Abstract The magnesia (MgO) hydroxylation behavior in dilute suspensions (below 50% volumetric solid loads) has been extensively studied over the past decades due to its role in refractory castables. However, its equivalent effects on concentrated systems have not been analyzed in such a systemic way, although they are known to be as or more deleterious than those observed in dilute systems. This study focuses on the hydroxylation behavior of different sources of magnesia (sinter and caustic magnesia) in aqueous suspensions prepared at various solids concentrations (17-96 vol%) and shaped by distinct methods. They were analyzed by thermogravimetry, apparent volumetric expansion measurements, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and in situ temperature measurements during curing. The ratio between experimental and theoretical extents of the hydroxylation degree resulted in the reaction yield. A comparison between samples containing the same water amount revealed those with caustic magnesia showed a faster evolution of hydroxylation degree, apparent volumetric expansion, and higher maximum internal temperature during curing. In both systems, the yield levels of compositions of heavier solid loads were higher, despite the small quantity of hydroxylation products formed. Significant differences in the products’ microstructure were observed and related to the ions' mobility toward crystallization nuclei.

ABSTRACT This study aims to proposed and validate a scale of organizational structure components (SOSC) from the latent components identified in the exploratory study by Trigueiro-Fernandes (2014), inspired by the design parameters of Mintzberg (2012). The survey was conducted in 26 public and private organizational units. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was employed to assess the SOSC model properties and whether they fit the theory. The results show that the scale has acceptable goodness of fit, verifiable through adjustment indexes such as χ²/df, RMSEA, CFI, TLI, and SRMR, as well as composite reliability, convergent and discriminant validity tests. The identified organizational structure components were formalization, communication, decentralization, training and internalization, departmentalization, and hierarchy. The results allow us to infer that the structure is the means by which the interactions between people and processes are organized and as coordination mechanisms for achieving the organizational mission are identified.

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo é propor e validar um modelo de escala de componentes da estrutura organizacional (ECEO), a partir dos componentes latentes identificados no estudo exploratório de Trigueiro-Fernandes (2014), que se inspirou nos parâmetros de design de Mintzberg (2012). Para tanto, a pesquisa foi realizada em 26 unidades organizacionais públicas e privadas. A Análise Fatorial Confirmatória foi adotada para avaliar as propriedades do modelo ECEO e sua adequação com a teoria. Os resultados indicaram que a escala possui boa qualidade de ajuste, verificada por meio índices de ajustamento χ²/df, RMSEA, CFI, TLI e SRMR, assim como pelos testes de validade convergente, validade discriminante e confiabilidade composta propostas. Foram identificados os componentes de Estrutura Organizacional: formalização, comunicação, descentralização, treinamento e internalização, departamentalização e hierarquia. Permitindo inferir que a estrutura é o meio pelo qual se organizam as interações entre pessoas e processos, bem como se identificam mecanismos de coordenação para o atingimento da missão organizacional.

ABSTRACT Female patient, 29 years old, with systemic lupus erythematosus in current use of prednisone and azathioprine, presents with bulging in the forearms, lumbar region and left thigh for 15 days. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of serous collections in these locations. The material was punctured and the samples were sent to the laboratory. The microbiological examination revealed the presence of acid-resistant bacilli and blood culture in a specific medium was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Molecular and immunochromatographic tests were positive for M. tuberculosis, and the diagnosis of Tuberculous Piomyositis was closed.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo feminino, 29 anos de idade, com diagnóstico de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em uso atual de prednisona e azatioprina, se apresenta com abaulamentos em antebraços, região lombar e coxa esquerda há 15 dias. A ultrassonografia e a ressonância magnética evidenciaram presença de coleções nesses locais cuja punção do material revelou presença de bacilos álcool ácido resistentes e a hemocultura, em meio específico, foi positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis. O teste molecular e imunocromatográfico também foram positivos para M. tuberculosis, com diagnóstico final de Piomiosite Tuberculosa.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la percepción de los profesores con formación en educación física de la Universidad Federal de Tocantins-UFT, sobre el impacto y la importancia de este curso para la ciudad. La muestra de la investigación estuvo conformada por 6 docentes del curso de Educación Física (UFT). Utilizamos la técnica desarrollada por Moreira; Simões & Porto (2005), denominado: Análisis de Contenido: Técnica de Elaboración y Análisis de Unidades de Significado. Constatamos que, aunque la implementación del curso de Educación Física en Miracema do Tocantins es muy positiva, aún existen vacíos que deben ser llenados para que el proceso de consolidación del curso también contribuya al proceso de desarrollo integral del municipio y regiones circundantes

ABSTRACT This study aims to to analyze the perception of teachers with physical education training at the Federal University of Tocantins – UFT on the impact and importance of the course for the city population. The research sample consisted of six teachers of the Physical Education Degree course (UFT). We used the Content Analysis: Technique of Elaboration and Analysis of Meaning Units, elaborated by Moreira; Simões & Porto (2005). We found that although the implementation of the Physical Education course in Miracema do Tocantins was very positive, some gaps should be filled for the consolidation process of the course to contribute to the process of integral development of the municipality and surrounding regions.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a percepção dos professores com formação em Educação Física da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) acerca do impacto e importância desse curso para a população de Miracema do Tocantins. A amostra da pesquisa foi composta por seis docentes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física da UFT. Utilizamos a técnica elaborada por Moreira, Simões & Porto (2005), designada: “Análise de Conteúdo: Técnica de Elaboração e Análise de Unidades de Significado”. Percebemos que, apesar de muito positiva a implantação do curso de Educação Física na referida cidade, ainda existem lacunas que precisam ser preenchidas para que o processo de consolidação do curso contribua também para o processo de desenvolvimento integral do município e regiões circunvizinhas.

Abstract Among the components of a passive building, the roof is particularly important for the regulation of internal thermal conditions. Among the passive cooling systems that act from the roof, we can mention the roof pond (RP). In turn, radiant panels that use water as fluid can achieve high energy efficiency, enhancing the performance of the cold supply source. However, studies on the joint application of these technologies are lacking. This research study aimed to evaluate the thermal performances of different RP configurations, with and without radiant panels, applied to a test building during the summer. The experiment took place at the Sde Boqer Campus, Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Israel. The test environment with a conventional local roof was used as a parameter for comparison. The thermal performance was evaluated using Standard 55 and EN 15251, stabilisation of internal temperatures, and cooling. Compared to the conventional roof, the RP presented good results in terms of the moderation of the thermal conditions of the test building, especially when considering the European standard EN 15251.

Resumo Entre os componentes de uma edificação passiva, a cobertura é particularmente importante para a regulação das condições térmicas internas. Dos sistemas para resfriamento passivo que atuam a partir da cobertura, cita-se o teto-reservatório (TR). Quando o TR é acoplado a painéis radiantes que utilizam água como fluido, pode alcançar alta eficiência energética, potencializando o desempenho da fonte do suprimento de frio. No momento, faltam estudos sobre a aplicação conjunta dessas tecnologias. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar os desempenhos térmicos de diferentes configurações de TR, com e sem painéis radiantes, aplicadas a um ambiente de uma edificação-teste no verão. O experimento ocorreu no campus Sde Boqer, da Universidade Ben-Gurion de Negev, em Israel. Como parâmetro para comparação, utilizou-se a cobertura original da edificação-teste. Avaliou-se o desempenho térmico ante as normas Standard 55 e EN 15251, a estabilização das temperaturas internas e o resfriamento. O sistema apresentou bons resultados em se tratando da moderação das condições térmicas externas, especialmente quando considerada a norma europeia EN 15251.

Abstract Roof ponds (RP) can promote comfortable thermal conditions, particularly in single-storey buildings. They allow structural cooling or heating and the stabilisation of surface and air temperatures. When coupled to radiant panels cooled by the exposed pond, they can further improve their thermal performance. However, there is a lack of research on RP focusing on the thermal perception of users indoors. The main objective of this study was to verify, empirically, under summer conditions, the thermal perceptions of volunteer participants in an indoor environment conditioned by a system composed of radiant panels coupled to a RP. We also sought to identify which adaptive model best represents the thermal votes reported by the study participants. As parameters for analysis of reported thermal votes, the PMV model and the passive building model of ASHRAE Standard 55 and EN-15251 were employed. The experiment took place in a test building at Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Israel. The sample consisted of 46 volunteer participants. The RP environment was perceived as comfortable by most volunteers. The thermal votes showed more agreement with the PMV and EN 15251 models than with the ASHRAE model.

Resumo Tetos-reservatório (TR) podem colaborar para obtenção de condições térmicas confortáveis, particularmente em edificações térreas. Possibilitam resfriamento ou aquecimento estrutural e estabilização das temperaturas superficiais e do ar. Uma alternativa para melhorar o desempenho do TR é acoplá-lo a painéis radiantes. Atualmente, há escassez de pesquisas enfocando a percepção térmica de usuários em ambientes fechados condicionados por TR. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar, empiricamente, para condições de verão, a percepção térmica de voluntários em um ambiente condicionado por painéis radiantes acoplados a TR. Buscou-se também identificar qual modelo adaptativo melhor representaria os votos declarados pelos participantes do estudo. Como parâmetros para análise das percepções térmicas reportadas, adotaram-se o modelo PMV e os modelos para edificações passivas das normas Standard 55 e EN 15251. O experimento ocorreu em uma edificação-teste da Ben-Gurion University of Negev, em Israel. Foram consideradas respostas de 46 voluntários. O ambiente dotado de TR foi percebido como confortável pela maior parte dos voluntários. As respostas subjetivas apresentaram maior concordância com os modelos PMV e da EN 15251 do que com o modelo da ASHRAE.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate both knowledge and attitude of public elementary school teachers in Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, towards Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDIs). Material and Methods: Four hundred and seventy-one teachers from 10 schools were invited to participate in the research. Two hundred and twelve were accepted, being randomly selected to answer semi-structured questionnaires. Statistical tests Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Test were also used for the other variables at a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: 212 teachers answered; 34% had first-aid training in college or even voluntarily (22.6%), but only 7.1% had taken training about TDIs. Only 7.5% were satisfied with the knowledge about TDIs, and 12.3% felt prepared to face it. About 10.8% had seen any type of TDI; 53.3% would report to the headmaster and 8% to the school dentist in a TDI event. The teachers’ first attitude towards TDIs would be contacting the child’s parents (63.2% and 58.5%, respectively). About 47.2% would handle the tooth properly (by the crown). Nearly 90.1% would carry out a permanent tooth dental reimplant, which would be conducted immediately (71.2%). About 36.3% of the teachers storage the avulsed tooth in a liquid: milk (46.7%) and saline solution (24.7%). The dry media mentioned were paper (18.9%) and gauze or cotton (15.1%). Most of the teachers (96.2%) stated that they would like to receive information on TDI. Conclusion: Elementary school teachers in Alfenas have partial knowledge about traumatic dental injuries.

ABSTRACT Crabs use burrows to prevent predation, environmental interference and shelter. The present study investigated the excavation behavior of the trichodactylid crab Dilocarcinus pagei, considering the biometric aspects of the burrows, the excavation time, the amount of bioturbation and the excavation behavior of the two sexes. The burrows of males had a mean diameter larger than the females, although the depth was similar for both sexes. Females had higher bioturbation than males, and showed enlargement in a camera format at the bottom, even closing the entrance of the burrows with a “plug” after their construction. Both the camera and the presence of the “plug” in the burrows of the females may be associated with reproduction. The presence of pellets observed at the entrance of burrows is associated with the cleaning of the pereiopods by crabs after the excavation. The sequence of behaviors for the construction of the burrows is described in detail, contributing to the knowledge about the biology and ecology of freshwater crabs of the Amazon.

Abstract Objective The modified shuttle test is a field test that avoids the ceiling effect, and there are no reports of a multidimensional assessment concerning physical activity in asthmatic patients. Thus, the aim was to evaluate functional capacity by MST, additionally to perform a multidimensional assessment as physical activity in daily life, muscle strength, and cytokine levels in children and adolescents with asthma, and to correlate these variables. Method This cross-sectional study included volunteers aged between 6 and 18 years who were divided into two groups: asthma group (n = 43) that received regular treatment and control group (n = 24). Functional capacity was evaluated by distance walked during the MST; physical activity in daily life was evaluated using an accelerometer by the number of steps. Quadriceps femoris strength was evaluated by load cell. Results Distance walked was lower for the asthma group (790 m [222 m]) when compared with the control group (950 m [240 m]; p = 0.007); however, the number of steps was similar between the two groups (asthma group: 7743 [3075]; control group: 7181 [3040]; p = 0.41), and both groups were classified as sedentary behavior. There was no difference in muscle strength. Tumor necrosis factor-α differed, but interleukin levels were similar between groups. Quadriceps strength was correlated to distance walked (r = 0.62; p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α to the number of steps taken (r = −0.54, p = 0.005). Conclusion Children and adolescents undergoing regular asthma treatment showed reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior. The lower the quadriceps strength, the shorter the distance walked; the higher the tumor necrosis factor-α levels, the lower their daily physical activity levels.

Resumo Objetivo O Teste Shuttle Modificado é um teste clínico de campo que evita o efeito-teto e não existem relatos de avaliação multidimensional com relação à atividade física em pacientes com asma. Assim, o objetivo era avaliar a capacidade funcional, a atividade física na vida cotidiana, a força muscular e os níveis de citocina em crianças e adolescentes com asma, a fim de correlacionar essas variáveis. Método Este estudo transversal incluiu voluntários entre seis e 18 anos, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo com asma (n = 43), que recebeu tratamento regular, e o grupo de controle (n = 24). A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pela distância percorrida durante o Teste Shuttle Modificado, ao passo que a atividade física na vida cotidiana foi avaliada utilizando um acelerômetro pelo número de passos. A força muscular do quadríceps femoral foi avaliada por uma célula de carga. Resultados A distância percorrida foi menor no grupo com asma (790 m [222 m]) em comparação com o grupo de controle (950 m [240 m]; p = 0,007), contudo o número de passos foi semelhante nos dois grupos (grupo com asma: 7.743 [3.075]; grupo de controle: 7.181 [3.040]; p = 0,41) e ambos os grupos foram classificados como sedentários. Não houve diferença na avaliação da força muscular. O fator de necrose tumoral-α apresentou divergências, porém os níveis de interleucina foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A força muscular do quadríceps foi correlacionada com a distância percorrida (r: 0,62; p < 0,001) e o fator de necrose tumoral-α, ao número de passos dados (r = −0,54, p = 0,005). Conclusão Crianças e adolescentes que recebem tratamento regular de asma apresentaram redução da capacidade funcional e comportamento sedentário. Quanto menor a força muscular do quadríceps, menor a distância percorrida; quanto maiores os níveis de fator de necrose tumoral-α, menores seus níveis diários de atividade física.

ABSTRACT Despite being extensively studied, the organizational commitment still remains in the research agenda due to a lack of consensus on conceptual and structural issues. Therefore, this research proposed to refine the Organizational Commitment Bases Scale (EBACO) in search for an instrument with better psychometric properties and a better theoretical adjustment. The research was divided into two phases, the first one was eminently exploratory, carried out with 149 observations, and evaluated the EBACO’s psychometric fitting with the reduction of two bases. The second phase, confirmatory, occurred in 45 organizations - 27 public and 18 private, with 812 observations. The confirmatory factor analysis was adopted to evaluate the psychometric properties and the theoretical adequacy of the refined model. The results indicated that with five dimensions the EBACO model presented higher levels of KMO, Cronbach’s Alpha, and explained variance. It was also verified that the model discussed obtained adequate values of the goodness of fit indexes χ2/df, RMSEA, CFI, TLI and RMR. Finally, it was verified that the refined model, EBACO-R, presented a convergent validity, ensuring a greater suitability of the scale to the theory. Furthermore, the model refinement, excluding the bases, contributes to the discussion by Osigweh (1989) about the 'concept stretching' commitment.

RESUMO O comprometimento organizacional, apesar de muito estudado, ainda permanece na agenda de pesquisa devido à falta de consenso nas questões conceituais e estruturais. Deste modo, esta pesquisa se propôs a refinar a Escala de Bases do Comprometimento Organizacional (EBACO) em busca de um instrumento com melhores propriedades psicométricas e maior adequação teórica. A pesquisa se dividiu em duas fases, e a primeira, eminentemente exploratória, realizada com 149 observações, avaliou o ajuste psicométrico da EBACO com a redução de duas bases. A segunda fase, confirmatória, se deu em 45 organizações - sendo 27 públicas e 18 privadas, totalizando 812 observações. A análise fatorial confirmatória foi adotada para avaliar as propriedades psicométricas e adequação teórica do modelo reduzido. Os resultados indicaram que com cinco dimensões o modelo EBACO apresentou maiores índices de KMO, alpha de Cronbach e variância explicada. Constatou-se, também, que o modelo discutido obteve valores adequados dos índices de ajustamento χ2/df, RMSEA, CFI, TLI e RMR. Por fim, foi verificado que o modelo refinado, EBACO-R, apresentou validade convergente, garantindo maior adequação da escala à teoria. Além disso, o refinamento do modelo, com a exclusão das bases, colabora com a discussão de Osigweh (1989) sobre o “esticamento do conceito” de comprometimento.

ABSTRACT: Boundary layers over concave surfaces may become unstable due to centrifugal instability that manifests itself as stationary streamwise counter rotating vortices. The centrifugal instability mechanism in boundary layers has been extensively studied and there is a large number of publications addressing different aspects of this problem. The results on the effect of pressure gradient show that favorable pressure gradients are stabilizing and adverse pressure gradient enhances the instability. The objective of the present investigation is to complement those works, looking particularly at the effect of pressure gradient on the stability diagram and on the determination of the spanwise wave number corresponding to the fastest growth. This study is based on the classic linear stability theory, where the parallel boundary layer approximation is assumed. Therefore, results are valid for Görtler numbers above 7, the lower limit where local mode linear stability analysis was identified in the literature as valid. For the base flow given by the Falkner-Skan solution, the linear stability equations are solved by a shooting method where the eigenvalues are the Görtler number, the spanwise wavenumber and the growth rate. The results show stabilization due to favorable pressure gradient as the constant amplification rate curves are displaced to higher Görtler numbers, with the opposite effect for adverse pressure gradient. Results previously unavailable in the literature identifying the fastest growing mode spanwise wavelength for a range of Falkner-Skan acceleration parameters are presented.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study verified both the self-perception and oral characteristics of a group of elderly participants of the Open University for the Elderly (UNATI). Methods: The sample consisted of a cross-sectional epidemiological study with elderly subjects (50 years of age or older), who attended the UNATI-UNIFAL/MG program. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of open- and closed-ended questions regarding oral health, its interference with self-esteem and nutrition, among other features. In addition, an application form based on the proposals by the Oral Health Survey 2010, was used. Univariate and multivariate descriptive analyses were performed. Results: The study sample consisted of 106 subjects (mean age of 62.4 years), of whom 59.4% had attended a dental appointment in the last year for routine and/or aesthetic examinations (38.7%). The clinical conditions showed that only 19.8% of the subjects were completely edentulous, an average DMFT of 26.1, and 37.7% used some kind of complete upper dentures, complete lower dentures, or both. Regarding self-perception of oral conditions, 34.9% considered it a regular perception, however in the applied statistics the presence of pain demonstrated a worse perception which was not correlated with teeth loss, presence of dentures and/or restored teeth. Conclusion: The self-perception of oral conditions is regular and the clinical and odontological characteristics evaluated revealed partial edentulous subjects with high DMFT. By evaluating the odontological aspects, it was observed that the majority of the subjects did not have difficulties to look for a dentist, they attended dental appointments in the last year and the preventive treatment had been the most required.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo verificou a autopercepção, as características bucais e os aspectos odontológicos dos participantes da Universidade Aberta a Terceira Idade (UNATI). Métodos: Refere-se a um estudo epidemiológico transversal com indivíduos a partir de 50 anos de idade que frequentam o programa UNATI-UNIFAL/MG. O instrumento de coleta de dados consistiu em um questionário semiestruturado, composto por perguntas referentes à saúde bucal, interferência da mesma na autoestima e alimentação, entre outros. Além disso, foi utilizada uma ficha clínica baseada nas propostas do Levantamento em Saúde Bucal 2010. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, uni e multivariadas. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 106 indivíduos, com idade média de 62,4 anos, dentre os quais 59,4% visitaram o cirurgião-dentista no último ano para exames de rotina e/ou estética (38,7%). As condições clínicas evidenciaram que apenas 19,8% dos indivíduos eram desdentados totais, o CPOD médio de 26,1 e 37,7% usava algum tipo de prótese total superior, inferior ou ambas. Quanto a autopercepção das condições bucais, 34,9% se refere regular, contudo, na estatística aplicada a presença de dor determinou uma pior percepção e não esteve correlacionada com a perda de dentes, presença de próteses e/ou dentes restaurados. Conclusão: A autopercepção das condições bucais é regular e as características clínico-odontológicas avaliadas revelaram indivíduos desdentados parciais com elevado CPOD. Ao avaliar os aspectos odontológicos a maioria não apresentou dificuldades ao procurar o cirurgião-dentista, visitaram esse profissional no último ano e o tratamento mais procurado por eles foi o preventivo.

The in situ reaction between alumina and silica to obtain mullite (Al6Si4O13) can be significantly affected by using synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) sources instead of crystalline ones (quartz and cristobalite). For instance, SASs promote early mullite formation (below 1300°C) and greater densification during sintering. This paper reports the "in situ" formation of mullite-alumina structures from fine calcined alumina (α-Al2O3) and four grades of SAS of different particles' morphology, specific surface area and internal porosity. After sintering assisted by dilatometry (up to 1500°C), the samples' total porosity, density and flexural strength were measured. The relative density and strength levels of some of these structures were greater than or comparable to other studies in which similar compositions were sintered at higher temperatures (1600-1700°C). Their microstructure assessment indicated that the specific surface area and internal porosity of SAS particles showed a major influence in the development of these physical properties.

Abstract Low intensity laser can be used as a promising alternative in the treatment of periodontal disease. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjuvant treatment for scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of induced periodontitis in simvastatin-modified rats. Material and Methods A total of 180 rats were evenly divided into two groups: Veh – receiving oral administration of polyethylene glycol (vehicle); S – receiving oral administration of Simvastatin. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first mandibular molar. After seven days, the ligature was removed and the animals were divided into subgroups according to the following local treatments: NT – no treatment; SRP – scaling and root planing and irrigation with saline solution; and LLLT ¬– SRP and laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J). Ten animals in each subgroup/local treatment were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. Samples of gingival tissue were processed to analyze the tissue oxidative damage and radiographic analysis. Levels of oxidative stress were analyzed by the expressions of Tripeptideglutathione (TG), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Carbonylated Proteins (CP). Results The animals in S group had higher levels of TG and lower levels of MDA and CP compared with Veh group (p<0.05). Radiographically, in the intragroup analysis Veh and S, LLLT showed lower bone loss (BL) compared with NT and SRP, in all experimental periods (p<0.01). In addition, a lower BL was observed for the animals of Veh group treated with LLLT compared with treatment SRP in the S group, in all experimental periods. Conclusion Within the limits of this study, we can conclude that LLLT was effective as adjuvant treatment for SRP protecting against the occurrence of oxidative tissue damages as well as for reducing alveolar bone loss in experimentally induced periodontitis simvastatin-modified rats.

Abstract Test cells can be used for testing the thermal performance of different passive systems and building components. Predictive methods for estimating indoor air temperatures can further enhance the number of configurations tested without increasing the amount of test cells to be built. Thus, direct comparisons can be drawn for identical background climatic conditions. In its most basic form, formulas are generated by linear regression from relatively short data sets, which provide daily indoor temperature conditions. However, for more detailed analyses, daily indoor temperature predictions may not suffice. In this paper, a method for obtaining hourly indoor air temperature predictions is proposed. It is based on rising and decreasing rates of the indoor temperature fluctuation relative to outdoors, which translates to warming or cooling trends of indoor thermal conditions. The applicability of the method is for test cells. It is a simple method yet capable of predicting the thermal behavior of complex physical processes. The method was tested using measured data from experiments in a test cell, built with conventional building materials in Brazil. Results showed high performance with mean bias of 0.27 °C to measured data and Pearson's r 0.99. When compared to traditional regression-based models, the method proposed showed better results.

Resumo Células-teste permitem testar o desempenho térmico de diferentes sistemas de condicionamento térmico passivo e componentes de construção. O uso de métodos preditivos para estimar temperaturas do ar internas pode ampliar o número de configurações testadas sem aumentar a quantidade de células a serem construídas. Dessa forma, podem ser realizadas comparações diretas para condições climáticas idênticas. Em sua forma mais básica, as fórmulas são geradas por regressão linear a partir de conjuntos de dados relativamente curtos, os quais fornecem condições diárias estimadas. Contudo, em análises mais detalhadas, a estimativa diária da temperatura interna pode não ser suficiente. Neste trabalho é proposto um método para a obtenção de estimativas horárias de temperatura do ar interna, o qual se baseia no uso de um fator majorador ou redutor de alterações na temperatura interna em relação à externa, o qual reflete uma tendência de aquecimento ou de resfriamento das condições térmicas internas. A aplicabilidade do método é para células-teste. Trata-se de um método simples, porém capaz de predizer o comportamento térmico de processos termofísicos complexos. O método foi testado a partir de dados experimentais de uma célula-teste construída com materiais de construção convencionais no Brasil. Os resultados mostraram alto desempenho com erro médio de 0,27 °C para os dados medidos e correlação de Pearson de 0,99. Quando comparado a modelos de regressão, o método proposto apresenta resultados superiores.