FCT (DCEA) - Artigos em Revistas Científicas Internacionais com Arbitragem Científica
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- Actions to inhibit environmental impacts on clandestine landfills in the AmazonPublication . Oliveira, Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Lamego; Oliveira, Evailton Arantes de; Fonseca, AnaThis research studies the negative environmental impacts of clandestine landfills in the Amazon, caused by the illegal disposal of construction waste. In the city of Manaus, located in the center of the Amazon, Brazil, there is a public landfill comprising a solid waste collection complex with an area of 660,000.00 m2. In 2018, this landfill received approximately 932,927.00 t of solid urban waste, an average of 2,537.20 t/day. Unfortunately, less than 1% of this waste was destined for valorization (0.92% were for composting, and 0.05% were recycled). This legalized public landfill does not accept the disposal of construction and demolition waste, claiming the decrease in the lifetime of the landfill. However, this regional public policy prohibiting the disposal of construction and demolition waste in public landfills favors the use of clandestine landfills with harmful effects on the environment of the Amazon. This research presents proposals for actions to validate a mobile phone application with the authorities responsible for the Manaus landfill for recycling construction waste, with the aim of stimulating the circular economy and inhibiting the negative environmental impacts of illegal clandestine landfills.
- An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructuresPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Abeldaño Zuñiga, Roberto Ariel; Sierra, Javier; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Corazza, Laura; Nagy, Gustavo J.; Aina, Yusuf A.Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world’s infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC.
- Analysis of the effectiveness of the NEC Directive on the tropospheric ozone levels in PortugalPublication . Barros, Nelson; Fontes, Tânia; Silva, M.P.; Manso, M. Conceição; Carvalho, A.C.The National Emission Ceilings Directive 2001/81/CE (NEC Directive) was adopted in the European Community in 2001 and went through a revision process in 2005. One of its main objectives is to improve the protection of the environment and human health against the risks of adverse effects from ground-level ozone, moving towards the long-term objective of not exceeding critical levels proved to effectively protect the populations and ecosystems. Considering such objectives, national emission ceilings were established imposing the years 2010 and 2020 as benchmarks. Ten years later, what was the effectiveness of this Directive concerning the control of tropospheric ozone levels in Portugal? In order to answer the previous question, annual ozone precursors' emissions (NOx, NMVOC) and annual atmospheric concentrations (NOx and O3) were analyzed between 1990 and 2011. The background concentrations were assessed in each environment type of air quality station (urban, suburban and rural) through their annual mean ozone concentration and the hourly information threshold exceedances (episodic peak levels). To evaluate the statistical differences in the inter-annual episodic peak levels, a Peak Ozone Index (POIx) was defined and calculated. The results show that, despite the achievement on the emissions NEC Directive goals, associated to the reduction of ozone precursors' emissions, and the decrease of ozone episodic peak levels, the mean tropospheric ozone concentrations significantly increased between 2003 and 2007 (p < 0.05) although the number of exceedances to the information threshold (180 mg m3 ) has decreased. During the period of 1990e2000, before the implementation of the NEC Directive, the mean ozone values were 25% lower in rural stations, 26% in urban stations and 12% in suburban stations, demonstrating that the NEC policy based on NOx and NMVOCs emissions reduction does not lead to an effective overall reduction of ozone concentrations considering the reduction on these pollutants independently. Indeed, the mesoscale ozone production and/or the long range advection may play also an important role as the analysis of Mace Head ozone concentrations suggests. Above all, and due to its non-linear interactions in the ozone chemical balance, the NEC directive should impose emissions' reduction respecting the NOx/NMVOC ratio instead of consider it as a mere guideline value. The mesoscale photochemical ozone production should be carefully analyzed under the new policies, namely in coastal countries like Portugal where the mesoscale circulations play a crucial role in this type of phenomena.
- Application of the bootstrap method in low-sampled Upper Miocene sandstone hydrocarbon reservoirs: a case studyPublication . Ivšinović, Josip; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Malvić, Tomislav; Pleše, DubravkaWithin the field of geological analysis of subsurface data, some input may be scarce and include a small set of data. Such a data set is under-sampled and mapping algorithms result in uncertain outcomes. It then becomes necessary to obtain a reliable statistical data set of individual geological variables. The possibility of applying the bootstrap method on variables that are relevant in the exploitation and production of hydrocarbons, specifically the porosity and total cost of disposal formation water variables, was analyzed. The case study was carried out on the data of reservoir “K”, field “B” located in the Western Sava Depression, Northern Croatia. The results highlight the appropriateness of applying the bootstrap method as a tool for defining uncertainty intervals on each sampled location. It is also dependent on resampling data set sizes, which is shown in three examples. The determination of uncertainty intervals for both studied variables gives crucial information for future development projects involving mature hydrocarbon reservoirs, and can be further applied in all similar Upper Miocene proven sandstone reservoirs in Northern Croatia. The porosity of the “K” reservoir is 0.2182 to 0.2506 at a resampling size of 2000, while the cost of disposal formation water value for field “B” is 2.31 to 2.69 USD/m3 at a resampling size of 1000.
- Applied terminology in geodiversity and geotourism activity: a sustainable conceptual exercisePublication . Veras, Ana Sibelonia Saldanha; Barros, Nelson; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaObjective: Promoting environmental geoconservation, geodiversity and local culture, namely through tours and research on these natural environments. Theoretical Framework:t is based on modern scientific definitions used in geology, geomorphology, paleontology, culture, and for educational and geotourism purposes. Method: The literature review significantly contextualizes knowledge and broad understanding, as well as advances in the terminology most used in geotourism activity, adopted in Brazil and European references in the area.It is representativeness: relational: the suitability of the geosite to illustrate a geological process or quality, which contributes significantly to the understanding of the theme, process, characteristic or (i) representation: geological context, (ii) integrity: related to the state of conservation of the geosite, (iii) rarity: number of geosites in the geological study area, (iv) scientific knowledge. Results and Discussion:The results obtained revealed that review studies of specialized terminology applied in geodiversity and geotourism activity play a significant role in interpreting unique places where most geosites occur, attracting tourists who are increasingly surprised by geosites. Research Implications: The implications of geosite terminology do not involve universal consensus, and there are several ways to scientifically describe a geosite in the context of a type of terrestrial relief, geological structure and minerals. This interpretation shouldbe carried out by a specialist or by experienced people who are knowledgeable about the local specificities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the terminology applied in geoscience that encompasses geodiversity andgeotourism. The relevance and potential of geosites for education, scientific interpretation of geological characteristics in the central region of the North Amazon.
- Assessing climate change and health provisions among staff in higher education institutions: a preliminary investigationPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Lange Salvia, Amanda; Sierra, Javier; Vasconcelos, Helena; Henderson-Wilson, Claire; Diatta, Samo; Kumar, T. V. Lakshmi; Meirelles, Maria Gabriela; Carvalho, FernandaClimate change can have direct and indirect effects on human health. Direct effects can include an increase in extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, as well as an increase in the spread of vector-borne and infectious diseases, which may lead to a set of health problems and diseases. Indirect effects can include changes in air quality, water availability, and food production and distribution. These changes can lead to an increase in respiratory problems, malnutrition, and increased food insecurity. There is a perceived need to investigate the extent to which Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are engaged in efforts to foster a greater understanding of the connections between climate change and health. In this context, this preliminary investigation offers an overview of the relationships between climate change and health. By means of a survey among teaching staff and researchers at HEIs from 42 countries across all continents working on the connection between climate change and health. The study has investigated the extent to which current provisions for education and training on the connection between climate change and health are being considered and how current needs in terms of policy development, research, and training are being met. A series of case studies illustrate how universities worldwide are actively developing strategies and implementing measures to address climate change and health. The study concludes by providing specific recommendations aimed at facilitating the handling of issues related to climate change and health in a higher education context.
- Assessing the provisions for sustainability in economics degree programmesPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Morales, Maria F.; Semitiel-García, María; Noguera-Méndez, Pedro; Ruiz de Maya, Salvador; Alarcón-del-Amo, María-del-Carmen; Esteban-Lloret, Nuria; Pemartín, MaríaPurpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) offer courses and programmes focusing on sustainability in economics, as courses on sustainable development (SD), which examine the economic, social and environmental dimensions of SD. This paper aims to examine sustainability integration in economics degree programmes. Design/methodology/approach Through an extensive literature review in Web of Science (WoS) and information search in Google, conducting to 28 relevant case studies, this paper elucidates the emphasis given to sustainability as part of economics degree programmes in HEIs. Findings The results suggest that, whereas the inclusion of sustainability components in this field is a growing trend, much still needs to be done to ensure that matters related to SD are part of the routine of university students studying economics. Research limitations/implications It is worth noting that the literature review conducted in WoS was primarily aimed at assisting in the selection of university case studies. The 28 university case studies scrutinised in this study may lack sufficient representation from numerous developing countries. Practical implications This study highlights challenges in integrating the SD into economics degree programmes, suggesting the need for curriculum adjustments as underscoring operational issues, acting as barriers. The inclusion of sustainability in economics programmes must navigate operational issues stemming from packed timetables and busy schedules, requiring innovative solutions. Social implications As far as the authors are aware, this study holds substantial importance in its emphasis on implementing sustainability within HEIs’ economics programmes, assisting in pursuing SD. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in addressing sustainability with the specific economics focus programmes within the HEIs context.
- Can artificial neural networks be used to predict the origin of ozone episodes?Publication . Fontes, Tânia; Silva, Luís; Silva, Márcia; Barros, Nelson; Carvalho, Ana CristinaTropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant having a negative impact on health and environment. To control and minimize such impact the European Community established regulations to promote a clean air all over Europe. However, when an episode is related with natural mechanisms as Stratosphere–Troposphere Exchanges (STE), the benefits of an action plan to minimize precursor emissions are inefficient. Therefore, this work aims to develop a tool to identify the sources of ozone episodes in order to minimize misclassification and thus avoid the implementation of inappropriate air quality plans. For this purpose, an artificial neural network model – the Multilayer Perceptron – is used as a binary classifier of the source of an ozone episode. Long data series, between 2001 and 2010, considering the ozone precursors, 7 Be activity and meteorological conditions were used. With this model, 2–7% of a mean error was achieved, which is considered as a good generalization. Accuracy measures for imbalanced data are also discussed. The MCC values show a good performance of the model (0.65–0.92). Precision and F1-measure indicate that the model specifies a little better the rare class. Thus, the results demonstrate that such a tool can be used to help authorities in the management of ozone, namely when its thresholds are exceeded due natural causes, as the above mentioned STE. Therefore, the resources used to implement an action plan to minimize ozone precursors could be better managed avoiding the implementation of inappropriate measures.
- Climate change and environmental degradation in Yanomami People’s Land: Intersectional threats and the need for improved policy-makingPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Martinelli, Yara; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Rosa, Clarissa; Messias, Cassiano GustavoThe Yanomami are an Amazonian Indigenous people in northern Brazil and southern Venezuela. The Yanomami are considered a ‘recent contact Indigenous People’, with the first contacts with non-indigenous recorded between 1910 and 1940 and with some groups in voluntary isolation. They are one of the resilient peoples that practise their traditional way of life, which involves a strong connection to the land and the environment. Following an expert-driven literature review based on a set of available documentation on the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples, focusing on the overlapping threats that affect Indigenous Lands and triangulating the information collected with data produced on Brazilian Amazon Rainforest Monitoring Program by Satellite (PRODES) within the Space Research National Institute (INPE), this communication presents a case analysis of the main pressures and threats Yanomami People faces. The overlapped threats manifest in structural and cyclical issues, linked to the environmental crisis arising from extractives’ illegal activities, such as logging, and mining invasions, the recurrent attacks, mercury contamination of the river water, malnutrition caused by contaminated fish, scarcity of hunting, and violence committed against the people, especially women and children. Added to these multiple social, political, and environmental threats are the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect forest peoples. Deforestation, fires, drought, and other extreme events that are linked to climate change effects are analysed, leading to reflections on Brazilian government policies' influence and on the urgency to implement policies in defence of Indigenous Lands, the Amazon Forest, and its guardians.
- Climate-friendly healthcare: reducing the impacts of the healthcare sector on the world’s climatePublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Luetz, Johannes M.; Thanekar, Urvi D.; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Forrester, MikeIf the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest carbon emitter, also producing massive volumes of waste. A revolutionary transition to an environmentally sustainable model of healthcare is required. Decarbonisation efforts are initially focused on transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency in healthcare facilities (Scopes 1 and 2). One of the major challenges is to reduce the carbon intensity of the broader healthcare sector, especially operational and supply chain-related emissions, which represent 71% of the sector’s worldwide emissions (Scope 3). This comment briefly describes the connections between the healthcare sector and climate change and describes several high-impact decarbonisation opportunities, focusing on transitioning from current resource and waste-intensive procurement models and highlighting the planetary co-benefits of fostering low-emissions healthcare. To succeed, this transition will require high-level advocacy and policy changes supported by international collaboration at the global level.