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A CFD investigation of the performance of stirred tanks
Get PDFRushton turbine was employed in this study to numerically analyze the fluid flow it generates within a stirred tank. The topology of the resulting flow was found to be strongly dependent on several parameters, including the geometric configurations of the system and the properties of the moving fluids. The governing equations, based on the k-epsilon model, were solved using the finite volume method. Velocity field profiles, streamlines and vortex sizes were ana-lyzed for several geometries, varying the number of blades from 6 to 12 and others. A comparison was also conducted to evaluate the effect of the number of stirring mobiles used to mix the fluid (single stage, two stages and three stages), as well as the influence of the spacing ratio between the different stir-rers. Finally, our numerical simulation procedure was validated through com-paring the results obtained with experimental work available in the literature, showing good agreement between the different approaches.None
Prática de Ensino Supervisionada – Construção do pensamento histórico através da literatura para a infância
No full textO presente relatório insere-se no âmbito da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada (PES) desenvolvida no contexto do Mestrado em Ensino do 1.º e 2.º Ciclos do Ensino Básico, e resulta de um estudo de natureza qualitativa, alicerçado numa metodologia de investigação-ação. O estudo, intitulado “A construção do pensamento histórico através da literatura para a infância”, teve como propósito compreender e analisar de que forma a literatura para a infância pode constituir-se como um recurso pedagógico potenciador do pensamento histórico e do pensamento crítico nas crianças do Ensino Básico.
A pertinência deste estudo emerge da necessidade de repensar o ensino da História nos primeiros níveis de escolaridade, de modo para além da simples transmissão de factos e datas, orientando-se antes para o desenvolvimento da consciência histórica, da interpretação do passado e da compreensão temporal. Nesta perspetiva, a literatura para a infância assume um papel mediador e formativo essencial, permitindo às crianças aceder a diferentes realidades históricas e culturais através de narrativas que despertam imaginação, empatia e sensibilidade histórica.
Atendendo aos princípios orientadores expressos nas Aprendizagens Essenciais do 1.º e 2.º Ciclos do Ensino Básico, reconhece-se que a integração da literatura na área da História e Geografia de Portugal contribui para uma aprendizagem mais interdisciplinar, reflexiva e significativa. Assim, o estudo assentou no desenvolvimento e implementação de práticas pedagógicas ativas, em que a leitura e a exploração de textos literários constituíram o ponto de partida para a construção de saberes e competências de natureza histórica.
A investigação decorreu em dois contextos distintos: no 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, com uma turma de 20 crianças do 4.º ano, e no 2.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, com duas turmas do 6.º ano, uma da disciplina de História e Geografia de Portugal (17 crianças) e outra da disciplina de Português (20 crianças).
Os objetivos que orientaram o estudo foram: (i)relacionar a literatura para a infância com os conteúdos curriculares de História e Geografia de Portugal; (ii)estimular o desenvolvimento do pensamento histórico através da literatura para a infância; (iii)recolher e analisar dados sobre a eficácia da utilização da literatura para a infância na construção do pensamento histórico em alunos do 1.º e 2.º Ciclos e (iv) identificar padrões e tendências que evidenciem o impacto da literatura para a infância na promoção do pensamento histórico e crítico.
A recolha de dados baseou-se na observação direta e participante, recorrendo a diferentes instrumentos e técnicas, tais como notas de campo, registos fotográficos, produções das crianças, documentos elaborados no âmbito das atividades e questionários aplicados aos participantes. Estes dados permitiram uma análise interpretativa das práticas e dos resultados obtidos, em consonância com a natureza cíclica e reflexiva da metodologia de investigação-ação.
Em termos estruturais, este relatório organiza-se em três partes principais. Na primeira parte, apresenta-se o enquadramento teórico e conceptual da investigação, destacando-se a relevância da literatura para a infância como mediadora na aprendizagem histórica e o papel do pensamento histórico no desenvolvimento cognitivo das crianças. A segunda parte descreve o processo metodológico, explicitando as opções pedagógicas, os contextos educativos, os instrumentos de recolha de dados e os procedimentos de análise. Por fim, na terceira parte, procede-se à análise e reflexão crítica dos resultados obtidos, evidenciando-se as implicações pedagógicas da utilização da literatura para a infância como recurso promotor de aprendizagens significativas e do pensamento histórico.This report is part of the Supervised Teaching Practice (PES) developed in the context of the master’s degree in Teaching the 1st and 2nd Cycles of Basic Education and is the result of a qualitative study based on an action research method. The study, entitled “The construction of historical thinking through children's literature,” aimed to understand and analyze how children's literature can be used as a pedagogical resource to enhance historical thinking and critical thinking in elementary school children.
