Segmentation of striatal brain structures from high resolution pet images

Dissertation presented at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the New University of Lisbon in fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and Computers

Cluster analysis and segmentation of Global M&A transactions

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Finance from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Ground truth determination for segmentation of tomographic volumes using interpolation

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Biomédica

Environmental management and mudit training at the New University of Lisbon by University-Industry co-operation

Environmental Training in Engineering Education (ENTREE 2001) - integrated green policies: progress for progress, p. 329-339 (Florence, 14-17 November 2001; proceedings published as book)

Efectividade de um programa de exercício aquático na osteoartrose do joelho

RESUMO: A osteoartrose do joelho é uma condição clínica cuja prevalência tem aumentado nos últimos anos na população idosa. Trata-se de uma condição que pode ser bastante incapacitante para o idoso, gerando um forte impacto social e económico. O exercício aquático tem sido identificado como um factor de promoção da melhoria do quadro clínico nesta população, mas a sua efectividade não está, ainda, determinada. Objectivo: investigar a efectividade, a curto e médio prazo, de um programa de exercício aquático, realizado em grupo, com a duração de 8 semanas, na amplitude articular, dor e rigidez do joelho, e na função física e qualidade de vida, em idosos com osteoartrose do joelho. Metodologia: Recorreu-se a um estudo quase-experimental, double-blind, controlado, sem aleatorização, cuja amostra, constituída por 43 sujeitos, foi selecionada por conveniência. Os sujeitos do grupo experimental (n=22) foram submetidos ao programa de exercício aquático e os do grupo de controlo (n=21) foram submetidos ao programa de exercício no solo. Ambos os programas foram definidos de acordo com as recomendações internacionais para a prática de exercício físico em idosos com osteoartrose (Arthritis Foundation, 2009a, 2009b). Todo o grupo foi avaliado no início do programa, no final do mesmo (8 semanas) e após 6 semanas de follow-up, nos seguintes indicadores: amplitude articular do joelho (através do goniómetro), dor, rigidez, função e qualidade de vida (através do KOOS). Resultados: A amostra deste estudo foi constituída por sujeitos maioritariamente do género feminino (76,7%), com uma média de 72,7 anos (DP=5,49). O programa de exercício aquático implementado demonstrou um aumento da amplitude articular passiva de flexão (p<0,0001) e extensão (p=0,016) do joelho, uma diminuição da dor e da rigidez articular (p<0,0001), um aumento da função nas AVD’s (p<0,0001) e no desporto/lazer (p=0,031), e ainda, um aumento da qualidade de vida (p<0,0001). Contudo, apenas os níveis de amplitude articular passiva de extensão do joelho (p=0,083) e de função no desporto/lazer (p=0,244) se mantiveram ao longo das seis semanas de follow-up. Conclusões: Apesar de algumas limitações, considera-se que este estudo é de grande importância para a comunidade científica e para os fisioterapeutas preocupados com a crescente prevalência da osteoartrose e dos custos associados. O exercício aquático parece ser uma estratégia importante na melhoria do estado de saúde dos idosos com osteoartrose do joelho.----------------- ABSTRACT: The osteoarthritis of the knee is a clinical condition that has been increasing among the elderly population over the past few years. It’s a condition that can be fairly disabling to the elderly individual, and which generates a strong social and economic impact. Aquatic exercise has been named as a promotional factor in the improvement of the clinical picture in this population, but its effectiveness is yet to be determined. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness, in a short and medium term, of an aquatic exercise program undertaken by a group over eight weeks, in the joint amplitude, pain and stiffness of the knee, and in the physical function and quality of life in elderly people who suffer from knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: was used a double-blind, quasi-experimental study with no randomization and its 43 subjects were selected as a matter of convenience. The subjects of the experimental group (n=22) were subjected to an aquatic exercise program and those of the control group (n=21) were subjected to a land-based exercise program. Both programs have followed international recommendations on the practice of physical exercise in elderly people who suffer from osteoarthritis (Arthritis Foundation, 2009a, 2009b). The entire group was evaluated in the beginning and at the end of the program (8 weeks later), and after a 6 week follow-up, in these parameters: knee range of motion (through a goniometer), pain, stiffness, function and quality of life (through KOOS). Results: This sample was predominantly female (76,7%) with a mean age of 72,7 years (SD=5,49). Aquatic exercise resulted in increase of passive joint flexion (p<0,0001) and knee extension (p=0,016), in the decline of pain and stiffness (p<0,0001), in the increase of function in the ADLs (p<0,0001). However, only the knee extension amplitude (p=0,083) and the function in sports/leisure (p=0,244) were kept through the six-week follow-up. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, this study is of great importance to the community and to the physiotherapists concerned with the growing prevalence of osteoarthritis and the associated costs. Aquatic exercise appears to be an important strategy in the improvement of the health condition of patients who suffer from knee osteoarthritis.

Internationalization strategy: HOLOS Mobile - Angola

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Portugal Telecom’s strategic partnership with Oi: The value creation potential

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Joining copper to stainless steel by friction stir diffusion process

Dissertação apresentada na Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

Fixed-mobile integration

Often, fixed-line incumbents also own the largest mobile network. We consider the effect of this joint ownership on market outcomes. Our model predicts that while fixed-to-mobile call prices to the integrated mobile network are more efficient than under separation, those to rival mobile networks are distorted upwards, amplifying any incumbency advantage. As concerns potential remedies, a uniform off-net pricing constraint leads to higher welfare than functional separation and even allows to maintain some of the efficiency gains.