Indoor school environment: easy and low cost to assess inorganic pollutants

Total particulate matter (TPM) was passively collected inside two classrooms of each of five elementary schools in Lisbon, Portugal. TPM was collected in polycarbonate filters with a 47 mm diameter, placed inside of uncovered plastic petri dishes. The sampling period was from 19 May to 22 June 2009 (35 days exposure) and the collected TPM masses varied between 0.2 mg and 0.8 mg. The major elements were Ca, Fe, Na, K, and Zn at μg level, while others were at ng level. Pearson′s correlation coefficients above 0.75 (a high degree of correlation) were found between several elements. Soil-related, traffic soil re-suspension and anthropogenic emission sources could be identified. Blackboard chalk was also identified through Ca large presence. Some of the determined chemical elements are potential carcinogenic. Quality control of the results showed good agreement as confirmed by the application of u-score test.

Design of a sea-level tsunami detection network for the Gulf of Cadiz

The devastating impact of the Sumatra tsunami of 26 December 2004, raised the question for scientists of how to forecast a tsunami threat. In 2005, the IOC-UNESCO XXIII assembly decided to implement a global tsunami warning system to cover the regions that were not yet protected, namely the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the North East Atlantic, the Mediterranean and connected seas (the NEAM region). Within NEAM, the Gulf of Cadiz is the more sensitive area, with an important record of devastating historical events. The objective of this paper is to present a preliminary design for a reliable tsunami detection network for the Gulf of Cadiz, based on a network of sea-level observatories. The tsunamigenic potential of this region has been revised in order to define the active tectonic structures. Tsunami hydrodynamic modeling and GIS technology have been used to identify the appropriate locations for the minimum number of sea-level stations. Results show that 3 tsunameters are required as the minimum number of stations necessary to assure an acceptable protection to the large coastal population in the Gulf of Cadiz. In addition, 29 tide gauge stations could be necessary to fully assess the effects of a tsunami along the affected coasts of Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

MDAI: Model based Design in Automobile Industry

It is proposed a new approach based on a methodology, assisted by a tool, to create new products in the automobile industry based on previous defined processes and experiences inspired on a set of best practices or principles: it is based on high-level models or specifications; it is component-based architecture centric; it is based on generative programming techniques. This approach follows in essence the MDA (Model Driven Architecture) philosophy with some specific characteristics. We propose a repository that keeps related information, such as models, applications, design information, generated artifacts and even information concerning the development process itself (e.g., generation steps, tests and integration milestones). Generically, this methodology receives the users' requirements to a new product (e.g., functional, non-functional, product specification) as its main inputs and produces a set of artifacts (e.g., design parts, process validation output) as its main output, that will be integrated in the engineer design tool (e.g. CAD system) facilitating the work.

New Steel Alloys for the Design of Heat Recovery Steam Generator Components of Combined Cycle Gas Plants

Demand for power is growing every day, mainly due to emerging economies in countries such as China, Russia, India, and Brazil. During the last 50 years steam pressure and temperature in power plants have been continuously raised to improve thermal efficiency. Recent efforts to improve efficiency leads to the development of a new generation of heat recovery steam generator, where the Benson once-through technology is applied to improve the thermal efficiency. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanical behavior of a high pressure superheater manifold by applying finite element modeling and a finite element analysis with the objective of analyzing stress propagation, leading to the study of damage mechanism, e.g., uniaxial fatigue, uniaxial creep for life prediction. The objective of this paper is also to analyze the mechanical properties of the new high temperature resistant materials in the market such as 2Cr Bainitic steels (T/P23 and T/P24) and also the 9-12Cr Martensitic steels (T/P91, T/P92, E911, and P/T122). For this study the design rules for construction of power boilers to define the geometry of the HPSH manifold were applied.

Child-care attendance and common morbidity: evidence of association in the literature and questions of design

Papers on child-care attendance as a risk factor for acute respiratory infections and diarrhea were reviewed. There was great variety among the studies with regard to the design, definition of exposure and definition of outcomes. All the traditional epidemiological study designs have been used. The studies varied in terms of how child-care attendance in general was defined, and for different settings. These definitions differed especially in relation to the minimum time of attendance required. The outcomes were also defined and measured in several different ways. The analyses performed were not always appropriate, leading to sets of results of uneven quality, and composed of different measures of association relating different exposures and outcomes, that made summarizing difficult. Despite that, the results reported were remarkably consistent. Only two of the papers reviewed failed to show some association between child-care attendance and increased acute respiratory infections, or diarrhea. On the other hand, the magnitude of the associations reported varied widely, especially for lower respiratory infections. Taken together, the studies so far published provide evidence that children attending child-care centers, especially those under three years of age, are at a higher risk of upper respiratory infections, lower respiratory infections, and diarrhea. The studies were not consistent, however, in relation to attendance at child-care homes. Children in such settings were sometimes similar to those in child-care centers, sometimes similar to those cared for at home, and sometimes presented an intermediate risk.

Viability of Two New Mixture Design Methodologies for Self-Consolidating Concrete

This paper presents the results from an experimental study of the technical viability of two mixture designs for self-consolidating concrete (SCC) proposed by two Portuguese researchers in a previous work. The objective was to find the best method to provide the required characteristics of SCC in fresh and hardened states without having to experiment with a large number of mixtures. Five SCC mixtures, each with a volume of 25 L (6.61 gal.) were prepared using a forced mixer with a vertical axis for each of three compressive strength targets: 40, 55, and 70 MPa (5.80, 7.98, and 10.15 ksi). The mixtures' fresh state properties of fluidity, segregation resistance ability, and bleeding and blockage tendency, and their hardened state property of compressive strength were compared. For this study, the following tests were performed. slump-flow, V-funnel, L-box, box, and compressive strength. The results of this study made it possible to identify the most influential factors in the design of the SCC mixtures.

O currículo e as necessidades educativas especiais : práticas de adequação curricular no terceiro ciclo

A responsabilidade da construção de uma escola para todos deve ser o grande objectivo de todo e qualquer professor, criando espaços de reflexão conjunta no sentido de serem traçados projectos curriculares diferenciados que dêem resposta a todos os alunos na sua diversidade plural. Assim, a concepção e construção da escola inclusiva implicam mudanças, quer nas atitudes e práticas dos agentes educativos, quer nas estruturas do sistema de ensino ao nível organizacional e da gestão curricular. Neste âmbito, a adequação do currículo às necessidades educativas especiais (NEE) dos alunos torna-se essencial na (re)construção e operacionalização dos diferentes processos curriculares. O trabalho que agora se apresenta foi desenvolvido através de um estudo de caso. Constitui uma tentativa de compreensão das percepções dos professores e das práticas pedagógicas que desenvolvem para efectuar adequações curriculares para alunos com NEE. Centrámo-nos nos professores de um conselho de turma do sétimo ano do terceiro ciclo do ensino básico (3º CEB) que inclui uma aluna com NEE, procurando saber o que pensam sobre o processo de adequação curricular, como o concebem e como o implementam. Como metodologia de recolha dos dados utilizamos as técnicas da entrevista, da análise documental e da observação naturalista. Concluímos que, apesar das dificuldades que expressam e demonstram, os professores assumem a necessidade de implementar adequações curriculares face às NEE dos alunos, como resposta às diferenças e particularidades de cada um, tendo em vista o desenvolvimento de competências essenciais e a conclusão da escolaridade obrigatória. As Adequações Curriculares são percepcionadas como muito vantajosas do ponto de vista da promoção do sucesso educativo para todos os alunos e em particular para os alunos com NEE, proporcionando a estes, acompanhar o currículo mais próximo do que é normal, sentirem-se como “iguais” aos seus colegas, melhorar a sua auto-estima, auto-confiança e motivação ABSTRACT The responsibility of building a school for all must be the ultimate goal of any teacher, creating spaces for joint reflection in order to draw differentiated curricular projects which respond to all students in their plural diversity. Thus, the design and construction of the inclusive school involve changes both in attitudes and practices of the educational agents, and in the structures of the education system regarding the organization and the curriculum management. In this context, the adequacy of the curriculum to students’ special educational needs (SEN) becomes essential in the (re) construction and operationalization of the different curriculum processes. The work now presented was developed through a case study. It attempts to understand the perceptions of teachers and the pedagogical practices they develop to make curricular adjustments for students with SEN. We focused on the teachers of a seventh year class of the third cycle of basic education (3rd CBE) which includes a pupil, a girl, with SEN, trying to find out what they think about the process of adapting the curriculum, how they conceive and implement it. As a methodology of data collection we used different techniques: the interview, the documentary analysis and the naturalistic observation. We concluded that, despite the difficulties that teachers express and demonstrate they assume the need to implement curricular adjustments in relation to pupils with SEN in response to the differences and particularities of each one in order to develop core competencies and to complete compulsory schooling. The Curriculum Adequacies are perceived as very advantageous from the standpoint of promoting educational success for all students and particularly for pupils with SEN, providing the latter the possibility of following the curriculum closer than usual, feeling as "equal" to their schoolmates, improving their self-esteem, self- confidence and motivation.

Projecto de estabilidade da Escola Superior de Enfermagem Artur Ravara

O presente trabalho, refere-se ao projecto de estabilidade, em betão armado e pré-esforçado, da Escola Superior de Enfermagem Artur Ravara, situada na zona da EXPO em Lisboa. O edifício apresenta-se com uma implantação em “L”, tendo como dimensões máximas 38,50m x 54,80m e desenvolve-se em altura por quatro pisos, dos quais, dois são enterrados. A estrutura do edifício em causa, apresenta duas juntas de dilatação, por forma a tornar desprezáveis os efeitos devidos à retracção e diminuição de temperatura, dividindo o edifício em três blocos. As suas fundações são indirectas, constituídas por estacas moldadas no terreno e respectivos maciços de encabeçamento. As lajes são fungiformes aligeiradas de moldes perdidos, de modo a permitir vencer maiores vãos, que variam entre os 6,60m e os 10,00m, e permitindo também maior rapidez de execução e maior economia. As consolas de 3,50m de vão, em laje maciça, são suportadas por vigas pré-esforçadas de secção variável. Para o cálculo automático da estrutura e da obtenção dos respectivos desenhos das armaduras, foi utilizado o programa de cálculo automático, Tricalc 7.1. O conteúdo do projecto em questão, sendo de carácter académico, não corresponde à versão real, à qual não se teve acesso. O dimensionamento das fundações, devido à fraca resistência dos solos e o dimensionamento da estrutura, devido à geometria e dimensões do edifício, permitiram enfrentar desafios interessantes. Tais desafios, deram possibilidade de enriquecer bastante os conhecimentos sobre a engenharia de estruturas.

Thinking over b‐learning strategy: the MIPO model approach

This article describes the main research results in a new methodology, in which the stages and strategies of the technology integration process are identified and described. A set of principles and recommendations are therefore presented. The MIPO model described in this paper is a result of the effort made regarding the understanding of the main success features of good practices, in the web environment, integrated in the information systems/information technology context. The initial model has been created, based on experiences and literature review. After that, it was tested in the information and technology system units at higher school and also adapted as a result of four cycles of an actionresearch work combined with a case study research. The information, concepts and procedures presented here give support to teachers and instructors, instructional designers and planning teams – anyone who wants to develop effective b‐learning instructions.

Planificação de um sistema de informação para a unidade de formação contínua e avançada da Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico do Porto

Projecto apresentado ao Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Assessoria de Administração

Occupational accidents among middle and high school students of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of occupational injuries and identify their risk factors among students in two municipalities. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in public schools of the municipalities of Santo Antonio do Pinhal and Monteiro Lobato, Brazil. A stratified probabilistic sample was drawn from public middle and high schools of the study municipalities. A total of 781 students aged 11 to 19 years participated in the study. Students attending middle and high school answered a comprehensive questionnaire on living and working conditions, as well as aspects of work injuries, and health conditions. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to estimate risk factors of previous and present occupational injuries. RESULTS: Of 781 students, 604 previously had or currently have jobs and 47% reported previous injuries. Among current workers (n=555), 38% reported injuries on their current job. Risk factors for work injuries with statistically significant odds ratio >2.0 included attending evening school, working as a housekeeper, waiter or brickmaker, and with potentially dangerous machines. CONCLUSIONS: The study results reinforce the need of restricting adolescent work and support communities to implement social promotion programs.

Design of a new test chamber for evaluation of the toxicity of rubber infill

A test chamber was projected and built (according to ISO 16000-9 Standard) to simulate atmospheric conditions experienced by rubber infill (when applied in synthetic turf pitches) and measure accurately the airborne emissions of pollutants such as dusts and volatile organic compounds (VOC), as well as pollutants present in leachates. It should be pointed out that standard ISO 16000-9 is only concerned with the determination of the emission of VOC from building products and furnishing (not specific of synthetic turf materials), whereas other standards are concerned with the emission of leachates only. This procedure is to be considered as a technical option to the lysimeter "global turf system evaluation" when the rubber infill alone is to be evaluated. The advantage of the proposed option considering this "test chamber" is its simplicity and economy. This test chamber is actually installed and being used for tests in LAIST.

Natural Gas location design and operation

A major determinant of the level of effective natural gas supply is the ease to feed customers, minimizing system total costs. The aim of this work is the study of the right number of Gas Supply Units – GSUs - and their optimal location in a gas network. This paper suggests a GSU location heuristic, based on Lagrangean relaxation techniques. The heuristic is tested on the Iberian natural gas network, a system modelized with 65 demand nodes, linked by physical and virtual pipelines. Lagrangean heuristic results along with the allocation of loads to gas sources are presented, using a 2015 forecast gas demand scenario.

TINSEL – a web-based intelligent tutoring system on electrical installation design

This paper presents a project consisting on the development of an Intelligent Tutoring System, for training and support concerning the development of electrical installation projects to be used by electrical engineers, technicians and students. One of the major goals of this project is to devise a teaching model based on Intelligent Tutoring techniques, considering not only academic knowledge but also other types of more empirical knowledge, able to achieve successfully the training of electrical installation design.

Addressing the facilities layout design problem through constraint logic programming

One of the most difficult problems that face researchers experimenting with complex systems in real world applications is the Facility Layout Design Problem. It relies with the design and location of production lines, machinery and equipment, inventory storage and shipping facilities. In this work it is intended to address this problem through the use of Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) technology. The use of Genetic Algorithms (GA) as optimisation technique in CLP environment is also an issue addressed. The approach aims the implementation of genetic algorithm operators following the CLP paradigm.