Aplicação de metodologia estruturada para desenvolvimento de novos serviços em uma organização do setor de tabaco

Buscando contribuir com o campo do conhecimento, o objetivo principal deste trabalho é analisar a possibilidade de aplicação de uma metodologia de Desenvolvimento de Novos Serviços (DNS) às praticas de uma unidade de negócio de uma empresa de tabaco benchmarking em logística que, hoje, realiza o processo de DNS com bastante freqüência, porém sem estar embasada em uma ou mais metodologia(s) cientificamente comprovada(s). Realizou-se então uma pesquisa qualitativa (MATTAR, 1996), exploratória (GIL, 1999), cujo método de pesquisa utilizado foi observação participante (MALINOWSKI, 1978 apud CAVEDON, 1999), entendendo que este método não leva em conta apenas registros físicos, mas também a vivência dos sujeitos e suas práticas, isto é, leva em conta os conflitos e tensões que definem o sucesso ou não de uma metodologia de trabalho. Comparouse o processo de DNS realizado na unidade de negócio estudada aos modelos de Scheuing e Johnson (1989), Ramaswamy (1996) e Bitran e Pedrosa (1998), modelos estes reconhecidos pela literatura acadêmica e já adaptados para o campo de serviços. Constatou-se, assim, que os referidos modelos apresentam vários pontos em comum com as práticas da unidade estudada, entretanto não se adéquam integralmente a mesma, seria então necessária a elaboração de um modelo híbrido adaptado à realidade do objeto de estudo. Assim surgem novas questões de investigação: As metodologias hoje conhecidas são aplicáveis a um grande número de empresas? Ao desenvolver um novo serviço, as empresas devem elaborar uma metodologia própria? A elaboração de uma metodologia de desenvolvimento de serviços adaptada para a unidade estudada traria quais resultados

Emulsions preparation based on ternary phase diagrams: comparative study using two oils (Miglyol and sweet almond) with two distinct surfactants (Tween 80 and Saponin)

An emulsion is a colloidal dispersion composed by a mixture of two immiscible liquids, being one the dispersed phase, as droplets, and the other one the continuous phase. In this work, a comparative study comprising the surfactants Tween 80 (synthetic surfactant) and Saponin (natural surfactant) and the oils Miglyol 812 and Sweet Almond was performed. The development of emulsions based on ternary phase diagrams showed that different phases can be formed giving rise to different formulations: microemulsions, gels, and mixtures with 1, 2 and 3 phases. The application of the HPH technique produced stable nanoemulsions with narrow distributions. Considering Tween 80, and comparing the two oils, Miglyol 812 gave rise to emulsions with lower particle size (0.023μm), comparatively to Sweet Almond Oil (1.009μm). This difference can be related with the oil viscosity, which is lower for Miglyol 812. Comparing the two surfactants, natural Saponin was very effective in the o/w composition range.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Saponins as natural emulsifiers for nanoemulsions

The awareness of sustainability approaches has focused attention on replacing synthetic emulsifiers with natural alternatives when formulating nanoemulsions. In this context, a comprehensive review of the different types of saponins being successfully used to form and stabilize nanoemulsions is presented, highlighting the most common natural sources and biosynthetic routes. Processes for their extraction and purification are also reviewed altogether with the recent advances for their characterization. Concerning the preparation of the nanoemulsions containing saponins, the focus has been initially given to screening methods, lipid phase used, and production procedures, but their characterization and delivery systems explored are also discussed. Most experimental outcomes showed that the saponins present high performance, but the challenges associated with the saponins’ broader application, mainly the standardization for industrial use, are identified. Future perspectives report, among others, the emerging biotechnological processes and the use of byproducts in a circular economy context.This work was financially supported by Base Funding − UIDB/00690/2020 of CIMO − Centro de Investigação de Montanha funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC), Funding UIDB/50020/2020 and UIDP/50020/2020 of LSRE-LCM funded by national funds through FCT/ MCTES (PIDDAC), and project AIProc-Mat@N2020 − NORTE-01-0145-FEDER 000006 supported by NORTE 2020 under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through ERDF. T.B.S. thanks FCT and European Social Fund (ESF) for the Ph.D. grant (2020.05564.BD).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Implementação da Pedagogia Genológica com Alunos com Necessidades Educativas Especiais - Contributos para uma Literacia Inclusiva

