Investigation of the Flow Field in the Jack Rabbit II Mock Urban Environment Field Tests Using a 1:50 Scale Wind Tunnel Model

Accidental release of toxic chemicals can put workers and nearby populations at significant risk. Consequence assessment of accidents in urban environments is of particular interest. Urban geometries create wind channels between buildings, along with particularly dangerous areas downwind of buildings, where near-stagnant flow is present. Furthermore, recirculation zones can be formed between buildings, trapping high concentrations of toxic gases at ground level, particularly for denser-than-air gases. In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security conducted the Jack Rabbit II Field Test (JR-II) at Dugway Proving Ground, UT. During JR-II, chlorine was released at the center of a Mock Urban Environment (MUE) and three types of data were collected: visual recordings of the releases, concentration measurements at specific locations, and wind velocity and direction. Due to the toxicity and corrosive nature of chlorine, some measurements could not be made during the JR-II trials. In a subsequent study called Jack Rabbit II – Special Sonic Anemometer Study (JRII-S), wind velocity and turbulence were measured at points of interest within the MUE. Simulations of hazardous gas releases can be made in wind tunnel models, which provide for repeated tests with greater statistical analysis. Moreover, changes to test conditions can be made with relative ease and at lower costs. A 1:50 scale model of the JR-II MUE was constructed in the wind tunnel of the University of Arkansas. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements show agreement between the approach wind characteristics in the tunnel model and field test. LDV velocity measurements within the MUE wind tunnel model also agree with the anemometry results obtained in JRII-S. Visualization of simulated chlorine releases in the wind tunnel shows good reproduction of release characteristics observed in the JR-II field tests. Mathematical analysis investigated if it was possible to obtain accurate 3D velocity measurements from a simplified 2D LDV setup. Error quantification showed that the simplified setup yields valid approximations for the vertical velocity and turbulence directions depending on the flow field characteristics, but high error is observed in the velocity and turbulence in the cross-wind component. After demonstrating that the wind tunnel models the JR-II and JRII-S field tests, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experiments were conducted to provide velocity measurements that could not be obtained during JR-II. The wind tunnel model yields more comprehensive results than the pointwise measurements taken during JRII-S using sonic anemometers. Velocity measurements in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground were used to compare to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the JRII-S field tests found in the literature. PIV measurements taken in the wind tunnel model pointed out concerns with those simulations. Reproduction of the JR-II field tests showed the velocity field in a section of the MUE before and during the chlorine release. The effect of the added momentum of the release in the flow field and in the height of the dividing streamline at CONEX 11.4 was investigated, with bigger impact observed at lower atmospheric momentum. Key Words: Wind tunnel modeling, gas release, Jack Rabbit II, Laser Doppler Velocimetry, Particle Image Velocimetr

Investigation of the Flow Field in the Jack Rabbit II Mock Urban Environment Field Tests Using a 1:50 Scale Wind Tunnel Model

Accidental release of toxic chemicals can put workers and nearby populations at significant risk. Consequence assessment of accidents in urban environments is of particular interest. Urban geometries create wind channels between buildings, along with particularly dangerous areas downwind of buildings, where near-stagnant flow is present. Furthermore, recirculation zones can be formed between buildings, trapping high concentrations of toxic gases at ground level, particularly for denser-than-air gases. In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security conducted the Jack Rabbit II Field Test (JR-II) at Dugway Proving Ground, UT. During JR-II, chlorine was released at the center of a Mock Urban Environment (MUE) and three types of data were collected: visual recordings of the releases, concentration measurements at specific locations, and wind velocity and direction. Due to the toxicity and corrosive nature of chlorine, some measurements could not be made during the JR-II trials. In a subsequent study called Jack Rabbit II – Special Sonic Anemometer Study (JRII-S), wind velocity and turbulence were measured at points of interest within the MUE. Simulations of hazardous gas releases can be made in wind tunnel models, which provide for repeated tests with greater statistical analysis. Moreover, changes to test conditions can be made with relative ease and at lower costs. A 1:50 scale model of the JR-II MUE was constructed in the wind tunnel of the University of Arkansas. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements show agreement between the approach wind characteristics in the tunnel model and field test. LDV velocity measurements within the MUE wind tunnel model also agree with the anemometry results obtained in JRII-S. Visualization of simulated chlorine releases in the wind tunnel shows good reproduction of release characteristics observed in the JR-II field tests. Mathematical analysis investigated if it was possible to obtain accurate 3D velocity measurements from a simplified 2D LDV setup. Error quantification showed that the simplified setup yields valid approximations for the vertical velocity and turbulence directions depending on the flow field characteristics, but high error is observed in the velocity and turbulence in the cross-wind component. After demonstrating that the wind tunnel models the JR-II and JRII-S field tests, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experiments were conducted to provide velocity measurements that could not be obtained during JR-II. The wind tunnel model yields more comprehensive results than the pointwise measurements taken during JRII-S using sonic anemometers. Velocity measurements in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground were used to compare to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the JRII-S field tests found in the literature. PIV measurements taken in the wind tunnel model pointed out concerns with those simulations. Reproduction of the JR-II field tests showed the velocity field in a section of the MUE before and during the chlorine release. The effect of the added momentum of the release in the flow field and in the height of the dividing streamline at CONEX 11.4 was investigated, with bigger impact observed at lower atmospheric momentum. Key Words: Wind tunnel modeling, gas release, Jack Rabbit II, Laser Doppler Velocimetry, Particle Image Velocimetr

As ações controladas no direito processual penal brasileiro para o enfrentamento das organizações criminosas

O crime organizado é um fenômeno em constante crescimento, que vem tomando espaço na legislação brasileira, ante ao cenário internacional de repressão às drogas e ao terrorismo. Diante disso, houve a necessidade de implementação de mecanismos de alta eficiência para que este instituto seja combatido de forma eficaz. Um desses mecanismos que colaboram para a investigação de organizações criminosas é o flagrante especial conhecido como ação controlada, que é utilizado para a coleta de provas, visando não só prender em flagrante os membros considerados de baixo escalão desses grupos, como também, principalmente, seus líderes. Assim, o trabalho apresenta discussões doutrinárias sobre o conceito de organização criminosa, que gerava grande confusão até o advento da legislação que norteia esse grupo atualmente, bem como legislações, julgados e fundamentações doutrinárias que cercam a ação controlada como técnica de combate ao crime organizado. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar que a ação controlada é um meio de obtenção de prova legítima e eficiente, utilizada para identificar o maior número possível de envolvidos, e principalmente, os cabeças dessas organizações, tendo como finalidade encerrar suas ações criminosas completamente

Japanese management and salary productivity : the case of the electronic and automotive industries in Portugal

Comunicação apresentada nas XX Jornadas Luso-Espanholas de Gestão Científica realizadas de 4-5 de fevereiro 2010 no IPSThe present paper intended to assert in what form the Japanese approach to business management, concerning the factors human resources, research and development and organization and methods, has effect on the value creation by workers, beyond those expressed in salaries. The investigation fell on companies in the electronic and automotive sectors operating in Portugal, with and without Japanese capital, in the six-year span from 2001 to 2006. The specific results demonstrated that that impact is clearly visible over the factor organization and methods. In addition, there are evidences of substantial and direct influence of research and development on the creation of surplus value.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Contributo das redes sociais na aprendizagem em ambiente e-learning: o software social

