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Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Nas disfunções da visão binocular e acomodativas é essencial explorar a sintomatologia presente. Embora não esteja comprovada uma relação direta entre os sintomas apresentados pelos pacientes e as disfunções de visão binocular e acomodativas, pela falta de questionários validados para as diferentes disfunções, existem alguns indicadores do aumento dos sintomas na presença de determinadas disfunções. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e relacionar a sintomatologia apresentada pelos pacientes com o diagnóstico de disfunções de visão binocular/acomodativa e achados clínicos, a fim de reunir um conjunto de sintomas que possam ser indicativos de uma disfunção de visão binocular e que orientem o diagnóstico. Para investigar esta relação, foi administrado um questionário de sintomatologia composto pelas questões do CISS e outras questões que se mostraram relevantes na pesquisa bibliográfica. O modelo encontrado explica 78% da variação da pontuação e tem como preditores o equivalente esférico, a estereopsia e o valor da recuperação das reservas fusionais positivas para visão de perto. Foi observada uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre alguns sintomas e as disfunções acomodativas e de visão binocular, onde a insuficiência acomodativa se caracterizou pela ausência de sintomatologia. Verificou-se também existir uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a ametropia e a sintomatologia, onde existia uma correlação positiva entre os hipermétropes e a presença de alguns sintomas. Além disso, foi observada uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre sintomas e achados clínicos, incluindo o equivalente esférico, os valores das recuperações das reservas fusionais positiva e negativa, as forias, a acomodação relativa positiva, o ponto próximo de convergência, a estereopsia e a amplitude de acomodação. Esses resultados destacam a importância de uma avaliação completa da visão binocular e acomodação nas consultas optométricas, uma vez que muitos dos sintomas podem estar relacionados não só com a ametropia, mas também com uma disfunção de visão binocular e/ou acomodativa., In binocular and accommodative dysfunction, it is essential to investigate the symptoms presence. Although a direct relationship between the reported symptoms by patients and binocular and accommodative dysfunctions has not been established due to the lack of validated questionnaires for the different dysfunctions, there are some indications of increased symptoms in the presence of certain dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate the symptomatology presented by patients with a diagnosis of binocular vision/accommodative dysfunction and clinical findings, in order to compile a set of symptoms that may be indicative of binocular vision dysfunction and guide the diagnosis. To investigate this relationship, a symptom questionnaire was administered, consisting of the CISS questions and other questions identified as relevant in the literature review. The model found explains 78% of the variation in the score and has as predictors the spherical equivalent, stereopsis and the recovery value of the positive fusional reserves for near vision. A statistically significant relationship was observed between some of the symptoms and the binocular vision and accommodative dysfunction, with accommodative insufficiency being characterised by the absence of symptoms. It was also found that there was a statistically significant relationship between ametropia and symptomatology, with a positive correlation between hyperopia and the presence of some symptoms. In addition, a statistically significant relationship was observed between symptoms and clinical findings, including spherical equivalent, positive and negative fusion reserve recovery values, phoria, positive relative accommodation, near point of convergence, stereopsis and accommodation range. These results highlight the importance of a thorough assessment of binocular vision and accommodation in optometric consultations, as many symptoms may be related not only to ametropia but also to binocular and/or accommodative dysfunction.

Dissertação de mestrado em Physics, O colapso gravitacional do núcleo de estrelas massivas e a sua subsequente explosão como Supernovas (SN) é uma das fontes de ondas gravitacionais (GW) mais interessantes que esperamos detetar nos próximos anos. As supernovas de colapso nuclear (CCSNe) apresentam um grande interesse científico pois a análise das suas complexas ondas pode potencialmente providenciar informação valiosa sobre os processos físicos que ocorrem durante o colapso gravitacional dos núcleos de ferro de estrelas massivas. Neste trabalho, usam-se técnicas de Aprendizagem Profunda para analisar sinais de GW de CCSN em rotação, classificando-as e separando-as do ruído de fundo dos detetores e estimando alguns parâmetros físicos dos sistemas que produzem estes sinais. Para detetar GW de CCSN em rotação em dados com ruído de detetores, treinou-se uma rede de classificação com um conjunto de dados de Series Temporais de GW de CCSN geradas numericamente e injetadas em ruído real dos detetores Advanced LIGO e Advanced Virgo (correspondente ao período de observação O3a). O teste de classificação alcançou resultados significativos, atingindo uma precisão de 98% para o melhor modelo e nunca confundindo Series Temporais de ruído com sinais (taxa de falsos positivos = 0). Notamos ainda que a maioria dos sinais classificados como ruído tinham razões sinalruído (SNRs) inferiores a 10. Além disso, uma rede adicional para regressão é implementada para estimar alguns parâmetros físicos do sistema, especificamente, a amplitude da GW (Δℎ) e a frequência máxima (pico) do sinal (𝑓peak), obtida durante o ressalto do núcleo, usando um conjunto de dados semelhante. Verifica-se que nos testes de regressão se obtêm melhores resultados nas previsões da 𝑓peak do que para o Δℎ. A performance do treino está correlacionada com o SNR mínimo definido para o conjunto de dados: o melhor resultado foi obtido para um valor mínimo de SNR de 20, que usando Analise de Componentes Principais (PCA) nos gráficos de calibração dos valores previstos em função dos valores reais, fornece uma distribuição com variação 𝜎Δℎ = 0.232 e desvio do declive de 7.70% para o Δℎ e uma distribuição com variação 𝜎𝑓peak = 0.174 Hz e desvio do declive de 4.90% para a 𝑓peak., The gravitational collapse of the core of massive stars and the subsequent explosion of such stars as a Supernova (SN) is one of the most interesting sources of Gravitational Waves (GWs) expected to be detected in the coming years. Core-Collapse Supernovae (CCSNe) hold great scientific interest as the analysis of their complex waveforms can potentially provide valuable information about the underlying physical processes operating during the gravitational collapse of the iron cores of massive stars. In this work, Deep Learning (DL) techniques are used to analyze rotational CCSNe GW signals by classifying them and correctly separating them from the background noise of the detectors and by estimating some physical parameters of the systems that produce these signals. To detect the presence of astrophysical GW from rotational CCSNe in noisy detector data, a classifi cation network is trained using a dataset of Time Series from numerically generated CCSNe waveforms injected into the real noise of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors (corresponding to the O3a observing run). The classification model achieves significant results, reaching an accuracy of 98% for the best model and never confusing strains of noise with signals (false positive rate = 0). It can also be noted that most of the injected signals classified as noise had Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNRs) below 10. Moreover, an additional regression network is implemented to perform estimation on some physical parameters of the system, specifically, the GW strain amplitude (Δℎ) and the maximum (peak) frequency of the signal (𝑓peak), attained at core bounce, using a similar dataset. We find that the regression tests yield better results for the estimation of the 𝑓peak than for Δℎ. The performance of the training was correlated with the minimum SNR set for the dataset: the best results were obtained for a minimum SNR of 20, which by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the calibration plots of the predicted values vs real values gives a distribution’s variation of 𝜎Δℎ = 0.232 and a slope deviation of 7.70% for Δℎ and a distribution’s variation of 𝜎𝑓peak = 0.174 Hz and slope deviation of 4.90% for the 𝑓peak.

Dissertação de mestrado em Physics, Há ainda várias questões acerca do universo às quais ainda não temos resposta. É fundamental estudarmos e melhorarmos as técnicas já conhecidas, bem como desenvolver novas técnicas, de forma a investigar e descobrir novos fenómenos de física. Neste trabalho, foram utilizadas técnicas de machine learning tais como boosted decision trees e autoencoders. As boosted decision trees foram utilizadas como métodos de machine learning supervisionado, enquanto que os autoencoders foram utilizados como métodos de deteção de anomalias. Foi feita uma comparação entre a AUC dos resultados da boosted decision tree, dos autoencoders e das features, sem estas terem passado por nenhum modelo. Já com os autoencoders foi feito outro estudo - a dimensão do espaço latente afeta a deteção do sinal? Foi feito um estudo em várias dimensões do espaço latente e foi calculada a AUC para visualizar este efeito. Os resultados da boosted decision tree foram melhores que os resultados dos autoencoders, porém utilizar autoencoders foi melhor do que não utilizar nada - a AUC dos autoencoders foi melhor que a AUC das features. Além disso, a escolha do espaço latente tem que ser tomada em conta visto que há dimensões mais sensíveis a certos tipos de sinais., There are still many questions about our universe to which we do not know the answer yet. The devel opment of new techniques and the improvement of techniques that we already developed is fundamental to investigate and discover new physics phenomena. In this work, machine learning techniques were studied such as boosted decision trees and autoen coders. Boosted decisions trees were used as a supervised technique and the autoencoders as an anomaly detection technique. It was done a comparison between the AUC of the results from the boosted decision tree, the autoencoders and from the features without going through any model. With the autoencoders, another study was done - does the latent space dimension affect the signal detection? For different latent space dimensions, the AUC was performed to visualize this effect. The results from the boosted decision tree were better than the results coming from the autoencoders but, using autoencoders was better than using nothing - the AUC of the autoencoders were better than the AUC of the features. Furthermore, it was seen that the choice of the latent space dimension must be taken into consideration since some dimensions are sensitive to certain kind of signals.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Com o aumento da prevalência da miopia na população mundial, o controlo da progressão da miopia tornou-se uma prioridade para a comunidade científica, profissionais da saúde da visão e população geral. A Dopamina é um dos mais importantes neurotransmissores envolvidos no crescimento do olho e o desenvolvimento da miopia. A atividade das células intrinsecamente fotossensíveis da retina (ipRGCs) tem sido interligadas com aparecimento e progressão da miopia devido à sua influência nos mecanismos de regulação da dopamina, modulando a sua produção em resposta à luz. Dessa forma, a estimulação direta ou indireta das células ipRGCs, poderá influenciar a atividade dopaminérgica na retina e interferir no controlo e progressão da miopia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar como a introdução de conteúdo visual na zona foveal em paralelo com a estimulação do nervo ótico com luz azul, afetam a resposta elétrica da retina medida através de electroretinografia. Foram avaliadas as alterações na atividade elétrica da retina (full-field ERG 3.0) a 20 sujeitos, após estimulação do nervo ótico com luz azul incorporando em paralelo diferentes conteúdos visuais na área foveal. Numa segunda fase, avaliou-se a resposta elétrica da retina para diferentes tempos de estimulação (1 min, 5 min e 10 min) do nervo ótico com luz azul. Observou-se que a estimulação do nervo ótico com luz azul aumenta a atividade elétrica da retina, e a introdução de conteúdo visual na região foveal potenciou significativamente este efeito 30 e 40 min após estimulação (p, With the increasing prevalence of myopia in the world population, controlling myopia progression has become a priority for the scientific community, eye care professionals, and the general population. The activity of intrinsically photosensitive retinal cells (ipRGCs) has been linked to the onset and progression of myopia due to their modulation of retinal dopamine regulation mechanisms. Dopamine has been implicated as one of the most important neurotransmitters involved in eye growth and the development of refractive errors, and ipRGCs may act as a regulator and interfere with dopamine levels in the myopic eye by modulating its production in response to light. Therefore, direct or indirect stimulation of ipRGCs with light may influence retinal dopaminergic activity and interfere with the control of myopia progression. The objective of this study was to evaluate how the introduction of visual content into the foveal area in parallel with stimulation of the optic nerve with blue light affects the electrical response of the retina as measured by electroretinography. The changes in retinal electrical activity (full field ERG 3.0) were evaluated in 20 subjects after blind-spot stimulation with blue light by simultaneously incorporating different visual contents in the foveal area. In a second phase, the electrical response of the retina was evaluated after stimulating optic nerve with blue light during 1 minute, 5 minutes and 10 min. The results showed that stimulation of the optic nerve with blue light increased the electrical activity of the retina measured with the ffERG 3.0, where the introduction of visual content into the foveal region increased this effect, significant increase 30 and 40 min after blind-spot stimulation with blue light (p

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Nos últimos anos têm sido desenvolvidos dispositivos óticos para controlar a progressão da miopia. Dentro das várias estratégias existentes, as lentes de contacto têm sido o método mais escolhido pelas suas diversas vantagens. Vários estudos, já realizados, demonstraram a eficácia das lentes de contacto das lentes de contacto multifocais ou duplo foco no controlo da progressão da miopia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações na refração periférica pela utilização de uma lente de contacto para o controlo da progressão da miopia. Além disso, também foi determinada a resposta da atividade eletrofisiológica em diferentes zonas da retina, com e sem lente de contacto. Foram recrutados 7 indivíduos míopes (23,71 ± 5,41anos) com refração até -4,50D (equivalente esférico), sem patologias e cirurgias oculares. Foi registada Acuidade Visual, de alto e baixo contraste, com a refração atualizada e com a lente de contacto Misight 1 Day. As medidas de refração periférica foram obtidas usando um autorrefratómetro de campo aberto. Realizaram-se as medidas de eletrofisiologia multifocal binocularmente, com e sem lente de contacto, com pupila dilatada. Registaram-se também, os valores de topografia e aberrometria. Os resultados deste trabalho indicam que quando os olhos miópicos são corrigidos com a lente de contacto Misight 1 Day, as refrações periféricas tornam-se significativamente mais míopes. A mudança de refração periférica induzida a 30º Nasais é de -0,66D. A Acuidade Visual de Alto Contraste foi sempre superior à AV de Baixo Contraste, nas duas condições. A lente de contacto Misight 1 Day manifesta um comportamento diferente ao longo da superfície anterior da córnea. A LC induz um aumento significativo nas aberrações de alta ordem, principalmente nas aberrações comáticas, que aumentam o triplo do seu valor inicial. Relativamente à resposta eletrofisiológica da retina, com o uso da LC Misight 1 Day, apresentou um maior tempo implícito e amplitude da componente P1, na retina temporal superior, sendo estas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. O tempo implícito da componente P2 aumentou na retina temporal e na área retiniana delimitada pelos Ring 3, 4 e 5., In recent years optical devices have been developed to control the progression of myopia. Among the various existing strategies, contact lenses have been the method most chosen for their various advantages. Several studies, already carried out, have demonstrated the effectiveness of multifocal or dual focus contact lenses in controlling the progression of myopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in peripheral refraction by the use of a contact lens to control the progression of myopia. In addition, the response of electrophysiological activity in different areas of the retina with and without contact lens was also determined. We recruited 7 myopic individuals (23.71 ± 5.41 years) with refraction up to -4.50D (spherical equivalent), without eye pathologies and surgeries. Visual acuity was recorded, high and low contrast, with the updated refraction and with the Misight 1 Day contact lens. Peripheral refraction measurements were obtained using an open-field autorefractometer. Multifocal electrophysiology measurements were performed binocularly with and without contact lens, with dilated pupil. Topography and aberrometry values were also recorded. The results of this work indicate that when myopic eyes are corrected with the Misight 1 Day contact lens, peripheral refractions become significantly more myopic. The change in peripheral refraction induced at 30º Nasal is -0.66D. High Contrast Visual Acuity was always superior to Low Contrast VA in both conditions. The Misight 1 Day contact lens manifests a different behavior along the anterior surface of the cornea. LC induces a significant increase in high-order aberrations, especially in comatic aberrations, which increase three times their initial value. Regarding the electrophysiological response of the retina, with the use of the LC Misight 1 Day, it presented a greater implicit time and amplitude of the P1 component, in the superior temporal retina, these differences being statistically significant. The implicit time of the P2 component increased in the temporal retina and in the retinal area delimited by Rings 3, 4 and 5.

The strong wavelength dependency of diffractive elements casts reasonable doubts on the reliability of near-infrared- (NIR)-based clinical instruments, such as aberrometers and double-pass systems, for assessing, post-surgery, the visual quality of eyes implanted with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (DMIOLs). The results obtained for such patients when using NIR light can be misleading. Ordinary compensation for the refractive error bound to chromatic aberration is not enough because it only considers the best focus shift but does not take into account the distribution of light energy among the foci which strongly depends on the wavelength-dependent energy efficiency of the diffractive orders used in the DMIOL design. In this paper, we consider three commercial DMIOL designs with the far focus falling within the range of (−1, 0, +1)-diffractive orders. We prove theoretically the differences existing in the physical performance of the studied lenses when using either the design wavelength in the visible spectrum or a NIR wavelength (780 to 850 nm). Based on numerical simulation and on-bench experimental results, we show that such differences cannot be neglected and may affect all the foci of a DMIOL, including the far focus., This research was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) of the Spanish Government. Ref. project (PID2020-114582RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

Late diagnosis and systemic toxicity associated with conventional treatments make oncological therapy significantly difficult. In this context, nanomedicine emerges as a new approach in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this work, pH-sensitive solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) were developed for controlled release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Shape anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles of magnesium ferrite with partial substitution by calcium (Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4) were synthesized, with and without calcination, and their structural, morphological and magnetic properties were investigated. Their superparamagnetic properties were evaluated and heating capabilities proven, either by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) (magnetic hyperthermia) or by irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light (photothermia). The Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 calcined nanoparticles were selected to integrate the SMLs, surrounded by a lipid bilayer of DOPE:Ch:CHEMS (45:45:10). DOX was encapsulated in the nanosystems with an efficiency above 98%. DOX release assays showed a much more efficient release of the drug at pH = 5 compared to the release kinetics at physiological pH. By subjecting tumor cells to DOX-loaded SMLs, cell viability was significantly reduced, confirming that they can release the encapsulated drug. These results point to the development of efficient pH-sensitive nanocarriers, suitable for a synergistic action in cancer therapy with magnetic targeting, stimulus-controlled drug delivery and dual hyperthermia (magnetic and plasmonic) therapy., This work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) within the framework of the Strategic Funding of Research Units UIDB/04650/2020 (CF-UM-UP), UIDB/00319/2020 (ALGORITMI), UIDB/04077/2020 (MEtRICs), UIDB/04436/2020 (CMEMS) and UIDB/00511/2020 (LEPABE). FCT, POCI, FEDER and NORTE2020 are acknowledged for funding through research projects PTDC/QUI-QFI/28020/2017, EXPL/EMD-EMD/0650/2021, PTDC/EEI-EEE/2846/2021 and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000054. MINECO (Spain) is acknowledged for project MAT2016-76824-C3-2-R. B.D.C. and V.M.C. acknowledge FCT for PhD grants SFRH/BD/141936/2018 (B.D.C.) and UI/BD/151028/2021 (V.M.C.). R.O.R. thanks FCT for contract 2020.03975.CEECIND.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Introdução: A prevalência da miopia tem vindo a aumentar principalmente nas idades mais jovens e estima-se que na Europa cerca de 30% de toda a população seja míope e que possa aumentar para 50% a nível mundial no ano de 2050, onde será um problema de saúde pública. Os riscos associados à miopia, levaram ao desenvolvimento de várias técnicas/tratamentos para controlar a progressão da miopia. Definiram-se então como principais objetivos deste trabalho, avaliar a perceção e o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde visual de Portugal sobre as técnicas de controlo e progressão da miopia e o desempenho clínico destes profissionais na prática clínica. Resultados: No total obteve-se 175 respostas, com 35 (20%) indivíduos do sexo masculino e 140 (80%) do sexo feminino, com uma média de idades de 32,9 ± 10,1 anos. A profissão de Optometrista representa a maior parte da amostra com 166 (94,9%) respostas e destes, 58,9% pertencentes à APLO e 40,6% com pelo menos 10 anos de profissão. O nível de preocupação com o aumento da miopia mostrado foi de 8,4 ± 1,5. 72,6% considera uma progressão da miopia entre -0,25D e -0,75D por ano, como valor mínimo para considerar prescrever um tratamento para controlo da miopia, e 70,3% considera a faixa etária dos 5-10 anos, a altura em que os tratamentos são mais efetivos. 84,6% afirma debater estas opções de tratamento com os seus pacientes na sua prática clínica. As principais razões que levam os profissionais a não prescrever são o custo total para os pacientes (50,3%) e a disponibilidade do tratamento (46,3%).Os profissionais reconheceram as Lentes de contacto hidrófilas de desenho especial para miopia, Lentes oftálmicas com desfoque periférico e Ortoqueratologia, como as técnicas com maior eficácia no controlo da miopia, sendo também as principais técnicas que os profissionais afirmaram já ter utilizado pelo menos uma vez, com a exceção da ortoqueratologia, utilizada apenas por 10,9% (19 profissionais) da amostra total. Conclusões: Conclui-se que os profissionais de saúde de visão estão cientes dos perigos da miopia e que no geral estão bem informados sobre os fatores de risco, fatores de progressão, preditores da miopia e os principais critérios de prescrição. A maior parte informa os seus pacientes das opções de tratamento, mas apenas metade afirmou já ter prescrito técnicas para controlo da miopia, sendo a principal razão para não o fazer o custo total para os pacientes. Pertencer à APLO, mostrou ser o fator mais favorável tanto no conhecimento teórico, como na aplicação das técnicas., Introduction: The prevalence of myopia has been increasing mainly at younger ages and it is estimated that in Europe about 30% of the entire population is myopic and that it could increase to 50% worldwide in the year 2050, where it will be a problem of public health. The risks associated with myopia have led to the development of various techniques/treatments to control the progression of myopia. Therefore, the main objectives of this work were defined, to evaluate the perception and knowledge of visual health professionals in Portugal about the techniques of control and progression of myopia and the clinical performance of these professionals in clinical practice. Results: In total, 175 responses were obtained, with 35 (20%) males and 140 (80%) females, with a mean age of 32.9 ± 10.1 years. The profession of Optometrist represents the majority of the sample with 166 (94.9%) responses and of these, 58.9% belong to APLO and 40.6% have been in the profession for at least 10 years. The level of concern about increasing myopia shown was 8.4 ± 1.5. 72.6% consider myopia progression between - 0.25D and -0.75D per year as the minimum value to consider prescribing a treatment to control myopia, and 70.3% consider the age group 5-10 years old, the time when treatments are most effective. 84.6% say they discuss these treatment options with their patients in their clinical practice. The main reasons that professionals do not prescribe are the total cost to patients (50.3%) and the availability of treatment (46.3%). Professionals recognized the Special Design Hydrophilic Contact Lenses for Myopia, ophthalmic techniques with peripheral blurring and Orthokeratology, as the most effective techniques in the control of myopia, being also the main techniques that professionals said they had already used at least once, with the exception of orthokeratology, used by only 10.9% (19). professionals) of the total sample. Conclusions: It is concluded that eye health professionals are aware of the dangers of myopia and that they are generally well informed about risk factors, progression factors, predictors of myopia and the main prescribing criteria. Most inform their patients of treatment options, but only half said they have already prescribed techniques to control myopia, the main reason for not doing so at the full cost to patients. Belonging to APLO proved to be the most favorable factor both in theoretical knowledge and in the application of techniques.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, O uso de lentes de contacto em crianças a adolescentes é cada vez mais frequente, proporcionando diversos benefícios para além da inerente compensação visual. Diversos estudos têm demonstrado as vantagens e oportunidades do uso de lentes de contacto nestas faixas etárias, mas esta prática é ainda residual em Portugal. Os objetivos deste estudo são conhecer a frequência e caraterísticas de uso de lentes de contacto em crianças e adolescentes numa rede de quatro consultórios de Optometria no Norte de Portugal. Um objetivo secundário do estudo é conhecer as vantagens e eventuais dificuldades que crianças e pais notam perante o uso de lentes de contacto e propor estratégias para minimizar as barreiras que dificultem o seu uso. No estudo retrospetivo foram utilizadas 4 bases de dados de consultórios para identificar a percentagem de crianças e adolescentes que usavam lentes de contacto entre 2016 e 2021. Na segunda parte, foi feito um estudo prospetivo em que crianças e adolescentes foram propostas a usar lentes de contacto pela primeira vez com um acompanhamento de 2 meses. Para o estudo retrospetivo obteve-se um total de 288 crianças e adolescentes, 173 do género feminino e 115 do género masculino, com uma idade média de 15,23±1,63 anos. Obteve-se para o olho direito um equivalente esférico médio de -2,31±2,10D e para o olho esquerdo -2,24±2,10D. Ao longo dos 5 anos consecutivos o número de adaptações diminuiu. Na segunda parte, obteve-se um total de 26 participantes com uma idade média de 14,92±2,31 anos. Apenas metade da amostra continuou a usar as lentes de contacto. Os sintomas característicos à adaptação foram questionados. Destes, 91,7% tem preferência pelo uso das lentes de contacto. A restante amostra descontinuou o seu uso e as razões mais frequentes foram a preferência aos óculos e o custo elevado. Os resultados do estudo fornecem a primeira caracterização dos jovens utilizadores de lentes de contacto no Norte de Portugal, sugerindo que as crianças que experimentaram lentes de contacto não as utilizam a médio prazo porque preferem usar óculos ou porque eles ou os seus pais têm medo do manuseamento e cuidado destes dispositivos., The use of contact lenses in children and adolescents is increasingly common, providing several benefits beyond the inherent visual compensation. Several studies have demonstrated the advantages and opportunities of contact lens wear in these age groups, but this practice is still residual in Portugal. The purpose of this study is to know the frequency and characteristics of contact lens use in children and adolescents in a network of four Optometry practices in Northern Portugal. A secondary purpose of the study is to know the advantages and possible difficulties that children and parents notice when wearing contact lenses and to propose strategies to minimize the barriers that hinder its use. In the retrospective study, 4 office databases were used to identify the percentage of children and adolescents wearing contact lenses between 2016 and 2021. In the second part, a prospective study was done in which children and adolescents were offered to wear contact lenses for the first time with a 2-month follow-up. For the retrospective study a total of 288 children and adolescents were obtained, 173 females and 115 males, with a mean age of 15.23±1.63 years. A mean spherical equivalent of -2.31±2.10D was obtained for the right eye and -2.24±2.10D for the left eye. Over the 5 consecutive years the number of adaptations decreased. In the second part, we obtained a total of 26 participants with a mean age of 14.92±2.31 years. Only half of the sample continued to wear the contact lenses. The characteristic symptoms to adaptation were questioned. Of these, 91.7% have a preference for contact lens wear. The remaining sample discontinued their use, and the most frequent reasons were preference to glasses and the high cost. The results of the study provide the first characterization of the of young contact lens wearers in Northern Portugal, suggesting that those children that tried contact lenses do not use them in the medium term because they prefer to wear spectacles or because they or their parents are afraid of the handling and care of these devices.

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy reasons., This study aimed to evaluate the peripheral defocus induced with a novel perifocal ophthalmic lens for myopia progression control and the potential impact on visual function. This experimental, non-dispensing crossover study evaluated 17 myopic young adults. The peripheral refraction was measured using an open-field autorefractor, at 2.50 m from the target point, in two eccentric points, 25° temporal, 25° nasal, and central vision. Visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) was measured at 3.00 m with a Vistech system VCTS 6500 in low light conditions. Light disturbance (LD) was assessed with a light distortion analyzer 2.00 m away from the device. Peripheral refraction, VCS, and LD were assessed with a monofocal lens and perifocal lens (with an add power of +2.50 D on the temporal side of the lens, and +2.00 D on the nasal side). The results showed that the perifocal lenses induced an average myopic defocus of −0.42 ± 0.38 D (p-value < 0.001) in the nasal retina, at 25° The changes induced by the lower add power in the nasal part of the lens did not induce statistically significant changes in the refraction of the temporal retina. The VCS and LD showed no significant differences between the monofocal and perifocal lenses., This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020 at the Center of Physics, UMinho, and predoctoral grant SFRH/BD/136684/2018 to A.A.-d.-S.

Constraining Beyond the Standard Model theories usually involves scanning highly multi-dimensional parameter spaces and check observable predictions against experimental bounds and theoretical constraints. Such task is often timely and computationally expensive, especially when the model is severely constrained and thus leading to very low random sampling efficiency. In this work we tackled this challenge using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning search algorithms used for Black-Box optimisation problems. Using the cMSSM and the pMSSM parameter spaces, we consider both the Higgs mass and the Dark Matter Relic Density constraints to study their sampling efficiency and parameter space coverage. We find our methodology to produce orders of magnitude improvement of sampling efficiency whilst reasonably covering the parameter space., We thank José Santiago Pérez and Jorge Romão for the careful reading of the paper draft and for the useful discussions. This work is supported by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. under project CERN/FIS-PAR/0024/2019. FAS is also supported by FCT under the research grant with reference UI/BD/153105/2022. The computational work was partially done using the resources made available by RNCA and INCD under project CPCA/A1/401197/2021, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, A excessiva utilização de dispositivos digitais, incorporados com emissores de luz díodo (LED), é cada vez mais evidente na vida quotidiana para inúmeras tarefas, maioritariamente em visão próxima. Devido à elevada exposição à luz azul do espetro visível, emitida por estes aparelhos, foram desenvolvidos filtros para proteção à luz azul. Considerando a variedade de filtros à luz azul incorporados em lentes oftálmicas, é relevante perceber de que forma se relacionam com a acomodação. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência dos filtros à luz azul nos parâmetros acomodativos em sujeitos com acomodação normal. Dezassete sujeitos saudáveis, com idades compreendidas entre os 19 e 29 anos (22,65 ± 2,71 anos), realizaram uma tarefa em visão de perto (VP) durante vinte minutos num computador portátil, colocado a 40 cm de distância, enquanto utilizavam três tipos de lentes oftálmicas diferentes, um par de lentes de controlo (lente 2) e dois pares de lentes com filtros à luz azul diferentes (lente 1 e 3). Tanto antes como depois da tarefa de VP foi medida a amplitude de acomodação (AmAc), o atraso acomodativo (AA) e a flexibilidade acomodativa em VP (FA). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a amplitude de acomodação não sofreu diferenças estatisticamente significativas com a lente 1 (p = 0,15), com a lente 2 (p = 0,17) e com a lente 3 (p = 0,13) no decorrer da tarefa de VP. O atraso acomodativo aumentou com a utilização das três lentes de estudo, no entanto esta variação só foi estatisticamente significativa para a lente 2 (p = 0,05). A flexibilidade acomodativa não variou de forma estatisticamente significativa com a lente 1 (p = 0,42), lente 2 (p = 0,72) e lente 3 (p = 0,30), na realização da tarefa de VP. Concluiu-se que a amplitude de acomodação e a flexibilidade acomodativa não foram influenciadas pelas três lentes testadas neste estudo. Para além disso, o atraso acomodativo aumentou significativamente com a lente de controlo, concluindo-se que os dois tipos de filtros à luz azul avaliados não influenciaram este parâmetro acomodativo. Em suma, o resultado principal deste estudo sugere que os diferentes filtros à luz azul incorporados em lentes oftálmicas não têm influência nos parâmetros acomodativos em sujeitos com acomodação normal., The excessive use of digital devices, incorporated with light emitting diodes (LED), is increasingly evident in everyday life for the numerous tasks, mostly in near vision. Due to the high exposure to blue light of the visible spectrum emitted by these devices, blue light filters have been developed. Considering the variety of blue light filters incorporated in ophthalmic lenses, it is relevant to understand how they are related to accommodation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of blue light filters on accommodative parameters in subjects with normal accommodation. Seventeen healthy subjects, aged between 19 and 29 years (22.65 ± 2.714 years), performed a task in near vision (NV) for twenty minutes on a laptop computer, placed 40 cm away, while using three types of different ophthalmic lenses, a pair of control lenses (lens 2) and two pairs of lenses with different blue light filters (lens 1 and 3). Both before and after the NV task, amplitude of accommodation (AmAc), lag of accommodation (AA) and accommodative facility in near vision (FA) were measured. The results obtained showed that the amplitude of accommodation did not suffer statistically significant differences with lens 1 (p = 0,15), lens 2 (p = 0,17) and lens 3 (p = 0,13) in the during NV task. The lag of accommodation increased with use of the three study lenses, however this variation was only statistically significant for lens 2 (p = 0,05). Accommodative facility did not vary statistically significantly with lens 1 (p = 0,42), lens 2 (p = 0,72) and lens 3 (p = 0,30) in performing the NV task. It was concluded that the amplitude of accommodation and the accommodative facility were not influenced by the three lenses tested in this study. Moreover, the lag of accommodation increased significantly with the control lens, concluding that the two types of blue light filters evaluated do not influence this accommodative parameter. In summary, the main result of this study suggests that the different blue light blocking filters incorporated in ophthalmic lenses have no influence on accommodative parameters in subjects with normal accommodation.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, A miopia é a condição do olho que se caracteriza por uma má visão ao longe. A progressão da miopia tem vindo a aumentar na população mundial, exige-se então que os profissionais de saúde transmitam esse informação à população, para conseguirmos tratar este problema de saúde visual. Neste projeto pretendeu-se avalizar que conhecimentos tem a população portuguesa sobre os erros refrativos, as diferentes técnicas de controlo de progressão da miopia, de onde vem essa informação e qual o nível de satisfação em relação à prevenção e controlo da progressão da miopia. Permitiu ainda perceber se “Será que a população tem a real consciência do que é a miopia e quais os riscos para a saúde visual?”. Um total de 648 questionários foram validados. Do total das respostas 71% (458) foram do sexo feminino, a idade média das respostas foi de 33,9±13,9 anos (mínimo de 15 e máximo de 78 anos) e 93% moradores no norte de Portugal. Em relação à atividade dos intervenientes 44% eram estudantes e 25% eram especialistas das Profissões Intelectuais e Científicas. Uma percentagem de 96% referiu saber o que é a miopia, embora apenas 35% refira a taxa de prevalência mundial, 29% a prevalência em Portugal e 59% que este valor vai aumentar. Do total dos intervenientes, 46% referiu já ter ouvido falar em controlar a miopia e 54% referiu que não. Quanto à forma como adquiriram esse conhecimento sobre a existência das técnicas de controlo, apenas 14% da amostra respondeu ter sido numa consulta com um especialista da visão e apenas 3% referiu ter sido numa ótica. O profissional que transmitiu a informação sobre essas mesmas técnicas, 61% da amostra teve conhecimento através dos oftalmologistas e 38% através de optometristas. Do total da amostra 59% afirma ser importante controlar a progressão da miopia, e apenas 0.15% respondeu que não tem importância. De um modo geral a população não está informada da problemática da miopia ou sequer tem conhecimento sobre as técnicas existentes de controlo da miopia. A informação que dispõem foi por meios que não as consultas com especialistas da visão. Apesar de não terem informação têm consciência de que a miopia é um problema de saúde visual e consideram importante controlar a sua progressão., Myopia is the condition of the eye that is characterized by poor distance vision. The progression of myopia has been increasing in the world's population, so it is required that health professionals, in addition to having knowledge of control techniques, transmit this information to the population, so that we can treat this visual health problem. In this project, I intend to assess what knowledge the Portuguese population has about refractive errors, the different techniques for controlling the progression of myopia, where this information comes from and what is the level of satisfaction in relation to the prevention, control and progression of myopia. It also allowed us to understand whether “Is the population really aware of what myopia is and what are its risks to visual health?”. A total of 648 questionnaires were validated. Of the total number of responses, 71% (458) were female, the mean age of the responses was 33.9±13.9 years (minimum 15 and maximum 78 years) and 93% lived in the north of Portugal. Regarding the activity of the intervenients, 44% were students and 25% were specialists in the Intellectual and Scientific Professions. A percentage of 96% reported knowing what myopia is, although only 35% mention the worldwide prevalence rate, 29% the prevalence in Portugal and 59% that this value will increase. Of the total number of participants, 46% said they had heard about controlling myopia and 54% said they had not. As for how they acquired this knowledge about the existence of control techniques, only 14% of the sample answered that it was in a consultation with an eye specialist and only 3% said that it was in an optician. The professional who transmitted information about these same techniques, 61% of the sample had knowledge through ophthalmologists and 38% through optometrists. Of the total sample, 59% stated that it is important to control the progression of myopia, and 0.15% answered that it is not important. In general, the population is not aware of the problem of myopia or even has knowledge about existing myopia control techniques. The information they have was provided by means other than consultations with eye specialists. In fact, they are aware that myopia is a visual problem and consider it important to control its progression.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, A adaptação de lentes esclerais (LE) tem tido um desenvolvimento importante na reabilitação visual de córneas irregulares. No entanto, existem ainda algumas peculiaridades relacionadas com a sua adaptação que necessitam de um estudo mais aprofundado, nomeadamente, no que diz respeito à avaliação da espessura do reservatório lacrimal (ERL). O principal objetivo foi quantificar as alterações na ERL, possível edema corneal e edema corneal “simpático” que ocorreram, após retirar e voltar a colocar a LE. Como objetivos secundários tem- se a avaliação das alterações na qualidade ótica e na pressão intraocular, durante 5 horas de uso da LE. Para estas avaliações, foram recrutados 10 pacientes com córneas saudáveis e 10 pacientes com córneas irregulares, que foram adaptados com uma lente escleral de teste, utilizada ao longo de 5 horas num só olho. Foram feitas medidas objetivas e subjetivas da espessura do reservatório lacrimal (com tomografia de coerência ótica – OCT - anterior e lâmpada de fenda), espessura corneal, topografia corneal, acuidade visual de alto e baixo contraste, aberrometria ocular, distorção luminosa, pressão intraocular e saúde ocular (lâmpada de fenda). Perante os resultados, observou-se, um decréscimo na ERL, após o uso de LE com ambos os instrumentos, nos dois grupos em estudo, um aumento após a recolocação da mesma com nova solução salina, tal como mencionado em estudos piloto. Não se observaram diferenças na espessura corneal, não ocorrendo assim, indução de edema corneal pelo uso da lente escleral, nem edema simpático no olho contralateral. No geral, as métricas de qualidade ótica e visual revelaram uma diminuição com LE no grupo saudável, e uma melhoria no grupo com queratocone. Ou seja, as LE permitiram mascarar as irregularidades corneais levando a uma diminuição acentuada das aberrações de alta ordem e distorções visuais, em visão noturna e melhoria da acuidade visual. Ao contrário da hipótese apresentada em alguns estudos, não se observaram diferenças na pressão intraocular com o uso da lente escleral em ambos os grupos. De um modo geral, o uso de lente escleral levou a um ligeiro aumento da hiperemia bulbar nasal, temporal e inferior nos grupos em estudo. Já a hiperemia limbal teve aumento na zona nasal em ambos os grupos, enquanto o tingido corneal não sofreu alterações. Em suma, os pacientes com queratocone melhoram a sua visão com LE, à custa da diminuição das aberrações oculares e o objetivo do estudo foi cumprido revelando um decréscimo na espessura do reservatório lacrimal após as 5 horas de uso da lente escleral., Scleral lens (SL) fitting had important developments in the past few years for the visual rehabilitation of irregular corneas. However, there are some peculiarities related to fitting that need further study, namely concerning the fluid reservoir thickness (FRT). The main goal of the present work was to quantify the possible changes in the FRT, investigate the possible corneal edema and “sympathetic” corneal edema during scleral lens wear and after removing and re-inserting them in eyes with normal corneas and eyes with keratoconus. As secondary objectives, there were the evaluation of changes in optical quality and intraocular pressure during 5 hours of SL wear in both groups. For these evaluations, 10 patients with healthy corneas and 10 patients with irregular corneas were recruited and fitted with a test scleral lens. The lens was worn over 5 hours in one eye. Objective and subjective measurements of fluid reservoir thickness (with anterior optical coherence tomography – OCT – and slit lamp), corneal thickness, corneal topography, high and low contrast visual acuity, ocular aberrometry, light distortion, intraocular pressure, and eye health (slit lamp). A decrease in FRT was observed, either by means of OCT or using slit lamp, in both groups. There was an increase after its re insertion with new saline solution, such as mentioned in previous pilot studies. No differences were observed in corneal thickness, and therefore no induction of corneal edema by using the scleral lens, nor sympathetic edema in the contralateral eye was found. Overall, optical, and visual quality metrics revealed a worsening with LE in the healthy group, and an improvement in the keratoconus group (comparing to the best spectacle correction). That is, scleral lenses allowed to mask corneal irregularities leading to a marked decrease in high-order aberrations, visual distortions under dim light conditions and improvement of visual acuity. Unlike the hypostasized in some studies, there were no differences in intraocular pressure with scleral lens wear in both groups. Overall, scleral lens wear led to a slight increase in nasal, temporal, and inferior conjunctival redness in both groups. On the other hand, limbal redness had an increase in the nasal area in both groups, while corneal staining did not change overtime. In summary, patients with irregular corneas had their vision improved with scleral lenses, by means of a decrease in ocular aberrations. There was a slight increase in FRT after removing and re-inserting the lens with fresh saline solution and fluorescein in both groups.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Contextualização: A ambliopia tem uma prevalência de 1,6-3,6%, sendo mais complexa do que uma simples perda da acuidade visual (AV). É comum entre crianças e jovens adultos, havendo risco de se prolongar até a idade adulta por falta de tratamento. A ambliopia pode ser causada por privação de estímulo visual, estrabismo, erros refrativos ou uma combinação destas condições. Existem diversos tratamentos para a ambliopia, nomeadamente: correção refrativa, oclusão, penalização com fármacos ou outras terapias envolvendo processos binoculares. Contudo, a generalidade dos estudos sobre estes tratamentos não abordam idade adulta (≥ 18 anos). A prevalência do tratamento bem-sucedido oscila entre 63 e 83%, mas é importante notar que mesmo que o paciente tenha a sua ambliopia resolvida este deve ter consultas regulares de acompanhamento pois existe um risco de recorrência entre 22% e 25%. Objetivos: Este trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a eficácia da correção ótica na idade adulta no tratamento da ambliopia. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, procedida de uma meta-análise, seguindo a metodologia PRISMA, recorrendo-se a três dos mais usados motores de busca, nomeadamente PubMed, Web of Science e Scopus. Foram identificados artigos, não impondo data limite inferior e até 30 de setembro de 2022, em humanos de todas as regiões do globo, desde que escritos em inglês. Para realizar a mete-análise usou-se um modelo estatístico de efeitos aleatórios. Resultados: Foram identificados três artigos que contribuíram para o presente estudo totalizando 16 participantes. Após o tratamento houve uma melhoria significativa (p=0,03) da AV em -0,10 logMAR (95% Intervalo de Confiança = -0,18 logMAR a -0,02 logMAR). Conclusões: A evidência reunida indica que a correção ótica na idade adulta no tratamento da ambliopia é eficaz. No entanto, esta evidência necessita de ser aumentada, pois baseia-se num reduzido número de estudos que envolvem, também, um reduzido número de participantes., Background: Amblyopia has a prevalence of 1.6-3.6%, being more complex than a simple loss of visual acuity (VA). It is common among children and young adults, with a risk of becoming permanent. Amblyopia can be caused by visual stimulus deprivation, strabismus, refractive errors, or a combination of these conditions. There are several treatments for amblyopia, namely: refractive correction, occlusion, pharmacological treatment or other therapies involving binocular processes. However, most studies on these treatments do not address adulthood (≥ 18 years). The prevalence of successful treatment ranges between 63 and 83%, but it is important to note that even if the patient has their amblyopia resolved, they should have regular follow-up appointments, as there is a risk of recurrence between 22% and 25%. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of optical correction in adulthood in the treatment of amblyopia. Methods: A systematic review was carried out, proceeding from a meta-analysis, following the PRISMA methodology, using three of the most used search engines, namely PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Articles were identified, not imposing a lower deadline and until 30 September 2022, in humans from all regions of the globe, provided they were written in English. To perform the meta-analysis, a random effects statistical model was used. Results: Three articles were identified that contributed to the present study, totaling 16 participants. After treatment there was a significant improvement (p=0.03) in VA at -0.10 logMAR (95% Confidence Interval = -0.18 logMAR to -0.02 logMAR). Conclusions: The evidence gathered indicates that optical correction in adulthood in the treatment of amblyopia is effective. However, this evidence needs to be increased, as it is based on a small number of studies that also involve a small number of participants.

Dissertação de mestrado em Physics, The hydrodynamic model approach to plasmonics is based on the simultaneous solution of Euler’s equa tion, Poisson’s equation, and the continuity equation. The quantum mechanical effects enter the model via the statistical pressure induced by the gas of electrons. It is also a form of including the effect of nonlocality. The aim of this thesis is to study the dispersion relation of the surface plasmon-polaritons and the plasmonic wakes created by an external potential, when a graphene sheet is in the vicinity of a metal. It is known they disperse linearly with the wave vector, therefore are of acoustic nature. This problem has been studied for normal plasmons, but the study for acoustic plasmons is missing. In the first part of this thesis, the hydrodynamic model will be used to solve some electrostatic boundary-value problems in planar geometry, that will give the linear dispersion of the SPPs in graphene near a semi-infinite and finite nonlocal metal. The study for the metals, gold and titanium, showed that the nonlocal effects are more visible in titanium, due to its intrinsic proprieties, such as plasmon frequency and background permittivity. The dielectric separation between graphene and metal also enhances the nonlocal effects. The decrease of the dielectric thickness increases the nonlocality. Regarding the finite metal, the results show that the increase of the metal thickness results in a higher energy of the surface plasmon-polaritons in graphene. In this case, the dispersion is also linear in the wavenumber 𝑘. The second part encompasses the study of the induced potential in graphene, due to an external charge moving parallel to graphene in the y-direction at an height 𝑧0. When graphene is in the vicinity of a dielectric an oscillatory V-shaped pattern was per ceived, and the dependence of the angle on the Froude number (or dependence on the velocity of the external charge) provided two different regions, a constant angle region for low Froude numbers where the wake angle takes the value of 21◦ . This is similar to the Kelvin region, where the angle takes the constant value of 19.47◦ . A transition for a Mach region occurs for a plasmonic Froude number of 2.2, where the decrease of the angle happens for higher velocities following the law 1/𝑣. When a local metal is added to the system, the oscillatory behavior vanishes and a more continuous V-shaped wake appears in graphene. In this case, the angles follow a quadratic polynomial law, where these decrease with the increasing Froude number. Studying the phase velocity and the dispersion for the classical water wakes and the plasmonic wakes it is possible to see two limiting cases for 𝜅 = −1 and 𝜅 = 0, which correspond to pure gravity waves in deep water and gravity waves in shallow water, respectively. In such manner, it is possible to make an analogy between gravity waves and the plasmonic waves in graphene., A abordagem do modelo hidrodinâmico à plasmônica é baseada na solução simultânea da equação de Euler, da equação de Poisson e da equação de continuidade. Os efeitos da mecânica quântica entram no modelo através da pressão estatística induzida pelo gás de eletrões. É também uma forma de incluir o efeito da não-localidade. O objetivo desta tese é estudar a relação de dispersão e as perturbações plasmô nicas criadas por um potencial externo, quando o grafeno está nas proximidades de um metal. É sabido que os plasmões dispersam linearmente com o vetor de onda, portanto possuem uma natureza acústica. Este problema foi estudado para plasmões normais, no entanto falta o estudo para plasmões acústicos. Na primeira parte desta tese, o modelo hidrodinâmico será usado para resolver alguns problemas eletros táticos de valor de fronteira, que darão a dispersão linear dos SPPs quando o grafeno está próximo a um metal não local semi-finito e finito. O estudo para os metais ouro e titânio mostraram que os efeitos não locais são mais visíveis no titânio, devido às suas propriedades intrínsecas, como frequência plasmônica e permissividade de fundo. A separação dielétrica entre o grafeno e o metal, também potencializa os efeitos não locais. A diminuição da espessura do dielétrico, aumenta a não-localidade. Em relação ao metal finito, os resultados mostram que o aumento da espessura do metal leva ao aumento da energia dos plasmões-polaritões de superfície no grafeno. Neste caso, a dispersão também é linear no vetor de onda 𝑘. A segunda parte abrange o estudo do potencial induzido no grafeno, devido a uma carga externa movendo-se paralelamente ao grafeno na direção dos y’s, a uma altura 𝑧0. Quando o grafeno está na vizinhança de um dielétrico, foi visto um padrão oscilatório em forma de ”V”, e a dependência do ângulo no número de Froude (ou dependência da velocidade da carga externa) mostra duas regiões diferentes, a primeira de ângulo constante para números de Froude baixos onde o ângulo do cone é constante e de valor 21◦ . Sendo semelhante à região de Kelvin, onde o ângulo constante toma o valor de 19.47◦ . Observa-se uma transição para a região de Mach ocorre para um número de Froude plasmónico de 2.2, onde a diminuição do ângulo ocorre para velocidades mais altas seguindo a lei 1/𝑣. Quando um me tal local é adicionado ao sistema, o comportamento oscilatório é quebrado e uma onda em forma de ”V”contínua aparece no grafeno. Neste caso, os ângulos seguem uma lei polinomial quadrática, onde os ângulos diminuem com o aumento do número de Froude. Estudando a velocidade de fase e a dispersão para as ondas clássicas na água e as ondas plasmônicas é possível ver dois casos limites para 𝜅 = −1 e 𝜅 = 0, que correspondem a ondas gravíticas puras em águas profundas e ondas gravíticas em águas rasas, respectivamente. Desta forma, é possível fazer uma analogia entre as ondas gravitacionais e as ondas plasmônicas no grafeno.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do uso de lentes oftálmicas com filtro seletivo à luz azul, na sensibilidade visual ao contraste e na visão das cores. Amostra: Foram recrutados 17 voluntários, dos quais 13 eram do sexo feminino e 4 do sexo masculino, com idades compreendidas entre os 21 e os 29 anos. Métodos: A sensibilidade visual ao contraste foi medida usando o teste Vector Vision CVS1000E e a visão das cores foi medida usando o teste de Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test. Foram utilizados três pares de lentes com características distintas, um par com o anti-reflexo simples e sem filtro à luz azul (lente controlo, Lente 2), outro par de lentes com filtro à luz azul por reflexão (Lente 3) e outro par de lentes com filtro à luz azul incorporado na matriz da lente (Lente 1). Ambos os parâmetros foram avaliados com cada uma das lentes utilizadas neste estudo. A iluminação da sala para os diferentes testes utilizados, foi medida através do luxímetro (Iluminance meter T-10; Konica Minolta Sensing Inc., Japan). Resultados: Para a sensibilidade visual ao contraste, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na comparação das três lentes testadas, para a frequência 3 ciclos/grau (p = 0, 29), 6 ciclos/grau (p = 0,54), 12 ciclos/grau (p = 0,07) e 18 ciclos/grau (p = 0,31). Em relação à visão das cores, durante a utilização dos diferentes pares de lentes, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. A pontuação total de erro apresentou um valor p de 0,58, em relação ao índice de confusão e de seletividade, o valor p foi de 0,80 e 0,74, respetivamente. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a utilização de filtros à luz azul não influência a sensibilidade visual ao contraste nem a visão das cores., Objective: To evaluate the impact of wearing ophthalmic lenses with selective blue light filter, on visual contrast sensitivity and color vision. Sample: Seventeen volunteers were recruited, of which 13 were female and 4 were male, aged between 21 and 29. Methods: Visual contrast sensitivity was measured using the Vector Vision CVS1000E test and color vision was measured using the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test. Three pairs of lenses with different characteristics were used, one pair with the simple anti-reflective and no blue light filter (control lens, Lens 2), another pair of lenses with blue light filter by reflection (Lens 3) and another pair of lenses with the blue light filter incorporated into the lens matrix (Lens 1). Both parameters were evaluated with each of the lenses used in this study. The illuminance of the room for the different tests used, was measured using a luxmeter (Iluminance meter T-10; Konica Minolta Sensing Inc., Japan). Results: For visual contrast sensitivity, no statistically significant differences were found when comparing the three lenses tested, for the frequency 3 cycles/degree (p = 0, 29), 6 cycles/degree (p = 0.54), 12 cycles/degree (p = 0.07) and 18 cycles/degree (p = 0.31). Regarding color vision while using the different pairs of lenses, no statistically significant differences were found. The total error score showed a p-value of 0.58, for the confusion index and selectivity index, the p-value was 0.80 and 0.74, respectively. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the use of blue light filters does not influence visual contrast sensitivity or color vision.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar quantitativamente e qualitativamente a função visual de indivíduos que tenham sido sujeitos a cirurgia de catarata bilateral e a quem tenham sido implantadas lentes intraoculares (LIO) monofocais de profundidade de foco alargado (em particular as lentes Tecnis Eyhance modelo ICB00 do fabricante Johnson & Johnson Vision). Pretende-se verificar se as lentes proporcionam, além de uma excelente visão de longe, uma boa visão intermédia, mesmo pertencendo à categoria das lentes monofocais. Métodos: Avaliou-se um grupo de 24 indivíduos pseudofáquicos implantados com LIO Tecnis Eyhance modelo ICB00 há mais de 10 meses. Mediu-se a acuidade visual (AV) monocular de longe e de perto, a AV binocular a várias distâncias através da curva do desfocado, o diâmetro pupilar, a asfericidade e as aberrações corneais através de topografia corneal. Aplicou-se também o questionário de satisfação da função visual NEI-VFQ-25 (National Eye Institute - Visual Functioning Questionnaire - 25), na versão validada para a língua portuguesa. Resultados: A AV decimal média, para a visão de longe, foi de 0,89 ± 0,11 para o olho direito (OD) e 0,86 ± 0,12 para o olho esquerdo (OE). No caso da visão de perto, a AV média para o OD foi J 4,32 ± 0,82 e para o OE de J 4,45 ± 0,76. Os resultados da AV binocular para as distâncias da curva do desfocado foram: 0,91 ± 0,10 para 2 m, 0,86 ± 0,12 para 1 m, 0,75 ± 0,16 para 66 cm, 0,65 ± 0,16 para 50 cm, 0,45 ± 0,14 para 40 cm e 0,33 ± 0,15 para 33 cm. No caso da asfericidade corneal, para um diâmetro de 8 mm, os valores médios foram -0,27 ± 0,13 para o OD e -0,27 ± 0,14 para o OE. A média do diâmetro pupilar do OD foi de 3,36 ± 0,63 mm e a do OE foi de 3,35 ± 0,62 mm. No caso das aberrações, o RMS total médio da córnea, nos 6 mm centrais, do OD foi de 1,916 ± 0,727 m e o do OE foi de 1,872 ± 0,704 m, as aberrações de baixa ordem médias do OD foram 1,796±0,707 m e do OE 1,736±0,698 m e as aberrações de alta ordem médias para o OD foram 0,653±0,232 m e para o OE 0,645±0,285 m. No questionário, obteve-se uma pontuação média geral de 92 pontos. Nas principais dimensões, os inquiridos atribuíram em média 59 pontos à saúde geral, 77 pontos às atividades em visão de perto (VP), 83 pontos à visão em geral, 92 pontos às atividades em visão de longe e 89 pontos à condução. Conclusões: Os indivíduos avaliados revelam boa função visual, quer quando avaliados objetivamente quer quando avaliados de forma subjetiva através de um questionário. A maioria dos dados objetivos recolhidos não revelam ser preditores das boas pontuações no questionário, com exceção para a AV de longe que é preditor de melhores pontuações nas dimensões de saúde geral e visão em geral e da AV a 66cm que é preditor de melhores pontuações nas atividades de visão de perto., Purpose: The main purpose of this study is the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of visual function of individuals underwent bilateral cataract surgery and who have been implanted with monofocal extended depth of focus (in particular Tecnis Eyhance, model ICB00 from Johnson & Johnson manufacturer). The objective is to confirm that the lenses provide, in addition to excellent distance vision, a good intermediate vision, even though they belong to the category of single vision lenses. Methods: It was evaluated a group of 24 pseudophakic individuals implanted with the ICB00 model of Tecnis Eyhance lenses, for more than 10 months. Monocular distance visual acuity and monocular near visual acuity were measured as well as binocular visual acuity at various distances through the defocus curve, pupil diameter, asphericity and aberrations through corneal topography. A questionnaire of satisfaction of the visual function NEI-VFQ-25 (National Eye Institute – Visual Functioning Questionnaire -25) was also applied, in the version validated for the Portuguese language. Results: The average decimal VA for distance vision was 0,89 ± 0,11 to the OD and 0,86 ± 0,12 to OS. Regarding near vision the average VA was J4,32 ± 0,82 to the OD and J4,45 ± 0,76 to the OS. VA binocular results from defocus curve to several distances were: 0,91 ± 0,10 to 2 m, 0,86 ± 0,12 to 1 m, 0,75 ± 0,16 to 66 cm, 0,65 ± 0,16 to 50 cm, 0,45 ± 0,14 to 40 cm and 0,33 ± 0,15 to 33 cm. On asphericity at 8 mm the average values were -0,27 ± 0,13 to the OD and - 0,27 ± 0,14 to the OS. The average pupil diameter of the OD was 3,36 ± 0,63 mm and 3,35 ± 0,62 mm to the OS. In the case of aberrations of front cornea at 6 mm the averages were 1,916 ± 0,727 m to the RMS total to the OD and 1,872 ± 0,704 m to the OS; 1,796 ± 0,707 m to the low order aberrations of the OD and 1,796 ± 0,707 m to the OS; 0,653 ± 0,232 m the high order aberrations of the OD and 0,645 ± 0,285 m to the OS. The questionnaire had an overall average score of 92 points. In the main dimensions, individuals under study attributed an average of 59 points to general health, 77 points to activities in near vision, 83 points to general vision, 92 points to activities in distance vision and 89 points to driving. Conclusions: The patients evaluated reveal improved visual function, either when evaluated objectively or when evaluated subjectively through a questionnaire. Most of the objective data collected does not prove to be predictor of good scores on the questionnaire, except for distance VA which is a predictor of better scores in the dimensions of general health and general vision and VA at 66 cm which is a predictor of better scores in the near vision activities.

This research reports a simple, innovative, and low-cost doping method of TiO2 nanoparticles presenting the effects of calcination and the weight ratio of TiO2:FeCl3 (1:0.33–1:4.5). The photocatalytic activity of the nanomaterials was investigated by decolorizing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in an aqueous solution. The main results showed that there is anatase-to-rutile transformation after the calcination process. The Fe-doped process modified the TiO2 spectrum and showed a connection in the Ti–O–Fe vibration. The particle size is within the nanometer range, between 20–51 nm, except for calcined TiO2. The inclusion of Fe in TiO2 decreased the band gap energy from 3.16 (reference) up to 2.06 eV (1:3). Additionally, after the calcination, there was a decrease in this value from 3.03 eV (reference) up to 1.95 eV (1:1.6). The TiO2, with a ratio of (1:1.6), showed the highest activity in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB with an efficiency of 93.8% after 3 h of irradiation., This research was partially funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), NanoAir PTDC/FISMAC/6606/2020, MicroCoolPav EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021, UIDB/04650/2020, and UIDB/04029/2020. This research was supported by the doctoral Grant PRT/BD/154269/2022 financed by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), and with funds from POR Norte - Portugal 2020 and State Budget, under MIT Portugal Program. The third author would like to acknowledge the FCT for funding (2022.00763.CEECIND).

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Introduction: The dominant sense of the human being is the vision, since through the eyes it is possible to obtain information about space and time (where and when) that will help the athlete to make a firm decision and perform an action. In this way, there is a necessity to understand the correlation between the athletes’ visual skills, to find out which skills need to be trained for better sports performance. Sports vision aims to preserve and improve visual function to increase sports performance. Consequently, several professional and amateur sportspeople are interested in the fundamental role of sports vision performance, taking up training programs and research studies to gain knowledge in this area. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlations between visual skills in professional soccer players, and to compare and verify the existence of possible differences in visual skills among the four positions held on the field (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward). Methods: A total of 155 professional soccer players were analyzed, and no exclusion criteria were established to make available the full range of players in the workgroup. The results were collected before each training session at the club's facilities. Procedures were performed to assess visual acuity, objective refraction, ocular dominance, binocular vision, accommodation, reaction time, peripheral perception, and multiple object tracking. Results: The comparison of athletes’ position reveals no statistically differences between them at the visual abilities level. However, when only two positions are compared, some differences are observed between them for BVA (binocular visual acuity) and HFNP (horizontal phoria in near vision). There was a correlation with statistical significance between peripheral perception and binocular visual acuity (coef=0.19, p=0.02) and peripheral perception with phorias in distance vision (coef=|-0.19|, p=0.02). We observed a correlation with the statistical significance of multiple objects tracking with fusion reserves in nasal base far vision, both in rupture (coef=0.18, p=0.03) and recovery (coef=0.19, p=0.02). Observing the reaction time and the difference between rupture and recovery in the temporal basis for far vision, a correlation with statistical significance is also observed (coef=|-0.16|, p=0.04). It was found that when peripheral perception is higher, it will generate a shorter reaction time (coef=I-0.18I, p=0.03) and that better peripheral perception points to a higher value of multiple object tracking (coef=0.28, p, Introdução: A visão é considerada o sentido dominante do ser humano, uma vez que através dos olhos consegue-se obter informações de espaço e tempo (onde e quando) que irão ajudar o atleta a tomar determinada decisão e a executar uma ação. Devido a esse mesmo motivo, existe uma necessidade em saber como se correlacionam as habilidades visuais dos desportistas, no propósito de averiguar quais as habilidades necessárias treinar para obter um melhor desempenho desportivo. A visão no desportivo tem como objetivo preservar e melhorar a função visual para aumentar o rendimento desportivo. Por conseguinte, existe um crescimento no número de desportistas profissionais e amadores que depositam interesse no papel fundamental da visão na performance desportiva, aderindo assim, tanto a programas de treino, como a investigações no âmbito da obtenção de conhecimento nesta área. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo incidiu na realização de uma avaliação de possíveis correlações existentes entre as habilidades visuais em jogadores de futebol profissionais, para então comparar e verificar a existência de possíveis diferenças nas habilidades visuais entre as quatro posições ocupadas dentro de campo (guarda-redes, defesa, médio e avançado). Métodos: Foram analisados 155 jogadores de futebol profissionais, onde não foram estabelecidos critérios de exclusão para colocar ao dispor todo o leque de jogadores integrados no grupo de trabalho. Os resultados foram recolhidos antes de cada sessão de treino nas instalações do clube. Foram realizados procedimentos com o objetivo de avaliar a acuidade visual, a refração objetiva, a dominância ocular, a visão binocular, a acomodação, o tempo de reação, a perceção periférica e o seguimento de múltiplos objetos. Resultados: Quando são comparadas as posições dos atletas, não se encontraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas para as capacidades visuais entre elas. No entanto, quando se comparam apenas duas posições, observam-se algumas diferenças entre as posições para a AVB e para a FHVP. Verificou-se uma correlação com significância estatística entre a perceção periférica e a acuidade visual binocular (coef=0,19, p=0,02), e perceção periférica com as forias em VL (coef=|-0,19|, p=0,02). Observou-se uma correlação com significância estatística do seguimento de múltiplos objetos com as reservas fusionais em VL de base nasal, tanto em rutura (coef=0,18, p=0,03), como em recuperação (coef=0,19, p=0,02). Entre o tempo de reação e a diferença entre a rutura e a recuperação na base temporal para VL, também se observa uma correlação com significância estatística (coef=|-0,16|, p=0,04). Verifica-se que quando a perceção periférica é maior vai gerar um menor tempo de reação (coef=I-0,18I, p=0,03), e que uma melhor perceção periférica, aponta para um maior valor do seguimento de múltiplos objetos (coef=0,28, p

Phase change materials (PCMs) have been incorporated into asphalt concrete pavements because they can regulate the temperature by absorbing and releasing heat during physical state changes. This effect reduces temperature gradients of pavements and, consequently, increases its service life. This work presents a systematic review of recent articles published in peer-reviewed journals (available in the Scopus database) involving asphalt mixtures with PCMs and focusing on mechanical characterization. It is observed that most of the selected papers investigated the benefits of polyethylene glycol as a PCM. The most common strategy to avoid leakage during the phase transition involved using a porous material that acts as a carrier matrix for the PCMs. Generally, asphalt pavements with PCMs are systems with favourable thermal transferability, thus demonstrating higher heat absorption and dissipation rates. Finally, the asphalt mixtures containing PCMs showed lower mechanical performance than the control mixtures. However, they still satisfy the required criteria. In any case, it is expected that with the incorporation of PCMs into asphalt pavements, the social and environmental effects (Urban Heat Island) of sunlight in urban areas can be mitigated by the thermoregulation phenomena., This work was partially financed by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia - under the projects of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020, MicroCoolPav project EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021, and NanoAir project PTDC/FIS-MAC/6606/2020.

To achieve high photocatalytic activity, TiO2 nanoparticlesrequire an excitation source in ultraviolet radiation. Incorporating chemical elements into the TiO2 lattice can tune its band gap, resulting in an edge-shifted red absorption to reduce energies, improving photocatalytic performance in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this research, TiO2 semiconductor nanoparticles were subjected to a doping process using iron chloride (FeCl3) powder to activate photocatalysis under visible light and consequently improve pollutant capture. To study the effectiveness of the doping process, the main ratios (1:1), (1:1.622) and (1:3) of TiO2:FeCl3 were evaluated using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The main results of this research show that doping TiO2 with FeCl3 shifted the absorption edge to longer wavelength values, changing the optical properties of the material and decreasing the band gap (Eg) of TiO2 compared to the undoped TiO2 (reference). There are no relevant differences between the XRD pattern of the samples with TiO2-FeCl3 and TiO2 nanoparticles (reference). The fraction of the anatase phase in doped TiO2 nanoparticles has the same magnitude as the reference TiO2. Regarding FTIR, the Fe-doping process alters the TiO2 reference spectrum, increasing the intensity of hydroxyl bonds and peaks particularly, indicating the Ti-O-Fe bond vibration., This work has been supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020, UIDB/04029/2020, and NanoAir PTDC/FIS-MAC/6606/2020.

