Combining WLAN fingerprint-based localization with sensor data for indoor navigation using mobile devices

This project proposes an approach for supporting Indoor Navigation Systems using Pedestrian Dead Reckoning-based methods and by analyzing motion sensor data available in most modern smartphones. Processes suggested in this investigation are able to calculate the distance traveled by a user while he or she is walking. WLAN fingerprint- based navigation systems benefit from the processes followed in this research and results achieved to reduce its workload and improve its positioning estimations.

Provide instructions and resources for assessment and training in earth building: the Pirate project

This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The consumption of media contents through mobile devices in Finland

O campo dos media na Finlândia encontra-se num processo de mudanças aparentemente imparáveis, com os dispositivos móveis, tal como os smartphones e tablets, a influenciarem cada vez mais os padrões de produção e consumo de media. Nesta dissertação é defendido que esta situação é influenciada por factores históricos, sociais e culturais: desde os livros e jornais como meio de manter a língua finlandesa até aos benefícios da Segurança Social que permitiram que até as pessoas com menos rendimentos comprassem o jornal para se manterem a par dos desenvolvimentos do país, bem como a grande tradição de leitura que é associada aos finlandeses, assim como as condições que ao longo da história fazem fizeram com que os finlandeses sejam fascinados pelas novas tecnologias. Adicionalmente, presto especial atenção às estratégias que são adoptadas pelas cada vez mais convergentes companhias de media para enfrentarem a competição de elementos como os social media.

Control system for actuation and sensing in digital microfluidics devices

Digital Microfluidics (DMF) is a second generation technique, derived from the conventional microfluidics that instead of using continuous liquid fluxes, it uses only individual droplets driven by external electric signals. In this thesis a new DMF control/sensing system for visualization, droplet control (movement, dispensing, merging and splitting) and real time impedance measurement have been developed. The software for the proposed system was implemented in MATLAB with a graphical user interface. An Arduino was used as control board and dedicated circuits for voltage switching and contacts were designed and implemented in printed circuit boards. A high resolution camera was integrated for visualization. In our new approach, the DMF chips are driven by a dual-tone signal where the sum of two independent ac signals (one for droplet operations and the other for impedance sensing) is applied to the electrodes, and afterwards independently evaluated by a lock-in amplifier. With this new approach we were able to choose the appropriated amplitudes and frequencies for the different proposes (actuation and sensing). The measurements made were used to evaluate the real time droplet impedance enabling the knowledge of its position and velocity. This new approach opens new possibilities for impedance sensing and feedback control in DMF devices.

Digital microfluidic devices: the role of the dielectric layer

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a field which has emerged in the last decade as a re-liable and versatile tool for sensing applications based on liquid reactions. DMF allows the discrete displacement of droplets, over an array of electrodes, by the application of voltage, and also the dispensing from a reservoir, mixing, merging and splitting fluidic operations. The main drawback of these devices is due to the need of high driving volt-ages for droplet operations. In this work, alternative dielectric layers combinations were studied aiming the reduction of these driving voltages. DMF chips were designed, pro-duced and optimized according to the theory of electrowetting-on-dielectric, adopting different combinations of parylene-C and tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) as dielectric ma-terials, and Teflon as hydrophobic layer. With both devices��� configurations, i.e., Parylene as single dielectric, and multilayer chips combining Parylene and Ta2O5, it was possible to perform all the fluidic opera-tions in the microliter down to hundreds of nanoliters range. Multilayer chips presented significant reduction on driving voltages for droplet op-erations in silicone oil filler medium: from 70 V (parylene only) down to 30 V (parylene/Ta2O5) for dispensing; and from 50 V (parylene only) down to 15 V (parylene/Ta2O5) for movement. Peroxidase colorimetric reactions were successfully performed as proof-of-concept, using multilayer configuration devices.

Multi-Enzymatic Systems for Cleaning-up Synthetic Dyes from the Environment

Environmental pollution is one of the major and most important problems of the modern world. In order to fulfill the needs and demands of the overgrowing human population, developments in agriculture, medicine, energy sources, and all chemical industries are necessary (Ali 2010). Over the last century, the increased industrialization and continued population growth led to an augmented production of environmental pollutants that are released into air, water, and soil, with significant impact in the degradation of various ecosystems (Ali 2010, Khan et al. 2013).(...)

Intervenção educativa junto de um grupo de enfermeiros de um serviço de medicina : impacto na prática da terapêutica inalatória

RESUMO: O presente estudo, enquadra-se, no domínio do exercício profissional dos enfermeiros e na formação em serviço destes profissionais e teve por objectivo avaliar, num grupo de enfermeiros de um serviço de medicina, o impacto de uma intervenção educativa na melhoria dos procedimentos a executar na prática da terapêutica inalatória. A amostra do estudo (amostra por conveniência) foi constituída por oito enfermeiros do serviço de medicina do Hospital Curry Cabral (idades compreendidas entre os 24 a 43 anos de idade), sem anterior formação específica na área da terapêutica inalatória, mas com experiencia profissional prévia com doentes respiratórios. O estudo decorreu em dois momentos de avaliação: avaliação 0 (antes da intervenção educativa) e avaliação 1 (após a intervenção educativa). Entre estes dois momentos, foi ministrada, a todos os enfermeiros, uma acção de formação sobre terapêutica inalatória, com componente teórico-prática. Antes e depois da intervenção educativa foram aplicados dois instrumentos: para avaliação dos conhecimentos teóricos, construi-se e aplicou-se, um questionário de auto-avaliação de conhecimentos sobre terapêutica inalatória ao grupo dos enfermeiros, e para avaliação dos conhecimentos práticos e execução de procedimentos, uma grelha de observação da demonstração da técnica de inalação com três dispositivos inalatórios: MDI, MDI com câmara expansora ACE e DPI turbohaler®. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que o grupo dos enfermeiros da nossa amostra detinha já alguns conhecimentos de carácter teórico, de âmbito geral, sobre a terapêutica inalatória, mas conhecimentos pouco sólidos, nomeadamente no que concerne aos fármacos utilizados por via inalatória. Verificou-se, ainda, um deficiente domínio de conteúdos de carácter mais específico e prático sobre terapêutica inalatória, por exemplo a importância de determinados procedimentos - agitação do inalador, tempo de pausa entre cada inalação, cuidados de manutenção da câmara expansora, higienização da cavidade bucal após a inalação dos corticosteróides. Quanto à observação da técnica de inalação, o grupo dos enfermeiros revelou algumas lacunas, quer relativamente à técnica de inalação com MDI, quer do MDI com câmara expansora, observando-se a execução de passos incorrectos e mesmo omissão de passos por parte dos enfermeiros, antes da intervenção educativa.Não nos foi possível realizar a observação da técnica de inalação com dispositivo de pó seco turbohaler®, dado que nenhum dos enfermeiros da nossa amostra se sentiu capaz de manusear de forma correcta este dispositivo, antes e após a formação. Em termos globais, achamos que a formação dada sobre terapêutica inalatória, mostrou melhorar os conhecimentos teóricos e práticos dos enfermeiros neste âmbito. Esta melhoria ficou claramente demonstrada no aumento do número de respostas correctas dadas pelos enfermeiros no questionário efectuado, após a formação. Do mesmo modo, após a formação, registou-se uma melhoria considerável dos conhecimentos específicos e práticos, no que concerne à importância de determinados procedimentos na prática da terapêutica inalatória - agitação do inalador, tempo de pausa entre cada inalação, cuidados de manutenção da câmara expansora, higienização da cavidade bucal após a inalação dos corticosteróides - observando-se, um maior número de respostas correctas assinaladas no questionário. Em contrapartida, os conhecimentos sobre fármacos administrados por via inalatória, ficaram um pouco aquém das expectativas, pois o número de respostas correctas dadas pelos enfermeiros após a formação não foi significativo. Poderemos mesmo dizer que, a acção de formação com maior grau de especificidade sobre fármacos não se revelou eficaz e gerou até alguma ―confusão‖ neste grupo de enfermeiros, parecendo que os conhecimentos anteriores sobre fármacos por via inalatória não estariam consolidados antes da formação. De igual modo, após a formação, registou-se no grupo dos enfermeiros do estudo uma melhoria na performance da técnica de inalação com o MDI e MDI com a câmara expansora. Os enfermeiros do estudo, não só corrigiram os passos ou itens de avaliação da técnica inalatória, anteriormente executados incorrectamente, mas também, mostraram um melhor conhecimento dos passos ou itens de avaliação da técnica de inalação, com menor número de passos ou itens de avaliação omissos, após a formação. Em contrapartida, a acção de formação, no que diz respeito ao dispositivo de pó seco turbohaler®, não cumpriu o seu objectivo, dado que nenhum dos enfermeiros da amostra foi capaz de demonstrar a técnica de inalação com este dispositivo, antes e após a formação. Poderemos dizer que, não sendo um dispositivo da sua prática clínica, os enfermeiros não sentiram necessidade de adquirir estes conhecimentos. Em síntese, podemos concluir que na sua globalidade, a formação dada (com informação actualizada sobre as orientações mais adequadas neste domínio) e o treino formal dos enfermeiros neste âmbito, foi bastante proveitoso, uma vez que, mostrou melhorar os conhecimentos teóricos e práticos na prática da terapêutica inalatória do grupo de enfermeiros doserviço de medicina. Realça-se, no entanto, a importância de uma formação adequada, sentida como útil pelos enfermeiros, faseada, ligada à prática dos profissionais e alternando com momentos de exercício profissional. Os conhecimentos e os procedimentos dos enfermeiros deverão ainda ser monitorizados e avaliados ao longo do tempo, para a detecção de eventuais desvios que a rotina pode introduzir e para levantamento de novas necessidades de formação.-------------------ABSTRACT: This study fits in the domain of in-service training of professional nurses. It was aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention and the consequent improvement of the practice of inhalation therapy in a group of nurses from a medical service The study sample (convenience sample) was consituted by eight nurses from the medical service, Hospital Curry Cabral (aged 24-43 years) without previous special training in the field of inhalation therapy, but with prior experience with patients with respiratory diseases. The study ran in two moments of evaluation: evaluation 0 (before the educational intervention) and evaluation 1 (post-intervention). Between these two moments, a training program about therapeutic inhalation was administered to all nurses, with a double component of theory and practice. Before and after the educational intervention two evaluation tools were applied: for the assessment of theoretical knowledge, the nurses had to fill a self-assessment questionnaire and in order to evaluate their knowledge related to procedural skills as well as their performance, they were observed (and their behaviour recorded on a check-list) during a demonstration of three inhalation techniques with devices: metered dose inhaler, metered dose inhaler with a spacer device ACE® and device turbohaler® The study results showed that the group of nurses in our sample had already some knowledge of theoretical nature (general scope of the inhalation therapy) but little solid knowledge, particularly in regard to drugs used in inhalation. In fact, a relatively weaker knowledge was registerd in what concerns specific and practical knowledge about inhalation therapy, for example, the importance of certain procedures - shaking the inhaler, pause between each inhalation, maintenance care of spacer device, mouth cavity hygiene after inhalation of corticosteroids. As for the observation of the inhaler technique, it was found that the group of nurses had a poor inhalation technique, in what concerns inhalation technique with MDI or MDI with spacer device, with a performance with several incorrect steps, or even omission of steps by nurses before the educational intervention. Finally, as the observation technique of the dry powder device turbohaler ®, we were unable to analyze the observation concerning this device, since none of the nurses in our sample, wast able to handlle it correctly, before and after training.In general terms, we found that the training given on inhalation therapy had a positive impact either in the theorical or the pratical knowledge on inhalation therapy (higher number of correct answers after training). Similarly, after training, there was the considerable improvement of specific and practical skills, namely the importance of certain procedures in the practice of inhalation therapy - shaking the inhaler, pause time between each inhalation, maintenance care of spacer device, sanitizing the buccal cavity after inhalation of corticosteroids. In contrast, knowledge about drugs administered by inhalation, were slightly below expectations, showing a lower number of correct answers given by the nurses after training. The training seemed to be a factor of "confusion" for this group of nurses, whose prior knowledge in this domais was not probably very solid to begin with. After training, the group of nurses in the study improved the performance of inhalation technique with MDI and MDI with spacer device. They not only correcty performed the steps or itens for the assessment of inhalation technique, previously performed incorrectly, but also showed a better understanding of the steps or itens for assessing the inhalation technique, with fewer steps missing (after training). In contrast, training with regard to the device turbohaler ® dry powder, was also below expectations, given that none of the nurses in the sample was able to demonstrate inhaler technique with this device before and after training. This was probably due to the fact that, the nurses did not feel the need to acquire this knowledge and the related practice. In summary, we can say that, overall, the training (with updated information on the appropriate policies in this field) showed an improvement in knowledge and performance in the practice of inhalation therapy. It is however crucial to underline the importance of in-service adequate training programmes, perceived as useful by the nurses, developped in different phases, linked to the nurses’ practice and combining with professional practices. The nurses’ knowledge and skills should also be further monitorized and evaluated in order to detect deviations introduced by the rotinization of procedures and to identify new training needs.

Engineering of metal oxide nanoparticles for application in electrochemical devices

The growing demand for materials and devices with new functionalities led to the increased inter-est in the field of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. Nanoparticles, not only present a reduced size as well as high reactivity, which allows the development of electronic and electrochemical devices with exclusive properties, when compared with thin films. This dissertation aims to explore the development of several nanostructured metal oxides by sol-vothermal synthesis and its application in different electrochemical devices. Within this broad theme, this study has a specific number of objectives: a) research of the influence of the synthesis parameters to the structure and morphology of the nanoparticles; b) improvement of the perfor-mance of the electrochromic devices with the application of the nanoparticles as electrode; c) application of the nanoparticles as probes to sensing devices; and d) production of solution-pro-cessed transistors with a nanostructured metal oxide semiconductor. Regarding the results, several conclusions can be exposed. Solvothermal synthesis shows to be a very versatile method to control the growth and morphology of the nanoparticles. The electrochromic device performance is influenced by the different structures and morphologies of WO3 nanoparticles, mainly due to the surface area and conductivity of the materials. The dep-osition of the electrochromic layer by inkjet printing allows the patterning of the electrodes without wasting material and without any additional steps. Nanostructured WO3 probes were produced by electrodeposition and drop casting and applied as pH sensor and biosensor, respectively. The good performance and sensitivity of the devices is explained by the high number of electrochemical reactions occurring at the surface of the na-noparticles. GIZO nanoparticles were deposited by spin coating and used in electrolyte-gated transistors, which promotes a good interface between the semiconductor and the dielectric. The produced transistors work at low potential and with improved ON-OFF current ratio, up to 6 orders of mag-nitude. To summarize, the low temperatures used in the production of the devices are compatible with flexible substrates and additionally, the low cost of the techniques involved can be adapted for disposable devices.

Changes in prescribing patterns of benzodiazepines after training of general practitioners