O e-Learning utiliza tecnologias avançadas de suporte à formação e desenvolvimento dos estudantes. Com esta finalidade pode perguntar-se se as aplicações de micro-blogging utilizadas nas redes sociais podem desempenhar um papel importante, desde que os professores lhe dêem o melhor uso e estudantes as interpretem como ferramenta didáctica. O The Economist promoveu um debate online sobre o valor da utilização das redes sociais na educação, tendo as opiniões variado de perda de tempo e motivo de distracção das metas académicas a factor valorizador ("Economist debates: Social networking", 2008). O objectivo deste estudo teórico é a análise do possível contributo das redes sociais na aprendizagem em ambiente e-Learning. O estudo também aborda o relativamente recente movimento das instituições de ensino superior presencial na adopção de aplicações como o Facebook e Twitter, ou outros recursos deste tipo, como forma de divulgação de informação institucional e captura de novos alunos. Estas aplicações permitem uma comunicação mais próxima com o aluno. Assim sendo, para Mazer et al. (2007) a utilização das redes sociais por parte do professor pode aumentar a motivação nos estudantes e melhorar o relacionamento entre alunos, contribuindo favoravelmente para o desempenho académico destes.E-Learning uses advanced technologies for the development of the students’ knowledge. For this purpose, it should be questioned if the applications that support micro-blogging, used in social networks, can play a positive role, as long as professors give them the optimal use and students interpret them as didactic tools. The Economist promoted an online debate concerning the value of social networks in education, and got diverse opinions, from “loss of time” and “ motive for deflection from the academic goals” to “enabling factor” (“Economist debates: Social networking ", 2008). The main goal of this theoretical study is to analyze the possible contributions of the social networks to the process of teaching/learning in e-Learning environment. Related to this, the present study refers to the relatively recent movement of the traditional institutions of higher education towards the adoption of applications as Facebook and Twitter, or other resources of this type, as a device to spread institutional information and reach potential students. In fact, these applications allow a close communication with the students and, based on this, Mazer et al. (2007) refer that the use of the social networks on the part of the professor can increase the students’ motivation and improve the relationship among them, thus contributing positively for their academic performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O e-learning no ensino superior

Conferência internacional realizada em Évora de 15-16 de abril de 2010No presente artigo analisamos de forma sumária os aspectos mais relevantes do ensino a distância telemático (e-learning). Para o efeito apresentamos as significativas alterações havidas nos domínios da informática e das telecomunicações e como as mesmas afectaram o processo de ensino-aprendizagem: acompanhando a rápida expansão de meios técnicos propiciadores de comunicação interactiva, professores e estudantes passaram a utilizar de forma habitual ferramentas tais como a Internet, o correio electrónico e a videoconferência, transformando-as em ferramentas efectivas de ensino-aprendizagem. Seguidamente, comentamos como estes meios técnicos propiciadores de comunicação interactiva: • Constituíram um corte face aos tradicionais métodos de organização e de relação social no ensino superior; • Incrementaram as possibilidades de aprendizagem e, deste modo, representaram uma melhor oferta de serviços educativos à população.In this paper we analyze briefly the more relevant aspects of e-learning as a way of distance teaching/learning. We present the changes in the communications technology and how these changes affected the methods of teaching/learning: accompanying the boom of the interactive technologies of communication, professors and students started to use tools as Internet, e-mail and videoconference, which became tools of distance teaching/learning. Then, we comment how these interactive technologies of communication: . Broke the traditional methods of organization and social relations in higher education; . Increased the learning opportunities and, by this way, represented a better offer of educational services to the population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O e-learning no ensino superior

Conferência internacional realizada em Évora de 15-16 de abril de 2010No presente artigo analisamos de forma sumária os aspectos mais relevantes do ensino a distância telemático (e-learning). Para o efeito apresentamos as significativas alterações havidas nos domínios da informática e das telecomunicações e como as mesmas afectaram o processo de ensino-aprendizagem: acompanhando a rápida expansão de meios técnicos propiciadores de comunicação interactiva, professores e estudantes passaram a utilizar de forma habitual ferramentas tais como a Internet, o correio electrónico e a videoconferência, transformando-as em ferramentas efectivas de ensino-aprendizagem. Seguidamente, comentamos como estes meios técnicos propiciadores de comunicação interactiva: • Constituíram um corte face aos tradicionais métodos de organização e de relação social no ensino superior; • Incrementaram as possibilidades de aprendizagem e, deste modo, representaram uma melhor oferta de serviços educativos à população.In this paper we analyze briefly the more relevant aspects of e-learning as a way of distance teaching/learning. We present the changes in the communications technology and how these changes affected the methods of teaching/learning: accompanying the boom of the interactive technologies of communication, professors and students started to use tools as Internet, e-mail and videoconference, which became tools of distance teaching/learning. Then, we comment how these interactive technologies of communication: . Broke the traditional methods of organization and social relations in higher education; . Increased the learning opportunities and, by this way, represented a better offer of educational services to the population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mercantilização, elo de ligação entre técnica e desqualificação : o caso do ensino superior

O presente artigo pretende demonstrar, para o ensino superior, como a mercantilização do mesmo leva a que os novos meios técnicos se traduzam em desqualificação do professor. Na primeira parte, é salientado o processo de mercantilização do ensino superior resultante do desmantelamento do Estado do bem-estar na Europa ocidental. Seguidamente, é referido o e-learning enquanto modalidade de ensino-aprendizagem a distância mais sofisticada do que as suas antecessoras, mantendo simultaneamente as potencialidades destas enquanto propiciadoras de um ensino de massas. Finalmente, é explicado como a mercantilização, por via “taylorização” do trabalho do professor, estabelece um elo entre e-learning e desqualificação do professor.The present paper intends to demonstrate that the commoditization of higher education implies that the new technical ways of teaching/learning act as a device to deskill the professor. The first part emphasizes the process of commoditization of higher education resulting from the dismantlement of the Welfare State in Western Europe. The second part refers the e-learning as a more sophisticated version of distance learning, simultaneously keeping the potential of distance education as mass education. Finally, it is explained how the commoditization of higher education, through the “taylorization” of the professor’s work, acts as link between the e-learning and the deskilling of the professor.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

trends during the first month of Covid-19 response

Introduction: Since December 2019, more than 925,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, 8,251 cases in Portugal by the end of March. Previous studies related to the SARS pandemic showed a decrease up to 80% in the emergency care episodes. Hence, the objective of this study is to analyze the use of emergency services during the first pandemic month, compared to historical records. Methods: Data from emergency episodes in mainland Portugal, from January 2014 to March 2020, were downloaded from the National Health Service (NHS) Transparency Portal and the NHS monitoring website. The evolution of emergency services from March to September 2020 was forecasted based on historical data from January 2014 to February 2020. Information for March 2020 was forecasted globally, by the Regional Health Administration (RHA) and Manchester Triage System (MTS). Results: Compared with forecasted values, there was a 48% reduction in the number of emergency episodes in March 2020. In the analysis by the RHA, Alentejo had the smallest decrease in the number of episodes; interestingly, Alentejo is also the area with fewer COVID-19 cases in mainland Portugal. In the analysis by the MTS, the episodes classified as yellow showed the highest reduction (50%). For episodes classified as urgent, there is a difference of about 144,000 episodes during March 2020. Discussion: The results of this preliminary study are aligned with the evidence produced for previous pandemics. Data about the use of emergency services, demographic and clinical characteristics of the episodes would be relevant to analyze this reduction. Conclusion: There was a significant drop in the number of emergency service use in March 2020, and although the causes of this reduction are not determined, the association between the beginning of the pandemic and the reduction of demand is evident. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial to plan interventions to avoid unnecessary morbidities or deaths, caused by a delayed visit to the emergency department.publishe

A liderança como factor de sucesso na implementação de sistemas de informação clínica

O presente artigo, estruturado em seis secções, analisa o factor liderança na qualidade de potencial factor de sucesso na implementação de Sistemas de Informação Clínica (SIC). Primeiramente é analisado o papel dos Sistemas de Informação Clínica, nomeadamente o contributo para a melhoria da qualidade dos cuidados de saúde prestados, na optimização de processos e na procura da redução de custos sem comprometer o nível de qualidade do serviço prestado pelas instituições de Saúde. Em seguida é analisada a liderança como factor influenciador do entrosamento comprometimento do indivíduo com os objectivos da instituição. Finalmente, são apresentados dois modelos de gestão de Sistemas de Informação e é discutido o papel da liderança.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio