Processo de trabalho em Clínicas Populares de Saúde na perspectiva de médicos / El proceso de trabajo en Clínicas Populares de Salud bajo la perspectiva de médicos / Work process in Low-Cost Health Clinics from the perspective of physicians

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a perspectiva de médicos acerca do processo de trabalho em Clínicas Populares de Saúde. Para isso, realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram entrevistados oito jovens médicos especialistas que atuam nessas empresas em São Luís, Maranhão. Identificamos condições precarizadas de trabalho, mas com pouca resistência por parte dos médicos, considerando que essas empresas são encaradas como espaços de projeção no mercado de trabalho local. Devido às limitações do modelo assistencial do tipo queixa-conduta, os entrevistados acionam uma rede informal e os usuários das Clínicas Populares de Saúde são encaminhados para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Assim, o processo de trabalho do médico é desafiado por esse modelo assistencial fragmentado, o que faz borrar os limites nas interfaces público-privado na medida em que uma dupla porta de entrada para o SUS é naturalizada.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender la perspectiva de médicos sobre el proceso de trabajo en Clínicas Populares de Salud. Para ello, realizamos una investigación cualitativa en la que fueron entrevistados ocho jóvenes médicos especialistas que actúan en esas empresas en São Luís, Maranhão. Identificamos condiciones precarias de trabajo, pero con poca resistencia por parte de los médicos, considerando que esas empresas son consideradas como espacios de proyección en el mercado de trabajo local. Debido a las limitaciones del modelo asistencial del tipo queja-conducta, los entrevistados ponen en acción una red informal y los usuarios de las Clínicas Populares de Salud son derivados para el Sistema Brasileño de Salud (SUS). De tal forma, el proceso de trabajo del médico es desafiado por ese modelo asistencial fragmentado, lo que borra los límites de las interfaces público-privado a medida que se naturaliza una doble puerta de entrada al SUS.(AU)

The objective of the study was to understand the perspective of doctors regarding the work process in Low-cost Health Clinics. To this end, we conducted qualitative research interviewing 8 young specialist doctors who work in these business firms in São Luís, Maranhão. We identified precarious working conditions, although presenting little resistance from the doctors, considering that these businesses are seen as spaces of projection in the local job market. Due to the limitations of the complaint-driven model of care, the interviewees activate an informal network, and the users of the Low-Cost Health Clinics are referred to the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). Thus, the physician's work process is challenged by this fragmented care model, which blurs the boundaries in the public-private interfaces leading to a naturalized double gateway to the SUS.(AU)

Identificación de amebas de vida libre en tanques de almacenamiento de agua de edificios del área metropolitana de Ambato / Identification of free-living amoebas in water storage tanks of buildings in the metropolitan area of Ambato

Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. y Balamuthia mandrillaris, son especies de ameba de vida libre (AVL) que causan enfermedades en el sistema nervioso central grave y puede ser fatal en humanos y otros animales. Todos los géneros de AVL tienen dos etapas: quiste y trofozoíto. Los trofozoítos se dividen por fisión binaria, se alimentan activamente y es la etapa infecciosa del organismo. En el medio ambiente, los acanthopodios permiten que los trofozoítos se adhieran a las superficies de las bacterias, hongos, algas y detritos en los que se encuentran su alimento. Acanthamoeba spp. Parecen mantener una relación endosimbiótica con algunas de las bacterias que consumen. Muchas de estas bacterias, como la Legionella, Pseudomonas, Vibrio y algunas micobacterias parecen adquirir factores de virulencia mientras están viviendo dentro de las amebas, lo que les permite sobrevivir y prosperar dentro de otras células fagocíticas (por ejemplo, macrófagos humanos). La tenacidad de AVL para proliferar en ecosistemas hostiles y sobrevivir a la desecación o desinfección hace de estos organismos una fuente potencial transmitida por el agua, por los alimentos y el aire. Conocidos por su ubicuidad, los AVL han sido aislados de diversas matrices ambientales, como suelo, agua dulce y salobre, aguas residuales, aguas termales, polvo y otros. En función de lo antes comentado, este trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar amebas de vida libre en tanques de almacenamiento de agua de edificios del área metropolitana de la ciudad de Ambato (Ecuador), con el fin de aplicar soluciones correctivas en cualquiera de sus puntos. Según el sitio de muestreo, el género de AVL identificado con mayor frecuencia en la superficie fue Balamuthia sp (70,59%) y Acanthamoeba sp., con un 37,78 %. El fondo estuvo caracterizado por Naegleria sp. con un 44,44%(AU)

Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris are species of free-living amoeba (FLA) that cause severe central nervous system disease and can be fatal in humans and other animals. All genera of FLA have two stages: cyst and trophozoite. Trophozoites divide by binary fission, actively feed, and is the infective stage of the organism. In the environment, acanthopods allow trophozoites to adhere to the surfaces of bacteria, fungi, algae, and detritus on which their food is found. Acanthamoeba spp. they appear to maintain an endosymbiotic relationship with some of the bacteria they consume. Many of these bacteria, such as Legionella, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and some mycobacteria appear to acquire virulence factors while living inside amoebas, allowing them to survive and thrive inside other phagocytic cells (eg, human macrophages). FLA's tenacity to proliferate in hostile ecosystems and survive desiccation or disinfection makes these organisms a potential waterborne, foodborne, and airborne source. Known for their ubiquity, FLAs have been isolated from various environmental matrices, such as soil, fresh and brackish water, wastewater, hot springs, dust, and others. Based on the aforementioned, this work aims to identify free-living amoebas in water storage tanks of buildings in the metropolitan area of the city of Ambato (Ecuador), in order to apply corrective solutions at any of its points. According to the sampling site, the FLA genus most frequently identified on the surface was Balamuthia sp (70.59%) and Acanthamoeba sp., with 37.78 %. The background was characterized by Naegleria sp. with 44.44%(AU)

Water quality challenges in buildings during prolonged low or no occupancy: a cause for concern during COVID-19 lockdowns and related building closures

Introduction: In compliance with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, many nonessential workplaces and public spaces were closed or left sub-operational with no or low occupancy for several months. The abrupt and unprecedented long periods of building closures have raised concerns about the proliferation of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens that may be a biohazard for returning occupants. Objective: In this review paper, we discuss microbiological water quality concerns during periods of no or low occupancy, as experienced during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles using specific keywords. The literature search was extended to grey literature. The paper focuses on Legionella, as a pathogen of concern, in building water systems that are not well managed and the potential risks to workers and other occupants. Results: Most articles suggest a positive relationship between stagnation or reduced water usage and compromised microbiological quality of building water systems, but the effects are site-specific and are associated with biofilm formation and disinfectant decline. Considerations for building water risk assessment are discussed as a decision-making framework for selecting appropriate responses to anticipated changes in water quality. Conclusion: The unprecedented building closures due to COVID-19 lockdowns present a hazardous event likely to impact building water quality. Building owners and facility managers, especially in high-risk settings, should consider conducting risk assessments of water systems during low-occupancy periods to identify potential risks and apply appropriate corrective measures, where necessary.

Conservação de água em shopping centers: análise das percepções dos atores envolvidos nos projetos e gestão, com o uso do processo de hierarquia analítica / Water conservation in shopping centers: analysis of the perceptions of the actors involved in projects and management, using the analytical hierarchy process

RESUMO As áreas urbanas buscam novas opções de serviço de água, para garantir o abastecimento. A literatura acadêmica versa sobre o pensamento de que a crise hídrica está relacionada ao crescimento urbano; no entanto, o fator predominante é o aumento do consumo, independentemente do crescimento populacional, pois fatores comportamentais devem ser revistos a partir de simples hábitos diários. Os empresários não focam apenas nas questões de economia ou da discussão ambiental, de mais vale a garantia da autonomia, pois a insegurança hídrica é cada vez mais crescente. Empreendimentos como os shopping centers poderão consumir volumes de água equivalentes ao consumo de 5 mil pessoas. Para saber as percepções dos atores envolvidos no design e na gestão de shopping centers, este trabalho utilizou o método AHP, com a aplicação de questionários e resultados combinados. Dados resultantes demonstram que o conhecimento dos envolvidos nem sempre corresponde aos conceitos de conservação de água e que uma melhor sinergia entre a ciência e o mercado deve estar mais próxima.

ABSTRACT Urban areas seek new water service options, to ensure the supply. The academic literature deals with the thought that the water crisis is related to urban growth; however, the predominant factor is the increased consumption, regardless of population growth, as behavioral factors should be reviewed based on simple daily habits. Entrepreneurs do not focus only on economic issues or on top of environmental discussion, as well ensuring autonomy, as water insecurity is increasingly growing. Enterprises such as shopping malls may consume water volumes equivalent to the consumption of 5,000 people. In order to know the perceptions of the actors involved in the design and management of shopping malls, this work used the AHP method, with the application of questionnaires and combined results. Resulting data demonstrate that the knowledge of those involved does not always correspond to the concepts of water conservation and a better synergy between science and the market should be more forthcoming.

