The impact of renewable energy sources on economic growth and CO2 emissions - a SVAR approach

Over the last years renewable energy sources (RES) have increased their share on electricity generation of most developed economies due to environmental and security of supply concerns. The aim of this paper was to analyze how an increasing share of RES on electricity generation (RES-E) affects Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Several methodologies could be used for this purpose. The Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) methodology considers the interactions among all variables in the model and is well suited to predict the effects of specific policy actions or important changes in the economy. Therefore, we chose to implement this methodology. We used a 3 variable SVAR model for a sample of four countries along the period 1960-2004. The existence of unit roots was tested to infer the stationarity of the variables. The countries chosen have rather different levels of economic development and social and economic structures but a common effort of investment in RES in the last decades. Through the impulse response functions (IRF), the SVAR estimation showed that, for all countries in the sample, except for the USA, the increasing RES-E share had economic costs in terms of GDP per capita. As expected, there was also an evident decrease of CO2 emissions per capita. The variance decomposition showed that a significant part of the forecast error variance of GDP per capita and a relatively smaller part of the forecast error variance of CO2 per capita were explained by the share of RES-E.Renewables, economic growth, CO2 emissions, SVAR

A sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais de doentes de Alzheimer

Projeto de Graduação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Licenciada em EnfermagemO estudo em questão pretende saber qual a sobrecarga existente nos cuidadores informais de doentes de Alzheimer. Considerou-se pertinente estudar este tema, pois o aumento da esperança média de vida implica o número elevado de idosos a necessitar de cuidados, mais concretamente os idosos com doença de Alzheimer. Os objectivos traçados para o estudo foram determinar o nível de sobrecarga e identificar as características sociodemográficas dos cuidadores informais de doentes de Alzheimer. Elaborou-se um estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, realizado na zona do Grande Porto. A amostra é constituída por 46 cuidadores de doentes de Alzheimer que se disponibilizaram para responder a um questionário baseado na escala de Zarit (S. H.Zarit & J. M. Zarit, 1983; Martín, 1996; Scazufca, 2002; versão portuguesa de Sequeira, 2007), uma escala que avalia a sobrecarga de um cuidador. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que a maioria dos cuidadores é do sexo feminino, casado, na faixa etária dos 51 aos 60 anos e sendo também na sua maioria filhos/as do doente. Após a realização do estudo, foi possível concluir que 67.39% dos participantes apresentavam sobrecarga, dos quais 28.26% destes tinham sobrecarga intensa e 39.13% sobrecarga ligeira. Os factores que mais contribuíram para o aumento da sobrecarga foram a dependência do doente em relação ao cuidador, o receio pelo futuro do doente e o tempo que o cuidador informal tem para as suas tarefas.This investigation purpose is to study the level of burden felt by the informal caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. It is important to study this matter because life expectancy is increasing, leading to more elderly people that need care, in particularly those who have Alzheimer. This investigation’s objectives are to determine the level of burden and to identify the social demographic features of informal caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. It was made a descriptive, cross sectional study which is using a quantitative method, covering the area of Porto. This sample is composed by 46 caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, who accepted to answer a questionnaire based on the scale of Zarit (S.H. Zarit & J. M. Zarit, 1983; Martín, 1996; Scazufca, 2002; Portuguese version of Sequeira, 2007), a scale that measures the burden of a caregiver. The results revealed that most caregivers are female, married, with ages between 51 to 60 years old and the majority are daughter or son of the patient. After this study it was also possibly to realize that 67,39% of the participants showed burden, and 28.26% of these had severe burden and 39.13% a slighter burden. The elements that contributed to increase burden were the dependency of the patient towards the caregiver, the fear for the future of the patient and the time available for the informal caregiver to organize his daily tasks

The impact of renewable energy sources on economic growth and CO2 emissions : a SVAR approach

