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The key goal of this conceptual paper is the creation of a sustainable management model of the Festa dos Tabuleiros (FT) event that provides a quality experience to the visitors without threatening the social, cultural and environmental integrity of the territory. Action research methodology has been used to improve the way the Tomar municipality organises and promotes the FT. In order to establish this model, it is necessary to determine the agents and relationships that underlie the production system of this event, aiming to improve the quality of its offer and the experience it provides to visitors as well as the sustainability of its production and consumption processes. In this sense, the development of the model will be based on four tasks: (1) stock-taking, interpreting and exhibiting cultural resources; (2) identifying, involving, analysing and educating stakeholders; (3) benchmarking of good practices in event sustainability; and (4) managing and monitoring the model. Hence, this paper aims to contribute to the safeguarding of the FT and to the sustainable development of the municipality and the region. This intent is achieved through the creation of a sustainable tourist-cultural management model that promotes the study, protection, enhancement, and dissemination of this event, as well as the creation of efficient and innovative solutions in an integrated way.

Os efluentes líquidos gerados nas atividades hospitalares podem causar impactos ambientais negativos se mal gerenciados. O funcionamento de forma contínua e o atendimento a um público grande e heterogêneo muitas vezes contribuem para um consumo significativo de recursos hídricos e, consequente geração de efluentes líquidos. Nesta pesquisa, foi realizada a caracterização dos efluentes líquidos gerados e diagnóstico dos possíveis motivos de ocorrência dos parâmetros não conformes. O estudo foi realizado de julho a outubro de 2019, em um hospital público de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados se deu a partir do registro institucional consolidado das análises do efluente no período de 2016 a 2019. Os resultados apontam que os principais parâmetros que destoam do estabelecido pela Norma Técnica 187/5 é a Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO). Entre os 22 parâmetros analisados, as medianas do ponto AM01 foram maiores para 16 parâmetros. No ponto AM02 somente os parâmetros boro total, fenóis totais, fluoretos totais, sólidos em suspensão totais, surfactantes e sulfatos apresentaram medianas superiores ao ponto AM01. Também pode-se observar uma correlação positiva e alta entre os parâmetros DBO e DQO para ambos os pontos. Foi constatada a variação das características de toxicidade dos efluentes do hospital estudado, especialmente devido aos parâmetros monitorados que estão associados aos materiais descartados.

Accepted manuscript, to appeared in Applied Psycholinguistics: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/applied-psycholinguistics. Herein, we contextualize, problematize and offer some insights for moving beyond the problem of monolingual comparative normativity in (psycho)linguistic research on bilingualism. We argue that, in the vast majority of cases, juxtaposing (functional) monolinguals to bilinguals fails to offer what the comparison is supposedly intended to do: meet the standards of empirical control in line with the scientific method. Instead, the default nature of monolingual comparative normativity has historically contributed to inequalities in many facets of bilingualism research and continues to impede progress on multiple levels. Beyond framing our views on the matter, we offer some epistemological considerations and methodological alternatives to this standard practice that improve empirical rigor while fostering increased diversity, inclusivity and equity in our field.

Behavioral finance aims to understand the reasoning patterns of investors, constrained by emotional processes, and how they influence the decision-making. This motivated the work, whose purpose is to evaluate individuals' decision-making behavior under risk/uncertainty. The methodological procedure adopted exploratory research through a questionnaire grounded by the prospect theory and the cognitive reflection test with 329 responses from individuals in Portugal. The results are aligned with the Kahneman and Tversky's study. Moreover, they support different behaviors between non-investors and investors, and consistency between non-familiar and familiar with the behavioral finance. Although the ratio of correct answers to the cognitive reflection test is low, it is higher in the group of investors and the male gender. The combination of the results identified groups of high and low cognitive aptitude with different responses to the effects of the prospect theory. Overall, individuals' decision-making seems to be influenced by cognitive biases and the intuitive system. The findings are important because they highlight the importance of strategic financial literacy plans

In this study, a conductive composite material, based on graphene oxide (GO), nanocellulose (CNF), and tannins (TA) from pine bark, reduced using polydopamine (PDA), was developed for wound dressing. The amount of CNF and TA was varied in the composite material, and a complete characterization including SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and TGA was performed. Additionally, the conductivity, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and in vitro wound healing of the materials were evaluated. A successful physical interaction between CNF, TA, and GO was achieved. Increasing CNF amount in the composite reduced the thermal properties, surface charge, and conductivity, but its strength, cytotoxicity, and wound healing performance were improved. The TA incorporation slightly reduced the cell viability and migration, which may be associated with the doses used and the extract’s chemical composition. However, the in-vitro-obtained results demonstrated that these composite materials can be suitable for wound healing.

Na elaboração deste artigo, reunimos duas pesquisas distintas que dialogaram com o teatro e a Geografia da Infância, cada uma em sua cronotopia. As reflexões sobre um teatro com bebês e crianças percorreram uma vasta revisão bibliográfica que sinalizou outras possibilidades de refletir sobre como estamos pensando a relação com os bebês e as crianças na sociedade, principalmente, no espaço institucional da creche. A teoria histórico-cultural e as inspirações da Geografia da Infância foram a base para pensarmos a espacialização da vida a partir do teatro. Paralelamente, dialogamos com o Kòtèba, o teatro tradicional dos Bámànàn (África Ocidental), um povo conhecido por brincar com seus problemas e seus mitos, cujas encenações, danças, cantos e música pontuam todos os aspectos de sua vida social. Seguimos as pegadas de Sotigui Kouyaté, que afirmava que, através do Kòtèba, a jovem África podia acessar todo o mundo e toda a experiência ancestral bámànàn. Além das palavras do djeli Sotigui Kouyaté, estruturam a presente pesquisa os trabalhos de Sada Sissoko e Osita Okagbue.

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the perception of compassion at work (consciousness, empathy, evaluation, response type) and compassionate “actions and organizational characteristics” on job crafting (increasing structural job resources, increasing social job resources, increasing challenging job demands, decreasing hindering job demands). The study collected quantitative data from 231 professionals from different economic sectors. The results indicated that only the dimensions: “evaluation” and “response type” of the compassion process, as well as compassionate “organizational characteristics”, showed a positive influence in the “increasing structural job resources”, “increasing social job resources” and “increasing challenging job demands”. There was no negative relationship between the dimensions of the compassion process and compassionate “organizational characteristics and actions” in “decreasing hindering job demands”. The mechanisms by which compassion at work could have positive effects on the job crafting processes are presented. Resumo: Este estudo teve como objectivo analisar a relação entre a percepção da compaixão no trabalho (consciência, empatia, avaliação, tipo de resposta) e as “acções e características organizacionais” compassivas na moldagem do trabalho (aumento dos recursos laborais estruturais, aumento dos recursos laborais sociais; aumento de exigências laborais desafiantes, redução de exigências laborais incómodas). Foram recolhidos dados quantitativos a partir de 231 profissionais de diferentes sectores económicos. Os resultados indicaram que apenas as dimensões do processo compassivo “avaliação” e “tipo de resposta”, bem como as “características organizacionais” compassivas influenciaram de forma positiva o “aumento dos recursos laborais estruturais”, “aumento dos recursos laborais sociais” e “aumento das exigências laborais desafiantes”. Não se verificou relação negativa entre as dimensões do processo de compaixão e as “características e ações organizacionais” compassivas na “redução de exigências laborais incómodas”. Conclui-se com uma reflexão sobre os mecanismos através dos quais a compaixão no trabalho poderá ter efeitos positivos nos processos de moldagem do trabalho. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome em que há um distúrbio do desempenho do miocárdio e da ativação progressiva do sistema neuroendócrino que atende os órgãos do corpo humano. OBJETIVO: Estipular a taxa de mortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca nas macrorregiões do Brasil entre 2010 e 2020. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa sobre a mortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca nas macrorregiões no Brasil entre 2010 e 2020. Para a avaliação epidemiológica utilizou-se as variáveis: categoria CID-10, ano e região. Os critérios de exclusão foram dados classificados como ignorados ou em branco porque eles poderiam subestimar os resultados finais. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: O panorama geral da mortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca no Brasil no período analisado revela uma tendência decrescente quando se compara o ano de 2010 com 2020. Ao observar o panorama geral nas macrorregiões brasileira é possível visualizar que as maiores taxas de mortalidade entre 2010 e 2016 ocorreram na região Sul que nos anos seguintes foi superada pela região Sudeste. Em contrapartida, a região Norte foi a com menor taxa de mortalidade seguida pelo Centro-Oeste entre 2011 e 2020. A região Nordeste ocupou uma posição intermediária em comparação as demais exceto no ano de 2010 em que houve menor taxa de mortalidade do que a região Centro-Oeste. CONCLUSÃO: A partir desses achados, observa-se a necessidade de políticas públicas voltadas especialmente para as regiões mais afetadas, visando especialmente medidas comportamentais para controle dos fatores de risco e capacitação profissional.

Spatial predictions of intra-annual ecological variation enhance ecological understanding and inform decision-making. Unfortunately, it is often challenging to use statistical or machine learning techniques to make such predictions, due to the scarcity of systematic, long-term observational data. Conversely, opportunistic time-stamped observation records, supported by highly informative data such as photographs, are increasingly available for diverse ecological phenomena in many regions. However, a general framework for predicting such phenomena using opportunistic data remains elusive. Here, we introduce a novel framework that leverages the concept of relative phenological niche to model observation records as a sample of temporal environmental conditions in which the represented ecological phenomenon occurs. We demonstrate its application using two distinct, management-relevant, ecological events: the emergence of the adult stage of the invasive Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), and of fruiting bodies of the winter chanterelle mushroom (Craterellus tubaeformis). The framework accounts for spatial and temporal biases in observation data, and it contrasts the temporal environmental conditions (e.g., in temperature, precipitation, wind speed, etc.) associated with the observation of these events to those available in their occurrence locations. To discriminate between the two sets of conditions, we employ machine-learning algorithms (boosted regression trees and random forests). The proposed approach can accurately predict the temporal dynamics of ecological events across large geographical scales. Specifically, it successfully predicted the intra-annual timing of occurrence of adult Japanese beetles and of winter chanterelle mushrooms across Europe and North America. We further validate the approach by successfully predicting the timing of occurrence of adult Japanese beetles in Northern Italy, a recent hotspot of invasion in continental Europe, and the winter chanterelle mushroom in Denmark, a country with a high number of records of this mushroom. These results were also largely insensitive to temporal bias in recording effort. Our results highlight the potential of opportunistic observation data to predict the temporal variation of a wide range of ecological phenomena in near real-time. Furthermore, the conceptual and methodological framework is intuitive and easily applicable for the large number of ecologists already using machine-learning and statistical-based predictive approaches.

A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes, such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes. This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties, superior cell targeting, immune evasion potential, and prolonged duration of systemic circulation. Here, we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials. The structure, properties, and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods. We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, imaging, and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.

Plant extracts have been evaluated to determine their bioactivities and their potential use in wound healing. In this study, a conductive composite material, based on graphene oxide (GO), nanocellulose (CNF) and tannins (TA) from pine bark, reduced using polydopamine (PDA), was developed for wound dressing. The amount of CNF and TA was varied in the composite material and a complete characterization including SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, TGA was performed. Also, the conductivity, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and in vitro wound healing of the materials were evaluated. The results showed a successful physical interaction between CNF, TA and GO. In-creasing the CNF amount in the composite reduced the thermal properties, surface charge and conductivity of the material, but its strength, cytotoxicity and wound healing performance were improved. The TA incorporation slightly reduced the cell viability and migration, which may be associated with the doses used and the chemical composition of the extracts. However, the in vitro obtained results demonstrated that these composite materials can be suitable for wound healing.

Introduction: Even though the prevalence rate of diabetes in Portugal is one of the highest in Europe, no studies on the association between patient centered medicine, diabetes self-care, and glycemic control have been published. Assuming that patient centered medicine increases adherence to treatment through the improvement of the doctor-patient relationship, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of patient-centered medicine on the self-care of patients with type 2 diabetes patients’ (T2DM) in two Family Health Units in Central Portugal, according to gender and age.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two Family Health Units in Central Portugal between the 25th November 2021 and the 15th January 2022. Patients with type 2 diabetes were invited to fill in the Patient-Centered Medicine questionnaire, for patients (PCM-p) (where higher values represent worse results) and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure (SDSCAM), (where higher values represent better results), while healthcare professionals filled in the epidemiologic variables on pre-defined days.Results: A sample of 298 patients with type 2 diabetes was studied. Linear regressions for the association between SDSCAM scale factors and PCM-p showed significant associations for general diet (β = -0.07, p < 0.001), specific diet (β = -0.10, p < 0.001), exercise (β = -0.03, p = 0.008), foot care (β = -0.11, p < 0.001) and medication adherence in general (β = -0.06, p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression including the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the SDSCAM scale dimensions showed that specific diet was associated with lower HbA1c levels (β = -0.01, p = 0.007) and blood sugar testing (β = 0.01, p < 0.001) and that a higher score in PCMp was associated with higher HbA1c levels (β = 0.06, p < 0.001). Male patients (β = -6.93, p = 0.007) and older patients (β = -0.42, p = 0.001) were associated with lower scores in the specific diet. The male gender was associated with higher scores in exercise (β = 7.62, p = 0.029), lower scores in foot care (β = -6.06, p = 0.029) and lower scores in medication adherence to injectable medicines/6.2 (β = -0.73, p = 0.018). Age was associated with a lower score in medication (β = -0.03, p = 0.045) and a higher PCMp total score (β = 0.07, p = 0.030).Conclusion: Patient-centered medicine in type 2 diabetics is associated with better self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Gender and age differences were observed in self-care behaviors and age differences were observed in Patient Centered Medicine.

The intranasal route has been suggested as a promising alternative to improve the direct transport of molecules to the brain, avoiding the need to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this area, the use of lipid nanoparticles, namely solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), has been highlighted as a promising strategy to improve the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, formulations containing SLN and NLC that were loaded with astaxanthin that was obtained from different sources (astaxanthin extract (AE) from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis and pure astaxanthin (PA) from the fungi Blakeslea trispora) were prepared for nose-to-brain administration, and comparative in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the formulations with nasal (RPMI 2650) and neuronal (SH-SY5Y) cells. Afterwards, the antioxidant activity of the formulations was evaluated for its potential neuroprotective effects, using different chemical aggressors. Finally, the cellular uptake of the astaxanthin was evaluated for the formulations that showed the greatest neuroprotection of the neuronal cells against chemical-induced damage. On the production day, all the formulations showed a particle size, a high encapsulation efficiency (EE), the presence of nanoparticles with a typical spherical shape, and a polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) that are suitable for nose-to-brain administration. After three months of storage at room temperature, no significant changes were observed in the characterization parameters, predicting a good long-term stability. Furthermore, these formulations were shown to be safe with concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL in differentiated SH-SY5Y and RPMI 2650 cells. Regarding neuroprotection studies, the PA-loaded SLN and NLC formulations showed an ability to counteract some mechanisms of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress. Moreover, when compared with the PA-loaded SLN, the PA-loaded NLC showed greater neuroprotective effects against the cytotoxicity induced by aggressors. In contrast, the AE-loaded SLN and NLC formulations showed no significant neuroprotective effects. Although further studies are needed to confirm these neuroprotective effects, the results of this study suggest that the intranasal administration of PA-loaded NLC may be a promising alternative to improve the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Hair care and treatment has evolved significantly through the years as new formulations are continuously being explored in an attempt to meet the demand in cosmetic and medicinal fields. While standard hair care procedures include hair washing, aimed at hair cleansing and maintenance, as well as hair dyeing and bleaching formulations for hair embellishment, modern hair treatments are mainly focused on circumventing hair loss conditions, strengthening hair follicle properties and treat hair infestations. In this regard, active compounds (ACs) included in hair cosmetic formulations include a vast array of hair cleansing and hair dye molecules, and typical hair treatments include anti-hair loss ACs (e.g. minoxidil and finasteride) and anti-lice ACs (e.g. permethrin). However, several challenges still persist, as conventional AC formulations exhibit sub-optimal performance and some may present toxicity issues, calling for an improved design of formulations regarding both efficacy and safety. More recently, nano-based strategies encompassing nanomaterials have emerged as promising tailored approaches to improve the performance of ACs incorporated into hair cosmetics and treatment formulations. The interest in using these nanomaterials is based on account of their ability to: (1) increase stability, safety and biocompatibility of ACs; (2) maximize hair affinity, contact and retention, acting as versatile biointerfaces; (3) enable the controlled release of ACs in both hair and scalp, serving as prolonged AC reservoirs; besides offering (4) hair follicle targeting features attending to the possibility of surface tunability. This review covers the breakthrough of nanomaterials for hair cosmetics and hair treatment, focusing on organic nanomaterials (polymer-based and lipid-based nanoparticles) and inorganic nanomaterials (nanosheets, nanotubes and inorganic nanoparticles), as well as their applications, highlighting their potential as innovative multifunctional nanomaterials towards maximized hair care and treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript is focused on reviewing the nanotechnological strategies investigated for hair care and treatment so far. While conventional formulations exhibit sub-optimal performance and some may present toxicity issues, the selection of improved and suitable nanodelivery systems is of utmost relevance to ensure a proper active ingredient release in both hair and scalp, maximize hair affinity, contact and retention, and provide hair follicle targeting features, warranting stability, efficacy and safety. This innovative manuscript highlights the advantages of nanotechnology-based approaches, particularly as tunable and versatile biointerfaces, and their applications as innovative multifunctional nanomaterials towards maximized hair care and treatment.

Neospora caninum, an apicomplexan parasite, is the etiological agent of neosporosis, a disease that leads to neurological symptoms in dogs and abortion in cattle. Vaccine or drug treatments for neosporosis remain to be determined. Therefore, it is of undeniable relevance to investigate new molecules involved in the parasite's successful survival within the host cell. The aim of this study was to characterize the N. caninum peroxiredoxin (NcPrx), an enzyme involved in the redox system of the parasite. The NcPrx amino acid sequence showed high identity and similarity compared to homologues representatives of Apicomplexa phylum. The recombinant NcPrx (rNcPrx) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (BL21) with the predicted molecular weight (22 kDa), and the identity of monomer and dimer forms of rNcPrx was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Native and recombinant NcPrx were detected by ELISA and western blot, using the polyclonal anti-rNcPrx serum. Multiphoton analysis showed that NcPrx is localized in tachyzoite cytosol. H

During machining processes, a large amount of heat is generated due to plastic deformation, in a very small area of the cutting tool. This high temperature strongly influences chip formation mechanisms, tool wear, tool life, and workpiece surface integrity and quality. In this sense, knowing the temperature at various points of tool, chip, and workpiece during machining processes is of utmost importance to effectively optimize cutting parameters, improve machinability and product quality, reduce machining costs, and increase tool life and productivity. This paper presents a review of the various methods for temperature measurement and prediction in machining processes, being the different methods discussed and evaluated regarding its merits and demerits. The most suitable method for a given application depends on several aspects, such as cost, size, shape, accuracy, response time, and temperature range. Lastly, some future perspectives for real-time cutting temperature monitoring in the scope of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 are outlined, as well as being presented a new field of tools capable of measuring and controlling cutting temperature, called smart cutting tools. published

The prevalence of oxidative and inflammatory stress in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients has often been associated with chronic haemodialysis therapies. Over the past decades, several reports have shown the potential of hydrogen molecule as an antioxidant in the treatment of various medical conditions in animal models, as well as in pilot studies with human patients. Recently, a hydrogen-enriched dialysate solution has been introduced, holding promise in reducing the oxidative and/or inflammatory complications arising during haemodialysis. To this end, a standardised measuring method to determine the levels of hydrogen in dialysate and subsequently in blood is required. This study explores the possibility of quantifying hydrogen concentration using a novel contactless sensor that detects dissolved hydrogen in liquids. An experimental circuit is assembled to validate the sensitivity and accuracy of the hydrogen monitoring system (Pureron Japan Co., Ltd) through in vitro investigations with physiological solutions. Measurements of dissolved molecular hydrogen concentration are corroborated by an established oxygen sensor providing continuous partial pressure readings. The relationship between the applied H2 content in the gaseous mixture and the H2 concentration value at equilibrium is linear. At the same time, the hydrogen monitoring system has a rather long response time, and its readings seem to slightly diverge from sensor to sensor as well as at different temperatures. For this reason, a sensor recalibration might be necessary, which could become part of the product’s ongoing development. Nevertheless, the aforementioned minor deficiencies can be mostly considered negligible in applications such as haemodialysis.

