Instituto Superior Research Articles

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 12 No. 1

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from November 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Christiane do Nascimento Monte, Universidade Federal Fluminense, BrazilChuck Chuan Ng, Xiamen University Malaysia, MalaysiaDilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyElham Mohamed, National Research Centre, EgyptFarahdilah Ghazali, University of Malaysia Terengganu, MalaysiaFarhaoui Mohamed, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, MoroccoGandhi Escajadillo Toledo, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, PeruHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseManuel Mendoza-Carranza, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), MexicoMohammad Aghababaei, Washington State University, USAMona M. Amin Abdel-Fatah, National Research Center in Egypt, EgyptOylum Gokkurt Baki, Sinop University, TurkeySyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil

Online and FREE access to plasma physics experiments

Abstract Remote controlled laboratories had a great push during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, they were already out there but lacking in visibility. This external trigger pushed the academy to face a global challenge to start offering remote experiments more consistently and maturely. Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) has been offering several remote experiments since 2000 but with the need for an update due to technological aging. As such, the framework for remote experiments in education (FREE) was created based on new web technologies. In addition to the most diverse experiments that had already been developed, FREE includes two experiments that aimed at advanced-level physics students: the Langmuir probe and the electromagnetic (EM) cavity. Both allow users to configure the various parameters and to access the results in real time or check back later. All this access is done using a browser (on a PC or mobile phone) without the need to install additional software. The results of an experimental execution are stored in a database and are downloadable, allowing users to do various analyses and to determine the corresponding plasma density and temperature. In this paper, we will introduce how FREE was used in the implementation of both experiments and give an insight into their didactic approach, such as: (i) how to perform an experimental execution, (ii) the typical data set obtained with, and (iii) the corresponding analysis necessary for the user to retrieve information from it.

Structural analysis of the ex-port plug collective thomson scattering transmission lines for ITER

The main function of the Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostic system for ITER is to diagnose the alpha particles resulting from Deuterium-Tritium fusion reactions. It consists of a microwave scattering diagnostic with a probing frequency of 60 GHz and emitted power of 1.2 MW from the gyrotron, with one launcher and nine receiver transmission lines.The CTS will be installed in the equatorial port EP#12, which is one of the ports that have to be operational for the ITER First Plasma. The transmission lines outside the Port Plug (Ex-PP) are routed through the Interspace, Port Cell, Gallery, Assembly Building and Diagnostic Building, reaching more than 100 m in length. The preliminary design of the ex-PP components is currently being undertaken in the framework of an Implementing Agreement between ITER Organization, the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) and CIEMAT. Within this collaboration, CIEMAT is responsible for the structural analyses and calculations required to ensure the structural integrity and performance of the preliminary design of the Ex-PP transmission line components, which will be summarized in this paper.In this work, the required analysis and calculations will be presented together with the redesign performed for the transmission lines in order to guarantee that their components will withstand the loads defined in the Ex-PP CTS Load Specifications. The evaluation of the structural integrity of the CTS Ex-PP components will be carried out in accordance with the 2007 RCC-MR Code for mechanical components in nuclear installations.

Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis for Structural Investigation and Preservation of Reinforced Hybrid Thin Tile–Concrete Domes of the Historic School of Ballet Classrooms in Havana, Cuba

The striking tiled domes of the Ballet School of the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) in Havana are internationally acclaimed Cuban architectural icons. However, due to their deceptive tiled appearance and their only recently rediscovered hybrid tile–concrete constructive system, the domes have eluded the structural study and characterization which increasingly is demanded not only because of their unique morphology and monumental status, but also because of their visible damage. This work defined a suitable numerical analysis method for diagnosing these hybrid structures by applying both linear elastic and nonlinear, using the concrete damaged plasticity constitutive model, numerical analyses. A site investigation campaign provided materials and geometric data that informed the model creation and damage documentation that validated the analyses results. A new synthesis of architectural and technical sources covering the development and spread of the hybrid structural system allowed the ISA domes to be placed, for the first time, in their proper structural context and, consequently, for their conception and design to be understood more fully. The analyses, construction records, and site tests indicated a rebar placement error as the primary structural damage cause, and the contextual analysis informed a discussion of its possible sources, both technical and managerial. Because the investigation indicated significant risk of irreversible damage or failure without timely intervention, preliminary intervention explorations were conducted and, based on the holistic understanding of the structures, the technically, architecturally, and culturally optimal solution was identified. The study concluded that the homogeneous solids model, coupled with the concrete damaged plasticity mechanical model, yields realistic and insightful results illuminating the structural behavior, efficiency, condition or status, and collapse mode of the domes, providing necessary insight for the preservation planning for the Ballet School domes, which also will inform the study and understanding of other structures of similar composition and significance.

Prototype of a facial recognition system for the identification of university students at university entrances

The problems of insecurity in many areas of the nation, lead to generate protection measures for the integrity of individuals. The use of technology can facilitate the entry of those who are related to a particular space, and protect people and facilities from strangers, which could lead to criminal acts and dangers. This article responded to a research project of the Instituto Superior Tecnológico Espíritu Santo, with University Status (TES), with the participation of teachers and students of the career of Higher Technology in Software Development, which was based on the hypothesis: the application of a facial recognition system for identification at the time of entry to the facilities of the TES, can increase security and speed up the entry to the institution. The objective of the study was to propose the creation of a facial recognition system for identification at the moment of entering the TES facilities. The study was based on a quantitative field research, and as an instrument for data collection a questionnaire was applied to 20 teachers and 100 students of the TES. As a result, the sample consulted was willing to create a facial recognition system in order to optimize the entrance to TES, to speed up the entrance movement and additionally as a security factor through a system based on facial biometrics, since it has the ability to recognize people by the characteristics present in their face.

A multiple criteria approach for building a pandemic impact assessment composite indicator: The case of COVID-19 in Portugal

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major damage and disruption to social, economic, and health systems (among others). In addition, it has posed unprecedented challenges to public health and policy/decision-makers who have been responsible for designing and implementing measures to mitigate its strong negative impact. The Portuguese health authorities have used decision analysis techniques to assess the impact of the pandemic and implemented measures for counties, regions, or across the entire country. These decision tools have been subject to some criticism and many stakeholders requested novel approaches. In particular, those which considered the dynamic changes in the pandemic’s behaviour due to new virus variants and vaccines. A multidisciplinary team formed by researchers from the COVID-19 Committee of Instituto Superior Técnico at the University of Lisbon (CCIST analyst team) and physicians from the Crisis Office of the Portuguese Medical Association (GCOM expert team) collaborated to create a new tool to help politicians and decision-makers to fight the pandemic. This paper presents the main steps that led to the building of a pandemic impact assessment composite indicator applied to the specific case of COVID-19 in Portugal. A multiple criteria approach based on an additive multi-attribute value theory aggregation model was used to build the pandemic assessment composite indicator. The parameters of the additive model were devised based on an interactive socio-technical and co-constructive process between the CCIST and GCOM team members. The deck of cards method was the adopted technical tool to assist in the assessment the value functions as well as in the assessment of the criteria weights. The final tool was presented at a press conference and had a powerful impact on the Portuguese media and on the main health decision-making stakeholders in the country. In this paper, a completed mathematical and graphical description of this tool is presented.

Hydrological Analysis of Green Roofs Performance under a Mediterranean Climate: A Case Study in Lisbon, Portugal

In this paper, the hydrological performance of eight pilot green roofs (GR) installed in Lisbon, Portugal, under a Mediterranean climate is analyzed. The pilot units were installed at Instituto Superior Técnico campus of Lisbon University. The pilots present different plant species and different substrate types, with some of the units incorporating recycled construction and demolition waste (RCW). The green roofs pilots’ hydrologic performance was evaluated through the simulation of artificial precipitation events between March 2021 and July 2021. Considering the results obtained, it can be concluded that the inclusion of RCW in the substrate composition did not hinder the development of vegetation or the hydrological performance of GR. The results showed a rainfall water retention per event ranging from 37% to 100%, with an average rainfall retention of about 81%. The runoff delay ranged from 2 to 18 min, and the peak attenuation ranged from 30 to 100%. The results indicated that previous substrate moisture strongly influences the hydrological performance of GR. As the inclusion of RCW in the substrate composition promotes a more effective drainage of the substrate during dry conditions, it is considered that RCW may have positive impacts on GR’s hydrological performance.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 4

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from August 1, 2022, to November 1, 2022. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Dilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyFarhaoui Mohamed, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, MoroccoGandhi Escajadillo Toledo, The National Technological University of South Lima, PeruHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseManuel Mendoza-Carranza, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), MexicoMohammad Aghababaei, Washington State University, USASyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 3

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from May 1, 2022, to August 1, 2022. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Dilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseManuel Mendoza-Carranza, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), MexicoMohammad Aghababaei, Washington State University, USASyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil

Experiments during AC current transition in ISTTOK and the hypothesis of ballistic runaway electrons

