Impacts of climate change scenarios on terrestrial productivity and biomass for energy in the Iberian Peninsula: assessment through the JSBACH model

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente, Perfil de Gestão e Sistemas Ambientais

Health care needs and resources distribution: How to allocate financial resources in primary care trust?

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Economics from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Modelling and Forecasting Mortality Patterns

Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Statistics and Information Management

Calibration, selection and mosaicing of SMART-1 AMIE images

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Electrotécnica e de Computadores

Efeitos da laqueação proximal dos vasos curtos e da fundoplicatura total sobre a microcirculação do fundo gástrico : estudo microvascular em cobaias

RESUMO: A operação de Nissen, por laparoscopia, é considerada a cirurgia antirefluxo mais adequada por ser a que melhor replica a fisiologia normal da válvula gastresofágica na maioria dos doentes com sintomas típicos de doença do refluxo gastresofágico (DRGE). São critérios técnicos o encerramento seguro dos pilares do diafragma e a criação de fundoplicatura completa (360 graus), curta (inferior a dois centímetros), lassa e sem tensão – desiderando para o qual a laqueação proximal dos vasos curtos gástricos é crucial. Realizei a operação de Nissen, por laparoscopia, em sessenta mulheres e quarenta homens com DRGE, sem mortalidade operatória, no Serviço de Cirurgia 6 do Hospital dos Capuchos, CHLC, EPE. Os cem doentes apresentavam média etária de 46 anos e queixas, com tempo de evolução entre 1 e 43 anos, de pirose (90%), regurgitação (80%), azia (73%), epigastralgias (54%). A endoscopia alta revelou esofagite de grau Savary-Miller 0-I (62%), II (23%), III (8%), IV (7%); hérnia de deslizamento (71%), hérnia paraesofágica (8%), sem hérnia (21%); a pHmetria de 24h diagnosticou padrão misto (38%), levantado (20%), deitado (20%), inconclusiva (22%) e a manometria diagnosticou EEI hipotónico (35%), peristálise esofágica normal (88%), hipomotilidade ligeira (5%) e foi omissa (7%). Hérnia hiatal, esofagite grave, ineficácia do controlo sintomático com inibidor da bomba de protões e desejo de descontinuidade terapêutica constituíram as indicações para tratamento cirúrgico. Por celioscopia, efetuei laqueação dos vasos curtos gástricos (70%), cruroplastia e fundoplicatura total (seda 2/0), curta (dimensão média 1,5-2 cm), lassa, sem tensão e sem calibração intraoperatória do esófago. A fundoplicatura de Nissen laparoscópica mostrou-se segura e eficaz no tratamento da DRGE. A sua idoneidade foi ainda comprovada pela normalização da pHmetria de 24 horas e da manometria pós-operatórias, com significado estatístico, num grupo de catorze voluntários assintomáticos. Em catamnese com recuo médio 30,7 meses 94% dos indivíduos persistem assintomáticos. Interrogando-me acerca das repercussões desta operação sobre a microcirculação do fundo gástrico coloquei, como premissa, a possibilidade de na operação de Nissen a laqueação dos vasos curtos poder induzir modificação no diâmetro arteriolar da parede do fundo gástrico. Para pesquisar a influência da laqueação dos vasos curtos gástricos e da fundoplicatura total sobre o calibre arteriolar da parede do estômago no cárdia, no fundo e na região dos vasos curtos gástricos, idealizei um Projeto de investigação experimental em cobaias. O Projeto foi desenvolvido no Centro de Investigação do Departamento de Anatomia da FCM-UNL. Para a sua realização obtive autorização da Comissão Científica e Pedagógica da FCM-UNL, requeri a acreditação como investigador à Direção Geral de Veterinária e, por recorrer à utilização de animais, submeti-o à Comissão de Ética da FCM-UNL, que o aprovou por unanimidade. Para limitar o número de animais utilizados ao mínimo necessário, calculei, por método estatístico, a quantidade de cobaias necessárias. Subdividindo-as num grupo de ensaio (GE), onde realizei a operação de Nissen, e num grupo de controlo (GC), onde apenas procedi a tração gástrica, defini e apliquei protocolos de anestesia, de cirurgia e de eutanásia, segundo os princípios dos 3R – Replacement, Reduction, Refinement da técnica de experimentação humana de Russell e