Quantitative characterization of physico-chemical properties of the active layers of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes, and their relation to membrane performance

The main objectives of this dissertation were: (i) to develop experimental and analytical procedures to quantify different physico-chemical properties of the ultra-thin (~ 100 nm) active layers of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes and their interactions with contaminants; (ii) to use such procedures to evaluate the similarities and differences between the active layers of different RO/NF membranes; and (iii) to relate characterization results to membrane performance. Such objectives were motivated by the current limited understanding of the physico-chemical properties of active layers as a result of traditional characterization techniques having limitations associated with the nanometer-scale spatial resolution required to study these ultra-thin films. Functional groups were chosen as the main active layer property of interest. Specific accomplishments of this study include the development of procedures to quantify in active layers as a function of pH: (1) the concentration of both negatively and positively ionized functional groups; (2) the stoichiometry of association between ions (i.e., barium) and ionized functional groups (i.e., carboxylate and sulfonate); and (3) the steric effects experienced by ions (i.e., barium). Conceptual and mathematical models were developed to describe experimental results. The depth heterogeneity of the active layer physico-chemical properties and interactions with contaminants studied in this dissertation was also characterized. Additionally, measured concentrations of ionized functional groups in the polyamide active layers of several commercial RO/NF membranes were used as input in a simplified RO/NF transport model to predict the rejection of a strong electrolyte (i.e., potassium iodide) and a weak acid (i.e., arsenious acid) at different pH values based on rejection results at one pH condition. The good agreement between predicted and experimental results showed that the characterization procedures developed in this study serve as useful tools in the advancement of the understanding of the properties and structure of the active layers of RO/NF membranes, and the mechanisms of contaminant transport through them.

Application of GIS in potential beekeeping assessment: Case study of Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal)

Planners require solutions that address routine work needs and seems essential to improving efficiency and productivity. There are a great number of different factors related to beekeeper activity as well the quality and productivity of different bee products. The spatial analysis is a powerful tool for overlap and relates various levels of information on a map, and consequently a very useful for beekeeping activity planning. This work proposes and applies a methodology to potential beekeeping assessment in Montesinho Natural Park, a region in the northwest of Portugal. The beekeeping potential maps were developed with the following data sources: legal standards, vegetation, land use, topography, water resources, roads, electromagnetic fields, and some honey physico-chemical analysis. The design and implementation of spatial analysis model based on Geographic Information System (GIS) to beekeeping planning activities has already been described by Anjos et al (2014). Spatial analysis techniques allows to define the potential beekeeper map supporting the beekeeper management in this region. Anjos O, Silva G, Roque N, Fernandez P, 2014. GIS based analysis to support the beekeeping planning. Book of abstracts of the International Symposium on Bee Products 3rd edition – Annual meeting of the International Honey Commission (IHC), Faculty of medicine, University of Rijeka, p:61

Caracterização da diversidade parasitária em carníveros silvestres e implicações na conservação

Recolher dados para actualizar os conhecimento da diversidade parasitária dos mesocarnívoros mais abundantes nas regiões do sul de Portugal e relacionar a dispersão parasitária, a conservação e a saúde humana constituíram os principais objetivos deste estudo. Raposas (Vulpes vulpes), sacarrabos (Herpestes ichneumon), fuinhas (Martes foina), ginetes (Genetta genetta) e texugos (Meles meles) atropelados foram os carnívoros-hospedeiros em estudo. Um grupo de raposas caçadas foi também considerado parte da amostra. A informação geo-referenciada de todos os animais serviu para executar a análise espacial. Realizaram-se necrópsias meticulosas e procedeu­ se à recolha, identificação e preservação dos parasitas encontrados. Pela primeira vez em Portugal é registada a presença do parasita da gineta Ancytostoma martinezi. A correlação entre os factores humanos e ambientais e, a riqueza de espécies foi determinada estatisticamente. Densidade populacional, disponibilidade de égua, tipo de uso de solo e distância mínima às sedes de concelho não apresentaram uma relação estatisticamente significativa com a infecção parasitária das raposas. Os resultados obtidos relativamente à presença de parasitas zoonóticos nos animais silvestres em estudo fomentam o trabalho multidisciplinar entre a Biologia da Conservação e as ciências médicas. ABSTRACT; The aim of this study was to collect data in order to update the information related to the parasitic diversity of the predominant mesocarnívores in the southern regions of Portugal and to establish relationships between the parasite dispersal, conservation and human health. Road killed foxes (Vulpes vulpes), mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), stone marten (Martes foina), common genets (Genetta genetta) and euroasian badgers (Meles meles) were the considered carnivore-hosts. A sample of hunted foxes was also regarded.AD the animals had geo-reference information, ultimately used for spatial analysis. Thorough necropsies were performed and macroparasites collected, identified and preserved. For the first time in Portugal Ancylostoma martinezi, a common genets parasite.is recorded. Statistical species richness and correlation between human and environmental factors were determined. Human population density, water drainage, soil use, minimum distance to head council cities and the infection status of foxes proved no significant statistical relation. Results obtained on zoonotic parasites present in wild animals enhance the necessity of multidisciplinary work between Biology conservation and medical sciences.

ALCOHOL AS A SOCIAL MEDIATOR AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Objective: To identify the prevalence of alcohol consumption in Psychology students of a higher education institution in the city of Montes Claros, MG. Methods: Quantitative crosssectional descriptive research conducted from September to October 2014. The population consisted of 116 Psychology students from the city of Montes Claros, MG. Data were collected using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Inventário de Expectativas e Crenças Pessoais Acerca do Álcool – IECPA (Inventory of Expectations and Personal Beliefs about Alcohol), the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Escala de Satisfação com o Suporte Social – ESSS (Social Support Satisfaction Scale). Descriptive analysis of data was performed using SPSS 19.0. Results: The sample had a predominance of female gender (82.75%, n=96), pardos (65.51%, n=76) and single (60.34%, n=70) individuals. Regarding the AUDIT risk classification, it was found that 49.13% (n=57) of the respondents were in the level 4, considered alcohol dependence. They reported occasional use of alcohol, smoking and other substances, which refer to ASSIST level 1 classification, with 94.82% (n=110). Regarding the IECPA, 87.06% (n=101) of the individuals were classified as level 1, with low vulnerability to the effects of alcohol. As to the ESSS, 68.10% (n=79) of the students showed high social support. Conclusion: Regarding the sample studied, it was found a high prevalence of dependence on alcohol and other legal and illegal drugs.

Regional differences of outpatient physician supply as a theoretical economic and empirical generalized linear model

BACKGROUND: Regional differences in physician supply can be found in many health care systems, regardless of their organizational and financial structure. A theoretical model is developed for the physicians' decision on office allocation, covering demand-side factors and a consumption time function. METHODS: To test the propositions following the theoretical model, generalized linear models were estimated to explain differences in 412 German districts. Various factors found in the literature were included to control for physicians' regional preferences. RESULTS: Evidence in favor of the first three propositions of the theoretical model could be found. Specialists show a stronger association to higher populated districts than GPs. Although indicators for regional preferences are significantly correlated with physician density, their coefficients are not as high as population density. CONCLUSIONS: If regional disparities should be addressed by political actions, the focus should be to counteract those parameters representing physicians' preferences in over- and undersupplied regions.

Diurnal temporal patterns of the diversity and the abundance of reef fishes in a branching coral patch in New Caledonia

Small-scale spatial and temporal variability in animal abundance is an intrinsic characteristic of marine ecosystems but remains largely unknown for most animals, including coral reef fishes. In this study, we used a remote autonomous unbaited video system and recorded reef fish assemblages during daylight hours, 10 times a day for 34 consecutive days in a branching coral patch of the lagoon of New Caledonia. In total, 50 031 fish observations belonging to 114 taxa, 66 genera and 31 families were recorded in 256 recorded videos. Carnivores and herbivore-detritus feeders dominated the trophic structure. We found significant variations in the composition of fish assemblages between times of day. Taxa richness and fish abundance were greater in the early morning and in the late afternoon than during the day. Fourteen taxa displayed well-defined temporal patterns in abundance with one taxon influenced by time of day, six influenced by tidal state and seven influenced by both time of day and tidal state. None of these 14 taxa were piscivores, 10 were herbivore-detritus feeders, three were carnivores and one was plankton feeder. Our results suggest a diel migration from feeding grounds to shelter areas and highlight the importance of taking into account small-scale temporal variability in animal diversity and abundance when studying connectivity between habitats and monitoring communities.

Análise da distribuição espaço-temporal de dengue e da infestação larvária no município de Tupã, Estado de São Paulo

INTRODUÇÃO: O vírus da dengue é transmitido pela picada do mosquito Aedes aegypti e, o atual programa de controle não atinge o objetivo de impedir sua transmissão. Este trabalho objetivou analisar a relação entre a distribuição espaço-temporal de casos de dengue e os indicadores larvários no município de Tupã, de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2007. MÉTODOS: Foram construídos indicadores larvários por quarteirão e totalidade do município. Utilizou-se o método cross-lagged correlation para avaliar a correlação entre casos de dengue e indicadores larvários. Foi utilizado estimador kernel para análise espacial. RESULTADOS: A correlação cruzada defasada entre casos de dengue e indicadores larvários foi significativa. Os mapas do estimador Kernel da positividade de recipientes indicam uma distribuição heterogênea, ao longo do período estudado. Nos dois anos de transmissão, a epidemia ocorreu em diferentes regiões. CONCLUSÕES: Não ficou evidenciada relação espacial entre infestação larvária e ocorrência de dengue. A incorporação de técnicas de geoprocessamento e análise espacial no programa, desde que utilizados imediatamente após a realização das atividades, podem contribuir com as ações de controle, indicando os aglomerados espaciais de maior incidência.

Propuesta de diseño del parque urbano en los predios de la brigada de Artillería del Portete

Resumen La desmesurada forma en la que está creciendo la ciudad y la sociedad en general, ha ocasionado un desequilibrio en la relación personas - espacio público recreacional. A partir de esta condición se ha tomado la iniciativa nacional de reciclar espacios semipúblicos y convertirlos en equipamientos que contribuyan a la formación de los ciudadanos. Los urbanistas señalan como fin último el mejorar la calidad de vida, siendo en el espacio urbano lo público el núcleo a partir del cual se contribuye a este objetivo. Los cuarteles militares en muchas de las urbes del país han sido alcanzados por la urbanización, pudiéndose ocupar estos sitios para solucionar la problemática urbana que se ha generado en torno a estos lugares. En esta tesis se evidencia que la arquitectura se piensa y se produce desde el lugar, tomando como referencia la metodología del análisis espacial urbano, y complementándola a su vez con la obra y el pensamiento de Rafael Pina Lupiañez. El sector del predio de la Brigada de Artillería Portete es el espacio idóneo para una intervención, en el cual se ha implantado la propuesta de un parque urbano recreacional, donde no solo se ha potencializado las características trópicas y antrópicas sino también se ha conseguido mitigar las condiciones desfavorables. Se ha considerado este proyecto como el precursor para facilitar el cambio de uso a estos espacios semipúblicos restringidos que tanto se necesitan dentro de la ciudad, siendo un primer acercamiento con el cuerpo militar.

Aplicação de Sistema de Informações Geográficas na análise espacial de doenças do milho no Brasil.

This study presents an application of the geographical information system technology on plant disease involving a multidisciplinary teamwork of geoprocessing and physiopathology specialists. The spatial analysis tools in a GIS were used to evaluate the spatial distribution of two diseases of maize in Brazil: polysora rusl caused by Puccinia polysora and tropical rust caused by Physopella zeae. A database of cIimate variables (mean temperature. relative humidity. and leaf wetness duration) of cIimatological normal from 1961-1990 was obtained and then related it to a mathematical model of disease development (polysora rust) and to the cIimate intervals (tropical rust) in order to obtain the maps. The choice of the model or the favorable climate interval is the important chalIenge of the method because the difficulty of adequacy to the spatial and temporal scales for the specific application. The major incidence of both disease occurred in almost alI the North region from January to June. although this region has traditionalIy a low production of maize. Considering the biggest producers regions. for both the diseases, favorable areas are located in part of Mato Grosso, Tocanlins. Minas Gerais; Mato Grosso do Sul. and coastal areas of São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina. varying among the dilferent months from January to June. The method allowed making an adequate distinction of the states and the months considered.

Método de elaboração de mapas dos cenários climáticos futuros para o Brasil.

Human activities are altering greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and causing global climate change. The issue of impacts of human-induced climate change has become increasingly important in recent years. The objective of this work was to develop a database of climate information of the future scenarios using a Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Future scenarios focused on the decades of the 2020?s, 2050?s, and 2080?s (scenarios A2 and B2) were obtained from the General Circulation Models (GCM) available on Data Distribution Centre from the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The TAR is compounded by six GCM with different spatial resolutions (ECHAM4:2.8125×2.8125º, HadCM3: 3.75×2.5º, CGCM2: 3.75×3.75º, CSIROMk2b: 5.625×3.214º, and CCSR/NIES: 5.625×5.625º). The mean monthly of the climate variables was obtained by the average from the available models using the GIS spatial analysis tools (arithmetic operation). Maps of mean monthly variables of mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and solar radiation were elaborated adopting the spatial resolution of 0.5° X 0.5° latitude and longitude. The method of elaborating maps using GIS tools allowed to evaluate the spatial and distribution of future climate assessments. Nowadays, this database is being used in studies of impacts of climate change on plant disease of Embrapa projects.

O papel dos Sistemas de Informação Geográfica no planeamento, projecto e manutenção da Rede de Distribuição de Energia Eléctrica

Este relatório de estágio representa o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia, com recurso a Tecnologias de Informação Geográfica, que permite a identificação de zonas que condicionam os processos de planeamento, projecto e manutenção das estruturas que compõem a Rede de Distribuição de Energia Eléctrica. Centra-se assim nas Tecnologias de Informação Geográfica enquanto instrumentos que permitem realizar estudos de carácter territorial com relevância para o sector energético. São trabalhadas a identificação e delimitação de zonas de gelo, zonas de poluição industrial e zonas de salinidade em Portugal Continental. A delimitação destas zonas foi realizada com recurso a ferramentas de análise espacial, utilizando dados fidedignos provenientes de Instituições da Administração Pública. São documentadas também tarefas extraordinárias propostas pela EDP Distribuição - Energia, S.A. Desta forma é possível compreender as vantagens e desvantagens da utilização destas tecnologias por parte da EDP Distribuição, de forma a melhorar a gestão dos recursos disponíveis, para ajudar a manter a qualidade do serviço prestado. Ficou no entanto a recomendação de uma maior aposta nestas tecnologias.

Aprendizagem da quantificação no processo da formação do graduando de cursos de geografia

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Humanas, Departamento de Geografia, Programa de Pós Graduação em Geografia, 2015.

Dinâmica do desflorestamento e uso das terras na região dos formadores do rio Xingu.

Because of the occupation occurred in the last thirty years at Xingu river basin, this region has been suffering a large deforestation pressure, especially on its headwaters areas. This study aims to apply GIS techniques to evaluate how land use change has influenced the deforestation dynamics of Xingu water basin in Mato Grosso State. For that, a GIS based study was carried out were the deforestation data for the period between 2000 and 2005 was spatially integrated with settlement areas, indigenous lands, sites of mineral deposits and prospect areas. From this spatially integration, it was possible to analyze statistically how the deforestation has manifested on each kind of occupation, considering the original forest area. The techniques used, including inventory and database organization on GIS environment, and spatial analysis tools made it possible to analyze the deforestation in the Xingu basin in Mato Grosso State between the period of 2000 and 2005, and identify the most affected areas, considering different land uses.

A forma do privilégio: renda, acessibilidade e densidade em Natal-RN

The aim of this work is to understand the morphological expression of ground occupation by the higher income population, by focusing on population distribution in accordance with income layers and demographical density, as well as topological accessibility (HILLIER and HANSON, 1984) resulting from the urban grid structure. It endeavors to identify a functional organizing principle regarding the intra-urban space of Natal capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the research focus. In order to achieve this, census data as well as syntactic data were utilized for mapping and spatial analysis of income patterns, topological accessibility and demographical density using Geographical Information System GIS. The organizing principle was named as the Form of Privilege, a pattern that concentrates or tends to concentrate wealth, topological accessibility and low demographical density. Attempting to assess its extent, beyond Natal, this principle was applied to other Brazilian northeastern capitals such as: Fortaleza, CE; Teresina, PI; Aracaju, SE; Recife, PE; and João Pessoa, PB. Findings point out that although the urban structures of these cities are not immune to the Form of Privilege, Natal is emblematic of this phenomenon, a fact that demonstrates the perverse character of its spatial process, which historically creates privileged areas within the city, by means of the appropriation of accessibility as well as of the many urban benesses that are related to it by higher income groups at the expense of the major part of the population, which though being the people mostly in need of the benefits originating from the urban form are excluded from them