Problemas associados à instalação de subestações de energia em malha urbana. Caso de estudo da subestação de parceiros em Leiria

No âmbito do desenvolvimento da dissertação do Mestrado de Engenharia Eletrotécnica – Sistemas Elétricos de Energia, surgiu a oportunidade de participar no desenvolvimento de um projeto integrante numa subestação de energia. O presente caso de estudo tem em vista a resolução de condicionantes na conceção desta subestação, tais como cumprir requisitos estéticos projetando todo o tipo de equipamentos dentro de edifícios, a ventilação das salas de transformação assim como insonorização de todo o ruído produzido de forma a cumprir os limites legais e não perturbar a vizinhança. A presente subestação de energia está situada numa zona urbana da cidade de Leiria, localidade de Parceiros, dando origem ao nome Subestação de Energia de Parceiros. Esta subestação pertence ao cliente Energias de Portugal, conhecida como EDP, e visa o melhoramento da distribuição do serviço eléctrico. As tradicionais subestações de energia, com aparência bastante desenquadrada dos meios urbanos, representam um entrave ao nível da aproximação destes centros de produção energética às zonas urbanas, comprometendo a melhoria da rede elétrica. Desta forma, foi implementada a tecnologia Gas-Insolated Switchgear e permite o enquadramento destes centros energéticos em zonas urbanas, constituindo mais um edifício urbano na zona onde se insere. Esta substitui os convencionais barramentos existentes nos Parques Exteriores de Aparelhagem das subestações e apresenta-se com dimensões muito reduzidas quando comparadas com as estruturas instaladas nestes parques. Dado que esta tecnologia é desenvolvida no sentido de permitir a construção destes centros energéticos em zonas urbanas, podem ser alojadas dentro de edifícios produzindo assim vantagens ao nível estético, não perturbando a paisagem. Dado que os principais equipamentos de funcionamento na subestação de Parceiros, nomeadamente o Transformador de Potência, se encontram instalados num edifício completamente fechado, foram construídas duas salas de ventilação, na parte superior deste edifício, cada uma adjacente a uma sala de transformação. O transformador instalado possui elevadas dimensões, pesando 53000 kg e contendo 11000 kg de óleo que em estado normal de funcionamento circula por quase todo o interior da máquina a elevadas temperaturas, provocando um aquecimento elevado no interior do edifício o que condiciona o bom funcionamento do transformador. Para ultrapassar esta condicionante foi realizado um estudo de um sistema de ventilação capaz de avaliar e controlar os valores térmicos existentes e proceder à circulação de ar, que será movimentado ou bloqueado, recorrendo a um sistema autónomo, mantendo a temperatura ideal nas salas de transformação. Este autómato é o cérebro de toda a cadeia lógica que, mediante as leituras efetuadas irá dar ordens de atuação aos diversos equipamentos. Apesar dos TP estarem protegidos dentro do edifício, estes produzem um maior ruído. A necessidade da existência do referido sistema de ventilação das divisões de funcionamento destas máquinas, implica a utilização de aparelhos que, apesar da sua evolução tecnológica os torna cada vez menos ruidosos, mas geram sempre alguma perturbação, o que pode representar um problema no cumprimento do regulamento geral do ruído.

Serologic survey for hantavirus infections among wild animals in rural areas of São Paulo State, Brazil

A serosurvey was conducted in wild animals captured close to two areas where hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) occurred in São Paulo State, Brazil. Serum samples from a total of 43 mammals were tested for antibodies reactive with Sin Nombre (SN) hantavirus using a strip immunoblot assay. RNAs from the blood clots of the positive samples were submitted to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Two rodents of the genus Oligoryzomys were positive for hantavirus antibodies. These animals were captured in the Iguape region and represented 16.7% (2/12) of the sera from rodents and 100.0% (2/2) of the Oligoryzomys captured in that area. RT-PCR failed to amplify any viral cDNA. These results are in agreement with other data that suggest that members of this genus are important reservoirs of hantaviruses in Brazil.