The relevance of this study stems from the need to rethink the teaching of history in the early years of schooling, to go beyond the simple transmission of facts and dates, focusing instead on the development of historical awareness, interpretation of the past, and temporal understanding. From this perspective, children's literature plays an essential mediating and formative role, allowing children to access different historical and cultural realities through narratives that spark imagination, empathy, and historical sensitivity.
In view of the guiding principles expressed in the Essential Learning Outcomes for the 1st and 2nd Cycles of Basic Education, it is recognized that the integration of literature into the area of Portuguese History and Geography contributes to more interdisciplinary, reflective, and meaningful learning. Thus, the study was based on the development and implementation of active pedagogical practices, in which reading and exploring literary texts were the starting point for building historical knowledge and skills.
The research took place in two different contexts: in the 1st Cycle of Basic Education, with a class of 20 children in the 4th grade, and in the 2nd Cycle of Basic Education, with two classes in the 6th grade, one in the subject of Portuguese History and Geography (17 students) and the other in the subject of Portuguese (20 students).
The objectives that guided the study were: (i) to relate children's literature to the curriculum content of Portuguese History and Geography; (ii) to stimulate the development of historical thinking through children's literature; (iii) to collect and analyze data on the effectiveness of using children's literature in the construction of historical thinking in 1st and 2nd Cycle students; and (iv) to identify patterns and trends that demonstrate the impact of children's literature in promoting historical and critical thinking.
Data collection was based on direct and participant observation, using different instruments and techniques, such as field notes, photographic records, children's productions, documents produced during the activities, and questionnaires administered to participants. These data
allowed for an interpretive analysis of the practices and results obtained, in line with the cyclical and reflective nature of the action research method.
In structural terms, this report is organized into three main parts.
The first part presents the theoretical and conceptual framework of the research, highlighting the relevance of children's literature as a mediator in historical learning and the role of historical thinking in children's cognitive development.
The second part describes the methodological process, explaining the pedagogical choices, educational contexts, data collection instruments, and analysis procedures.
Finally, the third part analyzes and critically reflects on the results obtained, highlighting the pedagogical implications of using children's literature as a resource for promoting meaningful learning and historical thinking
ARTVOX
Get PDFAntigamente, o marketing era geralmente encarado como uma atividade focada na promoção de produtos e na persuasão do consumidor através da publicidade tradicional. No entanto, com a chegada da era digital e o surgimento das redes sociais, o marketing evoluiu para uma abordagem mais global e centrada no cliente. Atualmente, o marketing é uma disciplina multifacetada que inclui uma ampla gama de atividades, desde a pesquisa de mercado e análise de dados até à criação de estratégias de conteúdo e envolvimento do cliente em várias plataformas online e offline (Carvalho, 2018). É neste contexto que se desenvolve este estudo, que tem como objetivo desenvolver um plano de negócios para a criação da empresa ARTVOX, especializada em design de comunicação e marketing estratégico, oferecendo soluções personalizadas para empresas de vários setores e dimensões, adotando uma abordagem que liga criatividade e análise estratégica.
Para avaliar a viabilidade do projeto ARTVOX, foi elaborada uma análise económico-financeira detalhada, com base no modelo do IAPMEI e suportada por pressupostos realistas e ajustados ao contexto nacional. As projeções financeiras para o período de 2025 a 2030 mostram um crescimento progressivo do volume de negócios, o reforço do capital próprio e saldos de tesouraria sempre positivos. A ausência de endividamento externo, a robustez dos rácios de autonomia financeira e a capacidade de autofinanciamento confirmam a sustentabilidade do investimento. Paralelamente, o recurso a ferramentas como a análise SWOT e o modelo CANVAS permitiram enquadrar estrategicamente o negócio, sublinhando o crescimento da procura por soluções de marketing nos canais físicos e online, sustentando a conclusão de que a sua implementação representa não apenas uma oportunidade de negócio, mas também uma resposta prática à crescente procura por soluções criativas, acessíveis e eficazes no reforço da identidade e da presença de uma marca.In the past, marketing was generally seen as an activity focused on promoting products and persuading consumers through traditional advertising. However, with the arrival of the digital age and the emergence of social media, marketing has evolved into a more global and customer-centric approach. Today, marketing is a multifaceted discipline that includes a wide range of activities, from market research and data analysis to creating content strategies and customer engagement across multiple online and offline platforms. (Carvalho, 2018)
It is in this context that this study is developed, which aims to develop a business plan for the creation of the company ARTVOX, specializing in communication design and strategic marketing, offering customized solutions for companies of various sectors and sizes, adopting an approach that combines creativity and strategic analysis.
To assess the viability of the ARTVOX project, a detailed economic and financial analysis was prepared, based on the IAPMEI model and supported by realistic assumptions adjusted to the national context. Financial projections for the period 2025 to 2030 show a progressive growth in turnover, the strengthening of equity and always positive cash balances. The absence of external debt, the robustness of financial autonomy ratios and the capacity for self-financing confirm the sustainability of the investment. At the same time, the use of tools such as SWOT analysis and the CANVAS model allowed for strategically framing the business, highlighting the growing demand for marketing solutions in both physical and online channels, supporting the conclusion that its implementation represents not only a business opportunity but also a practical response to the increasing demand for creative, accessible, and effective solutions to strengthen a brand's identity and presence
Pork meat consumption: a comparative analysis between Brazilian and Portuguese consumers
Get PDFThis quantitative and cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the trend in pork consumption among Portuguese and Brazilian households, to identify which attributes were most valued by consumers when purchasing fresh pork meat, and to verify whether there were significant differences between Portuguese and Brazilian consumers regarding the factors/motivations for pork meat consumption. The data collection took place between April 16 and June 16, 2024, using a questionnaire through Google Forms. Later, data were analyzed using statistical software appropriate to the Human and Social Sciences. The Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare two independent groups.
Of the 210 valid responses gathered, most consumers were female, students, single, with higher education, living in households of 1 to 3 members with a net monthly income of up to 2,400 euros (R$14,391.89). A few consumers did not consume pork meat (7.6%). Of those who consumed it (n = 194), the majority preferred to buy fresh meat, valuing attributes such as flavor, taste (preference over other meats), and aroma. In the last six months, the frequency of consumption was similar between Portuguese and Brazilian consumers (p-value > 0.05).
Furthermore, consumers would prefer the proportion of lean meat to be greater than the proportion of fatty meat. Considering the nationality, animal welfare, local production, organic production, meat tenderness, and low environmental impact were identified as differentiating factors (p-value < 0.05) of pork meat consumption. These factors prove to be more critical for Portuguese consumers than Brazilian ones
Ablação da fibrilação auricular: perfil epidemiológico e fatores associados ao sucesso do tratamento
Get PDFEste relatório reflete o percurso formativo desenvolvido com o objetivo major de adquirir as competências comuns e específicas inerentes ao exercício profissional do Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica, na área da Pessoa em Situação Crítica. Foi promovida a capacidade de investigação, competência essencial no contexto da prática clínica sustentada na evidência científica. Essa vertente investigativa culminou na realização de um estudo que procurou analisar a relação entre variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e fatores de risco cardiovascular com o sucesso terapêutico, as complicações e o tempo de recidiva em doentes submetidos a ablação por fibrilhação auricular, numa unidade hospitalar localizada no Norte de Portugal.
Objetivo: Descrever o percurso formativo ao longo dos diversos contextos de estágio e desenvolver uma reflexão crítica sobre as atividades desenvolvidas durante esses momentos de prática. Com a investigação pretendemos: caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico de doentes submetidos à ablação da fibrilhação auricular, numa unidade hospitalar do Norte de Portugal; descrever os fatores de risco cardiovascular presentes na amostra; identificar as principais variáveis clínicas dos doentes submetidos à ablação; analisar a influência do tempo de espera para a realização da ablação nas complicações do tratamento; analisar a associação entre fatores de risco cardiovascular e o tempo de recidiva da fibrilhação auricular.
Métodos: Desenvolvimento de competências através de três estágios clínicos centrados no cuidado ao doente crítico (Laboratório de Eletrofisiologia, Serviço de Urgência e Serviço de Medicina Intensiva). Para o desenvolvimento da competência de investigação, realizou-se um estudo do tipo observacional, retrospetivo, descritivo e correlacional,
numa amostra de 94 doentes que realizaram ablação por fibrilhação auricular, entre os anos de 2022 e 2023, numa Unidade Hospitalar situada no interior norte de Portugal. Os dados foram recolhidos através de uma grelha de registo estruturada, construída com base nas informações disponíveis na plataforma informática CardioBase, no impresso clínico específico utilizado para os doentes submetidos a ablação por fibrilhação auricular, na consulta do processo clinico, bem como no livro de registo do serviço de eletrofisiologia.
Resultados: A amostra maioritariamente constituída por doentes com mais de 65 anos (43,6%) e do sexo masculino (60,6%), com uma média de idades de 63,04±7,56 anos. A maioria apresenta excesso de peso (45,7%) e um IMC médio de 28,00 kg/m². Entre os fatores de risco cardiovascular, destacam-se a hipertensão arterial (69,1%), dislipidémia (59,6%) e apneia do sono (34,0%), obesidade (31,9%), tabagismo (20,2%) e diabetes (18,1%). A maioria dos diagnósticos foi realizada através de eletrocardiograma (71,3%).
O procedimento de ablação teve uma taxa de sucesso clínico de 100%. Apenas 3,2% dos doentes desenvolveram hematomas no local de acesso femoral. O tempo médio de espera pela ablação foi de 121 dias. Entre os casos com recidiva (n=7), esta ocorreu em média aos 453 dias após o procedimento. A recidiva de fibrilhação auricular ocorreu em 7,4% dos casos, com 92,6% dos doentes a manterem ritmo sinusal. Não se registaram evidências de significância estatística relativamente à influência do tempo de espera para a realização da ablação nas complicações do tratamento, nem à relação entre os fatores de risco cardiovascular e o tempo até à recidiva da fibrilhação auricular.
Conclusão: Os estágios foram condição sine qua non para desenvolver as competências previstas para o enfermeiro especialista e mestre em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica na Área de Enfermagem à Pessoa em Situação Critica. Os resultados obtidos, do estudo de investigação, indicam uma elevada eficácia do procedimento de ablação na manutenção do ritmo sinusal ao longo do período de seguimento, com uma taxa reduzida de recidiva de fibrilhação auricular. Estes dados reforçam a relevância da ablação como uma opção terapêutica eficaz para o controlo da arritmia em doentes selecionados.This report reflects the training path undertaken with the primary objective of acquiring both the common and specific competencies inherent to the professional practice of the Nurse Specialist in Medical-Surgical Nursing, specifically in the area of the Person in Critical Condition. Research skills, essential in the context of evidence-based clinical practice, were also fostered. This investigative component culminated in the execution of a study aimed at analyzing the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical variables and cardiovascular risk factors with therapeutic success,
complications, and recurrence time in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation at a hospital unit located in Northern Portugal.
Objective: To describe the training journey across various internship contexts and to develop a critical reflection on the activities carried out during these practical experiences.
The objectives of the research are: to characterize the sociodemographic profile of patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation in a hospital in northern Portugal; to describe the cardiovascular risk factors present in the sample; to identify the main clinical variables of patients undergoing ablation; to analyse the influence of waiting time for ablation on treatment complications; to analyse the association between cardiovascular risk factors and the time to recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Methods: Competencies were developed through three clinical internships focused on the care of critically ill patients (Electrophysiology Laboratory, Emergency Department, and Intensive Care Unit). To support the development of research skills, an observational, retrospective, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted with a sample of 94 patients who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation between 2022 and 2023, in a hospital unit located in the inland north of Portugal. Data were collected using a structured recording grid, developed based on information available on the CardioBase electronic platform, the specific clinical form used for patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation, consultation of the clinical records, as well as the electrophysiology service logbook.
