Comparison of Disposable Pipette Extraction and Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction in the QuEChERS Method for Analysis of Pesticides in Strawberries

In this study, we sought to assess the applicability of GC–MS/MS for the identification and quantification of 36 pesticides in strawberry from integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming (OF). Citrate versions of QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) and disposable pipette extraction (DPX) for cleanup were compared for pesticide extraction. For cleanup, a combination of MgSO4, primary secondary amine and C18 was used for both the versions. Significant differences were observed in recovery results between the two sample preparation versions (DPX and d-SPE). Overall, 86% of the pesticides achieved recoveries (three spiking levels 10, 50 and 200 µg/kg) in the range of 70–120%, with <13% RSD. The matrix effects were also evaluated in both the versions and in strawberries from different crop types. Although not evidencing significant differences between the two methodologies were observed, however, the DPX cleanup proved to be a faster technique and easy to execute. The results indicate that QuEChERS with d-SPE and DPX and GC–MS/MS analysis achieved reliable quantification and identification of 36 pesticide residues in strawberries from OF and IPM.

Pulmonary manifestations in the initial phase of schistosomiasis mansoni

The clinical and radiological pulmonary manifestations in the initial phase of schistosomiasis mansoni were studied in thirty previously healthy individuals who were simultaneously infected. The findings were compared with those concerning a control group and related to possible pathogenetic factors. The respiratory manifestations were of light or of moderate intensity, the dry cough being the most common symptom. The significant radiological alterations were: thickening of bronchial walls and beaded micronodulation, predominantly localized in the lower pulmonary fields. It was observed significant association between wheezing and IgE levels, estimated by the area of immediate intradermal reaction, as well as between the number of blood eosinophils and the occurrence of radiological changes. Moreover, there was correlation between the worm burden and the presence of wheezing, thoracic pain and beaded micronodulation. Thus, the clinical and radiological pulmonary manifestations described are significant part of the initial phase of schistosomiasis mansoni and present the worm burden, eosinophilia and levels of IgE as probable pathogenetic factors.

Egg excretion in the initial phase of experimental murine schistosomiasis mansoni: stability and association with worm burden

Stability of faecal egg excretion and correlation with results related to worm burden at the initial phase of schistosomiasis mansoni were observed in two groups of mice infected with different Schistosoma mansoni cercarial burdens, by means of analysis of quantitative parasitological studies and schistosome counts after perfusion. Thus, it may be stated that few quantitative parasitological stool examinations could be sufficient to express the infection intensity at the initial phase, on the same grounds that it was already demonstrated at the chronic phase. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the use of the number of eggs passed in the faeces as a tool to estimate the worm burden at the initial phase of schistosome infection is adequate.

Tectónica da região de Sintra

Photo-interpretation of aerial stereopairs of the Sintra region on the approx. 1/32 000 scale together with field work allowed the production of the present Tectonic Map of the Sintra region. It is now possible to separate structures which resulted from two different tectonic events: one, corresponding to the intrusion of the Late Cretaceous Sintra igneous diapir, and the other the Miocene compressive event, the most important tectonic inversion phase of the Lusitanian Basin. The former are present to the south, southeast and east of the intrusion and within the intrusion itself, affecting the peripheral granites and their contacts with the gabbro-syenite core. These structures comprehend: i) faults and conical fractures striking parallel to the massif boundary, which were intruded by dykes, ii) vertical faults and fractures of two conjugate sets, dextral NNW-SSE and sinistral NNE-SSW. These faults are certainly associated with the E-W striking massif's northwards directed thrust and indicate a N-S oriented horizontal maximum compressive stress. The Miocene compressive event reactivated most of the inherited structures as follows. The NNWSSE faults located on the Sintra southern platform were reactivated as dextral strike slip faults and the E-W thrust along the northern boundary of the massif was also reactivated. This thrust propagated to the east. It also enhanced the asymmetry of the rim-syncline, uplifted the massif and reactivated the NNE-SSW faults as sinistral lateral ramps, which also accommodated vertical throw. The present Tectonic Map of Sintra together with the available geophysical data (MOREIRA, 1984, KULLBERG et al., 1991, SILVA & MIRANDA, 1994) allowed reassessment of the models proposed for the emplacement of the Sintra, Sines and Monchique igneous massifs, which intruded during Late Cretaceous times along the deep dextral NNW-SSE oriented strike slip fault (RIBEIRO et al., 1979; TERRINHA, 1998; TERRINHA & KULLBERG, 1998).

Anemia de células falciformes na idade pediátrica : contribuição para o estudo das suas principais complicações e indicadores de prognóstico

RESMO: Introdução: A anemia de células falciformes doença hereditária, com repercussão multi-orgânica, tem grande variabilidade na sua expressão clínica. Daí o interesse do estudo de indicadores de prognóstico. A investigação realizada foi precedida de um resumo histórico incidindo sobre a compreensão de aspectos fundamentais da doença ao longo dos tempos. Na primeira parte do estudo e após revisão bibliográfica, foram referidos dados da fisiopatologia como base para os estudos que integram a presente dissertação. Abordou-se o estado da arte relativamente às complicações, aos indicadores de prognóstico e à terapêutica utilizada. Objectivos: Constituíram objectivos deste estudo realizado numa amostra populacional representativa: identificar as lesões a nível dos sistemas cardio-respiratório e nervoso central, avaliando-se as respectivas repercussões; avaliar a presença de indicadores de prognóstico entre as variáveis seleccionadas; estudar a eficácia e toxicidade da HU nos doentes com as formas graves da ACF. Para a prossecução destes objectivos foram delineados para além do estudo global três estudos específicos: Estudo 1- repercussão no sistema cardio-respiratório; Estudo 2- repercussão no sistema nervoso central; Estudo 3- terapêutica com hidroxiureia. Doentes e métodos: Procedeu-se a um estudo prospectivo e multi-institucional durante um período de três anos tendo-se seleccionado para a amostra, e de acordo com critérios pré-definidos, 30 doentes com ACF na fase estável da doença, com idades compreendidas entre os sete e os 18 anos, todos de origem africana à excepção de um caucasiano. O diagnóstico baseou-se em técnicas de electroforese e estudo molecular que definiu o genotipo da doença e a presença da delecção da -talassémia assim como os haplotipos da amostra populacional. Foram utilizadas diferentes metodologias para avaliar a existência de lesão pulmonar e cerebral. Através do estudo estatístico foram seleccionadas diversas variáveis como hipotéticos indicadores de prognóstico. Estudo 1. Para determinar a existência de lesão a nível pulmonar usaram-se duas metodologias diferentes, a avaliação da função pulmonar com estudo da saturação da Hb em O2 no sangue arterial e a tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução. Estudou-se também a possível disfunção cardíaca como repercussão da lesão pulmonar, através do ecocardiograma, e os indicadores de prognóstico com significado estatístico para a lesão encontrada. Estudo 2. O desenho deste estudo foi sobreponível ao anterior, mas com metodologia adequada para o SNC. Procedeu-se ao estudo das lesões cerebrais por meio de exames imagiológicos, (RMN-CE e DTC) e de testes psicológicos. Correlacionaram-se as três metodologias utilizadas e a importância de cada uma para a decisão de atitudes terapêuticas preventivas. Estudo 3. Consistiu num estudo aberto prospectivo não controlado com nove crianças e adolescentes com formas graves de ACF, com o objectivo de avaliar a eficácia da terapêutica com hidroxiureia, durante um período de 24 meses. Todos os doentes completaram no mínimo 15 meses de terapêutica, com uma dose final média de 194 mg/K/dia. Resultados globais: Durante o período anterior à investigação caracterizou-se a amostra populacional estudada quanto ao fenotipo genético, clínico e hematológico de acordo com os critérios utilizados por outros investigadores. Verificou-se: predomínio do haplotipo Bantu na forma homozigótica em 53% dos doentes; número total de EVO ≥3/ano em 87,5% dos doentes; crises de sequestração em 18,75%; dactilites no primeiro ano de vida em 31,2%; quadro de sépsis grave apenas num doente; crises de hiper-hemólise em 50%; e STA em 59,38% dos doentes. Quanto ao fenotipo hematológico evidenciaram-se como factores de risco reticulocitose (13,1x103/l) e hiperbilirrubinémia (2,5 mg/dl) e como factores de bom prognóstico a presença de delecção de um gene da -talassémia em 46,9% dos doentes e valor médio de Hb 8,1 g/dl. Resultados dos estudos parcelares: Estudo 1. Deste estudo infere-se que a DPR ligeira foi diagnosticada em 70% dos doentes, uma vez que as alterações da difusão não foram estatisticamente significativas, o estudo dos gases no sangue não evidenciaram resultados anormais e a TCAR evidenciou alterações em 43,3% dos doentes. Apenas num doente se verificou doença pulmonar obstrutiva relacionada com maior número da STA.O estudo da disfunção cardíaca encontrada em 86,7% dos doentes não reflecte a repercussão da DPR a nível cardíaco, podendo estar associada às alterações fisiopatológicas da própria anemia crónica. Encontraram-se indicadores de prognóstico hematológicos e clínicos. Entre os primeiros, valores de Hb ≥8,5 g/dl e de HbF ≥13% foram considerados indicadores de bom prognóstico para a lesão pulmonar. Em relação aos parâmetros clínicos, as STA não foram consideradas indicadoras de prognóstico para a DPR ao contrário do que se verificou com o número de EVO. Pela análise dos parâmetros genéticos e socio-económicos provou-se a ausência de relação estatisticamente significativa com lesão pulmonar. Estudo 2. Pela RMN-CE foram diagnosticados ES em 33,3% com uma localização preferencial na substância branca profunda em 26,6% dos doentes. Relativamente aos parâmetros hematológicos seleccionados, o valor médio da HbF 8,6% constituíu um indicador de bom prognóstico para o aparecimento de ES, enquanto o valor médio de leucócitos 12.39x103/μl foi considerado um indicador de mau prognóstico. No estudo do DTC apenas um doente apresentou aumento da velocidade do fluxo cerebral na ACM igual a 196 cm/segundos, associado a vasculopatia grave. Os testes psicológicos alterados em 80% dos doentes mostraram ser o método mais sensível para detectar alterações do neurodesenvolvimento, mas sem correlação com os ES em 10% dos doentes. Realça-se a baixa percentagem de DTC patológicos encontrados neste estudo em relação ao número elevado de ES e de testes psicológicos alterados, não se verificando concordância entre os três exames. Dos indicadores de prognóstico estudados a -talassémia foi considerada um factor de protecção para o coeficiente de inteligência da escala de Wechsler. Em relação a parâmetros clínicos estudados os doentes com maior número de EVO, tem em média valores inferiores nos testes psicológicos. Estudo 3. Neste estudo verificou-se que o valor médio da HbF aumentou significativamente de 7,0±4% para 13,7±5,3% (p=0,028) ao fim de 15 meses de terapêutica com hidroxiureia. Clinicamente todos os doentes responderam significativamente com uma redução de 80% no número de EVO, 69% no número de internamentos, 76% no número de dias de hospitalização e 67% no número de transfusões. Deste modo comprovou-se não só a eficácia desta terapêutica neste grupo pediátrico como também a falta de efeitos secundários significativos. Considera-se a necessidade de estudos mais prolongados e em grande séries, para com segurança se usar a HU antes que a lesão orgânica se estabeleça, portanto logo nos primeiros anos de vida. Conclusão: Na amostra populacional estudada foram evidenciadas lesões pulmonares e cerebrais na grande maioria dos doentes que condicionaram a sua qualidade de vida. Foram identificados indicadores de prognóstico que poderão eventualmente ditar medidas terapêuticas precoces com o objectivo de diminuir a morbilidade e a mortalidade neste grupo etário. Demonstrou-se que a terapêutica com a HU foi eficaz e bem tolerada----------ABSTRACT: Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA), a hereditary disease characterized by pain and lifetime multi-organic lesion, is a challenge for all that work with carriers of this disease. The clinical expression variability of SCA is a constant reality and a problem to be solved in the current world of investigation, for which the knowledge of prognostic indicators responsible for the different aspects of clinical evolution diversity wiil be an added value. The study is preceded by a historical summary of the most important factors in the evolution of SCA, which are in themselves, an incentive for future research. In the first part of the study, after an extensive bibliographical revision, physiopathology data is referred to in general and specifically regarding the target organs, that constituted the base for the studies presented in the dissertation. The state of the art for the complications to be studied, the choice of prognostic indicators and the therapeutics application, were approached for the renewed interest in the theme. Aims: In regard to the investigation, the objective was to study the lesions in the most affected organs of a chosen pediatric group, to investigate prognostic indicators for lung and cerebral lesions and to evaluate the protective effect of hydroxyurea in children with severe outcomes. Patients and methods: A prospective and multi-institutional study was carried out during a three-year period, February 1998 to March 2001, with children and adolescents followed up at a Immunohematology Outpatient Clinic of Dona Estefânia's Hospital, Lisbon. Based in predefined criteria, 30 children with SCA were selected in a stable phase of the disease, aged from seven to 18 years old, all of whom were of African origin with exception of one who was Caucasian. The diagnosis was based on electrophoresis techniques and molecular study that allowed to define the genotype, the presence of deletional alpha-thalassemia as well as haplotypes in the population. Different methodologies were used to evaluate the existence of lung and cerebral lesion. Statistical study of the different variables selected the prognostic indicators. In Study 1, to determine the existence of lung lesion two different methodologies were used: pulmonar function study with arterial blood gases determination; and high resolution computerized tomography. Heart dysfunction as a repercussion of lung lesion was also studied through echocardiography, and prognostic indicators were statistically significant for lesions found. The design of Study 2 was similar to Study 1, but with the appropriate methodology for CNS. After neurological examination, which was normal in all patients (control group), cerebral lesions were studied with imagiologic exams (MRN-CE and TCD) and psychological tests. These three methodologies were correlated and the importance of each one in the decision of the therapeutic profilactic attitudes. Study 3 consisted of a controlled prospective open study in children with severe forms of SCA, with the aim of the evaluating therapeutic effectiveness of hydroxyurea, during a period of 24 months. Results: In the global overall study preceding the Studies 1,2 and 3, there were a prevalence of haplotype Bantu (53%) and other risk factors, namely the number of VOC (87,5%), sequestration crisis (18,75%), dactilytis in first year of life(31,2%), hyperhemolysis crisis (50%) and ATC in more than half of the patients (59,38%). This group of bad prognostic indicators, associated with the population of the lower class according to the Graffar scale, demonstrates the importance of primary health care services, information provided to the children and their relatives, as well as the interest in prophylactic therapeutics, specific screening and prenatal diagnosis. Study 1. It was evident from this study that slight RPD was diagnosed in 70% of the patients, because alterations of the diffusion had no statistical significance and arterial blood gases determinations were normal. Only one patient had restrictive lung disease related with numerous ACS. However ACS was not considered a prognostic indicator for RPD, contrary to the number of EVO. HRTC revealed discreet fibrotic lines that could be related with slight RPD, but the lack of correlation of these two exams (33%) supports the value of lung function tests for precocious diagnosis of RPD. Heart dysfunction was found in 86,7% of patients, does not reflect the repercussion of RPD, but with the physiopathology of chronic anemia. Hematologic and clinical prognostic indicators were found. Good prognostic indicators for the non-evolution of RPD with average Hb values of ≥ 8,5 g/dl and average HbF values of ≥13%, respectively. The genetic and social-economic factors had no statistical significance; nevertheless, they were more prevalent among Bantu haplotype (53,3%) in patients with RPD. Study 2. RMN-CE detected SI in 33,3% of the patients, with preferential location in deep white substance in 26,6% and in front lobe in 20%. This distribution can be related to structural aspects of the brain and with the high sensibility of this organ to hypoxia. From the hematological parameters selected, average HbF value 8,6% and average leucocyte count 12.39x103/μl were prognostic indicators with different meaning to SI. The increase in the total bilirubin related to hyperhemolysis clinically explains the genesis of SI In the TCD study, only one patient had increased cerebral flow speed >196 cm/sec in CMA, which corresponded to serious vasculopathy in AngioMR. This patient never present previously neurological symptoms and had several hyperhemolysis crisis and VOC as risk factors. Low percentage of pathological TCD in this study, in relation to the high number of SI and altered tests, although without correlation among the three exams, is probably attributed to factors related to the methodology, aspects of cerebral physiopathology or perhaps a sign of good prognostic if the duration of study had not been so short. TCD should be used as a screening method in the age groups with higher risk of AVC and should never be considered separately in prophylactic therapeutics indication. Psychological tests were the most sensitive method to detect neurodevelopment impairment; in 80% of patients the neuropsychologics tests were altered, but without correlation with SI (10%). Since SI can become evident during the first two years of life and develop with time, the first psychological tests should be carried out between 3 and 5 years of age to timely be referred to special education and stimulation programs. Prognostic indicators to psychological tests were also found: alpha-thalassemia was found to be a protection factor of the IQ, just as other hematologic factors (hematocrit, MGCV and erythrocytes count). In relation to clinical parameters, although without statistical significance, patients with larger number of VOC had average lower scores versus the average in tests, except in TP. Results from different studies were conclusive as to the type of lesion found and the importance of prognostic indicators. Study 3. All the patients completed a minimum of 15 months therapeutic treatment with the final average daily dose of 19±4 mg/kg/day. The average value of the fetal hemoglobin increased significantly from 7,0±3,9% to 13,7±5,3% (p=0.028). The HbF average values increased from 6% to 15% after 15 months of therapeutic treatment. Clinically there was a reduction of 80% in the number of VOE , 69% in the number of hospitalization, 76% in the number of days of hospitalization and 67% in the number of transfusions. Once again the effectiveness of this treatment in this pediatric group, as well as the lack of any significant secondary effects, was evident. The study confirms the need for further detailed research in order to safely effect the appropriate treatment prior to the development of organic lesions, which ideally should be in the first year of life. Conclusions: These results allow us to clarify the importance of either pulmonary lesions or either nervous central system impairment among patients, children and adolescents, with sickle cell anemia. These lesions were demonstrated in most of the patients studied compromising their quality of life and the mortality. The treatment with HU is proved to be effective and having low toxicity.

Dot-ELISA for the detection of anti-Cysticercus cellulosae antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid using a new solid phase (resin-treated polyester fabric) and Cysticercus longicollis antigens

A dot-ELISA was developed for the detection of antibodies in CSF in the immunologic diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis, using antigen extracts of the membrane and scolex of Cysticercus cellulosae (M+S-Cc) and, alternately, membrane (M) and vesicular fluid (VF) of Cysticercus longicollis (Cl) covalently bound to a new solid phase consisting of polyester fabric treated with N-methylol-acrylamide resin (dot-RT). The test was performed at room temperature, with reduced incubation times and with no need for special care in the manipulation of the support. The sensitivity rates obtained were 95.1% for antigen Cc and 97.6% for antigen Cl. Specificity was 90.6% when Cc was used, and 96.9% and 100% when M-Cl and VF-Cl were used, respectively. No significant differences in titer were observed between tests carried out with homologous and heterologous antigens. The low cost and easy execution of the dot-RT test using antigen extracts of Cysticercus longicollis indicate the test for use in the immunodiagnosis of human neurocysticercosis.

Polyvinyl alcohol-glutaraldehyde as solid-phase in Elisa for Schistosomiasis

Soluble adult Schistosoma mansoni antigen preparation (SWAP) was covalently fixed onto polyvinyl alcohol-glutaraldehyde discs and an enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was set up. The best conditions for the assay were established and it was found that small amount of antigen such as 1.5 µg was required. A comparison between this procedure and the conventional ELISA was proceeded. A reliable method of antigen immobilization was achieved and the low prices of the employed reagents are economically attractive

Ventilação de locais afetos a serviços técnicos elétricos

A correta ventilação de locais afetos a serviços técnicos elétricos, nomeadamente postos de transformação e salas de grupos geradores, reveste-se de extrema importância como garantia da continuidade e qualidade do serviço prestado, durabilidade dos materiais e equipamentos e da segurança das instalações e utilizadores. A ventilação dos locais afetos a serviços técnicos elétricos pode ser natural ou mecânica, dependendo das suas caraterísticas e das necessidades de ar para ventilação e combustão, quando aplicável. Os técnicos responsáveis pelo projeto de instalações elétricas não detém, em regra, um conhecimento muito profundo sobre este tema, sendo os seus projetos realizados com base em especificações e metodologias gerais disponibilizadas pelos fabricantes e comercializadores dos materiais e equipamentos. O projeto de uma solução de ventilação para um local afeto a serviços técnicos eléctricos exige o conhecimento de todos os ganhos térmicos no interior do espaço, o conhecimento das soluções técnicas e tecnológicas de ventilação bem como as metodologias de dimensionamento aplicáveis a cada situação. Sendo a fase de projeto elétrico, em regra, uma atividade com prazos apertados, pode conduzir ao menosprezar de certos aspetos particulares que carecem de investigação e tempo para serem desenvolvidos, o que pode resultar em projetos e mapas de quantidades que apresentam desvios da solução ideal para o cliente, podendo resultar em investimentos mais elevados, quer na fase de execução, quer na fase de exploração das instalações. Neste sentido, pretendeu-se com o presente trabalho, tratar o tema da ventilação de locais afetos a serviços técnicos, atendendo ao enquadramento normativo e regulamentar das instalações, às soluções técnicas e tecnológicas disponíveis no mercado e às metodologias de dimensionamento, apresentadas pelos documentos normativos e regulamentares. Pretendeu-se também desenvolver uma ferramenta informática de auxilio ao dimensionamento das soluções de ventilação de locais afetos a serviços técnicas eléctricos destinados a postos de transformação e grupos geradores de modo a reduzir o tempo normalmente exigido por esta tarefa, o que se traduzirá numa maior rentabilidade do tempo de projeto, assim como a normalizar as soluções apresentadas e minimizar a probabilidade de erro do dimensionamento das soluções, reduzindo assim a probabilidade de gastos em “trabalhos a mais” provenientes de erros em projeto, poupança em materiais presentes no mapa de quantidades, maior eficácia na execução da empreitada, poupança em gastos durante a exploração e desta forma numa proximidade entre as partes interessadas com o dimensionamento da ventilação do espaço técnico elétrico.

European Union emissions trading scheme impact on the Spanish electricity price during phase II and phase III implementation

The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is a cornerstone of the European Union's policy to combat climate change and its key tool for reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. The purpose of the present work is to evaluate the influence of CO2 opportunity cost on the Spanish wholesale electricity price. Our sample includes all Phase II of the EU ETS and the first year of Phase III implementation, from January 2008 to December 2013. A vector error correction model (VECM) is applied to estimate not only long-run equilibrium relations, but also short-run interactions between the electricity price and the fuel (natural gas and coal) and carbon prices. The four commodities prices are modeled as joint endogenous variables with air temperature and renewable energy as exogenous variables. We found a long-run relationship (cointegration) between electricity price, carbon price, and fuel prices. By estimating the dynamic pass-through of carbon price into electricity price for different periods of our sample, it is possible to observe the weakening of the link between carbon and electricity prices as a result from the collapse on CO2 prices, therefore compromising the efficacy of the system to reach proposed environmental goals. This conclusion is in line with the need to shape new policies within the framework of the EU ETS that prevent excessive low prices for carbon over extended periods of time.

Pseudo Phase Plane and Fractional Calculus Modelling of Western Global Economic Downturn

This paper applies Pseudo Phase Plane (PPP) and Fractional Calculus (FC) mathematical tools for modeling world economies. A challenging global rivalry among the largest international economies began in the early 1970s, when the post-war prosperity declined. It went on, up to now. If some worrying threatens may exist actually in terms of possible ambitious military aggression, invasion, or hegemony, countries’ PPP relative positions can tell something on the current global peaceful equilibrium. A global political downturn of the USA on global hegemony in favor of Asian partners is possible, but can still be not accomplished in the next decades. If the 1973 oil chock has represented the beginning of a long-run recession, the PPP analysis of the last four decades (1972–2012) does not conclude for other partners’ global dominance (Russian, Brazil, Japan, and Germany) in reaching high degrees of similarity with the most developed world countries. The synergies of the proposed mathematical tools lead to a better understanding of the dynamics underlying world economies and point towards the estimation of future states based on the memory of each time series.

The removal of xenobiotic compounds from wastewater through the use of biological processes and advanced oxidation technologies

Dissertação apresentada para obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Engenharia Química e Bioquímica pela Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Decavanadate interactions with actin: cysteine oxidation and vanadyl formation

Dalton Trans., 2009, 7985–7994

Fractional Dynamics Representation in the Pseudo Phase Plane

Proceedings of the 10th Conference on Dynamical Systems Theory and Applications

TURTLE: Systems and technologies for deep ocean long term presence

This paper describes the TURTLE project that aim to develop sub-systems with the capability of deep-sea long-term presence. Our motivation is to produce new robotic ascend and descend energy efficient technologies to be incorporated in robotic vehicles used by civil and military stakeholders for underwater operations. TURTLE contribute to the sustainable presence and operations in the sea bottom. Long term presence on sea bottom, increased awareness and operation capabilities in underwater sea and in particular on benthic deeps can only be achieved through the use of advanced technologies, leading to automation of operation, reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency of human activity.