We analyze how an increasing share of Renewable Energy Sources on Electricity generation (RES-E) affects Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions using a 3 variable Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) methodology. We used a sample of four countries with different levels of economic development and social and economic structures but a common effort of investment in RES in the last decades. The period considered was 1960 to 2004. The existence of unit roots was tested to infer the stationarity of the variables. Through the impulse response functions (IRF), the SVAR estimation showed that, for all countries in the sample, except for the USA, the increasing RES-E share had economic costs in terms of GDP per capita. There was also an evident decrease of CO2 emissions per capita. The variance decomposition showed that a significant part of the forecast error variance of GDP per capita and a relatively smaller part of the forecast error variance of CO2 per capita were explained by the share of RES-E.peer-reviewe

Padrões de interacção num ambiente de aprendizagem colaborativa a distância : um estudo de caso com conteúdos estruturados segundo a teoria da flexibilidade cognitiva

Mestrado em Multimédia em EducaçãoA Globalização a que assistimos actualmente traz consigo exigências que a Sociedade deve responder de forma efectiva e adequada. O eLearning constitui, assim, uma realidade capaz de congregar esforços no sentido de permitir a construção de comunidades empenhadas em adquirir as competências necessárias para enfrentar os desafios propostos pela Globalização. É nesta perspectiva que apresentamos este estudo que procura, na sua essência, compreender o processo de interacção num ambiente de aprendizagem colaborativo a distância entre alunos de Línguas Clássicas. Cientes da importância de promover uma aprendizagem com significado para os alunos, foram desenvolvidos conteúdos que representaram o conhecimento segundo os pressupostos pedo-didácticos da Teoria da Flexibilidade Cognitiva de forma a serem trabalhados colaborativamente pelos participantes no fórum de discussão online Scaena. O trabalho desenvolvido pelos alunos decorreu ao longo de três sessões e foi integrado na disciplina de Tecnologia Educativa constante do programa curricular do 2º Semestre do 4º Ano da Licenciatura de Português, Latim e Grego, no ano lectivo de 2004-05. De índole qualitativa, a investigação efectuada privilegiou a análise de conteúdo a fim de proceder ao tratamento de dados. Para o efeito foi, ainda, utilizado o software de análise NUD*IST. Os resultados relevaram a ocorrência de padrões de interacção em todas as dimensões de análise, assim como tornaram evidente o processo de construção de conhecimento flexível numa plataforma de ensino online. Por último, os resultados apurados confirmam as mais-valias da utilização das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação para os Estudos Clássicos em contexto educativo. São, ainda, apresentadas sugestões para futuros estudos. ABSTRACT: The Globalisation we witness nowadays brings with it demands to which Society has to answer effectivelly and adequatelly. eLearning constitutes, therefore, a reality capable of congregating efforts towards allowing for the construction of communities involved in acquiring the necessary competences to face the challenges proposed by Globalisation. It is against this background that we present this study which aims, in its essence, at understanding the process of interaction in a collaborative distance learning environment between Classical Languages students. Being aware of the importance of promoting learning that is meaningful for the students, contents were developed representing knowledge according to Cognitive Flexibility Theory pedagogical and didactic principles. These would have to be worked on collaboratively by the participants in the study in the online discussion fórum Scaena. The work developed by the students evolved along three sessions and was integrated in the subject Educational Technology, which was part of the curriculum of the Portuguese, Latin and Greek Teacher Education Degree, 2nd Semestre, 4th year, in the academic year of 2004-05. Of a qualitative nature, the study conducted priviledged content analysis of data. For this effect the analysis software NUD*IST was used. Results revealed the occurrence of interaction patterns in all dimensions of analysis as well as the evidence of the process of flexible construction of knowledge in an oline learning platform. Finally the results obtained confirm the added value of the use of Information and Communication Technologies for Classical Studies in the educational context. Suggestions for future studies are put forward

