149 research outputs found
Continuous determination of fruit tree water-status by plant-based sensors
No full textRecently, climate change has caused shortages of water worldwide, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. Several irrigation strategies have been studied with the aim of saving water overuse in agriculture. In the past most of the attention was directed towards soil water content, but recently the focus has moved to plant responses to water deficit. In recent years, crop evapotranspiration (ETc) obtained from reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and crop coefficients (Kc), has become common for irrigation scheduling in several crops, but it does not provide precise insights on the tree water status. Today an increasing focus is being given to plant-based sensors for the continuous monitoring of plant water status to provide support to irrigation management strategies with a precision approach. In this work several plant-based (leaf, stem and fruit) devices used for plant water status sensing and for irrigation scheduling are reviewed. Scientists have managed to create and test a variety of small leaf-adapted sensors with the aim of 7collecting valuable information on water dynamics. Nondestructive continuous water status detection in leaves is difficult due to the intrinsic fragility of these organs. Yet, the data collected can provide insights on the actual status of one leaf, within a multitude of other leaves which might have a slightly different behavior because of factors such as age, sun exposure, canopy position and others. Leaf thickness sensors, leaf pressure and leaf thermal probes are discussed in this review. Stems and shoots establish the connection between climatic conditions and water availability in the soil. Continuous measurements of stem water status by non-destructive sensors provide information not only on the variations of soil water availability but also on the reserves of plant tissues. The use of stem dendrometers, sap flow probes, stem hygrometers and stem microtensiometers for continuous determination of plant water status and irrigation management is discussed. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that fruit water relations have key implication on horticultural production and quality. Measurements of fruit water status and fruit growth dynamics under different irrigation strategies might be crucial in order to reduce water use, maintain yield and/or improve fruit quality. Advantages and disadvantages of different sensors ranging from linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs), strain-gauges, potentiometers and/or optoelectric sensors, are discussed. However, a unique methodology for continuous plant water status determination in fruit trees has yet to be found. An integrated approach, which considers contemporary use of sensors on different plant organs is proposed as effective strategy to collect exhaustive information on tree water status
Quality evaluation of extra-virgin olive oils from Sicilian genotypes grown in a high-density system
No full textStudying the sensory profile and chemical composition of monovarietal extra-virgin olive oils (EVOOs) is important to define and manage their quality and uniqueness. Chemical and sensory traits of olive oils from 14 minor Sicilian olive genotypes in comparison with oils from six major Sicilian and three international cultivars were analysed. Oils were extracted in 2015 from fruit of the 23 genotypes grown in an experimental orchard at a planting density of 1140 trees ha−1. Fatty acid composition, phenol composition, carotenoid content and antioxidant power were determined and analysed using univariate and multivariate procedures, in particular Nocellara Etnea along with carotenoid, phenol content and good sensory attributes, producing the best quality EVOO among the genotypes in trial. These results show that some Sicilian accessions used in this study may represent valid alternatives to produce high-quality EVOOs in modern, hedgerow planting systems
Grilo Kitchenware
No full textO presente relatório descreve todo o processo criativo do projeto desenvolvido para a empresa Ernesto Grilo e Sucessores, Lda, sedeada em Vila-Nova-de-Gaia. A empresa facultou à autora deste relatório e projeto, um estágio curricular, integrado no mestrado em Design Industrial da Universidade da Beira Interior.
Neste relatório pretende-se dar a conhecer o projeto “As Marias”, todo o conceito e processo evolutivo das peças, desde o briefing até à preparação para produção das peças, assim como todos os inconvenientes e obstáculos que um projeto se depara a partir do momento que deixa de ser meramente académico e entra em contacto com o mundo da indústria.
Ao longo deste documento é possível compreender a importância da revolução industrial e de que forma esta trouxe nostalgia pelas tradições passadas. De uma forma simplificada, depreende-se que existe uma romantização pela memória, e uma necessidade de aproximar o produto do utilizador, criando uma ligação emocional entre ambos.
A forma de abordagem deste trabalho é consequência de uma vasta recolha de informação sobre tradições, culturas e costumes portugueses, modos de vida e formas de estar tanto à mesa como fora dela. No entanto, grande parte do processo de escolha e decisão, surge de experiências, vivências e memórias pessoais. Este projeto, “As Marias”, é sobre Portugal e do que ele é feito.The aim of this report is to describe the entire creative process of the project developed within the company Ernesto Grilo e Sucessores, Lda, located in Vila-Nova-de-Gaia. This company has provided a curricular internship to the author of these report and project in the scope of her Master’s degree in Industrial Design of Universidade da Beira Interior.
In this report the project As Marias is intended to be described, not only the concept but also the entire evolutive process of pieces, from the briefing to the preparation of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, hurdles and obstacles that a project faces from the moment it ceases to be merely academic and steps into the industry world are also discussed.
Throughout this document, the relevance of the industrial revolution and how it brought nostalgia for former traditions are also revealed. Simply, it is shown that there is a romantization from memories, and a clear demand for bringing the product and the user closer through emotional connections.
The approach taken is a result of a large collection of data on Portuguese traditions, culture and costumes, ways of living and being not only at the table but also outside of it. However, a significant part of choice and decision processes is based on experiences, perceptions and personal memories. This project, As Marias, is about Portugal and what it is made of
Análise acústica dos fonemas /s, z/ produzidos por crianças com desempenho articulatório alterado
No full textDecision Support Methodology when Entering New Markets for a Semi-Finished Bronze Products Foundry
No full textThe world and society that we live in nowadays, develops itself with an astonishing speed. In order for companies to keep themselves competitive, they have, more and more, to choose strategic decisions to be successful. When the moment to study new markets and new clients arrive, it is important to evaluate the situation and understand, in a tactical way, which choice is the best to go. In the context of semi-finished bronze products foundry, factories that are within a business-to-business environment, it is fundamental to understand that they are playing in a very competitive market in terms of technology, quality standards and prices. To deal with competitors that also aim to extend their market, enterprises are betting in decision models to help them to make better decisions and to succeed. In this dissertation, a decision support methodology is suggested that crosses several tools. PESTLE, SWOT and multi-criteria decision-making matchmake results to help decision makers and managers to make competitive decisions. The section that explains the decision-making process was based on the Analytic Network Process. This dissertation was developed within a semi-finished bronze products foundry, located in Germany. This company has the will to expand to Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico
Melhoria do processo de compras: O caso de um prestador de cuidados de saúde privado português
No full textEste estudo centra-se na aplicação da metodologia Lean ao processo de compras de uma rede privada de saúde em Portugal, designada neste trabalho como Grupo Empresarial Privado de Cuidados de Saúde (GEPCS). Num setor onde a eficiência operacional e a disponibilidade de materiais são fundamentais para assegurar um atendimento de qualidade, o objetivo é capacitar o GEPCS a melhorar o fluxo de compras, reduzir desperdícios e melhorar a comunicação entre departamentos.
Foram aplicados os dois primeiros princípios Lean — especificar valor e mapear a cadeia de valor — para identificar problemas e propor melhorias. Ferramentas como o VSM e o diagrama de Ishikawa foram utilizadas para mapear o processo e determinar causas-raiz. A análise identificou desafios como a falta de padronização, comunicação ineficiente e atrasos nas entregas, que comprometem a eficiência e aumentam os custos.
A tese apresenta recomendações estratégicas que incluem a criação de procedimentos operacionais padrão para uniformizar práticas, a digitalização para melhorar a eficiência e rastreabilidade, e formações específicas para alinhar equipas aos novos procedimentos.
Este trabalho destaca o potencial da metodologia Lean para transformar processos de compras no setor da saúde, promovendo a redução de custos e a melhoria dos serviços prestados. As soluções propostas alinham-se com os objetivos estratégicos de qualidade e eficiência do GEPCS, fornecendo as bases para enfrentar os desafios futuros da gestão de recursos e fomentar uma cultura de melhoria contínua.This study focuses on the application of the Lean methodology to the purchasing process of a private healthcare network in Portugal, referred to in this work as Grupo Empresarial Privado de Cuidados de Saúde (GEPCS). In a sector where operational efficiency and material availability are crucial to ensuring quality care, the objective is to enable GEPCS to optimize purchasing flows, reduce waste, and improve interdepartmental communication.
The first two Lean principles—specifying value and mapping the value stream—were applied to identify problems and propose improvements. Tools such as VSM and the Ishikawa diagram were used to map the process and determine root causes. The analysis identified challenges such as a lack of standardization, inefficient communication, and delivery delays, which compromise efficiency and increase costs.
The thesis presents strategic recommendations, including the creation of standard operating procedures to standardize practices, digitalization to enhance efficiency and traceability, and specific training programs to align teams with the new procedures.
This work highlights the potential of the Lean methodology to transform purchasing processes in the healthcare sector, fostering cost reduction and service improvement. The proposed solutions align with GEPCS’s strategic objectives of quality and efficiency, providing a foundation to address future resource management challenges and promote a culture of continuous improvement
Melhoria do processo de compras: O caso de um prestador de cuidados de saúde privado português
No full textEste estudo centra-se na aplicação da metodologia Lean ao processo de compras de uma rede privada de saúde em Portugal, designada neste trabalho como Grupo Empresarial Privado de Cuidados de Saúde (GEPCS). Num setor onde a eficiência operacional e a disponibilidade de materiais são fundamentais para assegurar um atendimento de qualidade, o objetivo é capacitar o GEPCS a melhorar o fluxo de compras, reduzir desperdícios e melhorar a comunicação entre departamentos.
Foram aplicados os dois primeiros princípios Lean — especificar valor e mapear a cadeia de valor — para identificar problemas e propor melhorias. Ferramentas como o VSM e o diagrama de Ishikawa foram utilizadas para mapear o processo e determinar causas-raiz. A análise identificou desafios como a falta de padronização, comunicação ineficiente e atrasos nas entregas, que comprometem a eficiência e aumentam os custos.
A tese apresenta recomendações estratégicas que incluem a criação de procedimentos operacionais padrão para uniformizar práticas, a digitalização para melhorar a eficiência e rastreabilidade, e formações específicas para alinhar equipas aos novos procedimentos.
Este trabalho destaca o potencial da metodologia Lean para transformar processos de compras no setor da saúde, promovendo a redução de custos e a melhoria dos serviços prestados. As soluções propostas alinham-se com os objetivos estratégicos de qualidade e eficiência do GEPCS, fornecendo as bases para enfrentar os desafios futuros da gestão de recursos e fomentar uma cultura de melhoria contínua.This study focuses on the application of the Lean methodology to the purchasing process of a private healthcare network in Portugal, referred to in this work as Grupo Empresarial Privado de Cuidados de Saúde (GEPCS). In a sector where operational efficiency and material availability are crucial to ensuring quality care, the objective is to enable GEPCS to optimize purchasing flows, reduce waste, and improve interdepartmental communication.
The first two Lean principles—specifying value and mapping the value stream—were applied to identify problems and propose improvements. Tools such as VSM and the Ishikawa diagram were used to map the process and determine root causes. The analysis identified challenges such as a lack of standardization, inefficient communication, and delivery delays, which compromise efficiency and increase costs.
The thesis presents strategic recommendations, including the creation of standard operating procedures to standardize practices, digitalization to enhance efficiency and traceability, and specific training programs to align teams with the new procedures.
This work highlights the potential of the Lean methodology to transform purchasing processes in the healthcare sector, fostering cost reduction and service improvement. The proposed solutions align with GEPCS’s strategic objectives of quality and efficiency, providing a foundation to address future resource management challenges and promote a culture of continuous improvement
Bacterial autolysins trim cell surface peptidoglycan to prevent detection by the drosophila innate immune system
No full textFundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia PTDC/SAU-IMU/111806/2009 Sergio Raposo Filipe Wellcome Trust WT087680 Petros Ligoxygakis European Research Council ERC-2012-StG-310987 Mariana Gomes Pinho Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia PTDC/BIA-MIC/111817/2009 Sergio Raposo Filipe Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia PTDC/BIA-BCM/099152/2008 Mariana Gomes Pinho Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia PTDC/BIA-MIC/101375/2008 Rita Goncalves Sobral Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia PEst-OE/EQB/LA0004/2011 Mariana Gomes Pinho, Sergio Raposo Filipe Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Fellowship SFRH/BD/28440/2006 Magda Luciana Atilano Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Fellowship SFRH/BD/41119/2007 Pedro Matos Pereira Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Fellowship SFRH/BD/78748/2011 Filipa Vaz Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Fellowship SFRH/BD/77758/2011 Maria Joao Catalao Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Fellowship SFRH/BD/23812/2005 Patricia Reed Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia Fellowship SFRH/BD/70162/2010 Ines Ramos Grilo The funders had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.Bacteria have to avoid recognition by the host immune system in order to establish a successful infection. Peptidoglycan, the principal constituent of virtually all bacterial surfaces, is a specific molecular signature recognized by dedicated host receptors, present in animals and plants, which trigger an immune response. Here we report that autolysins from Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, enzymes capable of hydrolyzing peptidoglycan, have a major role in concealing this inflammatory molecule from Drosophila peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs). We show that autolysins trim the outermost peptidoglycan fragments and that in their absence bacterial virulence is impaired, as PGRPs can directly recognize leftover peptidoglycan extending beyond the external layers of bacterial proteins and polysaccharides. The activity of autolysins is not restricted to the producer cells but can also alter the surface of neighboring bacteria, facilitating the survival of the entire population in the infected host.publishersversionpublishe
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