Estudo do comportamento de elementos de conexão em GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) para utilização em painéis sandwich de betão

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia CivilO trabalho a desenvolver nesta dissertação decorre no âmbito do projeto de investigação “LEGOUSE – Pré-fabricação Modular de Edifícios de Custos Controlados”, em desenvolvimento no Departamento de Engenharia Civil da Universidade do Minho, que visa criar uma solução inovadora para a construção de casas modulares, recorrendo a painéis sandwich de betão pré-fabricados. Os painéis sandwich de parede, propostos como solução mais funcional e económica, são constituídos por duas camadas externas de Betão Autocompactável Reforçado com Fibras de Aço (BACRFA), uma camada interna de material isolante e conectores em GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer). Os painéis sandwich devem garantir o correto funcionamento estrutural a que se destinam, mas também devem garantir bom comportamento térmico e resistir às cargas de manuseamento, armazenamento e transporte. Os conectores em GFRP estabelecem a ligação física entre os panos de betão, assumindo uma função fundamental na transmissão de esforços entre eles e garantindo o funcionamento conjunto do painel sandwich. O GFRP permite ainda a redução das pontes térmicas que são originadas quando se aplicam conectores metálicos. Os conectores propostos são placas lisas perfuradas de GFRP, que são embebidos nos elementos de betão. Para efeitos de comparação, são preparados e ensaiados provetes com Betão Autocompactável Reforçado com Fibras de Aço (BACRFA) e Betão Autocompactável (BAC). A fim de avaliar o comportamento do conector ao corte e ao arranque são realizados ensaios em escala reduzida com provetes tipo push-out e tipo pull-out, respetivamente. São testados provetes, onde se faz variar o tipo de mantas de fibras de vidro usadas na produção dos conectores, a espessura dos conectores e o número de furos por conector. A avaliação do comportamento isolado dos furos no conector é efetuada através de ensaios de rasgamento em provetes com um único furo. Com base nos resultados experimentais da capacidade resistente do conector em GFRP são desenvolvidas expressões analíticas preliminares para a avaliação da capacidade resistente do conector.The work here presented is developed within the research project “LEGOUSE – Préfabricação Modular de Edifícios de Custos“, currently in development at the Civil Engineering Department of University of Minho. This project aims to create an innovative solution for the construction of modular housing, by using precast sandwich panels. Sandwich wall panels are proposed as a more functional and economic solution and consist of two outer wythes made of Steel Fiber Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC), an internal layer of insulating material and GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) connectors. The sandwich panels must guarantee the correct structural functioning, a good thermal behavior and should also resist to loads that result from handling, storage and transportation. GFRP connectors establish the physical connection between the concrete wythes, assuming a fundamental role in the transmission of loads between them and ensuring the global behavior of the panel. GFRP also reduces the effect of thermal bridges that exist when metal connectors are applied. The proposed connectors consist on perforated GFRP flat plates that are embedded in concrete elements. For comparison purposes, test specimens are prepared and tested with Steel Fiber Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC) and Self Compacting Concrete (SCC). To evaluate the behavior of the connector, tests are performed on small scale specimens prepared for push-out tests and pull-out tests. The tested specimens’ variation consists on the type of glass fiber layers used to produce the connectors, on its thickness and on the number of holes per connector. The performance evaluation of isolated holes in the connector is done by testing strips with a single hole. Preliminary analytical expressions are developed in order to evaluate the strength capacity of the connector. These equations are based on the experimental results obtained

Forecasting temperature time series for irrigation planning problems

Climate change is a reality and efficient use of scarce resources is vital. The challenge of this project is to study the behaviour of humidity in the soil by mathematical/statistical modeling in order to find optimal solutions to improve the efficiency of daily water use in irrigation systems. For that, it is necessary to estimate and forecast weather variables, in this particular case daily maximum and minimum air temperature. These time series present strong trend and high-frequency seasonality. This way, we perform a state space modeling framework using exponential smoothing by incorporating Box-Cox transformations, ARMA residuals, Trend and Seasonality.This research was partially financed by Portuguese funds by the Center for Research and Development in Mathematics and Applications (CIDMA) and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (”Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia” - FCT), within project UID/MAT/04106 2019. This research was partially financed by Portuguese funds through Portuguese Foundation for Science and Tech nology (”Funda¸c˜ao para a Ciˆencia e a Tecnologia” - FCT), within project UID/MAT/00013/2013. FEDER/ COMPETE/- NORTE2020/ POCI/FCT funds through grants PTDC-EEI-AUT-2933-2014116858-TOCCATA and To CHAIR - POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028247 Financial support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) within the frame work of Strategic Financing UIDIFIS/04650/2013 is also acknowledge

Caracterização ao corte da ligação entre conector de GFRP e betão auto-compactável reforçado com fibras de aço

A utilização de compósitos poliméricos reforçados com fibras (FRP) mostra-se bastante competitiva em aplicações específicas de engenharia civil. No caso de elementos estruturais mistos, de que são exemplo os painéis sandwich constituídos por duas lâminas de betão separadas por uma camada de isolamento ou as vigas mistas com perfil em FRP e laje de betão, é necessário utilizar conectores capazes de garantir o funcionamento conjunto dos elementos que constituem a secção, de forma a assegurar a transferência de esforços entre eles. Os conectores metálicos são a solução mais corrente em painéis sandwich, mas o uso de conectores de FRP apresenta potenciais vantagens que resultam das propriedades mais relevantes deste material: baixa condutibilidade térmica, baixo peso específico, imunidade à corrosão, bom amortecimento ao choque e bom isolamento eletromagnético. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se um novo tipo de conector de polímero reforçado com fibras de vidro (GFRP) a ser empregue em painéis de betão estruturais do tipo sandwich, e descrevem-se os ensaios experimentais preliminares realizados na Universidade do Minho para caracterizar o comportamento ao corte da respetiva ligação. Nos ensaios apresentados são utilizados conectores planos perfurados, embebidos em camadas de betão auto-compactável reforçado com fibras de aço (BACRFA). A utilização de BACRFA tem como objetivo dispensar a utilização de armaduras convencionais e a vibração do betão, o que se torna particularmente vantajoso quando a camada de betão tem uma espessura reduzida. De acordo com ensaios anteriormente realizados pelos autores, a utilização de BACRFA contribui ainda para aumentar a ductilidade da ligação. A configuração de ensaio utilizada baseia-se nas recomendações relativas ao ensaio de push-out descrito na NP EN1994-1-1, com algumas adaptações específicas. Por fim, o comportamento do conector testado é caracterizado pelos modos de rotura que lhe estão associados, pela curva carga versus escorregamento obtida no decorrer do ensaio e pela avaliação de parâmetros relevantes como a carga máxima.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) e QREN - Quadro de Referência Estratégico Naciona

Failure modes in filled hole GFRP laminates for connections between FRP and concrete

The PERFOFRP connector consists on a perforated glass fibre reinforce polymer (GFRP) rib that is specially designed to perform the connection between thin concrete layers, which can be also useful in the context of structural rehabilitation. It stays embedded in the concrete layers, avoiding the use of complementary connecting techniques, like special gluing or bolting. This type of connection is similar to the Perfobond steel connectors proposed for steel and concrete composites structures. Perfobond shear connector failure depends on the concrete dowels load capacity, since the steel connector failure does not occur in ribs with adequate thickness. However, in the case of the PERFOFRP connectors, the load capacity can be limited by the failure of the connector itself. To achieve a better understanding on the behaviour of the GFRP connector, an experimental study, based on tests with perforated GFRP laminates submitted to pin-bearing tests, is carried out. The tests are performed with four different rectangular GFRP plates containing a circular hole of 30 mm diameter, and differing from each other in terms of stacking and amount of fibre plies. Two different geometries of specimens are studied to enhance the evaluation of two expected failure modes. Finally, the failure modes, the peak loads and the evolution of strain in the vicinity of the holes are presented and discussed.QREN-ADI, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Chemical characterization and bioactivity of phytochemicals from Iberian endemic Santolina semidentata and strategies for ex situ propagation

Asteraceae family members are well-known for their medicinal potential, comprising several properties that make them unique among plants. Here we focus on Santolina semidentata, an endemic plant from the Iberian Peninsula, not yet described for its medicinal properties. Phytochemical characterization of S. semidentata was performed, concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, HPLC-DAD profile, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity, cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effect in a human neurodegeneration cell model. Moreover, essential oil composition and antifungal activity were also analised. This oil might be useful for therapeutical purposes, particularly in the treatment of dermatophytosis. S. semidentata potential for neuroprotection was revealed by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity and also by an effective protective effect in human neuronal cells. Furthermore, different seed conservation protocols, as well as successful in vitro propagation were established which may be useful when integrated in a broad strategy for the conservation of these endemic plants and their sustainable use for potential biotechnological applications. The results presented here greatly contribute to value this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits, either as alternative neuroprotective drugs or as leads for synthetizing more effective molecules.The authors wish to thank to “Fundo EDP para a Biodiversidade” for financial support. This work was also supported by “Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia” through grant PEst-OE/EQB/LA0004/2011, BGCT/33418/2008, Green-it: UID/Multi/04551/2013, iNOVA4Health: UID/Multi/04462/2013 and financial support to CNS (IF/01097/20132), RP (SFRH/BD/63615/2009), IF (SFRH/BD/86584/2012) and AG (SFRH/BD/103155/2014).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Study on the zoonotic cycle of tegumentary leishmaniasis in an endemic area of a metropolitan region in the Northeastern region of Brazil

This study was conducted to characterize the transmission cycle of the tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in an old colonization area at Pernambuco State, Brazil. The aims were to identify autochthonous cases, sandflies fauna, domestic animals as possible reservoir hosts and the Leishmania species involved in this endemic area. A total of 168 suspected human cases of TL and 272 domestic animals (canine, feline, equine, goat, and sheep) were included. The sandflies were captured and identified by species. Patients were predominantly male and the average age was 37+18.1 years old. Of 85 patients who had skin lesions, 25.6% of them had direct positive smears for TL and 34 isolates were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The confirmation for TL diagnosed by molecular detection (PCR) was almost three times more sensitive than the direct test [p < 0.001; PR = 2.72] associated with clinical examination. The Kappa test on PCR between two different specimens, biopsy, and skin lesion swab was 60.8% (p < 0.001). More than 200 specimens of sandflies (80 males and 159 females) were captured and identified as Lutzomyia whitmani (99.6%) and Lu. evandroi (0.4%). The detection of L. (V.) braziliensis by Real-Time PCR in the blood of a captured fed female was positive in 59.3% of Lu. whitmani. Of the 272 domestic animals included, 61.76% were male (n = 168). Thirty-six animals (13.2%) had lesions compatible with TL (34 dogs, 1 cat and 1 sheep) and 3 of them, all dogs, had lesions on the snout, showing destruction of cartilage and mucosa. The study suggests the participation of domestic animals as possible reservoirs. However, further studies are necessary to better understand the transmission cycle and take recommended measures in order to control the disease

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Contributions of mean and shape of blood pressure distribution to worldwide trends and variations in raised blood pressure: A pooled analysis of 1018 population-based measurement studies with 88.6 million participants

© The Author(s) 2018. Background: Change in the prevalence of raised blood pressure could be due to both shifts in the entire distribution of blood pressure (representing the combined effects of public health interventions and secular trends) and changes in its high-blood-pressure tail (representing successful clinical interventions to control blood pressure in the hypertensive population). Our aim was to quantify the contributions of these two phenomena to the worldwide trends in the prevalence of raised blood pressure. Methods: We pooled 1018 population-based studies with blood pressure measurements on 88.6 million participants from 1985 to 2016. We first calculated mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and prevalence of raised blood pressure by sex and 10-year age group from 20-29 years to 70-79 years in each study, taking into account complex survey design and survey sample weights, where relevant. We used a linear mixed effect model to quantify the association between (probittransformed) prevalence of raised blood pressure and age-group- and sex-specific mean blood pressure. We calculated the contributions of change in mean SBP and DBP, and of change in the prevalence-mean association, to the change in prevalence of raised blood pressure. Results: In 2005-16, at the same level of population mean SBP and DBP, men and women in South Asia and in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa would have the highest prevalence of raised blood pressure, and men and women in the highincome Asia Pacific and high-income Western regions would have the lowest. In most region-sex-age groups where the prevalence of raised blood pressure declined, one half or more of the decline was due to the decline in mean blood pressure. Where prevalence of raised blood pressure has increased, the change was entirely driven by increasing mean blood pressure, offset partly by the change in the prevalence-mean association. Conclusions: Change in mean blood pressure is the main driver of the worldwide change in the prevalence of raised blood pressure, but change in the high-blood-pressure tail of the distribution has also contributed to the change in prevalence, especially in older age groups

Mammals in Portugal: a data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in Portugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications

Global variations in diabetes mellitus based on fasting glucose and haemogloblin A1c

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are both used to diagnose diabetes, but may identify different people as having diabetes. We used data from 117 population-based studies and quantified, in different world regions, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes, and whether those who were previously undiagnosed and detected as having diabetes in survey screening had elevated FPG, HbA1c, or both. We developed prediction equations for estimating the probability that a person without previously diagnosed diabetes, and at a specific level of FPG, had elevated HbA1c, and vice versa. The age-standardised proportion of diabetes that was previously undiagnosed, and detected in survey screening, ranged from 30% in the high-income western region to 66% in south Asia. Among those with screen-detected diabetes with either test, the agestandardised proportion who had elevated levels of both FPG and HbA1c was 29-39% across regions; the remainder had discordant elevation of FPG or HbA1c. In most low- and middle-income regions, isolated elevated HbA1c more common than isolated elevated FPG. In these regions, the use of FPG alone may delay diabetes diagnosis and underestimate diabetes prevalence. Our prediction equations help allocate finite resources for measuring HbA1c to reduce the global gap in diabetes diagnosis and surveillance.peer-reviewe