The predictive power of the yeld curve: the portuguese case

This work project studies the historical relation ship between the yield curve and real economic activity in Portugal, comparing results with Germany and Spain.Controlling for other indicators, on average,each percentage point increase in the Portuguese yield spread was associated with a 0.6 pp.increase in real growth over the subsequent year. In general,a longer maturity short-term rate is preferable in Portugal, similarly to Spain. To forecast recessions, as expected, the lower the slope of the yield curve,the higher the probability of a downturn. Spain, an expanded model is more effective for Portugal,whilst for Germany the univariate setup was already relatively a curate. These onclusions could be use ful in Risk Management or in the improvement of a Portuguese leading economic indicator

Estudo do feature de fase dos vetores de movimento em um transcodificador H.264/HEVC

Trabalho de conclusão de curso (graduação)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Tecnologia, 2016.A tecnologia de compressão de vídeo é essencial para o consumo de vídeo digital, largamente utilizado hoje em dia. Um formato de codificação de vídeo é a especificação de como representar uma sequência de vídeo em um arquivo ou bitstream. Em geral, uma sequência de vídeo codificada por um formato pode ser decodificada apenas pelo decodificador daquele formato, não sendo compatível com outro decodificador. Assim, tem-se que o codec de vídeo é definido pelo decodificador. Para que se estabeleça a comunicação entre sistemas que utilizam diferentes formatos, uma mudança de formato é necessária. Esta é chamada de transcodificação, e consiste na conversão de um bitstream, codificado com um determinado formato (chamado de formato fonte) para outro bitstream, codificado com outro formato (chamado de formato alvo). O padrão internacional H.264/AVC (utilizado, entre outros sistemas, pelo Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão Digital) está prestes a ser substituído por um novo padrão, chamado High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). O HEVC oferece um desempenho em taxa-distorção muito superior ao padrão H.264/AVC (i.e., consegue obter a mesma qualidade utilizando um número muito menor de bits). O objetivo maior deste projeto é o desenvolvimento de um transcodificador do formato H.264/AVC para o HEVC. Tal transcodificador tem duas motivações principais: promover a inter-operabilidade entre sistemas que usam o padrão H.264/AVC com novas aplicações que utilizem o formato HEVC; e tirar proveito do maior desempenho em termos de taxa-distorção do formato HEVC.Nowadays, the compression technology is essential for digital video comsumption. A video coding format is the specification of how to represent the video sequence by a file or bitstream. Therefore, video sequences coded in one set format can only be decoded by the respective decoder, which makes it not compatible with the other ones. To establish the link between two systems that use different video formats, there needs to be a transcoding process that turns the old one into the desired new file or bitstream. This change in formats is called transcoding and it consists of the conversion of a bitstream coded in one format (source format) to another bitstream coded in another format (targeted format). The most used standard called H.264/AVC is about to be replaced by a new one, called High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). The HEVC standard offers better performance in terms of ratedistortion than the previous H.264/AVC standard. This means the former can achieve similar visual quality using a smaller number of bits than the latter.This work aims to develop a transcoder from the H.264/AVC standard to the HEVC. This transcoder has two main goals: to promote inter-operability between systems that use the H.264/AVC standard with new applications that use the HEVC format; and to take advantage of the better performance in terms of rate-distortion of the HEVC format

A preliminary analysis of the wear pathways of sliding contacts on temporomandibular joint total joint replacement prostheses

In the last years, several materials and design have been assessed in an attempt to improve the mechanical performance of temporomandibular joint total joint replacement (TMJ TJR) prostheses. However, the wear of the TMJ TJR condyle to the polymer-based fossa component during loading and sliding movements. That promotes the release of debris and risks of toxicity to the surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative literature review on the wear of TMJ TJR sliding contacts and potential toxicity of metallic debris to the patients. Previous studies reported a significant deterioration of the sliding contact surfaces of TMJ TJR prostheses. Material loss as a result of wear can cause a TMJ TJR condyle/fossa mismatch and the modification of the contact pressure and chewing loading. As a further consequence of wear, metal particles are released to the surrounding tissues with a high risk of local tissue and systemic toxicity through the bloodstream. The presence of particles induces the stimulation of inflammatory reactions depending on the concentration and size of debris. Thus, CoCr-based condyle release metallic ions and sub-micron particles that can be engulfed by macrophages or internalized by other tissue cells. The wear and material loss of TMJ TJR could be decreased by design optimization and novel materials with low friction and contact pressure. That consequently decrease the amount of metallic ions and particles to the surrounding tissues, preventing peri-prosthetic inflammatory reactions.This study was supported by FCT-Portugal (UID/EEA/04436/2013, NORTE-01-0145- FEDER-000018—HAMaBICo, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031035_LaserMULTICER), SFRH/BPD/123769/ 2016 and CNPq-Brazil (CNPq/UNIVERSAL/421229/2018-7)

Estudo de catalisadores tipo perovskita visando a conversão de poluentes / Study of perovskite-type catalysts for the conversion of pollutants

O crescimento demasiado de automóveis no mundo traz consigo o aumento da poluição atmosférica. O atual trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo da redução de poluentes através da avaliação dos catalisadores do tipo perovskita La1-xCaxMnO3 (x=0,2; x=0,4) via método pechini e combustão. As amostras foram caracterizadas pelas técnicas DRX, MEV e avaliação catalítica. Com o estudo foi possível esperar um potencial catalisador via combustão, em especial 40 mol% em fator de obtenção e conversão a 700°C.

Analise potencial de catalisador tipo perovskita via métodos úmidos para conversão de COV’S/ Potential analysis of perovskita type catalyst via wet methods for COV'S conversion

O protocolo de Kyoto foi criado para amenizar as emissões de gases poluentes e assim seus impactos. Visando o cumprimento de metas impostas, esse trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo a preparação e caracterização do catalizador automotivo via métodos químicos úmidos. Foram realizadas caracterizações por técnica de difração de raios-x (DRX), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR). O DRX indica que a rota gelatina obteve fase única a 700ºC, enquanto que, pechini em sua menor temperatura de calcinação obteve fases secundárias. MEV aponta para ambos dos métodos temperaturas com material poroso e homogêneo e os resultados obtidos do FTIR confirmaram a formação da cerâmica tipo perovskita catalítica segundo a literatura, entretanto, o método gelatina apresenta bandas de maior intensidade a 700ºC em relação ao método pechini. Segundo o estudo em relação aos métodos trabalhados o mais atrativo para empresas aplicarem o catalizador por sua questão econômica e eficiência é o método gelatina

Conservação de frutos de mamão na pós-colheita com uso de biofilme à base de fécula de mandioca / Conservation of papaya fruits in the post-harvest with the use of biofilme cassava starch based coating

O fruto do mamoeiro apresenta baixa durabilidade na pós-colheita em função do rápido amadurecimento. A utilização de biofilmes comestíveis é uma alternativa viável, uma vez que, apresenta capacidade de retardar os processos metabólicos relacionados ao amadurecimento, aumentando assim a vida útil dos frutos. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o uso de biofilme à base de fécula de mandioca em diferentes concentrações na conservação de frutos de mamão na pós-colheita. O experimento foi realizado no Instituto Federal Goiano – Campus Ceres. Foram utilizados frutos de mamão da cultivar Bela Nova. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, sendo quatro concentrações de fécula de mandioca (0, 2, 4 e 6%) e quatro períodos de armazenamento (0, 5, 10 e 15 dias). Os frutos foram avaliados quanto a perda de massa fresca, cor da casca, pH, acidez titulável e sólidos solúveis totais. As concentrações de fécula de 4 e 6% retardaram o amadurecimento, porem prejudicaram a qualidade dos frutos, tornando esses ressecados. Assim, para a conservação dos frutos de mamão na pós-colheita deve-se utilizar soluções de fécula de mandioca com concentrações inferiores a 4%

MIOMAS UTERINOS: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA ACERCA DAS OPÇÕES DE MANEJO CLÍNICO E CIRÚRGICO

Uterine leiomyoma, known as myoma, is a benign tumor that affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age. Its high incidence, which can reach 40%, makes this condition a relevant medical and social challenge. Its origin is related to the clonal expansion of a single cell in the uterine myometrium, although the exact pathogenetic mechanisms are still not fully understood. This article consists of an integrative review, in which it aims to discuss the options for clinical and surgical treatment for uterine fibroids, through considerations about the pathology, in order to expand the knowledge of society and of students and professionals in the area about the topic in question. The work consists of an integrative literature review, in which a search was carried out in the databases. Regarding oral contraceptives, there is no evidence that they are effective in the treatment of uterine fibroids. However, it is important to highlight that they are effective in controlling and correcting dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Definitive treatment for symptomatic myomatosis is usually surgical. Hysterectomy, which involves removal of the uterus, is one of the main therapeutic options. In short, uterine fibroids are a common condition that can significantly affect women's quality of life. Medical and surgical management options offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, each with its own benefits and considerations.O leiomioma uterino, conhecido como mioma, é um tumor benigno que afeta uma parcela significativa das mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Sua alta incidência, que pode chegar a 40%, torna essa condição um desafio médico e social relevante. Sua origem está relacionada à expansão clonal de uma única célula no miométrio uterino, embora os mecanismos patogenéticos exatos ainda não estejam totalmente esclarecidos. O presente artigo consiste em uma revisão integrativa, no qual tem como objetivo discorrer acerca das opções de tratamento clínico e cirúrgico para miomas uterinos, mediante considerações acerca da patologia, no intuito de ampliar os conhecimentos da sociedade e dos estudantes e profissionais da área acerca do tema em questão. O trabalho consiste em uma revisão de literatura do tipo integrativa, na qual foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados. Em relação aos contraceptivos orais, não há evidência de que sejam eficazes no tratamento dos miomas uterinos. No entanto, é importante destacar que eles são eficazes no controle e correção do sangramento uterino disfuncional. O tratamento definitivo para a miomatose sintomática é, geralmente, cirúrgico. A histerectomia, que envolve a remoção do útero, é uma das principais opções terapêuticas. Em suma, os miomas uterinos são uma condição comum que pode afetar, significativamente, a qualidade de vida das mulheres. As opções de manejo clínico e cirúrgico oferecem uma variedade de abordagens terapêuticas, cada uma com seus próprios benefícios e considerações

Reference gene validation for quantitative RT-PCR during biotic and abiotic stresses in Vitis vinifera

Grapevine is one of the most cultivated fruit crop worldwide with Vitis vinifera being the species with the highest economical importance. Being highly susceptible to fungal pathogens and increasingly affected by environmental factors, it has become an important agricultural research area, where gene expression analysis plays a fundamental role. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is currently amongst the most powerful techniques to perform gene expression studies. Nevertheless, accurate gene expression quantification strongly relies on appropriate reference gene selection for sample normalization. Concerning V. vinifera, limited information still exists as for which genes are the most suitable to be used as reference under particular experimental conditions. In this work, seven candidate genes were investigated for their stability in grapevine samples referring to four distinct stresses (Erysiphe necator, wounding and UV-C irradiation in leaves and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora colonization in wood). The expression stability was evaluated using geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. In all cases, full agreement was not observed for the three methods. To provide comprehensive rankings integrating the three different programs, for each treatment, a consensus ranking was created using a non-weighted unsupervised rank aggregation method. According to the last, the three most suitable reference genes to be used in grapevine leaves, regardless of the stress, are UBC, VAG and PEP. For the P. chlamydospora treatment, EF1, CYP and UBC were the best scoring genes. Acquaintance of the most suitable reference genes to be used in grapevine samples can contribute for accurate gene expression quantification in forthcoming studiesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Building a Portuguese Coalition for Biodiversity Genomics

The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation or pathogen (re)emergence. The inventory, characterization and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures and research. The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative, and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity, has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal. This nascent institutional network will connect the national community of researchers in genomics. Here, we describe the Portuguese contribution to ERGA’s pilot effort, which will generate high-quality reference genomes of six species from Portugal that are endemic, iconic and/or endangered, and include plants, insects and vertebrates (fish, birds and mammals) from mainland Portugal or the Azores islands. In addition, we outline the objectives of Biogenome Portugal, which aims to (i) promote scientific collaboration, (ii) contribute to advanced training, (iii) stimulate the participation of institutions and researchers based in Portugal in international biodiversity genomics initiatives, and (iv) contribute to the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and engaging the public to preserve biodiversity. This initiative will strengthen biodiversity genomics research in Portugal and fuel the genomic inventory of Portuguese eukaryotic species. Such efforts will be critical to the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and will contribute to ERGA’s goal of generating reference genomes for European species.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Building a Portuguese coalition for biodiversity genomics

The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation, or pathogen (re)emergence. The inventory, characterisation, and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures, and research. The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal. This nascent institutional network will connect the national community of researchers in genomics. Here, we describe the Portuguese contribution to ERGA’s pilot effort, which will generate high-quality reference genomes of six species from Portugal that are endemic, iconic, and/or endangered and include plants, insects, and vertebrates (fish, birds, and mammals) from mainland Portugal or the Azores islands. In addition, we outline the objectives of Biogenome Portugal, which aims to (i) promote scientific collaboration, (ii) contribute to advanced training, (iii) stimulate the participation of institutions and researchers based in Portugal in international biodiversity genomics initiatives, and (iv) contribute to the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and engaging the public to preserve biodiversity. This initiative will strengthen biodiversity genomics research in Portugal and fuel the genomic inventory of Portuguese eukaryotic species. Such efforts will be critical to the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and will contribute to ERGA’s goal of generating reference genomes for European species.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio