Luís Mauro Moura

Exergetic analysis of glucose metabolism

The aim of this work is to analyse exergetically the glucose metabolism, which involves the steps of Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle and the Oxidative Phosphorylation. In order to achieve these goals, a methodology for the exergetic analysis of metabolism is presented. The exergy value of the metabolic compounds takes into account the compounds concentration in the environment, ionic dissociations, metal compounds formation, ionic forces and electric potential. The electric potential represents an important aspect and must be considered in any exergetic analysis. Reactions are presented in chemical form, which also considers the charge equilibrium. Results are presented in the standard thermodynamic condition and one of them considers the cellular environmental pH and ionic force.

Development of a Calorimeter for Evaluating Thermal Performance of Evaporators

It is presented in this work a prototype of calorimeter developed to evaluate the thermal performance of fin-and-tube evaporators under steady-state conditions. The calorimeter determines the heat rate absorbed by the evaporator, providing qualitative analysis of performance for a given geometry. The calorimeter domain represents the cooling compartment of household refrigerators because it is closed and does not change neither energy nor mass air (humidity). Like consequence, there is a tendency in dehumidifying the ambient. Parameters such as refrigerant mass flow and evaporation temperature can also be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to establish favorable conditions in order to test evaporating heat exchangers. Results of evaporator performance in terms of heat fluxes and overall heat transfer coefficient (UA) are presented and discussed as well.Copyright

Modelo mecânico para simulação do condicionamento pulmonar do ar respirado

OBJECTIVE: To create a mechanical model that could be regulated to simulate the conditioning of inspired and expired air with the same normal values of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity as those of the respiratory system of a healthy young man on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Using several types of materials, a mechanical device was built and regulated using normal values of vital capacity, tidal volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and gas temperature in the system. The device was submitted to mechanical ventilation for a period of 29.8 min. The changes in the temperature of the air circulating in the system were recorded every two seconds. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the data collected revealed that the device was approximately as efficient in the conditioning of air as is the respiratory system of a human being. CONCLUSION: By the study endpoint, we had developed a mechanical device capable of simulating the conditioning of air in the respiratory tract. The device mimics the conditions of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity seen in the respiratory system of healthy individuals.OBJECTIVE To create a mechanical model that could be regulated to simulate the conditioning of inspired and expired air with the same normal values of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity as those of the respiratory system of a healthy young man on mechanical ventilation. METHODS Using several types of materials, a mechanical device was built and regulated using normal values of vital capacity, tidal volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and gas temperature in the system. The device was submitted to mechanical ventilation for a period of 29.8 min. The changes in the temperature of the air circulating in the system were recorded every two seconds. RESULTS The statistical analysis of the data collected revealed that the device was approximately as efficient in the conditioning of air as is the respiratory system of a human being. CONCLUSION By the study endpoint, we had developed a mechanical device capable of simulating the conditioning of air in the respiratory tract. The device mimics the conditions of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity seen in the respiratory system of healthy individuals.