Growth of Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) Nanostructures by Controlling the Hydrothermal Synthesis Parameters

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has been intensively studied as it undergoes a metal-insulator phase transition (MIT) and exhibits numerous polymorphs. Therefore, it is very promising for MIT-based electronic and optoelectronic devices. The control of VO2 growth to obtain 1D micro and nanostructures has recently attracted more interest and opened doors for new optoelectronic applications. Herein, pure phase of VO2(B) and VO2(A) nanostructures have been synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in V2O5-H2C2O4-H2O system. The hydrothermal synthesis conditions were studied in order to observe the formation and evolution of VO2(B) and VO2(A) phases. Experiments showed that VO2(B) phase was firstly formed and then transformed into VO2(A) with the increase of hydrothermal reaction time from 8h to 72h. Additionally, it was studied the influence of some modifications on the hydrothermal synthesis process. The composition and morphology of the as-obtained samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the phase of transition temperatures and oxidation resistance of the as-obtained samples were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, the present study also provides an indirect way to obtain VO2(M), more precisely by calcination and laser annealing of VO2(B) and VO2(A), respectively

Optimizing rearing and welfare in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalesensis) broodstock: effect of ambient light intensity and handling time on stress response

Broodstock rearing conditions and handling procedures should be optimized in aquaculture species in order to benefit fish welfare and guarantee optimal conditions for spawning. In teleosts, basal cortisol levels display daily rhythms, oscillating along the 24 h of the day. In this sense, handling fish at different moments of the day may lead to different stress responses. The present study aimed at investigating the optimal rearing conditions for Senegalese sole broodstock, considering ambient light intensity and handling time. The optimal light intensity (50, 100 or 200 lx) was investigated by measuring fish cortisol levels and monitoring locomotor activity rhythms under each intensity tested. Results showed a significant increase in cortisol levels of fish exposed to 200 lx, when compared to values obtained under 100 lx, accompanied by changes in locomotor activity rhythms in both tanks under study. These results suggested that 200 lx may be too high as light intensity for this species, whereas 100 lx seems to be more adequate. Also, daily rhythms of stress response were investigated in breeders from different origins (Wild and first generation, G1). Basal cortisol levels and cortisol stress response after an acute stressor (air exposure) were monitored at two distinct moments of the day (Mid-Light and Mid-Dark). Basal levels were higher during the day in the wild group, while G1 fish seemed to have lost the daily fluctuations in basal cortisol plasma levels, as well as their daily rhythms of locomotor activity. Both groups showed lower stress responses during night-time, an indication that this is an adequate period of the day to handle this species. Senegalese sole breeders born in captivity presented more pronounced stress responses when compared to wild fish, reflecting their different life history in terms of stress challenges.FP7/SME/2008/1; UID/Multi/04326/2019; DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0007; DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0033info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Assessment of mother - baby interaction: Portuguese version of Interaction Rating scales

As Escalas de Avaliação da Interação Mãe-Bebé constituem a versão portuguesa das Interaction Rating Scales, propostas por Field (1980), e têm por objetivo avaliar a interação mãe-bebé, aos 3 meses de idade do bebé. As Escalas de Avaliação da Interação Mãe-Bebé foram administradas a 51 díades mãe-bebé aos 3, 6 e 12 meses pós-parto. A versão portuguesa das escalas mostrou elevados índices de consistência interna – Alfa de Cronbach 0,85 (IRSff bebé), 0,91 (IRSff mãe), 0,87 (IRSal bebé), 0,82 (IRSal mãe), assim como elevada fidelidade e validade concorrente e preditiva. As Escalas de Avaliação da Interação Mãe-Bebé assume-se, assim, como um instrumento robusto na avaliação da interação mãe-bebé, na situação de interação face-a-face e na situação de interação alimentar, podendo ser utilizadas em diferentes amostras e contextos, clínicos e de investigação.The Escalas de Avaliação da Interação Mãe-Bebé are a portuguese version of the Interaction Rating Scales proposed by Field (1980); aim to evaluate the motherinfant interaction at infant’s 3 months old. The translated version was administered to 51 mother-infant dyads at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. The Portuguese version showed high levels of internal consistency – Cronbach’s Alpha .85 (IRSface-to-face infant), .91 (IRS face-to-face mother), .87 (IRSfeeding infant), .82 (IRSfeeding mother) – concurrent and predictive validity and reliability. The Escalas de Avaliação da Interação Mãe-Bebé are an important instrument on the evaluation of mother-infant interaction and it could be used with different samples and in clinical and research contexts.PTDC/SAU/SAP/116738/201

Russia’s Energy Strategy: Challenges and Foreign Energy Policy

Russia is one of the most important players in the global energy system and one of the world's largest producers and exporters of energy. Energy is essential to the security, stability and development of the Russian Federation, as its economy heavily depends on energy exports. As such, energy security is a priority. Russia’s Energy Strategy aims to ensure its energy security and to guarantee its position in the global energy system. The Strategy identifies the main internal and external challenges to its energy security. New challenges are emerging, such as strengthening of competition in energy markets, emergence of new energy producers and supply routes, sanctions, instability and volatility of oil prices, among others. Therefore, Russia needs to adapt to the new dynamics in order to maintain its position and ensure its security. The strategy towards foreign energy policy is a key element to face these challenges. Russia is developing a strategy based on diversification to the Asia-Pacific region, in particular to China, as well as on energy cooperation with its traditional consumers, but also with other entities such as BRICS, EAEU, OPEC and GECF. This dissertation aims to analyse how the external challenges to Russia’s energy security are shaping its strategy towards foreign energy policy.A Rússia é um dos mais importantes actores no sistema energético global e um dos maiores produtores e exportadores de energia do Mundo. A energia é assim fundamental para a segurança, estabilidade e desenvolvimento da Federação Russa, já que a sua economia depende fortemente das exportações energéticas. Como tal, a segurança energética é uma prioridade. A Estratégia Energética Russa tem como principal objectivo garantir a sua segurança energética e assegurar a posição Russa no sistema energético global. A estratégia identifica os principais desafios internos e externos à sua segurança energética. Estão a surgir novos desafios, como o aumento da competição dos mercados energéticos, a emergência de novos produtores, as sanções, a instabilidade e a volatilidade dos preços, entre outros. Assim, a Rússia necessita adaptar-se às novas dinâmicas de forma a manter a sua posição e garantir a sua segurança. A estratégia para política externa energética é uma parte fundamental para fazer face a estes desafios. Como tal, a Rússia está a desenvolver uma estratégia de diversificação para a região da Ásia-Pacífico, em especial para a China, e também uma estratégia de cooperação energética com os seus tradicionais consumidores, mas também com outras entidades como os BRICS, a EAEU, a OPEC e o GECF. Esta dissertação pretende analisar como os desafios externos à segurança energética Russa estão a moldar a sua estratégia para a política externa energética

Maternal coffee intake and associated risk factors: effects on fetal growth and activity

Empirical studies have shown that fetal growth and activity can be affected by several risk factors, such as maternal anxiety, depression and tobacco or alcohol consumption. Caffeine intake has received less attention in the literature, as well as the analysis of the mutual interplay of the range of such risk factors. This study aimed to examine effects of mother’s coffee intake and associated risk factors during early pregnancy on fetal growth and activity. The sample involved 47 fetuses (51.1% male and 48.9% female) with gestational ages between 20-22 weeks whose mothers were recruited in a portuguese antenatal obstetric unit. Repeated measures of mother’s anxiety (STAI-S) and depression (EPDS) and information about socio-demographics and substances consumption were collected during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Fetal activity and biometry were measured during the 2nd trimester ultrasound. Results showed that 1) 23.4% of the pregnant women (N = 11) had regular coffee intake; 2) no significant differences were found neither on fetal growth nor on fetal movements considering mother’s coffee intake; 3) when mother’s socio-demographics and substances consumption were considered, tobacco consumption and anxiety at the 2nd trimester appeared as significant predictors of fetal growth and mother’s coffee intake and anxiety symptoms at the 2nd trimester emerged as significant predictors of fetal movements. An adverse impact of maternal coffee intake during pregnancy was found on fetal activity but not on fetal growth. A deeper understanding of the multiple pathways by which these risk factors affect fetal growth and activity is needed.Estudos empíricos têm mostrado que o crescimento e a actividade fetal podem ser afectados por vários factores de risco, tais como a ansiedade, depressão e o consumo materno de tabaco ou álcool. O consumo de cafeína tem recebido menos atenção na literatura, do mesmo modo que o estudo das mútuas relações entre os diferentes factores na determinação do referido risco. O presente estudo pretendeu analisar os efeitos do consumo materno de café e factores de risco associados durante a gravidez no desenvolvimento e actividade fetal. A amostra é constituída por 47 fetos (51.1% do sexo masculino e 48.9% do sexo feminino) com idades gestacionais entre as 20-22 semanas, cujas mães foram recrutadas numa unidade obstétrica pré-natal portuguesa. Medidas repetidas da sintomatologia ansiosa (STAI-S) e depressiva (EPDS) e informações sócio-demográficas e relativas ao consumo materno de substâncias foram recolhidas durante o primeiro e segundo trimestres da gravidez. A medição da biometria e da actividade fetal foi efectuada durante a ecografia morfológica do 2 º trimestre. Os resultados mostram que 1) 23.4% das gestantes (N = 11) apresentava um consumo regular de café; 2) não se observaram diferenças significativas no crescimento e actividade fetal tendo em conta o consumo materno de café; 3) quando considerados os dados sócio-demográficos e relativos ao consumo materno de substâncias, o consumo de tabaco e a sintomatologia ansiosa materna no 2º trimestre surgiram como preditores significativos do crescimento fetal e o consumo de café e a sintomatologia ansiosa materna no 2º trimestre emergiram como preditores significativos da actividade fetal. Efeitos do consumo materno de café durante a gravidez foram encontrados na actividade fetal, mas não no crescimento fetal. Sugere-se a necessidade de uma análise detalhada dos mecanismos através dos quais estes factores de risco afectam o crescimento e a actividade fetal.Funded under the 2010 Science and Innovation Operational Program (POCI 2010) of the Community Support Board III, and supported by the European Community Fund FEDER (POCI/SAU-ESP/56397/2004; Anxiety and depression in women and men during the transition to parenthood: Effects on fetal and neo-natal behavior and development)

Peer interaction in mixed age groups: a study in the computer area of an early childhood education center in Portugal

The study was developed as a teacher-research project during initial teacher education – Masters Degree of Early Childhood and Primary Education, in Portugal. It analysed the interactions between children of 3 to 6 years old, during the use of the computer as a free choice activity, confronting situations between peers of the same age and situations between peers of different ages. The focus of the analysis was the collaborative interactions. This was a qualitative study. Children could choose the computer, amongst other interest areas, and work for around an hour in pairs. In the computer, children used mainly educational games. During four weeks, the interactions between the pairs were audio recorded. Field notes and informal interviews to the children were also used to collect data. Eleven children were involved in the study with ages ranging from 3 to 6 years old. Baseline data on children’s basic computer proficiency was collected using the Individualized Computer Proficiency Checklist (ICPC) by Hyun. The recorded interactions were analysed using the types of talk offered by Scrimshaw and Perkins and Wegerif and Scrimshaw: cumulative talk, exploratory talk, disputational talk, and tutorial talk. This framework was already used in a study in an early childhood education context in Portugal by Amante. The results reveal differences in computer use and characterize the observed interactions. Seven different pairs of children's interactions were analysed. More than a third of the interactions were cumulative talk, followed by exploratory talk, tutorial talk and disputational talk. Comparing same and mixed age pairs, we observed that cumulative talk is the more present interaction, but in same age pairs this is followed by exploratory talk whereas in the mixed age pairs it is tutorial talk that has the second largest percentage. The pairs formed by the children were very asymmetrical in terms of age and computer proficiency. This lead to the more tutorial interactions, where one children showed the other or directed him/her on how to play. The results show that collaboration is present during the use of a computer area in early childhood education. The free choice of the children means the adults can only suggest pairing suited to specific interactions between the children. Another way to support children in more exploratory talk interactions could be by discussing the way the older children can help the younger ones beyond directing or correcting their work

Mother's prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms and infant's sleep problems at 6 months

Mother's prenatal and postpartum depression have been associated with infant's sleep problems. This study aimed to analyze (a) the effects of mother's prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms, including the effects of prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), on infant's sleep problems at 6 months, and (b) the interaction effect between mother's prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms and infant's sex on infant's sleep problems at 6 months. The sample was comprised of 164 mother-infant dyads whose mothers completed measures of depression at the third trimester of pregnancy, 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months postpartum and a measure of infant's sleep problems at 6 months (CSHQ-I). Mother's prenatal depression symptoms, specifically depression scores of the EPDS, predicted more infant's sleep anxiety and daytime sleepiness, while mother's depression symptoms at 2 weeks postpartum, specifically anxiety scores of the EPDS, predicted more bedtime resistance and CSHQ-I total scores at 6 months. Boys of mothers with more prenatal depression symptoms presented more sleep anxiety at 6 months. Both mother's prenatal and early postpartum depression symptoms have a negative effect on the emergence of infant's sleep problems. Additionally, boys seem more vulnerable to mother's prenatal depression symptoms.This study was conducted at Psychology Research Centre (UID/PSI/01662/2013), University of Minho, and supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science through national funds and co-financed by FEDER through COMPETE2020 under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement, under the Grant No. POCI-01-0145-FEDER007653. This research was supported by the FEDER Funds through the Programa Operacional Factores de CompetitividadeCOMPETE and by National Funds through FCTFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia under the Grant No. PTDC/SAU/SAP/116738/2010 and by a PhD Grant No. SFRH/BD/113005/201

Gestão de Projetos na Engenharia: preparar a Geração Z com Competências Transferíveis

Expository approaches in project management education do not seem engage engineering students, who lack transferable competencies. This article reviews the project management competencies, Generation Z profile, and teaching methods trends reported in the literature. It presents a study involving 147 engineering students, through a self-report questionnaire, to explore their profile's self-awareness and compare it with the literature. A correlational study links the Generation Z personality traits with project management soft skills. Findings reveal interesting personality characteristics of Generation Z engineering students for project management. The sample showed low recognition of their individualism, less personal relationships, and did not value their creative potential. Some traits have a significant effect on critical soft skills. Other soft skills were not supported in personality traits. This work suggests implications for re-think educational approaches to Generation Z engineering students.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio