Faculdade de Ciências
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- 3-D Characterisation of Nonwoven Fabrics by means of an optical systemPublication . Pereira, Mário José Teixeira; Salvado, Rita; Fiadeiro, Paulo; Silvy, JacquesThe characterisation of fabric structure by means of quantified parameters is essential for the control of the fabrication processes and the resulting properties of the nonwoven materials. Important parameters of the structure are the porosity, the mean pore size and the pore size distribution, the specific area of the texture, the fibres orientation the last one needing to be characterised in the three dimension of the fabric web. In this research work we intend to evaluate the porous fibres orientation in geotextiles nonwovens using a procedure based on the fibres light conducting and their associated scattering. The interpretation of the phenomena is made through a modelisation concept of the pore fibre interfaces
- 3-Form Cosmology: Phantom Behaviour, Singularities and InteractionsPublication . Morais, João; Bouhmadi Lopez, Mariam; Marto, JoãoThe latest cosmological observations by the Planck collaboration (and combined with others) are compatible with a phantom-like behaviour (w < − 1) for the dark energy equation of state that drives the current acceleration of the Universe. With this mindset, we look into models where dark energy is described by a 3-form field minimally coupled to gravity. When compared to a scalar field, these models have the advantage of more naturally accommodating a cosmological-constant and phantom-like behaviours. We show how the latter happens for a fairly general class of positive-valued potentials, and through a dynamical system approach, we find that in such cases the 3-form field leads the Universe into a Little Sibling of the Big Rip singular event into the future. In this work, we explore the possibility of avoiding such singularity via an interaction in the dark sector between cold dark matter and the 3-form field. For the kind of interactions considered, we deduce a condition for replacing the LSBR by a late time de Sitter phase. For specific examples of interactions that meet this condition, we look for distinctive imprints in the statefinder hierarchy { S 3 ( 1 ) ; S 4 ( 1 ) } , { S 3 ( 1 ) ; S 5 ( 1 ) } , and in the growth rate of matter, e ( z ) , through the composite null diagnostic (CND).
- 3D computational simulation and experimental characterization of polymeric stochastic network materials : case studies in reinforced eucalyptus office paper and nanofibrous materialsPublication . Curto, Joana Maria Rodrigues; Simões, Rogério Manuel dos Santos; Portugal, António Torres GarciaThe properties of stochastic fibrous materials like paper and nanowebs are highly dependent on those fibers from which the network structure is made. This work contributes to a better understanding of the effect of fiber properties on the network structural properties, using an original 3D fibrous material model with experimental validation, and its application to different fibrous materials used in reinforced Eucalyptus office paper and nanofibrous networks. To establish the relationships between the fiber and the final structural material properties, an experimental laboratorial plan has been executed for a reinforced fibrous structure, and a physical based 3D model has been developed and implemented. The experimental plan was dedicated to an important Portuguese material: the reinforced Eucalyptus based office paper. Office paper is the principal Portuguese paper industry product. This paper is mainly produced from Eucalyptus globulus bleached kraft pulp with a small incorporation of a softwood pulp to increase paper strength. It is important to access the contribution of different reinforcement pulp fibers with different biometry and coarseness to the final paper properties. The two extremes of reinforcement pulps are represented by a Picea abies kraft softwood pulp, usually considered the best reinforcement fiber, and the Portuguese pine Pinus pinaster kraft pulp. Fiber flexibility was determined experimentally using the Steadman and Luner method with a computerized acquisition device. When comparing two reinforcement fibers, the information about fiber flexibility and biometry is determinant to predict paper properties. The values presented correspond to the two extremes of fibers available as reinforcement fibers, regarding wall thickness, beating ability and flexibility values. Pinus pinaster has the thickest fiber wall, and consequently it is less flexible than the thinner wall fibers: Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies. Experimental results for the evolutions of paper properties, like paper apparent density, air permeability, tensile and tear strength, together with fiber flexibility for the two reinforcement fibers, constitute valuable information, also applicable for other reinforcement fibers, with fiber walls dimensions in this range. After having quantified the influence of fiber flexibility, we identified that this is as a key physical property to be included in our structural model. Therefore, we chose to develop a 3D network model that includes fiber bending in the z direction as an important parameter. The inclusion of fiber flexibility was done for the first time by Niskanen, in a model known as the KCL-Pakka model. We propose an extension of this model, with improvements on the fiber model, as well as an original computational implementation. A simulator has been developed from scratch and the results have been validated experimentally using handmade laboratory structures made from Eucalyptus fibers (hardwood fibers), and also Pinus pinaster, Pinus Sylvestris and Picea abies fibers, which are representative reinforcement fibers. Finally, the model was modified and extended to obtain an original simulator to nanofibrous materials, which is also an important innovation. In the network model developed in this work, the structure is formed by the sequential deposition of fibers, which are modeled individually. The model includes key papermaking fiber properties like morphology, flexibility, and collapsibility and process operations such as fiber deposition, network forming or densification. For the first time, the model considers the fiber microstructure level, including lumen and fiber wall thickness, with a resolution up to 0.05μm for the paper material case and 0.05nm for the nanofibrous materials. The computational simulation model was used to perform simulation studies. In the case of paper materials, it was used to investigate the relative influence of fiber properties such as fiber flexibility, dimensions and collapsibility. The developed multiscale model gave realistic predictions and enabled us to link fiber microstructure and paper properties. In the case of nanofibrous materials, the 3D network model was modified and implemented for Polyamide-6 electrospun and cellulose nanowebs. The influence of computational fiber flexibility and dimensions was investigated. For the Polyamide-6 electrospun network experimental results were compared visually with simulation results and similar evolutions were observed. For cellulose nanowebs the simulation study used literature data to obtain the input information for the nanocellulose fibers. The design of computer experiments was done using a space filling design, namely the Latin hypercube sampling design, and the simulations results were organized and interpreted using regression trees. Both the experimental characterization, and computational modeling, contributed to study the relationships between the polymeric fibers and the network structure formed.
- 3D Printed scaffolds with bactericidal activity aimed for bone tissue regenerationPublication . Correia, Tiago R.; Figueira, Daniela Sofia Rodrigues; Sá, Kevin; Miguel, Sónia P.; Fradique, Ricardo Gil; Mendonça, António; Correia, I.J.Nowadays, the incidence of bone disorders has steeply ascended and it is expected to double in the next decade, especially due to the ageing of the worldwide population. Bone defects and fractures lead to reduced patient’s quality of life. Autografts, allografts and xenografts have been used to overcome different types of bone injuries, although limited availability, immune rejection or implant failure demand the development of new bone replacements. Moreover, the bacterial colonization of bone substitutes is the main cause of implant rejection. To vanquish these drawbacks, researchers from tissue engineering area are currently using computer-aided design models or medical data to produce 3D scaffolds by Rapid Prototyping (RP). Herein, Tricalcium phosphate (TCP)/Sodium Alginate (SA) scaffolds were produced using RP and subsequently functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through two different incorporation methods. The obtained results revealed that the composite scaffolds produced by direct incorporation of AgNPs are the most suitable for being used in bone tissue regeneration since they present appropriate mechanical properties, biocompatibility and bactericidal activity.
- Abordagens ao Modelo de Lotka-VolterraPublication . Capoco, Calvino Paulo; Vaz, Sandra Cristina de PintoNesta dissertação, vamos considerar o modelo Lotka-Volterra. Este foi obtido na década 1920’s independentemente por Lotka e Volterra. O modelo é dado por um par de equações diferenciais não lineares de primeira ordem e considera a interação entre as duas populações. Existem três grandes tipos de interação: competição, cooperação e predador -presa. Neste trabalho, estudamos o modelo Lotka-Volterra com interação do tipo predador-presa. Para modelar a dinâmica entre as duas populações podemos adicionar termos ao modelo original de forma a torná-lo mais realista e sempre que possível estimar a sua estabilidade. No primeiro modelo a ser analisado, será introduzido um termo nas presas e será estudada sua estabilidade. Um dos termos a ser adicionado pode ser um controle, numa ou nas duas populações e pode ser visto como introdução ou remoção de elementos nas populações. No segundo e terceiro modelo, iremos introduzir um termo que deverá ser visto como um controle. Este será introduzido nos predadores e será do tipo ON-OFF. Em ambos os modelos iremos mostrar graficamente que os modelos aparentam convergir para um ponto numa zona específica. Todos serão modelados usando equações às diferenças mas para isso é necessário escolher um esquema numérico. Entre os mais comuns estão os métodos de Euler, Runge-Kutta e Mickens. Iremos usar o método de Mickens.
- Absorption Ångström exponents of aerosols and light absorbing carbon (LAC) obtained from in situ data in Covilhã, central PortugalPublication . Mogo, Sandra; Cachorro, Victoria; de Frutos, Ángel M; Rodrigues, A.A field campaign was conducted from October 2009 to July 2010 at Covilhã, a small town located in the region of Beira Interior (Portugal) in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula. The ambient light-absorption coefficient, σ(a) (522 nm), obtained from a Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP), presented a daily mean value of 12.1 Mm⁻¹ (StD = 7.3 Mm⁻¹). The wavelength dependence of aerosol light absorption is investigated through the Ångström parameter, α(a). The α(a) values for the pair of wavelengths 470-660 nm ranged from 0.86 to 1.47 during the period of measurements. The PSAP data were used to infer the mass of light absorbing carbon (LAC) and the daily mean varied from 0.1 to 6.8 μg m⁻³. A detailed study of special events with different aerosol characteristics is carried out and, to support data interpretation, air masses trajectory analysis is performed.
- Absorption coefficients of aerosols obtained from in situ data in Covilhã, central PortugalPublication . Mogo, Sandra; Cachorro, Victoria; De Frutos, Ángel MSince October 2009 an aerosol measurement data set was started at Covilhã, a small town located in the region of Beira Interior (Portugal) ain the interior a of the Iberian Peninsula. a Until July 2010, the ambient light-absorption coefficient, σ (470 nm), σ (522 nm) and σ (660 nm), presented a daily mean value of 14.2Mm-1 (StD=8.6Mm-1), 12.1Mm-1 (StD=7.3Mm-1) and 9.6Mm-1 (StD=5.7Mm-1), respectively. Monthly variations and daily cycle are presented in this work.
- Acanthus mollis como fonte de compostos biologicamente ativosPublication . Marques, Mariana Ribeiro; Amaral, Maria Emília da Costa Cabral; Duarte, Ana Paula CoelhoA utilização de plantas medicinais para a prevenção o e tratamento de doenças é uma das mais antigas práticas medicinais do homem. A determinação dos constituintes bioativos de uma planta com potencial terapêutico, oferece variadíssimas oportunidades para a descoberta e desenvolvimento de novos fármacos. Neste contexto, o objetivo geral deste trabalho foi melhorar o conhecimento sobre as propriedades biológicas de extratos obtidos a partir do Acanthus mollis, L. (acanto), uma espécie sobre a qual são praticamente inexistentes estudos científicos, e a sua possível valorização como fonte de produtos naturais para uso terapêutico e/ou nutracêutico. Neste estudo avaliou-se o potencial antioxidante e citotóxico de extratos metanólicos e etanólicos de folhas e flores do acanto. Para alguns grupos de metabolitos secundários (fenóis, flavonoides e alcaloides) determinaram-se alguns dos compostos fitoquímicos, bem como, a influência do procedimento de extração, usando a extracção em Soxhlet e extração assistida por ultrassons, contemplando neste caso, o tamanho de partícula. O teor médio em fenóis totais foi avaliado pelo método do reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu; para quantificar os flavonoides totais recorreu-se ao método colorimétrico com cloreto de alumínio e o teor de alcaloides totais foi estimado pelo método do reagente de Dragendorff. A atividade antioxidante foi determinada pelo teste do 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH). A avaliação da citotoxicidade foi feita pelo teste do brometo de 3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il]-2,5-difeniltetrazólio (MTT) para a viabilidade celular e a proliferação foi analisada através do doseamento de proteínas por ácido bicinconínico (BCA). A maioria dos extratos estudados apresentam um teor significativo de metabolitos secundários (fenóis, flavonoides e alcaloides), sendo o método de extração por ultrassons o que apresentou melhores resultados, nomeadamente para o menor tamanho de partícula. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o teor em fenóis totais, variou entre 57,4 ± 7,67 e 200,5 ± 2,86 miligramas de equivalentes de ácido gálico (mg EAG) por grama de matéria seca. Os flavonoides totais e ao alcaloides apresentam teores que variam entre 13,8 ± 1,03 e 57,2 ± 2,24 miligramas de equivalentes de quercetina (mg EQ) por grama de matéria seca, e 50,4 ± 0,004 e 746,0 ± 0,03 miligramas de equivalentes de nitrato de pilocarpina (mg ENP) por grama de matéria seca. Os resultados para o índice de atividade antioxidante variaram entre 0,90 ± 0,03 e 1,61± 0,31 para os extratos, mostrando que todos eles apresentaram uma atividade antioxidante significativa. Nos estudos de citotoxicidade todos os extratos provaram ser citóxicos para células do adenocarcinoma da mama humano (MCF-7) e o extrato metanólico das flores, obtido por Soxhlet, apresenta toxicidade seletiva para estas células relativamente aos fibroblastos dérmicos normais humanos (NHDF).
- Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Extracts from Angolan Medicinal PlantsPublication . Fernandes, Nelson; Canelo, Laura; Mendonca, Dina; Mendonça, AntónioPlants are considered important sources of new chemical entities that can be used in the development of novel therapeutic drugs for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by 38 extracts from 13 medicinal plants used in Angola folk medicine are presented: Adenodolichos huillensis (roots and leaves); Boscia microphylla (leaves); Croton gratissimus (aerial part); Gymnosporia senegalensis (branches); Hymenodictyon floribundum (barks); Parinari capensis (leaves); Peucedano angolense (aerial part); Phragmanthera glaucocarpa (roots); Rhus kirkii (leaves); Solanecio mannii (branches); Solanum incanum (fruit); Tinnea antiscorbutica (aerial part) and Xylopia odoratissima (leaves). TLC bioautographic assay and Ellman’s method were used. The best results for IC50 were obtained with the toluene extract of B. microphylla leaves (0.55 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and the methanol extract of G. senegalensis branches (0.30 ± 0.00 mg/mL). The aqueous extract of the leaves of P. capensis also demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in the two methods used. In conclusion, the medicinal plants P. capensis, B. microphylla and G. senegalensis represent promising sources of natural compounds with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties.
- Acid sulfite pretreatment in the enzymatic hydrolysis of Cytisus striatus: optimization strategyPublication . Vaz, Álvaro; Gomes, Tânia; Simões, RogérioEthanol production from lignocellulosic material includes three major steps: biomass pretreatment, which fragments the lignocellulosic matrix to facilitate the enzymes access to the substrate; hydrolysis, where the polysaccharides are converted into fermentable sugars (e.g. glucose and xylose); and finally, fermentation that produces ethanol or other biologically based chemicals (e.g. lactic acid, succinic acid). The aim of the present work was to study the effect of some operative variables of the pretreatment stage, namely sodium hydrogen sulfite and sulfuric acid loadings, temperature and time, on the release of sugars in the enzymatic hydrolysis of Cytisus striatus, performed applying a Novozymes® cocktail, with fixed charges and operating conditions. Wood branches were chipped and submitted to different reaction conditions, with a central composite experimental design 2^4+star, exploring the following variables: sulfuric acid charge (0-3%, on wood), sodium bisulfite charge (0-4 %, on wood), maximum temperature (150-190ºC) and time at maximum temperature (0-30 minutes). After pretreatment, the acid hydrolysates were recovered, the solid residues were mechanically disintegrated and thereafter subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with an enzymatic cocktail from Novozymes®. Sugars and by-products released in the sulphite pretreatment and enzymatic treatment hydrolysates were analyzed by HPLC.