The operation of the Instituto Superior Técnico Tokamak (ISTTOK) in the alternating current (AC) regime is characterized by the presence of a residual plasma density during the current transition, i.e. when the plasma current crosses the zero value. Contrary to what has been reported in other AC experiments, the pressure-like profiles obtained by the heavy ion beam diagnostic (the product of plasma density with a known function of plasma temperature) do not show evidence of the co-existence of two anti-parallel currents. This is also confirmed by the fact that in these experiments the plasma current and the V loop both cross the zero value at the same instant. The Murakami–Hugill plots reveal that during the transition the plasma current decays faster than the Hugill limit and that the subsequent ramp-up phase is sustained by runaway electron (RE) currents. It is hypothesized that during plasma current decay a population of REs can enter the following semi-cycle of the discharge. A trajectory simulation model including the forces at play shows that the retardation effect of the friction and molecular forces can cause the dampening of REs (within 20 μs) with energy below 1 keV inside the chamber (without external vertical correction magnetic fields), thus ionizing the background gas. Faster REs (above 1 keV) can also contribute to the ionization of the background gas (e.g. within 50 μs for 3 keV energy electrons) but require a vertical magnetic field to balance the gradB and curvature drifts. This could explain why tuning the vertical field and dosing the background pressure to obtain successful AC discharges is usually challenging.

The UAZ in the University Network of Arts, RUA (Red Universitaria de Artes): presence and development perspectives

The University Network of Arts was created in Havana, (2014) to promote cooperation among university arts instructors and to improve artistic quality and its academic specificity (University Network of Arts [RUA], 2014). Since its inception, the network has been formed by university students and arts professionals who have represented dozens of institutions in America, Africa and Europe. The UAZ, based on the Academic Collaboration Framework Agreement (Convenio Marco de Colaboración Académica) signed with the Higher Institute of Arts of the Republic of Cuba (Instituto Superior de Artes de la República de Cuba) (2011), became a founding member, through various Academic Groups. The UAZ-CA 219 “Music and interdisciplinarity”, formed by the authors of this article, has actively taken part in meetings of the RUA, contributing proposals for its expansion and consolidation. Despite this, the results are rarely communicated. In this sense, this work has as its main objective to spread the importance of the University Network of Arts, RUA and disclose some ideas about its possible development perspectives, increasing the participation of the UAZ, from its institutional Academic Groups focused on art, culture and sustainable development, and its capacity for social and inter-institutional bonding.

"Production, Purification and Immobilization of Lipase from Wild-Type and Mutant Strains of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Grown in Culture Media with Olive and Used Cooking Oils"

Marta Almeida1 and Amin Karmali1,2* Author Affiliations 1Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Research Center and Departmental Area of Chemical Engineering of Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, R. Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, Portugal 2CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes, and Alto Douro Quinta de Prados, Portugal Received: May 12, 2022 | Published: June 14, 2022 Corresponding author: Amin Karmali, CITAB-Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes, and Alto Douro Quinta de Prados – 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.44.007068

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 2

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from February 1, 2022, to May 1, 2022. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Dilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseManuel Mendoza-Carranza, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), MexicoMohammad Aghababaei, Washington State University, USASyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil

Ion Implantation into Nonconventional GaN Structures

Despite more than two decades of intensive research, ion implantation in group III nitrides is still not established as a routine technique for doping and device processing. The main challenges to overcome are the complex defect accumulation processes, as well as the high post-implant annealing temperatures necessary for efficient dopant activation. This review summarises the contents of a plenary talk, given at the Applied Nuclear Physics Conference, Prague, 2021, and focuses on recent results, obtained at Instituto Superior Técnico (Lisbon, Portugal), on ion implantation into non-conventional GaN structures, such as non-polar thin films and nanowires. Interestingly, the damage accumulation is strongly influenced by the surface orientation of the samples, as well as their dimensionality. In particular, basal stacking faults are the dominant implantation defects in c-plane GaN films, while dislocation loops predominate in a-plane samples. Ion implantation into GaN nanowires, on the other hand, causes a much smaller density of extended defects compared to thin films. Finally, recent breakthroughs concerning dopant activation are briefly reviewed, focussing on optical doping with europium and electrical doping with magnesium.

Solid Waste Management Approach at the University through Living Labs and Communication Strategies: Case Studies in Italy and Portugal

Universities are today seen as living labs for the creation of knowledge with the aim of transferring it to society. The integration of sustainability is a critical point in this context, as solutions for problems experienced in society can be experimented with regarding physical aspects, such as Solid Waste Management (SWM), and efficiency in energy and water use, but also social aspects such as accessibility, equality, and inclusion. This paper explores the implementation of similar SWM projects in two European universities, Milan-Bicocca University and Instituto Superior Técnico from Lisbon University. Milan-Bicocca was the pioneer project that followed an ambitious model that demanded the removal of all isolated waste bins from inside the offices and rooms, replacing them with waste collection islands in the public spaces. This meant a very coordinated procedure and communication plan, and inspired the pilot project in Instituto Superior Técnico, currently in the expansion phase. This paper describes the implementation of each model and their specificities, and a roadmap is proposed that resulted from the interactions, meetings, and discussions between the two teams, Italian and Portuguese.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 1

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from November 1, 2021, to February 1, 2022. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Christiane do Nascimento Monte, Universidade Federal Fluminense, BrazilChuck Chuan Ng, Xiamen University Malaysia, MalaysiaDastun Gabriel Msuya, Sokoine University Of Agriculture, TanzaniaDilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyGiacomo Chiesa, Politecnico di Torino, ItalyHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseSyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil

Overview of Membrane Science and Technology in Portugal.

Membrane research in Portugal is aligned with global concerns and expectations for sustainable social development, thus progressively focusing on the use of natural resources and renewable energy. This review begins by addressing the pioneer work on membrane science and technology in Portugal by the research groups of Instituto Superior Técnico—Universidade de Lisboa (IST), NOVA School of Science and Technology—Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT NOVA) and Faculdade de Engenharia—Universidade do Porto (FEUP) aiming to provide an historical perspective on the topic. Then, an overview of the trends and challenges in membrane processes and materials, mostly in the last five years, involving Portuguese researchers, is presented as a contribution to a more sustainable water–energy–material–food nexus.

Dynamic heritage: the case of Havana

This text discusses some practices and theories related to urban planning and architectural design in a UNESCO listed city, promoting a shared approach on the theme of Urban regeneration in Historical contexts. The practices and theories derive from researches and didactic experiences that I have developed with other professors and students in Havana, Cuba. The first one with CUJAE Instituto Superior Politécnico José Antonio Echeverrìa was the international cooperation program PatrIndArch on Water Heritage (2013-15), in which CUJAE Cuba, University of Alicante Spain, University of Padova and University of Ferrara were involved. From this pedagogical experience came the opportunity to program an international Seminar dedicated to “Water, Architecture and Landscape in Europe”, held in November 2014 in Instituto Universitario del Agua y de las Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Alicante, where I participated with professors and researchers from the Universities of Ferrara, Padova, Alicante, Coimbra, Bucarest, Valenciennes et Hainaut-Cambrésis, with proceedings published in 2015. This text is mainly derived from the PRIA research program “URB_HE Urban Heritage Conservation as vector of social equity”, in which I participated (2015-17), and which was financed as an “Interdisciplinary research project” by the University of Ferrara under a call for proposals dedicated to defining new international fields of research. This research and pedagogical activity wwas related to the concepts of rehabilitation, regeneration, heritage conservation, which were considered like “moving concepts”. The emblem of this dynamic is the evolution of the concept of heritage: from tangible to intangible, from monuments to cultural landscape. Havana and its territory represent a privileged case study from which to observe not only influences of European and North American culture on the Global South cities, but also original hybridizations deriving from the intertwining of different practices related to urban planning and architectural design in UNESCO cities.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 10 No. 4

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from August 1, 2021, to November 1, 2021. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Aristotulus Ernst Tungka, University of Sam Ratulangi Manado, IndonesiaChristiane do Nascimento Monte, Universidade Federal Fluminense, BrazilChuck Chuan Ng, Xiamen University Malaysia, MalaysiaDastun Gabriel Msuya, Sokoine University Of Agriculture, TanzaniaHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseNuralam Hossain, Chongqing University, ChinaOylum Gokkurt Baki, Sinop University, TurkeyPankaj Maheshwari, College of Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USATateda Masafumi, Toyama Prefectural University, Japan

Aprendizaje cooperativo y redes sociales en estudiantes de un Instituto Superior Tecnológico Privado de Trujillo

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo general determinar la relación que existe entre el aprendizaje cooperativo y redes sociales en estudiantes de un Instituto Superior Tecnológico Privado de Trujillo, el tipo de investigación no experimental, diseño descriptivo correlacional, se trabajó con una muestra de 66 estudiantes. Para la recolección de los datos se utilizaron cuestionarios con tres opciones de respuestas, los cuales contaron con procesos de validez por juicio de expertos y confiabilidad por alfa de cronbach. Los resultados permitieron determinar que existe una correlación de r= 0,701** entre el aprendizaje cooperativo y las redes sociales en los estudiantes de un Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Trujillo – 2019. Evidenciando que a un adecuado nivel de aprendizaje colaborativo hay un buen uso de las redes sociales en estudiantes de un Instituto superior Tecnológico Privado de la ciudad de Trujillo.