O Eco-Doppler na Dissecção da Aorta Abdominal

Apresenta-se um caso clínico de dissecção da aorta abdominal - tipo B - diagnosticada por eco-Doppler e tomografia axial computorizada (TC). Discute-se o interesse do eco-Doppler no diagnóstico de dissecção da aorta abdominal e na avaliação do envolvimento arterial visceral. É ainda um método útil no follow-up dos doentes com terapêutica conservadora.

Estudo Comparativo entre Dois Tipos de Eco-Contrastes: Echovist® e Levovist®, Avaliação da Permeabilidade Tubária em Infertilidade Feminina

Na propedêutica inicial do casal infértil, a realização da Sonossalpingografia (SoSG) contrastada através de dois tipos de ecocontrastes, Echovist® e Levovist®, durante a realização da ultra-sonografia ginecológica convencional pode, em casos seleccionados, substituir como exame de “screening” da permeabilidade tubária a Histerossalpingografia (HSG) e a Laparoscopia com cromotubação (LPC). Objectivos: Comparar os resultados da permeabilidade tubária através da SoSG contrastada com Echovist® ou com Levovist® e a HSG e determinar a sua acuidade em relação a LPC considerada “gold-standard”. Pacientes e métodos: Foram avaliadas prospectivamente 90 pacientes inférteis submetidas a SoSG em que se utilizou o contraste ecogénico Echovist® e 28 pacientes em que se utilizou o eco-realçador Levovist®. Para a HSG utilizou-se, em todas as pacientes, contraste iodado e hidrossolúvel Telebrix®. A observação da permeabilidade tubária teve sua avaliação final e sistemática pela LPC. Resultados: No estudo das trompas pelo Echovist® observamos permeabilidade em 67 pacientes (74,4%) e obstruções bilaterais em 23 das pacientes (25,6%) e pelo Levovist®, respectivamente, 22 (78,6%) e 6 pacientes (21,4%). Na comparação da avaliação da permeabilidade tubária entre a SoSG com Echovist® e LPC encontramos: especificidade € 91,3%, sensibilidade (S) 100%, falsos positivos (FP) 8,7%, falsos negativos (FN) 0%, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) 97,1%, valor preditivo negativo (VPN) 100% e Kappa de 96,5%, e entre a HSG e LPC, neste grupo Echovist® foram: E 100%, S 91,04%, FP 0%, FN 8,96%, VPP 100%, VPN 79,31% e Kappa de 88,6%. Na comparação da avaliação da permeabilidade tubária entre a SoSG com Levovist® e LPC encontramos: E 100%, S 100%, FP 0%, FN 0%, VPP 100%, VPN 100% e Kappa de 100%, e entre a HSG e LPC, no grupo Levovist® foram: E 100%, S 86,36%, FP 0%, FN 13,64%, VPP 100%, VPN 66,67% e Kappa de 82,2%. Conclusões: As Sonossalpingografias (SoSG) contrastadas utilizando-se como eco-realçadores o Echovist® ou o Levovist® podem ser consideradas exames complementares equivalentes na rotina da avaliação inicial do factor tubário por apresentarem, além do mesmo composto químico activo, alta sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância, ambos com acuidade superior à HSG quando comparados com a LPC.

Eco-bairros: análise de casos internacionais e recomendações para o contexto nacional

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente, Perfil de Ordenamento do Território e Impactes Ambientais

Medidas de gestão de eficiência hídrica em empreendimentos turísticos - Caso de estudo Zmar Eco-Campo Resort & Spa

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente – Perfil Engenharia Sanitária

Eco-wall modular solutions for buildings

This paper discusses the development of modular solutions for eco low-cost houses based on a pre-fabricated modular wall system environmentally sustainable, socioeconomically competitive and geared towards developing African nations with a housing deficit. The key point to the research of a modular wall solution is a structural layer complemented with local and materials made by non-specialized workforce. This wall also meets also hydrothermal acoustic and mechanical properties. Thus,the solution also offers good safety and interior comfort conditions to its users while maintaining the flexibility to expand the size of the house. Parameters as dimensions, materials and constructive processes of the existing housing stock were studied. Features such as the family size, typology, different uses, common materials, existing regulations, minimal living conditions, safety and comfort have also been considered to achieve the most efficient solution.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: eco-epidemiological aspects and control

From 1977 (index case) to 2006, 87 cases of visceral leishmaniasis were confirmed in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in periurban areas on the continental and coastal slopes of the Pedra Branca massif and the continental slopes of the Gericinó massif. The majority (65.5%) of the patients were more than five years old, predominantly males (61.5%), but without any difference between the sexes below the age of 14 years. The overall fatality rate was 10.4%. Two cases of visceral leishmaniasis/human immunodeficiency virus coinfection were detected. Leishmania chagasi was isolated from human and canine cases. The associations between the presence of phlebotomines and human and canine migrations, disorderly occupation involving degradation of environmental preservation areas and poor socioeconomic conditions may have created a favorable setting for the establishment and propagation of the disease. Close epidemiological surveillance associated with traditional control measures and others (active case researches, land clearing and health education), reduced the incidence of human cases from 2.8 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1981 to less than 0.01 per 100,000 since 1997. The canine infection rates decreased from 4.6% in 1984 to 1.6% in 2008. Lutzomyia longipalpis was not detected in some locations where human and canine cases occurred. In the years 2007 and 2008, no new human cases were reported, but there is a persistent and worrisome residual canine seroprevalence.

Eco-efficient earthen plasters: The influence of the addition of natural fibers.

Clayish earth-based mortars are been recognized, all over the world, as eco-efficient products for plastering. Apart from being a product with low embodied energy when compared to other types of plasters, their application on the interior surface of walls may give a strong contribution for the health and comfort of inhabitants. As part of an ongoing research regarding earth-based plasters this work assesses the influence of the addition of two types of natural fibres – oat straw and typha fiber-wool – on the characteristics of plastering mortars made with a clayish earth. Mechanical and physical characteristics were tested, showing that addition of these fibers contribute to decrease linear drying shrinkage and thermal conductivity, as well as promoting the adhesion strength of plaster to the substrate. The improvement of mechanical resistance reveal to be dependent on the type of fiber added while the hygroscopic capacity of the plaster is maintained regardless of the fiber additions.

Solução construtiva eco-eficiente de paredes monolíticas - contributo para a sua caracterização

Foi desenvolvida uma solução construtiva de paredes monolíticas com base em terra estabilizada com cal aérea, canas e fibras de canas. Apresenta-se um contributo para a otimização da solução construtiva através da caracterização de provetes do material utilizado, nos quais se variaram as proporções dos constituintes. Avaliou-se a massa volúmica no estado seco, a condutibilidade térmica, o comportamento face à água e o comportamento mecânico. Para além da menor massa volúmica e maior resistência térmica, comparativamente a outras soluções de paredes de terra, as resistências mecânicas podem ser particularmente controladas através da proporção (e tipo) de constituintes. Este tipo de solução é ainda particularmente interessante pela facilidade de execução, que permite a sua aplicação por mão-de-obra não especializada, podendo dessa forma promover a criação de emprego e resolver carências habitacionais.

Experimental characterization of an earth eco-efficient plastering mortar

Earthen plastering mortars are becoming recognized as highly eco-efficient. The assessment of their technical properties needs to be standardized but only the German standard DIN 18947 exists for the moment. An extended experimental campaign was developed in order to assess multiple properties of a ready-mixed earth plastering mortar and also to increase scientific knowledge of the influence of test procedures on those properties. The experimental campaign showed that some aspects related to the equipment, type of samples and sample preparation can be very important, while others seemed to have less influence on the results and the classification of mortars. It also showed that some complementary tests can easily be performed and considered together with the standardized ones, while others may need to be improved. The plaster satisfied the requirements of the existing German standard but, most importantly, it seemed adequate for application as rehabilitation plaster on historic and modern masonry buildings. Apart from their aesthetic aspect, the contribution of earthen plasters to eco-efficiency and particularly to hygrometric indoor comfort should be highlighted.

Eco-epidemiologic study of emerging fungi related to the work of babaçu coconut breakers in the State of Maranhão, Brazil

Introduction: There are more than 300,000 extractors using the babaçu coconut as a source of income in the States of Maranhão, Pará, Tocantins and Piauí, and this activity is associated with fungal infections. The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of emergent fungi in the conjunctiva, nails and surface and subcutaneous injuries of female coconut breakers in Esperantinópolis, Maranhão. Additionally, soil samples and palm structures were collected. Methods: The obtained samples were cultured in Petri dishes containing potato-dextrose-agar and chloramphenicol. The etiological agent was confirmed by a direct mycological exam and growth in culture. Results: In total, 150 domiciles were visited, and samples were collected from 80 patients. From the ground, the most frequently isolated fungus was Aspergillus niger (53. 8%). the most frequently detected fungus in babaçu coconut was Aspergillus niger (66.7%). Conjunctival fungal growth occurred in 76.3% of the women. The ocular fungal microbiota consisted of filamentous fungi (80.6%), and yeasts were present in 19.4% of cases. Onychomycosis was diagnosed in 44% (11/25) of the women. Conclusions: The identification of the genera Neosartorya, Rhizopus and Curvularia in onychomycoses shows that emergent filamentous fungi can be isolated. Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Scedosporium sp. were the predominant genera found in the babaçu coconut. From ocular conjunctiva, Candida spp. were the most prevalent species isolated, and Fusarium sp. was present only in one woman. The nearly permanent exposure of coconut breakers to the external environment and to the soil is most likely the reason for the existence of a mycotic flora and fungal infections, varying according to the individual's practices and occupation.

