Teresa Madeira

Multianalytical approach for the authenticity of an eighteenth-century Pascal Taskin harpsichord

This paper surveys a detailed characterization of a prestigious harpsichord brought into fashion in 1782 by Pascal Taskin. The implemented analytical methodology required the use of in situ Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) for elemental analysis of the color palette, optical and SEM imaging (SE and BSE modes) for the layered structure identification, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) for elemental composition of the inorganic compounds, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for some binders and THM-GC/MS as well for resinous layers identification. By cross-checking these data with those obtained by digital radiography, it was concluded that a true ravalement of the harpsichord was in fact undertaken and that, among more than five interventions applied to the instrument until the present day, the third one may correspond to the one performed at Pascal Taskins time.

Relativistic calculation of K-, L- and M-shell x-ray fluorescence yields for Ba

A thorough survey of the literature has shown that fluorescence yields of barium are not well covered even though they are an element of major importance in electron beam ion trap (EBIT) devices. This work is meant to contribute towards filling in this gap by presenting new relativistic calculations for the K-, L- and M-shell fluorescence yields of barium, using the Dirac–Fock (DF) approach. Our results show good agreement with previous results for the K- and L-shells. There are no theoretical or experimental references for the M-shell, making these calculations the first ones performed for this shell.

Self-Regulation of Weight After Sleeve Gastrectomy:

Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most effective method for achieving relevant weight loss in subjects with severe obesity. However, there is insufficient knowledge about weight self-regulation and quality of motivation in these patients. The main goal of this study was to characterize the association between the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and the motivation to manage weight, at least 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). This is an observational longitudinal retrospective study. All patients corresponding to predefined inclusion criteria who underwent SG from January 2008 to July 2010 at a main general hospital were invited. A version of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) was used to assess patients’ quality of motivation: TSRQ concerning continuing the weight self-management program. Clinical data were collected from patients’ records. Overall, 81 patients participated (16 men and 65 women, 25-64 years old). The average body mass index was significantly reduced from 45.3 ± 7.0 kg/m2 preoperatively to 32.7 ± 6.9 kg/m2 postoperatively. Autonomous self-regulation was higher than externally controlled self-regulation, regarding motives to keep managing weight after SG. Postoperatively, %EWL correlated negatively with external self-regulation. SG was found to be associated with the quality of motivation for losing weight. External motivations were associated with worse results. These findings support the importance of multiprofessional teams in the assessment and treatment of patients, aiming for the promotion of weight self-regulation after bariatric surgery.

Gender differences in psychosocial determinants of self-perceived health among Portuguese older adults in nursing homes

ABSTRACT Objectives: Self-perceived health declines with age, varies by gender and is a predictor of mortality, morbidity, physical and psychological functioning. However, gender differences in health and illness perception are complex and not yet fully understood. This study aimed to explore gender-related differences in psychosocial determinants of self-perceived health among older adults living in nursing homes. Method: Nationwide face-to-face survey of the Portuguese population aged 65 and over. A representative sample of nursing homes residents was obtained through a multistage cluster random sampling of nursing homes, stratified by main Portuguese administrative regions (NUTS II). Results: Overall, 1186 nursing homes residents voluntarily enrolled in this study (participation rate, 93%) and a total of 515 participants (70.1% women) were considered to have adequate cognitive functioning to answer all questionnaires. A significant association between self-rated health and gender was found: 90.6% of all women (95% CI: 85.7—93.9) and 82.3% of all men (95% CI: 72.9—88.9) rated their health as less than good (p = 0.023). Gender-stratified analyses showed differences in psychosocial determinants of self-perceived health. While symptoms of depression and loneliness feelings were the major psychosocial determinants of poor self-perceived health among women, age and subjective financial well-being were the only determinants among men. Conclusion: Factors associated with perceived health, as representative of healthy ageing, were identified by gender, leading to future avenues for fruitful investigation. The acknowledgement of interpersonal and socioeconomic factors that determine the experience of ageing at a national level is crucial to improve the health of elders.

Relativistic calculations of atomic parameters in Ununoctium

K shell, and L and M subshells fluorescence and Coster-Kronig yields for the super-heavy element Uuo are calculated for the first time using the Dirac-Fock approach.

Challenging wax-cast figurine serial production unravelled by multi-analytical techniques

Eight complementary techniques were successfully applied to study a pair of very alike eighteenth-century colored wax figurines belonging to the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, Coimbra (Portugal): examination under visible and ultraviolet light, X-ray radiography (XRR), neutron radiography and tomography (NR and NT), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and micro-confocal Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman). A careful examination of the two objects provided an insight into their manufacturing and revealed that they were cast from the same molds, although details differ. The main cast material employed was a mixture of beeswax, Venice turpentine, other diterpenoid resins and a very low amount of lipids. The wax used was certainly reclaimed from a metallurgic activity involving lost-wax casting. Each figurine consists of sixteen parts, most of which consist of solid wax. The presence of fillings within the body was unexpected. The elements which remained hollowed played a fundamental role at the assembling stage. A loose wooden tenon helped to keep the head in place and metal rods were used to fasten the base to the main body. Polychromy was carried out in wax, with different pigments and opacifiers. The fabrication of the colored wax from different inorganic/organic wastes is also discussed. Textures were achieved by adding materials. The results gathered offered the unique opportunity to verify aspects inherent to the production of multiple copies in wax casting.

On the interpretation of tungsten emission spectra in fusion devices

Atomic spectra emitted by fusion plasmas are generally contaminated by ions originating from plasma erosion of material walls. These ions may be present in several charge states and the radiation they emit falls in the x-ray to vacuum ultraviolet regions, making them atomic fingerprints used as a diagnostic tool. This work reports on recent achievements on the interpretation of specific tungsten spectra from the Axially Symmetric Divertor Experiment (ASDEX) Upgrade tokamak and the Large Helical Device (LHD) stellarator.