Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2018-04"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 20
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Proposta de programa de exercício aquático para indivíduos com osteoartrosePublication . Ramalho, Fátima; Franco, Susana; Maia, Filipa; Morouço, Pedro
- Active and Assisted Living Ecosystem for the ElderlyPublication . Marcelino, Isabel; Laza, Rosalía; Domingues, Patrício; Gómez-Meire, Silvana; Fdez-Riverola, Florentino; Pereira, AntónioA novel ecosystem to promote the physical, emotional and psychic health and well-being of the elderly is presented. Our proposal was designed to add several services developed to meet the needs of the senior population, namely services to improve social inclusion and increase contribution to society. Moreover, the solution monitors the vital signs of elderly individuals, as well as environmental parameters and behavior patterns, in order to seek eminent danger situations and predict potential hazardous issues, acting in accordance with the various alert levels specified for each individual. The platform was tested by seniors in a real scenario. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed ecosystem was well accepted and is easy to use by seniors.
- Performance Evaluation of NoSQL and SQL Queries in Response Time for the E-governmentPublication . Flores, Ana; Ramirez, Stalin; Toasa, Renato; Vargas, Javier; Urvina-Barrionuevo, Renato; Jose M. LavinSociety demands accurate, right, quickly and easy access information. Therefore, governments are forced to implements or improve information systems with modern technologies. This research work is focused on the research of responses times on relational and non-relational data base models in an experimental data base system provided by the Función Judicial del Ecuador. The data is migrated for load in NoSQL allotment, and the performance tests is obtained a document-oriented data model. With these tests we could know the best database, focusing all on response time of data queries that have been used on performance tests. In addition, we evaluate the performance before and after the relational database administration system (RDBMS), obtaining as a result that the first test of the queries made to MongoDB substantially surpass the queries made to SQL Server, but in the subsequent tests the times they tend to be similar.
- Evaluation of antimicrobials residues in farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) after administration through medicated feedPublication . Rosa, João; Leston, Sara; Castro, Maria; Freitas, Andreia; Barbosa, Jorge; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Rema, Paulo; Dias, Jorge; Ramos, FernandoThe use of antimicrobials in aquaculture is a well-known fact and merits the focus of the scientific community. In the present study, five drugs (oxytetracycline, sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, oxolinic acid and flumequine) were selected to assess their retention in muscle tissues from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were placed in 150 L tanks at 18 °C, and fed for 7 days with experimental diets containing two concentrations of each antimicrobial (ranging from 5.51 to 131.16 mg kg−1). Edible tissues were then analyzed through a validated multi-class quantification method (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results indicate that sulfadiazine concentrations were the highest immediately after the feeding period and decreased towards day 3. Flumequine was only detected on the first day with concentrations below the MRL. Both trimethoprim and oxolinic acid concentrations were below the MRLs 3 days after the feeding period was over (oxolinic acid was not detected in muscle samples at day 14 for prophylaxis and day 28 for both treatments). Oxytetracycline residues in muscle tissues were the highest through time, with concentrations above the MRL for 7 days (Cday7 of 111.2 and 157.2 μg kg−1 for both dosages). Results suggest that these antimicrobials can be present in gilthead seabream muscle samples for longer periods than previously reported, when realistic conditions are tested. With the exception of oxytetracycline, concentrations were below the MRLs established 3 days after the feeding trial was over meaning that adverse effects related to human consumption are not likely. Nevertheless, allergic reactions or resistance to antimicrobials can be developed if low concentrations of such compounds are ingested on a frequent basis, as is the case of the Mediterranean diet.
- A Discrete RET Model for Millimeter-Wave Propagation Through VegetationPublication . Leonor, Nuno R.; Caldeirinha, Rafael; Fernandes, Telmo, Telmo Rui Carvalhinho Cunha, Telmo R.; Richter, Jurgen; Al-Nuaimi, MiqdadA modified discrete radiative energy transfer (dRET) model has been developed envisaging to overcome some of the limitations found in the original dRET formulation, namely in terms of angular resolution, oblique and nonuniform incidence, and antenna patterns. In addition, the discretized squared nature of the dRET model can lead to some amount of staircase error. Hence, this paper also proposes an input parameter scaling model, enabling the characterization of tree cells with reduced size. The performance of the modified dRET model is assessed not only against the current ITU-R P.833-8 recommendation for propagation in vegetation but also against directional spectra measurements conducted in an outdoor inhomogeneous forest at 20 and 62.4 GHz.
- Probabilistic-based characterisation of the mechanical properties of CFRP laminatesPublication . Gomes, S.; Dias-da-Costa, D.; Neves, L.A.C.; Hadigheh, S.A.; Fernandes, P.; Júlio, E.Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been increasingly used worldwide in the strengthening of civil engineering structures. As FRP becomes more common in structural strengthening, the development of probability-based limit state design codes will require accurate models for the prediction of the mechanical properties of the FRPs. Existing models, however, are based on small sample sizes and ignore the importance of the tail region for analyses and design. Addressing these limitations, this paper presents a probabilistic-based characterisation of the mechanical properties of carbon FRP (CFRP) laminates using a large batch of tension tests. The analysed specimens were pre-cured laminates of carbon fibres embedded in epoxy matrices, which is the most commonly used laminate for the strengthening concrete beams and slabs. Based on the existing data, probabilistic models and correlations were established for the Young's modulus, ultimate strain and tensile strength. Analyses demonstrate the suitability of the Weibull distribution for the estimation of CFRP properties. Results also show that the statistical characterisation of the mechanical properties should be performed with a focus on the tail region. The proposed distributions constitute a set of validated probabilistic models that can be used for performing reliability analyses of structures strengthened with CFRP laminates.
- The effect of protection and wave-exposure of two marine protected areas have opposite trends on macroalgae invasivenessPublication . Cartagena, Andreu Blanco; Troncoso, Jesús Souza; Olabarria, Celia; Lemos, Marco Filipe LoureiroNegative impacts of marine invasions include loss of genetic diversity, ecosystem functions/processes, and/or community structure and, consequently, a threat to global biodiversity through biotic homogenization. Recent studies indicate that invasive macroalgae make up a significant proportion of marine invasive species. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been proved to have positive effects on marine biodiversity conservation; however, their role in preventing biological invasions, especially macroalgae, is still poorly understood. In this context, we studied the effects of protection and wave exposure on the abundance of six invasive macroalgae (Grateloupia turuturu, Asparagopsis armata, Colpomenia peregrina, Sargassum muticum, Undaria pinnatifida, and Codium fragile ssp. fragile) at two MPAs of the western Iberian Peninsula, one located along the Spanish coast (Illas Atlánticas) and the other on the Portuguese coast (Berlangas). The results showed opposite effects of protection and wave-exposure at the two MPAs. Greater biomass of invasive macroalgae was found at semiexposed areas outside the reserve in the Spanish MPA, whereas in the Portuguese reserve, biomass (especially of A. armata) was significantly greater inside the reserve, mainly at semiexposed sites. These differences highlight the importance of understanding the functioning of reserves to apply proper conservation management policies in order to preserve the MPAs resilience.
- Contributos para a gestão de resíduos de equipamentos elétricos e eletrónicos na Ecomais - recolha e valorização de resíduos, S.APublication . Ramos, Cristiana RodriguesOs Resíduos de Equipamentos Elétricos e Eletrónicos (REEE), definidos como um fluxo específico de resíduos, têm apresentado uma produção crescente ao longo dos últimos anos. A diminuição do tempo de vida útil dos equipamentos, assim como a elevada procura pelas novas tecnologias e a constante evolução tecnológica são as principais causas deste crescimento. Os REEE constituem uma importante fonte de recursos secundários, uma vez que têm a capacidade de proporcionar valor acrescentado aos sistemas de gestão de resíduos, permitindo a poupança dos recursos naturais e a preservação da natureza. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho visou a análise da atividade da Ecomais - Recolha e Valorização de Resíduos, S.A., por forma a avaliar e a propor medidas de melhoria nos procedimentos adotados na gestão de resíduos, mais propriamente os REEE. Com base na análise dos procedimentos de gestão de REEE, concluiu-se que a Ecomais apresenta uma atividade bem organizada e satisfatória face às necessidades dos seus clientes. No entanto, dado à evolução tecnológica ao nível da valorização deste fluxo de resíduos, sugere-se que a Ecomais realize um estudo de viabilidade económica, de modo a avaliar um eventual alargamento da sua atividade, integrando novos procedimentos na valorização dos REEE e seus constituintes, particularmente metais e plásticos. Na valorização dos metais, técnicas como a pirometalurgia, hidrometalurgia e eletrometalurgia, consideradas eficientes, promissoras e atualmente muito utilizadas, poderão ser adotadas. Na valorização dos plásticos, poderão ser selecionadas técnicas como a pirólise, extração com fluído supercrítico e a gaseificação. De modo a melhorar continuamente as atividades da empresa, propõe-se ainda um aumento da sensibilização e formação dos seus colaboradores. De facto, uma boa gestão global de resíduos, entre eles os REEE, conduz a uma economia circular, que se reflete no desenvolvimento de oportunidades de negócio e na otimização de custos. Para além disso, promove a criação de emprego, permitindo a implementação de procedimentos que conduzam à minimização dos riscos para a saúde humana e para o meio ambiente.
- Sistema de gestão e avaliação de desempenho: o caso da empresa inCenteaPublication . Gonçalves, Juliana Pereira; Marques, Tânia de Matos GomesOs recursos humanos têm um papel cada vez mais importante nas organizações. Atualmente, é amplamente aceite que estes são uma grande influência no sucesso organizacional. Desta forma, é importante que exista um acompanhamento, avaliação e estímulo do desenvolvimento dos colaboradores, de modo a se entender o desempenho organizacional. A gestão do desempenho e a consequente avaliação de desempenho possibilita estes acompanhamento, avaliação e estímulo. Além disso, permite perceber se os objetivos e metas definidos estão a ser cumpridos, definir novas metas e objetivos para os colaboradores de modo a os manter empenhados para se tornarem grandes profissionais e, por fim proporciona a possibilidade de uma realização de um balanço do trabalho dos colaboradores. Neste sentido, este trabalho reflete o estágio curricular realizado no Grupo inCentea, no âmbito do Mestrado de Gestão. O estágio foi desenvolvido no Departamento de Recursos Humanos da organização com o objetivo de apoiar a implementação do Sistema de Gestão e Avaliação de desempenho. Naturalmente, o objetivo deste relatório de estagio é abordar o tema de gestão e avaliação de desempenho dos colaboradores na inCentea. Para a realização deste relatório, foi necessária uma vasta revisão da literatura e um forte conhecimento dos processos internos da organização, possibilitando, assim, identificar algumas lacunas no sistema desta organização, sendo igualmente possível elaborar uma proposta de melhoria.
- Out-of-plane behavior of masonry infilled RC frames based on the experimental tests available: a systematic reviewPublication . Furtado, André; Rodrigues, Hugo; Arêde, António; Varum, HumbertoThe primary objective of this manuscript is to present a systematic review of experimental studies regarding infill masonry walls out-of-plane (OOP) behaviour. An extended database was built containing information from each experimental campaign and specimen tested. Parameters such as geometric dimensions, material and mechanical properties, test setups and loading protocols and test results were collected. A systematic review methodology s conducted with the aim of filter the more relevant work in this field. For the analysis of each parameter in the infill wall OOP performance, three different groups were defined: as built specimens, specimens with previous in-plane damage and retrofitted specimens. Comparisons were drawn between the specimens of each group to assess the impact of those parameters on the panel response. Empirical relationships were proposed to predict the infill panels OOP capacity according to the aspect ratio, panel slenderness, percentage of masonry units’ voids, masonry properties and previous in-plane drift. The results demonstrated that previous damage caused by in-plane tests that reached a maximum drift until 1.25% can reduce about 70% the OOP capacity of the panel, changing the failure mode of the panel that can result in fragile collapses. It was also observed that the parallel flexural strength parallel to the horizontal bed joints can increase the panel OOP maximum strength until 5 times.