RESUMO: Introdução: As benzodiazepinas são os fármacos ansiolíticos e hipnóticos mais utilizados. O elevado consumo destes fármacos tem representado uma preocupação devido aos efeitos secundários do seu uso prolongado e dependência. Portugal tem a maior utilização de benzodiazepinas na Europa. Este estudo pretende analisar a alteração do padrão de prescrição de benzodiazepinas após uma intervenção com clínicos gerais. Métodos: A intervenção consistiu numa sessão educacional a um grupo de clínicos gerais. Foi comparado o padrão de prescrição de benzodiazepinas dos médicos intervencionados com o de um grupo de médicos não intervencionado da mesma região e com o de um grupo de médicos não intervencionados de outra região. Analisaram-­‐se as prescrições de 12 meses antes e depois da intervenção. A análise do padrão de prescrição utilizou como metodologia a Dose Diária Definida (DDD) e a Dose Diária Definida por 1000 pacientes por dia (DHD). A análise estatística recorreu a métodos de regressão segmentada. Resultados: Houve uma diminuição no padrão de prescrição de benzodiazepinas no grupo intervencionado após a intervenção (p=0.005). Houve também uma redução no padrão de prescrição no grupo não intervencionada da mesma região (p=0.037) e no grupo não-intervencionado da região diferente (p=0.010). Analisando por género, prescritores do género feminino prescrevem uma quantidade maior de benzodiazepinas. Os clínicos gerais do género feminino intervencionados tiveram a maior redução na prescrição após a intervenção (p=0.008). Discussão: Os dados demonstraram que a intervenção reduziu a prescrição de benzodiazepinas após a intervenção. A diminuição geral do padrão de prescrição poderá ser explicada pelo efeito de Hawthorne ou pela contaminação entre os três grupos de clínicos gerais. Os dados disponíveis não explicam as diferenças nos padrões de prescrição por género. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra como uma única intervenção tem um impacto positivo na melhoria dos padrões de prescrição. A replicação desta intervenção poderá representar uma oportunidade para alterar a prescrição de benzodiazepinas em Portugal. -----------------------------ABSTRACT: Introduction: Benzodiazepines are the most utilized anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. The high consumption of benzodiazepines has been a concern due to the reported side effects of long-­‐term use and dependence. Portugal has the highest benzodiazepine utilisation in Europe. This study aims to analyse the change in General Practitioners’ (GPs) benzodiazepine prescription pattern after na intervention period. Methods: An educational session was delivered to a group of intervened GPs. The benzodiazepine prescription pattern of the intervened group was compared to the pattern of a non-­‐intervened matched group from the same region, and to the pattern of another non-­‐intervened matched group from a diferente region. The research time frame was 12 month before and after intervention. The analysis of the prescription trends used the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) and Defined Daily Dose per 1000 patients per day (DHD) methodology. The statistical methods consisted of segmented regression analysis. Results: There was a decrease in benzodiazepine prescription pattern of intervened GPs after intervention (p=0.005). There was also a decrease in benzodiazepine prescription pattern for the non-­‐intervened group from the same region (p=0.037) and for the non-­‐ intervened group from a diferente region (p=0.010). Concerningthe analysis by gender, female gender prescribed a higher amount of benzodiazepines. The intervened female gender prescribers presented the highest decrease in prescription trend after intervention (p=0.008). Discussion: The data demonstrated that the intervention was effective in reducing benzodiazepine prescription after intervention. The general decrease in prescription trend might be explained by a Hawthorne effect or a contamination effect between the three groups of GPs. The available data couldn´t explain the diferences in prescription patterns by gender. Conclusion: This study demonstrates how a single intervention has a positive impact on improving prescription trends. The replication of this intervention might be an opportunity to changing the worrying benzodiazepine utilisation in Portugal.

Nurses' training on dealing with alcohol and drug abuse: a question of necessity

The purpose of this article is to present a brief review on the need for changes in nurses' undergraduate education concerning alcohol and drugs. Specialized literature makes it clear that nurses have difficulties giving care to psychoactive substance users as part of their functions in the various health care sites. This may be associated with a deficiency in formal education. In the face of the social importance concerning these related questions in the scope of research, care, and education, we made an attempt at deepening the study on this theme, which could contribute to changes in practice, care, and undergraduate nursing education.

Comparison of catheter-related infection risk in two different long-term venous devices in adult hematology-oncology patients

PURPOSE: Infection is the leading complication of long-term central venous catheters, and its incidence may vary according to catheter type. The objective of this study was to compare the frequency and probability of infection between two types of long-term intravenous devices. METHODS: Retrospective study in 96 onco-hematology patients with partially implanted catheters (n = 55) or completely implanted ones (n = 42). Demographic data and catheter care were similar in both groups. Infection incidence and infection-free survival were used for the comparison of the two devices. RESULTS: In a median follow-up time of 210 days, the catheter-related infection incidence was 0.2102/100 catheter-days for the partially implanted devices and 0.0045/100 catheter-days for the completely implanted devices; the infection incidence rate was 46.7 (CI 95% = 6.2 to 348.8). The 1-year first infection-free survival ratio was 45% versus 97%, and the 1-year removal due to infection-free survival ratio was 42% versus 97% for partially and totally implanted catheters, respectively (P <.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: In the present study, the infection risk was lower in completely implanted devices than in partially implanted ones.

Perylene Diimide acceptors: Fabrication and characterization of electron-only, hole-only devices and solar cells

The thrust towards energy conservation and reduced environmental footprint has fueled intensive research for alternative low cost sources of renewable energy. Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), with their low fabrication costs, easy processing and flexibility, represent a possible viable alternative. Perylene diimides (PDIs) are promising electron-acceptor candidates for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OPVs, as they combine higher absorption and stability with tunable material properties, such as solubility and position of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level. A prerequisite for trap free electron transport is for the LUMO to be located at a level deeper than 3.7 eV since electron trapping in organic semiconductors is universal and dominated by a trap level located at 3.6 eV. Although the mostly used fullerene acceptors in polymer:fullerene solar cells feature trap-free electron transport, low optical absorption of fullerene derivatives limits maximum attainable efficiency. In this thesis, we try to get a better understanding of the electronic properties of PDIs, with a focus on charge carrier transport characteristics and the effect of different processing conditions such as annealing temperature and top contact (cathode) material. We report on a commercially available PDI and three PDI derivatives as acceptor materials, and its blends with MEH-PPV (Poly[2-methoxy 5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]) and P3HT (Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)) donor materials in single carrier devices (electron-only and hole-only) and in solar cells. Space-charge limited current measurements and modelling of temperature dependent J-V characteristics confirmed that the electron transport is essentially trap-free in such materials. Different blend ratios of P3HT:PDI-1 (1:1) and (1:3) show increase in the device performance with increasing PDI-1 ratio. Furthermore, thermal annealing of the devices have a significant effect in the solar cells that decreases open-circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor FF, but increases short-circuit current (Jsc) and overall device performance. Morphological studies show that over-aggregation in traditional donor:PDI blend systems is still a big problem, which hinders charge carrier transport and performance in solar cells.

Firing and training costs and labour market segmentation

This dissertation consists of three essays on the labour market impact of firing and training costs. The modelling framework resorts to the search and matching literature. The first chapter introduces firing costs, both liner and non-linear, in a new Keynesian model, analysing business cycle effects for different wage rigidity degrees. The second chapter adds training costs in a model of a segmented labour market, accessing the interaction between these two features and the skill composition of the labour force. Finally, the third chapter analyses empirically some of the issues raised in the second chapter.

An effective on-the-job training model-to facilitate strategy execution

Strategy execution has been a heated topic in the management world in recent years. However, according to a survey done by the Conference Board (2014), the chief executives are so concerned about the execution in their companies and have rated it as the No.1 or No.2 most challenging issue. Many of them choose to invest in training with a purpose to harvest the most for strategy execution. Therefore, this research is trying to find out a model to design training programs that can at most contribute to the success of strategy execution with three real-life training cases done by BTS Consulting Service. It was found that strategy execution could be greatly supported by training programs that take into consideration the four factors, namely Alignment, Mindset to Change, Capability and Organization Support. Main implications of the findings are presented and discussed. Key

Saloplastic membranes as green devices for soft tissue regeneration

Implantable devices must exhibit mechanical properties similar to native tissues to promote appropriate cellular behavior and regeneration. Herein, we report a new membrane manufacture method based on the synthesis of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) that exhibit saloplasticity, i.e. variable physical-chemistry using salt as a plasticizer. This is a Green Chemistry approach, as PECs generate structures that are stabilized solely by reversible electrostatic interactions, avoiding the use of harmful crosslinkers completely. Furthermore, natural polyelectrolytes - chitosan and alginate - were used. Upon mixing them, membranes were obtained by drying the PECs at 37ºC, yielding compact PECs without resorting to organicsolvents. The plasticizing effect of salt after synthesis was shown by measuring tensile mechanical properties, which were lower when samples were immersed in high ionic strength solutions.Salt was also used during membrane synthesis in different quan- tities (0 M, 0.15 M and 0.5 M in NaCl) yielding structures with no significant differences in morphology and degradation (around 15% after 3 months in lysozyme). However, swelling was higher (about 10x) when synthesized in the presence of salt. In vitro cell studies using L929 fibroblasts showed that cells adhered and proliferated preferentially in membranes fabricated in the presence of salt (i.e. the membranes with lower tensile strength). Structures with physical-chemical properties controlled with precision open a path to tissue engineering strategies depending on fine tuning mechanical properties and cellular adhesion simply by changing ionic strength during membrane manufacture