Evaluation of risks at MANTEM

International statistics show that the problem of the accidents at work is far away to be solved (ILO estimates that every year about 270 million work accidents and 160 million occupational diseases resulting in the death of more than 2 million workers occurs in the world). That's why the EU global goal concerning the community' strategy for occupational health and safety for 2007-2012 is to reduce in 25% the incidence rate of occupational accidents and diseases. In this prospect it is presented a case study which justify the need to develop studies in Safety, Hygiene and Health at Work area as a way to encourage the managers to implement preventive actions and strategies, besides meeting the legal requirements, in order to reduce the occurrence of work accidents, improve the work conditions and therefore obtain benefits in added values and reinforced competition. The general objective of this study is to describe the work situations, identify the dangers and associate the potential risks and consequences; evaluate and value the risk. The study uses the Failure Table methodology and, in the business area of an organization which will be from now on designated as MANTEM that works in the electromechanical maintenance area. The results were, amongst others, some actions to be implemented to eliminate/minimize risks

Chronic experimental model of TNBS-induced colitis to study inflammatory bowel disease

IDI&CA_IPL/2019/COLITiS_ESTeSLFCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a world healthcare problem. In order to evaluate the effect of new pharmacological approaches for IBD, we aim to develop and validate chronic trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods: Experimental colitis was induced by the rectal administration of multiple doses of TNBS in female CD-1 mice. The protocol was performed with six experimental groups, depending on the TNBS administration frequency, and two control groups (sham and ethanol groups). Results: The survival rate was 73.3% in the first three weeks and, from week 4 until the end of the experimental protocol, the mice’s survival remained unaltered at 70.9%. Fecal hemoglobin presented a progressive increase until week 4 (5.8 ± 0.3 µmol Hg/g feces, p < 0.0001) compared with the ethanol group, with no statistical differences to week 6. The highest level of tumor necrosis factor-α was observed on week 3; however, after week 4, a slight decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α concentration was verified, and the level was maintained until week 6 (71.3 ± 3.3 pg/mL and 72.7 ± 3.6 pg/mL, respectively). Conclusions: These findings allowed the verification of a stable pattern of clinical and inflammation signs after week 4, suggesting that the chronic model of TNBS-induced colitis develops in 4 weeks.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Earth-based construction material field tests characterization in the Alto Douro Wine Region

The Alto Douro Wine Region, located in the northeast of Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents an abundant vernacular building heritage. This building technology is based on a timber framed structure filled with a composite earth-based material. A lack of scientific studies related to this technology is evident, furthermore, principally in rural areas, this traditional building stock is highly deteriorated and damaged because of the rareness of conservation and strengthening works, which is partly related to the non-engineered character of this technology and to the knowledge loosed on that technique. Those aspects motivated the writing of this paper, whose main purpose is the physical and chemical characterization of the earth-based material applied in the tabique buildings of that region through field tests. Consequently, experimental work was conducted and the results obtained allowed, among others, the proposal of a series of adequate field tests. At our knowledge, this is the first time field tests are undertaken for tabique technology. This information will provide the means to assess the suitability of a given earth-based material with regards to this technology. The knowledge from this study could also be very useful for the development of future normative documents and as a reference for architects and engineers that work with this technology to guide and regulate future conservation, rehabilitation or construction processes helping to preserve this important legacy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Efficacy and safety of erythropoietin in a chronic model of inflammatory bowel disease

FCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is recognized as a group of chronic inflammatory disorders, localized in the gastrointestinal tract, which does not have a cure known. Indeed, the pharmacological approaches, commonly used, demonstrate significant toxicity, which highlights the need of investigating new possible treatments. Erythropoietin (EPO) is clinically used in anemic patients, with chronic renal insufficiency, due to its erythropoietic effect. However, it has also been described other non-erythropoietic effects, such as an anti-inflammatory role. There is already preclinical evidence about its anti-inflammatory effect in the IBD context, namely in an acute model of colitis in mice. Therefore, it is relevant to ascertain its anti-inflammatory effect in a chronic model, but mainly its hematopoietic side effect, during chronic treatment. Aim: This experiment aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPO treatment in a chronic 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in rodents. Methods: The induction of chronic colitis consisted of five weekly intrarectal administrations of 1% TNBS, and then mice were treated daily with 500 IU/Kg or 1000 IU/Kg of EPO, through intraperitoneal injections, for 14 days. Results: EPO demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory effect, translated by a significant reduction of the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α, fecal calprotectin, and fecal hemoglobin. Moreover, it has also been demonstrated to be safe, considering the cardiovascular system, in terms of extraintestinal manifestations, namely at renal and hepatic functions. Conclusions: EPO demonstrated to be a promising pharmacological approach to be considered in the management of IBD, being an interesting target for drug repositioning.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dynamic network tariffs: are they the most efficient way to match peak consumption and network incremental costs?

The purpose of this paper is to present the main results of the ongoing analysis of applying dynamic network access tariffs in Portugal. For the 2015-2017 regulatory period, the Portuguese National Regulatory Authority, ERSE, required the three main Portuguese DSOs to submit, until the end of June 2016, plans for the implementation of network dynamic tariff schemes targeting Medium, High and Extra High Voltage customers, as well as the respective cost-benefit analysis. EDP Distribuição, the main Portuguese DSO, is preparing a report regarding the implementation of pilot projects on a sample of these segments of customers, which are due to be on the field during 2017. These pilots should help electrical energy stakeholders understand how the Electric System can benefit from the use of dynamic tariffs focused on networks, allowing for the quantification of benefits in a more accurate way. The level of demand response that results from price signals is a key issue that both the regulator and EDP Distribuição will quantify. Other important issue to assess in this study is the efficiency of cost recovery under a dynamic tariff scheme. In conclusion, this paper will present some results obtained from the cost-benefit analysis regarding the implementation of a Critical Peak Pricing scheme, as well as the key learnings supporting the introduction of dynamic schemes in the future, not only for EHV, HV and MV customers but also eventually extending it to LV ones

Effects of soil, root mycorrhization, organic and phosphate fertilization, in organic lettuce production

The influence of organic and phosphate fertilization, and root mycorrhization, in organic lettuce production, was assessed with factorial treatment combinations of: soil type (SOP – soil from organic and SCP – soil from conventional production) and organic fertilizer (0, 2 and 4 t ha-1) in the first trial; mycorrhizal inoculation (mycorrhized and non-mycorrhized plants) and Gafsa phosphate (0, 100 and 200 kg P2O5 ha-1) in the second. Lettuce yield decreased in the SCP with the application of increasing rates of organic fertilizer due to the very high electrical conductivity (50.1 dS m-1) and lack of maturation of this fertilizer. However, the harmful effects of the organic fertilizer were minimized in the SOP. The application of increasing rates of Gafsa phosphate increased lettuce yield and nutrient uptake. However, the mycorrhization did not increase lettuce yield and, for mycorrhized lettuces, yield did not increase with the highest rate of Gafsa phosphate application

Sistema de aquisição e registo de sinais biomédicos baseado numa plataforma de desenvolvimento open-source de baixo custo

Este artigo apresenta um sistema de aquisição e registo de sinais biomédicos baseado na plataforma desenvolvimento open-source Arduino. O sistema tem associado um cartão de memória para registo de dados, bem como um acelerómetro que indica a atividade/postura do paciente. É utilizado um módulo de comunicação Blue- tooth para ligação a um dispositivo móvel (smartphone e tablet) de forma a permitir a parametrização, o comando do sistema de aquisição e a monitorização em tempo real dos dados adquiridos. Estes dados foram usados para calcular o balanço vago-simpático associado a tarefas específicas do dia-a-dia

Monitorização da qualidade da energia elétrica

A monitorização da Qualidade da Energia Elétrica é uma mais-valia para os responsáveis pelas instalações elétricas, permitindo a otimização dos perfis de consumo e a identificação e prevenção de problemas.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Reciclagem seletiva de canais radiculares

Introdução: O presente trabalho introduz um novo tema na área da Endodontia: Reciclagem Seletiva de Canais Radiculares. Tem os mesmos princípios de desinfecção, conformação e obturação que o retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico convencional, no entanto é menos invasivo. Está indicado em casos de insucesso prévio no tratamento endodôntico e na presença de próteses. Objetivos: Esta dissertação tem como objectivo principal apresentar um possível novo tratamento na área da Endodontia. Procedeu-se a uma revisão bibliográfica, analisando a literatura que versa o tema, de modo a introduzi-lo dentro da área do retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico nos seus diferentes procedimentos: Desobturação e materiais utilizados, instrumental utilizado, irrigantes e a sua utilidade e aplicabilidade na prática clínica. Materiais e Métodos: Para a elaboração da presente dissertação, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, no presente ano, recorrendo-se aos motores de pesquisa on-line: b-On, Pubmed, Scielo e Google Académico, realizando a pesquisa através das palavras-chave: “endodontic retreatment”, ”root canal system”, “endodontic irrigation”, “endodontic solvent”, “pro-taper”, “reciproc”, “clorohexidine”, “sodium hipoclorite”, “obturation” que foram então combinadas entre si de múltiplas e sucessivas formas. Foram utilizados 50 artigos dos 87 seleccionados, um livro e uma revista. Discussão: Na literatura científica, são comparados vários materiais para a realização do retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico, como solvente o que melhores resultados apresenta na dissolução da Gutta-Percha é o Xilitol seguido do clorofórmio. Como solução irrigante a Clorohexidina tem um grande potencial nos casos de retratamento por ser mais eficaz em bactérias Gram+ e pela sua substantividade que permite que a sua actividade bacteriana seja contínua. O sistema Reciproc® pela sua forma em S no corte transversal e possuir dois bordos cortantes, aliados à sua composição pela nova liga M-Wire, mais resistente à torção e fadiga cíclica parece ser a melhor opção tanto para desobturação do SCR como re-instrumentação. Com a imagiologia tridimensional, a Reciclagem Selectiva de Canais Radiculares pode ser explorada e tornar-se uma técnica mais conservadora em casos de retratamento ao conseguir-se determinar qual a raiz com lesão apical. Conclusão: Perante este novo método mais conservador de realizar o retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico, o exame radiológico por CBCT é o grande responsável pela sua realização. Com ele podemos ter acesso à tridimensionalidade de todas as estruturas orais e consequentemente atingir um diagnóstico correcto, com mais informação disponível. Este novo método, aliado aos melhores materiais utilizados no RTENC convencional poderão permitir ao clínico a realização de um retratamento não cirúrgico seguro, mais conservador para a estrutura dentária e para potenciais próteses que possam estar presentes. São necessários mais estudos com um follow-up mais prolongado para determinar a real efetividade deste tratamento.Introduction: The following paper introduces a new theme in the Endodontics field: Selective Root Canal Treatment. It has the same principles of disinfection, conforming and obturation than the conventional nonsurgical root canal retreatment, however, is less invasive. It is indicated in cases of previous insucess in endodontic treatment and in the presence of prosthesis. Objectives: This thesis main goal is to introduce a possible new treatment in the Endodontics field. A literature review has been done analyzing the existing literature in order to investigate the theme and in a way to introduce him in the nonsurgical endodontic retreatment in their different procedures: Filling removal and the instruments used, used instrumental, irrigants, its use and applicability in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: In the carrying out of this literature review, it was used the online search engines, in the present year, such has: b-On, Pubmed, Scielo and Google Scholar, implementing research through the keywords: ―endodontic retreatment‖, ‖root canal system‖, ―endodontic irrigation‖, ―endodontic solvent‖, ―pro-taper‖, ―reciproc‖, ―clorohexidine‖, ―sodium hipoclorite‖, ―obturation‖ combined afterwards between themselves. In total, 50 articles were used of the 87 selected, one book and one magazine. Discussion: In the scientific literature, several materials are compared to perform the nonsurgical endodontic retreatment as solvent shows that better results in the dissolution of Gutta-percha is xylitol followed by chloroform. As irrigating solution Chlorhexidine has great potential in retreatment cases to be more effective on Gram + bacteria and their substantivity which enables its bacterial activity is ongoing. The Reciproc® system for its S-shape in cross section and has two cutting edges, combined with its composition by new alloy M-Wire, more resistant to torsion and cyclic fatigue seems to be the best option for both SCR removal procedure as re-instrumentation . With the three-dimensional imaging, selective recycling of root canals can be exploited and become a more conservative technique retreatment cases to achieve determine which is the root apical lesions. Conclusion: Faced with this new, more conservative method of performing nonsurgical endodontic retreatment, radiological examination by CBCT is largely responsible for its realization. With it we can have access to the three-dimensionality of all oral structures and consequently achieve a correct diagnosis, with more information available. This new method, combined with the best materials used in conventional RTENC may allow the clinician performing a nonsurgical retreatment safer, more conservative for the tooth structure and potential prosthesis that may be present. Further studies are needed with longer follow-up to determine the actual effectiveness of this treatment

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adherence to Exercise Prescription: The case of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) are an important tool of secondary prevention and their implementation within health services, despite the uneven geographical distribution, has been receiving attention from decision-makers in recent years. Adherence to the CRPs is one of the great challenges faced by the multidisciplinary team, and there are several strategies to maintain adherence, particularly in CRP-Phase III, which occurs outside the hospital environment. One of the strategies followed is the use of remote performance monitoring and recording of possible alert symptoms. With the pandemic due to COVID-19, these challenges have become even more evident as Phase II programs have been suspended, thus increasing the importance of the home-based CRPs. In this work, the results of a study aiming to understand the impact of the pandemic on adherence to the prescription of exercise and the perception of patients regarding the effects of physical activity on health conditions are shown. The results indicate that the pandemic did not have a major effect on the adherence to home-based exercises, in particular, in patients undergoing programs using a telemonitoring system. Moreover, the perception of the importance of physical activity for health and well-being was reinforced in the context of the pandemic.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio