Cells Against Paraquat-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage

Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extracts and herbal infusions are used worldwide due to the health benefits that are attributed to its use, including anti-neoplastic, anti-aging, neuro-protection, antioxidant and others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an aqueous Ginkgo biloba extract on HepG2 cell viability, genotoxicity and DNA protection against paraquat-induced oxidative damage. Exposure to paraquat (PQ), over 24 h incubation at 1.0 and 1.5 µM, did not significantly reduce cell viability but induced concentration and time-dependent oxidative DNA damage. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract produced dose-dependent cytotoxicity (IC50 = 540.8 ± 40.5 µg/mL at 24 h exposure), and short incubations (1 h) produced basal and oxidative DNA damage (>750 and 1500 µg/mL, respectively). However, lower concentrations (e.g., 75 µg/mL) of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract were not cytotoxic and reduced basal DNA damage, indicating a protective effect at incubations up to 4 h. On the other hand, longer incubations (24 h) induced oxidative DNA damage. Co-incubation of HepG2 cells for 4 h, with G. biloba leaf extract (75 µg/mL) and PQ (1.0 or 1.5 µM) significantly reduced PQ-induced oxidative DNA damage. In conclusion, the consumption of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract for long periods at high doses/concentrations is potentially toxic; however, low doses protect the cells against basal oxidative damage and against environmentally derived toxicants that induce oxidative DNA damage.Financial support was received from the INTERACT project—“Integrative Research in Environment, Agro-Chains and Technology”, no. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000017, in its line of research entitled ISAC, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Regional Operational Program 2014/2020). C.M.-G. was supported by a grant from INTERACT (BIM/UTAD/30/2018). The Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) is also acknowledged under the projects UID/AGR/04033/2019 (CITAB) and UID/CVT/00772/2019 (CECAV).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

PtOEP–PDMS-based optical oxygen sensor

The advanced and widespread use of microfluidic devices, which are usually fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), requires the integration of many sensors, always compatible with microfluidic fabrication processes. Moreover, current limitations of the existing optical and electrochemical oxygen sensors regarding long-term stability due to sensor degradation, biofouling, fabrication processes and cost have led to the development of new approaches. Thus, this manuscript reports the development, fabrication and characterization of a low-cost and highly sensitive dissolved oxygen optical sensor based on a membrane of PDMS doped with platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) film, fabricated using standard microfluidic materials and processes. The excellent mechanical and chemical properties (high permeability to oxygen, anti-biofouling characteristics) of PDMS result in membranes with superior sensitivity compared with other matrix materials. The wide use of PtOEP in sensing applications, due to its advantage of being easily synthesized using microtechnologies, its strong phosphorescence at room temperature with a quantum yield close to 50%, its excellent Strokes Shift as well as its relatively long lifetime (75 µs), provide the suitable conditions for the development of a miniaturized luminescence optical oxygen sensor allowing long-term applications. The influence of the PDMS film thickness (0.1–2.5 mm) and the PtOEP concentration (363, 545, 727 ppm) in luminescent properties are presented. This enables to achieve low detection levels in a gas media range from 0.5% up to 20%, and in liquid media from 0.5 mg/L up to 3.3 mg/L at 1 atm, 25 °C. As a result, we propose a simple and cost-effective system based on a LED membrane photodiode system to detect low oxygen concentrations for in situ applications.This work was co-financed by national funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. under project SONDA (PTDC/EME-SIS/1960/2020), by Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (NORTE2020), through Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER), Project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000032—NextSea, by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through INTERREG V-A Spain-Portugal Programme (POCTEP) 2014–2020, Project N. 0591_FOODSENS_1_E and by FCT national funds, under the national support to R&D units grants, through the reference projects UIDB/04436/2020 and UIDP/04436/2020

Identidade e feminismo negro em poemas afro-brasileiros

A presente pesquisa investigará dois poemas de escritoras afro-brasileiras utilizando como base teórica o conceito de identidade e de feminismo negro. A pesquisa torna-se de fundamental importância pois discorre sobre o feminismo negro e o uso da linguagem como recurso que confronta o patriarcalismo, o sexismo e a colonização do poder e do saber ainda tão presentes nos dias atuais.  The present research will investigate two poems of Afro - Brazilian women writers using as theoretical basis the concept of identity and black feminism. Research becomes of fundamental importance because it discusses black feminism and the use of language as a resource that confronts patriarchalism, sexism and the colonization of power and knowledge still the presente day

SEPSE: ASPECTOS CLÍNICOS E PRÁTICOS

Sepse, também conhecida como infecção generalizada ou septicemia, ocorre quando um quadro de infecção é agravado, a ponto de anular os mecanismos do organismo envolvidos no seu controle. É de suma relevância a abordagem mais aprofundada de um assunto pouco divulgado tanto dentro quanto fora dos cenários clínicos. A sepse figura como importante causa de morte no Brasil, por isso, busca-se expor de forma clara e simples para a compreensão dos demais a verdadeira importância dessa problemática. Este tema foi/é de grande magnitude. O trabalho está estruturado nos seguintes tópicos: conceito, desenvolvimento biológico, incidência, quadro clínico, diagnóstico, tratamento e atuação da enfermagem. Deste modo, pretendeu-se com este estudo, possibilitar o conhecimento abrangente e particular do paciente com septicemia e elucidar a percepção dos membros da equipe. As manifestações clínicas da sepse incluem aquelas associadas ao foco infeccioso em questão. Por meio disso, o diagnóstico deve ser feito com base nos parâmetros já existentes no organismo do paciente antes mesmo da reposta inflamatória desencadeada pela sepse. Como já foi detalhado, anteriormente, a sepse se caracteriza pela presença de sinais de resposta inflamatória. No caso de sepse grave, a esse quadro somam-se os sinais de disfunção orgânica, com manifestações clínicas decorrentes dos órgãos em disfunção. O choque séptico é o de mais pronto diagnóstico, pois a hipotensão é facilmente perceptível. A taquicardia é geralmente reflexa à redução da resistência vascular, objetivando garantir o débito cardíaco. A taquipneia advém do aumento da produção de CO2, do estímulo direto do centro respiratório por citocinas ou, quando há insuficiência respiratória, surge em consequência da hipoxemia. Diante do que foi estudado, é notório que existe um alto índice de sepse em todo o Brasil, sendo os recém-nascidos os principais alvos dessa síndrome. Visto que, o diagnóstico tardio implica seriamente no tratamento qualificado dos pacientes acometidos por septicemia, é de suma importância que os profissionais de saúde estejam aptos para realizar de forma precisa o diagnóstico, e assim poder proporcionar um cuidado mais amplo e que possa reverter o quadro clínico destes pacientes

Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives as dual-target ligands: mitochondriotropic antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial age-related disease associated with oxidative stress (OS) and impaired cholinergic transmission. Accordingly, targeting mitochondrial OS and restoring cholinergic transmission can be an effective therapeutic strategy toward AD. Herein, we report for the first time dual-target hydroxybenzoic acid (HBAc) derivatives acting as mitochondriotropic antioxidants and cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors. The studies were performed with two mitochondriotropic antioxidants AntiOxBEN1 (catechol derivative), and AntiOxBEN2 (pyrogallol derivative) and compounds 15–18, which have longer spacers. Compounds AntiOxBEN1 and 15, with a shorter carbon chain spacer (six- and eight-carbon) were shown to be potent antioxidants and BChE inhibitors (IC50 = 85 ± 5 and 106 ± 5 nM, respectively), while compounds 17 and 18 with a 10-carbon chain were more effective AChE inhibitors (IC50 = 7.7 ± 0.4 and 7.2 ± 0.5 μM, respectively). Interestingly, molecular modeling data pointed toward bifunctional ChEs inhibitors. The most promising ChE inhibitors acted by a non-competitive mechanism. In general, with exception of compounds 15 and 17, no cytotoxic effects were observed in differentiated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells, while Aβ-induced cytotoxicity was significantly prevented by the new dual-target HBAc derivatives. Overall, due to its BChE selectivity, favorable toxicological profile, neuroprotective activity and drug-like properties, which suggested blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, the mitochondriotropic antioxidant AntiOxBEN1 is considered a valid lead candidate for the development of dual acting drugs for AD and other mitochondrial OS-related diseases.This work was funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Programme Competitiveness Factors-COMPETE and national funds by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology under research grants (QUI/UI0081/2013, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000028 and PTDC/DTP-FTO/2433/2014, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016659, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007440. CO (SFRH/BD/88773/2012), FC (SFRH/BPD/74491/2010), JT (PTDC/DTP-FTO/2433/2014 and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER000028) RA (PTDC/DTP-FTO/2433/2014) grants are supported by FCT, POPH, and QREN. The authors also thank the COST action CA15135 for supportS

Aplicação de metodologias de Modularidade e EcoDesign no Desenvolvimento de um Sistema de Elevação de Grande Porte

A globalização da indústria originou mercados muito competitivos em praticamente todas as áreas de atividade, onde, a dos sistemas de elevação de grande porte não é exceção. Desta forma as empresas têm que se tornar cada vez mais flexíveis de modo a poderem competir entre si, e em última instância, a poderem sobreviver. Uma das estratégias para alcançar a desejada flexibilidade, que se traduz por exemplo em permitir reduzir prazos de entrega ao cliente, consiste em aplicar um elevado número de componentes normalizados (standardizados) e os mesmos formarem módulos individuais facilmente intermutáveis no equipamento global. Por outro lado, o desenvolvimento de bens de equipamento mais ecoeficientes, tem-se revelado como uma prática cada vez mais corrente por parte das empresas, permitindo a conceção de bens de equipamentos com uma contribuição a nível de impacte ambiental cada vez mais reduzida para as mesma características funcionais, melhorando consequentemente o respetivo desempenho ambiental ao longo do seu ciclo de vida. O presente documento tem como principal objetivo promover a divulgação dos principais resultados alcançados no âmbito do Projeto TEGOPI SA – Guincho Aberto sobre o qual foram utilizadas duas metodologias de desenvolvimento do produto inovadoras no projeto do novo Sistema de Elevação de Grande Porte, Modularidade e o EcoDesign, permitindo à TEGOPI SA destacar-se com o seu novo produto no mercado em que opera.COMPETE, IAPMEI, União Europei