Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco
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Evaluation of the structural strength of anisotropic PLA components manufactured by 3D printing
Get PDFPredicting the mechanical strength of components manufactured by additive processes is a challenging task that is difficulted by the complexity of the geometries fabricated by these processes, along with the anisotropy enhanced by the layer-by-layer manufacturing method and the difficulty in quickly obtaining the elastic and strength properties of the materials, which are strongly influenced by the manufacturing parameters. The use of 3D CAD models in the design phase of components manufactured by 3D printing facilitates the use of the finite element method in assessing their strength and simulating their in-service behavior. However, the finite element analysis of 3D printed parts using anisotropic material behaviour are rare and restricted to simple geometries. To deal with the anisotropy of materials, intense research has been carried out for the last decades in the field of evaluating the mechanical strength of composite materials, introducing several specific failure criteria.
In this article, the in-service behaviour of PLA components manufactured by 3D printing is simulated, applying criteria usually used in the study of composite materials to evaluate their mechanical strength. The simulation through the finite element method was developed on the Hexagon Marc/Mentat software, using the Maximum Stress and Hoffman failure criteria.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The importance of oriented physical activity in the first 48 months : differences in motor skills
Get PDFBackground: The importance of physical activity in the first months of age is well known, however, with the evolution of the urban environment, the excessive workload of parents and the excessive time in growing up in kindergartens has limited this same free practice and little has been studied about this issue. In Portugal, there are institutions that provide oriented physical activity for their children, however, this is optional, which may create disadvantages in children’s motor skills in these ages.
Objective: The objective of the study isto verify if there are differences in the development of motor skills (global and fine) comparing children between 12 and 48 months who practice oriented physical activity (OPA) and children who do not.
Methods: Participated in this study, 400 children of both genders (28.14 ± 7.23 months). Two groups were created (the group that had oriented physical activity (30 min long and 2 times a week) and the group that didn’t have oriented physical activity). For a better understanding they were divided into 3 age groups (12–23, 24–35 and 36–48 months). Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 scales, for 6 months, following the instrument’s application standards.
Results: In a first analysis, we found that the majority of children only start to practice oriented physical activity in institutions from 36 months of age, however, it is in the first months (from 12 to 35) that the greatest differences between the two groups can occur. The OPA group presented better results according to the mean values, in all motor skills. Differences between groups were most noticeable in Postural, locomotion and fine manipulation Skills (showing effect size: moderate and low).
Conclusions: We can conclude that a practice of oriented physical activity in the first 48 months is fundamental to the development of motor skills. It is in the first months (up to 36) that there are greater differences, but it is also where there are less children carrying out guided physical activity. This is an important factor, and is determinant to make institutions aware of this importance of this variable in child development.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Ferramentas tecnológicas de diagnóstico não invasivo
No full textDissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Tecnologia do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Desenvolvimento de Software e Sistemas Interativos.Realizar o diagnóstico de uma doença mental é complicado, não só pela complexidade de distinguir cada doença com base nos sintomas, mas também pelo estigma que existe em torno da realização do exame para obter o diagnóstico. Este estigma poderá ser mitigado com o suporte da tecnologia. Para se realizar o diagnóstico de uma doença mental é necessário usar uma ferramenta MMSE – Mini Mental State Examination, este exame existe em formato papel e é adaptado para diversas línguas. Neste documento apresenta-se uma
proposta de solução digital para essa ferramenta em papel através do mapeamento das perguntas do exame.
De forma a que os pacientes possam utilizar a solução digital, esta foi desenvolvida o mais próximo da solução em papel. Contém imagens simples, suporte áudio para as perguntas e botões acessíveis. Na solução digital é possível para além de realizar o exame, configurar informações da localização do paciente e consultar os resultados do dia. Esta solução foi testada numa instituição para a terceira idade, tendo sido
realizado um plano de testes que envolve a realização do exame em ambos os formatos, papel e digital. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que os resultados obtidos na solução digital se aproximam do formato em papel, bem como o tempo de resolução do exame é mais baixo usando a solução digital.Abstract: Making a diagnosis of mental illness is complicated, not only by the complexity of distinguishing each disease based on symptoms but also by the stigma that exists around taking the test to obtain the diagnosis. This stigma could be mitigated with the support of technology. To make a mental illness diagnosis is necessary to perform the MMSE - Mini Mental State Examination tool. This examination exists in paper format and it's
adapted to several languages. This paper presents a proposal for a digital solution to this paper-based.
For patients to be able to use the digital solution, it has been developed as close as possible to the paper-based solution. It contains simple images, audio support for the questions, and accessible buttons. In the digital solution, it is possible not only to perform the exam in addition configure the patient's location information and consult daily results. This solution was tested in an institution for the elderly, having carried out a test
plan that involves performing the exam in both formats, paper and digital. The results acquired shows that the results obtained in the digital solution are close to the paper format, as the examination resolution time is lower using the digital solution
Intra-observer reproducibility and inter-observer agreement of Fels skeletal age assessments among male tennis players 8–16 years
Get PDFBackground Skeletal age (SA) is an estimate of biological maturity status that is commonly used in sport-related medical examinations. This study considered intra-observer reproducibility and inter-observer agreement of SA assessments among male tennis players.
Methods SA was assessed with the Fels method in 97 male tennis players with chronological ages (CA) spanning 8.7–16.8 years. Radiographs were evaluated by two independent trained observers. Based on the difference between SA and CA, players were classified as late, average or early maturing; if a player was skeletally mature, he was noted as such as an SA is not assigned.
Results The magnitude of intra-individual differences between repeated SA assessments were d = 0.008 year
(observer A) and d = 0.001 year (observer B); the respective coefficients of variation were 1.11% and 1.75%. Interobserver mean differences were negligible (t = 1.252, p = 0.210) and the intra-class correlation coefficient was nearly perfect (ICC = 0.995). Concordance of classifications of players by maturity status between observers was 90%.
Conclusion Fels SA assessments were highly reproducible and showed an acceptable level of inter-observer agreement between trained examiners. Classifications of players by skeletal maturity status based on assessments of the two observers were highly concordant, though not 100%. The results highlight the importance of experienced observers in skeletal maturity assessments.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Growing old, growing green : nature-based physical activity for aging gracefully
No full textThe book emphasises the transformative power of nature in old age. It draws on empirical knowledge to inspire seniors to rejuvenate their lives through the beauty and wonder of nature. It is a valuable resource for older people, carers and healthcare professionals seeking transformative experiences in nature that offer relaxation, rejuvenation and a deep sense of connection with the universe. With each turn of the page, the book reminds us that nature is a limitless source of joy, healing and renewal, offering us the chance to rediscover the magic of life itself.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Estado da bovinicultura de leite em Portugal
Get PDFAtravés de consulta e análise de informação muito recente disponível nas páginas Web de organismos oficiais como Instituto de Financiamento da Agricultura e Pescas (IFAP), o Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE), o Sistema de Informação de Mercados Agrícolas - Gabinete de Planeamento e Políticas (SIMA-GPP) e o European Milk Market Observatory (MMO), foi possível obter informação atualizada que nos permite ficar a conhecer melhor a bovinicultura de leite em Portugal. Contata-se que o número de vacas leiteiras tem vindo a diminuir, embora a produção anual de leite tenha aumentado ligeiramente. Verifica-se que o número de explorações com vacas leiteiras em atividade tem diminuído acentuadamente e que mais de metade daquelas explorações estão localizadas na Região Autónoma dos Açores. No entanto, é no continente português que se produzem dois terços da quantidade total de leite de vaca, leite de excelente qualidade nutricional e sanitária conforme demonstram os dados da Associação para o Laboratório Interprofissional do Sector do Leite e Lacticínios (ALIP). Relativamente ao preço do leite, os valores pagos aos produtores em Portugal têm sido, quase sempre, dos mais baixos praticados na UE27. Entre julho de 2021 e setembro de 2022 o preço do leite pago aos produtores portugueses foi mesmo o mais baixo de toda a UE27, com tendência crescente para o aumento da diferença negativa entre o valor médio anual do kg de leite pago aos produtores da UE27 e pago aos produtores em Portugal. Esta situação está a contribuir para o esmagamento da produção de leite nacional uma vez que o custo da alimentação das vacas leiteiras tem aumentado, não só devido ao aumento do preço das matérias-primas que entram na formulação dos alimentos concentrados como também devido ao aumento do preço dos fatores de produção associados à produção de forragens. É urgente que as organizações cooperativas que recolhem e transformam a maioria do leite de vaca produzido em Portugal acrescentem muito mais valor a este produto permitindo vender melhor e pagar melhor aos produtores.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
O EEG Emergente nos Cuidados Intensivos
Get PDFO eletroencefalograma de rápida aquisição constitui uma necessidade nas unidades de cuidados intensivos. A sua melhoria tecnológica trará ao paciente crítico maiores possibilidades de sobrevivência e diminuição de sequelas.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The geochemical behavior of Pb and Zn in waters and stream sediments around a former Pb-Zn mine, central Portugal
No full textIn Portugal, ore mineral exploitation has left millions of tons of mining waste rich in metals in the environment. The former Várzea Pb-Zn mine is located in the Várzea dos Cavaleiros village, about 10 km from Sertã village and 65 km from Castelo Branco county, central Portugal. The Pb-Zn quartz vein with N10ºW; 75º SW orientation, 0.5-1.5 m thick, intruded the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian schist-greywacke complex. About 17576.47 tons of ore minerals were exploited between 1953 and 1967 [1]. There are two main mine dumps, the largest one is 100 m long and 47 m wide. The other dump is mainly composed of fine tailings
A serological survey of Brucella spp. in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Portugal
No full textWildlife has been identified as important sentinels for the surveillance of zoonotic pathogens such Brucella infection. Systematic brucellosis monitoring in wildlife is not demanded by regulatory acts, but several studies have reported the presence of this infection in European countries. In order to investigate the importance of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the epidemiology of Brucella infection in Portugal, a serological survey was performed on samples of 276 hunted red deer from the centre of Portugal.This work was supported by the projects UIDB/CVT/0072/2020 and LA/P/0059/2020 funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
Miniaturized solid phase extraction techniques applied to natural products
Get PDFNatural products are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives through their use in
industry, food, as therapeutic agents, etc. To evaluate their possible applications, it is essential to
characterize them chemically to explore their potential. Different techniques may be used to characterize natural products, including microextraction techniques. These techniques have been gaining popularity due to the advantages associated with their low use of organic solvents and the small
amount of sample used relative to more classical sample preparation techniques. Their application
in the extraction of compounds from natural products is still scarce. This manuscript intends to
review the most used solid-based miniaturized sample preparation techniques applied to determining compounds in natural products. The main applications of these methodologies will be discussed, with a particular focus on natural product analysis, as well as their advantages and disadvantages over traditionally used sample preparation techniques.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio