Supporting conceptualisation processes in collaborative networks: a case study on an R&D project

The development of new products or processes involves the creation, re-creation and integration of conceptual models from the related scientific and technical domains. Particularly, in the context of collaborative networks of organisations (CNO) (e.g. a multi-partner, international project) such developments can be seriously hindered by conceptual misunderstandings and misalignments, resulting from participants with different backgrounds or organisational cultures, for example. The research described in this article addresses this problem by proposing a method and the tools to support the collaborative development of shared conceptualisations in the context of a collaborative network of organisations. The theoretical model is based on a socio-semantic perspective, while the method is inspired by the conceptual integration theory from the cognitive semantics field. The modelling environment is built upon a semantic wiki platform. The majority of the article is devoted to developing an informal ontology in the context of a European R&D project, studied using action research. The case study results validated the logical structure of the method and showed the utility of the method.

Communication protocol for the rempli project

The overall goal of the REMPLI project is to design and implement a communication infrastructure for distributed data acquisition and remote control operations using the power grid as the communication medium. The primary target application is remote meter reading with high time resolution, where the meters can be energy, heat, gas, or water meters. The users of the system (e.g. utility companies) will benefit from the REMPLI system by gaining more detailed information about how energy is consumed by the end-users. In this context, the power-line communication (PLC) is deployed to cover the distance between utility company’s Private Network and the end user. This document specifies a protocol for real-time PLC, in the framework of the REMPLI project. It mainly comprises the Network Layer and Data Link Layer. The protocol was designed having into consideration the specific aspects of the network: different network typologies (star, tree, ring, multiple paths), dynamic changes in network topology (due to network maintenance, hazards, etc.), communication lines strongly affected by noise.

A influência do acompanhamento em suporte digital na motivação dos alunos de saxofone: relatório de estágio

I (Prática pedagógica)- Esta secção do Relatório de Estágio pretende apresentar elementos referentes ao Estágio do Ensino Especializado da Música no ensino do saxofone, efectuado na Escola de Música Luís António Maldonado Rodrigues, no ano lectivo 2012/2013. Neste estágio foram envolvidos e analisados três alunos, em níveis distintos de desenvolvimento, mas com orientações semelhantes no que respeita à organização do trabalho. Para cada aluno foram realizados trinta planos de aula, uma planificação anual e três gravações vídeo/áudio em contexto de sala de aula, permitindo uma análise e reflexão mais profunda do trabalho docente. A secção é composta pela caracterização da escola onde se realizou o estágio, através da sua contextualização/funcionamento, dos seus espaços e equipamentos, recursos humanos existentes e organização pedagógica. Posteriormente é efectuada a caracterização dos três alunos envolvidos no estágio, baseada na experiência docente e nos conhecimentos fornecidos pelas Unidades Curriculares do Mestrado em Ensino da Música. Seguidamente descrevem-se as práticas lectivas desenvolvidas ao longo do ano lectivo por parte do docente, incorporando linhas orientadoras da docência aplicadas na prática pedagógica. É feita uma análise crítica da actividade docente no âmbito do estágio do Ensino Especializado da Música, e, por último, uma conclusão desta primeira secção. .

Teacher placement report: investigation: action research project investigating methods for promoting creativity in double bass students attending a portuguese music school

The investigation which employed the action research method (qualitative analysis)was divided into four fases. In phases 1-3 the participants were six double bass students at Nossa Senhora do Cabo Music School. Pilot exercises in creativity were followed by broader and more ambitious projects. In phase 4 the techniques were tested and amplified during a summer course for twelve double bass students at Santa Cecilia College.

Blended Learning project with Applied Optics. Case study

To show with the case of Applied Optics (AO), the adequacy of blended learning to the teaching/learning process in experimental Science and technology (S&T).

Relatório de estágio: aulas de grupo de oboé

I (Prática Pedagógica) - Neste relatório de estágio apresenta-se uma caracterização do Conservatório de Música de Santarém (CMS). Dá-se a conhecer um pouco da sua história, o seu funcionamento e os seus objetivos pedagógicos. Caracterizam-se também os alunos que participam no estágio e faz-se uma pequena descrição dos seus percursos académicos; suas influências, motivações e expectativas. Nas práticas desenvolvidas apresentam-se os princípios pedagógicos – A Motivação, como condição fundamental para o sucesso escolar dos alunos; e ainda a importância da aquisição de competências metacognitivas, ao permitirem a reflexão sobre os processos de aprendizagem. É feita uma descrição sobre as estratégias que o professor deve adotar com o objetivo de obter a motivação dos alunos; e apresentam-se os objetivos pedagógicos propostos para este estágio. Por último é feita uma análise do trabalho desenvolvido com os alunos e uma análise crítica da atividade docente, onde a criatividade, a autoavaliação e a reflexão devem estar sempre presentes no íntimo do professor. Ainda no encerramento da secção pedagógica dá-se conta do novo paradigma do ensino vocacional de música, após a Portaria nº 691/2009 de 25 de junho, e a necessidade do professor se adaptar a esta nova realidade.

Centro de recursos para a inclusão na multideficiência: as equipas

Mestrado em Educação Especial: Multideficiência e Problemas de Cognição

Interactive light and sound table: an EPS@ISEP project

Interactive products are appealing objects in a technology-driven society and the offer in the market is wide and varied. Most of the existing interactive products only provide either light or sound experiences. Therefore, the goal of this project was to develop a product aimed for children combining both features. This project was developed by a team of four thirdyear students with different engineering backgrounds and nationalities during the European Project Semester at ISEP (EPS@ISEP) in 2012. This paper presents the process that led to the development of an interactive sound table that combines nine identical interaction blocks, a control block and a sound block. Each interaction block works independently and is composed of four light emitting diodes (LED) and one infrared (IR) sensor. The control is performed by an Arduino microcontroller and the sound block includes a music shield and a pair of loud speakers. A number of tests were carried out to assess whether the controller, IR sensors, LED, music shield and speakers work together properly and if the ensemble was a viable interactive light and sound device for children.

Level monitoring system for waste oil containers: an EPS@ISEP project

Waste oil recycling companies play a very important role in our society. Competition among companies is tough and process optimization is essential for survival. By equipping oil containers with a level monitoring system that periodically reports the level and alerts when it reaches the preset threshold, the oil recycling companies are able to streamline the oil collection process and, thus, reduce the operation costs while maintaining the quality of service. This paper describes the development of this level monitoring system by a team of four students from different engineering backgrounds and nationalities. The team conducted a study of the state of the art, draw marketing and sustainable development plans and, finally, designed and implemented a prototype that continuously measures the container content level and sends an alert message as soon as it reaches the preset capacity.

Projeto de ensino de Inglês articulado/integrado no 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

Mestrado em Ensino Precoce do Inglês

Ensino do inglês no 1º ciclo: perceções dos professores de inglês do 1º e 2º ciclos e alunos do 2º ciclo

Sendo a escola uma instituição concebida para a formação académica e social da criança, a aprendizagem duma língua estrangeira torna-se crucial para que a criança desenvolva uma atitude positiva perante outras línguas e culturas. É, portanto, necessário que a escola encontre formas de ensinar línguas estrangeiras que sejam adequadas ao 1º ciclo do Ensino Básico. O presente projeto de mestrado, intitulado Ensino do Inglês no 1º ciclo: perceções dos professores de Inglês do 1º e 2º ciclos e dos alunos do 2º ciclo reflete uma investigação baseada nas opiniões e perceções de profissionais e alunos de escolas públicas portuguesas que, direta ou indiretamente, estão envolvidos com o Inglês no 1º ciclo. Inicialmente apresenta-se um enquadramento legal que permite perceber quais as normas e orientações existentes na Europa e em Portugal, em termos de ensino precoce de línguas estrangeiras. A introdução do Programa de Generalização do Ensino de Inglês em 2005 começou por refletir um caminho de convergência com as políticas educativas europeias. No entanto, muitas das vitórias conseguidas por este Programa, pertencem ao passado. Os profissionais no ensino das línguas estrangeiras questionam-se acerca de muitos aspetos, originados pela forma como se cumpre atualmente o Ensino do Inglês, enquanto Atividade de Enriquecimento Curricular no 1º ciclo. Os questionários aplicados neste projeto pretendem dar voz às perceções e opiniões destes mesmos profissionais.

Inglês: atividade de enriquecimento ou disciplina curricular?

Mestrado em Ensino Precoce do Inglês

Design of a doctorate programme on technology assessment: A sabbatical leave project

The work agenda includes the production of a report on different doctoral programmes on “Technology Assessment” in Europe, the US and Japan, in order to analyse collaborative post-graduation activities. Finally, the proposals on collaborative post-graduation programme between FCTUNL and ITAS-FZK will be organised by an ongoing discussion process with colleagues from ITAS.

Trends in the use of antidepressants among older adults: Bambuí Project

OBJECTIVE To analyze the trends and factors associated with the antidepressant use among older adults. METHODS This population-based study evaluated older adults in 1997 (n = 351, baseline) and the survivors at the 15th follow-up year (n = 462, in 2012) among the aging cohort of Bambuí. The prevalence of antidepressant use was estimated, and the most commonly used antidepressants each year were identified. Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance to investigate differences in the prevalence of use between 1997 and 2012. RESULTS The overall consumption of antidepressants (PR = 2.87, 95%CI 1.94;4.25) and of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (PR = 7.50, 95%CI 3.74;15.02) was significantly higher in 2012. However, no significant difference was observed in the use of tricyclic antidepressants between the two cohorts (PR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.49;1.62). In the 2012 cohort, antidepressant use was associated with females, increased age, increased income (≥ 4 minimum wages), self-assessment of health as reasonable, and attending ≥ 5 medical consultations in the last 12 months. CONCLUSIONS The increased consumption of antidepressants in the period due to increased use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was consistent with results observed in international studies of different population groups and contexts. The positive correlation observed between antidepressant use and family income may be a warning of possible inequalities in access to mental health services.

A hybrid genetic algorithm for the multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling

A construction project is a group of discernible tasks or activities that are conduct-ed in a coordinated effort to accomplish one or more objectives. Construction projects re-quire varying levels of cost, time and other resources. To plan and schedule a construction project, activities must be defined sufficiently. The level of detail determines the number of activities contained within the project plan and schedule. So, finding feasible schedules which efficiently use scarce resources is a challenging task within project management. In this context, the well-known Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) has been studied during the last decades. In the RCPSP the activities of a project have to be scheduled such that the makespan of the project is minimized. So, the technological precedence constraints have to be observed as well as limitations of the renewable resources required to accomplish the activities. Once started, an activity may not be interrupted. This problem has been extended to a more realistic model, the multi-mode resource con-strained project scheduling problem (MRCPSP), where each activity can be performed in one out of several modes. Each mode of an activity represents an alternative way of combining different levels of resource requirements with a related duration. Each renewable resource has a limited availability for the entire project such as manpower and machines. This paper presents a hybrid genetic algorithm for the multi-mode resource-constrained pro-ject scheduling problem, in which multiple execution modes are available for each of the ac-tivities of the project. The objective function is the minimization of the construction project completion time. To solve the problem, is applied a two-level genetic algorithm, which makes use of two separate levels and extend the parameterized schedule generation scheme. It is evaluated the quality of the schedules and presents detailed comparative computational re-sults for the MRCPSP, which reveal that this approach is a competitive algorithm.