Burch (1959) – uma estrutura ética amplamente aceite para a realização de experimentação científica humanizada com animais. A utilização das técnicas de estudo angiomorfológico permitiu-me analisar e descrever a anatomia normal, a vascularização arterial macroscópica, a microangioarquitetura, por microscopia eletrónica de varrimento de moldes de corrosão vascular, e a histologia da parede do estômago da cobaia. Procedi, também, à definição dos critérios morfológicos que considerei suscetíveis de validação deste modelo animal para o estudo proposto. Por razões académicas, foi necessário abreviar o Projeto encurtando, em cerca de dois anos, o prazo disponível para conclusão do estudo. Apreciando-o com o Gabinete de Análise Epidemiológica e Estatística do Centro de Investigação do CHLC, EPE, optou-se, perante a escassez de elementos após já terem sido recrutados 46 animais, por uma amostra, suplementar, de dimensão de conveniência de oito cobaias (quatro em cada grupo), condicionada pelo limite temporal universitário e pelo respeito pela dignidade dos animais. Neste subgrupo procedi, por microscopia eletrónica de varrimento, à medição dos calibres arteriolares nos moldes vasculares do cárdia, do fundo e da zona dos vasos curtos gástricos tanto no GC como no GE efetuando 469 medições no primeiro e 461 no último. Os dados foram enviados ao Centro de Investigação do CHLC, EPE que procedeu à sua análise estatística (ANOVA). A referida análise revelou que as arteríolas do plexo mucoso e as do plexo submucoso do cárdia, do fundo e da região dos vasos curtos gástricos, mostraram aumento de calibre no GE. O aumento foi, estatisticamente, significativo por ser superior a 50% do calibre do GC. Nos vasos curtos, a diferença foi mais pequena, mas persistiu sendo, estatisticamente, significativa. Os vasos retos dilataram na base, na sua emergência do plexo seroso, apenas no fundo gástrico. Na cobaia a operação de Nissen – fundoplicatura total com laqueação dos vasos curtos gástricos –, provocou vasodilatação arteriolar do fundo gástrico. Considero que essa vasodilatação constituiu acomodação à modificação introduzida e infiro que o mesmo possa acontecer no ser humano. Admito, assim, que também ocorra vasodilatação no ser humano, na sequência da laqueação dos vasos curtos gástricos, pela analogia microvascular entre as duas espécies e que essa vasodilatação corresponda, igualmente, a um mecanismo de adaptação arteriolar visando, por exemplo, suprir a perda incorrida pela laqueação. A associação experimental entre laqueação dos vasos curtos gástricos e realização de fundoplicatura total, que exerce aumento inerente de pressão sobre a JEG, não só não provocou défice da microcirculação do esófago distal ou do estômago proximal como desencadeou um mecanismo de vasodilatação fúndica que reforça o conceito de segurança da operação de Nissen para tratamento da DRGE. -------------- ABSTRACT: The laparoscopic Nissen operation is considered to be the most appropriate antirefluxsurgery because it suitably replicates the standard physiology of the gastroesophageal valve in most patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The technical criteria includes the safe shutdown of the diafragmatic crura(cruroplasty) and the creation of a complete fundoplication (360 degrees), short (lesser than two inches), floppy and without tension – a goal for which the proximal ligation of the gastric short vessels is crucial. The laparoscopic Nissen operation was performed in sixty women and forty men with GERD, without any operative mortality, at the Surgical Department of the Hospital dos Capuchos, CHLC, EPE. The one hundred patients, averaged 46 years old, complained of heartburn (90%), regurgitation (80%) and upper abdominal pain (54 %). The endoscopy process revealed Savary-Miller esophagitis of grade 0-I (62%), II (23%), III (8%), IV (7%), sliding hernia (71%), paraesophageal hernia (8%) or no herniation (21%). The pHmetry/24h diagnosed mixed pattern (38%), raised (20%), lying (20%) or inconclusive (22%). The manometry diagnosed hypotensive LES (35%), normal esophageal peristalsis (88%), mild hypomotility (5%) and was absent (7%). Hiatal hernia, severe esophagitis, ineffective symptomatic control with proton pump inhibitor and request for treatment discontinuation were the signs for surgical action. A laparoscopic ligation of short gastric vessels (70%), cruroplasty and fundoplication (silk 2/0), short (average size 1.5–2 cm) and floppy, without tension and without intraoperative calibration of the esophagus were thus performed. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication behaved safe and effective in treating GERD. In a group of 14 asymptomatic volunteers its reputation was confirmed with statistical significance by normalization of postoperative pHmetry/24h and manometry. 94% of the individuals remained asymptomatic up to 30.7 months (average) in the follow-up. Interrogating myself about the impact of this operation on the microcirculation of the gastric fundus I put premised on the possibility of the ligation of the short gastric vessels in the Nissen procedure can induce changes in the arteriolar diameter in the Wall of the gastric fundus. To explore the influence of ligation of the short gastric vessels and the fundoplication at the arteriolar caliber of the cardia, the fundus and the region of the short vessels of the gastric wall, I designed a project of experimental research in guinea pigs with two interdependent components: one veterinary and another technical where I applied angiomorphological studies. The project was developed at the Research Centre of the Department of Anatomy FCMUNL. For its accomplishment I got permission from the Scientific and Pedagogical Committee of the FCM-UNL, I requested for accreditation as a researcher at the General Directorate of Veterinary and, by resorting to the use of animals I submitted it to the Ethics Committee of the FCM-UNL, which approved it unanimously. The guinea pigs were divided into two experimental groups: an experimental group (EG), in which the Nissen procedure was performed and a control group (CG) in which only a gastric traction was done. Protocols of anesthesia, surgery and euthanasia were applied according to the 3Rs – Replacement, Reduction, Refinement of the technique of human experimentation of Burch and Russell (1959) – a widely accepted ethical framework for conducting scientific experiments using animals humanely. Using histological and angiomorphological techniques, I performed the analysis and the description of the normal, macro and microvascular, anatomy of the guinea pig stomach and I defined the morphological criteria that I considered susceptible for validation of this animal model for the proposed study. By means of scanning electron microscopy I measured the arteriolar calibers of the vascular casts of the cardia, of the fundus and of the short gastric vessels in both CG and EG, making 469 measurements in the former and 461 in the latter. The data were sent to the Research Center of the CHLC which conducted the statistical analysis (ANOVA). The data were sent to the Centre for Research of the CHLC, EPE which proceeded to statistical analysis (ANOVA). This analysis revealed that the arterioles plexus of the mucosal and submucosal plexus of the cardia, fundus and region of the short gastric vessels, showed increased caliber in EG. The increase was statistically significant for being greater than 50% CG gauge. In the short gastric vessels, the difference was smaller, but persisted and statistically significant. Straight vessels were dilated at the base, on its emergence of the plexus serous only in the fundus. In the guinea pig, the Nissen procedure - complete fundoplication with ligation of the short gastric vessels - caused arteriolar vasodilation on the gastric fundus. I believe that this vasodilation constituted some accommodation to the modification introduced and infer that the same might happen in humans. I admit therefore that vasodilation also occurs in humans following the ligation of the short gastric vessels by microvascular analogy between the two species and that this vasodilation corresponds also to na adaptation mechanism arteriolar, for example, to compensate the loss incurred by ligation. The association of experimental ligation of the short gastric vessels with conducting complete fundoplication, which exerts increased pressure on the EGJ, not only did not cause a microcirculation deficit of the distal esophagus or proximal stomach as triggered a mechanism of fundic vasodilation which reinforces the security concept of the Nissen procedure for treatment of GERD.

Spatial Patterns and Irregularities of the electoral data: general elections in Canada

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

Improving Learners’ Motivation through Feedback in English Language Teaching and Learning at Polytechnic School in Benguela, Angola

Currently, it is widely perceived among the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching professionals, that motivation is a central factor for success in language learning. This work aims to examine and raise teachers’ awareness about the role of assessment and feedback in the process of language teaching and learning at polytechnic school in Benguela to develop and/or enhance their students’ motivation for learning. Hence the paper defines and discusses the key terms and, the techniques and strategies for an effective feedback provision in the context under study. It also collects data through the use of interview and questionnaire methods, and suggests the assessment and feedback types to be implemented at polytechnic school in Benguela

Primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and its control implications in the State of Amazonas, Brazil: report of 3 cases

The occurrence of tuberculosis with first-line multidrug resistance leads to the use of alternative medications, often at higher costs, longer treatment periods, and greater clinical complexity. Here, we report 3 patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. One patient with human immunodeficiency virus died before the sensitivity test was performed. The early diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and appropriate treatment should be priorities of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in order to break the chain of transmission. In addition, the possibility of substituting the proportion method with more modern and faster techniques should be urgently evaluated.

Comparison of conventional serology and PCR methods for the routine diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Introduction Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellated protozoan, is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, and it is estimated that approximately 5 million people in Brazil are infected with this parasite. This work aimed to compare the current diagnostic methods for Chagas disease, including conventional serological (IFAT and ELISA) and molecular techniques (PCR), to introduce PCR as an auxiliary technique. Methods A total of 106 chagasic patients were evaluated: 88 from endemic areas of Parana, 6 from São Paulo, 3 from Minas Gerais, 3 from Rio Grande do Sul, 1 from Bahia and 5 from the Santa Catarina T. cruzi outbreak. The samples were analyzed by conventional serological methods (IFAT, ELISA), hemoculture and PCR to confirm Chagas disease. Results When IFAT was used to determine antibody levels, the sensitivity was 81.7% for patients with the cardiac form of the disease and 100% for the other clinical forms. In contrast, ELISA showed 84% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The use of serological and molecular techniques and their implications for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in non-endemics area are discussed. Conclusions PCR constitutes an excellent support methodology for the laboratory diagnosis of Chagas disease due to its high sensitivity and specificity.

Rapid detection and differentiation of mycobacterial species using a multiplex PCR system

Introduction The early diagnosis of mycobacterial infections is a critical step for initiating treatment and curing the patient. Molecular analytical methods have led to considerable improvements in the speed and accuracy of mycobacteria detection. Methods The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multiplex polymerase chain reaction system using mycobacterial strains as an auxiliary tool in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) Results Forty mycobacterial strains isolated from pulmonary and extrapulmonary origin specimens from 37 patients diagnosed with tuberculosis were processed. Using phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of the 40 mycobacteria isolated in LJ medium, 57.5% (n=23) were characterized as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and 20% (n=8) as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), with 22.5% (n=9) of the results being inconclusive. When the results of the phenotypic and biochemical tests in 30 strains of mycobacteria were compared with the results of the multiplex PCR, there was 100% concordance in the identification of the MTBC and NTM species, respectively. A total of 32.5% (n=13) of the samples in multiplex PCR exhibited a molecular pattern consistent with NTM, thus disagreeing with the final diagnosis from the attending physician. Conclusions Multiplex PCR can be used as a differential method for determining TB infections caused by NTM a valuable tool in reducing the time necessary to make clinical diagnoses and begin treatment. It is also useful for identifying species that were previously not identifiable using conventional biochemical and phenotypic techniques.

Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis co-infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: evaluation by specific PCR and RFLP-PCR assays

Introduction During a diagnostic evaluation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL), two of seventeen dogs were found to be co-infected by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi. Methods Specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) assays were performed. Results PCR assays for Leishmania subgenus identification followed by RFLP-PCR analysis in biopsies from cutaneous lesions and the spleen confirmed the presence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in those fragments. Conclusions This report reinforces the importance of using serological and molecular techniques in the epidemiological surveillance of canine populations in endemic areas in which both diseases are known to co-exist. In such cases, a reassessment of the control measures is required.

Instrumental Fado: a generative interactive system

Fado was listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. This dissertation describes a theoretical model, as well as an automatic system, able to generate instrumental music based on the musics and vocal sounds typically associated with fado’s practice. A description of the phenomenon of fado, its musics and vocal sounds, based on ethnographic, historical sources and empirical data is presented. The data includes the creation of a digital corpus, of musical transcriptions, identified as fado, and statistical analysis via music information retrieval techniques. The second part consists in the formulation of a theory and the coding of a symbolic model, as a proof of concept, for the automatic generation of instrumental music based on the one in the corpus.

Pelvic lymphoscintigraphy: contribution to the preoperative staging of rectal cancer

PURPOSE: Preservation of the anal sphincter in surgery for cancer of the distal rectum in an attempt to avoid colostomy has been a main concern of colorectal surgeons. Various proposed procedures contradict oncological principles, especially with respect to pelvic lymphadenectomy. Therefore, prior knowledge of pelvic lymph node involvement is an important factor in choosing the operative technique, i.e., radical or conservative resection. Introduction of ultrasound, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance have made preoperative study of the area possible. Nevertheless, these resources offer information of an anatomical nature only. Lymphoscintigraphy enables the morphological and functional evaluation of the pelvic area and contributes toward complementing the data obtained with the other imaging techniques. The objective of this prospective study is twofold: to standardize the lymphoscintigraphy technique and to use it to differentiate patients with rectal cancer from those with other coloproctologic diseases. CASUISTIC AND METHODS: Sixty patients with various coloproctologic diseases were studied prospectively. Ages ranged from 21 to 96 years (average, 51 and median, 55 years). Twenty-six patients were male and 34 were female. Thirty patients had carcinoma of the distal rectum as diagnosed by proctologic and anatomic-pathologic examinations, 20 patients had hemorrhoids, 5 had chagasic megacolon, 2 had diverticular disease, 2 had neoplasm of the right colon, and 1 had ulcerative colitis as diagnosed by proctologic exam and/or enema. The lymphoscintigraphy method consisted of injecting 0.25 mL of a dextran solution marked with radioactive technetium-99m into the right and left sides of the perianal region and obtaining images with a gamma camera. The results were analyzed statistically with a confidence level of 95% (P < .05) using the following statistical techniques: arithmetic and medium average, Fisher exact test, chi-square test corrected for continuity according to Yates, and distribution tables for the number of patients. RESULTS: In rectal cancer, the tracer progresses unilaterally or is absent; in other patients, the progress of the tracer is bilateral and symmetrical, although its progress may be slow. Statistical tests showed with high significance that the agreement index between the clinical diagnosis and the result of the lymphoscintigraphic exam was 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoscintigraphy is a standardized, painless, and harmless test that can be performed in all cases; it differentiates patients with rectal cancer from those with other coloproctological diseases.

Distúrbios osteomioarticulares : lombalgia e escoliose : prevalência e fatores associados : um estudo analítico e transversal em adolescentes da região do Algarve

RESUMO - Introdução: Os distúrbios osteomioarticulares envolvem diversas condições donde se destacam a lombalgia e a escoliose, a primeira considerando o fato que a sua prevalência tem vindo a aumentar em adolescentes consistindo num problema crescente de saúde pública que envolve custos indiretos e a escoliose pela ausência de estudos nacionais. Diversos fatores físicos, genéticos, mecânicos, comportamentais e ambientais podem estar envolvidos na patogénese das lombalgias e escolioses. O ambiente escolar, incluindo as posturas adotadas pelos alunos e o transporte das mochilas escolares, e alguns hábitos de estilos de vida constituem fatores que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento destes distúrbios osteomioarticulares. Este estudo também aborda o estado ponderal, nomeadamente o excesso de peso e a obesidade, pois este é referido frequentemente como um potencial fator de risco destes distúrbios osteomioarticulares (apesar de ainda apresentar controvérsia na literatura), além de ser, por si só, atualmente considerado como um dos mais graves problemas de saúde pública a nível mundial. Objetivos do estudo: (1) determinar a prevalência pontual, anual e ao longo da vida de lombalgia, assim como a prevalência de escoliose em adolescentes da região do Algarve; (2) identificar os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento destes distúrbios osteomioarticulares; (3) determinar a prevalência de excesso de peso e de obesidade e explorar a sua eventual associação com a prevalência de lombalgia e escoliose em adolescentes; (4) comparar os resultados obtidos nos diferentes métodos antropométricos (Índice de massa corporal - IMC, medição das pregas cutâneas e circunferência abdominal) e verificar a sua concordância. Material e métodos: O desenho deste estudo foi de natureza observacional, analítico e transversal. O estudo foi aprovado pela Comissão de Ética da Administração Regional de Saúde do Algarve, pela Direção Regional de Educação do Algarve, pela Direção-Geral de Inovação e de Desenvolvimento Curricular, Ministério da Educação e Ciência, e pelas Direções dos Agrupamentos de Escolas que participaram do projeto. A amostra incluiu 966 adolescentes da região do Algarve, sul de Portugal, com idades compreendidas entre os 10 e 16 anos (12,24±1,53 anos), sendo 437 (45,2%) do sexo masculino e 529 (54,8%) do feminino. O método de amostragem foi aleatório estratificado, com base nos concelhos da região do Algarve, assumindo que poderia existir heterogeneidades geográficas. Os instrumentos de medida foram aplicados num único momento (2011/2012) e incluíram o Questionário de Lombalgia e Hábitos Posturais para caracterizar a presença de lombalgia e os hábitos posturais adotados pelos alunos em casa e na escola, o escoliómetro para avaliar a presença de escoliose, a balança, o estadiómetro (sendo posteriormente calculado o IMC), o adipómetro e a fita métrica. A análise dos dados incluiu técnicas de estatística descritiva, gráficas e analíticas aplicadas à todas as variáveis em estudo. Para determinar a associação entre as variáveis do estudo foi utilizada a estatística inferencial, nomeadamente o teste de independência do Qui-quadrado. Para analisar as correlações entre as medidas obtidas com os métodos antropométricos (na sua forma quantitativa), foi utilizado o coeficiente de Spearman. A influência das diversas variáveis na presença de lombalgia foi aferida através de regressões logísticas binárias, sendo os resultados apresentados como odds ratios brutos e ajustados e respetivos intervalos de confiança. Resultados: O presente estudo revelou uma elevada prevalência de lombalgia (anual: 47,2%; pontual: 15,7%; ao longo da vida: 62,1%). As raparigas apresentaram 2,05 de probabilidade de apresentar lombalgia comparativamente aos rapazes (IC 95%: 1,58-2,65; p<0,001), assim como os alunos com idades mais avançadas (13-16 anos) comparativamente aos mais novos (10-12 anos) que tiveram 1,54 de chances (IC 95%: 1,19-1,99; p=0,001). Os alunos que indicaram adotar uma postura de sentado com a coluna vertebral posicionada incorretamente apresentaram 2,49 de probabilidade de revelar lombalgia (IC 95%: 1,91-3,24; p<0,001), os alunos que afirmaram se posicionar de forma inadequada para assistir televisão ou jogar videojogos tiveram a probabilidade de 2,01 (IC 95%: 1,55- 2,61; p<0,001) e aqueles que adotaram a postura de pé incorretamente tiveram 3,39 de chance de apresentar lombalgia (IC 95%: 2,19-5,23; p<0,001). A escoliose esteve presente em 41 (4,2%) alunos. As raparigas apresentaram a maior prevalência (4,5% versus 3,9%) do que os rapazes e o mesmo foi observado nas raparigas que apresentaram a menarca tardia (8,6% versus 3,3%) e os que foram classificados como magros (7,1%), não sendo no entanto estas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Relativamente à prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade, os valores variaram de 31,6%, 61,4% e 41,1% de acordo com a medição do IMC, pregas cutâneas e circunferência abdominal, respetivamente. Os valores obtidos com a avaliação dos três métodos antropométricos apresentaram um elevado alto grau de correlação entre o IMC e as pregas cutâneas (p<0,001; r=0,712), entre o IMC e circunferência abdominal (p<0,001; r=0,884) e entre a circunferência abdominal e as pregas cutâneas (p<0,001; r=0,701). Conclusões: O presente estudo revelou valores de prevalência de lombalgia semelhante a estudos anteriores sendo que os alunos com idade mais avançada, ou do sexo feminino ou aqueles que adotavam a postura sentada e de pé de forma inadequada ou os que transportavam indevidamente a mochila escolar apresentaram a maior prevalência. Quanto à presença de escoliose, observou-se uma baixa prevalência não sendo verificada nenhuma associação significativa com os fatores analisados. Relativamente ao estado ponderal, verificou-se uma elevada prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade, com a utilização dos três métodos antropométricos: IMC, medição das pregas cutâneas e circunferência abdominal, tendo sido verificado um elevado grau de correlação entre estes três métodos antropométricos. Este estudo contribuiu para determinar a magnitude destes distúrbios osteomiarticulares nesta população específica, assim como seus possíveis fatores associados. De acordo os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, torna-se necessário ações de intervenção nas escolas, envolvendo não somente os alunos, mas toda a comunidade escolar, com o objetivo de prevenção destes distúrbios osteomioarticulares através da promoção de hábitos de vida saudável.

Electrokinetic treatment of environmental matrices. Contaminants removal and phosphorus recovery

There is a need to develop viable techniques for removal and recovery organic and inorganic compounds from environmental matrices, due to their ecotoxicity, regulatory obligations or potential supplies as secondary materials. In this dissertation, electro –removal and –recovery techniques were applied to five different contaminated environmental matrices aiming phosphorus (P) recovery and/or contaminants removal. In a first phase, the electrokinetic process (EK) was carried out in soils for (i) metalloids and (ii) organic contaminants (OCs) removal. In the case of As and Sb mine contaminated soil, the EK process was additionally coupled with phytotechnologies. In a second phase, the electrodialytic process (ED) was applied to wastes aiming P recovery and simultaneous removal of (iii) toxins from membrane concentrate, (iv) heavy metals from sewage sludge ash (SSA), and (v) OCs from sewage sludge (SS). EK enhanced phytoremediation showed to be viable for the remediation of soils contaminated with metalloids, as although remediation was low, it combines advantages of both technologies while allowing site management. EK also proved to be an effective remediation technology for the removal and degradation of emerging OCs from two types of soil. Aiming P recovery and contaminants removal, different ED cell set-ups were tested. For the membrane concentrates, the best P recovery was achieved in a three compartment (3c) cell, but the highest toxin removal was obtained in a two compartment (2c) cell, placing the matrix in the cathode end. In the case of SSA the best approach for simultaneous P recovery and heavy metals removal was to use a 2c-cell placing the matrix in the anode end. However, for simultaneous P recovery and OCs removal, SS should be placed in the cathode end, in a 2c-cell. Overall, the data support that the selection of the cell design should be done case-by-case.