Ao fim de cinco anos de vigência do novo Estatuto das Estradas da Rede Rodoviária Nacional de Portugal, verifica-se, por consulta às publicações efetuadas no jornal oficial (Diário da República), ao seu abrigo, que o novo diploma apresenta muitas linhas de continuidade com as normas dos diplomas que o precederam e algumas inovações, que corresponderam à vontade expressa do legislador no sentido de agilizar alguns procedimentos e de criar condições para maior valorização e rentabilização do património rodoviário do Estado. Noutros casos há um notório aumento das preocupações relativas à proteção da estrada e dos seus utentes, com vários preceitos que têm em vista a segurança rodoviária, a fluidez do tráfego e a proteção do ambiente. Neste momento, os técnicos encarregados da gestão do património rodoviário já podem avaliar até que ponto as exigências do legislador plasmadas no novo Estatuto se pautam pela sua efetiva necessidade e proporcionalidade pelo que, o presente artigo, ao analisar o que foi publicado, pretende contribuir para essa tarefa.

Objective To study the anatomy of the medial coracoclavicular ligament and assess the contribution of the acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular and medial coracoclavicular ligaments to the stability of the acromioclavicular joint. Methods Twenty-six shoulders from 16 fresh cadavers were dissected after placement in dorsal recumbency with a 15-cm cushion between the shoulder blades. An extended deltopectoral approach was performed proximally and medially, followed by plane dissection and ligament identification. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular distances were measured using points previously marked with a millimeter caliper. Six of these specimens were submitted to a biomechanical study. The acromioclavicular ligament, the coracoclavicular ligament and the medial coracoclavicular ligament were sectioned sequentially, and a cephalic force of 20 N was applied to the lateral clavicle. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular distances were measured in each of the ligament section stages. Results The right medial coracoclavicular ligament presented, on average, 48.9 mm in length and 18.3 mm in width. On the left side, its mean length was 48.65 mm, with a mean width of 17.3 mm. Acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular and medial coracoclavicular ligament section resulted in a statistically significant increase in the coracoclavicular distance and posterior scapular displacement. Conclusion The medial coracoclavicular ligament is a true ligamentous structure found in all dissected shoulders. Our results showed that the scapular protraction relaxed the medial coracoclavicular ligament, while scapular retraction tensioned it; in addition, our findings demonstrate that this ligament contributes to the vertical and horizontal stability of the acromioclavicular joint. Resumo Objetivo Estudar a anatomia do ligamento coracoclavicular medial e avaliar a contribuição do ligamento acromioclavicular, coracoclaviculares e coracoclavicular medial na estabilidade da articulação acromioclavicular. Métodos Foram dissecados 26 ombros de 16 cadáveres frescos, posicionados em decúbito dorso-horizontal, com um coxim de 15 cm de altura entre as escápulas. Realizou-se uma via deltopeitoral estendida proximal e medialmente. Realizou-se dissecção por planos e identificação dos ligamentos. Realizou a medida da distância acromio-clavicular e coracoclavicular usando pontos previamente demarcados com paquímetro milimetrado. Em seis dessas amostras foi realizado estudo biomecânico. Seccionando, nesta ordem, o ligamento acromioclavicular, os coracoclaviculares e o ligamento coracoclavicular medial com uma força cefálica de 20N foi aplicada na clavícula lateral. Foi medida a distância acromio-clavicular e coracoclavicular em cada uma das etapas de secção dos ligamentos. Resultados A média de comprimento do ligamento coracoclavicular medial foi de 48,9mm e a média de largura, de 18,3mm no lado direito. No esquerdo, a média de comprimento foi de 48,65mm e a média da largura, 17,3mm. Após a secção dos ligamentos acromioclaviculares, coracoclaviculares, com a secção do ligamento coracoclavicular medial houve aumento estatisticamente significativo da distância córaco-clavicular e um deslocamento posterior da escápula. Conclusão O ligamento coracoclavicular medial é uma estrutura ligamentar verdadeira, presente em todos os ombros dissecados. Nossos resultados demonstraram que o ligamento coracoclavicular medial encontra-se relaxado com a escápula em protração e tenso com a escápula em retração e segundo nossos resultados participa tanto da estabilidade vertical quanto da estabilidade horizontal da articulação acromioclavicular.

Os Serviços de Sangue trabalham incessantemente para fornecer produtos sanguíneos necessários a toda a atividade hospitalar e fins farmacêuticos. Assim gerir um sistema em que exista um fornecimento de sangue constante e adequado requer uma gestão muito exigente para que as necessidades hospitalares de produtos sanguíneos e o número de dádivas seja assertivo. Por outro lado, a participação da população na dádiva de sangue é fundamental para a existência e manutenção das reservas de sangue. O tema dádiva de sangue e o marketing social mostram-se atuais e relevantes, na medida que contribuem para o planeamento das ações das instituições de saúde. As estratégias de marketing para o recrutamento e retenção de dadores devem ser planeadas e os aspetos comportamentais que influenciam os indivíduos a adotar tal conduta, bem como as barreiras para a dádiva, devem ser profundamente analisadas. Este trabalho pretende acrescentar valor aos profissionais que lidam diariamente com a elaboração de estratégias para a resolução da problemática. Portanto é fundamental compreender o que impede os indivíduos a doarem sangue e a frequência com que o fazem. Mediante a apresentação do referencial teórico, um modelo estrutural concetual foi elaborado com base em barreiras presentes nos modelos de dádiva de sangue. Na última década Portugal perdeu mais de 80.000 dadores de sangue. A saúde é um factor de integração, coesão social, geração de riqueza e bem-estar. O Portugal moderno, equitativo e focado no desenvolvimento, não pode desconsiderar o seu sistema nacional de saúde como um dos elementos mais fortes na criação de bem-estar, de condições sociais e laborais favoráveis ao desenvolvimento das pessoas e da economia. A dádiva de sangue acrescenta valor à vida contribuindo para um país mais feliz e mais desenvolvido.

PurposeThis paper addresses the evaluation of traditional wooden floors, based on (1) visual strength grading (VSG) techniques adopted for ancient wooden structures; (2) a new approach to biological damage and (3) structural safety analysis. This assessment includes complex concepts. Therefore, the study presents a highly needed practical tool to help technicians make a preliminary assessment whereby many of the timber elements in our heritage can be saved from removal.Design/methodology/approachA simple and effective procedure was developed for each step. An inspection and diagnosis datasheet was drawn up, and the structural analysis presented by the Eurocodes was summarized. This methodology was then applied in a case study to demonstrate the complete procedure. During the assessment of this sort of structures, the drilling technique was a relevant method utilized as it provided essential and clear information about the beams' conservation.FindingsThe case study results indicate that 70% of the beams of the analysed structure exceed strict minimum performance criteria. This shows that other similar buildings can have their wooden elements saved from demolition, which is not the current regular refurbishment approach.Originality/valueThe current reality shows that the technicians' lack of capacity for a pragmatic assessment of the timber members’ structural capacity promotes their disinterest in them. To avoid that, this text presents a process for evaluating wooden floors using a simple and clear approach. This will prevent the demolition of wooden elements and instead encourage their preservation.

Dissertação de mestrado em Gestão de Unidades de Saúde, A satisfação profissional tem sido apontada como uma forte influência sobre o trabalhador, que pode manifestar-se sobre a sua saúde, qualidade de vida e comportamento, com consequências individuais e organizacionais importantes. Constitui um importante indicador na gestão, pois profissionais de saúde com bons níveis de satisfação no trabalho contribuem para a melhoria dos cuidados de saúde prestados nas unidades de saúde. Este estudo tem como pretensão dar resposta ao seguinte objetivo: conhecer o grau de satisfação profissional dos(as) enfermeiros (as) do Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde doAlto Ave. É utilizado o paradigma quantitativo, sendo um estudo observacional, transversal e com um modelo descritivo e correlacional. A participação dos enfermeiros (as), com questionários válidos, neste estudo foi de 164 inquiridos. O questionário é composto por questões relacionadas com as variáveis sociodemográficas, profissionais, laborais e extralaborais, onde estava incluído uma adaptação do Instrumento de Avaliação da Satisfação Profissional (IASP) desenvolvido pelo Centro de Estudos e Investigação em Saúde da Universidade de Coimbra. Os resultados do estudo empírico demonstraram que os (as) enfermeiros (as) do ACES apresentam uma média de satisfação profissional regular (56,1%),tendo como maiores níveis de satisfação a escala da melhoria contínua da qualidade, mantendo-se no nível regular, mas com pior resultado, a subescala recursos tecnológicos e financeiros. Já as facetas Vencimento, Local de trabalho e Equipamento (28,8%) apresentaram um nível Mau de avaliação, correspondente a um nível reduzido de satisfação. Na avaliação da satisfação relacionada com as variáveis sociodemográficas e profissionais, referir que nem a idade, nem a situação familiar, nem a formação académica interferem com satisfação profissional. No entanto, o sexo e o tempo de serviço influenciam a satisfação profissional dos(as) enfermeiro (as) do Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde do ALTO AVE., Job satisfaction has been identified as a strong influence on workers, which can affect their health and quality of life and behavior, with important individual and organizational consequences. It is an important indicator in management, as health professionals with good levels of job satisfaction contribute to the improvement of health care provided in health units. This study aims to respond to the following objective: to know the degree of professional satisfaction of nurses at Health Centre Cluster of AltoAve. The quantitative paradigm is used, being an observational, cross-sectional study with a descriptive and correlational model. The participation of nurses (as), with valid questionnaires, in this study was 164 respondents. The questionnaire consists of questions related to sociodemographic, professional, work and extra-work variables, which included a adaptation of the Professional Satisfaction Assessment Instrument (IASP) developed by the Center for Studies and Research in Health, University of Coimbra. The results of the empirical study showed that ACES nurses have an average of regular job satisfaction (56.1%), with the highest levels of satisfaction being the scale of continuous quality improvement, remaining at the level regular, but with worse results, the technological and financial resources subscale. The Maturity, Workplace and Equipment facets (28.8%) presented a Bad level of evaluation, corresponding to a reduced level of satisfaction. In the evaluation of satisfaction related to sociodemographic and professional variables, it should be noted that neither age, family situation, nor academic training interfere with professional satisfaction. However, gender and length of service influence the professional satisfaction of nurses at Health Centre Cluster of AltO AVE.

Human activity has fundamentally altered wildfire on Earth, creating serious consequences for human health, global biodiversity, and climate change. However, it remains difficult to predict fire interactions with land use, management, and climate change, representing a serious knowledge gap and vulnerability. We used expert assessment to combine opinions about past and future fire regimes from 98 wildfire researchers. We asked for quantitative and qualitative assessments of the frequency, type, and implications of fire regime change from the beginning of the Holocene through the year 2300. Respondents indicated that direct human activity was already influencing wildfires locally since at least ~12,000 years BP, though natural climate variability remained the dominant driver of fire regime until around 5000 years BP. Responses showed a ten-fold increase in the rate of wildfire regime change during the last 250 years compared with the rest of the Holocene, corresponding first with the intensification and extensification of land use and later with anthropogenic climate change. Looking to the future, fire regimes were predicted to intensify, with increases in fire frequency, severity, and/or size in all biomes except grassland ecosystems. Fire regime showed quite different climate sensitivities across biomes, but the likelihood of fire regime change increased with higher greenhouse gas emission scenarios for all biomes. Biodiversity, carbon storage, and other ecosystem services were predicted to decrease for most biomes under higher emission scenarios. We present recommendations for adaptation and mitigation under emerging fire regimes, concluding that management options are seriously constrained under higher emission scenarios.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest. Introduction Methods and materials Results and discussion Timing and type of future fire regime change Consequences of fire regime change Our capacity to prevent, control, or adapt to future fire regimes Charting a course in a world of uncertainty Expert assessment application in fire management

Os sistemas de gestão de desempenho empresarial são comuns nas grandes empresas, e têm um papel fundamental na gestão. No entanto, são poucas as pequenas e médias empresas (PME) que implementaram a gestão de desempenho. As PME não dispõem dos recursos financeiros nem do pessoal técnico necessário para adquirir e implementar este tipo de soluções de software. Para ultrapassar estes obstáculos, foi realizado um estudo de como a solução teria de ser desenvolvida para dar esta resposta às PME, onde foram analisados vários casos de aplicação de indicadores de desempenho na área das vendas. Propõe-se assim o desenvolvimento de uma solução de desempenho empresarial modular e ajustável, com recurso a uma plataforma de desenvolvimento low-code. O seu desenvolvimento e aplicação nas empresas faz-se tendo por base o conceito de templates. Trata-se de aplicações previamente montadas com algumas funcionalidades e indicadores já definidos que podem ser replicadas em vários clientes. Esta solução poderá ser implementada pelas PME de forma mais rápida e a um custo mais reduzido em comparação com a maior parte das aplicações concorrentes. A aplicação desta solução nas PME facilita a adoção de indicadores de desempenho e foco na estratégia definida, contribuindo para melhorar a monitorização do negócio e a concretização dos objetivos. O teste realizado junto de um pequeno conjunto de empresas demonstrou que esta solução tem uma boa aceitação, pelo que poderá contribuir para elevar o grau de adoção dos sistemas de gestão empresarial nas PME., Trabalho de Projeto

The octanol-water partition coefficient of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations via thermodynamic integration and multistate Bennett acceptance ratio methods. The GAFF and CHARMM36 force fields were used with six water models widely used in molecular dynamics simulations. The OPC4 water model provided the best agreement with the experimental octanol-water partition coefficient of DPPC using the two force fields. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement in water models with correct estimation of surface tension that uses better and suitable non-bonded interaction parameters between water-water and water-DPPC. The Gibbs free energy of transferring DPPC from octanol to water phase was calculated to be 19.8 ± 0.3 and 20.2 ± 0.3 kcal mol−1, giving a partition coefficient of 14.5 ± 0.4 and 14.8 ± 0.3 for the GAFF and CHARMM36 force fields, respectively. This study reinforces the importance of developing new water models that reproduce experimental surface tensions to reconcile the water-water and water-DPPC non-bonded interactions and the existing discrepancy between experimental measurements of amphiphilic molecules that are important in many areas of scientific applications and industry such as biophysics, surfactant, colloids, membranes, medicine, nanotechnology, and food and pharmaceutical industries, and so on. It raises two important open questions: Is the experimental octanol-water partition coefficient of DPPC reliable? Or is its calculation accurate using the OPC4 water model? With respect to the experimental measurements, there may be non-treated aspects such as the formation of aggregates in aqueous phase and limit of detection of the applied method. And, in the calculation, some effects are not possible to be considered in a correct way or viable time such as calculating quantum effects, sampling all conformations, considering phase transitions, and correctly evaluating the intermolecular forces to estimate an accurate surface tension. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

A inspeção termográfica a painéis fotovoltaicos com recurso a drones é uma alternativa tecnológica em atual desenvolvimento que proporciona uma solução eficaz e económica para a avaliação do desempenho de sistemas solares e sua manutenção. Equipados com câmaras termográficas de alta resolução, os drones podem sobrevoar os painéis solares e capturar imagens térmicas detalhadas de forma rápida e precisa. Este artigo visa apresentar o estado de desenvolvimento da realização de inspeções termográficas a centrais fotovoltaicas, fazendo uso de drones. Os objetivos deste estudo são expor as vantagens e desvantagens referentes à utilização de drones na monitorização de painéis fotovoltaicos e explicar como se atribui níveis de severidade aos defeitos capturados nas imagens termográficas realizadas, para tomar as medidas adequadas à resolução das anomalias.

A publicar em PowderMet2023, 18 - 21 jun. 2023, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, USA, During machining processes, a large amount of heat is generated due to deformation of the material and friction of the chip along the surface of the tool, especially in the cutting zone. This high temperature strongly influences tribological phenomena and adhesion, tool wear, tool life, workpiece surface integrity and quality, chip formation mechanisms and contribute to the thermal deformation of the cutting tool, leading to high operating costs and reduction of the end product quality. In this sense, being able to assess the cutting temperature in real time, at various points of the cutting tool during machining processes, is of utmost importance to effectively optimize cutting parameters and the cutting fluid flow adequately, for minimizing heat generation, temperature and consequently wear, allowing to increase tool life. This work proposes the fabrication of embedded additively manufactured type K and type N thermocouples by laser powder bed fusion for real time cutting temperature measurement. Processing parameters optimization was performed to obtain a dense and continuous thermocouple with no significant defects and the additively manufactured thermocouples were tested in comparison to a conventional thermocouple. The obtained results show that this approach is effective to produce embedded thermocouples in WC-Co cutting tools capable of measuring cutting temperature, which will allow a real time optimization of the cutting parameters, namely cutting speed, feed and depth of cut, during in-service time, thus enhancing tool performance and life., This work was supported by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) through the grant 2020.07155.BD and by the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030353 (SMARTCUT) and PTDC/EMEEME/1442/2020 (Add2MechBio). Additionally, this work was supported by FCT national funds, under the national support to R&D units grant, through the reference projects UIDB/04436/2020 and UIDP/04436/2020. Finally, this work was also developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020 & LA/P/0006/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC).

In light of the intensive technological developments in the last two decades that we have borne witness to, the European Union is looking to modernise its framework governing the provision of digital services within the Single Market. The main regulatory instrument, in this regard, is the E-Commerce Directive enacted 20 years ago, which focuses on ensuring freedom of movement of goods and services. The evolution of the information society, towards “attention economy” services, has, however, brought to light the deficiencies of a markedly liberal approach to the Single Digital Market’s (“SDM”) Regulation. The main instrument to modernise the SDM’s Regulation is the Digital Services Act (“DSA”) which introduces new responsibilities on service providers in an attempt to better safeguard the EU citizen’s safety and fundamental rights online. In this paper, we review the Commission’s proposal for the DSA, highlighting the main novelties the instrument introduces and the main issues we have identified so far

Resumo Objetivo Estudar a anatomia do ligamento coracoclavicular medial e avaliar a contribuição do ligamento acromioclavicular, coracoclaviculares e coracoclavicular medial na estabilidade da articulação acromioclavicular. Métodos Foram dissecados 26 ombros de 16 cadáveres frescos, posicionados em decúbito dorso-horizontal, com um coxim de 15 cm de altura entre as escápulas. Realizou-se uma via deltopeitoral estendida proximal e medialmente. Realizou-se dissecção por planos e identificação dos ligamentos. Realizou a medida da distância acromio-clavicular e coracoclavicular usando pontos previamente demarcados com paquímetro milimetrado. Em seis dessas amostras foi realizado estudo biomecânico. Seccionando, nesta ordem, o ligamento acromioclavicular, os coracoclaviculares e o ligamento coracoclavicular medial com uma força cefálica de 20N foi aplicada na clavícula lateral. Foi medida a distância acromio-clavicular e coracoclavicular em cada uma das etapas de secção dos ligamentos. Resultados A média de comprimento do ligamento coracoclavicular medial foi de 48,9mm e a média de largura, de 18,3mm no lado direito. No esquerdo, a média de comprimento foi de 48,65mm e a média da largura, 17,3mm. Após a secção dos ligamentos acromioclaviculares, coracoclaviculares, com a secção do ligamento coracoclavicular medial houve aumento estatisticamente significativo da distância córaco-clavicular e um deslocamento posterior da escápula. Conclusão O ligamento coracoclavicular medial é uma estrutura ligamentar verdadeira, presente em todos os ombros dissecados. Nossos resultados demonstraram que o ligamento coracoclavicular medial encontra-se relaxado com a escápula em protração e tenso com a escápula em retração e segundo nossos resultados participa tanto da estabilidade vertical quanto da estabilidade horizontal da articulação acromioclavicular.

Dissertação de mestrado em Biophysics and Bionanosystems, Os implantes dentários são geralmente fabricados com materiais à base de titânio (Ti) devido à sua biocompatibilidade e resistência à corrosão. No entanto, a baixa capacidade de formar uma forte ligação química com o tecido vivo, conhecida como bioatividade, é uma das desvantagens deste tipo de materiais. Consequentemente, o uso de implantes dentários é às vezes acompanhado por falhas devido à fraca osseointegração e posteriores infeções causadas por microrganismos. Nesse sentido, são necessárias novas abordagens para o desenvolvimento de superfícies bioativas capazes de potencializar o crescimento ósseo e que, ao mesmo tempo, apresentem propriedades antibacterianas. O desenvolvimento de superfícies altamente bioativas e antimicrobianas, com melhor osseointegração e resistência à corrosão, pode ser alcançado por meio da deposição de revestimentos à base de TiN-M (M=Ag, Zn) por pulverização catódica reativa em magnetrão. A escolha deste tipo de material deve-se às propriedades dos seus constituintes: o nitreto de titânio por ser um biocompatível e aumentar a resistência à corrosão; e as nanopartículas de prata (Ag) e zinco (Zn) pelas suas propriedades antimicrobianas. Pela variação das condições de deposição poderemos obter revestimentos com diferentes composições de nitreto de titânio e de nanopartículas, explorando desta forma um vasto espectro de propriedades mecânicas e biológicas, sem que haja nenhum tipo de efeito citotóxico., Dental implants are generally manufactured by titanium (Ti) based materials due to their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. However, a low ability to form a strong chemical bond with living tissue, known as bioactivity, is one of the disadvantages of this type of material. Consequently, the use of dental implants is sometimes accompanied by failures due to poor osseointegration and subsequent infections caused by microorganisms. In this sense, new approaches are needed for the development of bioactive surfaces that can enhance bone growth and, at the same time, have antibacterial properties. The development of highly bioactive and antimicrobial surfaces, with better osseointegration and corrosion resistance, can be achieved through the deposition of coatings based on TiN-M (M = Ag, Zn) by reactive sputtering in magnetron. The choice of this type of material is due to the properties of its constituents: titanium nitride as it is biocompatible and increases corrosion resistance; and silver (Ag) and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles, for their antimicrobial properties. By varying the deposition conditions, coatings with different compositions of titanium nitride and nanoparticles can be obtained with different compositions of titanium nitride and nanoparticles, thus exploiting a wide spectrum of mechanical and biological properties, without any type of cytotoxic effect.

Background: Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Interstitial lung disease–gender-age-physiology (ILD-GAP) performance in fHP outside the initial cohort was never performed. Aim: To assess the ILD-GAP index’s ability to predict mortality in a Portuguese cohort of patients with fHP and analyse whether other clinical variables add value. Methods: Retrospective analysis of fHP cohort in two Portuguese ILD centres. The baseline ILD-GAP index was calculated. Survival was analysed in months; mortality was the primary outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses to identify mortality risk factors were performed. Results: A total of 141 patients were included. Fifty-three patients (37.6%) died during the follow-up. The usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern was found in 49.6%, and their survival was inferior to non-UIP [32 months (interquartile range, IQR = 19, 60) versus 52 months (IQR = 28, 98), p = 0.048]. Patients with an ILD-GAP index higher than three double their risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (3.03–13.96)] when compared with the patients with an index between 2 and 3 [HR = 3.04, 95% CI = (1.62–5.71)] adjusting for acute exacerbation history. Even though UIP patients had worse survival, it did not reach statistical significance when UIP pattern was added to this model. Acute exacerbation history was an independent risk factor for mortality; however, ILD-GAP still predicted mortality after adjusting for this factor. PaO2 and 6-minute walk test desaturation were not significant risk factors. Conclusion: ILD-GAP index is a good predictor for mortality in fHP, even after adjusting for other mortality risk factors.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carbon-based molecules resulting from the union of aromatic rings and related species, which are likely responsible for strong infrared emission features (3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3 and 12.7 microns). In this work, using a sample of 50 Seyfert galaxies (DL300-400) as well as neutral species. By subtracting the spectrum of the central source from the total, we compare the PAH emission in the central vs extended region of a small sample of AGN. In contrast to the findings for the central regions of AGN-dominated systems, the PAH ratios measured in the extended regions of both type 1 and type 2 Seyfert galaxies can be explained assuming similar PAH molecular size distribution and ionized fractions of molecules to those seen in central regions of star-forming galaxies (100, Comment: 29 pages, 21 figures, 6 tables, MNRAS, accepted 2021 October 22

The implementation of biorefineries of sawmill residues is an opportunity in countries or regions with a high rate of afforestation. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a high-value product that can be obtained from the cellulosic fraction. However, many critical aspects involved in its production and characterization are not clarified yet. This study analyzes the physical and morphological properties of laboratory-obtained MFC from different sources, among them, hardwood and softwood industrial pulps and unbleached pine sawdust pulps from conventional and non-conventional processes, aiming to evaluate and predict the relationship between the characteristics of the pulps and those of MFC. MFC dimensions and the properties of the MFC suspensions (viscosity, transmittance, others) were determined. The results showed that unbleached pine sawdust pulp is a low-cost and environmentally friendly raw material for MFC production and that this MFC can be produced with less energy and on a small scale than MFC from industrial pulps. A principal component analysis was assessed, showing that pine pulps from sawdust produce MFC of similar characteristics to conventional pine pulps from chips (high relative transmittance, short microfibrils, and small widths visible with the optical microscope), so fiber length of the original pulp is not so relevant than high fiber width and fiber coarseness.

Democracy’s resilience is being put to the test by the 21st century. The impactof globalisation and digitalisation has disenfranchised many but so have traditional democratic practices. In an era of constant and immediate communication, with society embracing technological advances while struggling to cope with its inadvertent effects, democracy is still tethered to traditional practices that limit citizens’ roles to casting their ballots every few years. However, theory is now being put to the test and experiments with digital democracy are popping up across the globe. In this article, we cover three participative democracy instruments, namely the European Citizens Initiative, e-Voting and e-Participatory Budgeting, delving into their potential and identifying their limitations, in the context of the European Union. We also cover the unforeseen threats to democracy posed by information security issues and social media.

Tese no âmbito do Doutoramento em Construcao Metalica e Mista orientada pelo Professor Doutor Rui Antonio Duarte Simoes e apresentada ao Departamento de Engenharia Civil da Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologias da Universidade de Coimbra.

Dada a constante evolução da indústria é cada vez mais importante automatizar as tarefas mais monótonas e repetitivas. Como solução as empresas têm vindo a recorrer à implementação de sistemas robóticos, principalmente com a utilização de robôs industriais. Desta forma, o presente relatório tem como objetivo descrever as tarefas desempenhadas no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado em Engenharia Eletrotécnica, com especialização em Automação e Comunicações em Sistemas Industriais desenvolvido na empresa Robowork – Solutions and Services, que tem como principal atividade o desenvolvimento e comercialização de células industriais. O referido estágio teve como principal objetivo aprofundar conhecimentos nas áreas de automação e robótica industrial, tendo como principal enfase a robótica industrial, através da colaboração em diversos projetos. Nomeadamente num projeto com utilização de dois robôs ABB para manipulação de caixas de cartão e num projeto no qual foram implementados dois robôs Yaskawa Motoman para efetuar a lixagem de comboios. Considera-se que o presente estágio curricular foi uma mais-valia, permitindo assim consolidar conhecimentos obtidos durante a formação académica bem como a obtenção de outros, nomeadamente na área da robótica. Adicionalmente, o estágio efetuado permitiu um contacto inicial com a indústria, sendo assim possível observar a clara distinção entre o ambiente de formação académica e o ambiente profissional.

Um dos grandes problemas, a nível mundial, é a falta de acessibilidade a necessidades básicas, como comida e água potável. O Líbano surge como um caso de estudo, onde cerca de 80% da população vive na pobreza. Esta enfrenta recorrentes crises que enfatizam a luta diária por alimentos e ainda pelo acesso à água potável suficiente para a sua sobrevivência (UNICEF 2022). Este trabalho surge no contexto da explosão de Agosto de 2020 no porto de Beirute, que veio acentuar estas questões dramaticamente, e do concurso lançado pelo grupo Inspireli Awards, em 2021, para a sua requalificação. A sua estrutura é composta por diversas fases: a) a de turma, que desenvolve um trabalho de análise, identificando diversos problemas específicos do porto, procurando compreendê-los e relacionálos com o contexto mais alargado da cidade e do país com base em bibliografia, trabalho de campo e diversos mapas históricos dos anos 60 e 70 - fornecidos pelo Beirut Urban Lab - que possibilitaram a perceção da paisagem e do crescimento urbano de zonas industriais, comerciais e habitacionais; b) a de grupo, que apresenta uma proposta para a requalificação do porto, procurando que este seja uma oportunidade para mitigar outras dificuldades urbanas; c) e a individual, que consiste na elaboração de um projeto com base no diagnóstico da fase inicial, e o conceito e metodologias propostas para o concurso. Alguns dos problemas abordados nesta dissertação são: A falta de espaços verdes no espaço urbano; A crise económica, que afeta diretamente vários setores; e diversos problemas ecológicos, nomeadamente relacionados com o rio. De seguida, a proposta de grupo aborda uma relação entre o porto destruído e a malha urbana da cidade. Esta ligação é feita através de uma linha de elétrico, que ao longo do projeto define espaços, sejam eles habitação, zonas comerciais, zonas de lazer, zonas privadas, entre outros. Por último, o projeto individual aborda a relação conflituosa entre o espaço urbano e o espaço rural, não esquecendo o seu elemento conector e sempre constante, o Rio Nahr. Necessidades básicas como a escassez de água e alimentos, e a carência de espaços ao ar livre, que a recente pandemia mundial veio evidenciar. Neste contexto torna-se premente resolver a falta de permeabilidade entre os bairros de Mkalles, Mansourieh e Hazmieh; e por fim a grande diferença topográfica existente no vale Qanater Zbayde. De facto, a água como elemento e a sua relação com o homem, tornam-se a premissa do projeto. Este tanto pode servir para fins alimentares, como no caso da agricultura ou ainda para emergências, em caso de escassez de água. Numa fase preliminar, o estudo inseriu-se nas questões agrícolas e dos animais em Beirute. De seguida a análise do comportamento do Rio Nahr e as suas problemáticas. Por fim, a identificação de uma “charneira”, localizada ao longo do percurso do rio, que faz a transição do mundo rural e agrícola para o espaço urbano, na cidade de Beirute. Uma análise mais específica deste território tão acidentado, procurou-se entender a identidade e a escala da intervenção, assim como a sua capacidade de interferir no território, tanto a nível paisagístico como a nível da população. A sua forma e programa surgem na preocupação da recolha de água pluvial e subterrânea. Esta é pensada de forma poética na sua relação com o cair de uma gota de água e com o significado da palavra Beirut – “poço”. Quanto à materialidade, procurou-se que a resposta, em linha com todo o trabalho anterior, refletisse sobre questões de sustentabilidade, usando os destroços da explosão dos silos para a sua construção. One of the big problems, worldwide, is the lack of accessibility to basic needs, such as food and drinking water. Lebanon emerges as a case study, where about 80% of the population lives in poverty (UNICEF 2022). This work arises in the context of the August 2020 explosion in the port of Beirut, which dramatically accentuated these issues, and the competition launched by the Inspireli Awards group in 2021 for its requalification. The structure is composed of several phases: (a) the class one, which develops an analytical work, identifying several specific problems of the port, seeking to understand them and relate them to the broader context of the city and the country based on bibliography, fieldwork and several historical maps of the 1960s and 1970s - provided by the Beirut Urban Lab - that enabled the perception of the landscape and the urban growth of industrial, commercial and housing areas; b) the group one, which presents a proposal for the requalification of theVIport, seeking that this be an opportunity to mitigate other urban difficulties; c) and the individual one, which consists in the elaboration of a project based on the diagnosis of the initial phase, and the concept and methodologies proposed for the competition. Some of the problems addressed in this dissertation are: The lack of green spaces in the urban space; The economic crisis, which directly affects several sectors; and several ecological problems, namely related to the river. The group proposal then addresses a relationship between the destroyed port and the urban fabric of the city. This connection is made through a streetcar line, which throughout the project defines spaces, be they housing, commercial areas, leisure areas, private areas, among others. At last, the individual project addresses the conflicting relationship between urban space and rural space, not forgetting its connecting and ever constant element, the Nahr River. Basic needs such as the scarcity of water and food, and the lack of outdoor spaces, which the recent global pandemic has highlighted. In this context it becomes urgent to solve the lack of permeability between the neighborhoods of Mkalles, Mansourieh and Hazmieh; and finally the great topographical difference existing in the Qanater Zbayde valley. In fact, water as an element and its relationship with man becomes the premise of the project. It can be used for food, for agriculture, or for emergencies in case of water shortage. In a preliminary phase, the study focused on agricultural and animal issues in Beirut. Then the analysis of the behavior of the Nahr River and its problems. Finally, the identification of a “hinge”, located along the course of the river, which makes the transition from the rural and agricultural world to the urban space, in the city of Beirut. A more specific analysis of such a pronounced territory, sought to understand the identityand scale of the intervention, as well as its ability to interfere in the territory, both landscape-wise and population-wise. Its form and program arise from the concern with rain and underground water collection. This is thought in a poetic way in its relation with the fall of a drop of water and with the meaning of the word Beirut - “well”. As for materiality, it was sought that the response, in line with all previous work, reflects on sustainability issues, using the debris from the explosion of silos for its construction.

O presente trabalho, em Viana do Castelo, encontra-se estruturado em quatro partes, duas dedicadas à vertente teórica de investigação e reflexão crítica sobre Álvaro Siza Vieira, uma primeira na qual se estabelece relações entre Siza e os conceitos abordados por Kenneth Frampton em “Prospects for a Critical Regionalism” e na segunda uma análise ao seu projeto da Biblioteca Municipal de Viana do Castelo, na qual se aborda o modo de intervir de Siza e o território no qual projeta através da investigação da evolução urbana da cidade e do modo como esta influencia a obra. As seguintes partes correspondem ao resultado de toda a investigação feita e culminam numa estratégia de grupo elaborada como possível solução para as problemáticas da cidade, bem como uma proposta individual que pretende reabilitar a frente marítima da Praia Norte. O projeto é lançado como uma hipótese de intervenção que visa a reabilitação de toda a área compreendida entre o Forte da Areosa e o polo industrial junto aos Estaleiros de Viana, contendo a Praia Norte. De modo a promover a identidade deste território e a sua ligação com o resto da cidade, é proposta a reabilitação das piscinas de marés existentes no maciço rochoso da praia e a criação de um programa que garanta o suporte necessário ao Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo e à sua futura residência de estudantes. The present work, in Viana do Castelo, is structured in four parts, two dedicated to the theoretical side of research and critical reflection on Álvaro Siza Vieira, the first establishing relationships between Siza and the concepts discussed by Kenneth Frampton in “Prospects for a Critical Regionalism” and the second an analysis of his project of the Municipal Library of Viana do Castelo, in which Siza’s way of intervening and the territory in which he projects is approached through the investigation of the urban evolution of the city and the way it influences the work. The following parts correspond to the result of all the research done and culminate in a group strategy elaborated as a possible solution for the city’s problems, as well as an individual proposal that intends to rehabilitate the seafront of the North Beach. The project is launched as an intervention hypothesis that aims at the rehabilitation of the whole area between the Areosa Fort and the industrial pole next to the Viana Shipyards, containing the North Beach. In order to promote the identity of this territory and its connection with the rest of the city, it is proposed the rehabilitation of the tide pools existing in the rocky mass of the beach and the creation of a programme which guarantees the necessary support to the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo and its future students’ residence.