Browsing by Author "Ferreira, Carlos"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 17
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Aplicação de Sistemas de Aproveitamento de Energias Renováveis nos Edifícios MilitaresPublication . Ferreira, CarlosEste trabalho de investigação tem como tema a “Aplicação de Sistemas de Aproveitamento de Energias Renováveis nos Edifícios Militares” e nele pretende-se abordar de uma forma geral mas concisa, as possibilidades de aplicação destes Sistemas em edifícios militares, estimar vantagens, custos, possibilidades e, contribuir deste modo, para o melhoramento da utilização energética. Este trabalho foi intencionalmente dividido em três partes e distribuído por seis capítulos por se considerar ser esta a melhor forma de apresentação. Assim importa saber, que na introdução se fez numa primeira parte a delimitação do estudo e justificação do trabalho, base conceptual e questão de investigação partindo-se posteriormente para a introdução ao tema em sí, abordando-se os conceitos de energia e tentando-se compreender o que nos rodeia em termos de situação energética. O desenvolvimento deste trabalho foi efectuado em 3 capítulos onde se abordaram os Sistemas de Aproveitamento de Energias Alternativas, os assuntos relacionados com a Força Aérea Portuguesa como a política de ambiente e os projectos em curso envolvendo a aplicação destes sistemas e, por fim, as condicionantes, as vantagens e a elaboração de um modelo conceptual para implantação na Força Aérea, como resultado dos assuntos tratados. O trabalho de investigação termina com uma conclusão onde é realizado um resumo de toda a investigação e onde são apresentadas algumas conclusões, contributos para o conhecimento e recomendações para a sua implantação na Força Aérea. Abstract: This is a research work on the subject "Application of Renewable Energy Systems in Military Buildings" and it seeks to address in general but concise, the possibilities of implementing these systems in military buildings, estimate benefits, costs, possibilities and thus contribute to the improvement of energy use. This work was intentionally divided into three parts and distributed by six chapters because it was considered that this was the best form of presentation. So it is, that in the introduction was firstly made the delimitation of the study and justification of the work and the conceptual basis and starting point of research is then to introduce the issue itself, covering up the concepts of power and trying to understand the that surrounds us in terms of the energy situation. The development of this work was done in 3 sections which address the systems use of renewable energy, the issues related to the Portuguese Air Force as the policy environment and ongoing projects involving the application of these systems and finally, the Conditions, the advantages and the Development of a Conceptual Model for deployment in the Air Force as a result of the subject matter. This research work ends with a conclusion, which contains a summary of the entire research, as well as some conclusions, contributions for new knowledge and recommendations for its implementation in the Portuguese Air Force.
- Assistive Robotic Hand Orthosis (ARHO) controlled with EMG: evaluation of a preliminary prototype*Publication . Farinha, Diogo; Dias, Joao; Neves, Pedro; Pereira, Katia; Ferreira, Carlos; Pires, GabrielHand impairment severely limits basic activities of daily living (ADL). The use of motorized hand orthoses may provide enough functional assistance to perform basic tasks, such as grasping objects. Several prototypes have been proposed in the last decade, but there are still no solutions with the desired features regarding the weight, wearability and functionality. This paper describes the overall implementation of a prototype of an assistive robotic hand orthosis (ARHO) for object grasping, that can be triggered manually or by the detection of muscular activity in the forearm using surface electromyography (sEMG). The system is being specifically designed for a case study of a person with hemiplegia resulting from a peri-insular hemispherectomy. The proposed orthosis is a very preliminary but functional prototype, still far from the desired features mentioned above, but serves to show all the modules composing a low-cost implementation, and above all, to understand all the constraints and difficulties in designing such a system.
- Autonomous patrol of water resources in natural and artificial systemsPublication . Barros, F.M.; Pinho, Henrique J. O.; Magalhães, Hugo; Ferreira, Carlos; Matos, PedroWater resources, being one of the most important natural resources, face major threats due to contamination by pollutants of various types and origins. Consequently, preservation, protection and sustainable use of natural resources is increasingly important. The “DragonFly” project aims to develop a system that solves the need for monitoring the quality of surface water in natural and artificial systems of different types, on a continuous and regular basis. It is intended to acquire water quality data in order to identify sources of pollution or to estimate the discharge and dispersion of contaminants along water courses. The system was specified to allow the acquisition of a specific set of environmental data that characterize the aquatic environment and help to detect variations (deviation) in water quality, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, redox, conductivity, salinity, and dissolved solids. The Castelo do Bode reservoir, was adopted in this work as a data acquisition area and for the development and testing of the system, due to its geographical proximity. It is the main national water reservoir for public supply, with a maximum extension of 60 km, it occupies an area of about 3 300 ha. The acquisition of real-time data is an essential condition in this type of application, as it will allow the immediate detection of pollution points and timely action on it. The available data continuity and regularity will allow the support of the aquatic environment studies and the forecasting systems modelling of future conditions, guiding the decision processes. To achieve this objective, a physical prototype was developed based on a floating electric vehicle (ASV ), to which several modules and/or satellite vehicles can be added, and which is already implemented at an advanced stage. In order to guarantee the continuity and regularity of the available data and to reduce system maintenance times and costs, it is necessary to ensure the autonomous operation of the supply system. Energy storage systems, autonomous refueling systems and independent energy conversion and storage systems are now being designed. The design of a versatile real-time water quality monitoring system contributes to the management and protection of water resources thus it can increase security in the water supply of populations and turn the resources management more efficient and sustainable.
- Fundo Europeu de Defesa : desafios e perspetivas de integração nacionalPublication . Ferreira, CarlosEste artigo analisa a forma como a integração nacional no Fundo Europeu de Defesa é convergente com os propósitos da sua criação e com os interesses de Portugal. O autor parte da assunção de que o Fundo Europeu de Defesa visa promover a investigação e o desenvolvimento colaborativos em matéria de produtos e tecnologias de defesa. O autor reconhece existir uma coerência significativa entre o interesse nacional de Portugal e os preceitos daquele mecanismo de financiamento comunitário e o Plano de Desenvolvimento de Capacidades da União, admitindo a transformação necessária rumo a uma identidade europeia de defesa, aceitável pelos benefícios do reforço das capacidades militares e da indústria de defesa nacional.
- A Logística Hospitalar MilitarPublication . Ferreira, CarlosEste trabalho pretende apresentar uma panorâmica sobre a importância da logística como ferramenta de apoio à gestão hospitalar militar, numa altura em que cada vez mais há necessidade de racionalizar recursos, e num sector cuja despesa apresenta uma progressiva ascensão. Nas entidades prestadoras de cuidados de saúde podemos observar a logística ao nível de várias actividades, pelo que a problemática do nosso estudo se cingiu à gestão logística dos fármacos e consumíveis clínicos, dada a sua importância económica e operacional no funcionamento hospitalar. Se ao nível do Serviço Nacional de Saúde já se iniciaram os estímulos tendentes à implementação de melhores práticas logísticas, no caso dos hospitais militares, não tendo sido abrangidos por estes incentivos, interessa verificar o estado da arte e conceber linhas de acção para melhorar o seu desempenho. A investigação foi conduzida de modo a identificar as boas práticas logísticas sobre a gestão de fármacos e consumíveis clínicos em hospitais, aceites por autores de referência. Seguidamente, procurou-se conhecer a sua aplicabilidade, através de uma análise empírica baseada em estudos de caso, de forma a verificar o seu grau de incorporação em alguns hospitais militares e civis. O percurso metodológico adoptado assentou numa pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, ao que se seguiu a sua análise e execução de entrevistas. A metodologia de investigação utilizada, que reflecte o percurso metodológico referido, foi a do método científico proposto por Quivy e Campenhoudt, com recurso ao modelo hipotético-dedutivo. Como principal resultado deste estudo, podemos eleger a proposta de um modelo assente na ferramenta logística, passível de ser implementado no contexto hospitalar militar, quer na opção da manutenção das actuais estruturas, quer na opção da sua centralização no futuro. Como conclusão mais importante, salienta-se a verificação da diferença de performance entre a adopção de boas práticas logísticas de gestão dos fármacos e consumíveis clínicos nos hospitais militares e nos seus congéneres civis, evidência que norteou a concepção do modelo. Abstract: This work intends to present an overview on the importance of the logistics as a tool to support the military hospital management, indeed nowadays there is an increasingly need to rationalize resources, and in a sector whose expense presents a gradual rise. On providers of health care we can observe the logistics at the level of several activities, so the problem of our study girded to the logistics management of drugs and clinical consumables, due to its economic and operational importance in the hospital functioning. If at the level of the National Health Service they have already begun the incentives tending to the implementation of best logistics practices, however in the case of the military hospitals, they have not been embraced by these incentives, in reality it interests to verify the state of the art and to conceive lines of action to improve its performance. The investigation was led in way to identify the best practice on logistics management of drugs and clinical consumables to hospitals, accepted by authors of reference. Afterwards, we sought to understand its applicability through an empiric analysis based on case studies, in order to verify its incorporation degree in some military and civilian hospitals. The methodological approach adopted was based on literature and documentary review, which was followed by its analysis and carrying out of interviews. The research methodology used, that reflects the referred methodological choice, was the one of the scientific method proposed by Quivy and Campenhoudt, using the hypothetical-deductive model. As the principal result of this study, we can choose a proposed model based on the logistics tool, susceptible to be implemented within the military hospital context, whether in the option of the maintenance of the actual structures, or in the option of its centralization in the future. As the most important conclusion, we stress the verification of the difference of performance between the adoption of the best logistics management practices of drugs and clinical consumables to military hospitals and civilian counterparts, evidence that guided the design of the model.
- NURSING INTERVENTION IN THE PROMOTION OF THE TRANSITION TO PARENTHOODPublication . Ferreira, Maria Margarida; Carvalhais, Maribel; Rufino, Ana; Quesado, Ana; Ferreira, Carlos
- Physics of Sound to Raise Awareness for Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of STEM Hands-On ActivitiesPublication . Costa, Maria Cristina; Ferreira, Carlos; Pinho, Henrique J. O.This paper aims to present an interdisciplinary approach intended to raise awareness for Sustainable Development Goals in the context of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) hands-on activities targeted to elementary and secondary school. In particular, contents related to the physics of sound are used to warn about the dangers of noise pollution and its consequences for health, well-being, and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to inform and raise community awareness on this issue, as well as on the measures needed to prevent its consequences. This research is inserted in a broader pedagogical project that includes primary school and secondary school teachers’ professional development and visits to schools to perform several hands-on activities in class aiming to provide students with 21st-century skills related to STEM education. Based on the literature, questionnaires, and participant observation, an empirical study was conducted with teachers who participated in a professional development programme. It is concluded that teachers and students understood the dangers of noise pollution and the measures to be taken to prevent them. Therefore, higher education institutions have a crucial role in the community, namely, through partnerships with schools and teachers’ training centres to raise awareness and disseminate and increase Sustainable Development practices in the community.
- Remote Monitoring of Energy-autonomous Constructed WetlandsPublication . Lopes, Simão; Barros, F.M.; Ferreira, Carlos; Mateus, D. M. R.; Matos, Pedro; Neves, Pedro; Pinho, Henrique J. O.Constructed Wetlands systems (CW) are nature-based and sustainable technology for treating wastewater, contributing to the management and protection of freshwater resources. Moreover, CW can contribute to valorizing waste materials, producing reclaimed water for diverse applications, and producing plant biomass that can be material and energetically valorized. Because CW efficiency depends on several mechanisms such as physical, chemical, and biological, its real-time monitoring is essential to provide a better use of this technology. This work describes a smart framework for monitoring CW based on IoT devices and sensors, and data science tools providing real-time processing of gathered water quality parameters and environmental variables. Furthermore, the framework manages renewable energy sources to provide the required energy for CW operation and monitoring. Data collected from the sensor network show significant daily variations in water quality parameters. The future processing of these data can provide the development of models to improve the efficiency of the CW.
- Robotic Vehicles For Fish Farming Applications - An OverviewPublication . Barros, F.M.; Neves, Pedro; Magalhães, Hugo; Ferreira, Carlos; Matos, Pedro; Diogo, HugoIndustrialization in the aquaculture sector is associated with the introduction of technology, since a large number of parameters have to be controlled in modern aquaculture systems. Some of these operations require sophisticated tools and specially designed facilities that have evolved through intensive research and great innovation (Mustafa 2016). Some of the custom-made technological inventions for aquaculture operations include, for example, the creation of semi-submersible cages, the implementation of automatic feeders and water recirculation systems. The use of robotics has increasingly found space among applications in the aquatic environment. The main objective is to collect information about the environment and, consequently, to manage resources better (Borović 2011). There have been reports of the use of robotic vehicles in aquaculture in applications such as: monitoring of water quality parameters, reduction of biological pests or unwanted predators and other agricultural and aquaculture applications. Boats, underwater vehicles and autonomous airplanes were designed and built to monitor and potentially manage aquaculture facilities, natural water bodies and drinking water (Dunbabin, 2009). The visible benefit of this technology is that it takes aquaculture systems to the next level, from the application of computer control and Artificial Intelligence to a greater degree of automation, effective management and decision making. The present work reviews some of the most recent robotic vehicles applied in fish farming applications and discusses its advantages and limitations.
- Sensor Networks For Aquaculture Monitoring SystemsPublication . Barros, F.M.; Magalhães, Hugo; Matos, Pedro; Neves, Pedro; Ferreira, Carlos; Baptista, Teresa; Ribeiro, AnaAquaculture is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in the world, and its economic importance is increasing. Due to the increased demand for food, market pressure and growing concern about environmental and food quality issues, special techniques have been developed and applied to increase food production and improve product quality. Scientific advances in recent years in this sector have been facilitated largely by the application of science and the introduction of new technologies[1]. Emerging technologies in areas of sensor network, network computing and ubiquitous computing are enabling the development of practical and innovative solutions, improving monitoring and decision-making capabilities[2]. Innovations in water quality monitoring, fish feeding, biomass estimation, fish behavior monitoring, disease diagnosis and food waste management can not only improve the degree of automation of aquaculture and the level of scientific management, but also reduce the cost of production, improve environmental control and increase product quality[3]. Despite the great progress of science and technology, the optimization and management of production processes of aquaculture systems is facing great challenges[4]. The objectives of the present work are to review and analyze the currently scientific advances in technology applied in aquaculture systems, exploring the processes, architectures, the automation level and the role of sensors and new information technologies in this sector of activity.