Browsing by Author "Sampaio, A."
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- Adding Value to Tannery Fleshings Part I – Oils and Protein Hydrolysates – Production and ApplicationPublication . Bragança, I.; Crispim, Alfredo; Sampaio, A.; Ramalho, Elisa; Crispim, F.; Caetano, Nídia; Silva, P. C.The tanning industry generates a high quantity of solid wastes. Therefore, there is a need to create valorization [added value] options for these wastes. The present work had as its main objective creating added value by production of fat and hydrolyzed protein. To this end, fleshings were treated by hydrolysis with regard to the influence of various factors. The best result was found for a temperature of 60°C, 4 hours of hydrolysis, 2% of enzyme and 100% of water, with a fat extraction yield of 93%. The fat obtained through the hydrolysis process was used to produce sulphated oils. The protein hydrolysate was concentrated to about 40% of solids content and used to prepare co-products of protein hydrolysate and glutaraldehyde. Sulphated oils were applied in leather fatliquoring and the different protein hydrolysates were tested in leather retannage. The leather samples obtained were evaluated by physical-mechanical tests and the results were compared to those obtained through a standard process. The results were very satisfactory and, in some cases better than the specified standard. The process of adding value to this waste results in a double advantage for the leather industry, reducing the environmental impact and allowing production of alternative products for leather fatliquoring and retannage.
- The day after binge: Electrophysiological correlates of attention and working memory processing the day after hazardous alcohol intakePublication . Rodrigues, R.; López-Caneda, E.; Antunes, Natália Almeida; Sampaio, A.; Crego, A.Binge drinking (BD) is a prevalent pattern of alcohol consumption among young adults, with significant cognitive and neural implications. While its long-term effects on executive function and memory have been widely studied, less is known about the short-term consequences of the hangover state. This study investigates the impact of BD and alcohol hangover on working memory and attention. Fifty-two university students (24 Binge drinkers [BDs]; 28 control) participated in an EEG-based continuous performance task (CPT). BD participants were assessed on a non-drinking day and during hangover state, while controls completed a single assessment. The P3 and late positive component (LPC) event-related potentials were analyzed to examine attentional and memory-related processes. While no significant behavioral differences were observed, neurophysiological analyses revealed altered cognitive processing associated with both the long-term consequences of BD behavior and its short-term effects (i.e., during the hangover state). Specifically, during hangover, BDs P3 and LPC amplitudes were significantly reduced in both conditions, indicating impairments in attentional resource allocation and memory processing. In contrast, BDs exhibited larger LPC amplitudes for both conditions on a non-drinking day than controls, suggesting the engagement of compensatory neural mechanisms. Additionally, in the hangover state, reduced P3 correlated with increased alcohol craving, while lower LPC amplitudes in hangover state were associated with greater alcohol intake during BD episode in the preceding day. These findings highlight acute neurocognitive disruptions during hangover and give emphasis to the concerning cumulative impact of repeated BD episodes long-term.
- Using SysML in systems designPublication . Costa, T.; Sampaio, A.; Alves, Gustavo R.System of systems involves several secondary systems working together with its creation gathering the knowledge of several distinct disciplines and teams, each one with their own background and methods, leading to a difficult communication between them. SysML, a language originated from UML, enables that communication, without background interference, with the use of a rich notation for systems design. This paper analyzes its use through the experience gained in the design of a chemical system with SysML.