DSpace Collection:

LEARNING SPACES AND STUDENTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE STRATEGY FOR THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF AN E-LEARNING CAFÉ IN CAMPUS U. PORTO

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: LEARNING SPACES AND STUDENTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE STRATEGY FOR THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF AN E-LEARNING CAFÉ IN CAMPUS U. PORTO Abstract: Universities are facing demanding challenges due to the rising of life-long-learning needs and the responsibility to accommodate new and emerging technologies in the learning process. On the European Higher Education Area "learning" takes a primordial limelight. Also, in a globalized society where information and communication technologies play a major role, employers require higher education graduates not only to be excellent in communication and in the use of information, but also to think creatively, to be able to innovate, cooperate and compete across borders. The spatial configuration of learning spaces and the facilities and initiatives they accommodate are rather important to provide effective environments for learning, where diverse studying and cultural activities combine, motivating students to become more knowledgeable and equipped with the interdisciplinary and high level skills the 21st century society requires. The main objective of this work is to present and discuss the contribution of the e-Learning Café project of the University of Porto and of the successful implementation of its program, focused on diverse pedagogical and cultural activities, to the acquisition of students' attitudes and skills essential to handle professional relationships and to facilitate learning, personal development and entrepreneurship.

Synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering for the evaluation of the interaction of silica nanotubes with lipid membranes

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering for the evaluation of the interaction of silica nanotubes with lipid membranes Abstract: Synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements were used to assess the interaction of silica nanotubes (SNTs) with membrane model systems in conditions that mimic the physiological pH of healthy (pH 7.4) and pathological (pH 5.0) cellular membranes. SNT arrays were synthesized combining the sol-gel method with a porous anodic alumina (PAA) template assisted approach. The inner surfaces of the SNTs were functionalized with aminopropylethoxysilane (APTES). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the nanocarriers. A therapeutic anti-inflammatory drug (naproxen) was loaded into the SNTs by electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged carboxyl group of the drug and the protonated inner surface of the nanotubes. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements indicate that the unloaded SNTs do not interact significantly with both membranes. The negligible membrane disordering effect demonstrated by the unloaded SNTs may correlate with a desirable lack of membrane toxicity of these nanocarriers. Furthermore, the biophysical effect on membrane structure presented a similar profile at pH 5.0 for the drug (non-encapsulated) and for SNTs loaded with the drug indicating that SNTs are able to release the drug content under pathological conditions.

A PDF based digital signed document format for interoperable institutional structured data integrity

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A PDF based digital signed document format for interoperable institutional structured data integrity Abstract: It is widely recognized that information systems constitute a key tool for the overall performance improvement of administrative tasks in academic institutions. However at their genesis lies a latent promise of a paper-less environment that stays most of the time unfulfilled due to the lack of appropriate digital document integrity and accountability mechanisms. Academic institutions are thus most of the time still relying on traditional security trust methods based on paper documents for signing and archiving critical documents. While this method delivers an inefficient, inconvenient and costly workflow, it is still a common method to provide some sort of workable verifiable integrity and accountability that is still considered to be appropriate for the digital data that is being managed by the institutional information systems. Paper based documents have been relying on physical signatures and stamping policies and the physical properties of paper and ink for their integrity and authenticity for a long time. However, the evaluation of a paper document signature or stamp is not a straight forward process. It requires the recipient to have a notarized copy of the signer's signature or stamp for comparison and requires handwritten signature evaluation training that is often beyond the scope of many office employee training. This can lead to situations where the level of credibility and integrity of paper based document is not adequate and makes the verification process entirely dependent on the administrative staff capacity of recognizing hand written signatures and puts too much trust on physical stamps, some of which are non-locally issued and thus very difficult to authenticate. In critical contexts this clearly is not enough to provide appropriate levels of non-repudiation and integrity for critical documents issued by institutions. Digitally signed structured XML documents provide an interesting solution to this problem. Not only can the validation of the document be fully automatized and its integrity verifiable in real time by the information system, but it can also be implemented in such way that the information contained in such structured documents can be safely and more easily integrated into different information systems without human intervention, thus allowing for substantial cost reduction and leading to faster process work-flows with increased security and data quality. In this paper we propose a PDF based document framework where any signed XML (PDF) document, produced by the institution can be at a later stage directly dematerialized and integrated into any compliant information system in a secure way while maintaining the information integrity and the ability to be self-verifiable. This framework involves the embedding of an encapsulated XAdES signed XML document with the information used on its production as an attachment to a PDF document with an institutional rendering visualization of the signed XML data. The attached XML document and the PDF are both time stamped by an external entity and signed by employees and the issuing institution.

Development and validation of a scale to measure the resilience of schools: perspectives of young people from vulnerable and challenging territories

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Development and validation of a scale to measure the resilience of schools: perspectives of young people from vulnerable and challenging territories

Development and validation of a community resilience scale for youth (CRS-Y)

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Development and validation of a community resilience scale for youth (CRS-Y)

Escolas resilientes: indicadores a partir de literatura e de projetos de escolas de fronteira

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Escolas resilientes: indicadores a partir de literatura e de projetos de escolas de fronteira

Retos de los centros educativos transfronteirizos de Portugal y España a favor de las "competencias para el siglo XXI"

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Retos de los centros educativos transfronteirizos de Portugal y España a favor de las "competencias para el siglo XXI"

Developing the Oak Collection at the Jardim Botânico da Universidade do Porto, Portugal

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Developing the Oak Collection at the Jardim Botânico da Universidade do Porto, Portugal

Transição para o ensino secundário em Portugal: Vozes de estudantes sobre dificuldades acadêmicas = Transition to upper secondary education in Portugal: Students' voices about academic difficulties

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Transição para o ensino secundário em Portugal: Vozes de estudantes sobre dificuldades acadêmicas = Transition to upper secondary education in Portugal: Students' voices about academic difficulties

From incubation to sustainability: a case-study of graduated companies in Portugal

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Title: From incubation to sustainability: a case-study of graduated companies in Portugal Abstract: The purpose of this article is to discuss business incubators as a new way to boost companies and create jobs in a very competitive economic context. From a sociological perspective inspired by concepts such as those of "network" and "social capital", we analyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem as an instrument to overcome challenges during post-incubation. A qualitative research based on a multiple case-study in companies formerly incubated at the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto (UPTEC) was conducted to analyze the impact of incubation on graduation and growth. The research objective was to understand the importance of business incubators for business sustainability. Our findings show that companies from the UPTEC were strengthened during incubation, particularly as a result of available low-cost services and the reproduction of their networking context through the implementation of business communities after incubation

A exposição Ciência numa Ilustração, Ilustrar para Comunicar / Divulgar Ciência: das origens aos planos futuros

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A exposição Ciência numa Ilustração, Ilustrar para Comunicar / Divulgar Ciência: das origens aos planos futuros Abstract: ResumoA exposicao Ciencia numa Ilustracao, Ilustrar para Comunicar / Divulgar Ciencia visa a aquisicao de uma visao integrada e abrangente, incluindo uma visao historica, acerca da Ilustracao Cientifica, bem como a sensibilizacao para a area, designadamente, para os seus diferentes dominios e subdominios e enquadramento no nosso quotidiano. Ainda no ambito da exposicao e possivel observar diferentes modelos cientificos tridimensionais (naturais e artificiais) usados em contexto de sala de aula. O processo que subjaz a organizacao de uma iniciativa deste genero numa biblioteca universitaria sera considerado nos seus diferentes momentos a ideia, a constituicao da equipa de trabalho, a recolha de materiais, a montagem do espaco expositivo, a listagem de material, a producao dos textos de apoio para o espaco expositivo e dos folhetos de divulgacao, a estrategia de divulgacao e a inauguracao. A Biblioteca da Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade do Porto, atraves deste espaco expositivo e de toda a dinamica a ele associada, pretende potenciar o seu papel enquanto instrumento de apoio ao ensino e a divulgacao das ciencias. Palavras-chave: Exposicao; Ilustracao Cientifica; Curso da Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade do Porto Abstract The exhibition "Science in an Illustration, Illustrating to Communicate / Disseminating Science" aims at acquiring an integrated and comprehensive vision, including a historical view on Scientific Illustration, as well as awareness of the area, namely its different domains and subdomains, and framing in our daily lives. Also within the scope of the exhibition, it is possible to observe different three-dimensional scientific models (natural and artificial) used in the context of the classroom. The process that underlies the organization of such an initiative in a University Library will be considered in its different moments - the idea, the constitution of the work team, the collection of materials, the assembly of the exhibition space, the material listing, the support texts for the exhibition space and publicity leaflets, the dissemination strategy and the inauguration. The Library of Faculty of Sciences, of Porto University, through this exhibition space and all the dynamics associated with it, intends to strengthen its role as an instrument to support the teaching and dissemination of science. Keywords: Exhibition; Scientific Illustration; Course of Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto

Chronic exposure to ethanol exacerbates MDMA-induced hyperthermia and exposes liver to severe MDMA-induced toxicity in CD1 mice

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Chronic exposure to ethanol exacerbates MDMA-induced hyperthermia and exposes liver to severe MDMA-induced toxicity in CD1 mice Abstract: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is an amphetamine derivative drug with entactogenic, empathogenic and hallucinogenic properties, commonly consumed at rave parties in a polydrug abuse pattern, especially with cannabis, tobacco and ethanol. Since both MDMA and ethanol may cause deleterious effects to the liver, the evaluation of their putative hepatotoxic interaction is of great interest, especially considering that most of the MDMA users are regular ethanol consumers. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate, in vivo, the acute hepatotoxic effects of MDMA (10mg/kg i.p.) in CD-1 mice previously exposed to 12% ethanol as drinking fluid (for 8 weeks). Body temperature was continuously measured for 12 h after MDMA administration and, after 24 h, hepatic damage was evaluated. The administration of MDMA to non pre-treated mice resulted in sustained hyperthermia, which was significantly increased in ethanol pre-exposed mice. A correspondent higher increase of hepatic heat shock transcription factor (HSF-1) activation was also observed in the latter group. Furthermore, MDMA administration resulted in liver damage as confirmed by histological analysis, slight decrease in liver weight and increased plasma transaminases levels. These hepatotoxic effects were also exacerbated when mice were pre-treated with ethanol. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes (such as SOD, GPx and Catalase) were modified by ethanol, MDMA and their joint action. The hepatotoxicity resulting from the simultaneous exposure to MDMA and ethanol was associated with a higher activation of NF-kappa B, indicating a pro-inflammatory effect in this organ. In conclusion, the obtained results strongly suggest that the consumption of ethanol increases the hyperthermic and hepatotoxic effects associated with MDMA abuse.

The Internationalisation of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Internationalisation of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions

Urinary hydration biomarkers and water sources in free-living elderly

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Urinary hydration biomarkers and water sources in free-living elderly Abstract: Introduction: Accurate estimates of water intake and hydration status in populations are essential to identify populations at risk of dehydration and define strategies to improve standards of water intake. Objective: To evaluate the hydration status and the contribution of food and beverages to the total water intake in a sample of free-living physically active Portuguese elderly. Methods: A sample of 74 individuals (28 men), aged 60 to 83 years, were included in this study. A 24 h urine sample was collected; 24 h urine volume and osmolality were quantifi ed in order to estimate the free water reserve (FWR) used to assess the hydration status. A 24 h food recall corresponding to the day of urine collection was obtained. Food and beverages were grouped according to their nutritional composition, namely water content. The contribution of those groups to total water intake and its association with the hydration status were estimated. Urinary markers and food groups contribution to total water intake were compared between sexes and according to the median FWR, using the t-test and Mann Whitney test. Results: Less than 10% of the participants were classifi ed as hypohydrated/at hypohydration risk. Water from food was nearly half of the total water intake (47%in females and 48% in males, p = 0.757). Water (22%) and foods with reduced water content (19%) were the groups that contributed the most to the total water intake in women and men, respectively. In men, the contribution of alcoholic beverages was signifi cantly higher than that of women (10.5% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Even though most of the study participants were classifi ed as euhydrated, the contribution of water-rich and nutritionally dense food, and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly in men, should be promoted.

