Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-02"
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- Safety-promoting interventions for the older person with hip fracture on returning home: A systematic reviewPublication . Rocha, Paula; Baixinho, Cristina Lavareda; Marques, Andrea; Henriques, Maria AdrianaBackground: Older adults with a prior history of falls that results in hip fractures have difficulties in regaining pre- fracture functional capacity. Scientific evidence has shown benefits of the implementation of multidimensional rehabilitation programs, but this evidence is not systematized with regard to continuity of care after hospital discharge. Objective: To identify interventions that promote safety and functional recovery of older adults with hip fractures after hospital discharge. Method: A systematic review was carried out according to Cochrane methodology. The research strategy was predefined for the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases. The identified articles were screened according to the eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers. The articles included in the bibliographic sample were evaluated for risk of bias. Results: Of the 10,036 articles found, 10 were included in this systematic review. The safety-promoting interventions identified were: exercise training, occupational therapy/activities of daily living training, transfer and gait training, strengthening exercises, education on assistive device use, fall prevention education, nutritional assessment, environmental modifications/adjustments at home, use of an app, medication, self-care education, and support and counseling. Conclusions: In eight studies analyzed, exercise training emerged as the most effective intervention for promoting the safety of older adults after hip fractures on returning home. Three studies associated two or more interventions, which focused on exercise training, occupational therapy/training of activities of daily living, and conventional postoperative rehabilitation with transfer and gait training, strengthening exercises, education on assistive device use and discharge planning, aiming to achieve muscle strengthening and safe gait, associated with the performance of activities of daily living.
- Parcerias entre a Escola e as Organizações Comunitárias na formação de cidadãos: O caso do Projeto Redes na Quint@Publication . Sousa, Jenny; Barreto, Maria Antónia; Cravo, CarolinaA escola é uma das instituições a quem compete a preparação dos cidadãos de amanhã, promovendo competências para uma cultura democrática e aprendizagens com impacto a nível cívico, ou seja, no relacionamento interpessoal e intercultural. Ao estabelecer parcerias com outras organizações comunitárias de intervenção social, a escola promove a criação de sinergias e recursos, encontrando soluções de complementaridade na preparação de alunos mais conscientes. Nesta linha de orientação, o Agrupamento de Escolas de Marrazes - Leiria é parceiro de várias organizações da sociedade civil, designadamente do projeto Redes na Quint@, que tem como principal objetivo o desenvolvimento de competências intelectuais, pessoais e sociais das crianças e jovens que nele participam. A parceria entre o Agrupamen to de Escolas e o projeto Redes na Quint@ demonstra que é possível desenvolver práticas promotoras de democracia, através da participação plural e responsável, onde todos têm um papel determinante na construção de sociedades mais justas e inclusivas, num quadro de respeito pela diversidade.
- Bacteria: Potential Make-or-Break Determinants of Celiac DiseasePublication . Roque, Ana; Pereira, Sónia GonçalvesCeliac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals that primarily affects the small intestinal mucosa. The sole treatment is a gluten-free diet that places a social and economic burden on patients and fails, in some, to lead to symptomatic or mucosal healing. Thus, an alternative treatment has long been sought after. Clinical studies on celiac disease have shown an association between the presence of certain microbes and disease outcomes. However, the mechanisms that underlie the effects of microbes in celiac disease remain unclear. Recent studies have employed disease models that have provided insights into disease mechanisms possibly mediated by bacteria in celiac disease. Here, we have reviewed the bacteria and related mechanisms identified so far that might protect from or incite the development of celiac disease. Evidence indicates bacteria play a role in celiac disease and it is worth continuing to explore this, particularly since few studies, to the best of our knowledge, have focused on establishing a mechanistic link between bacteria and celiac disease. Uncovering host–microbe interactions and their influence on host responses to gluten may enable the discovery of pathogenic targets and development of new therapeutic or preventive approaches.