O presente Relatório inscreve-se no Mestrado de Educação Especial – Domínio Cognitivo-Motor e apresenta a investigação que visou testar a eficácia da pedagogia Reading to Learn (R2L), de David Rose (2013), junto de um grupo de alunos do 8ºano de escolaridade, com Necessidades Educativas Especiais no domínio cognitivo (ainda que sem o diagnóstico de Incapacidade Intelectual), a usufruírem de medidas de Educação Especial ao abrigo do Decreto-Lei 03/2008 de 07 de janeiro, numa Escola com 2º e 3º ciclos, de um Agrupamento de Escolas de grande dimensão, na zona oeste do país. Recorreu-se a um desenho Quasi-Experimental, no qual participaram 29 alunos distribuídos por um «grupo de intervenção» de cinco elementos com NEE e dois «grupos de testemunho» (1 e 2), compostos por cinco alunos com NEE e 19 sem NEE, respetivamente. O estudo foi composto por pré-teste, intervenção exclusiva para o grupo-alvo e pós-teste, procedendo-se à análise dos textos narrativos produzidos nos momentos inicial e final do estudo, e comparando-se o desempenho de uns e outros, mediante o nº de palavras e qualidade dos textos, aferida mediante referencial de análise do próprio programa R2L. Os resultados apurados apontam para um impacto bastante positivo do Programa R2L implementado junto do «grupo de intervenção», denotando-se uma evolução progressiva e significativa quer na extensão, quer na qualidade dos textos produzidos pelo grupo dos alunos sujeitos à intervenção. Do mesmo modo, percebeu-se que, do momento de pré-teste para o pós-teste, se registou uma diminuição da diferença entre «grupo de intervenção» e «grupo de testemunho 2», tanto na extensão como qualidade dos textos produzidos, enquanto as prestações dos elementos do «grupo de testemunho 1» tiveram melhorias menos expressivas. Também a opinião das docentes de Educação Especial, que acompanham os alunos intervencionados, confirma uma melhoria no plano das aprendizagens, decorrente de um maior envolvimento, motivação e capacidade de organização dos textos escritos

Biologia reprodutiva de Synallaxis albilora (aves: Furnariidae) no Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso

Synallaxis albilora (White-lored Spinetail) is a Neotropical ovenbird restricted to flooded areas in the Pantanal wetlands, central portion of South America. The aim of this work is to present a detailed description of its breeding biology (nests, eggs and nestlings) in the locality of Pirizal, Municipality of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, Pantanal of Poconé, at Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Several other aspects of its natural history are also described such as brood size, incubation period, parental care, nest further use by other species, agonistic interactions and nest-site. In order to study nest site, hemispherical photographs of vegetation above and north of each nest were taken. The photos were analyzed to estimate the canopy openness. The use of this method is considered unpublished in ornithological studies. Sixty nests were found and monitored during the years 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006. The nest of S. albilora is similar to a retort, being built with pieces of kindling and lined with leaves. Its exterior consists of larger pieces of kindling and thorns. Both sexes were observed engaged in nest construction. The eggs are pyriform, whitish and present opaque surface (average of 20.5 x 16.4 mm, 2.8 g). Brood size was 3.35 ± 0.4 eggs (n = 20). The youngs are similar to the adults. A single individual was recorded engaged in incubation. Incubation time was 15.3 ± 0.7 days and the fledging time was of 13.6 ± 1.1 days. Canopy openness above nests was less than at five meters north of nests (16.4 and 20.3%, respectively; p = 0.036, n = 18). These data suggest that S. albilora might exhibit a preference for more open canopy cover sites. Several groups were observed using old nests. Agonistic interactions were registered during the reproductive station. The reproductive period of this species extends from August to December.Synallaxis albilora (joão-do-pantanal) é um furnarídeo Neotropical restrito a áreas alagáveis do Pantanal da América do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma descrição detalhada de sua biologia reprodutiva (ninhos, ovos e ninhegos) na região do Pirizal, município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento, Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brasil. São também abordados outros aspectos da sua história natural, tais como: tamanho da ninhada; duração dos períodos de incubação e cuidado com os filhotes; ocupação dos ninhos por outras espécies; interações agonísticas e sítio de nidificação. Para o estudo do sítio de nidificação obteve-se fotografias hemisféricas da vegetação onde os ninhos foram construídos e ao norte destes. As fotos foram analisadas para estimar a abertura da vegetação. O uso deste método é considerado inédito em estudos ornitológicos. Foram monitorados 60 ninhos durante os anos de 2001, 2002, 2005 e 2006. O ninho de S. albilora é semelhante a uma retorta, sendo construído com gravetos e forrado com folhas. O seu exterior é constituído de gravetos maiores e espinhos. A construção do ninho é realizada pelo casal. Os ovos possuem formato piriforme, são esbranquiçados e apresentam superfície opaca (média de 20,5 x 16,4 mm, 2,8 g). O tamanho da ninhada foi de 3,35 ± 0,4 ovos (n = 20). Os jovens são semelhantes aos adultos. A incubação é realizada exclusivamente por um indivíduo, sendo estimada em 15,3 ± 0,7 dias, os filhotes permanecem no ninho por 13,6 ± 1,1 dias. A abertura da vegetação nos ninhos (16,4%) foi menor do que a cinco metros ao norte destes (20,3%) (n = 18; p = 0,036). Estes dados sugerem que a probabilidade de encontrar ninhos de S. albilora está associada à abertura da vegetação. Diversos grupos foram observados utilizando ninhos antigos. Interações agonísticas foram registradas durante a estação reprodutiva. A estação reprodutiva se estende de agosto a dezembro

Formulation and optimization of nanoemulsions using the natural surfactant saponin from Quillaja bark

Replacing synthetic surfactants by natural alternatives when formulating nanoemulsions has gained attention as a sustainable approach. In this context, nanoemulsions based on sweet almond oil and stabilized by saponin from Quillaja bark with glycerol as cosurfactant were prepared by the high-pressure homogenization method. The e ects of oil/water (O/W) ratio, total surfactant amount, and saponin/glycerol ratio on their stability were analyzed. The formation and stabilization of the oil-in-water nanoemulsions were analyzed through the evaluation of stability over time, pH, zeta potential, and particle size distribution analysis. Moreover, a design of experiments was performed to assess the most suitable composition based on particle size and stability parameters. The prepared nanoemulsions are, in general, highly stable over time, showing zeta potential values lower than 40 mV, a slight acid behavior due to the character of the components, and particle size (in volume) in the range of 1.1 to 4.3 m. Response surface methodology revealed that formulations using an O/W ratio of 10/90 and 1.5 wt% surfactant resulted in lower particle sizes and zeta potential, presenting higher stability. The use of glycerol did not positively a ect the formulations, which reinforces the suitability of preparing highly stable nanoemulsions based on natural surfactants such as saponins.This research was funded by (1) AIProcMat@N2020-Advanced Industrial Processes and Materials for a Sustainable Northern Region of Portugal 2020, with the reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000006, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); (2) Base Funding—UIDB/50020/2020 of the Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM—funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC); and (3) Base Funding—(UIDB/00690/2020) of CIMO—Centro de Investigação de Montanha—funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of saponin-rich extracts as natural alternative emulsifiers: A comparative study with pure Quillaja Bark saponin

Due to synthetic surfactants' environmental impact, their replacement by natural alternatives has gained relevance, with saponins emerging as sustainable approaches. In this work, three saponin-rich extracts from different sources (Tribulus terrestris (TT), Trigonella foenum-graecum (FG), and Ruscus aculeatus (RA)) were tested as emulsifiers, and their performance compared with Quillaja Bark saponin (PS). Characterisation comprised FTIR, solubility studies, CMC assays, and emulsifying properties (emulsifying capacity (EC) and foaming capacity (FC)). For all samples, solubility assays indicated high solubility in water and low in apolar solvents (e.g., n-hexane), compatible with their O/W emulsifier character. In general, the saponin content ruled extracts' performance (PS > TT > FG > RA). EC values (without pH adjustment) were found to be 82.5, 55.0, 47.5, 36.3%, respectively. When pH changed for 7 and 9, a shift in FG and RA order was observed. The pseudo-ternary diagrams, constructed to map emulsion's composition zones, indicate the formation of single-phase systems in the region of low oil and high extract content. Except for RA extract, gel samples were formed, which are interesting technological solutions for several applications. Among the studied samples, and in alternative to PS, TT extract showed the best performance.This work was financially supported by: Base Funding – UIDB/00690/2020 of CIMO – Centro de Investigação de Montanha – funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC), Base Funding – UIDB/50020/2020 of the Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM – funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC), and project AIProcMat@ N2020 – NORTE-01-0145-FEDER 000006 supported by NORTE 2020 under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through ERDF. National funding by FCT, Foundation for Science and Technology, through the individual research Grant 2020.05564. BD of Tatiana La Banca Schreiner. FCT, PI, through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for I.P. Fernandes contract through the celebration of program-contract foreseen in No. 4, 5 and 6 of article 23º of Decree-Law No. 57/2016, of 29th August, amended by Law No. 57/ 2017, of 19th July.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A new brain emotional learning simulink toolbox for control systems design

The brain emotional learning (BEL) control paradigm has been gathering increased interest by the control systems design community. However, the lack of a consistent mathemat- ical formulation and computer based tools are factors that have prevented its more widespread use. In this article both features are tackled by providing a coherent mathematical framework for both the continuous and discrete-time formulations and by presenting a Simulink R computational tool that can be easily used for fast prototyping BEL based control systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Saponin-based natural nanoemulsions as alpha-tocopherol delivery systems for dermal applications

Nanoemulsions can be produced using simple methods and compounds from natural sources. They can increase water dispersibility and bioavailability and optimise active ingredient dispersion in particular skin layers. Lipophilic compounds of the vitamin E family (tocopherols and tocotrienols) are well-known for their high antioxidant activity and capacity to protect the skin from oxidative stress. In this context, oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsions with and without α-tocopherol (Vitamin E, VE) were formulated with two emulsifier alternatives, Quillaja saponin (QS), and a combination of QS with Tribulus terrestris (QSTT) (50/50, w/w). The emulsions were evaluated concerning stability, microstructure, droplet size, colour attributes, encapsulation efficiency, UV photostability, antioxidant activity, and in vitro permeation studies to assess the delivery potential. Results showed highly stable systems, with round-shape droplets of 80–121 nm size. QS and QSTT samples' colours were close to white and light brownish, respectively. The topical nano cream had the capacity to entrap VE, producing a protective effect from UV degradation, and very significant antioxidant activity, with IC50 values around 0.01 %wt. The skin permeation profiles showed the efficiency of the formulations in the delivery of VE, with permeabilities between 64 and 74 µg/cm2, while the control sample showed no VE permeation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Solubility and solid phase studies of isomeric phenolic acids in pure solvents

The solubilities of gallic, protocatechuic, gentisic or α-resorcylic acids were measured in nine pure solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 2-butanone, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile and dimethylformamide) at 298.15 K and 313.15 K, using the analytical isothermal shake-flask method. Additionally, solid phase studies of the selected phenolic acids were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), giving access to important data on melting properties as well as on the structure of the solid phase before and after the dissolution. The NRTL-SAC model coupled to the reference solvent approach (RSA) were applied to correlate the solubility data in a set of seven solvents and, after used to predict the solubility in 1-propanol and dimethylformamide. Average relative deviations (ARD) between 28 and 40% for the correlation and between 16 and 59% for the predictions were obtained. These values are within the order of magnitude usually found for such type of semi-predictive models, using a limited set of data.This work is supported by: Project “AIProcMat@N2020 - Advanced Industrial Processes and Materials for a Sustainable Northern Region of Portugal 2020”, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006984 – Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM funded by ERDF through COMPETE2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI); Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030463 financed by COMPETE and Portugal2020 and national funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia . We also acknowledge the support of CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007679 (Ref. FCT UID/CTM/50011/2013 ). Appendix Ainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio