Multiculturalidade e ensino do português : perspetivas de linguagem e discurso no âmbito da integração curricular

Relatório de Estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Educação Pré-Escolar e Ensino do 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico.

Bull's eye leaky wave antenna for terrestrial and space applications

This work presents the study of Bull's eye antenna designs, a type of leaky wave antenna (LWA), operating in the 60 GHz band. This band emerged as a new standard for specific terrestrial and space applications because the radio spectrumbecomes more congested up to the millimetre-wave band, starting at 30 GHz. Built on existing Bull's eye antenna designs, novel structures were simulated, fabricated and measured, so as to provide more exibility in the implementation of wireless solutions at this frequency. Firstly, the study of a 60 GHz Bull's eye antenna for straightforward integration onto a CubeSat is presented. An investigation of the design is carried out, from the description of the radiation mechanism supported by simulation results, to the radiation pattern measurement of a prototype which provides a gain of 19.1 dBi at boresight. Another design, based on a modified feed structure, uses a microstrip to waveguide transition to provide easier and inexpensive integration of a Bull's eye antenna onto a planar circuit. Secondly, the design of Bull's eye antennas capable of creating beam deflection and multi-beam is presented. In particular, a detail study of the deflection mechanism is proposed, followed by the demonstration of a Bull's eye antenna generating two separate beams at ±16° away from the boresight. In addition, a novel mechanically steerable Bull's eye antenna, based on the division of the corrugated area in paired sectors is presented. A prototype was fabricated and measured. It generated double beams at ±8° and ±15° from the boresight, and a single boresight beam. Thirdly, a Bull's eye antenna capable of generating two simultaneous orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes l = 3 is proposed. The design is based on a circular travelling wave resonator and would allow channel capacity increase through OAM multiplexing. An improved design based on two stacked OAM Bull's eye antennas capable of producing four orthogonal OAM modes l = (±3,±13) simultaneously is presented. A novel receiving scheme based on discretely sampled partial aperture receivers (DSPAR) is then introduced. This solution could provide a lower windage and a lower cost of implementation than current whole or partial continuous aperture.

Supervisão e colaboração no ensino das ciências : estudo de caso realizado numa escola do ensino básico em Díli

O sistema educativo de Timor-Leste tem assistido, desde o momento da independência do país, a uma reorganização e a um desenvolvimento no sentido de aperfeiçoar os níveis de formação e de qualificação dos cidadãos timorenses. A intencionalidade é a de permitir o progresso social, económico, tecnológico e cultural de que o país precisa. Neste quadro, a formação inicial e contínua de professores assume um papel fulcral para o cumprimento das metas estabelecidas, sendo este o contexto principal onde a minha atividade profissional se desenvolveu. Este estudo situou-se na supervisão e colaboração de práticas letivas com uma professora de ensino básico, do sexto ano, no ensino das ciências, tendo por base os pressupostos teóricos da educação em ciências. O estudo que foi desenvolvido numa Escola Básica Central, em Díli, Timor- Leste, tem por base os pressupostos inerentes à supervisão, designadamente: os encontros de pré observação, observação e pós-observação, sustentados pela colaboração da investigadora no processo de desenvolvimento profissional da professora participante Os principais objetivos do estudo centraram-se em identificar e compreender quais as conceções da professora participante no estudo relativamente ao ensino das ciências e, simultaneamente, a implementação de práticas de ensino relacionadas com a didática das ciências, assumindo como referencial que as conceções em ciências que os professores possuem têm implicações no modo como ensinam (Praia, Cachapuz & Pérez, 2002). Mais especificamente, pretendeu-se analisar e compreender a forma como a professora responsável pelo ensino da disciplina de estudo do meio no numa turma do 6º ano desenvolve as suas atividades letivas . A disciplina de estudo do meio contém conteúdos da área das ciências da natureza e das ciências sociais, no entanto, este estudo desenvolveu-se apenas no âmbito das ciências naturais, por se tratar da minha área específica de formação e aquela que escolhi para aprofundar os meus conhecimentos. A investigação desenvolvida assumiu o paradigma qualitativo/interpretativo e enquadrou-se num design de estudo de caso. Para Coutinho & Chaves (2002), um aluno, um professor, uma turma, uma escola, a prática de um professor ou uma política educativa são apenas alguns exemplos de variáveis educativas para as quais o estudo de caso é a metodologia que melhor se aplica. A recolha de informação para a investigação realizou-se no decorrer dos encontros de preparação das atividades letivas, da observação de aulas e do registo realizado, dos encontros pós-observação, das entrevistas e da análise documental de interesse sobre o tema.

Violência contra as mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo e vulnerabilidade ao HIV/AIDS em 10 cidades brasileiras

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, 2016.

APPLICATION OF AN IMPUTATION METHOD FOR GEOSPATIAL INVENTORY OF FOREST STRUCTURAL ATTRIBUTES ACROSS MULTIPLE SPATIAL SCALES IN THE LAKE STATES, U.S.A.

Credible spatial information characterizing the structure and site quality of forests is critical to sustainable forest management and planning, especially given the increasing demands and threats to forest products and services. Forest managers and planners are required to evaluate forest conditions over a broad range of scales, contingent on operational or reporting requirements. Traditionally, forest inventory estimates are generated via a design-based approach that involves generalizing sample plot measurements to characterize an unknown population across a larger area of interest. However, field plot measurements are costly and as a consequence spatial coverage is limited. Remote sensing technologies have shown remarkable success in augmenting limited sample plot data to generate stand- and landscape-level spatial predictions of forest inventory attributes. Further enhancement of forest inventory approaches that couple field measurements with cutting edge remotely sensed and geospatial datasets are essential to sustainable forest management. We evaluated a novel Random Forest based k Nearest Neighbors (RF-kNN) imputation approach to couple remote sensing and geospatial data with field inventory collected by different sampling methods to generate forest inventory information across large spatial extents. The forest inventory data collected by the FIA program of US Forest Service was integrated with optical remote sensing and other geospatial datasets to produce biomass distribution maps for a part of the Lake States and species-specific site index maps for the entire Lake State. Targeting small-area application of the state-of-art remote sensing, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data was integrated with the field data collected by an inexpensive method, called variable plot sampling, in the Ford Forest of Michigan Tech to derive standing volume map in a cost-effective way. The outputs of the RF-kNN imputation were compared with independent validation datasets and extant map products based on different sampling and modeling strategies. The RF-kNN modeling approach was found to be very effective, especially for large-area estimation, and produced results statistically equivalent to the field observations or the estimates derived from secondary data sources. The models are useful to resource managers for operational and strategic purposes.

MULTI-WAVELENGTH SPECKLE REDUCTION FOR LASER PICO-PROJECTORS USING DIFFRACTIVE OPTICS

Personal electronic devices, such as cell phones and tablets, continue to decrease in size while the number of features and add-ons keep increasing. One particular feature of great interest is an integrated projector system. Laser pico-projectors have been considered, but the technology has not been developed enough to warrant integration. With new advancements in diode technology and MEMS devices, laser-based projection is currently being advanced for pico-projectors. A primary problem encountered when using a pico-projector is coherent interference known as speckle. Laser speckle can lead to eye irritation and headaches after prolonged viewing. Diffractive optical elements known as diffusers have been examined as a means to lower speckle contrast. Diffusers are often rotated to achieve temporal averaging of the spatial phase pattern provided by diffuser surface. While diffusers are unable to completely eliminate speckle, they can be utilized to decrease the resultant contrast to provide a more visually acceptable image. This dissertation measures the reduction in speckle contrast achievable through the use of diffractive diffusers. A theoretical Fourier optics model is used to provide the diffuser’s stationary and in-motion performance in terms of the resultant contrast level. Contrast measurements of two diffractive diffusers are calculated theoretically and compared with experimental results. In addition, a novel binary diffuser design based on Hadamard matrices will be presented. Using two static in-line Hadamard diffusers eliminates the need for rotation or vibration of the diffuser for temporal averaging. Two Hadamard diffusers were fabricated and contrast values were subsequently measured, showing good agreement with theory and simulated values. Monochromatic speckle contrast values of 0.40 were achieved using the Hadamard diffusers. Finally, color laser projection devices require the use of red, green, and blue laser sources; therefore, using a monochromatic diffractive diffuser may not optimal for color speckle contrast reduction. A simulation of the Hadamard diffusers is conducted to determine the optimum spacing between the two diffusers for polychromatic speckle reduction. Experimental measured results are presented using the optimal spacing of Hadamard diffusers for RGB color speckle reduction, showing 60% reduction in contrast.

The well-being of relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation: a critical incident technique analysis

BACKGROUND: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient's condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed. AIM: To explore and describe critical incidents in which relatives of patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to handle these situations. DESIGN AND METHOD: An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 relatives (14 women and five men) of patients hospitalised in southern Sweden due to acute symptoms of the AF. RESULTS: The well-being of relatives was found to be affected by their worries (patient-related health), as well as the sacri-ficing of their own needs (self-related health). In handling their own well-being, these relatives adjusted to and supported the patient (practical involvement), along with adjusting their own feelings and responding to the mood of the patients (emotional involvement). CONCLUSION: The well-being of relatives of patients with AF was affected depending on the patients' well-being. In their attempt to handle their own well-being, the relatives adjusted to and supported the patients. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the effects of support to relatives and patients respectively and together.

Women's experiences of how their recovery process is promoted after a first myocardial infarction : Implications for cardiac rehabilitation care

Background: After a myocardial infarction and discharge from the hospital a recovery process follows for the women. In order to facilitate their recovery, both a preventive and promotive perspective should be taken into consideration. Despite this, today´s healthcare focuses more on prevention and thus research into the promotion of women’s recovery process is needed. Aim: To explore how women’s recovery processes are promoted after a first myocardial infarction Methods: The study had an explorative and descriptive design based on qualitative content analysis. Findings: The women’s recovery process was promoted through using external and internal resources as well as embracing behaviour, social and psychological dimensions. The women embraced these dimensions to a varying extent and this process led to them being able to take in a new perspective on life. Conclusions: The women’s personal recovery is a multidirectional process with a desire to develop and approach a new perspective on life. It is important for cardiac rehabilitation nurses to not only focus on lifestyle changes and social support, but also on working actively with the women’s inner strength in order to promote the personal recovery of the women. Furthermore, it would be interesting to investigate men’s experiences of how their recovery process after a first Myocardial infarction is promoted.

Perspective of Healthcare Workers about Digitization in the Healthcare Sector in Armed Forces Hospitals in Taif Region, Saudi Arabia

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of digitization in healthcare on health workers' perceptions in Armed Forces Hospital, Taif. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design based on deductive approach was used in the study. 370 participants employed in Armed Force hospitals in Taif were recruited based on convenience sampling. A survey was distributed among participants to collect demographic data and data on digitization benefits, challenges, and status and perceptions of health workers. The collected responses were then entered into SPSS software for performing descriptive stats, ANOVA test and regression analysis to determine the relationship between research variables. Results: The demographic results showed more male participants (64.9%) than females (35%), with more participants having a Master's education. Results from the ANOVA test and regression analysis revealed a positive and significant correlation between digitization benefits (0.842), digitization challenges (0.838), and digitization status (0.898) with health workers' perceptions. Also, a 1% change in digitization benefits, challenges, and status can result in an 18% change in perceptions. Conclusion: Overall, the study found a significant and positive relationship impact of digitization of health on perceptions of health workers. Recommendation: It is suggested that future studies investigate the factors and strategies influencing the change of perceptions associated with the digitization of health.

Grant-free protocols for massive multiple access

In next generation Internet-of-Things, the overhead introduced by grant-based multiple access protocols may engulf the access network as a consequence of the proliferation of connected devices. Grant-free access protocols are therefore gaining an increasing interest to support massive multiple access. In addition to scalability requirements, new demands have emerged for massive multiple access, including latency and reliability. The challenges envisaged for future wireless communication networks, particularly in the context of massive access, include: i) a very large population size of low power devices transmitting short packets; ii) an ever-increasing scalability requirement; iii) a mild fixed maximum latency requirement; iv) a non-trivial requirement on reliability. To this aim, we suggest the joint utilization of grant-free access protocols, massive MIMO at the base station side, framed schemes to let the contention start and end within a frame, and succesive interference cancellation techniques at the base station side. In essence, this approach is encapsulated in the concept of coded random access with massive MIMO processing. These schemes can be explored from various angles, spanning the protocol stack from the physical (PHY) to the medium access control (MAC) layer. In this thesis, we delve into both of these layers, examining topics ranging from symbol-level signal processing to succesive interference cancellation-based scheduling strategies. In parallel with proposing new schemes, our work includes a theoretical analysis aimed at providing valuable system design guidelines. As a main theoretical outcome, we propose a novel joint PHY and MAC layer design based on density evolution on sparse graphs.

A calibration approach based on Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy inference system for digital electronic compasses

Recently, the development of industrial processes brought on the outbreak of technologically complex systems. This development generated the necessity of research relative to the mathematical techniques that have the capacity to deal with project complexities and validation. Fuzzy models have been receiving particular attention in the area of nonlinear systems identification and analysis due to it is capacity to approximate nonlinear behavior and deal with uncertainty. A fuzzy rule-based model suitable for the approximation of many systems and functions is the Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy model. IS fuzzy models are nonlinear systems described by a set of if then rules which gives local linear representations of an underlying system. Such models can approximate a wide class of nonlinear systems. In this paper a performance analysis of a system based on IS fuzzy inference system for the calibration of electronic compass devices is considered. The contribution of the evaluated IS fuzzy inference system is to reduce the error obtained in data acquisition from a digital electronic compass. For the reliable operation of the TS fuzzy inference system, adequate error measurements must be taken. The error noise must be filtered before the application of the IS fuzzy inference system. The proposed method demonstrated an effectiveness of 57% at reducing the total error based on considered tests. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Student modeling based on fuzzy inference mechanisms

The paper presents a competence-based instructional design system and a way to provide a personalization of navigation in the course content. The navigation aid tool builds on the competence graph and the student model, which includes the elements of uncertainty in the assessment of students. An individualized navigation graph is constructed for each student, suggesting the competences the student is more prepared to study. We use fuzzy set theory for dealing with uncertainty. The marks of the assessment tests are transformed into linguistic terms and used for assigning values to linguistic variables. For each competence, the level of difficulty and the level of knowing its prerequisites are calculated based on the assessment marks. Using these linguistic variables and approximate reasoning (fuzzy IF-THEN rules), a crisp category is assigned to each competence regarding its level of recommendation.

A Theory of Quantitative Inference Applied to a Mechanical Design Compiler

This thesis presents the ideas underlying a computer program that takes as input a schematic of a mechanical or hydraulic power transmission system, plus specifications and a utility function, and returns catalog numbers from predefined catalogs for the optimal selection of components implementing the design. Unlike programs for designing single components or systems, the program provides the designer with a high level "language" in which to compose new designs. It then performs some of the detailed design process. The process of "compilation" is based on a formalization of quantitative inferences about hierarchically organized sets of artifacts and operating conditions. This allows the design compilation without the exhaustive enumeration of alternatives.

Context-based interaction design for smart homes

This paper presents the notion of Context-based Activity Design (CoBAD) that represents context with its dynamic changes and normative activities in an interactive system design. The development of CoBAD requires an appropriate context ontology model and inference mechanisms. The incorporation of norms and information field theory into Context State Transition Model, and the implementation of new conflict resolution strategies based on the specific situation are discussed. A demonstration of CoBAD using a human agent scenario in a smart home is also presented. Finally, a method of treating conflicting norms in multiple information fields is proposed.

Design of a simplified neuro-fuzzy system based on CMAC Architectures

This work presents the design of a fuzzy controller with simplified architecture that use an artificial neural network working as the aggregation operator for several active fuzzy rules. The simplified architecture of the fuzzy controller is used to minimize the time processing used in the closed loop system operation, the basic procedures of fuzzification are simplified to maximum while all the inference procedures are computed in a private way. As consequence, this simplified architecture allows a fast and easy configuration of the simplified fuzzy controller. The structuring of the fuzzy rules that define the control actions is previously computed using an artificial neural network based on CMAC Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller. The operational limits are standardized and all the control actions are previously calculated and stored in memory. For applications, results and conclusions several configurations of this fuzzy controller are considered.