Results: The sample consisted mostly of patients over 65 years of age (43.6%) and male (60.6%), with a mean age of 63.04±7.56 years. Most patients were overweight (45.7%), with an average BMI of 28.00 kg/m². Among cardiovascular risk factors, the most common were hypertension (69.1%), dyslipidemia (59.6%), sleep apnea (34.0%), obesity (31.9%), smoking (20.2%), and diabetes (18.1%). Most diagnoses were made through electrocardiogram (71.3%). The ablation procedure had a clinical success rate of 100%.
Only 3.2% of patients developed hematomas at the femoral access site. The average waiting time for ablation was 121 days. Among the recurrence cases (n=7), recurrence occurred on average 453 days after the procedure. Atrial fibrillation recurrence occurred in 7.4% of cases, with 92.6% of patients maintaining sinus rhythm. No statistically significant evidence was found regarding the influence of waiting time for ablation neither on treatment complications, nor on the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and time to recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion: The internships were essential for the development of the competencies required for the nurse specialist and master’s degree in Medical-Surgical Nursing in the Area of the Person in Critical Condition. The results of the research study indicate a high effectiveness of the ablation procedure in maintaining sinus rhythm throughout the follow-up period, with a low rate of atrial fibrillation recurrence. These findings reinforce the relevance of ablation as an effective therapeutic option for arrhythmia control in selected patients
Respostas existentes após o ensino secundário na área da Saúde Mental e/ou da Educação Especial e Inclusiva no Nordeste Transmontano
Get PDFEsta dissertação propõe-se a analisar as respostas existentes no Nordeste Transmontano no âmbito da saúde mental e/ou das necessidades educativas especiais, com especial enfoque no período que sucede o ensino secundário. O objetivo central deste trabalho é identificar práticas, lacunas e oportunidades de intervenção que possam sustentar o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas mais eficazes e inclusivas. Para tal, recorreu-se a uma abordagem qualitativa, assente na análise documental, na realização de entrevistas com profissionais da área e na revisão da literatura científica relevante, de forma a obter uma compreensão aprofundada da problemática em estudo.
Pode referir-se que os dados recolhidos permitem concluir que a transição dos jovens com necessidades educativas especiais e perturbações mentais para a fase pós-ensino secundário no Nordeste Transmontano enfrenta desafios significativos. A investigação revelou a escassez de recursos especializados e a fraca articulação entre instituições como fatores que comprometem seriamente a concretização dos direitos educativos e sociais destes jovens.
Para além do contexto escolar, este estudo evidencia a necessidade de um sistema de apoio integrado e contínuo, que contemple a formação profissional, o acompanhamento psicológico e a inserção comunitária como componentes essenciais à inclusão. Torna-se evidente que a inclusão real não pode limitar-se ao acesso à escola, mas deve prolongar- se para a vida adulta e ativa dos indivíduos.
Para finalizar, espera-se que as recomendações aqui formuladas sirvam de base para futuras ações locais e para uma reflexão mais alargada sobre a necessidade de políticas públicas integradas nos domínios da educação e da saúde. Só através de um esforço articulado entre escolas, serviços de saúde, entidades empregadoras e a comunidade civil será possível assegurar que estes jovens terminem os seus percursos educativos com perspetivas reais de participação plena e digna na sociedade. Assim, esta investigação reforça a urgência de concretizar os princípios da educação inclusiva e da promoção da saúde mental como pilares fundamentais de uma sociedade mais justa, coesa e equitativa.This dissertation aims to analyze the existing responses in the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes in the field of mental health and/or special educational needs, with a particular focus on the period following secondary school. The main aim of this work is to identify practices, gaps and opportunities for intervention that can support the development of more effective and inclusive public policies. To this end, a qualitative approach was used, based on document analysis, interviews with professionals in the field and a review of the relevant scientific literature, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the issue under study.
It can be said that the data collected allows us to conclude that the transition of young people with special educational needs and mental disorders to the post-secondary phase in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes faces significant challenges. The research revealed a shortage of specialized resources and poor coordination between institutions as factors that seriously compromise the realization of these young people's educational and social rights.
In addition to the school context, this study highlights the need for an integrated and continuous support system that includes vocational training, psychological support and community integration as essential components of inclusion. It is clear that real inclusion cannot be limited to access to school, but must extend into individuals' adult and active lives.
Finally, it is hoped that the recommendations made here will serve as a basis for future local action and for wider reflection on the need for integrated public policies in the fields of education and health. Only through a coordinated effort between schools, health services, employers and the civil community will it be possible to ensure that these young people finish their education with real prospects of full and dignified participation in society. Thus, this research reinforces the urgency of realizing the principles of inclusive education and mental health promotion as essencial pillars of a fairer, more cohesive and equitable society
Nutritional and Bioactive Characterization of Unconventional Food Plants for Sustainable Functional Applications
Get PDFUnconventional food plants (UFPs) are increasingly valued for their nutritional composition and bioactive potential. This study proposes a comprehensive characterization of the chemical and bioactive properties of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) (PA); Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott (Araceae) (XS); Stachys byzantina K. Koch (Lamiaceae) (SB); and inflorescences from three cultivars of Musa acuminata (Musaceae) var. Dwarf Cavendish, var. BRS Platina, and var. BRS Conquista (MAD, MAP, and MAC), including the assessment of physical, nutritional, phytochemical, and biological parameters. Notably, detailed phenolic profiles were established for these species, many of which are poorly documented in the literature. XS was characterized by a unique abundance of C-glycosylated flavones, especially apigenin and luteolin derivatives, rarely described for this species. SB exhibited high levels of phenylethanoid glycosides, particularly verbascoside and its isomers (up to 21.32 mg/g extract), while PA was rich in O-glycosylated flavonols such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin derivatives. Nutritionally, XS had the highest protein content (16.3 g/100 g dw), while SB showed remarkable dietary fiber content (59.8 g/100 g). Banana inflorescences presented high fiber (up to 66.5 g/100 g) and lipid levels (up to 7.35 g/100 g). Regarding bioactivity, PA showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (95.21%) and SB the highest reducing power in the FRAP assay (4085.90 mu M TE/g). Cellular antioxidant activity exceeded 2000% in most samples, except for SB. Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities were generally low, with only SB showing moderate effects against Caco-2 and AGS cell lines. SB and PA demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Yersinia enterocolitica, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Enterococcus faecalis, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.156 to 0.625 mg/mL. Linear discriminant analysis revealed distinctive chemical patterns among the species, with organic acids (e.g., oxalic up to 7.53 g/100 g) and fatty acids (e.g., linolenic acid up to 52.38%) as key discriminant variables. Overall, the study underscores the nutritional and functional relevance of these underutilized plants and contributes rare quantitative data to the scientific literature regarding their phenolic signatures.This research was funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO,UIDB/00690/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020), National funding by FCT- Foundation for Science and Technology, throughthe institutional and individual scientific employment program-contract for Sandrina A. Heleno, Lillian Barros (DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002); and the contract of MárcioCarocho (CEEC-IND/00831/2018); through the individual research grant of Izamara de Oliveira BD/06017/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/2020.06017.BD). Vitor Augusto dos Santos Garcia and Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima would like to acknowledge the São Paulo Research FoundationSustainability 2025, 17, 6718 27 of 32 (FAPESP, Process number: 2023/06134-0) for providing financial support. The GIP-USAL is financiallysupported by Consejería de Educación-Junta de Castilla y León (Spain) through the Grant SA093P20
Empowering Young English Language Learners through Interactive Whiteboards and Children‟s Literature in a Primary School Setting -An Action-Research Study
Get PDFThis study focused on the characteristics of an action-research study concerning fostering English language reading and writing intervention programme through the use of storybooks and interactive whiteboards in a primary state school, located in northeast Portugal (mid-socio-economic status setting), where four groups of children (N= 92) participated in the academic year 2021-2022, after the National strategy for introducing foreign languages in primary schools was launched.
Despite the „innovations‟ the Portuguese official curriculum suggests, teaching of English as a foreign language in Portugal seems to remain attached to merely teaching a set of isolated words throughout the years. Hence, in this paper it is argued that storybooks aided by Interactive Whiteboards‟ (IWBs) videos of the stories display, subtitled in English have the clear potential to address the current lack of interactive communication in EFL classes. These classroom-based storybook reading sessions were carried out over an academic year. This targeted, controlled experiment examined the effects of a print referencing environment. The sample comprised 85 primary school children attending, Year 2 and (7 years old), (n=50) and Year 3 (8 years old), (n= 35), located in a city centre, Northeast Portugal. The participant, EFL Teacher, following a semi-bilingual syllabus, and the other teachers in 14 other classrooms did not use a print referencing style during 120 large-group storybook reading sessions during a 30-week period. The researcher‟s Field Notes evidenced that the teachers in the comparison classrooms neither read storybooks at all nor used the same interactive, narrative, fluent style of reading, but used instead their own set of isolated words to teach English, without a clear focus on reading.
However, in order to effectively incorporate IWBs in EFL classes, school administrators should consider providing constant technical assistance for teachers in the event of difficulties, as well as teaching them on how to use new software that are a part of dealing with IWBs
Estrogen removal through adsorption using carbon materials prepared from biomass waste
No full textEndocrine disruptors are class of micropollutants that can influence and deregulate the endocrine system in humans and animals. Endocrine disruptors can consist of natural estrogenic hormones, such as E1 and E2, and synthetic estrogenic hormones, such as EE2, that are not easily removed by conventional treatment processes in water and sewage treatment plants, becoming dangerous emerging pollutants. This work addresses the removal of such compounds from aqueous matrices through adsorption processes onto activated carbon produced from biomass waste.
The materials selected were almond shell in natura (ASiN) and cork in natura (CiN). These were activated through carbonization at 550ºC for 1 h, obtaining carbonized almond shell (CAS) and carbonized cork (CC). These materials were characterized by carbonization yield, moisture and ash content, PZC value, quantification of acidic and basic sites and FTIR analysis.
For the adsorption assays, the impact of conditions such as adsorbent type, temperature and medium pH was assessed in relation to removal performance. Kinetic and isotherm assays were also performed in batch mode, together with the assessment of the thermodynamic data.
The results show that equilibrium time was 16 h for ASiN, 4 h for CAS, 6 h for CiN and 24 h for CC. The adsorption process was regulated through the Elovich model for all adsorbents except for CiN, where the best model was PSO. Moreover, cork-based adsorbents presented higher adsorption capacities and activation through carbonization did not contribute to an increase in estrogen removal. Therefore, CiN was selected as the best material for estrogen removal to the posterior assays.
A temperature increase did not affect CiN’s adsorption capacity, and Ea was determined to be 136.15, 80.84 and 146.81 kJ/mol for E2, EE2 and E1, respectively. Moreover, pH change only negatively affects adsorption when in extreme basic media.
CiN’s adsorption process has been characterized by the Sheindorf-Rebuhn-Sheintuch multicomponent isotherm for all estrogens, with maximum adsorption capacities of 3.75, 7.23 and 3.82 mg/g achieved for estrogens E2, EE2 and E1, respectively, at 25ºC. Average removal percentage increased with the adsorbent’s dosage until it reached a maximum of 66.1% at 1 g/L. Both the adsorption capacity and removal percentage decreased with the increase in temperature.
Thermodynamic data was determined and negative values for ΔGº and ΔHº and positive values for ΔSº were obtained, meaning that adsorption was characterized as spontaneous, exothermic and entropically favourable. It was verified that estrogen adsorption occurred through a combination of
chemisorption and physisorption phenomena. Chemisorption occurred mainly through pEDA interactions and hydrogen bridges between estrogen and CiN’s functional groups and aromatic rings, while physisorption occurred mainly through pore filling. pEDA bonding assisted by hydrophobic interactions could be an explanation for the higher adsorption rates verified for EE2 in CiN.Disruptores endócrinos constituem uma classe de micropoluentes capazes de interferir e desregular o funcionamento fisiológico do sistema endócrino em organismos humanos e animais. Entre esses compostos destacam-se as hormonas estrogénicas naturais, como a estrona (E1) e o 17β-estradiol (E2), bem como a hormona estrogénica sintética 17α-etinilestradiol (EE2). Tais compostos apresentam elevada persistência no ambiente aquático, uma vez que não são eficientemente removidos por processos convencionais de tratamento de água e efluentes, sendo, por isso, classificados como poluentes emergentes. O presente trabalho aborda a remoção de tais substâncias de matrizes aquosas por meio de processos de adsorção em carvão ativado produzido a partir de resíduos de biomassa.
A biomassa selecionada para a produção dos adsorventes consistiu na casca de amêndoa in natura (ASiN) e cortiça in natura (CiN). Estes materiais foram ativados através de carbonização a 550ºC por 1 h, obtendo-se casca de amêndoa carbonizada (CAS) e cortiça carbonizada (CC), sendo posteriormente caracterizados através do rendimento de carbonização, teor de humidade e cinzas, valor de pHPZC, quantificação de sítios ácidos e básicos e análise de grupos funcionais por FTIR.
Nos ensaios de adsorção, avaliou-se o impacto de parâmetros operacionais como tipo de adsorvente, temperatura e pH do meio sobre a eficiência de remoção dos estrogénios. Os estudos cinéticos e de isotérmicas foram conduzidos em modo de batelada, tendo permitido a determinação de dados termodinâmicos.
Os resultados obtidos mostram que o tempo de equilíbrio foi de 16 h para ASiN, 4 h para CAS, 6 h para CiN e 24 h para CC. O processo de adsorção segue o modelo de Elovich para todos os adsorventes, exceto para o CiN, em que o modelo de pseudo-primeira ordem (PSO) é mais adequado. Além disso, os adsorventes baseados em cortiça apresentaram capacidades de adsorção superiores e o processo de carbonização não contribuiu para um aumento na remoção de estrogénio. Desta forma, verifica-se que, dos adsorventes estudados, CiN é o melhor material para a remoção de estrogénio e foi utilizado para os ensaios posteriores.
No que se refere ao parâmetro temperatura, verifica-se que o seu aumento não afeta significativamente a capacidade de adsorção do CiN. Os valores da energia de ativação, Ea, obtidos para a remoção de E2, EE2 e E1 são 136,15, 80,84 e 146,81 kJ/mol, respetivamente. A análise do pH mostra que condições extremamente alcalinas têm uma influência negativa no processo de adsorção.
O processo de adsorção do CiN foi descrito pela isotérmica multicomponente Sheindorf-Rebuhn-Sheintuch para todos os estrogénios, com capacidades máximas de adsorção, a 25ºC, de 3,75, 7,23 e 3,82 mg/g atingidas para os estrogénios E2, EE2 e E1, respetivamente. A percentagem média de remoção aumentou com a dose de adsorvente, atingindo um valor máximo de 66,1% a 1 g/L. As capacidades de adsorção e remoção percentual diminuíram com o aumento da temperatura.
Os parâmetros termodinâmicos, ΔGº e ΔHº negativos e ΔSº positivo, indicam que o processo de adsorção é espontâneo, exotérmico e entropicamente favorável. Verifica-se também que a adsorção de EE2 ocorreu predominantemente através de quimissorção, enquanto a adsorção de E1 e E2 ocorreu através de uma combinação de processos de quimissorção e fisissorção. A quimissorção ocorreu principalmente através de interações pEDA e pontes de hidrogénio entre os grupos funcionais e anéis aromáticos do estrogénio e do CiN, enquanto a fisissorção se deu principalmente através de enchimento dos poros que constituem a estrutura do adsorvente
Evaluating the consequences of plant protection products in the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) genome
Get PDFThe Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)is a key model organism for evaluating risks from Plant Protection Products (PPPs). Despite well-documented impacts of PPPs
on honey bees survival and behaviour, their molecular consequences remain underexplored. Herein, over 472 whole genomes from samples collected across Europe in the framework of the project Better-B were used to investigate the genetic basis of PPP exposure through Genomic-Environment Association (GEA) analysis. By integrating genomic data from honey bee colonies with processed PPP exposure data collected in the framework of the project INSIGNIAEU and from the PEST-CHEMGRIDS database as well as from environmental datasets from CORINE land cover, this study used SAMBADA (a spatial analysis tool) and Redundancy Analysis (RDA) scripts to identify candidate genes potentially linked to pesticide stress. This research addresses a knowledge gap, offering a pathway to mitigate PPPrelated molecular effects and support sustainable beekeeping, and can inform breeding programs to bolster honey bee resilience. Ultimately, this work advances our understanding of PPP impacts at the molecular level, fostering resilience in a key pollinator essential for global food security