Prussian Blue (PB) thin films were prepared by DC chronoamperometry (CHA), symmetric pulse, and non-symmetric pulse electrodeposition techniques. The formation of PB was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-Vis transmission measurements. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the stabilization of the insoluble form of PB. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies, an increase in porosity is obtained for the shorter pulse widths, which tends to improve the total charge exchange and electrochemical stability of the films. While the film prepared by CHA suffered a degradation of 82% after 260 cycles, the degradation reduced to 24% and 34% for the samples prepared by the symmetric and non-symmetric pulse methods, respectively. Additionally, in the non-symmetric pulse film, the improvement in the charge exchange reached ~522% after 260 cycles. According to this study, the deposition time distribution affects the physical/chemical properties of PB films. These results then render pulse electrodeposition methods especially suitable to produce high-quality thin films for electrochemical devices, based on PB., This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), through the projects POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029454, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-028538, PTDC/NANMAT/0098/2020 and UID/QUI/0686/2020. It was also funded by the R&D project “SOLPOWINS”, with reference PTDC/CTM-REF/4304/2020, and E-Field- “Electric-Field Engineered Lattice Distortions (E-FiELD) for optoelectronic devices”, ref. PTDC/NAN-MAT/0098/2020, financed by the FCT.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a refractive error in which rays of light entering the eye parallel to the optic axis are brought to a focus in front of the retina. Myopia progression has been alerting researchers because children with high myopia (>-6.00D) have more chances to develop ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy or myopic macular degeneration. Myopia is already a public health problem and is estimated that 50% of the world population will be myopic in 2050, and 10% of those will be high myopic. Nowadays, there are many available interventions including optical and medical methods that are reviewed in the present dissertation, all with different efficacy and safety profiles. Nevertheless, there are no standardized and 100% effective methods for controlling myopia progression. That is why more research is needed in current and new methods for myopia control to understand their impact on visual function, that will allow optometrists and ophthalmologists to implement it in their daily practice. The main goal of the present dissertation is to analyse the visual function of a novel ophthalmic method to control myopia, called perifocal spectacle lenses, in order to obtain more knowledge of these new lenses. We analysed peripheral refraction, contrast sensitivity and light disturbance between monofocal lenses (control) and perifocal lenses (test) in seventeen participants. The sample recruited had a mean age of 24 ± 3.52 years and mean spherical equivalent of -2.80 ± 1.75D for the right eye and -2.81 ± 1.82D for the left eye. We observed that the perifocal lenses induced a significant myopic defocus at 25 degrees of-axis, mainly in the nasal retina (induced by the temporal side of the lens). In the nasal retina of the participants, the peripheral refraction changed, on average, -0.42D in the right eye, and -0.74D in the left eye. In the temporal retina, affected by the nasal side of the lens, the differences between control and test measurements were not statistically significant. We found no statistically significant changes in the visual contrast sensitivity and in the light disturbance when subjects were using the perifocal lenses., A miopia é um erro refrativo em que os raios de luz que entram no olho paralelamente ao eixo ótico, encontram o seu foco antes da retina. A progressão da miopia tem alertado os investigadores, porque crianças com miopias elevadas (>-6.00D) têm mais probabilidade de desenvolver patologias oculares, tais como, glaucoma, catarata, descolamento da retina, e maculopatia miópica ou degeneração macular miópica. A miopia já é considerada um problema de saúde pública e estima-se que 50% da população mundial será míope em 2050, sendo que 10% destes serão altos míopes. Atualmente, existem várias intervenções disponíveis, incluindo métodos óticos e terapêuticos, que são revistos na presente dissertação, todos com diferentes perfis de eficácia e segurança. No entanto, não existe um método padronizado e 100% eficaz para controlar a progressão da miopia. Por esta razão, é necessária mais investigação acerca de métodos atuais e novos para controlar a miopia e compreender o seu impacto na função visual, permitindo a optometristas e oftalmologistas que os implementem na sua prática clínica. O principal objetivo desta dissertação é analisar a função visual de umas novas lentes oftálmicas para o controlo da progressão da miopia, designadas por lentes oftálmicas perifocais, de forma a obter mais conhecimento acerca destas novas lentes. Foi analisada a refração periférica, a sensibilidade visual ao contraste e a distorção luminosa entre lentes monofocais (controlo) e lentes perifocais (teste) em dezassete participantes. A amostra recrutada apresentou uma idade média de 24 ± 3.52 anos e um valor médio de equivalente esférico de -2.80 ± 1.75D para o olho direito e -2.81 ± 1.82D para o olho esquerdo. Observou-se que as lentes perifocais induziram um desfocado miópico significativo a 25 graus fora de-eixo, principalmente na retina nasal (induzido pelo lado temporal da lente). Na retina nasal dos participantes, a refração periférica alterou-se, em média, -0.42D no olho direito e -0.74D no olho esquerdo. Na retina temporal, influenciada pelo lado nasal da lente, as diferenças entre as medidas controlo e teste não foram estatisticamente significativas. Não foram encontradas alterações estatisticamente significativas na sensibilidade visual ao contraste e na distorção luminosa durante a utilização das lentes perifocais.

Dissertação de mestrado em Optometria Avançada, Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da exposição radiação ultravioleta tipo C em lentes oftálmicas. Métodos: 9 pares de lentes oftálmicas foram utilizadas neste trabalho, de diferentes materiais (constituídas por acrílico e policarbonato), com revestimentos de anti-risco, anti-reflexo e filtro azul. De cada par, uma das lentes foi mantida no escuro, protegida da radiação eletromagnética, enquanto a outra lente foi exposta sistematicamente à radiação UVC durante 3 semanas. A transmitância de cada lente, o índice de branqueamento, índice de amarelecimento e o índice de similaridade foram calculados ao longo do período de 3 semanas, estimados a partir das medições da transmitância. Para a realização das medições, foram considerados 4 momentos: no início do procedimento experimental e no final de cada semana passada. Resultados: É transversal à totalidade das lentes mantidas no escuro a estabilidade ao longo do tempo na transmitância, índices de branqueamento, amarelecimento e similaridade. Quanto às lentes expostas ao UVC, verificaram-se alterações em algumas das lentes, em particular na transmissibilidade e no índice de amarelecimento das lentes de acrílico e policarbonato com tratamento anti-risco. Nas restantes lentes não se verificaram alterações mesuráveis. Conclusões: As alterações nas lentes oftálmicas expostas ao UVC dependem do seu material e dos tratamentos que possam existir na lente, sendo que as que parecem apresentar mais alterações são as lentes com tratamento anti-risco, de acrílico e de policarbonato., Objective: Analysis the effect of exposure to ultraviolet C radiation in ophthalmic lenses. Methods: 9 pairs of ophthalmic lenses were used in this work, made of different materials (consisting of acrylic and polycarbonate), with anti-scratch, anti-reflection and blue filter coatings. Of each pair, one lens was kept in the dark protected from electromagnetic radiation, while the other lens was systematically exposed to UVC radiation for 3 weeks. The transmittance of each lens, the whitening index, the yellowing index and the similarity index were calculated over a 3-week period, estimated from transmittance measurements. To conduct measurements, 4 moments were considered: at the beginning of the experimental procedure and the end of each last week. Results: The stability over time in transmittance, whitening, yellowing, and similarity index is transversal to all lenses kept in the dark. As for lenses exposed to UVC, there are changes in some of the lenses, particularly in the transmissibility and yellowing index of acrylic and polycarbonate lenses with anti-scratch treatment. In the remaining lenses there were no measurable changes. Conclusions: Changes in ophthalmic lenses exposed to UVC depend on their materials and on the treatments that may exist on the lens, and the ones that seems to present more changes are the scratch resistant acrylic and polycarbonate lenses.

Self-assembled peptide-based gels provide several advantages for technological applications. Recently, the co-assembly of gelators has been a strategy to modulate and tune gel properties and even implement stimuli-responsiveness. However, it still comprises limitations regarding the required library of compounds and outcoming properties. Hence, efforts have been made to combine peptide-based gels and (in)organic composites (e.g., magnetic nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, liposomes, graphene, silica, clay, titanium dioxide, cadmium sulfide) to endow stimuli-responsive materials and achieve suitable properties in several fields ranging from optoelectronics to biomedical. Herein, we discuss the recent developments with composite peptide-based gels including the fabrication, tunability of gels' properties, and challenges on (bio)technological applications., This work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding of CF-UM-UP (UIDB/04650/2020) and CQUM (UIDB/00686/2020), and by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad de España (PID2020-113704RB-I00 and PID2020-119242RB-I00), Xunta de Galicia (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia—Accreditation 2019-2022 ED431G 2019/06 and IN607A 2018/5 and project ED431C 2020-06), and European Union (EU-ERDF Interreg V-A—Spain-Portugal 0245_IBEROS_1_E, 0712_ACUINANO_1_E, and 0624_2IQBIONEURO_6_E, and Interreg Atlantic Area NANOCULTURE 1.102.531), and the European Union H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 PEPSA-MATE 872233 project. S.R.S. Veloso acknowledges FCT for a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/144017/2019). Support from MAP-Fis Doctoral Programme is also acknowledged.

A study of the top-quark interactions via flavour-changing neutral current (FCNC) processes provides an intriguing connection between the heaviest elementary particle of the standard model (SM) of particle physics and the new scalar bosons that are predicted in several notable SM extensions. The production cross sections of the processes with top-scalar FCNC interactions can be significantly enhanced to the observable level at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The present review summarises the latest experimental results on the study of the top-quark interactions with the Higgs boson via an FCNC and describes several promising directions to look for new scalar particles., NC is supported by the FCT—Fundação para a Ciências e a Tecnologia, Portugal, under project CERN/FIS-PAR/0032/2021.

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are of high interest for therapeutic applications. In this work, nanoparticles of calcium-doped manganese ferrites (CaxMn1−xFe2O4) functionalized with citrate were synthesized through thermally assisted oxidative precipitation in aqueous media. The method provided well dispersed aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles through a one-pot synthesis, in which the temperature and Ca/Mn ratio were found to influence the particles microstructure and morphology. Consequently, changes were obtained in the optical and magnetic properties that were studied through UV-Vis absorption and SQUID, respectively. XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out to assess the microstructural changes associated with stoichiometry of the particles, and the stability in physiological pH was studied through DLS. The nanoparticles displayed high values of magnetization and heating efficiency for several alternating magnetic field conditions, compatible with biological applications. Hereby, the employed method provides a promising strategy for the development of particles with adequate properties for magnetic hyperthermia applications, such as drug delivery and cancer therapy., This work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding of CF-UM-UP (UIDB/04650/2020, UIDP/04650/2020), CQUM (UIDB/00686/2020), CICECO Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020 & LA/P/0006/2020) and by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad de España (PID2020-113704RB-I00 and PID2020-119242RB-I00), Xunta de Galicia (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia—Accreditation 2019-2022 ED431G 2019/06 and IN607A 2018/5 and project ED431C 2020-06), and European Union (EU-ERDF Interreg V-A—Spain-Portugal 0245_IBEROS_1_E, 0712_ACUINANO_1_E, and 0624_2IQBIONEURO_6_E, and Interreg Atlantic Area NANOCULTURE 1.102.531), and the European Union H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 PEPSA-MATE project. S.R.S. (872233) Veloso acknowledges FCT for a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/144017/2019). Support from MAP-Fis Doctoral Programme is also acknowledged.

N,N-dimethyl-4-nitroaniline is a piezoelectric organic superplastic and superelastic charge transfer molecular crystal that crystallizes in an acentric structure. Organic mechanical flexible crystals are of great importance as they stand between soft matter and inorganic crystals. Highly aligned poly-l-lactic acid polymer microfibers with embedded N,N-dimethyl-4-nitroaniline nanocrystals are fabricated using the electrospinning technique, and their piezoelectric and optical properties are explored as hybrid systems. The composite fibers display an extraordinarily high piezoelectric output response, where for a small stress of 5.0 × 103 Nm−2, an effective piezoelectric voltage coefficient of geff = 4.1 VmN−1 is obtained, which is one of the highest among piezoelectric polymers and organic lead perovskites. Mechanically, they exhibit an average increase of 67% in the Young modulus compared to polymer microfibers alone, reaching 55 MPa, while the tensile strength reaches 2.8 MPa. Furthermore, the fibers show solid-state blue fluorescence, important for emission applications, with a long lifetime decay (147 ns) lifetime decay. The present results show that nanocrystals from small organic molecules with luminescent, elastic and piezoelectric properties form a mechanically strong hybrid functional 2-dimensional array, promising for applications in energy harvesting through the piezoelectric effect and as solid-state blue emitters., This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE-QREN-EU (ref. UID/FIS/04650/2013 and UID/FIS/04650/2019) and E-Field - "Electric-Field Engineered Lattice Distortions (E-FiELD) for optoelectronic devices", ref. PTDC/NAN-MAT/0098/2020.

Multifunctional nanosystems are capable to carry one or more therapeutic agents (thermal and/or targeting agents and chemotherapeutic drugs), offering the capability to concurrently perform different treatment modalities using a single nanosystem. Cluster nanostructures, consisting of densely packed aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles, have shown enhanced heating capabilities. Their combination with plasmonic nanoparticles enable synergistic behavior between dual hyperthermia (magneto-photothermia), allowing overheating cancer cells while increasing drug toxicity. In this work, multicore magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) of MnFe2O4 were prepared using oxamide and melamine as clustering agents. The multicore NPs prepared with oxamide were covered with a gold shell, resulting in multicore magnetic/plasmonic NPs with an increased SAR of 173.80 W/g, under NIR light. Liposomes based on these magnetic/plasmonic NPs were prepared and the model drug curcumin was loaded in these nanocarriers with a high encapsulation efficiency. The fusion between the curcumin-loaded magnetic/plasmonic liposomes and models of cell membranes (labelled with Nile Red) was confirmed by FRET, pointing the magneto/plasmonic liposomes as promising for dual cancer therapy (combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy)., (undefined)

3D metrology with a market in 2022 in the order of 11 billion USD is becoming more and more important for 3D printing. On the other hand, 3D printing can give an invaluable contribution to 3D metrology and the evaluation and interpretation of the results of 3D inspection. Nondestructive dimensional inspection of surfaces is an issue of utmost importance in a large number of situations in R&D and at the industrial world. An increasing number of surfaces and surface types must be 3D characterized in a non-destructive non-invasive way. Statistical parameters, both 2D and 3D, are fundamental to a useful quantitative characterization of the surface’ relief. However, the two and tridimensional magnified representation of the microtopographic structure of the surface, allowing a comfortable and detailed visualization of the relief structure, gives very meaningful insights and is more and more requested. Increasing computer processing power and speed and new software allows our days a very efficient visual inspection of the results of the microtopographic inspection of surfaces and parts. Recently the resolution accuracy and reliability of 3D printers is achieving rather interesting figures. It is now possible not only to visualize, in a high-resolution screen, the amplified 3D relief structured of the surface but also it is possible to 3D print it. The “tactile” visualization of the 3D printed physical model of the inspected surface is an interesting experience that may lead to a fast meaningful assessment of the relief of the inspected surface. Optical triangulation in different approaches allow the establishment of metrological systems that by its inherent relative simplicity versatility robustness and reliability can cope with most modern requirements of the non-invasive inspection of objects and surfaces both smooth or rough. In this communication we will present a brief review of the work done at the Microtopography Laboratory of the Physics Department of the University of Minho, Portugal, on the optical triangulation based microtopographic inspection of surfaces.

In this work, we introduce lead-free organic ferroelectric perovskite N-methyl-N′-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octonium)–ammonium triiodide (MDABCO-NH4I3) nanocrystals embedded in three different polymer fibers fabricated by the electrospinning technique, as mechanical energy harvesters. Molecular ferroelectrics offer the advantage of structural diversity and tunability, easy fabrication, and mechanical flexibility. Organic–inorganic hybrid materials are new low-symmetry emerging materials that may be used as energy harvesters because of their piezoelectric or ferroelectric properties. Among these, ferroelectric metal-free perovskites are a class of recently discovered multifunctional materials. The doped nanofibers, which are very flexible and have a high Young modulus, behave as active piezoelectric energy harvesting sources that produce a piezoelectric voltage coefficient up to geff = 3.6 VmN−1 and show a blue intense luminescence band at 325 nm. In this work, the pyroelectric coefficient is reported for the MDABCO-NH4I3 perovskite inserted in electrospun fibers. At the ferroelectric–paraelectric phase transition, the embedded nanocrystals display a pyroelectric coefficient as high as 194 × 10−6 Cm−2k−1, within the same order of magnitude as that reported for the state-of-the-art bulk ferroelectric triglycine sulfate (TGS). The perovskite nanocrystals embedded into the polymer fibers remain stable in their piezoelectric output response, and no degradation is caused by oxidation, making the piezoelectric perovskite nanofibers suitable to be used as flexible energy harvesters., This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE-QREN-EU (ref. UID/FIS/04650/2013 and UID/FIS/04650/2019) and E-Field—“Electric-Field Engineered Lattice Distortions (E-FiELD) for optoelectronic devices”, ref. PTDC/NAN-MAT/0098/2020.

The application of photocatalytic semiconductors into asphalt mixtures give it better performance an new capabilities such as photocatalytic, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, deicing/anti-ice, self-healing, thermochromic, and latent heat thermal energy storage.

In this study, thin films composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in a copper oxide matrix (Au:CuO), manifesting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) behavior, were produced by reactive DC magnetron sputtering and post-deposition in-air annealing. The effect of low-power Ar plasma etching on the surface properties of the plasmonic thin films was studied, envisaging its optimization as gas sensors. Thus, this work pretends to attain the maximum sensing response of the thin film system and to demonstrate its potential as a gas sensor. The results show that as Ar plasma treatment time increases, the host CuO matrix is etched while Au nanoparticles are uncovered, which leads to an enhancement of the sensitivity until a certain limit. Above such a time limit for plasma treatment, the CuO bonds are broken, and oxygen is removed from the film’s surface, resulting in a decrease in the gas sensing capabilities. Hence, the importance of the host matrix for the design of the LSPR sensor is also demonstrated. CuO not only provides stability and protection to the Au NPs but also promotes interactions between the thin film’s surface and the tested gases, thereby improving the nanocomposite film’s sensitivity. The optimized sensor sensitivity was estimated at 849 nm/RIU, which demonstrates that the Au-CuO thin films have the potential to be used as an LSPR platform for gas sensors., This research was sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020 and by the project CO2Plasmon with reference EXPL/CTM-REF/0750/2021. M.P. acknowledges her Ph.D. Scholarship from FCT, with reference SFRH/BD/137076/2018. Diana I. Meira acknowledges her Ph.D. Scholarship from FCT, with reference SFRH/BD/143262/2019.

Scattering of excitons by free carriers is a phenomenon, which is especially important when considering moderately to heavily doped semiconductors in low-temperature experiments, where the interaction of excitons with acoustic and optical phonons is reduced. In this paper, we consider the scattering of excitons by free carriers in monolayer hexagonal boron nitride encapsulated by a dielectric medium. We describe the excitonic states by variational wave functions, modeling the electrostatic interaction via the Rytova–Keldysh potential. Making the distinction between elastic and inelastic scattering, the relevance of each transition between excitonic states is also considered. Finally, we discuss the contribution of free carrier scattering to the excitonic linewidth, analyzing both its temperature and carrier density dependence., M.F.C.M.Q. acknowledges the International Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the Quantum Portugal Initiative (QPI) grant SFRH/BD/151114/2021. N.M.R.P. acknowledges support by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020, COMPETE 2020, PORTUGAL 2020, FEDER, and FCT through projects PTDC/FIS-MAC/2045/2021, EXPL/FIS-MAC/0953/ 2021, and from the European Commission through the project Graphene Driven Revolutions in ICT and Beyond (Ref. No. 881603, CORE 3).

The use of graphene in surface plasmon resonance sensors, covering a metallic (plasmonic) film, has a number of demonstrated advantages, such as protecting the film against corrosion/oxidation and facilitating the introduction of functional groups for selective sensing. Recently, a number of works have claimed that few-layer graphene can also increase the sensitivity of the sensor. However, graphene was treated as an isotropic thin film, with an out-of-plane refractive index that is identical to the in-plane index. Here, we critically examine the role of single and few layers of graphene in the sensitivity enhancement of surface plasmon resonance sensors. Graphene is introduced over the metallic film via three different descriptions: as an atomic-thick two-dimensional sheet, as a thin effective isotropic material (same conductivity in the three coordinate directions), and as an non-isotropic layer (different conductivity in the perpendicular direction to the two-dimensional plane). We find that only the isotropic layer model, which is known to be incorrect for the optical modeling of graphene, provides sizable sensitivity increases, while the other, more accurate, models lead to a negligible contribution to the sensitivity., This work was funded by FAPESP (grant nos. 2018/07276-5 and 2018/25339-4), the Brazilian Nanocarbon Institute of Science and Technology (INCT/Nanocarbon), and CAPES-PrInt (grant no. 88887.310281/2018-00). N.M.R.P. acknowledges PORTUGAL 2020, FEDER, and the FCT through projects: UIDB/04650/2020 strategic project, QML-HEP-CERN/FIS-COM/0004/2021 and PTDC/FIS-MAC/2045/2021, and the European Commission through the project GrapheneDriven Revolutions in ICT and Beyond (Ref. No. 881603, CORE 3)., https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/12/15/2562

Programa doutoral em Physics, A deteção precoce de biomarcadores clinicamente relevantes é um dos principais desafios no diagnostico de doenças. Os avanços mais recentes na microeletrónica abriram caminho para o desenvolvimento de biossensores eletrónicos, em que é possível alcançar dispositivos de elevada sensibilidade e velocidade. Em particular, os biossensores baseados em transístores de efeito de campo têm potencial para a miniaturização e integração em processos de fabricação eletrónica, ao mesmo tempo permitindo deteção rápida, paralela e sem marcação. Este potencial pode ser explorado para desenvolver ferramentas de diagnostico mais eficazes para a avaliação de pacientes de AVC isquémico. O AVC isquémico é uma das maiores causas de morte e incapacidade no mundo e a aplicação de tratamento é condicionada pelo curto espaço de tempo em que o tratamento com o Ativador do plasminogénio tecidual pode ser aplicado. Assim sendo, o desenvolvimento de um biossensor para analise rápida do estado do paciente pode proporcionar estratificação para a aplicação terapêutica atempada, podendo aumentar o número de pacientes tratados e reduzindo o risco de transformação hemorrágica nos pacientes tratados. Com esta problemática em mente, o trabalho apresentado focou-se no desenvolvimento de transístores de efeito de campo baseados em materiais 2D para a deteção de biomarcadores relevantes para a estratificação de pacientes com AVC isquémico. Transístores de efeito de campo com grafeno como material do canal foram testados e otimizados para interação com biomoléculas. A transferência de grafeno e passivação dos contactos foi otimizada para fornecer transístores de efeito de campo compatíveis com a funcionalização de superfícies e bio reconhecimento de proteínas. A funcionalização do grafeno foi estudada, garantindo a consistência do método, a estabilidade dos anticorpos imobilizados e a redução de ligações não-especificas. Os transístores funcionalizados foram testados com proteínas standard para estudar o mecanismo de deteção. Os testes realizados com as proteínas biomarcadoras de AVC isquémico, Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 e Fibronectina celular, mostraram potencial para a deteção simultânea dos biomarcadores graças à ausência de interação cruzada entre eles. A exposição dos dispositivos à matriz biológica de interesse revelou que é possível detetar especificamente os biomarcadores em amostras de soro diluído, no entanto em amostras mais complexas algumas limitações surgem devido à ocorrência de eventos de ligação não-especifica. Além disso, a reprodutibilidade dos transístores mesmo não sendo perfeita (11% intra e 26% inter variabilidade) revela um grande potencial para a continuação do desenvolvimento desta tecnologia para a deteção rápida de biomarcadores de AVC isquémico para a estratificação de pacientes., Early detection of clinically relevant biomarkers (proteins, DNA, or others) is nowadays considered the holy grail of diagnostics for modern medicine. The recent advancements in micro-electronics have opened the path for bioelectronics-based sensors, where devices of greatly improved sensitivity and speed of detection are achieved. In particular, biosensors based on field-effect transistors hold the potential for miniaturization and integration in electronic manufacturing processes while allowing parallel label-free sensing and fast response times. This potential can be explored to develop practical diagnostic tools for evaluating ischemic stroke patients. Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and treatment is still conditioned due to the narrow time window of intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). As such, developing a biosensing tool for fast analysis of the condition of ischemic stroke patients can provide stratification for therapy application, potentially increasing the number of treated patients and reducing the risk of hemorrhagic transformation. With this in mind, the focus of this work was the development of 2D material-based field-effect transistors for the detection of biomarkers clinically relevant to the stratification of ischemic stroke patients. Field effect transistors using graphene as the channel material were tested and optimized for selective biomolecular recognition. Graphene transfer and contact passivation were optimized using clean-room processes to provide field-effect transistors compatible with surface functionalization and bio-recognition. Graphene functionalization was studied to ensure a consistent method for stable immobilization of probe antibodies and reduction of non-specific binding. The functionalized graphene field-effect transistors were tested against standard protein biomarkers to access the detection mechanism. The tests performed with stroke protein biomarkers, Matrix Metallopeptidase 9, and cellular Fibronectin showed great potential for their simultaneous detection due to the absence of cross-reactivity between these proteins. The graphene field-effect transistors exposure to the interest biological sample matrix (human serum) revealed that specific detection could be achieved in diluted serum samples. However, some limitations arise in more complex samples (raw serum) due to non-specific binding events. Moreover, although not perfect, the reproducibility of the measurements (11% intra-variability and 26% inter-variability) shows the great potential to further develop this technology for fast and label-free detection of ischemic stroke-related biomarkers patient stratification., To FCT for the funding through the PhD scholarship SFRH/BD/128579/2017 and Covid extension funding COVID/BD/151846/2021.

Hands-on Science. Rethinking STEAM education in times of uncertainty Sadly, the world is currently evolving in a rather distressing way. After over two years of major constraints imposed by the COVID pandemic, the education world is still trying to find ways to adapt in order to keep providing, in an effective way, its crucial contribution to the world’ development oursocieties need and expect. War and destruction, widespread humanitarian crisis, systematic disrespect for human rights, regression of several civilizational advances humanity hardly conquered over many decades, recurring economic social and political crisis, all adds up to the uncertainty we all are felling today. The school, in the broader sense, must keep up with the difficulties and raise to the complex challenges it faces, finding ways to fulfil its goal supporting the students as learners and in their growth as integral human beings.

Understanding and gathering information about the attitudes of visual impaired students concerning sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (SSTEM) is an important issue for the school and for the teachers when planning inclusive classrooms in STEM context. With the purpose of accessing the way visual impaired students relate to S-STEM, a questionnaire was applied in two samples of students from Portugal and Greece. The influence of sex, academic level, country and type of vision impairment was evaluated as main factors using a factorial ANOVA. The analysis of the questionnaires showed that the academic level was the single factor with statistically significant effect on S-STEM. This drives to the conclusion that visual impaired students generally have a similar attitude towards S-STEM when comparing with other students., This work was partially funded and supported by ERASMUS+ Programme; School Education Strategic Partnership – KA201 Agreement Number: 2020-1-PT01-KA201- 078451. This work was partially funded and supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020.

Learning how to use and to be able to program computers and other computer based or artificial intelligence devices is becoming of high importance in today’s modern societies. Micro:bit is a device that can be used to introduce children and students to this world. Micro:bit is a pocket programmable device that allows children and young people to learn how to program in a simple, playful and creative way. On the other hand, astronomy is an important science topic that appeals to the imagination and wonder of children, therefore contributing to their motivation and in promoting interest in science. Based on these two ideas, a STEM project named “Code Learning with Astronomical Ideas”, codename CODELASTRO, was developed and is going to be presented herein. The core project idea was to create a code learning-program based on micro:bit and astronomical topics. The micro:bit integrated sensors allow the development of STEM projects, in which children and young people, almost autonomously and in groups, can learn by going through all phases of design, development, coding, testing and execution. Exploring the relationship of programming and astronomy gave us an opportunity to teach how science can be challenging and attractive to young people. The initial target audience of the CODELASTRO project was students and teachers from developing nations, Mozambique and East Timor in particular. It was proved that this project can be successfully implemented in such countries with limited resources and facing developmental challenges

The developed world is being proactive in transitioning to a digital society. Thus, understanding and gathering information about the Media and Digital Skills (MDS) of visual impaired (VI) students is an important issue for evaluating this group's present and future integration into society. With the purpose of accessing VI students' MDS, a questionnaire was administered to two samples of students, one from Portugal and the other from Greece. A multiple linear regression model was used to modulate the effect on MDS of age, sex, country, and type of vision impairment. The model justifies a considerable amount of MDS variance, with age and vision being statistically significant factors. In the model, MDS improves with age increment, and blinds have lower MDS scores than their normal sight counterparts. Considering that blindness impairs the MDS of this subject group, particular efforts should be made by schools and society to potentiate the improvement of MDS in this specific group.

Livro de resumos da conferencia 5th International Conference on Applications of Optics and Photonics, July 18-22, 2022, Guimarães, Portugal

Education policies increasingly reflect the need for an improved and generalised scientific literacy. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education embraces this goal and many programs have been implement to target the need for an active and effective STEAM education at all school levels from kindergarten through high school. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) present particular further and challenges to the implementation of STEAM education approaches aiming to improve their basic scientific literacy. An individualized instruction approach is needed. Hands-on activities proved to be capable to decisively help the education process of this group of students. The study herein present was implemented at a TEACCH classroom. Five students, four boys (one of the first grade, two of the third grade and one of the fourth grade), and one girl (of the first grade) participated during the group work area of the TEACCH Program. Only two students are verbal (one boy of the third grade and one boy of the fourth grade). Several examples of the practical hands-on implementation of STEAM activities are given, carried out with elementary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The children showed entusiasm and joy during the experimental activities being much more focus and committed than usual., This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020. The authors thank all children and operational assistants for their active participation in this work and also thank specially school coordinator, Special Education department coordinator, vice principal and school principal.

After over two years of major constraints imposed by the COVID pandemic, the education world is still trying to find ways to adapt in order to keep providing, in an effective way, its crucial contribution to the world’ development our societies need and expect.

Education policy over the past years has pointing the need for scientific literacy as evidenced by the rise of the awareness of the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education. Many programs have begun to target the need for STEAM education for all students from kindergarten through high school. For students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the need to increase their scientific literacy is further difficult to achive by the need of an individualized instruction necessary when approaching new skills. This study was implemented at a structured teaching room with ASD early primary school students. The results of this qualitative study aim to reveal the potential for creativity and the role of inclusion and STEAM in early primary education with this group of ASD students. The way the education for students with ASD is approached is changing. The principle of inclusion has become strongly supported and recognized by national educational authorities in Portugal. However, barriers prevent students with autism from being genuinely engaged in school STEAM activities, especially at the early age levels. We need to do more to improve these students’ access to STEAM studies. The present paper presents the analysis of data in relation to one case study that involved one teacher and children working in classroom context. The case study reported addresses simple science hands-on activities on static electricity, through the lens of creativity., This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020. The authors thank all children and operational assistants for their active participation in this work and also thank specially school coordinator, Special Education department coordinator, vice principal and school principal.

The current sense of climate urgency poses significant challenges to the general population and, as a result, to schools. Environmental Education has a structuring importance in this context, taking into account its curricular transversality, focusing on the promotion of attitudes, values, and skills necessary to respond to the emergency situation revealed by several studies and international communications. Natural Sciences curriculum guidelines emphasize the importance of science in everyday life, with applications in technology, society, and the environment. Problems/questions can emerge to guide learning when contextualized in real-life and current situations. They contribute significantly to the development of skills such as "reasoning and problem solving," "critical thinking and creative thinking," "scientific, technical, and technological knowledge and literacy" and "well-being, health, and environment"

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) complexed with molecular iodine (I2) forming PEO/I2 complex composites stand‐free films were investigated using dielectric relaxation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, structural and morphological techniques. Scanning electron microscopy was used to monitor the variation in the surface morphology and the related roughness. 2D Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements enabled to observe the distribution of iodine on the film surface. High resolution XPS measurements were used to define the iodine anion types and the metallic iodine existence, as well as the relevant concentrations based on the binding energies. The dielectric relaxation measurements were carried out over the frequency range from 0.1 to 107 Hz and temperature range from 155 to 330 K. Dielectric loss (ε′′) curves were fitted to the Havriliak–Negami (HN) model for one and/or two relaxation peaks (α and β), with and without the electrical conductivity contribution term, in order to deduce the relaxation time (τ) and the dielectric strengths (Δε), in addition to the electrical conductivities (σ). The temperature-dependent data of β- and σ- relaxations follow the law of Arrhenius thermal activation indicating the presence of typical glass-forming polymers. Δε of α-relaxation obeys the curvature pattern of Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher (VTF) thermal activation law. The electrical conductivity of the system increases 6000 folds by doping PEO with 5 wt% of iodine at the same temperature (293 K)., The authors would like to thank Jordan University of Science and Technology; this research was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research under Grant Number: 420/2019. The authors extend thanks to the Lehrstuhl Experimentelle Physik III, Technische Universitat Dortmund, Germany for offering the measurements via the broadband impedance spectroscopy and the full technical and experimental support.

Electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fiber membranes doped with different ionic liquids (ILs) and sharing the same anion were produced and their potential as separator membranes for battery applications was evaluated. Different types of ILs containing the same anion, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)im ide [TFSI] , were used with IL concentrations ranging between 0 and 15 wt% The morphology, microstructure, thermal and electrical properties (ionic conductivity and electrochemical window) of the membranes were evaluated. The presence of ILs in the PVDF polymer matrix influences the fiber diameter and the content of the polar 13 phase within the polymer, as well as the degree of crystallinity. The thermal stability of the membranes decreases with the incorporation of IL. Impedance spectroscopy tests show a maximum ionic conductivity of 2.8 mS.cm(-1) for 15% of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(tri fluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Emim][TFSI]) at room temperature. The electrochemical stability of the samples ranges from 0.0 to 6.0 V. When evaluated as battery separator membranes in C-LiFePO4 halfcells, a maximum discharge capacity of 119 mAh.g(-1) at C-rate was obtained for the PVDF membrane with 15% [Emim][TFSI], with a coulombic efficiency close to 100%. The results demonstrate that the produced electrospun membranes are suitable for applications as separators for lithium ion batteries (LIBs)., Work supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): projects UID/FIS/04650/2019, UID/QUI/0686/2019, UID/CTM/50025/2019, UID/QUI/50006/2019, PTDC/FIS-MAC/28157/2017, and Grants SFRH/BD/140842/2018 (J.C.B.), SFRH/BPD/121526/2016 (D.M.C), CEECIND/00833/2017 (R.G.) and SFRH/BPD/112547/2015 (C.M.C.). Financial support from the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERFD) through the project PID2019-1060 99RB-C43/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and from the Basque Government Industry and Education Departments under the ELKARTEK and HAZITEK programs is also acknowledged.

The raw data from this study can be obtained from the Zenodo database: https://doi.org/10.5281/ zenodo.4033224, Walking around an art museum we can see how colours influence our aesthetic preferences: many great works of art would not be as impressive in grey scales. Is the beauty of colours in abstract paintings anchored to the spatial composition of the paintings, or can it be preserved even with random spatial arrangements? To test whether colour can have an independent contribution to aesthetic appreciation, we asked participants to select the preferred image among pairs of colour-manipulated versions of the same painting. We changed hue, but preserved lightness and saturation, by rotating the colour volume around the L* axis in CIELAB space. To test the influence of the spatial structure, the images of the paintings were presented: (1) in their original format, (2) spatially scrambled but preserving the colour composition, and (3) in a control condition with both colour and spatial scrambling. Relative preference as a function of hue angle was obtained for the four paintings in their original and modified forms. For the original paintings, we found that participants generally preferred the colour angles that matched the original version of the paintings. Crucially, participants preferred the same colour distributions for spatially scrambled paintings as for the original paintings. For the control condition, there were no preferred colour configurations. This suggests that the aesthetic preference of colours in our abstract paintings is not anchored to particular spatial compositions, but is at least partly preserved even when the spatial composition is destroyed. Paintings thus can contain an aesthetic component that is exclusively related to colour., This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), project number 222641018 - SFB/TRR 135 C2: Kardinale Mechanismen der Wahrnehmung: Prädiktion, Bewertung, Kategorisierung (AMA, KRG), and by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2019 and by the grant SFRH/BSAB/128042/2016 (SMCN).

Dissertação de mestrado em Física, O Modelo Padrão da Física de Partículas (MP) é uma teoria extremamente bem sucedida na confrontação experimental. No entanto, a busca por fenómenos que não caibam no seu quadro explicativo é um campo ativo. Várias famílias de teorias que estendem o MP são construídas e novos fenómenos por elas previstos são objeto de pesquisa. Nomeadamente, são feitas buscas por partículas que essas teorias prevêm que se manifestem nos dados adquiridos no detetor ATLAS no LHC a uma energia do centro de massa de 13 TeV. Um tipo particular de buscas consiste em estabelecer limites para certos parâmetros da teoria. Para levar a cabo essas pesquisas vários métodos são usados. Todos eles se baseiam em otimizar a capacidade para distinguir o que é modelizado como acontecimentos esperados assumindo o MP como explicação para as observações (fundo) e o que é modelizado como acontecimentos que deveriam estar presentes se a extensão ao MP fosse correta (sinal). Têm vindo a ser usadas técnicas de aprendizagem de máquina para esse efeito como alternativa a uma análise em que se delimita o espaço de fase da pesquisa usando regiões retangulares e se usam variáveis discriminantes motivadas pelo conhecimento da física do problema em estudo. As redes neuronais escolhem regiões do espaço de fase com formas mais gerais e constroem uma variável discriminante que é opaca no seu significado físico, mas eficaz. Neste trabalho é feita uma comparação do uso de redes neuronais profundas com a análise mais tradicional para estabelecer limites inferiores da massa dum hipotético bosão Z’ usando dados públicos de ATLAS. É também estudado o efeito do uso da variável motivada fisicamente como componente de uma análise baseada em redes neuronais. Por fim, um estudo adicional é feito sobre a transferibilidade de redes neuronais treinadas para reconhecer um sinal específico para discriminar sinais diferentes., The Standard Model of particle physics (SM) is an extremely successful theory in the comparison with experimental data. However, the search for phenomena that do not fit into its explanatory framework is an active field. Several families of theories extending the SM are constructed and new phenomena predicted by them are the subject of research. Particularly, searches are conducted to find particles that these theories predict will manifest themselves in data acquired at the ATLAS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. One particular type of search consists of setting limits on certain parameters of the theory, namely the mass of said particles. To carry out these searches various methods are used. They are all based on optimizing the ability to distinguish between what is modeled as expected events assuming the MP as an explanation for the observations (background) and what is modeled as events that should be present if the extension to the MP were correct (signal). Machine learning techniques have been used for this purpose as an alternative to an analysis in which one delimits the phase space of the search using rectangular regions and uses discriminant variables motivated by knowledge of the physics of the problem under study. Neural networks choose regions of the phase space with more general shapes and construct a discriminant variable that is opaque in its physical meaning, but effective. In this work a comparison is made of the use of deep neural networks with more traditional analysis to establish lower limits on the mass of a hypothetical Z’ boson using ATLAS open data. The effect of using the physically motivated variable as a component of a neural network-based analysis is also studied. Finally, an additional study is done on the transferability of neural networks trained to recognize a specific signal to discriminate different signals