The perception, beliefs and practices toward genitourinary schistosomiasis by inhabitants of selected endemic areas (Edo/Delta States) in south-eastern Nigeria

Well-structured questionnaire on the perception, impression and response to genitourinary bilharziasis (Genitourinary schistosomiasis) was administered and explained in local languages: 'Igbo' 'Esan' 'Ezon' Itshekiri and Bini to 33815 inhabitants of selected endemic areas in south-eastern Nigeria from January, 1999 to December, 2001. Out of this number, 3815 (11.3%) were properly filled and returned. About 42.0% of the inhabitants admitted knowledge of the disease, while 14 (0.4%) knew about the aetiologic agent. About 181 (5.0%) who responded, admitted procuring treatment, while 100 (5.0%) declined to seek treatment of any sort. The relationships between water-bodies and human activities, and infection were well discussed. Amongst those who admitted knowledge of the disease but no knowledge of its etiologic agent, declined seeking treatment of any kind, but believe the disease is a natural phenomenon in ones developmental stage and therefore of no morbidity and mortality. Laboratory analysis of urine, faeces, semen and HVS was employed to assess questionnaire responses, and in some cases, physical examination was utilized to augment laboratory analysis in confirming urinal diagnosis. Haematuria was only directly related to egg count in the early part of life. Females were significantly haematuric and excreted more ova than males (p < 0.05). Headache (43.0%) and fever (31.0%) were major clinical signs while sexual pains (22.0%) were the least.

Toxoplasma-IgM and IgG-avidity in single samples from areas with a high infection rate can determine the risk of mother-to-child transmission

Anti-Toxoplasma IgG-avidity was determined in 168 serum samples from IgG- and IgM-positive pregnant women at various times during pregnancy, in order to evaluate the predictive value for risk of mother-to-child transmission in a single sample, taking the limitations of conventional serology into account. The neonatal IgM was considered the serologic marker of transmission. Fluorometric tests for IgG, IgM (immunocapture) and IgG-avidity were performed. Fifty-one of the 128 pregnant women tested gave birth in the hospital and neonatal IgM was obtained. The results showed 32 (62.75%) pregnant women having high avidity, IgM indexes between 0.6 and 2.4, and no infected newborn. Nineteen (37.25%) had low or inconclusive avidity, IgM indexes between 0.6 and 11.9, and five infected newborns and one stillbirth. In two infected newborns and the stillbirth maternal IgM indexes were low and in one infected newborn the only maternal parameter that suggested fetal risk was IgG-avidity. In the present study, IgG-avidity performed in single samples from positive IgM pregnant women helped to determine the risk of transmission at any time during pregnancy, especially when the indexes of the two tests were analysed with respect to gestational age. This model may be less expensive in developing countries where there is a high prevalence of infection than the follow-up of susceptible mothers until childbirth with monthly serology, and it creates a new perspective for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Human papillomavirus status and cervical abnormalities in women from public and private health care in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

This article reports the HPV status and cervical cytological abnormalities in patients attended at public and private gynecological services from Rio de Janeiro State. It also comments the performance of each HPV DNA tests used. A set of 454 women from private health clinics was tested by routine Capture Hybrid II HPV DNA assay. Among these, 58.4% presented HPV and nearly 90% of them were infected by high risk HPV types. However, this group presented few premalignant cervical lesions and no invasive cervical cancer was registered. We also studied 220 women from low income class attended at public health system. They were HPV tested by polymerase chain reaction using My09/11 primers followed by HPV typing with E6 specific primers. The overall HPV prevalence was 77.3%. They also showed a high percentage of high squamous intraepithelial lesion-HSIL (26.3%), and invasive cervical carcinoma (16.3%). HPV infection was found in 93.1% and 94.4% of them, respectively. The mean ages in both groups were 31.5 and 38 years, respectively. In series 1, HPV prevalence declined with age, data consistent with viral transient infection. In series 2, HPV prevalence did not decline, independent of age interval, supporting not only the idea of viral persistence into this group, but also regional epidemiological variations in the same geographic area. Significant cytological differences were seen between both groups. Normal and benign cases were the most prevalent cytological findings in series 1 while pre-malignant lesions were the most common diagnosis in the series 2. HPV prevalence in normal cases were statistically higher than those from series 1 (p < 0.001), indicating a higher exposure to HPV infection. Women from both samples were referred for previous abnormal cytology. However, socio-demographic evidence shows that women from series 1 have access to treatment more easily and faster than women from series 2 before the development of pre-malignant lesions. These data provides baseline support for the role of social inequalities linked to high risk HPV infection leading to cervical cancer. Broadly screening programs and the development of safe and effective vaccines against HPV would diminish the toll of this disease that affect mainly poor women.

Utilização de Cabos de alta Temperatura em linhas Aéreas em Média Tensão

A presente dissertação teve como objetivo fazer uma análise da viabilidade técnica da utilização dos condutores de alta temperatura nas linhas aéreas de MT, identificar vantagens, analisar inconvenientes, e estabelecer um comparativo a custos médios com as soluções convencionais. Foi efetuado o estudo de um caso real da EDP Distribuição que consistia na necessidade do aumento da capacidade de transporte de energia da linha aérea a 15 kV Espinho-Sanguedo. Neste foi ponderada a solução onde se poderia efetuar passagem de linha simples para linha dupla em alumínio-aço (AA) 160 mm2 ou a solução alternativa e inovadora de substituição dos condutores existentes por condutores de alta temperatura ACCC 182 mm2. Para isso foram efetuados cálculos e também criada uma ferramenta de apoio à decisão, para validação dos mesmos, com o intuito de mais tarde poder ser aplicada nas linhas aéreas em Média Tensão em todo o país e, sempre que necessário, se possa fazer um estudo de ponderação técnica de forma sistemática e estruturada. Neste trabalho estão identificadas as vantagens, foram relatados os inconvenientes, e estabeleceu-se um comparativo a custos médios da utilização de condutores de alta temperatura com as soluções convencionais. Antes de poder ser realizado um estudo do caso concreto da Linha aérea Espinho-Sanguedo foi necessário um aprofundamento do estado da arte no que diz respeito à comparação entre o cabo de alta temperatura ACCC e o cabo convencional ACSR, sendo este o mais utilizado nas linhas aéreas em MT. Os cabos de alta temperatura trouxeram inovações neste tema de transporte de energia, e como tal surgiu a necessidade de um estudo mais aprofundado da sua constituição, destacando o seu núcleo formado pelo compósito de fibra de carbono e fibra de vidro. Foi também analisado vantagens e desvantagens do cabo de alta temperatura e até mesmo situações onde a sua aplicação poderá ser vantajosa, de modo a tirar proveito das suas caraterísticas em que se destacam altas temperaturas de funcionamento e flechas reduzidas. Para elaborar um projeto de uma linha aérea em média tensão é necessário considerar a legislação em vigor, os aspetos ambientais e económicos, respeitando e garantindo as premissas do cálculo elétrico e mecânico. Economicamente este tipo de cabo (ACCC) é mais dispendioso do que os convencionais, no entanto o estudo realizado permitiu perceber que a sua implementação técnica é vantajosa em linhas aéreas de elevada capacidade de transporte de energia, sobretudo nos casos onde serão necessárias instalar linhas duplas ou linhas simples de seções elevadas. Devido às suas caraterísticas mecânicas, estes cabos permitem melhorar as linhas na sua dimensão, podendo diminuir o número de apoios a instalar, podendo diminuir a robustez dos apoios e permitir maior facilidade na montagem. Estas vantagens traduzem-se em menores impactos ambientais e permitem sobretudo reduzir os constrangimentos com os proprietários dos terrenos onde os apoios são implantados.

How Were Conflicts of Interest Handled?

Conflicts of interest were potentially great but they were minimized by the great conviction from both Doctors and Health Ministry that something had to be done to improve data on perinatal health. To decrease the number of hospitals where deliveries took place, to concentrate doctors, nurses and equipment, to define staff and to acquire equipment and to train nurses and paediatricians was the way. One the point of view of cost-effectiveness, centralization of expensive technologies, and development of expertise concentrating cases in a same centre - Surgery, VLBW, etc- and lowering mortality rates and get better outcomes were clear health gains. In 1989 after the political decision of closing small maternities the committee return to villages and cities to explain to political local power and people, the decision, which kind of care they will have in the future, why and expected gains. Level I hospitals and Health Centers stop to have deliveries; Health Centers were given a great responsibility: the follow up of the most part of the normal pregnancies by GP. There was no economic pressure because the National Health Service is free, there are no economic incentives for obstetrical or neonatal care, hospitals are financed through ICD, hospital level is defined according to both delivery and newborn care. In 1989 the rule was “No results can be obtained without the interested and responsible participation of all – institutions and people”. At that time the emphasis was on training. There are geographic influences on regionalization for example for islands and inner and far geographic areas. Also we would like to emphasize the influence of demographics on regionalization. As birth rate continues to decrease the hospitals left open 20 years ago with more than 1500 deliveries have to be closed now because the number of deliveries decreased. It was much more difficult and unacceptable to close some few maternities now than 20 years ago. All the difference was that at that time reasons were explained and now it was a Minister order. Other fearful events are the opening of private hospitals, the lowering gross national income, the economic difficulties and financial problems.

Serological, clinical and epidemiological evaluation of toxocariasis in urban areas of south Brazil

Toxocariasis is a worldwide public-health problem that poses major risks to children who may accidentally ingest embryonated eggs of Toxocara. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in children and adolescents and the variables that may be involved, as well as environmental contamination by Toxocara spp. eggs, in urban recreation areas of north central mesoregion, Paraná State, Brazil. From June 2005 to March 2007. a total of 376 blood samples were collected by the Public Health Service from children and adolescents one to 12 years old, of both genders. Samples were analyzed by the indirect ELISA method for detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies. Serum samples were previously absorbed with Ascaris suum antigens, and considered positive with a reagent reactivity index >1. Soil samples from all of the public squares and schools located in the four evaluated municipalities that had sand surfaces (n = 19) or lawns (n = 15) were analyzed. Of the 376 serum samples, 194 (51.6%) were positive. The seroprevalence rate was substantially higher among children aging one to five years (p = 0.001) and six to eight years (p = 0.022). The clinical signs and symptoms investigated did not show a statistical difference between seropositive and seronegative individuals (p > 0.05). In 76.5% of the investigated recreation places, eggs of Toxocara were detected in at least one of the five collected samples. Recreation areas from public schools were 2.8 times more contaminated than from public squares. It is important to institute educational programs to inform families and educators, as well as to improve sanitary control of animals and cleaning of the areas intended for recreation in order to prevent toxocariasis.

The monitoring of hematopoietic stem cell transplant donors and recipients from endemic areas for malaria

Malaria is an unusual complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in non-endemic countries. However, transplant candidates, recipients and donors living in endemic regions frequently report previous episodes of malaria. This fact could represent an important risk for immunosuppressed recipients that could develop severe malaria cases. We report a case of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in which the donor had a history of previous malaria, and close monitoring was performed before and after procedure by parasitological and molecular tests. The donor presented Plasmodium vivax in thick blood smears one month after transplant and was treated according to Brazilian Health Ministry guidelines. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was able to detect malaria infection in the donor one week earlier than thick blood film. Even without positive results, the recipient was pre-emptively treated with chloroquine in order to prevent the disease. We highlight the importance of monitoring recipients and donors in transplant procedures with the aim of reducing the risk of malaria transmission.

Evaluation of enterovirus 71 immune status in São Paulo state, Brazil

Antibodies to Enterovirus 71 (EV71) were evaluated in São Paulo State during 1999-2005. The titer of neutralizing antibodies against EV71 was determined by microneutralization assay, and a titer of > 1:8 was defined as indicative of protected immunity. Neutralizing antibodies to EV71 were observed in 12.4% (55/442) of sera samples, a low protective rate, suggesting that EV71 infection is uncommon in this region, but that there is a relatively high susceptibility to EV71 related diseases, which is worrying considering the recent Asian outbreaks. Also, a significant location-specific difference in seropositivity was observed. Neutralizing antibodies to EV71 were observed in 8.7% (21/241) of São Paulo metropolitan area sera samples, and 16.9% (34/201) of the sera samples from other municipalities. A high number of Brazilian residents live in country and coastal areas without adequate access to piped water or sanitation. This situation may contribute to the EV71 dissemination in these zones. The analysis of environmental samples could possibly make a valuable contribution to studies on the epidemiology of EV71.

Como obter o financiamento que garanta a viabilidade da IPSS “Novo Sol” e a continuidade do seu projeto educativo?

As IPSS são instituições muito particulares e muitas deles ainda bastante dependentes das comparticipações estatais. Com a situação atual do país, as dificuldades das IPSS’s vão se agudizando. As comparticipações estatais não se adaptam à realidade atual que se vive provocando alguns transtornos. Desta forma, torna-se urgente uma mudança de mentalidades dos dirigentes dessas instituições, libertando a ideia de que têm de estar dependentes dos subsídios estatais, procurando assim, alternativas a este tipo de financiamento. Algumas estratégias são possíveis, mas de acordo com cada instituição, isto é, da localidade onde está inserida, do seu projeto educativo, e da população alvo que recebe, elas deverão ser mais ou menos adaptadas. No que concerne a IPSS “Novo Sol” de entre as possibilidades encontradas as que mais se adaptam serão o mecenato, a parceria com uma outra IPSS existente, mas que serve outras valências, assim como o marketing social. Com estas alternativas pretende-se melhorar a situação atual financeira da instituição, podendo desse modo, dar continuidade ao projeto educativo.

Rickettsia parkeri: a Rickettsial pathogen transmitted by ticks in endemic areas for spotted fever rickettsiosis in southern Uruguay

At first Rickettsia conorii was implicated as the causative agent of spotted fever in Uruguay diagnosed by serological assays. Later Rickettsia parkeri was detected in human-biting Amblyomma triste ticks using molecular tests. The natural vector of R. conorii, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, has not been studied for the presence of rickettsial organisms in Uruguay. To address this question, 180 R. sanguineus from dogs and 245 A. triste from vegetation (flagging) collected in three endemic localities were screened for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis in southern Uruguay. Tick extracted DNA pools were subjected to PCR using primers which amplify a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene. Positive tick DNA pools with these primers were subjected to a second PCR round with primers targeting a fragment of the ompA gene, which is only present in SFG rickettsiae. No rickettsial DNA was detected in R. sanguineus. However, DNA pools of A. triste were found to be positive for a rickettsial organism in two of the three localities, with prevalences of 11.8% to 37.5% positive pools. DNA sequences generated from these PCR-positive ticks corresponded to R. parkeri. These findings, joint with the aggressiveness shown by A. triste towards humans, support previous data on the involvement of A. triste as vector of human infections caused by R. parkeri in Uruguay.

Influenza viruses in adult dogs raised in rural and urban areas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

