The influence of sludge characteristics from fullscale MBR in membrane filterability

Disserta����o apresentada na Faculdade de Ci��ncias e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa para a obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente,perfil Sanit��ria

Estudo e caracteriza����o mec��nica de comp��sitos refor��ados com fibras naturais

As crescentes preocupa����es ambientais e a necessidade de um desenvolvimento sustent��vel tem proporcionado um grande interesse no estudo e desenvolvimento de materiais mais ecol��gicos e amigos do ambiente. No caso particular da ind��stria dos materiais comp��sitos, a utiliza����o de fibras naturais de origem vegetal, em substitui����o das tradicionais fibras de vidro, tem aumentado significativamente nos ��ltimos anos. Para al��m dos claros benef��cios ecol��gicos, a utiliza����o de fibras naturais em detrimento das fibras de vidro, possibilita tamb��m o fabrico de componentes com baixo peso, boas propriedades mec��nicas, baixo custo, pouco abrasivos ��s ferramentas de produ����o e com boas propriedades de isolamento t��rmico e ac��stico. Contudo, existem tamb��m algumas limita����es decorrentes da utiliza����o de fibras naturais como refor��o de materiais polim��ricos, como exemplo, a possibilidade de emitirem odores e absorverem ��gua, a falta de ades��o entre as fibras e as matrizes e o facto de possu��rem baixa resist��ncia �� temperatura. No presente trabalho, foram estudadas e analisadas as propriedades mec��nicas de laminados de matriz termoendurec��vel de ep��xido e poli��ster, refor��ados com v��rias camadas de tecido bidireccional de fibras de juta. Para al��m dos referidos laminados, foram tamb��m produzidos e estudados comp��sitos de matriz termopl��stica biodegrad��vel de PLA (��cido polil��ctico), refor��ados com fibras curtas de juta. Todos os comp��sitos produzidos foram sujeitos a ensaios de trac����o e flex��o e as suas propriedades foram comparadas. O tecido de juta utilizado como refor��o dos comp��sitos fabricados, foi caracterizado atrav��s de v��rios ensaios, utilizados tipicamente na ind��stria t��xtil. As propriedades extra��das destes ensaios, foram ��teis para a previs��o das propriedades mec��nicas dos materiais comp��sitos fabricados.Por fim, foi realizada uma an��lise critica sobres todos os resultados extra��dos dos ensaios efectuados.

Remedia����o de solos contaminados por compostos farmac��uticos

O recente surgimento de nanopart��culas de ferro valente-zero (nFZV), um material com elevada capacidade de remedia����o de solos por via de reac����es de oxida����o/redu����o pode ser uma op����o vi��vel para a remo����o de f��rmacos do solo. A sua aplica����o j�� �� uma realidade em alguns tipos de solos contaminados por compostos espec��ficos e, com este trabalho, procura-se estudar a sua capacidade de remedia����o de solos contaminados por compostos farmac��uticos, recorrendo-se a uma tecnologia ���verde��� de s��ntese destas nanopart��culas. Esta tecnologia �� bastante recente, ainda n��o aplicada no campo de trabalho, que se baseia no uso de folhas de certas ��rvores para produzir extratos naturais que reduzem o ferro (III) a ferro zero valente, formando nFZV. Desta forma procedeu-se, �� escala laboratorial, ao estudo da efici��ncia das nFZV na degrada����o de um f��rmaco ��� paracetamol ��� e comparou-se com a efici��ncia demonstrada por oxidantes, muito utilizados hoje em dia em casos de remedia����o in situ como o permanganato de pot��ssio, o per��xido de hidrog��nio, o persulfato de s��dio e o reagente de Fenton. O estudo foi efectuado em dois meios diferentes: solu����o aquosa e solo arenoso. De forma muito sucinta, o estudo baseou-se na introdu����o dos oxidantes/nFZV em solu����es/solos contaminados com paracetamol e consequente monitoriza����o do processo de remedia����o atrav��s de cromatografia l��quida de alta efici��ncia. Nos ensaios com solu����es aquosas contaminadas com paracetamol, o permanganato de pot��ssio e o reagente de Fenton revelaram capacidade para degradar o paracetamol, atingindo mesmo um grau de degrada����o de 100%. O persulfato de s��dio tamb��m demonstrou uma capacidade de degrada����o do paracetamol, chegando a atingir 99% de degrada����o, mas apenas recorrendo ao uso de um volume de oxidante elevado quando comparado com os outros dois oxidantes j�� referidos. Por outro lado, o per��xido de hidrog��nio n��o demonstrou qualquer capacidade de degrada����o do paracetamol, pelo que o seu uso n��o passou desta fase. Verificou-se tamb��m que o uso de ferro granulado para o tratamento de ��gua contaminada com paracetamol revelou resultados diferentes dos observados no uso de nFZV, obtendo-se efici��ncias de 87%. Existiram dificuldades anal��ticas na quantifica����o do paracetamol, especificamente relacionadas com o uso do extracto de folhas de amoreira, cuja composi����o continha subst��ncias que causaram dificuldades acentuadas na an��lise dos cromatogramas. Por fim, um pequeno teste de combina����o do reagente de Fenton com os fen��menos de biodegrada����o resultantes dos microrganismos presentes em folhas do extracto de ch�� preto demonstrou que este pode ser uma ��rea que pode e deve ser mais estudada. Desta forma, a utiliza����o das nFZV para o tratamento de ��gua contaminada com paracetamol n��o permitiu a retirada de conclus��es seguras sobre a capacidade que as nFZV produzidas com extractos de folhas de amoreira e de ch�� preto t��m de degrada����o do paracetamol. Nos testes de remedia����o de solos contaminados os resultados demonstraram que, mais uma vez, tanto o permanganato de pot��ssio como o reagente de Fenton se revelam como os melhores oxidantes para a degrada����o do paracetamol, obtendo-se a degrada����o total do paracetamol. Por outro lado, voltou a ser necess��rio uma elevada quantidade de persulfato de s��dio quando comparada com os dois anteriores, para que ocorra a degrada����o desta mesma quantidade de paracetamol, demonstrando mais uma vez que, apesar de n��o ideal, o persulfato demonstra capacidade de degrada����o do paracetamol.

