The effects of the use of low biodiesel blends in performance, fuel consumption and NOx emissions was investigated during tests carried out with a Renault Megane 1.5dCi equipped with recent injection and exhaust emission control technologies. To accomplish this goal, several tests were performed...

Air pollution is still a serious environment threat. Despite this fact, citizens’ engagement on air pollution is limited. This work aims to fill the gap between citizens’ behaviour and emissions, air quality and health-related effects assessment, by proposing an innovative approach to link...

The increase in the frequency and magnitude of disasters triggered by earthquakes in different regions of the Earth is a major challenge to contemporary societies. The awareness that disasters and risk are processes structured on spatial–temporal interactions maintained at the...

Although the Portuguese electricity market was fully liberalized in 2006 and Iberian Electricity Market operators were set up some years ago, almost all electricity generated in Portugal benefits from a State guaranteed price, independent of market behavior. This applies not only to producers...

BACKGROUND: Rectal administration of artemisinin derivatives has potential for early treatment for severe malaria in remote settings where injectable antimalarial therapy may not be feasible. Preparations available include artesunate, artemisinin, artemether and dihydroartemisinin. However each...

BACKGROUND: Most malaria deaths occur in rural areas. Rapid progression from illness to death can be interrupted by prompt, effective medication. Antimalarial treatment cannot rescue terminally ill patients but could be effective if given earlier. If patients who cannot be treated orally are...

Placebo-controlled trials are controversial when individuals might be denied existing beneficial medical interventions. In the case of malaria, most patients die in rural villages without healthcare facilities. An artesunate suppository that can be given by minimally skilled persons might be of...