Invited review: Models for the optimization of regional wastewater treatment systems

European Journal of Operational Research, nº 73 (1994)

Enterococcus and biocides: mechanisms of tolerance and selection for vancomycin resistance

Dissertation presented to obtain a Doctoral degree in Biology, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

Mapping of a Leishmania major gene/locus that confers pentamidine resistance by deletion and insertion of transposable element

Pentamidine (PEN) is an alternative compound to treat antimony-resistant leishmaniasis patients, which cellular target remains unclear. One approach to the identification of prospective targets is to identify genes able to mediate PEN resistance following overexpression. Starting from a genomic library of transfected parasites bearing a multicopy episomal cosmid vector containing wild-type Leishmania major DNA, we isolated one locus capable to render PEN resistance to wild type cells after DNA transfection. In order to map this Leishmania locus, cosmid insert was deleted by two successive sets of partial digestion with restriction enzymes, followed by transfection into wild type cells, overexpression, induction and functional tests in the presence of PEN. To determine the Leishmania gene related to PEN resistance, nucleotide sequencing experiments were done through insertion of the transposon Mariner element of Drosophila melanogaster (mosK) into the deleted insert to work as primer island. Using general molecular techniques, we described here this method that permits a quickly identification of a functional gene facilitating nucleotide sequence experiments from large DNA fragments. Followed experiments revealed the presence of a P-Glycoprotein gene in this locus which role in Leishmania metabolism has now been analyzed.

Developing an aquaponics system to learn sustainability and social compromise skills

The goal of this project, one of the proposals of the EPS@ISEP Spring 2014, was to develop an Aquaponics System. Over recent years Aquaponics systems have received increased attention since they contribute to reduce the strain on resources within 1st and 3rd world countries. Aquaponics is the combination of Hydroponics and Aquaculture, mimicking a natural environment in order to successfully apply and enhance the understanding of natural cycles within an indoor process. Using this knowledge of natural cycles, it was possible to create a system with capabilities similar to that of a natural environment with the support of electronics, enhancing the overall efficiency of the system. The multinational team involved in the development of this system was composed of five students from five countries and fields of study. This paper describes their solution, including the overall design, the technology involved and the benefits it can bring to the current market. The team was able to design and render the Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings of the prototype, assemble all components, successfully test the electronics and comply with the budget. Furthermore, the designed solution was supported by a product sustainability study and included a specific marketing plan. Last but not least, the students enrolled in this project obtained new multidisciplinary knowledge and increased their team work and cross-cultural communication skills.

A simplified four-branch model for the analytical study of the out-of-plane performance of regular stone URM walls

During the last years, several studies have been made aiming to assess the out-of-plane seismic response of unreinforced stone masonry structures. This fact led to the development of a wide variety of models and approaches, ranging from simple kinematic based analytical models up to complex numerical simulations. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity, the out-of-plane seismic response of a masonry wall pier may be obtained by means of a simple single-degree-of-freedom system while still providing good results. In fact, despite the assumptions associated with such a simple formulation, it is also true that the epistemic uncertainty inherent with the selection of appropriate input parameters in more complex models may render them truly ineffective. In this framework, this paper focuses on the study of the out-of-plane bending of unreinforced stone masonry walls (cantilevers) by proposing a simplified analytical approach based on the construction of a linearized four-branch model, which is used to characterize the linear and nonlinear response of such structural elements through an overturning moment-rotation relationship. The formulation of the four-branch model is presented and described in detail and the meaningful parameters used for its construction are obtained from a set of experimental laboratory tests performed on six full-scale unreinforced regular sacco stone masonry specimens. Moreover, a parametric analysis aiming to evaluate the effect of these parameters’ variation on the final configuration of the model is presented and critically discussed. Finally, the results obtained from the application of the developed four-branch model on real unreinforced regular sacco stone masonry walls are thoroughly analysed and the main conclusions obtained from its application are summarized.

Post-MAPS: An interactive acquisition platform for gastroenterology

Post-MAPS is a web platform that collects gastroenterological exam data from several european hospital centers, to be used in future clinical studies and was developed in partnership with experts from the gastroenterological area and information technology (IT) technicians. However, although functional, this platform has some issues that are crucial for its functioning, and can render user interaction unpleasant and exhaustive. Accordingly, we proposed the development of a new web platform, in which we aimed for an improvement in terms of usability, data uni cation and interoperability. Therefore, it was necessary to identify and study different ways of acquiring clinical data and review some of the existing clinical databases in order to understand how they work and what type of data they store, as well as their impact and contribution to clinical knowledge. Closely linked to the data model is the ability to share data with other systems, so, we also studied the concept of interoperability and analyzed some of the most widely used international standards, such as DICOM, HL7 and openEHR. As one of the primary objectives of this project was to achieve a better level of usability, practices related to Human Computer-Interaction, such as requirement analysis, creation of conceptual models, prototyping, and evaluation were also studied. Before we began the development, we conducted an analysis of the previous platform, from a functional point of view, which allowed us to gather not only a list of architectural and interface issues, but also a list of improvement opportunities. It was also performed a small preliminary study in order to evaluate the platform's usability, where we were able to realize that perceived usability is different between users, and that, in some aspects, varies according to their location, age and years of experience. Based on the information gathered during the platform's analysis and in the conclusions of the preliminary study, a new platform was developed, prepared for all potential users, from the inexperienced to the most comfortable with technology. It presents major improvements in terms of usability, also providing several new features that simplify the users' work, improving their interaction with the system, making their experience more enjoyable.

Quantification of urban land use intensity - A case of Dhaka City of Bangladesh

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

Estudo Focado no Utilizador de Software Gratuito para Modelação e Visualização 3D Realista

Computação gráfica um campo que tem vindo a crescer bastante nos últimos anos, desde áreas como cinematográficas, dos videojogos, da animação, o avanço tem sido tão grande que a semelhança com a realidade é cada vez maior. Praticamente hoje em dia todos os filmes têm efeitos gerados através de computação gráfica, até simples anúncios de televisão para não falar do realismo dos videojogos de hoje. Este estudo tem como objectivo mostrar duas alternativas no mundo da computação gráfica, como tal, vão ser usados dois programas, Blender e Unreal Engine. O cenário em questão será todo modelado de raiz e será o mesmo nos dois programas. Serão feitos vários renders ao cenário, em ambos os programas usando diferentes materiais, diferentes tipos de iluminação, em tempo real e não de forma a mostrar as várias alternativas possíveis.

Levantamento das parasitoses intestinais e condições sócio-econômicas e sanitárias em um bairro de Botucatu - S.P.

Neste trabalho, os autores apresentam os resultados de levantamento das condições sócio-econômicas e sanitárias do Tanquinho, bairro de Botucatu (SP) e dos exames de fezes da população de zero a quinze anos dessa área e uma associação entre essas duas séries de dados. Fundamentados nestes, os autores encarecem o papel das condições sócio-econômicas e lembram a importância destas no planejamento e execução de programas de atenção médica.

Antischistosomal activity of acridanone- hydrazones in Cebus monkeys experimentally infected with the SJ strain of Schistosoma mansoni

In this study, four compounds were utilized at the dose of 12.5mg/kg body weight, p.o., to treat Cebus monkeys experimentally infected with about 200 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni (SJ strain), via transcutaneous route. The oograms performed with rectal snips, as well as stool examinations carried out periodically, showed no viable eggs of the parasite, from day 29 to 226post-treatment. The perfusion undertaken after killing the animals showed absence of worms in the treated monkeys, whereas 83 worms were recovered from the control, thus corroborating the results obtained by means of oograms and coproscopy. These results confirm the efficacy of 9-acridanone- hydrazones previously tested against the LE strain of S. mansoni. The low curative dose and apparent absence of toxicity render these dmgs an important therapeutic reserve, taking into consideration the reports on the resistance of S. mansoni to the modern drugs oxamniquine and praziquantel.

Continuidade de cuidados numa Unidade de Saúde Familiar : o efeito nos custos

RESUMO - Caracterização do problema: O sistema de saúde português atingiu um patamar de ineficiência tal que urge ser reestruturado de forma a torná-lo sustentável. De forma a atingir este nível de sustentabilidade, uma série de soluções podem ser consideradas das quais destacamos a integração de cuidados. Este conceito exige que os diferentes níveis de saúde sigam um único caminho, trabalhando de forma coordenada e contínua. A integração de cuidados pode ser implementada através de várias tipologias entre as quais se destaca a integração clínica que por sua vez é composta pela continuidade de cuidados. Assim, ao medir a continuidade de cuidados, quantifica-se de certa forma a integração de cuidados. Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto da continuidade de cuidados nos custos. Metodologia: Os dados foram analisados através de estatísticas descritivas para verificar o seu grau de normalidade. Posteriormente foram aplicados testes t-student para analisar a existência de diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as médias das diferentes variáveis. Foi então estudado o grau de associação entre variáveis através da correlação de spearman. Por fim, foi utilizado o modelo de regressão log-linear para verificar a existência de uma relação entre as várias naturezas de custos e os índices de continuidade. Com base neste modelo foram simulados dois cenários para estimar o impacto da maximização da continuidade de cuidados nas várias naturezas de custos. Conclusões: No geral, verifica-se uma relação muito ligeira entre a continuidade de cuidados e os custos. Mais especificamente, uma relação mais duradoura entre o médico e o doente resulta numa poupança de custos, independentemente da tipologia. Analisando a densidade da relação, observa-se uma relação positiva entre a mesma e os custos totais e o custo com Meios Complementares de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica (MCDT). Contudo verifica-se uma relação médico-doente negativa entre a densidade e os custos com medicamentos e com pessoal. Ao analisar o impacto da continuidade de cuidados nos custos, conclui-se que apenas a duração da relação médico-doente tem um impacto negativo em todas as categorias de custos, exceto o custo com medicamentos. A densidade de cuidados tem um impacto negativo apenas no custo com pessoal, influenciando positivamente as outras categorias de custos. Extrapolando para o nível nacional se o nível de densidade de uma relação fosse maximizado, existiria uma poupança de 0,18 euros, por ano, em custos com pessoal.

Earth mortars constructive use on Neolithic domestic structures. Some case studies in Alentejo.

HMC08 - 1st Historical Mortars Conference: Characterization, Diagnosis, Conservation, Repair and Compatibility, LNEC, Lisbon, 24-26 September 2008

Characterization of mortars with ceramic residues

XIII DBMC – 12th International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components,2-5 September 2014, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Amorphous silicon e 3D sensors applied to object detection

Nowadays, existing 3D scanning cameras and microscopes in the market use digital or discrete sensors, such as CCDs or CMOS for object detection applications. However, these combined systems are not fast enough for some application scenarios since they require large data processing resources and can be cumbersome. Thereby, there is a clear interest in exploring the possibilities and performances of analogue sensors such as arrays of position sensitive detectors with the final goal of integrating them in 3D scanning cameras or microscopes for object detection purposes. The work performed in this thesis deals with the implementation of prototype systems in order to explore the application of object detection using amorphous silicon position sensors of 32 and 128 lines which were produced in the clean room at CENIMAT-CEMOP. During the first phase of this work, the fabrication and the study of the static and dynamic specifications of the sensors as well as their conditioning in relation to the existing scientific and technological knowledge became a starting point. Subsequently, relevant data acquisition and suitable signal processing electronics were assembled. Various prototypes were developed for the 32 and 128 array PSD sensors. Appropriate optical solutions were integrated to work together with the constructed prototypes, allowing the required experiments to be carried out and allowing the achievement of the results presented in this thesis. All control, data acquisition and 3D rendering platform software was implemented for the existing systems. All these components were combined together to form several integrated systems for the 32 and 128 line PSD 3D sensors. The performance of the 32 PSD array sensor and system was evaluated for machine vision applications such as for example 3D object rendering as well as for microscopy applications such as for example micro object movement detection. Trials were also performed involving the 128 array PSD sensor systems. Sensor channel non-linearities of approximately 4 to 7% were obtained. Overall results obtained show the possibility of using a linear array of 32/128 1D line sensors based on the amorphous silicon technology to render 3D profiles of objects. The system and setup presented allows 3D rendering at high speeds and at high frame rates. The minimum detail or gap that can be detected by the sensor system is approximately 350 μm when using this current setup. It is also possible to render an object in 3D within a scanning angle range of 15º to 85º and identify its real height as a function of the scanning angle and the image displacement distance on the sensor. Simple and not so simple objects, such as a rubber and a plastic fork, can be rendered in 3D properly and accurately also at high resolution, using this sensor and system platform. The nip structure sensor system can detect primary and even derived colors of objects by a proper adjustment of the integration time of the system and by combining white, red, green and blue (RGB) light sources. A mean colorimetric error of 25.7 was obtained. It is also possible to detect the movement of micrometer objects using the 32 PSD sensor system. This kind of setup offers the possibility to detect if a micro object is moving, what are its dimensions and what is its position in two dimensions, even at high speeds. Results show a non-linearity of about 3% and a spatial resolution of < 2µm.

Long-term characterization of air lime mortars with ceramic waste

Due to their exposure to environmental conditions, outer coatings composed by render and painting system are usually the first construction elements to deteriorate and require intervention. A correct conservation and rehabilitation of these materials is fundamental once they provide protection to other façade materials. It is known that old mortar renders were essentially air lime based mortars. To maintain the integrity of the whole wall-render elements, the image of the building and to avoid accelerated degradation, conservation and rehabilitation must be implemented with compatible mortars. As that, lime based mortars would be preferable. It was also common, in ancient renders, the incorporation of ceramic residues, which is, nowadays, an abundant material, especially in Central Region of Portugal. The reuse of these materials has great relevance once their landfilling causes serious environmental issues. In an attempt to combine the environmental and technical advantages of the use of ceramic waste in mortars’ production for rehabilitation purposes, a research has been developed at the University of Coimbra, in cooperation with Nova University of Lisbon, on the long term behaviour of air lime mortars with ceramic residues. In this paper the most significant up to one year results of an experimental campaign with air lime mortars with 1:3 and 1:2 volumetric proportions and ceramic residues are presented.