ReedCob – An eco-efficient building technology for monolithic walls based on earth and reeds

4th Conference COST ACTION FP1303 – Designing with Bio-based Materials – Challenges and opportiunities. INIA – CSIC, Madrid, 24-25 February 2016. Book of abstracts, T.Troya, J.Galván, D.Jones (Eds.), INIA and IETcc – CSIS, pg. 79-80 (ISBN: 978-91-88349-16-3)

Terra nativa : a relação eco-humana na vida e na obra de Ferreira de Castro

A presente investigação visou contribuir para o estudo da permeabilidade entre Ciência e Arte, explorando, nomeadamente, o diálogo frutífero entre a área científica interdisciplinar da Ecologia Humana e a Literatura Portuguesa. Neste sentido, configura o que pode entender-se como um ensaio de dupla interdisciplinaridade. Recorreu-se a uma metodologia híbrida que integra métodos e fontes das ciências do ambiente e sociais e da análise literária, cujos graus de objetividade variam entre si, e que pode filiar-se na recente área dos “mixed methods”, cuja exploração se acentuou nas últimas duas décadas na Europa e nos Estados Unidos. Em concreto, pretendeu-se analisar a representação literária da Natureza e do vínculo de interdependência que o ser humano estabelece com ela na obra de Ferreira de Castro (1898-1974) ‒ um dos mais aclamados e traduzidos escritores portugueses do século XX, fundador do “romance social” português ‒ e perceber em que medida essa representação irradia da experiência de vida em variados ambientes geográficos, da personalidade e da ideologia do escritor. A tese consta de duas partes principais, traçando a primeira uma “Ecobiografia” do escritor, que averigua a sua relação e a sua conceção pessoal sobre a Natureza; e dedicando-se a segunda à ecocrítica de quatro textos de ficção com cenários em áreas rurais de Portugal continental, escritos entre 1928 e 1947: Emigrantes (1928), “O Natal em Ossela” (1933), Terra Fria (1934) e A Lã e a Neve (1947). Defende-se que, num tempo anterior ao movimento ecológico português, esses textos continham já um significativo teor eco-humano. Apresentam, por isso, um grande potencial de difusão do ambiente biofísico e das modalidades relacionais que o ser humano instituiu com a terra numa época, revelando-se um valioso contributo para a História Ambiental do território português. Esta função extra-artística projeta-se nas gerações leitoras do presente e do futuro e pode atuar em benefício da consciência ambiental e de cidadania neste século XXI. Razão por que é devido à obra castriana este novo lugar na Cultura portuguesa, mais além e mais amplo que a sua aplaudida dimensão literária.

Terra Nativa. A relação eco-humana na vida e na obra de Ferreira de Castro

A presente investigação teve o apoio financeiro da FCT, através de uma Bolsa de Doutoramento.

Eco-efficient self-compacting concrete with reduced Portland cement content and high volume of fly ash and metakaolin

The eco-efficient, self-compacting concrete (SCC) production, containing low levels of cement in its formulation, shall contribute for the constructions' sustainability due to the decrease in Portland cement use, to the use of industrial residue, for beyond the minimization of the energy needed for its placement and compaction. In this context, the present paper intends to assess the viability of SCC production with low cement levels by determining the fresh and hardened properties of concrete containing high levels of fly ash (FA) and also metakaolin (MK). Hence, 6 different concrete formulations were produced and tested: two reference concretes made with 300 and 500 kg/m3 of cement; the others were produced in order to evaluate the effects of high replacement levels of cement. Cement replacement by FA of 60% and by 50% of FA plus 20% of MK were tested and the addition of hydrated lime in these two types of concrete were also studied. To evaluate the self-compacting ability slump flow test, T500, J-ring, V-funnel and L-box were performed. In the hardened state the compressive strength at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 90 days of age was determined. The results showed that it is possible to produce low cement content SCC by replacing high levels of cement by mineral additions, meeting the rheological requirements for self-compacting, with moderate resistances from 25 to 30 MPa after 28 days.

The importance of the category of consciousness and education for sustainability in methodologies for eco‐efficiency in school buildings

This document reports the importance of the category of consciousness and education for sustainability in the school environment. Education in school has a potential to make the benefits of the building construction visible for society and media, showing to the students, parents and communities how sustainability in built environment could improve the people life in economic, social and environment aspects. Thus, this paper addresses the main events related to sustainability, such as the Stockholm Conference, the Brundtland report, United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and Agenda 21, until reaching the necessity of the elaboration of Methodologies for environmental assessment of building, and later, the development of the specific methodologies according to the buildings. It is also described some examples of sustainability in schools in Germany, Finland and Italy and what kind of sustainable systems those countries are currently using.