An approach to health and safety in E.U. forestry operations – Hazards and preventive measures

Forestry in general and logging in particular continue to be among the three most hazardous sectors in European countries. The aim of this article is to characterize health and safety problems and solutions in E.U. forestry operations, and particularly in Portuguese operations. Forest types, production, employment and ownership are used to characterize the forest sector. Forestry accidents and health problems data are mentioned. Typical hazards associated to the nature of logging operations are systematized. Preventive measures, focused on a wide spectrum of measures, making safety considerations an integral feature of all operational activities from planning to organization to execution and supervision of work are emphasized in this article.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages, driving vehicles, a balance of dry law, Brazil 2007-2013

The study analyzes the trend in frequency of adults who drive under the influence of alcohol in major Brazilian cities after the passing of laws, which prohibit drunk driving. Data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL) between 2007 and 2013 were analyzed. The frequency of adults who drove after abusive alcohol consumption was reduced by 45.0% during this period (2.0% in 2007 to 1.1% in 2013). Between 2007 and 2008 (-0.5%) and between 2012 and 2013 (-0.5%), significant reductions were observed in the years immediately after the publication of these laws that prohibit drunk driving. These improvements towards the control of drunk driving show a change in the Brazilian population’s lifestyle.

Enabling Global Experiments With Interactive Reconfiguration And Steering By Multiple Users

In global scientific experiments with collaborative scenarios involving multinational teams there are big challenges related to data access, namely data movements are precluded to other regions or Clouds due to the constraints on latency costs, data privacy and data ownership. Furthermore, each site is processing local data sets using specialized algorithms and producing intermediate results that are helpful as inputs to applications running on remote sites. This paper shows how to model such collaborative scenarios as a scientific workflow implemented with AWARD (Autonomic Workflow Activities Reconfigurable and Dynamic), a decentralized framework offering a feasible solution to run the workflow activities on distributed data centers in different regions without the need of large data movements. The AWARD workflow activities are independently monitored and dynamically reconfigured and steering by different users, namely by hot-swapping the algorithms to enhance the computation results or by changing the workflow structure to support feedback dependencies where an activity receives feedback output from a successor activity. A real implementation of one practical scenario and its execution on multiple data centers of the Amazon Cloud is presented including experimental results with steering by multiple users.

Numerical and experimental analyses of biocomposites reinforced with natural fibres

n the last decades the biocomposites have been widely used in the construction, automobile and aerospace industries. Not only the interface transition zone (ITZ) but also the heterogeneity of natural fibres affects the mechanical behaviour of these composites. This work focuses on the numerical and experimental analyses of a polymeric composite fabricated with epoxy resin and unidirectional sisal and banana fibres. A three-dimensional model was set to analyze the composites using the elastic properties of the individual phases. In addition, a two-dimensional model was set taking into account the effective composite properties obtained by micromechanical models. A tensile testing was performed to validate the numerical analyses and evaluating the interface condition of the constitutive phases.

Factors associated with vaccination coverage in children < 5 years in Angola

OBJECTIVE To analyze vaccination coverage and factors associated with a complete immunization scheme in children < 5 years old. METHODS This cross-sectional household census survey evaluated 1,209 children < 5 years old living in Bom Jesus, Angola, in 2010. Data were obtained from interviews, questionnaires, child immunization histories, and maternal health histories. The statistical analysis used generalized linear models, in which the dependent variable followed a binary distribution (vaccinated, unvaccinated) and the association function was logarithmic and had the children’s individual, familial, and socioeconomic factors as independent variables. RESULTS Vaccination coverage was 37.0%, higher in children < 1 year (55.0%) and heterogeneous across neighborhoods; 52.0% of children of both sexes had no immunization records. The prevalence rate of vaccination significantly varied according to child age, mother’s level of education, family size, ownership of household appliances, and destination of domestic waste. CONCLUSIONS Vulnerable groups with vaccination coverage below recommended levels continue to be present. Some factors indicate inequalities that represent barriers to full immunization, indicating the need to implement more equitable policies. The knowledge of these factors contributes to planning immunization promotion measures that focus on the most vulnerable groups.

