Otimização da climatização de uma unidade industrial

Decorrente de estudos realizados por diferentes entidades externas, foi identificada a necessidade de ter uma maior quantidade de ar tratado nos pavilhões fabris 2, 3 e 4 da Monteiro Ribas – Embalagens Flexíveis, de forma a minimizar desequilíbrios, potenciando a eficácia da extração de poluentes e, a admissão de tratado contribui para a melhoria das condições de conforto ao aumentar a capacidade de remoção da carga térmica resultante dos ganhos internos das diversas máquinas e equipamentos. Primeiramente, através da análise do balanço de caudais de insuflação de ar pelas UTAN’s e de extração de ar pelas máquinas de impressão, verificou-se a existência de um défice de ar no P3, de 14 573 m³/h, excedente de ar de 6 547 m³/h e 13 736 m³/h no P2 e P4, respetivamente. Como o objetivo de reduzir os desequilíbrios observados e simultaneamente criar no P2 e no P3 uma ligeira subpressão que limite a migração do ar contaminado dessas naves fabris para as restantes divisões do edifício é proposto a instalação de uma UTA B adicional no P3, substituição da UTAN 1 por uma UTA A no P2 e na instalação de uma UTA C e remoção das UTAN 6 e 8 no P4, tendo estas novas unidades propostas como característica crucial para alcançar o objetivo estabelecido, a capacidade de recirculação de ar. Contudo, embora a análise efetuada seja fundamental para obter informação sobre os níveis adequados de ventilação, considerou-se que esta seria bastante simplista ao contabilizar apenas as necessidades de ar das máquinas, ignorando outros parâmetros imprescindíveis para a criação de condições de conforto térmico minimamente aceitáveis, motivando a necessidade de recorrer a um software de simulação dinâmica para obter uma análise mais abrangente, sendo detalhados os diferentes níveis de preparação e definição da simulação no software DesignBuilder. Considerando os possíveis efeitos da variação de temperatura do ar de um espaço no desempenho dos ocupantes e estabelecendo como limite máximo admissível uma temperatura operativa 30°C, para efeitos comparativos, foram definidas para simulação as temperaturas de 18°C e 20°C para o período de aquecimento e, as temperaturas de 26°C e 28°C para o período de arrefecimento. Constatou-se, comparando os valores obtidos para as potências de aquecimento necessárias para os três espaços, com os ganhos internos associados a estes, que devido à sua grandeza, estes facilmente compensariam as necessidades de aquecimento, ao ponto de criar nesses espaços, em períodos de intensa atividade produtiva e condições de temperatura exterior não inferiores as 12.6°C, uma necessidade de arrefecimento, reforçando a grande importância que o arrefecimento tem ao nível da climatização destas naves fabris. Decorrente da análise subsequente das necessidades de arrefecimento, verificou-se que no P4, para ambas as temperaturas de ar simuladas são obtidas temperaturas operativas inferiores ao limite de 30°C, observando-se um excedente de potência de arrefecimento instalada de 17.3 kW para 26°C e 52.6 kW para 28°C relativamente à potência necessária, validando a solução proposta para esta nave fabril. No sentido contrário, no P2 e P3, apenas para temperaturas de ar interior de 26°C se obtém temperaturas operativas inferiores ao limite estabelecido de 30°C. Contudo, para esta temperatura observa-se um défice da potência de arrefecimento necessária de 26.6 kW para o P2 e 4.6 kW para o P3, quando comparada a potência de arrefecimento da solução proposta e a potência necessária resultante da simulação, sendo adicionalmente necessário, proceder à instalação de baterias de arrefecimento com uma maior potência de arrefecimento nas UTA’s A e B. Por último, é analisada uma proposta alternativa de otimização do sistema de climatização, nomeadamente, a admissão direta de ar para as máquinas de impressão do P3, com o objetivo de diminuir o nível de subpressão inicialmente verificado, concluindo-se através desta análise que, em termos de resultados e em termos económicos, esta solução não apresenta os mesmos benefícios, sendo claramente mais vantajoso a instalação da UTA adicional.As a result of studies carried out by external entities, the need to have a greater amount of treated air was identified in the manufacturing pavilions 2, 3 and 4 of Monteiro Ribas - Embalagens Flexíveis, in order to minimize imbalances, which enhances the efficiency of pollutant extraction and, an admission of treated air improves comfort conditions by increasing the capacity to remove the thermal load due to the internal gains of the various machines and equipment. Firstly, through the analysis of the flow balance of air insufflation by AHUs and of the air extraction by the printing machines, there was an air deficit in P3, of 14 573 m³/h, and an excess of 6 547 m³/h and 13 736 m³/h in P2 and P4, respectively. With the objective of reducing the observed imbalances and simultaneously creating a slight underpressure in P2 and P3 that limits the migration of contaminated air from these spaces to the rest of the building, it is proposed the installation of an additional AHU B in P3, replacing AHU 1 by an AHU A in P2 and in the installation of an AHU C and removal of the AHUs 6 and 8 in P4, being the main feature of these new proposed units the capacity for air recirculation. However, although the analysis carried out is fundamental to obtain information on adequate ventilation levels, it was considered that this would be quite simplistic when accounting only for the air requirements of the machines, ignoring other essential parameters for the creation of minimally acceptable conditions of thermal comfort, motivating the need to use dynamic simulation software to obtain a more comprehensive analysis, being detailed the different levels of preparation and definition of the simulation in the DesignBuilder software. Considering the possible effects of the variation of air temperature in a space on the performance of the occupants, and establishing a maximum permissible limit of 30°C of operative temperature, for comparative purposes, temperatures of 18°C and 20°C for the heating period, and temperatures of 26°C and 28°C for the cooling period, were defined for the simulation. It was found, comparing the values obtained for the heating powers required for the three spaces, with the internal gains associated with them, that due to their greatness, these would easily compensate for the heating needs, to the point of creating in these spaces, in periods of intense productive activity and outdoor temperature conditions not less than 12.6°C, a need for cooling, reinforcing the great importance that cooling has in terms of the air conditioning of these spaces. As a result of the subsequent analysis of cooling needs, it was found that in P4, for both simulated air temperatures, operating temperatures below the 30°C limit are obtained, observing an surplus of installed cooling power of 17.3 kW for 26°C and 52.6 kW for 28°C in relation to the required power, validating the proposed solution for this space. Conversely, in P2 and P3, only for indoor air temperatures of 26°C, can operating temperatures below the established limit of 30°C be obtained. However, for this temperature there is a deficit of the necessary cooling power of 26.6 kW for P2 and 4.6 kW for P3, when comparing the cooling power of the proposed solution and the required power resulting from the simulation, being additionally necessary to proceed with the installation of cooling batteries with a greater cooling power in AHU A and B. Lastly, an alternative proposal for the optimization of the HVAC system is analyzed, namely the direct intake of air for the P3 printing machines, with the objective of reducing the level of underpressure initially verified, being concluded through this analysis that in terms of results and in economic terms, this solution does not have the same benefits, and the installation of the additional AHU is clearly more advantageous

The rationale/design of the Guimarães/Vizela study : a multimodal population-based cohort study to determine global cardiovascular risk and disease

Background: Cardiovascular disease and dementia are growing medical and social problems in aging societies. Appropriate knowledge of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline risk factors (RFs) are critical for global CVR health preventive intervention. Many epidemiological studies use case definition based on data collected/measured in a single visit, a fact that can overestimate prevalence rates and distant from clinical practice demanding criteria. Portugal displays an elevated stroke mortality rate. However, population's global CV risk characterization is limited, namely, considering traditional/nontraditional RF and new intermediate phenotypes of CV and renal disease. Association of hemodynamic variables (pulse wave velocity and central blood pressure) with global CVR stratification, cognitive performance, and kidney disease are practically inexistent at a dwelling population level. Study Design and Methods: After reviewing published data, we designed a population-based cohort study to analyze the prevalence of these cardiovascular RFs and intermediate phenotypes, using random sampling of adult dwellers living in 2 adjacent cities. Strict definition of phenotypes was planned: subjects were observed twice, and several hemodynamic and other biological variables measured at least 3 months apart. Results: Three thousand thirty-eight subjects were enrolled, and extensive data collection (including central and peripheral blood pressure, pulse wave velocity), sample processing, and biobank edification were carried out. One thousand forty-seven cognitive evaluations were performed. Conclusions: Seeking for CV risk reclassification, early identification of subjects at risk, and evidence of early vascular aging and cognitive and renal function decline, using the strict daily clinical practice criteria, will lead to better resource allocation in preventive measures at a population level.(undefined

A comparison of presmoothing methods in the estimation of transition probabilities

One major goal in clinical applications of multi-state models is the estimation of transition probabilities. In a recent paper, landmark estimators were proposed to estimate these quantities, and their superiority with respect to the competing estimators has been proved in situations in which the Markov condition is violated. The idea behind their estimator is to use a procedure based on (differences between) Kaplan-Meier estimators derived from a subset of the data consisting of all subjects observed to be in the given state at the given time. Because of this, the computation of their estimator is performed in small sample sizes providing large standard errors in some circumstances. A valid approach is to consider a modification of the landmark estimator based on presmoothing. In this two presmoothing methods are compared. Simulation results indicate that both methods may be much more efficient than the unsmoothed estimator. Real data illustration is included.Portuguese Funds through FCT - “Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Methods for checking the markov condition in multi-state survival data

The inference in multi-state models is traditionally performed under a Markov assumption. This assumption claims that given the present state, the future evolution of the process is independent of the states previously visited and the transition times among them. Usually, this assumption is checked including covariates depending on the history. However, since the landmark methods of the transition probabilities proposed by de Uña-Alvarez and Meira-Machado (2015), and by Putter and Spitoni (2018) are free of the Markov assumption, they can also be used to introduce such tests (at least in the scope of the progressive multi-state models) by measuring their discrepancy to Markovian estimators. In this paper, we introduce two local tests for the Markov assumption and compare them with the usual approach based on local future-past association through simulations. An application to a clinical trial on colon cancer is included.This research was financed by Portuguese Funds through FCT - “Fundaçãao para a Ciência e a Tecnologia”, within the research grants PTDC/MAT-STA/28248/2017 and PD/BD/142887/201

Estimation of the transition probabilities condition on repeated measures in multi-state models

The topic of joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data has received remarkable attention in recent years. In cancer studies for example, these models can be used to assess the impact that a longitudinal marker has on the time to death or relapse. Analyzes of such studies, in which individuals may experience several events, can be successfully performed by multi-state models. The goal of this work is to introduce feasible estimation methods for the transition probabilities conditionally on covariates observed with repeated measures through the use of the landmark methodology and the adaptation of existing methods for joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data. Results of the simulation studies con rm the superiority of the proposed estimator when compared to methods that do not take in consideration the effect of the covariate on the estimated transition probabilities or do not assume all the existence of repeated measures (Breslow estimator)

DNA barcoding of portuguese lacewings (Neuroptera) and snakeflies (Raphidioptera) (Insecta, Neuropterida)

Research ArticleThe orders Neuroptera and Raphidioptera include the species of insects known as lacewings and snakeflies, respectively. In Portugal, these groups account for over 100 species, some of which are very difficult to identify by morphological analysis. This work is the first to sample and DNA sequence lacewings and snakeflies of Portugal. A reference collection was built with captured specimens that were identified morphologically. DNA barcode sequences of 658 bp were obtained from 243 specimens of 54 species. The results showed that most species can be successfully identified through DNA barcoding, with the exception of seven species of Chrysopidae (Neuroptera). Additionally, the first published distribution data are presented for Portugal for the neuropterans Gymnocnemia variegata (Schneider, 1845) and Myrmecaelurus (Myrmecaelurus) trigrammus (Pallas, 1771)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Integrative Analysis of the Operational Impact of a MV Storage System in Back-Up and Ancillary Services Modes: Microgrid and Islanded Simulation

The multifunctionality of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) has being viewed as a powerful resource for a stable and reliable grid operation in an environment of high DER penetration at all voltage levels. The Portuguese DSO, EDP Distribuição, established a multi-sourced partnership with Siemens and the University of Évora, to implement, test and execute a pioneer Energy Storage project. A medium-voltage (15kV) storage facility has been installed at Évora University and is today capable of working in both grid-connected and microgrid mode, providing various types of services to the grid such as frequency and voltage control. This paper aims to present the know-how acquired by EDP Distribuição in operating and exploring the ESS in both grid-connected and islanding modes as well as to evaluate the quality of service provided to clients and distribution secondary substations in stationary and transient periods.EDP Distribuição; Siemen

Peripheral Facial Palsy in Emergency Department

Introduction: Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) is commonly diagnosed in every emergency department. Despite being a benign condition in most cases, PFP causes loss in quality of life mostly due to facial dysmorphia. The etiology of PFP remains unknown in most cases, while medical opinion on epidemiology, risk factors and optimal treatment is not consensual. The aim of this study was to review the demographic characteristics of our patients and the medical care administered in our emergency department.   Materials and Methods: Emergency episodes occurring in a 4-year period and codified as facial nerve pathology were analyzed. IBM SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.   Results: In total, 582 emergency episodes were obtained. Due to inexpressive representation of other causes of PFP in our study, we focused our analyses on the 495 patients who were considered to have idiopathic PFP. There was equal distribution among genders, and all age ranges were affected. There were no clear epidemic phenomena. Hypertension was not a statistically significant risk factor for Bell's palsy. Most patients sought medical care in the early stages of the disease and complained of isolated facial weakness. Most patients had mild-to-moderate symptoms. Previous upper way infections (PUAI) were more frequent among children. There was a statistically significant difference regarding computed tomography (CT) scan requests among specialties.   Conclusion: Epidemiologic findings were consistent with most literature on Bell's palsy. Drug therapy is widely used and follows current guidelines. The role of PUAI in the pediatric population must be investigated. Despite evidence of good medical practice, there was an excess of CT scans requested by physicians other than otorhinolaryngologists

Sucesso e desenvolvimento psicológico no ensino superior: Estratégias de intervenção

O insucesso escolar destaca-se, actualmente, como uma das grandes preocupações em todas as reflexões sobre o Ensino Superior, situação que tem conduzido ao desenvolvimento de estratégias para intervir ao nível do combate a este fenómeno. O presente trabalho tem como objectivo apresentar um programa de intervenção interdisciplinar ao nível da promoção do sucesso académico, aliando apoio psicológico, suporte social e promoção de estilos de vida saudável, concretizado no desenvolvimento do modelo do GAP-SASUC. Tendo por base as quatro áreas de intervenção que suportam o modelo (Consultas de Psicologia, Apoio de Alunos por Alunos, Serviço Social e Investigação), são apresentados os resultados referentes à identificação das necessidades e problemas dos estudantes do Ensino Superior, às estratégias de intervenção utilizadas e à avaliação das mesmas. Os resultados, quer em termos do aumento de participação, quer em termos de avaliação positiva realizada pelos alunos envolvidos, revelam a mais-valia que este modelo de interacção trouxe ao desenvolvimento psicológico do estudante universitário. São, ainda, referidas algumas implicações do desenvolvimento e aplicação do modelo, com incidência para o bem-estar do aluno e promoção do sucesso no Ensino Superior.Currently, school failure comes up as one of the biggest concerns regarding all discussions over higher education, which has lead to the development of new school-failure preventive intervention strategies. The present study aims to present an interdisciplinary intervention program at the level of academic success promotion, including psychological support, social support and promotion of healthy lifestyles, which was put to practice through GAP-SASUC’s model. Regarding the four intervention areas under this model (psychology consultation; peer support; social work; research), the results concerning the identification of higher education students’ needs and problems, the intervention strategies used and their assessment are presented. The results, either in reference to the raise on participation, or regarding the positive assessment obtained from the students involved, corroborate the utility brought by this interactive model to the psychological development of higher education students. Furthermore, some implications decurrent from the development and use of this model, with incidence for higher education students’ well-being and success promotion, are mentionedinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio