On Jacobi quasi-Nijenhuis algebroids and Courant-Jacobi algebroid morphisms

We propose a definition of Jacobi quasi-Nijenhuis algebroid and show that any such Jacobi algebroid has an associated quasi-Jacobi bialgebroid. Therefore, also an associated Courant-Jacobi algebroid is obtained. We introduce the notions of quasi-Jacobi bialgebroid morphism and Courant-Jacobi algebroid morphism providing also some examples of Courant-Jacobi algebroid morphisms.Comment: 14 pages, to appear in Journal of Geometry and Physic

Bio-inspired Systems for Carbon Dioxide Capture, Sequestration and Utilization

This chapter reviews the study and development of biological, enzymatic and bio-molecular systems for carbon dioxide capture and further sequestration or even utilization. Regardless of the interest on the use of the captured CO2 as C1 synthon on the manufacture of added-value compounds, there is a tremendous unbalance between the requirements of the contemporary society (leading to a massive production of carbon dioxide) and the framework of commercialization of the products from CO2 utilization. In this context, viable options are storage as a solid in the form of calcium or magnesium carbonate and conversion into other energetic frameworks. In addition, it is important to highlight that the conventional energy resources are progressively being replaced by renewable resources. While the change in energetic paradigm is not accomplished, systems that capture and convert carbon dioxide are highly sought. To this end, bio-inspired systems will be presented, starting from the use of compounds from the chiral pool, such as amino acids, saccharides and related bio-polymers, involved in the physical and chemical capture, sequestration and/or utilization of CO2. Additionally, enzymatic systems are presented in the context of sequestration of CO2 in the form of solid carbonates or even utilization of this C1 synthon in the preparation of fuels and commodity chemicals. Carbonic anhydrase is by far the most studied enzyme, as it catalyses the inter-conversion between CO2 and hydrogencarbonate in an effective mode. The biological option comprises the utilization of methanogens, acetogens and other organisms leading to the formation of added-value compounds. Most of the described systems are based on microbial electro-synthesis model and microbial carbon-capture cell prototypes

CO 2 + Methanol + Glycerol: Multiphase behaviour

The phase behaviour of the system CO2 + methanol + glycerol has been studied at low concentrations of this tri-alcohol. The synthetic method was implemented in a visual sapphire cell. New phase diagrams were obtained at temperatures of 313.15 and 333.15 K. Different methanol/glycerol molar ratios of 113, 50 and 30 were considered and its influence on phase behaviour accounted for. Pressures were varied from 6.03 to 11.44 MPa. A specific experiment is reported, starting from an initial volume of 4 mL of liquid mixture methanol + glycerol (methanol/glycerol molar ratio 30), where, with a stepwise addition of CO2, diverse fluid phase phenomena were detected, such as VLE, Critical Point, VLLE, VLLLE, LLE and LE

Chemoinformatic Approaches To Predict the Viscosities of Ionic Liquids and Ionic Liquid-Containing Systems

UID/QUI/50006/2019.Modelling, predicting, and understanding the factors influencing the viscosities of ionic liquids and related mixtures are sequentially checked in this work. The molecular maps of atom-level properties (MOLMAP codification system) is adapted for a straightforward inclusion of ionic liquids and mixtures containing ionic liquids. Random Forest models have been tested in this context and an optimal model was selected. The interpretability of the selected Random Forest model is highlighted with selected structural features that might contribute to identify low viscosities. The constructed model is able to recognize the influence of different structural variables, temperature, and pressure for a correct classification of the different systems. The codification and interpretation systems are highlighted in this work.authorsversionpublishe

A Novel Engineering Systems Approach for Bioengineering Education: the MIT-Portugal Collaboration

This paper discusses the importance of an engineering systems approach to international bioengineering education and how a new educational research program, the MIT-Portugal Program Bioengineering Systems focus area, aims to develop future global bioengineering leaders. The program, comprising both post-graduate advanced studies and doctoral programs, commences in September 2007. Several other international-collaborative educational and research programs—such as the Cambridge-MIT Institute, the Singapore MIT Alliance, and the Socrates/Erasmus “Erasmus Programme”—offer lessons learned in international collaboration. The MPP Bioengineering Systems program differs from these programs in several respects. The unique collaboration in MPP offers an engineering systems approach, a joint degree offered by three Portuguese universities, and collaborative teaching and research efforts between MIT and Portuguese faculty and students

A Novel Engineering Systems Approach for Bioengineering Education: the MIT-Portugal Collaboration