Drilling of fibre reinforced plastic laminates

The use of fibre reinforced plastics – FRP’s – in structures is under a considerable increase. Advantages of their use are related with their low weight, high strength and stiffness. The improvement of the dynamic characteristics has been profitable for aeronautics, automobile, railway, naval and sporting goods industries. Drilling is a widely used machining technique as it is needed to assemble parts in a structure. This is a unique machining process, characterized by the existence of two different mechanisms: extrusion by the drill chisel edge and cutting by the rotating cutting lips. Drilling raises particular problems that can reduce mechanical and fatigue strength of the parts. In this work, quasi-isotropic hybrid laminates with 25% of carbon fibre reinforced plies and 4 mm thickness are produced, tested and drilled. Three different drill geometries are compared. Results considered are the interlaminar fracture toughness in Mode I – GIc –, thrust force during drilling and delamination extent after drilling. A bearing test is performed to evaluate tool influence on the load carrying capacity of the plate. Results consider the influence of drill geometry on delamination. A correlation linking plate damage to bearing test results is presented.

Assessment of exposure to airborne ultrafine particles in the urban environment of Lisbon, Porugal

The aim of this study was the assessment of exposure to ultrafine in the urban environment of Lisbon, Portugal, due to automobile traffic, and consisted of the determination of deposited alveolar surface area in an avenue leading to the town center during late spring. This study revealed differentiated patterns for weekdays and weekends, which could be related with the fluxes of automobile traffic. During a typical week, ultrafine particles alveolar deposited surface area varied between 35.0 and 89.2 mu m(2)/cm(3), which is comparable with levels reported for other towns such in Germany and the United States. These measurements were also complemented by measuring the electrical mobility diameter (varying from 18.3 to 128.3 nm) and number of particles that showed higher values than those previously reported for Madrid and Brisbane. Also, electron microscopy showed that the collected particles were composed of carbonaceous agglomerates, typical of particles emitted by the exhaustion of diesel vehicles. Implications: The approach of this study considers the measurement of surface deposited alveolar area of particles in the outdoor urban environment of Lisbon, Portugal. This type of measurements has not been done so far. Only particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 (PM2.5) and >10 (PM10) mu m have been measured in outdoor environments and the levels found cannot be found responsible for all the observed health effects. Therefore, the exposure to nano- and ultrafine particles has not been assessed systematically, and several authors consider this as a real knowledge gap and claim for data such as these that will allow for deriving better and more comprehensive epidemiologic studies. Nanoparticle surface area monitor (NSAM) equipments are recent ones and their use has been limited to indoor atmospheres. However, as this study shows, NSAM is a very powerful tool for outdoor environments also. As most lung diseases are, in fact, related to deposition of the alveolar region of the lung, the metric used in this study is the ideal one.

Monitoring exposure to airborne ultrafine particles in Lisbon, Portugal

The aim of this study is to contribute to the assessment of exposure levels of ultrafine particles (UFP) in the urban environment of Lisbon, Portugal, due to automobile traffic, by monitoring lung-deposited alveolar surface area (resulting from exposure to UFP) in a major avenue leading to the town centre during late Spring, as well as in indoor buildings facing it. This study revealed differentiated patterns for week days and weekends, consistent with PM2.5 and PM10 patterns currently monitored by air quality stations in Lisbon. The observed ultrafine particulate levels could be directly related with the fluxes of automobile traffic. During a typical week, UFP alveolar deposited surface area varied between 35.0 and 89.2 mu m(2)/cm(3), which is comparable with levels reported for other towns such in Germany and United States. The measured values allowed the determination of the number of UFP per cm(3), which are comparable to levels reported for Madrid and Brisbane. In what concerns outdoor/indoor levels, we observed higher levels (32-63%) outdoor, which is somewhat lower than levels observed in houses in Ontario.

On the assessment of exposure to airborne ultrafine particles in urban environments

The aim of this study was to contribute to the assessment of exposure levels of ultrafine particles in the urban environment of Lisbon, Portugal, due to automobile traffic, by monitoring lung deposited alveolar surface area (resulting from exposure to ultrafine particles) in a major avenue leading to the town center during late spring, as well as in indoor buildings facing it. Data revealed differentiated patterns for week days and weekends, consistent with PM2.5 and PM10 patterns currently monitored by air quality stations in Lisbon. The observed ultrafine particulate levels may be directly correlated with fluxes in automobile traffic. During a typical week, amounts of ultrafine particles per alveolar deposited surface area varied between 35 and 89.2 mu m2/cm3, which are comparable with levels reported for other towns in Germany and the United States. The measured values allowed for determination of the number of ultrafine particles per cubic centimeter, which are comparable to levels reported for Madrid and Brisbane. In what concerns outdoor/indoor levels, we observed higher levels (32 to 63%) outdoors, which is somewhat lower than levels observed in houses in Ontario.

Melhoria do processo produtivo

A dissertação descreve o levantamento e otimização do processo de fabrico de uma peça plástica para um automóvel. A otimização deste processo produtivo tem em vista a rentabilização de recursos humanos, a redução de custos associados e a redução de atividades ao longo do processo, tais como armazenamento de produto semiacabado, uma vez que este deixa de existir, a eliminação de fluxos logísticos e a eliminação do posto de montagem de componentes desta peça. A metodologia utilizada neste projeto centra-se na aplicação de ferramentas que permitem a análise e melhoria de processos produtivos, tais como o diagrama de processo, o diagrama spaghetti, o PDCA, a cronometragem dos tempos por tarefa e a aplicação de uma heurística para o balanceamento do futuro posto de trabalho da peça em estudo. O diagrama de processo, o diagrama de spaghetti e a cronometragem dos tempos por tarefas mostraram o estado atual do processo produtivo. Da análise do atual estado verifica-se que existe muito desperdício de mão-de-obra nas duas estações de trabalho, injeção e montagem. A eliminação do posto de trabalho exclusivo para montagem e junção dos processos de injeção e montagem no mesmo posto de trabalho, com a aplicação de uma heurística para balanceamento do novo posto de trabalho, demonstra que os ganhos são muito significativos. A aplicação do ciclo PDCA, na base da qual está a elaboração de um plano de ações, tornará esta mudança possível e bem-sucedida. A intenção deste projeto é demonstrar que o estado atual pode sempre ser melhorado se se usarem as ferramentas corretas para análise e proposta de melhorias que trarão ganhos à empresa a curto prazo. Usando esta sugestão, a empresa poderá dar início a um novo ciclo em que o espírito de melhoria esteja presente todos os dias em toda a organização.

Apropriação de conteúdos do conhecimento explícito da língua por alunos do 2.º ano do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico

Relatório de Estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção de grau de mestre em Ensino do 1.º e 2.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

Exposição profissional a chumbo : utilização da protoporfirina-zinco (PPZ) na vigilância de saúde de trabalhadores ex

Resumo Uma estratégia de avaliação e prevenção de riscos na exposição a agentes químicos deve ter sempre em conta que a vigilância do ambiente de trabalho e a da saúde dos trabalhadores são aspectos complementares de uma mesma realidade – os riscos resultantes da interacção entre um agente químico e os trabalhadores a ele expostos. Se à Vigilância Ambiental compete apreciar o risco, pela caracterização do agente no ambiente de trabalho, a Vigilância Biológica pronuncia-se sobre a interacção entre o tóxico e o organismo, avaliando a resposta à agressão química e a evolução das reacções de adaptação ou de desajuste face à absorção do tóxico. Os Indicadores Biológicos, deste modo, assumem um estatuto de instrumento privilegiado na vigilância da saúde dos trabalhadores expostos, na medida em que medem a quantidade de tóxico que efectivamente penetrou e foi absorvido, ou o resultado (efeito) determinado por essa mesma dose. O presente estudo procura contribuir para a definição de um quadro metodológico de utilização dos Indicadores Biológicos na avaliação/gestão da exposição profissional ao chumbo, designadamente apreciando a variação da protoporfirina-zinco (PPZ), indicador até ao presente ainda não utilizado em Portugal. O chumbo é um metal de ocorrência natural, cujos níveis nos diversos ecossistemas resultam, principalmente, das actividades antropogénicas de natureza doméstica e industrial. A sua capacidade poluente é assinalável, representando uma fonte de exposição permanente para o homem, demonstrável pela sua constante presença no organismo apesar de não desempenhar qualquer tipo de função fisiológica. São actualmente inúmeras as suas aplicações, tornando a exposição profissional ao chumbo uma realidade vasta: indústrias de acumuladores eléctricos, de vidros, de plásticos e de munições, construção civil, manutenção e reparação automóvel e de navios, fabrico de tintas, indústrias electrónicas, fundições e actividades de soldadura são, entre outras, situações onde é uma realidade a ter em conta. A penetração dos compostos inorgânicos de chumbo no organismo efectua-se principalmente por via respiratória, não sendo, no entanto, desprezável, a sua penetração por via digestiva. As partículas absorvidas são transportadas pelo sangue principalmente ligadas aos eritrocitos (95%), distribuem-se pelos tecidos moles e depositam-se essencialmente no tecido ósseo, onde representam mais de 90% da carga corporal do total absorvido e tendo aí um elevado tempo de semi-vida (mais de 20 anos). Não é metabolizado no organismo e a sua eliminação efectua-se essencialmente por via renal,sendo igualmente excretado, em menor escala, através das fezes, do suor, da saliva, das faneras e do leite materno. O conhecimento científico evidencia que concentrações sanguíneas de chumbo entre 20 e 50 mg/dL são susceptíveis de determinar efeitos adversos no homem, podendo ser afectados o sistema hematopoiético, o sistema nervoso, o sistema cardiovascular, o sistema reprodutor e o sistema imunitário. Contudo, ainda muito há a clarificar no âmbito da toxicidade do chumbo. Os níveis de exposição a que correspondem as alterações nos diversos órgãos e sistemas continuam a ser motivo de alguma controvérsia. As características carcinogénicas e mutagénicas do chumbo são, ainda, um campo de vasta exigência de investigação. A intoxicação por chumbo e seus sais (Saturnismo) de origem ocupacional é reconhecida em Portugal como doença profissional (grupo 1 - Doenças Provocadas por Agentes Químicos, da Lista das Doenças Profissionais). É uma intoxicação do tipo crónico, fruto da absorção contínua de doses relativamente pequenas durante longo período, evidenciando-se no seu início por sinais e sintomas vagos e difusos de grande inespecificidade, que podem incluir, nomeadamente, perda de apetite, sabor metálico na boca, palidez, mal-estar e fadiga, cefaleias, mialgias e artralgias, irritabilidade, tremores finos, obstipação, cólicas abdominais, insónias, déficit da memória de curto prazo e da capacidade de concentração. Um importante conjunto de indicadores biológicos pode ser utilizado na vigilância periódica da saúde de trabalhadores nestas condições de exposição. Tais indicadores (de dose ou de efeito), encerram diferentes significados e comportam distintas exigências, competindo ao Médico do Trabalho, no âmbito dos programas de prevenção dos efeitos adversos relacionados com a exposição profissional a chumbo, seleccionar a sua utilização e interpretar a sua informação, de modo a avaliar a interacção do tóxico com o organismo numa fase de reversibilidade. O presente estudo envolveu 180 trabalhadores dos quais 110 apresentavam plumbémias (Pb-S) iguais ou superiores a 40 mg/dL. Além da Pb-S, a todos foi doseada a protoporfirina-zinco (PPZ) e efectuado o Hemograma e a cerca de 25% foi determinada a concentração do ácido d-aminolevulínico urinário (ALA-U). Os doseamentos da PPZ efectuados em amostra de sangue capilar através de um hematofluorímetro portátil revelaram-se de total fiabilidade, dando significado a uma técnica de fácil execução e baixo custo. A avaliação do tipo de colheita urinária para doseamento do ALA-U concluiu pela necessidade de recurso a urinas de 24 horas.Os resultados do estudo evidenciaram uma elevada associação entre a PPZ e a Pb-S, com uma maior magnitude e de início mais precoce do que o que registado na associação da Pb-S com o ALA-U. Revelaram, ainda, fracos níveis de associação da hemoglobina (e outros parâmetros hematológicos) com a Pb-S. E demonstraram para um cut-off de 100 mg/ dL de PPZ, taxa de falsos negativos e falsos positivos, para plumbémias a partir de 70 mg/dL, inferiores a 20%. Assim, concluiu-se que, nos protocolos de vigilância de saúde de trabalhadores expostos a chumbo, o doseamento da PPZ por hematofluorímetro, em sangue de colheita capilar, é adequado, fiável e de realização preferencial em relação ao do ALA-U. Concluiu-se, também, que a realização do hemograma apenas se justifica em situações individuais que clinicamente o tornem aconselhável. E que estes protocolos devem incluir a realização da Pb-S e da PPZ, podendo, em situações de controlo rigoroso (ambiental, biológico e clínico), basear-se apenas na determinação da PPZ reservando os outros indicadores para aprofundar a investigação médica nos casos de taxas elevadas desta ou de situações limitantes. ■ Résumée Une stratégie d’évaluation et de prévention des risques d’exposition aux agents chimiques doit toujours tenir en considération que la vigilance du lieu de travail et de la santé des travailleurs sont des aspects complémentaires d’une même réalité – les risques résultant d’une interaction entre l’agent chimique et les travailleurs exposés. Si c’est à la Vigilance Ambiantale de juger le risque, par la caractérisation de l’agent dans le lieu de travail, la Vigilance Biologique, elle, se prononce sur l’interaction entre le toxique et l’organisme, évaluant la réponse à l’agression chimique et l’évolution des réactions d’adaptation ou de rupture face à l’absorption du toxique. Les Indicateurs Biologiques assument ainsi un statut d’instrument privilégié de vigilance de la santé des travailleurs exposés, dans la mesure où ils déterminent la quantité de toxique qui a effectivement été pénétré et absorbé, ou le résultat (effet) déterminé par cette dose. Cette étude-ci cherche à contribuer à la définition d’un cadre méthodologique d’utilisation des Indicateurs Biologiques dans l’évaluation/ gestion de l’exposition professionnelle au plomb inorganique, évaluant spécialement le comportement de la protoporphirine-zinc (PPZ), indicateur pas encore utilisé au Portugal.Le plomb est un métal d’occurrence naturelle dont les niveaux dans les différents écosystèmes en résultent, principalement, des activités anthropogéniques de nature domestique et industrielle. Sa capacité polluante peut être signalée, représentant une source d’exposition permanente pour l’homme, celle-ci démontrable par sa présence continue dans l’organisme, même si elle n’y accomplit aucune fonction physiologique. Actuellement ses applications sont innombrables, faisant de l’exposition professionnelle au plomb une réalité de grande ampleur : industries d’accumulateurs électriques, de verre, de plastique et de munitions, bâtiments, manutention et réparation automobile et navale, fabrication d’encres, industries électroniques, fontes et activités de soudure sont, entre autres, des situations réelles a en tenir compte. La pénétration du plomb inorganique dans l’organisme se fait principalement par voie respiratoire, pouvant se faire également par voie digestive. Les particules absorbées sont transportées par le sang, surtout liées aux érythrocytes (95%), se repartent à travers les tissus mous et se déposent essentiellement dans le tissu osseux, où elles représentent plus de 90% de la charge corporelle de ce qui a été absorbé et ont un temps de demi-vie élevé (plus de 20 ans). Le plomb n’est pas métabolisé dans l’organisme et son élimination se fait essentiellement par voie rénale, pouvant tout de même, à une moindre échelle, être excrété dans les fèces, de la sueur, de la salive, des ongles, des cheveux et du lait maternel. La connaissance scientifique met en évidence que des concentrations sanguines de plomb entre 20 et 50 mg/dL sont susceptibles de déterminer des effets adverses dans l’homme, pouvant les systèmes hématopoïétique, nerveux, cardiovasculaire, reproducteur et immunitaire en être affectés. Cependant, il en reste beaucoup à éclaircir dans le domaine de la toxicité du plomb. Les niveaux d’exposition auxquels correspondent les modifications des divers organes et systèmes, demeurent toujours sujet de quelque controverse. Les caractéristiques carcinogèniques et mutagèniques du plomb restent toujours un champ d’investigation d’une grande exigence. L’intoxication par le plomb et ses sels (Saturnisme) d’origine occupationnelle est reconnue, au Portugal, comme une maladie professionnelle (groupe 1- Maladies Provoquées par des Agents Chimiques, de la Liste des Maladies Professionnelles). C’est une intoxication du tipe chronique, due à l’absorption continue de doses relativement petites pendant une longue période, mise en évidence à travers des signes et des symptômes vagues et diffus sans grande spécificité, lesquels peuvent inclure, particulièrement, le manque d’appétit, goût métallique dans la bouche, pâleur, malaise et fatigue, céphalées, myalgies et arthralgies, irritabilité, tremblements fins, constipation, coliques abdominales, insomnies, déficit de la mémoire à court terme et de la capacité de concentration.Un ensemble important d’indicateurs biologiques peut être employé dans la vigilance périodique de la santé des travailleurs dans ces conditions d’exposition. Ces indicateurs (de dose ou d’effet) renferment différentes significations et comportent diverses exigences, devant le Médecin de Travail, dans le domaine des programmes de prévention des effets adverses qui sont en relation avec l’exposition professionnelle au plomb, sélectionner son utilisation et interpréter son information de façon à évaluer l’interaction de l’élément toxique avec l’organisme à un stade de réversibilité. L’étude ci-présent engloba 180 travailleurs desquels 110 présentaient des plombémies (Pb-S) égales ou supérieures à 40 mg/dL. À part la Pb-S, la protoporphyrine-zinc (PPZ) leur a été prise en dosage et un Hémogramme fut effectué et fut déterminé l’acide d- aminolévulinique urinaire (ALA-U) sur environ 25% des travailleurs. Le dosage de la PPZ efectué en échantillon de sang capillaire par un fluorimètre portable, s’est accomplit d’une fiabilité total, donnant du sgnificat à une téchnique de facile execution et bas prix. L’évaluation de la prise urinaire par dosage du ALA-U conclut au besoin d’un recours aux urines de 24 heures Les résultats de l’étude ont mis en évidence une association élevée entre la PPZ et la Pb- S, avec une intensité majeure et de début plus précoce par rapport à celui qui fut registré lors de l’association de la Pb-S avec la ALA-U. Ces résultats ont également montré de faibles niveaux d’association entre l’hémoglobine (et autres paramètres hématologiques) et la Pb-S. Ils ont démontré aussi, une valeur de cut-off de 100 mg/dL de PPZ, des taux de faux négatifs et faux positifs, pour des plombémies de 70 mg/dL, inférieurs à 20%. On peut donc conclure que dans les protocoles de vigilance de la santé des travailleurs exposés au plomb, le dosage de la PPZ par fluorimetrie dans le sang capillaire est adéquat, fiable et de réalisation préférentielle par rapport à celui du ALA-U. On peut également conclure que la réalisation de l’hémogramme ne se justifie que dans les cas individuels où, cliniquement, celui-ci est conseillé. De plus, ces protocoles doivent inclure la réalisation de la Pb-S et de la PPZ, pouvant, en cas de contrôle rigoureux (ambiantal, biologique et clinique), s’appuyer que dans la détermination de la PPZ réservant les autres indicateurs pour approfondir l’investigation médicale dans les cas où les taux de celle-ci sont élevés ou dans les cas de situations limitantes. ■ Summary Any strategy to evaluate and prevent the risks of chemical agents exposure must always regard the work environment and workers health as complementary aspects of one reality - the resulting risks from the interaction between the chemical agent and the exposed workers. It is the responsibility of Environmental Monitoring to evaluate the risks of exposure by the characterization of the chemical agent in the work environment. Biological Monitoring, on the other hand, pronounces itself over the toxin and body interaction, evaluating human response to the chemical aggression and the body adaptations to the toxic absorption. Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) assume, therefore, a privileged status among exposed workers' health monitoring instruments, as they measure the actual penetrated and absorbed toxic quantity and the effect it produces. This research study aims to contribute to the definition of a methodological strategy on the utilization of BEI’s in evaluating inorganic lead's occupational exposure, more specifically appreciating the zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) variation, an index that has never been taken under consideration in Portugal until now. Lead is a natural metal whose ecosystem’s levels are mainly due to domestic and industrial anthropogenic activities. Its pollutant capacity is notable, representing a permanent exposure risk shown by its constant presence in the human body, although it has no physiologic function. Nowadays, lead's applications are countless, turning its professional exposure a huge reality: storage batteries industries, glass industries, plasterers and munitions industries, building construction, ships and motor car maintenance and repairing, ink manufacture, electronics industries, foundries and other soldering activities are, among so many other, realities to attend to. Respiration is the main cause of human body's inorganic lead absorption, although digestive pathway must not to be ignored. The absorbed particles are transported by blood, essentially bounded to erythrocytes (95%). It is distributed by soft tissues and settled mainly on bone tissues, where it represents approximately 90% of the total body charge and has a high half-life time (more than 20 years). It is not metabolized by the organism, its elimination being effectuated by renal activity and, in smaller scale, through lees, sweat, saliva, nails, hair and maternal milk.Scientific knowledge shows that concentrations of lead in blood between 20 e 50 mg/dL are susceptible to determine adverse effects in man and able to affect the hematopoietic system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the reproductive system and the immunological system. Nevertheless, there's still much to be learned and clarified about lead's toxicity. The correlation between exposure levels and human's systems and organs alteration levels continues to be a centre of controversies. Still, lead's carcinogenic and mutagenic characteristics continue to be a high demanding research field. Intoxication by lead and its compounds (saturnism), from occupational origin, is recognized in Portugal as an occupational disease, included in Group 1 - Chemical Agents Caused Diseases, on the Occupational Diseases List. It is a chronic intoxication caused by a continuous absorption of small doses, throughout a long period of time. Its signs and symptoms are diffuse and imprecise, of great unspecificity, such as loss of appetite, metallic flavor in the mouth, paleness, ailment and fatigue, headaches, myalgia and arthralgia, irritability, thin tremors, constipation, abdominal pain, insomnias, short memory loses and inability to concentrate. A considered number of BEI’s can be used in Periodic Health Monitoring of workers in such exposure conditions. Such BEI (dose indices or effect indices) provide different meanings and imply different procedures, being Occupational Doctors responsibility, in the context of lead related adverse effects preventive programmes, to select and interpret its information, in order to evaluate the interaction between toxic and organism in a reversible phase of the toxic action. The present research study involved 180 workers, 110 of which presented blood lead levels (PbB) above or equal to 40 mg/dL. Besides PbB, all workers has been evaluated for zinc protoporphyrin levels (PPZ) and submitted to a haemogram. About 25% of the workers were selected for d-aminolevulinic urinary acid (ALA-U) determination. The evaluation of PPZ, by a portable hematofluorometer using capillary blood samples, turned out to be an easy procedure with low costs and total warrantability. As in regard for ALA- U procedure, it was concluded the necessity of 24 hours urine samples. This research results underlined a strong connection between ZPP and PbB, which was found to to be stringer and to begin earlier than it was registered for PbB and ALA-U association. The same study also revealed a low association level between PbB and hemoglobin or other hematological indices. It was also verified less than 20% of false negatives and false positives cases when admitted a ZPP 100 mg/dL cut off value for PbB³ 70 mg/dL. As in result it was concluded that in Health Monit

Water-contact patterns and schistosoma mansoni infection in a rural community in northeast Brazil

We evaluated the influence of water-related human activities, contaminative behaviour, house location, education and socio-economic status on endemic Schistosoma mansoni infection. The study was conducted in a hilry non-irrigated area of rural northeast Brazil amongst a defined population of subsistence farmers, of whom 93% were infected by age 20. The area was mapped, water bodies were surveyed, and a detailed questionnaire was performed on each household. Infection was assessed by duplicate stool examinations using the sensitive Bell technique to quantify egg excretion. For each household, and index of intensity of infection was computed by grouping individual log-transformed egg counts as an age-sex adjusted Z score. Few households had a sanitary installation or a domestic water supply. However, neither water-contact nor contaminative behavior were indiscriminate. The people made considerable effort to defaecate far from a water source, to obtain household drinking water from the cleanest source, and to bathe only at certain sites where privacy is assured. Land ownership and literacy correlated poorly with the household index of intensity of infection. The key influence on infection status was the relative location of the house and snail-free or snail colonized water sources. In this area, a safe domestic water supply is the critical input needed to achieve definitive control of endemic Schistosomiasis.

Modelo de sistemas de informação técnica baseado numa plataforma SIG

Dissertação apresentada como requisito parcial para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciência e Sistemas de Informação Geográfica

Generalização matemática baseada na análise de padrões numa turma de 3.º ano

Relatório de Estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção de grau de mestre em Ensino do 1.º e 2.º ciclo do Ensino Básico