University of Lisbon

About: University of Lisbon is a education organization based out in Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & European union. The organization has 19122 authors who have published 48503 publications receiving 1102623 citations. The organization is also known as: Universidade de Lisboa & Lisbon University.

Health-related quality-of-life scales in Parkinson's disease: critique and recommendations.

Abstract: Health-related quality of life is an im- portant patient-reported outcome used in intervention tri- als and for monitoring the consequences of health status on physical, mental, and social domains. Parkinson's dis- ease is a complex disorder that strongly affects patients' quality of life. Several health-related quality of life tools have been used in Parkinson's disease. A Movement Disorder Society Task Force was commissioned to rate the psychometric quality of available health-related qual- ity of life scales as applied to Parkinson's disease. Fol- lowing the methodology adopted by previous work of the Movement Disorder Society Task Force, a review of generic and specific health-related quality of life scales applied in studies on Parkinson's disease was com- pleted. Considering the scales from 3 perspectives—use in Parkinson's disease, use by multiple research groups, and clinimetric properties—a final classification as ''rec- ommended,'' ''suggested,'' or ''listed'' was applied to each reviewed instrument. Four generic scales (EuroQoL, Nottingham Health Profile, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and Sickness Impact Profile) and 5 specific scales (39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, Par- kinson's Disease Questionnaire Short Form, Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Parkinson's Impact Scale, and Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease- Psychosocial) reached the level of ''recommended.'' The 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire is the most thoroughly tested and applied questionnaire. Three other generic measures (Quality of Life Questionnaire 15D, Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life- Direct Weighting, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Short Version) and the specific Parkin- son's Disease Quality of Life Scale are ''suggested.'' With a little additional effort in completing the stipulated require- ments, they could reach the ''recommended'' level. At present there is a wide variety of health-related quality of life measures for application in the Parkinson's disease setting, and the task force does not recommend the devel- opment of a new scale. Selection of the most appropriate instrument for a particular objective requires consideration of the characteristics of each scale and the goals of the assessment. V C 2011 Movement Disorder Society

Supersymmetry Parameter Analysis: SPA Convention and Project

Abstract: High-precision analyses of supersymmetry parameters aim at reconstructing the fundamental supersymmetric theory and its breaking mechanism. A well defined theoretical framework is needed when higher-order corrections are included. We propose such a scheme, Supersymmetry Parameter Analysis SPA, based on a consistent set of conventions and input parameters. A repository for computer programs is provided which connect parameters in different schemes and relate the Lagrangian parameters to physical observables at LHC and high energy e+e- linear collider experiments, i.e., masses, mixings, decay widths and production cross sections for supersymmetric particles. In addition, programs for calculating high-precision low energy observables, the density of cold dark matter (CDM) in the universe as well as the cross sections for CDM search experiments are included. The SPA scheme still requires extended efforts on both the theoretical and experimental side before data can be evaluated in the future at the level of the desired precision. We take here an initial step of testing the SPA scheme by applying the techniques involved to a specific supersymmetry reference point.

Search for direct third-generation squark pair production in final states with missing transverse momentum and two b-jets in √s = 8 TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector

Abstract: The results of a search for pair production of supersymmetric partners of the Standard Model third-generation quarks are reported. This search uses 20.1 fb-1 of pp collisions at sqrt{s}=8 TeV collected by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The lightest bottom and top squarks (b1 and t1 respectively) are searched for in a final state with large missing transverse momentum and two jets identified as originating from b-quarks. No excess of events above the expected level of Standard Model background is found. The results are used to set upper limits on the visible cross section for processes beyond the Standard Model. Exclusion limits at the 95% confidence level on the masses of the third-generation squarks are derived in phenomenological supersymmetric R-parity-conserving models in which either the bottom or the top squark is the lightest squark. The b1 is assumed to decay via b1->b chi0 and the t via t1->b chipm, with undetectable products of the subsequent decay of the chipm due to the small mass splitting between the chipm and the chi0.

Biomass combustion systems: A review on the physical and chemical properties of the ashes

Abstract: Biomass as an energy source contributes to a decrease in the dependence on imported fossil fuels, while at the same time, adding value to the countries where biomass fuel sources thrive, in addition to providing a source of renewable energy. Knowledge of the behaviour of fuel is essential in order to design and operate equipment safely and efficiently. In particular, knowledge about mineral content is essential because the ashes play an important role in the dynamics of the generation system. Through knowledge of the chemical composition and physical properties of the ashes, it is possible to predict the tendency to form deposits in the boiler components, as well as their potential to cause corrosion, erosion and abrasion. The behaviour of the ashes in the system is highly dependent on fuel, particularly when it comes from industrial waste or energy crops. These fuels have a higher mineral content, particularly sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorous (P) and chloride (Cl). They also have higher ash content with a low melting point and high corrosion potential. This paper focuses on the characteristics of the ashes derived from the combustion of biomass, with particular attention paid to the chemical transformations at high temperatures, as well as its effect on the combustion equipment. Emphasis is placed on the potential problems that occur when biomass-burning technologies are used for energy crops, in order to avoid catastrophic failures. It concludes with recommendations for the management, control and prevention of problems associated with ash.