In this paper, we develop uniform bounds for the sequence of distribution functions of g(Vn+μn), wheregis some smooth function,is a sequence of identically distributed random variables with common distribution having a bounded derivative and {μn} are constants such that μn→∞. These bounds allow us to identify a suitable sequence of random variables which is asymptotically of the same type of g(Vn+μn) showing that the rate of convergence for these uniform approximations depends on the ratio of the second derivative to the first derivative ofg. The corresponding generalization to the multivariate case is also analyzed. An application of our results to the STATIS-ACT method is provided in the final section.

http://docentes.fct.unl.pt/lblm/files/inorgchem-2014-53-12799.pdf

The present work aims to support tactical and operational planning decisions of reverse logistics systems while considering economical, environmental and social objectives. In the literature, when addressing such systems economical aspects have been often used, while environmental concerns have been only recently emerging. The social component is the one less studied, and rarely the combination of the three concerns has been analyzed. This work address the three objectives and was motivated by the challenge of supporting decisions makers when managing a real case study of a recyclable waste collection system, where strategic decisions on the number and location of depots, vehicles and containers were taken beforehand. Tactical and operational decisions are studied involving the establishment of service areas for each depot and the definition and scheduling of collection routes for each vehicle. Such decisions should represent a compromise solution between the three objectives considered and support a sustainable reverse logistics plan. A multi-objective solution approach based on mixed-integer linear programming models is developed. Trade-offs between the objectives are discussed. Moreover the solutions obtained when each objective is tackled individually are compared between themselves and with the balanced solution.

Os Cursos de Educação e Formação (CEF) foram concebidos tendo presente o elevado número de jovens em situação de abandono escolar, alunos usualmente marcados por experiências de insucesso, em particular a Matemática. O programa de Matemática Aplicada tem em conta esta realidade, tanto ao nível das aprendizagens como das metodologias e das características da avaliação a implementar. Relativamente à avaliação sumativa, é valorizado o trabalho desenvolvido pelo aluno, a sua apresentação, discussão e melhoria. As indicações dadas ao professor afastam-se da opção tradicional do teste de avaliação. O papel do professor na gestão curricular não é contudo negligenciado, sendo valorizada a adequação das propostas às características dos alunos. Este estudo pretende analisar as concepções de alunos e professores relativamente à avaliação sumativa, procurando compreender a forma como se influenciam mutuamente e como afectam a prática de avaliação do professor. Foram realizados três estudos de caso, incidindo sobre alunos e respectivo professor. Os dados foram recolhidos através de entrevistas, observação de aulas e recolha documental. Os resultados alcançados sugerem uma forte valorização dos testes por parte dos alunos, sendo notória a influência sobre as opções assumidas pelo professor. Determinantes parecem ser as concepções dos alunos relativamente ao papel de alunos e professores no que à avaliação respeita.

We present a stratigraphic log supporting a preliminary magnetostratigraphy of a Tithonian–Berriasian section in Porto da Calada (Portugal). Based on biostratigraphy and reversed and normal magnetostratigraphy, the location of the Tithonian–Berriasian boundary is tentatively located at ca. 52 m, not in disagreement
with former proposals. Due to the occurrence of later remagnetization (diagenesis), the magnetostratigraphic definition of the Tithonian–Berriasian section at the Cabo Espichel (Portugal) location was not able to be established.

Os cursos de Educação e Formação de Adultos prevêem uma avaliação que se afasta do tradicionalmente implementado nas escolas, propiciando o emergir de processos de mudança. Neste estudo analisa-se a forma como um formador concretiza a avaliação, ponderando continuidades e descontinuidades relativamente a práticas anteriores, com a intenção de caracterizar o inerente processo de mudança e os factores que o influenciam.
As conclusões obtidas sugerem um processo de mudança complexo, cuja necessidade não é verdadeiramente reconhecida, e onde parece ser determinante a reflexão do formador sobre os formandos, o contexto existente e algumas opções ao nível local da escola.

Some asymptotic expansions not necessarily related to the central limit theorem are studied. We first observe that the smoothing inequality of Esseen implies the proximity, in the Kolmogorov distance sense, of the distributions of the random variables of two random sequences satisfying a sort of general asymptotic relation. We then present several instances of this observation. A first example, partially motivated by the the statistical theory of high precision measurements, is given by a uniform asymptotic approximation to gX + nn∈, where g is some smooth function, X is a random variable and nn∈ is a sequence going to infinity; a multivariate version is also stated and proved. We finally present a second class of examples given by a randomization of the interesting parameter in some classical asymptotic formulas; namely, a generic Laplace’s type integral, randomized by the sequence nXn∈, X being a Gamma distributed random variable.

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The use of randomly distributed steel fibres in the concrete mix improves its mechanical properties. In the particular case of a flat slab-column connection, this solution can provide slabs with an increased load capacity and deformation capacity, allowing a potential reduction of reinforcement. This work presents the experimental study of the behaviour of SFRC flat slabs up to failure under a concentrated loading, accompanied by the study of the mechanical properties of the SFRC, which consisted in three-point loading notched beams, compression and splitting tests. In this study, the hooked end steel fibre dosages varied between 0{%} and 1.25{%} by volume. Test results showed that the inclusion of steel fibres influences both slab stiffness and its load capacity. Increments of load capacity up to 64{%} were obtained in slabs with SFRC compared with the reference slab without fibres. The experimental results were compared with the predictions provided by several existing models. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This technical report describes the research goals and results of the SpreadSheet as a Programming Paradigm research project. This was a project funded by Funda{\c c}ão para a Ciencia e Tecnologia – FCT: the Portuguese research foundation, under reference FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-010048, that ran from May 2010 till July 2013. This report includes the complete document reporting the results achieved during the project execution, which was submitted to FCT for evaluation on October 2013. It describes the goals of the project, and the different research tasks presenting the deliver- ables of each of them. It also presents the management and result dissemination work performed during the project's execution. The document includes also a self assess- ment of the achieved results, and a complete list of scientific publications describing the contributions of the project. Finally, this document includes the FCT evaluation report.

Two new Late Jurassic (uppermost Late Kimmeridgian) dinosaur eggshell sites are described, Casal da Rola and Porto das Barcas, both near Lourinha˜, central-west Portugal. Casal da Rola yields eggshells with an obliquiprismatic morphotype comparable to those from a nest with the associated fossil embryos from Paimogo, tentatively assigned to the theropod Lourinhanosaurus antunesi. The Porto das Barcas eggshells have a dendrospherulitic morphotype with a prolatocanaliculate pore system. This morphotype was also recognised in eggshells from a clutch with associated Torvosaurus embryos at the Porto das Barcas locality. A preliminary cladistic analysis of eggshell morphology suggests theropod affinities for the Casal da Rola eggs, but is unable to resolve the phylogenetic position of the Porto das Barcas eggs. The eggshells at both sites are preserved in distal flood plain mudstones and siltstones. Carbonate concretions within the deposits indicate paleosol development.

Reconhecendo o potencial do jogo para a aprendizagem matemática, este estudo pretende analisar o envolvimento e as aprendizagens dos alunos, com o objectivo de caracterizar os jogos com maior potencial para os promover.
Adoptando uma metodologia de índole qualitativa e envolvendo a realização de estudos de caso sobre alunos do 7.ºano, as conclusões alcançadas sugerem que os jogos de computador são particularmente apelativos para os alunos. Contudo, as características determinantes para o envolvimento dos alunos e consequente promoção da aprendizagem prendem-se com a possibilidade de jogar com diferentes níveis de conhecimento e com a obtenção de bons resultados no jogo.

Abstract. The recognition of the potential of technology for the teaching
and learning of mathematics has encouraged many studies around
technology. In all these studies, the integration, the utilization or the use of
technology is (or should be) necessarily an important element. In this paper
I consider the most common terminologies present in research and the
meaning assigned to them, based on a research review and on the analysis
of the studies presented in SIEM over the last five years. The conclusions
reached suggest a diversity of understandings and a lack of explicitness of
these understandings. However, different types of technology use seem to be
recognized, usually associated with continuity or change of practices. The
teacher's role and a more directive or more student-centered approach,
associated with a change in the proposed tasks, are also mentioned. In what
concerns to the terminology adopted, there is great diversity, with cases of
differentiation in terms of some of the elements listed and cases of adoption
of multiple terms with apparently identical meanings.

Resumo. O reconhecimento das potencialidades da tecnologia para o
ensino e aprendizagem da Matemática tem motivado diversos estudos em
torno da tecnologia. Em todos eles a integração, a utilização ou o uso que é
feito da tecnologia é (ou deveria ser) necessariamente um elemento
importante. Neste artigo procuro ponderar as terminologias mais comuns
na investigação e o significado que lhes é atribuído, partindo de uma
revisão de literatura e analisando os estudos apresentados no SIEM nos
últimos cinco anos. As conclusões alcançadas apontam para uma
diversidade de entendimentos e para uma ausência de explicitação desses
entendimentos. Ainda assim, parecem ser reconhecidos diferentes tipos de
utilização da tecnologia, geralmente associados à manutenção ou alteração
das anteriores práticas. O papel do professor e o assumir de uma postura
mais diretiva ou mais centrada no aluno, associada a uma alteração
relativamente às tarefas propostas, são igualmente referidos. Quanto à
terminologia adotada, a diversidade é grande, com casos de diferenciação
em função de alguns dos elementos referidos e com casos de adoção de
múltiplos termos aparentemente com significados idênticos.