Browsing by Author "Gomes, Sara"
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- Enhancing Autonomy in Preschoolers: The Role of Motor Games in DevelopmentPublication . Gomes, Sara; Antunes, Raul; Sales, Inês; Marques, Regina; Oliveira, AnaThis paper is based on a project which aims to understand the contribution of motricity—in particular, motor games—to the development of autonomy in preschool children, with or without special education needs. A group of 18 children, with an average age of 4.5 years, from a public school took part in the study. An intervention program based on motor games was implemented and tested to promote the children’s autonomy. The program lasted two months, with one 45-min session per week. Using a questionnaire designed for this purpose, the children’s autonomy was assessed pre- and post-intervention. The children’s satisfaction with the sessions was assessed throughout the intervention. The main results were improvements in the autonomy of all the children and their high satisfaction with the program. The participation of children, with and without specific needs, in the entire program shows the use of differentiated practices that allowed everyone to be included in this process.
- Finite element analysis of a human temporomandibular joint disc: Preliminary resultsPublication . Gomes, Sara; Ângelo, David; Pascoal-Faria, Paula; Mateus, Artur; Alves, NunoThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important joint that plays a paramount role during the mandibular movement. TMJ disc is an essential component in the normal TMJ, interposed between the mandibular condyle and temporal fossa with the following functions: it distributes the intra-articular load, stabilizes the joints during translation and decreases the wear of the articular surface. The mechanical behaviour study of this element is therefore essential to provide alternative solutions when its replacement becomes essential. The aim of this study is to present a preliminary three dimensional mechanical model to study the stresses distributions at TMJ disc and to provide an efficient tool as an alternative to experimental preclinical studies. The human mandibular condyle, the TMJ disc and the temporal fossa were considered to build the finite element model; additionally, two types of connections were used between the disc and the bone simulating the retrodiscal tissue and lateral pterygoid muscle: frictionless and bonded. At this stage, the elastic behaviour of materials was taken into account. Results show that the computed von Mises stresses are in accordance with previous studies.
- Monitoring and Management of the Palliative Care Patient Symptoms: A Best Practice Implementation ProjectPublication . Coelho, Adriana; Rocha, Ana; Cardoso, Daniela; Rodrigues, Rogério; Costeira, Cristina; Gomes, Sara; Parola, VitorBackground: In palliative care, symptoms are multiple and combined, evolving and changing, with a multidimensional character and multifactorial causes, and a high prevalence, negatively influencing the patient’s and family’s quality of life. Nurses who provide palliative care need to recognize and respond effectively to their patients’ symptoms. Methods: A project will be applied to implement the best practice in monitoring and managing palliative care patients’ symptoms. The Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit and feedback tool will be used. The JBI PACES and GRiP framework for promoting evidence-based healthcare involves three phases of activity. First, a baseline audit. In a second phase, feedback will be given to the project team after the conclusion of the baseline audit report. Then, a third phase will be conducted as a follow-up audit. Conclusions: This project will improve the practice of the nursing team in monitoring and managing the symptoms of palliative care patients, positively influencing the quality of life of the patient and his family. The implementation and dissemination of this project could boost its replication in other centres.