Evaluation of synergetic opportunities between Nature Base Solutions and sewer networks and processes.

Since 2007 more than half of the world population is concentrated in urban areas. Not surprisingly, managing urban areas is one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century (UN DESA, 2014). The high urban growth, the imperviousness of urban centres, and the changes of meteorological patterns, has been giving rise to situations in which urban drainage systems are absent or insufficient to provide the expected performance for which they were initially designed. The desired integrated management of different utilities is often not possible (due to different management agendas and financing sources). This issue is aggravated by the location of these infrastructures, mostly underground, subject to an aggressive environment, being pathologies difficult to detect. Understanding of the systems? behaviour is complex given limited knowledge of nature and characteristics of the infrastructure and, sometimes even the location is uncertain. Consequently, the implementation of effective operation procedures and the design of effective corrective measures is a challenge. Runoff has an intermittent nature, with high peak flows, that transport particles and pollutants from roads and other surfaces, including heavy metals and micro organic compounds (Ramisio and Vieira, 2012). Due to a diffuse origin, intermittent nature, and presence of non-biodegradable pollutants, urban runoff represents a big challenge, affecting the processes in sewers and in WWTP. Nature Base Solutions (NBS) can be effective for flow control and retention of pollutants, including heavy metals. Therefore, the inclusion of NBS throughout the catchments could represent an opportunity to address the above-mentioned problems with the benefit of promoting the liveability of cities, the quality of life, and enabling sewer systems to evolve from being passive to active adaptive units that can respond differently depending on the given situation (Kerkez et al., 2016)

Decision support system for the long-term city metabolism planning problem

A Decision Support System (DSS) tool for the assessment of intervention strategies (Alternatives) in an Urban Water System (UWS) with an integral simulation model called “WaterMet²” is presented. The DSS permits the user to identify one or more optimal Alternatives over a fixed long-term planning horizon using performance metrics mapped to the TRUST sustainability criteria (Alegre et al., 2012). The DSS exposes lists of in-built intervention options and system performance metrics for the user to compose new Alternatives. The quantitative metrics are calculated by the WaterMet² model and further qualitative or user-defined metrics may be specified by the user or by external tools feeding into the DSS. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach is employed within the DSS to compare the defined Alternatives and to rank them with respect to a pre-specified weighting scheme for different Scenarios. Two rich, interactive Graphical User Interfaces, one desktop and one web-based, are employed to assist with guiding the end user through the stages of defining the problem, evaluating and ranking Alternatives. This mechanism provides a useful tool for decision makers to compare different strategies for the planning of UWS with respect to multiple Scenarios. The efficacy of the DSS is demonstrated on a northern European case study inspired by a real-life urban water system for a mixture of quantitative and qualitative criteria. The results demonstrate how the DSS, integrated with an UWS modelling approach, can be used to assist planners in meeting their long-term, strategic level sustainability objectives

Hypericum perforatum and Its potential antiplatelet effect

Background: Hypericum perforatum (HP) is currently one of the most consumed medicinal plants in the world. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb hypericum (Guan Ye Lian Qiao) belongs to the group of plants that clarify heat. It is also used to treat various types of infection and inflammation. In contrast to the extensive literature on the antidepressant effects of HP, little is known about its action on platelets. The main objective of this work was to investigate the possible relevance of HP to platelet function. Methods: We characterized the profile of platelet activation in the presence of HP extracts through an evaluation of molecular markers by flow cytometry: mobilization of intracellular Ca++ and expression of platelet receptors such as activated GPIIbIIIa and P-selectin (CD62). Results: The results indicated a possible inhibitory effect of HP on the platelet activation response, which could be explained by the effect on intracellular calcium mobilization and the expression of activated GPIIbIIIa receptors. Despite of the limitations of an in vitro study, our results provide evidence of the possible mechanisms of action of HP. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of HP on hemostasis, but it may be recognized as a substance with antiplatelet properties.This research was funded by Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, crl (Portugal), grant number PAEHP_CESPU_2017

Rehabilitation of sewers and manholes: technologies and operational practices

The scope of the current TRUST manual is the identification and organisation of best-practice and rehabilitation techniques of sewers and manholes at the operational level. This manual presents a service-oriented portfolio of rehabilitation techniques, based upon a thorough assessment of the existing and emerging offers in sewer systems. It provides an overview and guidance to professionals on available rehabilitation techniques for sewer systems, focusing on sewers and manholes given their importance for the overall infrastructure. However, some of these techniques can be applied to other components such as drains and laterals. It presents as well operational practices to support rehabilitation and repair strategies.Almeida, MDC.; Covas, D.; García Beceiro, PM. (2015). Rehabilitation of sewers and manholes: technologies and operational practices. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/5414

Multiple criteria decision analysis in urban water infrastructure asset management

Trabalho apresentado no 17º Encontro de Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental, 14-16 setembro de 2016, Guimarães, PortugalNeste artigo é apresentada uma metodologia multicritério de apoio à decisão para a seleção ou priorização de ações de intervenção em infraestruturas urbanas de água tendo em conta três níveis de decisão (estratégico, tático e operacional, incindindo essencialmente no nível tático), as dimensões de análise desempenho, risco e custo e uma perspetiva de longo prazo. Esta metodologia encontra-se estruturada em três fases – identificação, estruturação e avaliação do problema. A fase da estruturação é determinante para o resultado final e inclui a identificação dos objetivos, o estabelecimento de cenários para o futuro, a definição das ações de intervenção e o estabelecimento do tipo de problemática. A fase da avaliação compreende o estabelecimento de critérios e métricas, a escolha e aplicação do método de agregação e a realização de análises de sensibilidade e de robustez. A fase de avaliação corresponde à aplicação, discussão e escolha da solução final.This paper presents a multi-criteria decision aid methodology for selection and prioritization of rehabilitation interventions in urban water infrastructures taking into account three levels of decision (strategic, tactic and operational), the dimensions of analysis of performance, risk and cost and a long-term perspective. This methodology is divided in three main stages – identifying, structuring and evaluation of the problem. Problem structuring is a crucial stage for final result and includes identifying objectives, establishment of scenarios for the future, definition of intervention actions and definition of the problematic type. Problem evaluation includes the establishment of criteria and metrics, choice and application of the aggregation method and sensitivity and robustness

Mass spectrometric analysis of epimeric 3α/3β functionalized steroids.

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source in positive mode (+) reveals different intensity ratios of two fragment peaks of the epimeric cholestane derivatives synthesized from 3{460}- or 3β-cholestanol. The investigation of the fragmentation pattern obtained from their full scan and/or collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra in the case of the cholestane skeleton together with the respective electronic ionization (EI) spectra supports a distinction of the epimers

Fundamentos de la acción ética en los estudiantes de educación superior

Introduction: It is urgent that higher education in health develop a proactive ethico-moral commitment in students which is translated into the creation of socio-professional values. Objectives: To evaluate the ethical foundations which support morality in higher education students. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sithectional study, performed in 345 ESSV/IPV students, 80% female, average age of 20.82 years old. The “Questionário de Cidadania Ativa e Modo de Agir Ético” (CiAMAE) by Cunha (2015) was applied. Results: The results were 74.8% of the students showed a positive/adequate ethical method of acting; (with 45.8% adequate and 29% very adequate). In 25.2% the method of acting was ethically inadequate. The morality of the student’s actions were focused mostly on individualism and were based on the following ethical principles: 68.7% ethical subjectivism (69.1%♂ and 68.6%♀); 56.5% Relativism ( 56.5%♂ and 56.7%♀); 53.9% Deontological Ethics (Kant) (55.8%♂ and 47.0%♀); 11.3% Subjectivism/Ethical Selfishness (7.4%♂ and 12.3%♀). Conclusions: We may infer that the majority of the students do not have/ do not use an impartial consideration of good as criteria for morality of actions. They mostly manifested accepting an ethical subjectivist perspective, which means that good is not considered as a value for everyone. In contrast, applying the criteria of ethical impartiality would imply considering the greater good, and choosing/adopting the universal point of view in which any rational and enlightened student would choose for him/ herself and for others that universal greater good.Introdução: Urge que o ensino superior na área da saúde desenvolva nos estudantes um compromisso ético-moral pró-ativo e valores socioprofissionais promotores de uma cultura de proximidade que fomente sentimentos de cidadania ativa criadora de vínculos de pertença. Objetivos: Avaliar os fundamentos éticos que suportam a moralidade das ações em estudantes do ensino superior. Métodos: Estudo descritivo em corte transversal, realizado com 345 estudantes do IPV, 80% mulheres, com média de idades de 20,82 anos. Aplicou-se o “Questionário de Cidadania Ativa e Modo de Agir Ético” (CiAMAE) de Cunha (2015). Resultados: 74.8% dos estudantes revelaram um modo de agir ético, positivo/adequado, (sendo 45.8% adequado e 29% muito adequado) e 25.2% um modo de agir ético inadequado. A moralidade das ações dos estudantes centrou-se no individualismo e assentou nos seguintes princípios éticos: 68.7% Subjetivismo Ético (69.1% ♂e 68.6%♀); 56.5% Relativismo (56.5%♂ e 56.7%♀); 53.9% Ética Deontológica (55.8%♂ e 47.0%♀); 11.3% Subjetivismo/ Egoísmo Ético, (7.4%♂ e 12.3%♀). Conclusões: A maioria dos estudantes não usa a ponderação imparcial do bem. Maioritariamente manifestaram aceitar uma perspectiva ética subjetivista. Em oposição, aplicar o critério da imparcialidade ética implicaria considerar o bem supremo, em que todo e qualquer estudante esclarecido, escolheria para si e para os outros, esse bem supremo universal.Introducción: Insta a la educación superior en salud a desarrollar en los estudiantes un compromiso ético-moral proactivo y valores socioprofesionales, promotores de una cultura de proximidad que fomenta sentimientos de ciudadanía activa, creativa de enlaces de pertenencia. Objetivos: Evaluar los fundamentos éticos que apoyan la moralidad de las acciones en los estudiantes de educación superior. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal, realizado con 345 estudiantes del IPV, 80% mujeres, con una edad media de 20.82 años. Se ha aplicado el “Questionário de Cidadania Ativa e Modo de Agir Ético” (CiAMAE) de Cunha (2015). Resultados: 74.8% de los estudiantes reveló un modo de actuación ético, positiva/adecuada (con el 45.8% adecuado y el 29% muy adecuado) y el 25.2% un modo de actuación éticamente inadecuado. La moralidad de las acciones de los estudiantes se centraron en el individualismo y en base a los siguientes principios éticos: 68.7% el Subjetivismo Ético (69.1% ♂ y 68.6%♀); el Relativismo 56.5% (56.5%♂ y 56.7%♀); 53.9% Ética Deontológica (55.8%♂ y ♀47.0%); 11.3% el Subjetivismo/el Egoísmo Ético (7.4%♂ y 12.3%♀). Conclusiones: La mayoría de los estudiantes no utilizan el examen imparcial del bien. La mayoría de ellos expresaron aceptar una perspectiva ética subjetivista. Por el contrario, la aplicación del criterio de imparcialidad ética sería considerar el bien supremo en que cualquier estudiante inteligente elegiría para sí mismos y los demás, este supremo bien universal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Towards a water-smart society: Progress in linking theory and practice

Few scientific publications discuss the vision of the water-smart society. Our paper addresses this gap, outlining key principles of urban water–smartness and translating them into five strategic objectives to support decision-making at the local government level. Based on recent literature and dialogue with six European water Living Labs, we argue that the water-smart society must highlight societal well-being and co-development across sectors. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for a long-term perspective, conserving nature, and maximising ecosystem services, while anticipating change. Finally, we discuss how a more grounded conceptualisation of the water-smart society can guide utilities and urban policy design.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Escala de satisfação no domínio académico em universitários Portugueses

Students' satisfaction has been valued as an indicator of the quality of higher education institutions, and as a relevant variable in explaining their involvement, learning and persistence. Satisfaction, associated to the diverse contexts of students' academic experience, is understood as a construct of students' evaluation of the institution, academic climate, course and interpersonal relationships. Based on a sample of students from two Portuguese Higher Education institutions, one public and another private, we analyze the validity evidence of the Academic Domain Satisfaction Scale. The results of a confirmatory factorial analysis suggest the one-dimensional nature of the scale. On the other hand, adequate levels of internal consistency of its items, as well as significant correlations between the result in the scale and indicators of the students' affective disposition, academic performance and dropout intentions, point towards the validity of the measure.A satisfação dos estudantes tem sido valorizada como um indicador da qualidade das instituições de Ensino Superior, e como variável relevante na explicação do envolvimento, aprendizagem e persistência dos estudantes. A satisfação, associada aos diversos contextos da experiência académica, pode ser entendida como a apreciação que os estudantes realizam da instituição, clima académico, curso e relações interpessoais. Com base numa amostra de 704 estudantes, de duas instituições portuguesas, uma pública e outra privada, analisam-se as evidências de validade da Escala de Satisfação no Domínio Académico. Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória sugerem a natureza unidimensional da escala. Por outro lado, níveis adequados de consistência interna dos seus itens, assim como correlações significativas entre o resultado na escala e indicadores da disposição afetiva, rendimento, e intenção de abandono escolar, apontam no sentido da validade da medida.Agradecimentos: A presente investigação foi financiada pela Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia através do financiamento ao CIE-ISPA (UID/CED/04853/2013 e UID/CED/04853/2016) e ao CIEd-UMinho (UID/CED/01661/2019)

Students’ Engagement in School: A literature review

This work is financed by National Founds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, in the context of the project PTDC/CPE-CED/114362/2009- Students Engagement in Schools: Differentiation and Promotion, coordinated by Prof. Feliciano H. Veiga.Students’ Engagement in School has been the focus of debate concerning academic success and school dropout, and pointed out as a mean to address the problems affecting our schools and their students, not only for having value in itself, but also for being an important mediator between several academic variables. This paper reviews the research and literature on this concept and its relations with personal and contextual variables, as well as with academic performance, with the aim of summarizing the main relationships found. Literature presents a significant number of studies which sustain that personal variables, such as self-efficacy and self-concept, as well as contextual - peers, school, family- are related with school engagement. The adoption of mastery goals, for instance, has a positive impact on school, as they are related with the use of cognitive and self-regulatory strategies by students. Positive relationships with peers, teachers support and the quality of family relations are associated with higher levels of engagement and academic performance, while negative experiences, such as bullying, are related with educational difficulties. Following this, we reflect about the relevance of studying engagement in school, in the context of widespread financial crisis, and emphasize the need to rethink educational institutions considering the paradigmatic changes that currently occur.This work is financed by National Founds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, in the context of the project PTDC/CPE-CED/114362/2009- Students Engagement in Schools: Differentiation and Promotion, coordinated by Prof. Feliciano H. Veiga