The Open Method of Coordination and the Implementation of the Bologna Process

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Open Method of Coordination and the Implementation of the Bologna Process

The "Ferreira da Silva" Chemistry Laboratory: a valuable asset in a university collection

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The "Ferreira da Silva" Chemistry Laboratory: a valuable asset in a university collection

Disentangling policy convergence within the European Higher Education Area

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Disentangling policy convergence within the European Higher Education Area

Ultra-long Fe nanowires by pulsed electrodeposition with full filling of alumina templates

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Ultra-long Fe nanowires by pulsed electrodeposition with full filling of alumina templates Abstract: With the increasing demand for high quality methods for the fast fabrication of extremely high aspect ratio nanoparticles, the research for efficient, low-cost and simple techniques has become fundamental. A promising approach on the synthesis of these materials is here addressed. Pulsed electrodeposition in porous anodic alumina templates was improved enabling, for the first time, a simple and cost effective fabrication method for vertically aligned nanomaterials with aspect ratios never reported with this method. Iron nanowires were electrodeposited and the effect of electrolyte molar concentration, temperature and stirring, pulse shape and barrier layer thickness on the deposition quality was investigated to potentially increase the template filling and the nanowires length. The electrodeposition temperature and current density were also found to be determinant parameters affecting NWs crystallography. A methodology of surface response design of experiment was conducted to retrieve the optimum values for the deposition parameters. With the determined optimized process, we were able to obtain filling ratios up to 93% and aspect ratios over 10 times higher than previous reports for an alternating current method. The high deposition homogeneity combined with the simplicity of the pulsed deposition method, can open new opportunities for the nanofabrication of nanowires. (c) 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Learning to leave and to return: mobility, place, and sense of belonging amongst young people growing up in border and rural regions of Mainland Portugal

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Learning to leave and to return: mobility, place, and sense of belonging amongst young people growing up in border and rural regions of Mainland Portugal

CAAD and e-Learning: a Blended Approach

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Title: CAAD and e-Learning: a Blended Approach Abstract: This case study was conducted by the senior lecturer in charge of the Computer Architectural Aided Design (CAAD) course, with the support and active collaboration of Instituto de Recursos e Iniciativas Comuns da Universidade do Porto (IRICUP). CAAD is an optional course for fifth-year students at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP). he course evolves in a collaborative environment (teacher/student and student/student) to facilitate the exchange of ideas and design communication and the creation of an efficient learning context. The theoretical and empirical bases of the course highlight the concern that the potential of computers for communicating urban design should be used with critical awareness. Thus, the goal is to point out specific attributes for different representation methods and make students think about why they use different computer techniques and representations for presenting their design. Within this context, it was important to adopt a set of teaching methods, communication techniques and specific software that enabled this course to differ from the traditional methods of teaching: demonstrative lecturing and students adopting a more or less passive role in the process. After innovating in relation to the tools used in the process of teaching/learning, one should not forget to change the methodologies to encourage students to engage in discussion and adopt an active role in the process. In my point of view, this must be the main goal. This was achieved through several types of information and software utilities, not only from a distance perspective, but also in relation to the face-to-face interaction in classes, where a problem solving approach for each group as their communication projects evolved was used. The results from this case study highlighted, among other things, that the learning process that emerges from the creative use of an e-learning platform strengthens the teachers' capacity to work as a team. This means that this technology worked as a real catalyst for a new teacher/student interaction, making communication much easier and giving the students a more active role in the learning process.