Renewable forms of energy are increasingly penetrating the electricity market, particularly, geothermal energy. A wide range of resource temperatures and fluid quality are converted mostly using traditional binary power plants and, recently, using Climeon modular units. Portuguese natural geothermal resources are far from precise estimations. Despite the parameter uncertainties, electric power resource estimations of two natural geothermal reservoirs are presented: a volcanic sourced heated high-enthalpy geothermal reservoir in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island, Azores; and a low-enthalpy geothermal reservoir linked to a fractured zone in a granitic setting in Longroiva, in the northern part of the Portuguese mainland. Based on the volumetric method, we assessed the power potential of geothermal resources in Sete Cidades and Longroiva using a probabilistic methodology—Monte Carlo simulation. The average reserve estimations for Climeon module were 5.66 MWe and 0.64 MWe for Sete Cidades and Longroiva, respectively. This figure was by far higher when compared to traditional binary technology; those differences were mostly attributed to distinct conversions efficiency factors.

Satisfied customers are the main sustainability factor for the viability of any activity, and tourism has increasing relevance to the global economy and the economic development of many regions. In order to create better matches between tourist demands and preferences and the local supply, an understanding of tourists as decision makers is necessary. The aim of this work is to introduce a mathematical model that explains the decision-making process of tourists, other consumers, and tourism business managers. We used a mathematical model, taking into consideration the preferences of individuals and their strengths during the exploration and use of tourism resources. The integration of preferences into an IT tool provided extra support to the decisions of tourists and allowed better choices to be made in the execution of travel plans. In addition, the model can be used by resource managers. Understanding how tourists make decisions in each different situation can improve the allocation of available resources to satisfy their expectations. The proposed model is also adaptable to situations where it is necessary to decide among different options with a high degree of complexity.

Information about the paper titled "UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH MOODLE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" at IATED Digital Library

Precise location of perched fresh water aquifers in volcanic islands facilitates the design of well drilling and the decision to choose the optimal target production zones, thus reducing drilling risk. Among the most effective exploration techniques to investigate aquifers, geophysical methods as Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) provides underground resistivity distribution at different depths depending on the frequencies range for a specific area, which highlights the water presence. Here we present a case study where TDEM technique was successfully used to locate a perched aquifer in Terceira Island, Azores, helping TERAMB Company to decide the position of a new well for freshwater. The well was requested by Azores government authorities aimed to aquifer water monitoring due to possible fluid leakage and consequently water pollution by urban waste disposal materials at surface. The modelled top aquifer surface based on the TDEM data interpretation fits with the observed water table measured in the vicinity wells. The perched aquifer shows an abrupt water level decreasing due to the presence of a fault plane and pyroclastic rocks that produces a weakness plane where the water escapes. This comprehensive study facilitates the design of new drilling for groundwater contamination monitoring in volcanic complexes.

Information about the paper titled "MONITORING SYSTEM IN THE CONTEXT OF A TECHNOLOGICAL DISTANCE TEACHING-LEARNING ENVIRONMENT" at IATED Digital Library