Aproveitamento de água pluvial e sua relação com ações de conservação de água: estudo de caso em hospital universitário, São Carlos (SP) / Rainwater harvesting and its relationship with water conservation actions: case study in a universitary hospital, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

RESUMO A implantação de sistemas de aproveitamento de águas pluviais (SAAPs) em edificações com alto consumo de água, como estabelecimentos hospitalares, pode trazer benefícios tanto econômicos aos usuários como ambientais. No entanto, é considerada por alguns como a última ação a implementar na conservação da água nessas instituições, recomendando-se, em um primeiro momento, ações de diminuição de consumo. Por isso, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial de economia de água decorrente da implantação de um SAAP como alternativa de abastecimento de água e estabelecer comparações com ações de diminuição de consumo, tendo como objeto de estudo o Hospital Universitário (HU), da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo. Para tanto, foi adotada uma metodologia baseada no balanço hídrico em função das demandas de água para diferentes usos no HU e em relação às edificações atualmente em funcionamento e ampliações futuras, previstas em dos fases; análises do tamanho ótimo de armazenamento e avaliação da redução de consumo com um maior controle das perdas e a substituição de tecnologias existentes por dispositivos economizadores nos mesmos períodos. Com a determinação da relação oferta-demanda, a implantação do SAAP evidenciou um potencial de economia de água de 57% do consumo com as instalações atualmente em funcionamento e de 19% do consumo final projetado para o final das ampliações, enquanto as ações de diminuição apontaram valores de 37 a 24% para os mesmos cenários. Procedimentos combinados de aproveitamento de águas de chuva e diminuição de consumo de água podem economizar entre 71% do consumo atual e 39% no final de projeto, níveis considerados significativos e que refletem a necessidade do gerenciamento estratégico da água que promovam benefícios financeiros, ambientais e sociais.

ABSTRACT The implementation of rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS) in buildings with significant water consumption, such as hospitals, can bring both economic and environmental benefits to users. However, it is considered by some the last action to be implemented in the conservation of water in these institutions, recommending at a first moment actions to reduce consumption. That is why the purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of water saving by means of the implementation of a RWHS as an alternative of water supply and to establish comparisons with water uses conservations actions, having as an object of study the University Hospital of the Federal University of São Carlos - SP (UH). This was determined by a methodology based on the water balance as a function of the water demands for different uses in the UH and in relation to the buildings currently in operation and future extensions, planned in the phases; optimal storage size analysis and consumption reduction assessment with greater loss control and replacement of existing technologies with cost-saving devices over the same periods. With the determination of the supply - demand relationship, RWHS's implementation showed a water saving potential of 57% of the current consumption and 19% of the projected end, while the decreasing actions indicated values of 37 to 24% for the same scenarios. Combined actions for rainwater harvesting and reducing water consumption can save between 71% of current consumption and 39% at the end of the project, which are considered to be significant levels and reflect the needs of strategic water management with financial, environmental and social benefits.

Water management from the environmental certification perspective: a new proposal of criteria and weight rates for application in Brazilian regions / Gestão da água na perspectiva das certificações ambientais: uma nova proposta de critérios e ponderações para aplicação em regiões do Brasil

ABSTRACT Several countries have developed tools with criteria and evaluations to grant, through the environmental certification, a more sustainable undertaking, with quality and productivity for its users. The tools were developed for different needs and objectives, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison, in addition to having specific demands for each region. This study aims to make a comparative analysis between some tools of greater international knowledge and to propose new parameters for the water use and management category, taking into account the design and operational phase, the water distribution, and the demands for 2025. Consequently, this study proposed the creation of an exclusive environmental tool for the management and water use, providing a seal that may be applied to any project and adopted by water work systems as an incentive to reduce the consumption of drinking water, to use alternative sources, and to decrease liquid effluents.

RESUMO Vários países desenvolveram ferramentas com critérios e avaliações para garantir um empreendimento mais sustentável, com qualidade e produtividade para seus usuários, por meio de certificação ambiental. As ferramentas foram desenvolvidas para diferentes necessidades e objetivos, o que dificulta a comparação direta, além de haver demandas específicas para cada região. Este estudo teve como objetivo fazer uma análise comparativa entre algumas ferramentas de maior conhecimento internacional e propor novos parâmetros para a categoria de uso e gestão da água, levando em conta a fase de projeto e operação, a distribuição de água e as demandas para 2025. Consequentemente, este estudo propôs a criação de uma ferramenta ambiental exclusiva para a gestão e o uso da água, proporcionando um selo que pode ser aplicado a qualquer projeto e adotado pelas concessionárias de água como incentivo para reduzir o consumo de água potável, usar fontes alternativas e diminuir os efluentes líquidos.

"Among dead and wounded": mapping, characterization and analysis of fires with victims in Recife's metropolitan zone / "Entre mortos e feridos": mapeamento, caracterização e análise dos incêndios com vítimas na região metropolitana do Recife / "Entre muertos y heridos": cartografía, caracterización y análisis de los incendios con víctimas en la zona metropolitana de Recife

This article presents the mapping and analysis of fires with dead and wounded people in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (MRR) served by the Firefighters Department from 2013 to 2016. There was an average rate of 1 death per million inhabitants, similar to countries such as Singapore and Vietnam. The weighted number of fires per wounded or dead person results in rates of 0.5 and 1.7 per 100 recorded fires, respectively. These numbers are concerning, especially when compared to rates from other regions in the world. The victims of fires in MRR were shown to generally not be a perceivable problem in terms of common sense, yet they are real and require accurate analysis and effective measures.

Este artigo apresenta o mapeamento e a análise de incêndios com mortes e feridos na Região Metropolitana do Recife ­ RMR, atendidos pelo Corpo de Bombeiros, no período de 2013 a 2016. Verificou-se uma taxa média de 1 morte por milhão de habitantes, semelhante a países como Singapura e Vietnam. Quando se pondera a quantidade de incêndios para que haja um ferido ou morto, as taxas se apresentam respectivamente em 0,5 e 1,7 por 100 incêndios registrados ­ sendo estes números preocupantes, principalmente quando comparados com taxas de outras regiões no mundo. Conclui-se que as vítimas de incêndios na Região (RMR) são um problema silente ao senso comum, mas real e que exige análise acurada e providências efetivas.

Este artículo presenta la cartografía y análisis de incendios con muertes y heridos en la Zona Metropolitana de Recife (ZMR), atendidos por el Cuerpo de Bomberos, en el período de 2013 a 2016. Se ha verificado un promedio de 1 muerte por millón de habitantes, semejante a países como Singapur y Vietnam. Cuando se examina la cantidad de incendios para que haya un herido o muerto, los promedios se presentan respectivamente de 0,5 y 1,7 por 100 incendios registrados, lo cual es preocupante, principalmente en comparación con los promedios de otras regiones del mundo. Se concluye que las víctimas de incendios en la ZMR son un problema silencioso y real, lo que exige un análisis cuidadoso y diligencias efectivas.

State of the Art of the Application of Energy Storage Systems in Photovoltaic Buildings

Abstract Photovoltaic (PV) buildings are increasingly present in urban centers and can generate their own energy becoming independent of the grid, depending on their consumption profile. However, most residential and commercial consumers show their peak demand at night, when there is no photovoltaic generation, needing the electricity grid to meet the demand of these facilities. Peak demand lead to increased costs for these consumers and end up disrupting the power quality of the grid. One possible solution for these listed problems is by applying storage systems to these buildings, which is already being done in some countries and can increase the PV generation. Aiming to seek the state of the art of these systems, this article brings a review of the literature, highlighting the possible modes of operation and a real case of application in PV buildings in the world. Also are described the storage technologies most appropriate for applications in these buildings, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. It is expected to gain greater knowledge of these systems, in order to overcome the challenges of intermittence generated by renewable sources, enabling the reduction of energy demand costs in these customers so that it can also be applied in the Brazilian scenario.

Study on the Distribution and Abundance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Different Environment Settings for HighRise Buildings

Abstract@#Introduction: Vector surveillance in high-rise buildings is important to predict and monitor the presence of vectors regarding their abundance and distribution. In this study, the infestation profile of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species in different environmental settings were investigated. Methods: Four high-rise apartments in four different localities were selected for ovitrap surveillance. Fifty ovitraps were placed in semi indoor and outdoor settings. Results: A total of 507 (42.8%) from ovitraps showed the presence of the Aedes species larvae. Out of these, 170 (33.5%) of the positive ovitraps were those placed in semi indoor and 337 (66.5%) in outdoor. Of the total 16,613 Aedes larvae found, 4,130 (24.9%) were from semi indoor, and 12,483 (75.1%) from outdoor. In terms of distribution, Ae. albopictus was predominantly found in outdoor environments (POI=87.5%; MLT=36.45 larvae). Ae. aegypti was also found in outdoor environments (POI=14.89%; MLT=8.26 larvae). There was a significant difference in POI for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the two different environments but no significant difference was observed in MLT, indicating that the density of the Aedes species in both environments was well distributed. Conclusion: In this study, the patterns of Aedes habitat in high-rise apartments were observed. This study has shown an invasion and adaptation of Aedes mosquitoes into the ecosystems of high-rise buildings. It can be concluded that housing designs and the condition of the surrounding environment affects the infestation profile and the distribution of Aedes mosquitoes.

Sick building syndrome and associated risk factors among the population of Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND@#Sick building syndrome (SBS) consists of a group of mucosal, skin, and general symptoms temporally related to residential and office buildings of unclear causes. These symptoms are common in the general population. However, SBS symptoms and their contributing factors are poorly understood, and the community associates it with bad sprits. This community-based cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of SBS in Gondar town.@*METHODS@#A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2017. A total of 3405 study subjects were included using multistage and systematic random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire and observational checklists were used to collect data. SBS was assessed by 24 building-related symptoms and confirmed by five SBS confirmation criteria. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with SBS on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05. The Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to check model fitness, and variance inflation factor (VIF) was also used to test interactions between variables.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of SBS in Gondar town was 21.7% (95% CI = 20.3-23.0%). Of this, the mucosal symptoms account for 64%, the general symptoms account for 54%, and the skin symptoms account for 10%. From study participants who reported SBS symptoms, 44% had more than one symptom. Headache (15.7%), asthma (8.3%), rhinitis (8.0%), and dizziness (7.5%) were the commonest reported symptoms. SBS was significantly associated with fungal growth in the building [AOR = 1.25, 95% CI = (1.05, 1.49)], unclean building [AOR = 1.26, 95% CI = (1.03, 1.55)], houses with no functional windows [AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = (1.12, 1.63)], houses with no fan [AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = (1.22, 2.96)], utilization of charcoal as a cooking energy source [AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = (1.02, 1.91)], cooking inside the living quarters [AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = (1.09, 1.58)], and incensing and joss stick use [AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = (1.23, 1.77)].@*CONCLUSION@#The prevalence of SBS in Gondar town was high, and significant proportion of the population had more than one SBS symptom. Headache, asthma, rhinitis, and dizziness were the commonest reported SBS symptoms. Fungal growth, cleanliness of the building, availability of functional windows, availability of fan in the living quarters, using charcoal as a cooking energy source, cooking inside the quarters, and incensing habit or joss stick use were identified as factors associated with SBS. Improving the sanitation of the living environment and housekeeping practices of the occupants is useful to minimize the prevalence of SBS.

Evaluación post ocupacional en bibliotecas: una revisión sistemática

nte el cuestionamiento sobre cuáles son las características que los espacios bibliotecarios deben tener para ser pertinentes a las prácticas y conductas propias de los usuarios del siglo XXI, este estudio establece como objetivo general identificar las principales características de la literatura científica que refiere al tema de la evaluación post ocupacional en bibliotecas en los últimos diez años. Para lograr el objetivo establecido, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura que refiere a los estudios de evaluación post ocupacional en bibliotecas en los idiomas inglés, español y portugués, publicada entre los años 2006-2016, en el Buscador de Información Global (BIG), de EBSCO, Web Of Science (WOS), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Red de Revistas Científicas de América Latina y el Caribe (REDALyC), DIALNET, INFOBILA, Google y Google Académico. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que existe un balance entre los estudios teóricos y empíricos sobre el tema, que son llevados a cabo, principalmente, por arquitectos y bibliotecólogos, tanto en bibliotecas universitarias como públicas, así como el empleo de diversos métodos y técnicas en su implementación. Las conclusiones enfatizan la importancia de este tipo estudios para la mejora del uso de los espacios y la optimización de los recursos invertidos en la construcción o remodelación de bibliotecas, así como del trabajo colaborativo e interdisciplinario para llevarlos a cabo.

aced with the questioning about what are the characteristics that the library spaces must have to be relevant to the practices and behaviors of the users of the XXI century, his study establishes as a general objective to identify the main characteristics of the scientific literature that refers to the Subject of post-occupancy evaluation in libraries in the last ten years. In order to achieve the established objective, a systematic review of the literature referring to post-occupancy evaluation studies in libraries was carried out in the following languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese, published between 2006-2016, in the Academic Search Complete of EBSCO, Web of Science (WOS), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Network of Scientific Journals of Latin America and the Caribbean (REDALyC), DIALNET, INFOBILA, Google and Google Scholar. The results show that there is a balance between the theoretical and empirical studies on the subject that are carried out mainly by architects and librarians in both university and public libraries, as well as the use of different methods and techniques in their implementation. The conclusions emphasize the importance of this type of studies for the improvement of the use of spaces and the optimization of the resources invested in the construction or remodeling of libraries, as well as of the collaborative and interdisciplinary work to carry them out.

