Webfólio de aprendizagem: contributos para a promoção da autonomia e reflexividade em estudantes do 12º ano de escolaridade

Relatório de estágio de mestrado em Ensino de Informática

Self-esteem, assertiveness and resilience in adolescents institutionalized

The institutionalization of children and adolescents has been an increasingly visible problem in modern society. Unfavourable socio-economic conditions have been joining the behavior problems and school absenteeism. When the family fails in its competence for education, social security or the Court withdraws the child or adolescent to a host institution. The aim of this research was to characterize self-esteem, assertiveness and resilience of institutionalized adolescents in the northern region of Portugal and to establish associations with these dependent variables and gender, scholar level and duration of the institutionalization. For the purpose of this study a wider questionnaire was carried out, and validated with a smaller group. It was a transversal study following a predominantly quantitative methodology, with a convenience sample. The sample included 101 adolescents (55 female and 46 males) from eight institutions, aged between 11 to 21 years old (average 15.45). For self-esteem the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), already validate for Portuguese adolescents, was used. For assertiveness and resilience it was applied the Global Evaluation Scale of Assertiveness and the Global Evaluation Scale of Resilience (Jardim & Pereira, 2006) we previously adapted and validated for adolescents. Collected data was introduced in a SPSS database. A descriptive analysis was done to characterize the sample concerning all the variables. To establish associations between individual factors and dependent variables t test, correlations and non-parametric test were applied. Results indicated a relatively low self-esteem (28.03), with girls having a lower value than boys, without significant differences. No correlations were found between self-esteem and the time in the institution. Assertiveness of the sample is average (23.97) and higher for girls than boys, with a positive significant correlation with the scholar grade. Also the resilience is average (25.97), having girls a little lower mean than boys and no significant differences or correlations were found.

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Relatório de estágio de mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar e Ensino do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

Development of active bio-based multilayer systems: encapsulation of cinnamaldehyde and their physicochemical characterization

[Excerpt] In this work, different multilayer structures, using a polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate film with a valerate content of 8% (PHBV8) as support, were developed aiming the development of active bio-based multilayer systems. An interlayer based on zein nanofibers with and without cinnamaldehyde were electrospun in the PHBV8 film and three multilayer systems were developed: 1) without an outer layer; 2) using a PHBV8 film as outer layer; and 3) using an alginate-based film as outer layer. Their physico-chemical properties were evaluated through: water vapour and oxygen permeabilities and colour measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analyses. Results showed that the presence of different outer layers affected the water vapour permeability and transparency of the multilayer films. (...)

Self-reported psychosocial factors among In Vitro Fertilization patients interviewed alone or with the partner

"Published online: 07 Nov 2015"

Actividade física e qualidade de vida na gravidez

Pouco se conhece acerca da actividade física e qualidade de vida da mulher na gravidez. Este estudo teve como objectivos 1) comparar os padrões de actividade física antes e durante a gravidez, 2) avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde durante os primeiros seis meses de gestação, e 3) comparar a percepção da qualidade de vida nas mulheres activas e insuficientemente activas considerando as recomendações de saúde pública. Método: Estudo longitudinal com 59 grávidas seleccionadas em consultórios médicos privados. Às 10-15 semanas foi recolhida informação sociodemográfica e médica, bem como informação sobre a actividade física três meses antes da concepção. Medidas de auto-relato foram administradas entre as 10-15 semanas e as 19-24 semanas de gestação para avaliar o tempo de actividade física (QAFG) (no trabalho, lazer, deslocações) e a qualidade de vida (SF-36). Resultados: A prevalência de actividade física recomendada é menor durante do que antes da gravidez (16.7% e 17.5% nos 1.º e 2.º trimestres, respectivamente vs. 47.4% antes da gravidez). Com a gravidez, não se verificaram alterações no tempo médio em diferentes tipos de actividade física, mas a actividade física no lazer registou uma diminuição significativa no 1.º trimestre face ao período anterior à concepção. Em comparação com uma amostra normativa de mulheres portuguesas, as grávidas apresentam, nos dois primeiros trimestres de gestação, uma percepção de qualidade da vida mais positiva na generalidade das dimensões do SF-36. No 2.º trimestre, o nível de limitação é significativamente maior nas dimensões físicas, à excepção da Dor Corporal, e nos resultados sumários do Componentes Físico e Mental. As mulheres que no 1.º trimestre atingem os níveis recomendados de actividade física no lazer (≥150 minutos por semana) apresentam melhor estado de saúde geral e estados de humor mais positivos do que as menos activas. Conclusão: A actividade física no lazer, embora diminua após a concepção, tem um impacto positivo na percepção do estado saúde geral e estados de humor da grávida, o que sugere a sua importância para a saúde da mulher também durante este período da vida.

Experimental validation of a proposed single-phase five-level active rectifier operating with model predictive current control

This paper presents a model predictive current control applied to a proposed single-phase five-level active rectifier (FLAR). This current control strategy uses the discrete-time nature of the active rectifier to define its state in each sampling interval. Although the switching frequency is not constant, this current control strategy allows to follow the reference with low total harmonic distortion (THDF). The implementation of the active rectifier that was used to obtain the experimental results is described in detail along the paper, presenting the circuit topology, the principle of operation, the power theory, and the current control strategy. The experimental results confirm the robustness and good performance (with low current THDF and controlled output voltage) of the proposed single-phase FLAR operating with model predictive current control.

Self-perception and dissatisfaction with weight does not depend on the frequency of physical activity

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of satisfaction with body weight and the self-perception of the weight/height ratio and to verify the influence of the frequency of present and past physical activity on these variables. METHODS: Using questionnaires or interviews, we obtained height data, reported and desired weight, self-perception of the weight/height ratio, and the frequency of current physical activity in 844 adults (489 women). Of these, evaluated the frequency of physical activity during high school of 193 individuals,and we measured their height and weight. RESULTS: Less than 2/3 of the individuals had body mass index between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2. A tendency existed to overestimate height by less than 1 cm and to underestimate weight by less than 1kg. Desired weight was less than that reported (p<0.001), and only 20% were satisfied with their current weight. Only 42% of men and 25% of women exercised regularly. No association was found between the frequency of physical activity and the variables height, weight, and body mass index, and the level of satisfaction with current weight. CONCLUSION: Height and weight reported seem to be valid for epidemological studies, and great dissatisfaction with body weight and a distorted self-perception of height/weight ratio exists, especially in women, regardless of the frequency of physical activity.

Development of a semi-automatic self learning pattern recognition system for the control of electronic boards

This project was funded under the Applied Research Grants Scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland. The project was a partnership between Galway - Mayo Institute of Technology and an industrial company, Tyco/Mallinckrodt Galway. The project aimed to develop a semi - automatic, self - learning pattern recognition system capable of detecting defects on the printed circuits boards such as component vacancy, component misalignment, component orientation, component error, and component weld. The research was conducted in three directions: image acquisition, image filtering/recognition and software development. Image acquisition studied the process of forming and digitizing images and some fundamental aspects regarding the human visual perception. The importance of choosing the right camera and illumination system for a certain type of problem has been highlighted. Probably the most important step towards image recognition is image filtering, The filters are used to correct and enhance images in order to prepare them for recognition. Convolution, histogram equalisation, filters based on Boolean mathematics, noise reduction, edge detection, geometrical filters, cross-correlation filters and image compression are some examples of the filters that have been studied and successfully implemented in the software application. The software application developed during the research is customized in order to meet the requirements of the industrial partner. The application is able to analyze pictures, perform the filtering, build libraries, process images and generate log files. It incorporates most of the filters studied and together with the illumination system and the camera it provides a fully integrated framework able to analyze defects on printed circuit boards.

Investigation into the potential for establishing a self-sustainable wetland ecosystem over pyritic mine tailings

Research was conducted to investigate the potential for ecologically engineering a sustainable wetland ecosystem over pyritic mine tailings to prevent the generation of acid mine drainage. Ecological engineering is technology with the primary goal being the creation of self-sustainable ecological systems. Work involved the design and construction of a pilot-scale wetland system comprising three wetland cells, each covering 100 m2. Approximately forty tonnes of pyritic mine tailings were deposited on the base of the first cell above a synthetic liner, covered with peat, flooded and planted with emergent wetland macrophytes Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis, and Juncus effusus. The second cell was constructed as a conventional free water surface wetland, planted identically, and used as a reference wetland/experimental control. Wetland monitoring to determine long-term sustainability focused on indicators of ecosystem health including ecological, hydrological, physico-chemical, geochemical, and biotic metrics. An integrated assessment was conducted that involved field ecology in addition to ecological risk assessment. The objective of the field ecology study was to use vegetative parameters as ecological indicators for documenting wetlands success or degradation. The goal of the risk assessment was to determine if heavy-metal contamination of the wetland sediments occurred through metal mobilisation from the underlying tailings, and to evaluate if subsequent water column chemistry and biotic metal concentrations were significantly correlated with adverse wetland ecosystem impacts. Data were used to assess heavy metal bioavailability within the system as a function of metal speciation in the wetland sediments. Results indicate hydrology is the most important variable in the design and establishment of the tailings wetland and suggest a wetland cover is an ecologically viable alternative for pyritic tailings which are feasible to flood. Ecological data indicate that in terms of species richness and diversity, the tailings-wetland was exhibiting the ecological characteristics of natural wetlands within two years. Ata indicate that pH and conductivity in the tailings-wetland were not adversely impacted by the acid-generating potential or sulphate concentration of the tailings substrate and its porewater. Similarly, no enhanced seasonal impacts from sulphate or metals in the water column, nor adverse impacts on the final water quality of the outflows, were detected. Mean total metal concentrations in the sediments of the tailings-wetland indicate no significant adverse mobilisation of metals into the peat substrate from the tailings. Correlation analyses indicate a general increase in sediment metal concentration in this wetland with increasing water depth and pH, and a corresponding decrease in the metal concentrations of the water column. Sediment extractions also showed enrichment of Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn in the oxidisable fraction (including sulphides and organic matter) of the tailings-wetland sediments. These data suggest that adsorption and coprecipitation of metals is occurring from the water column of the tailings wetland with organic material at increasing depths under reducing conditions. The long-term control of metal bioavailability in the tailings wetland will likely be related to the presence and continual build-up of organic carbon binding sites in the developing wetland above the tailings. Metal speciation including free-metal ion concentration and the impact of physico-chemical parameters particularly pH and organic matter, were investigated to assess ecotoxicological risk. Results indicate that potentially bioavailable metals (the sum of the exchangeable and reducible fractions) within the tailings wetland are similar to values cited for natural wetlands. Estimated free-metal ion concentrations calculated from geochemical regression models indicate lower free-metal ion concentrations of Cd in the tailings wetland than natural wetlands and slightly higher free-metal ion concentrations of Pb and Zn. Increased concentrations of metals in roots, rhizomes and stems of emergent macrophytes did not occur in the tailings wetland. Even though a substantial number of Typha latifolia plants were found rooting directly into tailings, elevated metals were not found in these plant tissues. Phragmites also did not exhibit elevated metal concentrations in any plant tissues. Typha and Phragmites populations appear to be exhibiting metal-tolerant behaviour. The chemistry of the water column and sediments in Silvermines wetland were also investigated and were much more indicative of a wetland system impacted by heavy metal contamination than the tailings-wetland. Mean Dc, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn concentrations in the water column and sediments of Silvermines wetlands were substantially higher than in the pilot wetlands and closely approximate concentrations in these matrices contaminated with metals from mining. In addition, mean sulphate concentration in Silvermines wetland was substantially higher and is closer to sulphate concentrations in waters associated with mining. Potentially bioavailable metals were substantially elevated in Silvermines wetland in comparison to the pilot wetlands and higher than those calculated for natural rive sediments. However, Fe oxy-hydroxide concentrations in Silvermines sediments are also much higher than in the pilot wetlands and this significantly impacts the concentration of free-metal ions in the sediment porewater. The free-metal ion concentrations for Pb and Zn indicate that Silvermines wetland is retaining metals and acting as a treatment wetland for drainage emanating from Silvermines tailings dam.

Modern climate change in Georgia. Radiatively active small atmospheric admixtures

წიგნში წარმოდგენილია საქართველოში ზოგიერთი ოპტიკურად აქტიური მცირე ატმოსფერული მინარევის მრავალწლიური კვლევის შედეგები. წარმოდგენილია მონაცემები C02, CHx, S02 და აეროზოლების ანთროპოგენური ემისიების შესახებ. დაწვრილებითაა შესწავლილი აეროზოლების თვლადი კონცენტრაციის ვერტიკალური განაწილება ტროპოსფეროში საქართველოს სხვადასხვა რეგიონისთვის. ჩატარებულია ოზონის საერთო რაოდენობის, ატმოსფერული აეროზოლების ოპტიკური სიმკვრის და სხვა ნაერთების გრძელვადიანი ვარიაცების დეტალური ანალიზი. წარმოდგენილია ზოგიერთი ნაერთის გავლენის თეორიული შეფასება საქართველოში მზის პირდაპირი და გაბნეული რადიაციის რეჟიმზე.

Le règne animal distribué d'après son organisation, pour servir de base à l'histoire naturelle des animaux et d'introduction à l'anatomie comparée.

t.4 (1829)

Le règne animal distribué d'après son organisation, pour servir de base à l'histoire naturelle des animaux et d'introduction à l'anatomie comparée.

t.3 (1830)