In 1970, searching for the interspecies transmission of influenza viruses led to the first study on influenza viruses in domestic animals. Birds and mammals, including human beings, are their natural hosts; however, other animals may also play a role in the virus epidemiology. The objective was to investigate the incidence of influenza viruses in adult dogs raised in rural (9, 19.56%) and urban (37, 80.43%) areas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Dog serum samples were examined for antibodies to influenza viruses by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test using the corresponding antigens from the circulating viruses in Brazil. Dogs from rural areas presented antibodies to influenza A H3N2, and influenza A H7N7 and H3N8. In rural areas, dog sera displayed mean titers as 94.37, 227.88, 168.14, 189.62 HIU/25 µL for subtypes H1N1, H3N2, H7N7, H3N8, respectively. About 84% and 92% of dogs from urban areas exhibited antibodies to human influenza A H1N1 and H3N2, respectively, with statistical difference at p < 0.05 between the mean titers of antibodies to H1N1 and H3N2. About 92% and 100% were positive for H7N7 and H3N8, respectively. In dogs from urban areas, the mean titers of antibodies against influenza A H1N1, H3N2, H7N7 and H3N8, were 213.96, 179.42, 231.76, 231.35 HIU/25 µL respectively. The difference among them was not statistically significant at p > 0.05. In conclusion, these dogs were positive for both human and equine influenza viruses. The present study suggests the first evidence that influenza viruses circulate among dogs in Brazil.

Which “place and non-place” do women occupy in social economy organisations?

Scientific literature has strengthened the perpetuation of inequality factors in the labour market based on gender, despite the on-going endeavour of various political bodies and legal norms against the vertical and horizontal segregation of women. National and European statistical data shows the relevance and timeless features of theories of market segmentation associated with the labour market dating back to the 70’s of the 20th century. Hence, the European Community considers as a priority in the Europe 2020 strategy, the definition of “policies to promote gender equality […] to increase labour force participation thus adding to growth and social cohesion”. If we consider that on the one hand, social economy is fairly recognised to be equated with market actors and the State for its economic and social role in tackling the current crisis, and on the other hand, that the ideals of the sector, systematised in the “Framework Law of Social Economy” (Law no. 30/2013 8th of May), particularly in article 5 proposing “the respect for the values […] of equality and non-discrimination […], justice and equity […]”, we aim to reflect on indicators that uncover a vertical and horizontal segregation in the labour market. Departing from a mixed methodological approach (extensive and intensive), subject to the topic of "Social Entrepreneurship in Portugal" in social economy organisations, we detect very high rates of employment feminisation, with a ratio of 1 man (23%) for every 3 women (77%). Women are mainly earmarked for technical and operational activities, arising from the privileged intervention areas, namely education, training, health, elderly, families, poverty, ultimately being underrepresented in statutory boards and, as such, far removed from deliberations and strategic resolutions. This is particularly visible in the existing hierarchy of functions and management practices of the responsibility of male members. Thus, it seems easily verified that the sector is travelling away from the ideals of justice and social equity, which can crystallise the "non-place" of women in the definition of a strategic direction of social economy and in the most invisible/private “place” of the organisational setting.

DISTRIBUTION OF DERMATOPHYTES FROM SOILS OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF CITIES OF PARAIBA STATE, BRAZIL

SUMMARYThe dermatophytes, keratinophilic fungi, represent important microorganisms of the soil microbiota, where there are cosmopolitan species and others with restricted geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the presence of dermatophytes in soils of urban (empty lots, schools, slums, squares, beaches and homes) and rural areas and about the evolution of their prevalence in soils of varying pH in cities of the four mesoregions of Paraiba State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from 31 cities of Paraiba State. Of 212 samples, 62% showed fungal growth, particularly those from the Mata Paraibana mesoregion (43.5%), which has a tropical climate, hot and humid. Soil pH varied from 4.65 to 9.06, with 71% of the growth of dermatophytes occurring at alkaline pH (7.02 - 9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Of 131 strains isolated, 57.3% were geophilic species, particularly Trichophyton terrestre(31.3%) and Mycrosporum gypseum(21.4%). M. nanum and T. ajelloi were isolated for the first time in Paraiba State. The zoophilic species identified were T. mentagrophytes var.mentagrophytes (31.3 %) and T. verrucosum (7.6 %), and T. tonsurans was isolated as an anthropophilic species. The soils of urban areas including empty lots, schools, slums and squares of cities in the mesoregions of Paraiba State were found to be the most suitable reservoirs for almost all dermatophytes; their growth may have been influenced by environmental factors, soils with residues of human and/or animal keratin and alkaline pH.