- Evaluation of the structural strength of anisotropic PLA components manufactured by 3D printingPublication . Ramalho, Armando; Freitas, Dino; Amorim Almeida, HenriquePredicting the mechanical strength of components manufactured by additive processes is a challenging task that is difficulted by the complexity of the geometries fabricated by these processes, along with the anisotropy enhanced by the layer-by-layer manufacturing method and the difficulty in quickly obtaining the elastic and strength properties of the materials, which are strongly influenced by the manufacturing parameters. The use of 3D CAD models in the design phase of components manufactured by 3D printing facilitates the use of the finite element method in assessing their strength and simulating their in-service behavior. However, the finite element analysis of 3D printed parts using anisotropic material behaviour are rare and restricted to simple geometries. To deal with the anisotropy of materials, intense research has been carried out for the last decades in the field of evaluating the mechanical strength of composite materials, introducing several specific failure criteria. In this article, the in-service behaviour of PLA components manufactured by 3D printing is simulated, applying criteria usually used in the study of composite materials to evaluate their mechanical strength. The simulation through the finite element method was developed on the Hexagon Marc/Mentat software, using the Maximum Stress and Hoffman failure criteria.
- Ethical Issues in Clinical Decision-Making about Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment: A Scoping ReviewPublication . Laureano, Cláudio Domingos; Laranjeira, Carlos; Querido, Ana; Dixe, Maria dos Anjos; Rego, FranciscaIn mental health and psychiatric care, the use of involuntary psychiatric treatment for people with mental disorders is still a central and contentious issue. The main objective of this scoping review was to map and systematize the literature on ethical issues in clinical decision-making about involuntary psychiatric treatment. Five databases (Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus) were searched for articles on this topic. Out of a total of 342 articles found, 35 studies from 14 countries were included based on the selection criteria. The articles were analyzed using the inductive content analysis approach. The following main categories were identified: (1) ethical foundations that guide clinical decision-making; (2) criteria for involuntary psychiatric treatment; (3) gaps, barriers, and risks associated with involuntary psychiatric treatment; (4) strategies used to reduce, replace, and improve the negative impact of involuntary treatment; and (5) evidence-based recommendations. Most of the selected articles discuss the logic underlying involuntary treatment of the mentally ill, exploring ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, or justice, as well as how these should be properly balanced. During the process of involuntary psychiatric admission, there was a notable absence of effective communication and a significant power imbalance that disenfranchised those seeking services. This disparity was further intensified by professionals who often use coercive measures without a clear decision-making rationale and by family members who strongly depend on hospital admission. Due to the pluralistic and polarized nature of opinions regarding legal capacity and the complexity and nuance of involuntary admission, further studies should be context-specific and based on co-production and participatory research.
- Spiritual Care through the Lens of Portuguese Palliative Care Professionals: A Qualitative Thematic AnalysisPublication . Matos, Juliana; Querido, Ana; Laranjeira, CarlosProviding spiritual care is paramount to patient-centered care. Despite the growing body of data and its recognized importance in palliative care, spiritual care continues to be the least advanced and most overlooked aspect. This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of spiritual care from the perspective of PC professionals and identify their strategies to address spiritual care issues. Data were collected through semi-structured personal interviews and managed using WebQDA software (Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal). All data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, as recommended by Clark and Braun. The study included 15 palliative care professionals with a mean age of 38.51 [SD = 5.71] years. Most participants identified as lacking specific training in spiritual care. Thematic analysis spawned three main themes: (1) spiritual care as key to palliative care, (2) floating between “shadows” and “light” in providing spiritual care, and (3) strategies for competent and spiritual-centered care. Spiritual care was considered challenging by its very nature and given the individual, relational, and organizational constraints lived by professionals working in palliative care. With support from healthcare institutions, spiritual care can and should become a defining feature of the type, nature, and quality of palliative care provision. Care providers should be sensitive to spiritual needs and highly skilled and capable of an in-the-moment approach to respond to these needs. Further research on educating and training in spiritual care competence is a priority.
- SALAS DE AULA DO FUTUROPublication . Silva, Raul Délio Ferreira Pinto da; Oliveira, Ana Margarida Fernandes deA inovação pedagógica e a integração das tecnologias digitais na educação são referidas nos documentos educativos orientadores como oportunidades para desenvolver metodologias ativas e centradas no aluno. A par das estratégias pedagógicas e dos recursos educativos, também a importância do espaço tem sido alvo de discussão, por exemplo, ao nível da organização das salas de aula e o tipo de mobiliário e equipamento. A criação das Future Classroom Lab, pela European Schoolnet, veio romper com o paradigma da sala de aula centrada no professor e encerrada nas quatro paredes tradicionais. Este novo paradigma veio desafiar professores e diretores no que diz respeito à forma de utilização destes espaços, que começaram a ser replicados em Portugal pela iniciativa de professores entusiastas da tecnologia, com o apoio de autarquias, associações de pais, empresas e do Ministério da Educação. O município de Santa Maria da Feira criou no Agrupamento de Escolas de Argoncilhe duas Salas de Aula do Futuro, em duas escolas do primeiro Ciclo do Ensino Básico. Neste projeto, no âmbito do mestrado em Utilização Pedagógica das TIC, pretendeu-se conhecer as perceções dos professores do primeiro ciclo do referido agrupamento sobre os contributos das Salas de Aula do Futuro para a motivação e para a aprendizagem dos alunos, bem como conhecer as perceções dos professores titulares de turma sobre os constrangimentos e as condições necessárias para uma utilização frequente e significativa destes espaços. Para tal, recorreu-se à técnica de inquérito por questionário e por entrevista (grupo focal). Foram identificadas potencialidades da utilização das TIC e, em particular das Salas de Aula do Futuro, para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem, particularmente o desenvolvimento de competências previstas no Perfil dos Alunos à Saída da Escolaridade Obrigatória. São também relatados alguns constrangimentos na sua otimização, que se prendem, sobretudo, com dificuldade em romper com o paradigma da sala de aula tradicional, aliada à falta de formação tecnológica e pedagógica. Além dos objetivos identificados, a análise dos dados permitiu propor um conjunto de recomendações para uma utilização frequente e eficiente destes espaços, tendo em conta as perceções e as necessidades dos professores que lecionam nas escolas referidas, assente em três domínios: formação de professores, ambientes e recursos e planificação, realização e avaliação de atividades.
- Implementação de CRM com impacto direto na OrganizaçãoPublication . Henriques, Leonardo José Duarte; Crespo, Cátia Claudemira Cordeiro FernandesA atualidade do mercado da oferta e da procura sofreu alterações ao longo das décadas, mas com uma forte aceleração nos últimos anos devido ao avanço tecnológico. O principal fator para o mercado estar em constante mudança, é o facto de o consumidor estar também em constante adaptação e alteração de exigências, desejos e necessidades. Longe de outros tempos, o consumidor atual quando tem alguma necessidade ou desejo de algum produto, informa-se, pesquisa, experimenta, exige e testa de uma forma como não o fazia anteriormente. Esses comportamentos têm de ser acompanhados pelas marcas de forma rápida e preventiva, não bastando ter o produto ou o serviço à disposição do consumidor, é necessário ir mais além, é necessário conhecer o cliente e o seu perfil (Frighetto, 2022), e é nessa fase que entra a ferramenta em estudo, o CRM. Este estudo de tem como principal objetivo a perceção do impacto da utilização do CRM por parte das marcas no comportamento dos consumidores, avaliando a sua confiança, lealdade, satisfação e imagem da marca. Foi realizado um questionário de forma online, para uma amostra de 209 consumidores, na elaboração de um estudo quantitativo de natureza transversal onde se verificou o suporte às cinco hipóteses desenvolvidas. Verificou-se o impacto da implementação de estratégias de CRM na imagem de marca, influenciando consequentemente o comportamento do consumidor através das variáveis em estudo, confiança, satisfação e lealdade. Com base nos resultados obtidos foram apresentadas implicações teóricas para a gestão e marketing, onde são feitas recomendações às marcas sobre a utilização de softwares e respetivas estratégias, com o objetivo do melhoramento da relação com os consumidores e otimizar em durabilidade, volume de vendas e lucros obtidos.
- The social media theatre: New guidelines to foster parasocial interactions with followers and improve influencer marketing communication effectivenessPublication . Ferreira, Alcina Gaspar; Crespo, Cátia Fernandes; Ribeiro, Fábio Matos; Barreiros, PatríciaRegarding the popularity of social media platforms among consu- mers, influencer marketing is increasingly present in brands’ com- munication strategies. This study adds to the knowledge about the drivers of parasocial interactions with influencers by investigating not yet explored follower-influencer connections and their effects on consumers’ responses to the recommended brands. An online consumer survey was conducted among followers of social media influencers and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results show that follower-influencer moral admiration, perceived similarity, emo- tional closeness, and expression of positive feelings positively affect their parasocial interaction. In turn, the effects of these variables on consumer responses are fully or partially mediated by follower- influencer parasocial interaction on social media networks. Interestingly, followers’ skill admiration towards the influencer has no significant impact on parasocial interaction but has a positive significant direct impact on positive WOM and purchase intention of influencer recommend brands. Our findings demonstrate that influencer marketing communication is an effective strategy for improving consumer brand responses. Furthermore, to augment their marketing value, social media influencers need to promote parasocial interactions with followers. Our findings suggest novel recommendations to select influencers and manage influencer marketing value.
- Quality of life and quality of education among physiotherapy students in EuropePublication . Schramlová, Michaela; Řasová, Kamila; Jonsdottir, Johanna; Pavlíková, Markéta; Rambousková, Jolana; Äijö, Marja; Šlachtová, Martina; Kobesová, Alena; Žiaková, Elena; Kahraman, Turhan; Pavlů, Dagmar; Bermejo-Gil, Beatriz María; Bakalidou, Daphne; Billis, Evdokia; Georgios, Papagiannis; Alves-Guerreiro, José; Strimpakos, Nikolaos; Příhoda, Aleš; Kiviluoma-Ylitalo, Marika; Lähteenmäki, Marja-Leena; Koišová, Jana; Berisha, Gentiana; Hagovská, Magdalena; Arca, Anna Laura; Cortés-Amado, SaraBackground: The study of physiotherapy is challenging and can affect the students’ well-being and quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe and compare factors that could affect well-being among students across Europe. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire survey, students of bachelor’s physiotherapy programs from 23 European faculties, from 8 countries, were interviewed on mental health and stress burden, sleep quality, dietary habits, and physical activity. Results: Although 75% of students rated their quality of life positively and 47% were satisfied with their mental health, 65% showed higher levels of stress and 51% described impaired sleep quality. The minimum physical activity of 150 min weekly was described by 79% of students, within which 67% engaged in strengthening twice a week. Students with a higher stress load/worse psychological health also showed worse sleep quality and lower amount of physical activity, women were significantly worse off. In terms of physical activity and sleep quality, students from Finland and Kosovo achieved the best results, while students from Italy, Greece, and Portugal achieved the worst. Students from Italy indicated the greatest dissatisfaction with the organisation of the study system and communication with teachers, while in Kosovo students rated the communication and study organisation the highest. All students had a problem with adhering to nutritional habits. Students from Italy and Spain, with the lowest body mass indexes and weight averages, were closest to the nutrition recommendations. Conclusion: We demonstrated that physiotherapy students are burdened with stress, suffer from sleep disorders, and do not follow the recommendations regarding nutrition nor physical activity. There are significant differences between universities and countries in some aspects.