This paper discusses the importance of an engineering systems approach to international bioengineering education and how a new educational research program, the MIT-Portugal Program Bioengineering Systems focus area, aims to develop future global bioengineering leaders. The program, comprising both post-graduate advanced studies and doctoral programs, commences in September 2007. Several other international-collaborative educational and research programs—such as the Cambridge-MIT Institute, the Singapore MIT Alliance, and the Socrates/Erasmus “Erasmus Programme”—offer lessons learned in international collaboration. The MPP Bioengineering Systems program differs from these programs in several respects. The unique collaboration in MPP offers an engineering systems approach, a joint degree offered by three Portuguese universities, and collaborative teaching and research efforts between MIT and Portuguese faculty and students

A novel engineering systems approach for bioengineering education : the MIT-Portugal collaboration

This paper discusses the importance of an engineering systems approach to international bioengineering education and how a new educationalresearch program, the MIT-Portugal Program Bioengineering Systems focus area, aims to develop future global bioengineering leaders. The program, comprising both post-graduate advanced studies and doctoral programs, commences in September 2007. Several other international-collaborative educational and research programs—such as the Cambridge-MIT Institute, the Singapore MIT Alliance, and the Socrates/Erasmus “Erasmus Programme”—offer lessons learned in international collaboration. The MPP Bioengineering Systems program differs from these programs in several respects. The unique collaboration in MPP offers an engineering systems approach, a joint degree offered by three Portuguese universities, and collaborative teaching and research efforts between MIT and Portuguese faculty and students

Using assistive robots to promote inclusive education

Purpose: This paper describes the development and test of physical and virtual integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies (IAMCATs) that enable children with motor and speech impairments to manipulate educational items by controlling a robot with a gripper, while communicating through a speech generating device. Method: Nine children with disabilities, nine regular and nine special education teachers participated in the study. Teachers adapted academic activities so they could also be performed by the children with disabilities using the IAMCAT. An inductive content analysis of the teachers’ interviews before and after the intervention was performed. Results: Teachers considered the IAMCAT to be a useful resource that can be integrated into the regular class dynamics respecting their curricular planning. It had a positive impact on children with disabilities and on the educational community. However, teachers pointed out the difficulties in managing the class, even with another adult present, due to the extra time required by children with disabilities to complete the activities. Conclusions: The developed assistive technologies enable children with disabilities to participate in academic activities but full inclusion would require another adult in class and strategies to deal with the additional time required by children to complete the activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION - Integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies are useful resources to promote the participation of children with motor and speech impairments in classroom activities. - Virtual tools, running on a computer screen, may be easier to use but further research is needed in order to evaluate its effectiveness when compared to physical tools. - Full participation of children with motor and speech impairments in academic activities using these technologies requires another adult in class and adequate strategies to manage the extra time the child with disabilities may require to complete the activities

Using assistive robots to promote inclusive education

Purpose: This paper describes the development and test of physical and virtual integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies (IAMCATs) that enable children with motor and speech impairments to manipulate educational items by controlling a robot with a gripper, while communicating through a speech generating device. Method: Nine children with disabilities, nine regular and nine special education teachers participated in the study. Teachers adapted academic activities so they could also be performed by the children with disabilities using the IAMCAT. An inductive content analysis of the teachers’ interviews before and after the intervention was performed. Results: Teachers considered the IAMCAT to be a useful resource that can be integrated into the regular class dynamics respecting their curricular planning. It had a positive impact on children with disabilities and on the educational community. However, teachers pointed out the difficulties in managing the class, even with another adult present, due to the extra time required by children with disabilities to complete the activities. Conclusions: The developed assistive technologies enable children with disabilities to participate in academic activities but full inclusion would require another adult in class and strategies to deal with the additional time required by children to complete the activities. Implications for Rehabilitation Integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies are useful resources to promote the participation of children with motor and speech impairments in classroom activities. Virtual tools, running on a computer screen, may be easier to use but further research is needed in order to evaluate its effectiveness when compared to physical tools. Full participation of children with motor and speech impairments in academic activities using these technologies requires another adult in class and adequate strategies to manage the extra time the child with disabilities may require to complete the activities.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Cyclic carbonate synthesis from CO2and epoxides using zinc(II) complexes of arylhydrazones of β-diketones

Zinc(II) complexes of arylhydrazones of β-diketones (AHBD) were used for the first time as catalysts combined with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr), in the coupling reaction between CO2 and epoxides. The influence of pressure and temperature on cyclic carbonate formation was investigated, as well as the catalytic activity toward different substrates (e.g. styrene oxide, propylene oxide and cyclohexene oxide). The molar ratio between metal complex and TBABr was determined for maximum catalytic activity