J. A. Martinho Simões is a professor at the University of Lisbon. His scientific interests are in the area of molecular energetics and his work has involved the use of a variety of experimental techniques, including several types of calorimetry and mass spectrometry.; M. E. Minas da Piedade is associate professor of chemistry at the University of Lisbon. His scientific interests are in the application of calorimetric, thermal analytical, and computational chemistry methods to the study of the relations between molecular structure, energetics, and reactivity.