Write-erase and read paper memory transistor

Applied Physics Letters, Vol.93, issue 20

Avalia����o da satisfa����o do utente na comunica����o com os profissionais de sa��de constru����o e valida����o de um instrumento

A satisfa����o do utente na comunica����o com profissionais de sa��de �� um indicador de qualidade dos servi��os ou institui����es. Na literatura n��o encontramos instrumentos padronizados e validados, que avaliem a satisfa����o do utente na comunica����o com os profissionais de sa��de. O presente estudo tem como objetivo construir e validar um instrumento para avaliar a satisfa����o do utente na comunica����o com os profissionais de sa��de. Desenvolvemos este estudo em tr��s ciclos. Um primeiro, revis��o da literatura, para identificar dimens��es e itens da comunica����o interpessoal na sa��de. No segundo ciclo, conduzimos um m��todo de Delphi modificado em tr��s rondas, com recurso �� plataforma inform��tica de question��rios Survey Monkey, no qual participou um painel de 25 peritos; estabelecemos como crit��rio m��nimo de reten����o para a ronda seguinte os itens que recebessem 70% do consenso por parte do painel. Ap��s as tr��s rondas, obtivemos um instrumento com seis dimens��es comunicacionais (comunica����o verbal, comunica����o n��o verbal, empatia, respeito, resolu����o de problemas e material de apoio), vinte e cinco itens espec��ficos, e mais seis dimens��es gen��ricas, que avaliam cada uma das dimens��es. No terceiro ciclo avaliamos as caracter��sticas psicom��tricas, em termos de sensibilidade, validade do construto e fidelidade, numa amostra de 348 participantes. Os resultados mostram que todas as categorias de resposta estavam representadas em todos os itens. Validade do construto- a an��lise fatorial identificou uma solu����o de seis componentes que explicam 71% da vari��ncia total. Fiabilidade - os valores da correla����o item-total variam entre 0,387 e 0,722, existindo uma correla����o positiva moderada a forte. O valor de alfa de Cronbach (��=0,928) indica que a consist��ncia interna �� excelente. O instrumento constru��do apresenta boas propriedades psicom��tricas. Fica assim dispon��vel uma nova ferramenta para auxiliar na gest��o e no processo de planeamento necess��rios ao incremento da qualidade nos servi��os e institui����es de sa��de.

Mechanical behaviour analysis of polyester polymer mortars modified with recycled GFRP waste materials

In this study the effect of incorporation of recycled glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) waste materials, obtained by means of milling processes, on mechanical behaviour of polyester polymer mortars was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of recycled GFRP waste powder and fibres, with distinct size gradings, were incorporated into polyester based mortars as sand aggregates and filler replacements. Flexural and compressive loading capacities were evaluated and found better than unmodified polymer mortars. GFRP modified polyester based mortars also show a less brittle behaviour, with retention of some loading capacity after peak load. Obtained results highlight the high potential of recycled GFRP waste materials as efficient and sustainable reinforcement and admixture for polymer concrete and mortars composites, constituting an emergent waste management solution.

A new horizon for online teaching and learning

The Polytechnic Institute of Oporto (IPP), which has a solid history of online education and innovation through the use of technology, has been particularly interested and focused on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) developments. The aim of this paper is to present the whole process from initial discussions to completion of the ���Mathematics Without Limits��� MOOC Project that exists in IPP and also to contribute for a change in the way as teaching and learning Mathematics is seen and practiced nowadays. In 2013, IPP developed its own platform, which gave us the opportunity to explore new educational techniques as a pedagogical resource as well as to enhance students��� motivation, through a set of interactive materials at their disposal, totally adapted to their needs. Students lack of motivation is mainly justified by their weak Math preparation, poor consolidated basis on the subject and different backgrounds of the students. To tackle this issue and based on our Math online courses teaching experience, we decided to create short duration MOOC, expecting to aid retention of students and also to reverse the path of students giving up on Math by giving them a friendly way of managing their own learning commitment. We also think that this MOOC will be a good approach to level out some math skills among freshmen.

A new horizon for online teaching and learning

The Polytechnic Institute of Oporto (IPP), which has a solid history of online education and innovation through the use of technology, has been particularly interested and focused on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) developments. The aim of this paper is to present the whole process from initial discussions to completion of the ���Mathematics Without Limits��� MOOC Project that exists in IPP and also to contribute for a change in the way as teaching and learning Mathematics is seen and practiced nowadays. In 2013, IPP developed its own platform, which gave us the opportunity to explore new educational techniques as a pedagogical resource as well as to enhance students��� motivation, through a set of interactive materials at their disposal, totally adapted to their needs. Students lack of motivation is mainly justified by their weak Math preparation, poor consolidated basis on the subject and different backgrounds of the students. To tackle this issue and based on our Math online courses teaching experience, we decided to create short duration MOOC, expecting to aid retention of students and also to reverse the path of students giving up on Math by giving them a friendly way of managing their own learning commitment. We also think that this MOOC will be a good approach to level out some math skills among freshmen.

A New horizon for online teaching and learning

The Polytechnic Institute of Oporto (IPP), which has a solid history of online education and innovation through the use of technology, has been particularly interested and focused on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) developments. The aim of this paper is to present the whole process from initial discussions to completion of the ���Mathematics Without Limits��� MOOC Project that exists in IPP and also to contribute for a change in the way as teaching and learning Mathematics is seen and practiced nowadays. In 2013, IPP developed its own platform, which gave us the opportunity to explore new educational techniques as a pedagogical resource as well as to enhance students��� motivation, through a set of interactive materials at their disposal, totally adapted to their needs. Students lack of motivation is mainly justified by their weak Math preparation, poor consolidated basis on the subject and different backgrounds of the students. To tackle this issue and based on our Math online courses teaching experience, we decided to create short duration MOOC, expecting to aid retention of students and also to reverse the path of students giving up on Math by giving them a friendly way of managing their own learning commitment. We also think that this MOOC will be a good approach to level out some math skills among freshmen.

Retaining repatriates: an exploratory study in portuguese companies

This study aims to understand the factors which may explain the retention of repatriates from companies acting within Portugal. These factors can be related either to the individual, or to the work, to the organisation or to non-working contexts. Eight companies located in Portugal have participated in this study. Several semi-structured interviews were done to 16 organizational representatives and to 28 repatriates. The obtained results show that the repatriates��� retention on the visited companies may be influenced by several categories of factors. We can conclude that it is (1) the good relation with the leadership, (2) the recognition of the performed job but, also (3) the seniority, (4) the age and the (5) depressed national job market. These are the major factors that emerge as relevant factors for the retention. Hence, there is not only one category of explaining determining factors for the retention decision, but there are several. These findings will be discussed in detail and implications and suggestions for future research will be proposed as well.

Education for health: alcohol and young aged school teenagers

Introduction: Alcohol consumption starts at an early age in Portuguese people. Health problems and risk behavior associated with excessive consumption can be prevented or highly reduced through effective school programs. Health professionals, such as biomedical scientists, (BSc), are important in promoting healthy lifestyles through the transmission of knowledge. Objective: Explore the role of the BSc in promoting health via intervention and clarification actions, (ICA), with 9th grade students from Agrupamento de Escolas da Portela e Moscavide (AEPM) and Visconde Juromenha (AEVJ); Verify the relationship between participating in the ICA and the level of knowledge acquired from it. Methods: Behaviors and beliefs concerning alcohol consumption and knowledge about the repercussions of it in the human body, mainly regarding the liver, were assessed by questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed before and after the ICA, by the control group (CG) and the study group (SG), respectively. The answers concerning knowledge were given points, later converted to a score from 0 to 100%. Data was analyzed applying descriptive statistics and the t-student test using SPSS 20.0. Results: After statistical analysis, it was found an average score of 48.8% for SG and 46.2% for CG. The difference between groups was statistically significant only in AEPM where ICA included a practical methodology (microscopic and macroscopic observation of pork livers), contrary to AEVJ. Conclusions: BSc intervention through ICA���s improves teenagers��� knowledge. Theoretical knowledge associated with practical approaches improves the retention of information and the development of a conscious behavior about the consumption of alcohol.

Forest soil short term response to prescribed fire: an approach by Principal Components Analysis

In the current context of serious climate changes, where the increase of the frequency of some extreme events occurrence can enhance the rate of periods prone to high intensity forest fires, the National Forest Authority often implements, in several Portuguese forest areas, a regular set of measures in order to control the amount of fuel mass availability (PNDFCI, 2008). In the present work we���ll present a preliminary analysis concerning the assessment of the consequences given by the implementation of prescribed fire measures to control the amount of fuel mass in soil recovery, in particular in terms of its water retention capacity, its organic matter content, pH and content of iron. This work is included in a larger study (Meira-Castro, 2009(a); Meira-Castro, 2009(b)). According to the established praxis on the data collection, embodied in multidimensional matrices of n columns (variables in analysis) by p lines (sampled areas at different depths), and also considering the quantitative data nature present in this study, we���ve chosen a methodological approach that considers the multivariate statistical analysis, in particular, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA ) (G��is, 2004). The experiments were carried out in a soil cover over a natural site of Andaluzitic schist, in Gramelas, Caminha, NW Portugal, who was able to maintain itself intact from prescribed burnings from four years and was submit to prescribed fire in March 2008. The soils samples were collected from five different plots at six different time periods. The methodological option that was adopted have allowed us to identify the most relevant relational structures inside the n variables, the p samples and in two sets at the same time (Garcia-Pereira, 1990). Consequently, and in addition to the traditional outputs produced from the PCA, we have analyzed the influence of both sampling depths and geomorphological environments in the behavior of all variables involved.

Quanto tempo dura um instante?: da dualidade do ef��mero e da perman��ncia do servi��o educativo

Relat��rio de Est��gio submetido �� Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema para cumprimento dos requisitos necess��rios �� obten����o do grau de Mestre em Teatro ��� Especializa����o em Produ����o

Characterisation and electrochemical behaviour of electrodeposited Cu-Fe foams applied as pseudocapacitor electrodes

Copper iron (Cu-Fe) 3D porous foams for supercapacitor electrodes were electrodeposited in the cathodic regime, on stainless steel current collectors, using hydrogen bubbling dynamic template. The foams were prepared at different current densities and deposition times. The foams were submitted to thermal conditioning at temperatures of 150 and 250 degrees C. The morphology, composition and structure of the formed films were studied by SEM, EDS and XRD, respectively. The electrochemical behaviour was studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry. The morphology of the 3D Cu-Fe foams is sensitive to the electrodeposition current and time. The increase of the current density produces a denser, larger and more ramified dendritic structure. Thermal conditioning at high temperature induces a coarser grain structure and the formation of copper oxides, which affect the electrochemical behaviour. The electrochemical response reveals the presence of various redox peaks assigned to the oxidation and reduction of Cu and Fe oxides and hydroxides in the foams. The specific capacitance of the 3D Cu Fe foams was significantly enhanced by thermal conditioning at 150 degrees C. The highest specific capacitance values attained 297 Fg(-1) which are much above the ones typically observed for single Cu or Fe Oxides and hydroxides. These values highlight a synergistic behaviour resulting from the combination of Cu and Fe in the form of nanostructured metallic foams. Moreover, the capacitance retention observed in an 8000 charge/discharge cycling test was above 66%, stating the good performance of these materials and its enhanced electrochemical response as supercapacitor negative electrodes. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical response of 70Co-30Ni highly branched 3D-dendritic structures for charge storage electrodes

A 70Co-30Ni dendritic alloy was produced on stainless steel by pulse electrodeposition in the cathodic domain, and oxidized by potential cycling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified the presence of two phases and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidenced an open 3D highly branched dendritic morphology. After potential cycling in 1 M KOH, SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed, respectively, the presence of thin nanoplates, composed of Co and Ni oxi-hydroxides and hydroxides over the original dendritic film. Cyclic voltammetry tests showd the presence of redox peaks assigned to the oxidation and reduction of Ni and Co centres in the surface film. Charge/discharge measurements revealed capacity values of 121 mAh g(1) at 1 mA cm(2). The capacity retention under 8000 cycles was above 70%, stating the good reversibility of these redox materials and its suitability to be used as charge storage electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra, taken under different applied bias, showed that the capacitance increased when the electrode was fully oxidized and decreased when the electrode was reduced, reflecting different states-of-charge of the electrode. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.