O designer como int��rprete de cen��rios de equipamentos

Esta disserta����o pretende contribuir para a investiga����o em design, validando a interpreta����o como m��todo em design aplicada a meta-projectos de cen��rios de equipamentos no s��culo XXI. A an��lise e a avalia����o dos dois conceitos - interpreta����o e cen��rio - como reflexo da maneira de pensar da contemporaneidade s��o a base para a estrutura����o de um meta-projecto aplicado na epiderme da cidade, sustentado pela metodologia projectual da hermen��utica e pela compet��ncia da semi��tica. Este projecto de investiga����o organiza-se em duas partes; cada uma desenvolvida ao longo de tr��s cap��tulos. No primeiro cap��tulo da primeira parte averigua-se o relacionamento entre a metodologia projectual aplicada por projectistas, desde o s��c. XVII at�� aos nossos dias, e o pensamento filos��fico para fundamentar a interpreta����o como m��todo em design. No segundo cap��tulo analisa-se o cen��rio enquanto superf��cie vertical da cidade definida por um sistema de equipamentos. Por um lado, verifica-se que o equipamento ( ��quipement , Le Corbusier) �� a proposta de ordem construtiva dos anos 20 e que a pattern ( pattern language , Alexander) �� a ordem construtiva a partir dos anos 70. Por outro lado, averigua-se que hoje a superf��cie da cidade �� constitu��da por v��rias camadas e que a camada superior �� a epiderme. Enquanto pel��cula de sistema de patterns, a epiderme revela-se apta a deixar-se afectar pela mudan��a e, consequentemente, a ser trabalhada pelo design. O terceiro cap��tulo analisa a hist��ria da cultura da superf��cie dos edif��cios no contexto ocidental, da Gr��cia Cl��ssica aos nossos dias, para interpretar a proposta do design da epiderme. Para caracterizar a complexidade do per��odo compreendido entre a ac����o metodol��gica de Le Corbusier nos anos 20 e o s��c. XXI s��o comentados cinco momentos tem��ticos distintos. No primeiro cap��tulo da segunda parte escolhe-se o exerc��cio do meta-projecto como instrumento de reflex��o projectual dial��ctico, definidor de uma metodologia projectual. O meta-projecto �� analisado na realidade ocidental diacr��nica e sincronicamente para fundamentar o conceito de junkspace como nova ordem. Neste sentido, s��o interpretados conceitos relativos �� viv��ncia urbana, reivindicando-lhes uma nova exist��ncia: a ilumina����o, a zona verde como pulm��o da cidade, a energia interpretada como compet��ncia do cen��rio envolvente e o junkspace como nova ordem arquitect��nica. No segundo cap��tulo define-se uma estrat��gia meta-projectual narrativa aplicada ao projecto da epiderme da cidade, destacando a particular import��ncia do relacionamento entre a investiga����o em design e as empresas como fonte de inova����o e de conhecimento. O terceiro cap��tulo defende um exerc��cio experimental na ��rea do projecto da epiderme dos edif��cios como uma oportunidade para desenvolver diferentes propostas, partindo do mesmo brief. S��o apresentados resultados dos workshops inter-disciplinares entre o contexto acad��mico e a realidade empresarial que alimentam o meta-projecto enquanto processo dial��ctico, cont��nuo e inovador. Conclui-se com o argumento de que o design �� uma disciplina com uma participa����o fundamental na valoriza����o e na transforma����o das cidades do s��culo XXI.

Effect of light on ex situ production of symbiotic corals

The increasing interest in coral culture for biotechnological applications, to supply the marine aquarium trade, or for reef restoration programs, has prompted researchers to optimize coral culture protocols, with emphasis to ex situ production. When cultured ex situ, the growth performance of corals can be influenced by several physical, chemical and biological parameters. For corals harbouring zooxanthellae, light is one of such key factors, as it can influence the photosynthetic performance of these endosymbionts, as well as coral physiology, survival and growth. The economic feasibility of ex situ coral aquaculture is strongly dependent on production costs, namely those associated with the energetic needs directly resulting from the use of artificial lighting systems. In the present study we developed a versatile modular culture system for experimental coral production ex situ, assembled solely using materials and equipment readily available from suppliers all over the world; this approach allows researchers from different institutions to perform truly replicated experimental set-ups, with the possibility to directly compare experimental results. Afterwards, we aimed to evaluate the effect of contrasting Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) levels, and light spectra emission on zooxanthellae photochemical performance, through the evaluation of the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) (monitored non-invasively and non-destructively through Pulse Amplitude Modulation fluorometry, PAM), chlorophyll a content (also determined non-destructively by using the spectral reflectance index Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI), photosynthetic and accessory pigments, number of zooxanthellae, coral survival and growth. We studied two soft coral species, Sarcophyton cf. glaucum and Sinularia flexibilis, as they are good representatives of two of the most specious genera in family Alcyoniidae, which include several species with interest for biotechnological applications, as well as for the marine aquarium trade; we also studied two commercially important scleractinian corals: Acropora formosa and Stylophora pistillata. We used different light sources: hydrargyrum quartz iodide (HQI) lamps with different light color temperatures, T5 fluorescent lamps, Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) and Light Emitting Diode (LED). The results achieved revealed that keeping S. flexibilis fragments under the same light conditions as their mother colonies seems to be photobiologically acceptable for a short-term husbandry, notwithstanding the fact that they can be successfully stocked at lower PAR intensities. We also proved that low PAR intensities are suitable to support the ex situ culture S. cf. glaucum in captivity at lower production costs, since the survival recorded during the experiment was 100%, the physiological wellness of coral fragments was evidenced, and we did not detect significant differences in coral growth. Finally, we concluded that blue light sources, such as LED lighting, allow a higher growth for A. formosa and S. pistillata, and promote significant differences on microstructure organization and macrostructure morphometry in coral skeletons; these findings may have potential applications as bone graft substitutes for veterinary and/or other medical uses. Thus, LED technology seems to be a promising option for scleractinian corals aquaculture ex situ.

Challenges in mercury speciation and fractionation in soil and sediment

This investigation focused on the development, test and validation of methodologies for mercury fractionation and speciation in soil and sediment. After an exhaustive review of the literature, several methods were chosen and tested in well characterised soil and sediment samples. Sequential extraction procedures that divide mercury fractions according to their mobility and potential availability in the environment were investigated. The efficiency of different solvents for fractionation of mercury was evaluated, as well as the adequacy of different analytical instruments for quantification of mercury in the extracts. Kinetic experiments to establish the equilibrium time for mercury release from soil or sediment were also performed. It was found that in the studied areas, only a very small percentage of mercury is present as mobile species and that mobility is associated to higher aluminium and manganese contents, and that high contents of organic matter and sulfur result in mercury tightly bound to the matrix. Sandy soils tend to release mercury faster that clayey soils, and therefore, texture of soil or sediment has a strong influence on the mobility of mercury. It was also understood that analytical techniques for quantification of mercury need to be further developed, with lower quantification limits, particularly for mercury quantification of less concentrated fractions: water-soluble e exchangeable. Although the results provided a better understanding of the distribution of mercury in the sample, the complexity of the procedure limits its applicability and robustness. A proficiency-testing scheme targeting total mercury determination in soil, sediment, fish and human hair was organised in order to evaluate the consistency of results obtained by different laboratories, applying their routine methods to the same test samples. Additionally, single extractions by 1 mol L-1 ammonium acetate solution, 0.1 mol L-1 HCl and 0.1 mol L-1 CaCl2, as well as extraction of the organometallic fraction were proposed for soil; the last was also suggested for sediment and fish. This study was important to update the knowledge on analytical techniques that are being used for mercury quantification, the associated problems and sources of error, and to improve and standardize mercury extraction techniques, as well as to implement effective strategies for quality control in mercury determination. A different, ���non chemical-like��� method for mercury species identification was developed, optimised and validated, based on the thermo-desorption of the different mercury species. Compared to conventional extraction procedures, this method has advantages: it requires little to no sample treatment; a complete identification of species present is obtained in less than two hours; mercury losses are almost neglectable; can be considered ���clean���, as no residues are produced; the worldwide comparison of results obtained is easier and reliable, an important step towards the validation of the method. Therefore, the main deliverables of this PhD thesis are an improved knowledge on analytical procedures for identification and quantification of mercury species in soils and sediments, as well as a better understanding of the factors controlling the behaviour of mercury in these matrices.

Design e desenvolvimento de equipamentos de ilumina����o t��cnica

Este documento �� uma sinopse das atividades desenvolvidas e, conhecimentos adquiridos ao longo do est��gio na empresa Lightenjin, Sistemas de Ilumina����o, Lda. e, surge em forma de relat��rio de projeto. O primeiro projeto foi o desenvolvimento de uma fam��lia de candeeiros. O segundo e principal projeto foi a cria����o e desenvolvimento de um projetor para aplica����o em calha eletrificada, com as devidas restri����es do Project brief apresentado pela empresa. O terceiro projeto foi o desenvolvimento de um projetor Downlight de encastrar. Houve outras tarefas ligadas �� modela����o de componentes, desenhos t��cnicos, manuais de instru����es, fichas t��cnicas e prototipagem r��pida. Em todos os projetos foi utilizada a metodologia de trabalho apresentada.

Contributos para o sistema de gest��o da qualidade de uma ind��stria de equipamentos

A implementa����o de um Sistema de Gest��o da Qualidade segundo as normas internacionais implica o cumprimento de v��rios requisitos. As caracter��sticas espec��ficas de cada empresa requerem o estudo pr��vio das medidas a implementar. O presente trabalho diz respeito a um relat��rio de est��gio desenvolvido por cinco meses na empresa Sistemas e T��cnicas Industriais, Lda., uma f��brica metalomec��nica de equipamentos para esta����es de tratamento de ��guas residuais, com o intuito de desenvolver um Sistema de Gest��o da Qualidade (SGQ) segundo a NP EN ISO 9001:2008, Numa primeira fase foi analisada e interpretada as atividades da empresa, assim como os processos inerentes �� mesma. Procedeu-se ao estudo dos requisitos da norma, a an��lise da documenta����o do SGQ existente. Como resultado do trabalho, foi poss��vel identificar e classificar os processos, reestruturar a Pol��tica e o Manual da Qualidade assim como desenvolver modelos e recomenda����es necess��rias para cumprimento da Norma. Concluiu-se com este trabalho que a empresa possui a maior parte dos documentos exigidos pela norma, no entanto, a maioria dos procedimentos, instru����es de trabalho e modelos n��o est��o implementados no cotidiano da empresa.