Impactos da terceirização em empregados efetivos: um caso na construção de edificações / Impacts of outsourcing on effective employees: a case in building construction / Los impactos de la subcontratación en los empleados fijos: un caso de la construcción de edificios

Em um contexto de expansão da terceirização na economia, pesquisamos com o objetivo de comparar a percepção sobre aspectos das condições de trabalho e a atribuição de significados ao trabalho por empregados efetivos em uma empresa de construção de edificações com adoção extensiva de terceirização (EA) com os de outra empresa (EB) que com menor adoção de terceirização (EB). Na pesquisa de campo, aplicamos, junto a 187 operários, partes do Inventário do Significado do Trabalho e do Questionário de Condições de Trabalho, e entrevistamos 16 operários e gestores para diferenciar os contextos organizacionais. Encontramos, entre outros aspectos, que os empregados da EB percebem mais Riscos de Acidentes de Trabalho e mais Autonomia (jornada de trabalho e escolha de colegas), enquanto os da EA tendem a valorizar mais a Expressão de Respeito e o Acolhimento e a atribuir mais fortemente significados de Ser Reconhecido e Ser Retribuído Equitativamente. Concluímos que o estilo gerencial provavelmente impacta mais tais conteúdos simbólicos dos operários efetivos do que a extensão da terceirização.

In the context in which outsourcing has expanded in the economy, we conducted research aiming to compare the perception of aspects of working conditions, and the attribution of meaning to work, between effective employees in a building construction company (cA), with extensive adoption of outsourcing, and others those in another company (cB), with less adoption of outsourcing. In the field research, we applied parts of the Meaning of Work Inventory and the Questionnaire on Working Conditions to 187 workers, and interviewed 16 workers and managers to differentiate the organizational contexts. We found, among other aspects, that the employees of cB perceive more Risk of Work Accidents and more Autonomy (working hours and choice of colleagues), while the employees of cA tend to value more the Expression of Respect and Acceptance and attribute stronger meanings to Being Recognized and Being Equitably Rewarded. We conclude that managerial style probably has more impact on such symbolic content from effective workers than does the extent of outsourcing.

En un contexto en que la expansión de la subcontratación en la economía, investigamos con el objetivo de cotejar la percepción de aspectos de las condiciones de trabajo y la atribución de significados al trabajo por parte de empleados con puestos fijos de una empresa de construcción de edificios, con adopción extensiva de subcontratación (EA), con los de otra empresa con menos adopción de subcontratación (EB). En el estudio de campo, aplicamos, a 187 obreros, partes del Inventario de Significado del Trabajo y del Cuestionario de Condiciones de Trabajo, y entrevistamos a 16 obreros y dirigentes para diferenciar los contextos organizacionales. Verificamos, entre otros aspectos, que los empleados de la EB perciben más Riesgos de Accidentes Laborales y más Autonomía (jornada de trabajo y elección de colegas), mientras que los de la EA tienden a valorar más la Expresión de Respeto y Aceptación y atribuir más fuertes significados de Ser Reconocido y Ser Retribuido Equitativamente. Concluimos que el estilo gerencial probablemente causa más impacto en tales contenidos simbólicos de los obreros con puestos fijos que la extensión de la subcontratación.

Feasibility Study of Water Saving Measures in Higher Education Buildings: A Case Study of the University of Aveiro.

Aims: Evaluate the water savings potential and financial viability of water saving measures in in higher education buildings Study Design: The study follows an observational approach to characterize the current performance of existing buildings in terms of water consumption and evaluate the potential for increasing water efficiency. Place and Duration of Study: Buildings of the Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Communication and Arts, Environment and Planning, and Mathematics Departments and the Pedagogic Complex of the University of Aveiro, Portugal, between May 2013 and July 2014. Methodology: Water efficiency audits complemented with limited monitoring and simulation of investment scenarios. Results: The payback period of the investment required to implement the measures was found to be less than 7 months in all the cases, with average water savings potential of 28% and ranging from 9% up to 37%. Conclusion: Water savings measures are attractive solutions for university buildings in Portugal, particularly the older ones, because of their environmental and financial performance and the low investment required.

Utilising Time of Use Surveys to Predict Domestic Hot Water Consumption and Heat Demand Profiles of Residential Building Stocks.

Aims: The prediction of water consumption patterns is a challenge, especially when water metering is not available at scale. The use of time-of-use survey (TUS) data offers an alternative to metering in order to track the general patterns of water consumption across large and representative groups of end-users. The paper focuses on the prediction of analytical domestic hot water (DHW) demand profiles for detailed building archetype models, using an occupant focused approach based on TUS data. The paper illustrates and discusses the resulting capability of dwelling archetypes to capture variations in heat demand and energy usage for water heating on a national scale and at high time resolution. Methodology: Five dwelling types are considered over different construction periods, representative of the majority of the Irish residential stock, which is used here as a case study. They are modelled at room level using EnergyPlus and converted into archetype models. A bottom-up approach is utilised to develop the required operational data at high space and time resolution. That methodology applies Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques to TUS activity data to develop activity-specific profiles for occupancy and domestic equipment electricity use. It is extended to DHW demand profiles by combining the probability distributions for particular TUS activities with average daily DHW consumptions, depending on the household size, day type and season. Results: The archetype models capture variations in DHW consumption, heat demand and energy usage for DHW heating, on a national scale and a fifteen-minute basis. Moreover, they are found to be 90% accurate with the Irish standard dwelling energy assessment procedure in estimating the annual energy requirements for DHW heating. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential for utilising time of use surveys to predict domestic water demand profiles on a national scale and at high time resolution.

Energy Performance and Improvement Potentials for Selected Heritage Building Adaptation in England.

Public heritage buildings (PHBs) were evaluated with the aim to determine their operational energy performance and the objectives of identifying improvement potentials for their long term sustainable reuse. Six listed churches initially used for worship and later converted to community uses were selected and surveyed as case study buildings using purposive sampling technique. A qualitative analytical approach based on ranking the performance of the surveyed building’s energy consumption assessment compared to others within the same geographical region was adopted. Findings show that a greater number of the surveyed buildings are low-performing with their energy use being exacerbated by the combination and interplay of multiple factors such as building use pattern, efficiency of services and lighting etc. Results of the findings imply that potential and identifiable prospects for efficiency improvements and CO2 emissions reduction exists within the operation of the buildings. Recommended actions for wide-scale improvements in the form of capital replacement, retrofit/refurbishment, behavioural and improved operational management and control were suggested. The study concluded wider opportunities towards achieving energy saving such as energy management programme, building energy refurbishment scheme and use of energy efficient equipment could enhance stainable reuse of PHBs.

Redução do potencial poluidor de dejetos de suínos em lagoas de estabilização em série / Pollution potential reducing of swine manure in stabilization ponds in series

As lagoas de estabilização, em virtude da sua simplicidade e eficiência do processo, do baixo custo de construção e operação e das condições climáticas favoráveis, apresentam-se como solução para atender a grande parte dos requisitos impostos para o tratamento dos dejetos na região do Vale do Jequitinhonha. Diante disso, o objetivo do trabalho foi caracterizar os parâmetros físico-químicos de dejetos líquidos de suínos (DLS) tratados em sistema de lagoas de estabilização em série e avaliar a redução do seu potencial poluidor. O estudo foi conduzido na granja Campo Alegre no município de Diamantina-MG. Os dejetos foram coletados nos seguintes locais: saída das instalações, saída da lagoa anaeróbia, saída da primeira lagoa facultativa e saída da segunda lagoa facultativa. O sistema de lagoas de estabilização em série apresentou 88% de eficiência na remoção da DQOt e 91% na remoção de DBO5. Os elementos Mg, Fe, Mn e P foram removidos nos percentuais de 66; 83; 33 e 54%, respectivamente. A eficiência de remoção de N-Total foi de 24%. K, Ca e S, foram removidos em 40; 31; e 52%, respectivamente. O sistema de lagoas de estabilização em série estudado demonstrou ser eficiente no abatimento de nutrientes, demonstrando características favoráveis ao reaproveitamento dos dejetos como biofertilizante.

The stabilization ponds, because of its simplicity and efficiency of the process, low construction cost and operation and the favorable climatic conditions, are presented as a solution to meet most of the requirements for processing wastes in the region. The wastes produced in pigs are usually used as fertilizer in agricultural areas, this being the main alternative disposal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the physical and chemical parameters of pig slurry (PS) system treated in stabilization ponds in series and evaluate the reduction of their pollution potential. The study was conducted in the Campo Alegre farm in Diamantina-MG. The wastes were collected at various points, exit of the facilities, exit of the anaerobic pond, exit of the first facultative pond, exit of the second facultative pond. The system of stabilization ponds in series features 88% efficiency in removing DQOt and 91% of BOD5. The fractions of solids showed similar behavior and nutrients Mg, Fe, Mn and P were removed in the percentages of 66, 83, 33 and 54%. The removal efficiency of N-total amounted to 24%. However to K, Ca and S were removed 40, 31, and 52%. The system of stabilization ponds in series studied proved to be effective in removing excess nutrients. It is noteworthy that the treatment demonstrated favorable characteristics to the reuse of waste as biofertilizer.

Eficiência de sistema de aquecimento auxiliar para aviários, com base nos índices de conforto térmico / Auxiliary heating system efficiency for poultry housing, based on thermal indexes

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar protótipos de aquecedor solar para pintinhos com 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 m de diâmetro (tratamentos AQ1, AQ2 e AQ3, respectivamente) com base nos índices de conforto térmico no município de Marechal Candido Rondon, Paraná. Valores de temperatura de globo negro, bulbo seco, bulbo úmido e velocidade do vento foram registrados acima do dissipador e nas condições externas. Os dados foram coletados a cada duas horas, entre 08h00min e 16h00min durante o período experimental. Com base em valores horários por aquecedor, o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e o Índice de Temperatura Globo Umidade (ITGU) não apresentaram resultados que diferenciassem entre os coletores avaliados. A maior Carga Térmica de Radiação (CTR) foi observada para AQ1 e AQ2 às 14 h. Quando se comparam os aquecedores, independente do horário de observação, verifica-se que os maiores valores de ITU e ITGU ocorreram para AQ1 e AQ3 e a CTR para AQ1. O horário para o qual foram observados os maiores valores destes índices foi às 14 h. Concluiu-se que o sistema de aquecimento pode se constituir uma alternativa para uso em aviários já que propicia condições de conforto térmico semelhante aos sistemas empregados comercialmente.

This study had as objective to evaluate prototypes of solar heater for broiler chicken with diameter of 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 m (treatments AQ1, AQ2 and AQ3, respectively) based on the thermal comfort indexes in Marechal Candido Rondon, Paraná State, Brazil. The values of black globe temperature, dry bulb, wet bulb and wind speed were registered above the heater and in the external conditions. Data were collected each two hours, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the experimental period. Based on hourly values for heater, the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI) didn't present results that differentiated the appraised heaters. The highest value of Thermal Heat Load (THL) was observed for AQ1 and AQ2 at 2:00 PM. When the heaters are compared, independent of the observation schedule, was verified that the largest values of THI and BGHI occurred for AQ1 and AQ3 and CTR for AQ1. The time which were observed the largest values of these indexes was 2:00 PM. It was concluded that the heating system can be constituted an alternative for use in aviaries considering that provide similar conditions of thermal comfort that the commercial systems.

Intelligent Facades in Low-Energy Buildings.

Growing interest in development of innovative solutions for enhancement of sustainability in the built environments has been observed in recent years. According to the main constituents of buildings particularly in building envelopes, facades are expected to play a significant role towards the promotion of sustainable design in low energy buildings. This study presents a holistic review towards the analysis of ‘intelligent facades’ according to their types, current implementations, challenges, and ultimate impacts. Intelligent facades need to be responsive and conscious to the local climate, outdoor environment, and indoor spaces with view to parameters such as energy performance, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, visual comfort, etc. The findings demonstrate that energy modeling and simulations should be performed during the early stage of design process of buildings to ensure the practicality and effectiveness of any green implementations in buildings. In conclusion, the study recommends the intelligent facades to become an inherent constituent of green buildings for future development of low energy buildings.

The Concept of Zero Energy Intelligent Buildings (ZEIB): A Review of Sustainable Development for Future Cities.

It is noticed that intelligent buildings are aimed to consider social, environmental and economic values beside a substantial focus to the automated technological attributes. Due to many promising green building initiatives, the accelerated level of interests towards the applications of information technology and advanced control techniques in architecture design has been observed. With a viewpoint to the sustainable development of future cities, attributing the eventual impacts of climate change, various interrelated green building design approaches have been implemented. This study aims to elucidate the significant advancements of intelligent building design as a key constituent of eco-city development for creating greener and effective built environments. Current effort in this study is also geared toward considerable and practical implementations that were carried out in order to create buildings with zero energy consumption. Emphasis is placed upon reviewing the recent theories, attempts, implementations, and challenges towards the development of zero energy intelligent buildings (ZEIB). The findings inferred from the theoretical analysis confirm that the significant contribution of ZEIB concept will end up for the sustainable development of future eco-cities.

Culturable fungi associated with urban stone surfaces in Mexico City

Background: Urban surface stones in Mexico City are exposed to a temperate climate and a range of atmospheric conditions ranging from mildly impacted to heavily polluted areas. In this study, we focused on the characterization of the cultivable fungal component of selected biological patinas in the surrounding area of Chapultepec castle, a historic monument in Mexico City. Thirty four representative fungal isolates selected based on distinctive differential macroscopic characteristics out of a total of 300 fungi, were characterized using morphological and molecular approaches. Results: This identification strategy based on the combination of phenotypic- and molecular-based methodologies allowed us to discriminate the fungal community in some cases down to the species level. Conclusions: The characterization of this mycoflora revealed the presence of a complex fungal community mainly represented by filamentous fungi belonging to the genera Fusarium, Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Mucor, Penicillium, Pestalotiopsis, and the dimorphic fungus Aureobasidium, along with the yeast Rhodotorula. A specific distribution of fungi could be observed based on the type of biological patina analyzed.