University of Coimbra

About: University of Coimbra is a education organization based out in Coimbra, Portugal. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Mitochondrion. The organization has 14318 authors who have published 43067 publications receiving 994733 citations. The organization is also known as: UC & Universidade dos Estudos Gerais.

Geoconservation as an Emerging Geoscience

Abstract: The main purpose of geoconservation is the conservation of geosites as basic units of the geological heritage through the implementation of specific inventory, evaluation, conservation, valuation and monitoring procedures. In this paper, geoconservation is characterised as an emergent geoscience within the Earth and Space Sciences where its scope and methods, as well as production and validation of knowledge can be recognised–thus defining Basic Geoconservation–, interrelations with other earth sciences can be established–thus supporting Applied Geoconservation–, and Technical Applications of Geoconservation can be identified through the production of materials, methods and/or scientific services useful to society, namely geoeducation. Promoting scientific education relevant to sustainable development requires new educational approaches involving the Earth Sciences, namely through geoconservation, in order to provide citizens with tools to face environmental problems, such as those arising from the depletion of geological resources—which seriously threaten the geological heritage of the Earth—and the information, skills and will make forward-looking choices, like supporting the legal protection of Natural Monuments and/or the implementation of geotourism (including geoparks).

Comparison of 1D/1D and 1D/2D Coupled (Sewer/Surface) Hydraulic Models for Urban Flood Simulation

Abstract: Recent developments in flood modeling have led to the concept of coupled (sewer/surface) hydraulic models. In this paper two coupled models are examined; a one-dimensional (1D) sewer model coupled with a 1D surface network model (1D/1D) and a 1D sewer model coupled with a two-dimensional (2D) surface flow model (1D/2D). Flow over the terrain is better modeled by 2D models, whereas in confined channels 1D models provide a good approximation with less computational effort. This paper presents a comparison of the simulation results of 1D/1D model and a 1D/2D model. The methodology adopted for setting up the models is outlined and explained in detail as well as the 1D/1D modeling techniques used for reproducing the 1D/2D model results. The surface flow comparison clarifies the limitations of the 1D/1D model and indicates that the definition of the surface pathways, the linking elements sewer/surface, and inclusion of virtual manholes are key factors for setting up a more accurate 1D/1D model.

Amniotic membrane: from structure and functions to clinical applications

Abstract: Amniotic membrane (AM) or amnion is a thin membrane on the inner side of the fetal placenta; it completely surrounds the embryo and delimits the amniotic cavity, which is filled by amniotic liquid. In recent years, the structure and function of the amnion have been investigated, particularly the pluripotent properties of AM cells, which are an attractive source for tissue transplantation. AM has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immunological characteristics, as well as anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic features. AM is a promoter of epithelialization and is a non-tumorigenic tissue and its use has no ethical problems. Because of its attractive properties, AM has been applied in several surgical procedures related to ocular surface reconstruction and the genito-urinary tract, skin, head and neck, among others. So far, the best known and most auspicious applications of AM are ocular surface reconstruction, skin applications and tissue engineering. However, AM can also be applied in oncology. In this area, AM can prevent the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cancer cells and consequently interfere with tumour angiogenesis, growth and metastasis.

An Energy-Stored Quasi-Z-Source Inverter for Application to Photovoltaic Power System

Abstract: The quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) with battery operation can balance the stochastic fluctuations of photovoltaic (PV) power injected to the grid/load, but its existing topology has a power limitation due to the wide range of discontinuous conduction mode during battery discharge. This paper proposes a new topology of the energy-stored qZSI to overcome this disadvantage. The operating characteristic of the proposed solution is analyzed in detail and compared to that of the existing topology. Two strategies are proposed with the related design principles to control the new energy-stored qZSI when applied to the PV power system. They can control the inverter output power, track the PV panel's maximum power point, and manage the battery power, simultaneously. The voltage boost and inversion, and energy storage are integrated in a single-stage inverter. An experimental prototype is built to test the proposed circuit and the two discussed control methods. The obtained results verify the theoretical analysis and prove the effectiveness of the proposed control of the inverter's input and output powers and battery power regardless of the charging or discharging situation. A real PV panel is used in the grid-tie test of the proposed energy-stored qZSI, which demonstrates three operational modes suitable for application in the PV power system.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normative study for the Portuguese population

Abstract: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief cognitive screening instrument with good psychometric features and an excellent sensitivity in the early detection of mild cognitive decline. The MoCA was applied to a community-based sample of cognitively healthy adults (n = 650), stratified according to sociodemographic variables (age, gender, educational level, geographic region, geographic localization, and residence area), with a distribution similar to that observed in the Portuguese population. The normative data were determined according to age and education as these were the sociodemographic variables that most significantly contributed to the prediction of the MoCA scores, explaining 49% of their variance.