Imagens da alteridade nos sermões de Vieira: análise conteudística

Mestrado em Estudos PortuguesesCom este trabalho pretende-se caracterizar a imagem de alguns tipos de Outroevidentes nos sermões de António Vieira. A primeira parte do trabalho é composta por uma breve apresentação de conceitos afins ao tema como: Época histórica, vida, obra e estilo do autor e Barroco. Após a referência à identidade e alteridade nacional, segue-se uma análise estilístico-conteudística de vários sermões que permitirá a definição de alguns tipos de Outro pertencentes à sociedade brasileira dos séculos XVI e XVII: colonos, colonizadores, Índios e Escravos Negros. Entre as diferentes imagens fazemos ressaltar as semelhanças e diferenças estabelecidas pelo nosso orador sacro.With this study we intend to define the image of several types of Other, present in the sermons of António Vieira. The first part of this thesis deals with a brief presentation of several concepts, essential for the theme, like the historical period, the life, word and style of our author, and a presentation of Baroque. After a reference to national identity and otherness, we present a stylistic analysis of the contents of several sermons, which allow us to define several categories of others inserted in the Brazilian society of XVI/XVII century: colonizers, Indians and Black Slaves. We emphasize, from these different images, the similarities and the differences established by our author

Cell secretome: basic insights and therapeutic opportunities for CNS disorders

Transplantation of stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), stands as a promising therapy for trauma, stroke or neurodegenerative conditions such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries (SCI or TBI), ischemic stroke (IS), or Parkinson’s disease (PD). Over the last few years, cell transplantation-based approaches have started to focus on the use of cell byproducts, with a strong emphasis on cell secretome. Having this in mind, the present review discusses the current state of the art of secretome-based therapy applications in different central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. For this purpose, the following topics are discussed: (1) What are the main cell secretome sources, composition, and associated collection techniques; (2) Possible differences of the therapeutic potential of the protein and vesicular fraction of the secretome; and (3) Impact of the cell secretome on CNS-related problems such as SCI, TBI, IS, and PD. With this, we aim to clarify some of the main questions that currently exist in the field of secretome-based therapies and consequently gain new knowledge that may help in the clinical application of secretome in CNS disorders.This research was funded by Prémios Santa Casa Neurociências—Prize Melo e Castro for Spinal Cord Injury Research, grant number MC-04/17 and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the Scientific Employment Stimulus to N. Silva and S. Monteiro (CEECIND/04794/2017 and CEECIND/01902/2017). This work was also funded by FEDER, through the Competitiveness Internalization Operational Programme (POCI), and by National funds, through the Foundation for Sciences and Technology (FCT), under the scope of the projects POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007038, TUBITAK/0007/2014, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029206, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029751, and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-029968. This work was also developed under the scope of the projects NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000013 and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023, supported by the Northern Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER)

A gestão do património industrial e técnico e o caso da Electro-Cerâmica, do Candal : recuperando o espírito e preservando o significado, valorizando memórias e sentimentos de identidade

No enquadramento do Património Industrial e Técnico, apresenta-se o caso da empresaElectro-Cerâmica, Candal, V.N. de Gaia. Com origens em 1912, numa pequena ocina, constituiu-secomo SARL em 1919. Possuía laboratório, cantina, posto médico, infantário, clube desportivo, enm,as valências de uma importante indústria, quase autossuciente. Após vários modelos de gestão,culmina, em 2006, com a alteração para Candal Parque Sociedade Imobiliária, SA. O processoacarretou múltiplas perdas, para as quais a atual Administração é sensível. Assim, propomo-nosapresentar linhas estratégicas de um contributo, em embrião, para um projeto integrador dacomunidade, objetivando a preservação sustentável da memória e espírito do lugarIn the framework of Industrial and Technical Heritage, the case of Electro-Cerâmica,Candal, V.N. of Gaia, is presented. With origins in 1912, in a small workshop, it was establishedas LLC in 1919. It had a laboratory, canteen, medical post, nursery school, sports club, in short,the valences of an important industry, almost self-sucient. Aer several management models, itculminated in 2006 with the change to Candal Parque Sociedade Imobiliária, SA. e process ledto multiple losses, to which the current Administration is sensitive. us, we propose to presentstrategic lines of a contribution, in embryo, for an integrating project of the community, aimingat the sustainable preservation of the memory and spirit of the plac

Nutritional evaluation of flour obtained from Tacca leontopetaloides used as an alternative food in Muanza-Mozambique

Tubers from wild Tacca leontopetaloides plants are frequently used as a food commodity, but when consumed raw it has a bitter taste and can be toxic, thus threatening food security. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition of flour from T. leontopetaloides subjected to distinct washing treatments, hoping to improve its suitability as a pivot food commodity in regions affected by poverty and food insecurity, such as Muanza (Sofala, Mozambique). To remove the bitter taste and potentially toxic compounds, flour from T. leontopetaloides was subjected to a single washing (SW) and to 13 sequential deep washing cycles (DW). Samples were analysed for several nutritional and mineral parameters, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibre, energy, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Flours prepared with SW had (per 100 g): 5.25 mg proteins, 0.73 mg fats, 0.43 mg fibres, 935 mg phosphorous, 833.7 mg potassium, 120 mg calcium, 275.3 mg magnesium, and 333.6 mg sum. Deep washing significantly decreased protein (80%) and mineral contents (by at least 27%) and eliminated the presence of glycosides and quinones, but a rich nutritional profile was still preserved after this procedure. Overall, T. leontopetaloides flour has a balanced nutritional profile when adequately washed, thus serving as a promising food commodity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

About Hazing In Higher Education

Not a year goes by that we don’t hear of another hazing scandal in a higher education institution. Many researchers took interest in this issue in order to understand its causes and consequences. They provided definitions and lead to prevent it. We found hazing in many social groups around the world, with different names, and under specific forms. This paper aims to better understand hazing and its actors, with a specific focus on hazing in higher education. We presented three definitions to offer several perspectives on hazing, and facilitate its apprehension. Our method was to analyze the relevant scientific literature with the intention of reflecting on its roots and representation among individuals. Results are an exposition of motivations from hazing's actors, recommendations about how to define it and how to prevent derivations. Our main conclusions assume hazing is usually depicted as a deviant behavior, but it would appear to be a norm. Also, its core purpose would be the progression from newcomer to a group member. A lack of structure or meaning could lead to its misuse and facilitate outrageous events. In higher education, hazing seems to be used as a tool to integrate freshmen in their new institutional world. Scandals including violence, sexual and alcohol abuse could be a symptom of something deeper from hazing's environment

Freeze‑dried Nannochloropsis oceanica biomass protects eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from metabolization in the rumen of lambs

Research Areas: Science & Technology ; Other TopicsEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from freeze-dried biomass of Nannochloropsis oceanica microalgae resists ruminal biohydrogenation in vitro, but in vivo demonstration is needed. Therefore, the present study was designed to test the rumen protective effects of N. oceanica in lambs. Twenty-eight lambs were assigned to one of four diets: Control (C); and C diets supplemented with: 1.2% Nannochloropsis sp. oil (O); 12.3% spray-dried N. oceanica (SD); or 9.2% N. oceanica (FD), to achieve 3 g EPA /kg dry matter. Lambs were slaughtered after 3 weeks and digestive contents and ruminal wall samples were collected. EPA concentration in the rumen of lambs fed FD was about 50% higher than lambs fed SD or O diets. Nevertheless, the high levels of EPA in cecum and faeces of animals fed N. oceanica biomass, independently of the drying method, suggests that EPA was not completely released and absorbed in the small intestine. Furthermore, supplementation with EPA sources also affected the ruminal biohydrogenation of C18 fatty acids, mitigating the shift from the t10 biohydrogenation pathways to the t11 pathways compared to the Control diet. Overall, our results demonstrate that FD N. oceanica biomass is a natural rumen-protected source of EPA to ruminants.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio