Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão
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Browsing Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Ciências Médicas::Ciências da Saúde"
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- 3D Photo-Fabrication for Tissue Engineering and Drug DeliveryPublication . Brás Pereira, Rúben Filipe; Bartolo, PauloThe most promising strategies in tissue engineering involve the integration of a triad of biomaterials, living cells, and biologically active molecules to engineer synthetic environments that closely mimic the healing milieu present in human tissues, and that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. To be clinically effective, these environments must replicate, as closely as possible, the main characteristics of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) on a cellular and subcellular scale. Photo-fabrication techniques have already been used to generate 3D environments with precise architectures and heterogeneous composition, through a multi-layer procedure involving the selective photocrosslinking reaction of a light-sensitive prepolymer. Cells and therapeutic molecules can be included in the initial hydrogel precursor solution, and processed into 3D constructs. Recently, photo-fabrication has also been explored to dynamically modulate hydrogel features in real time, providing enhanced control of cell fate and delivery of bioactive compounds. This paper focuses on the use of 3D photo-fabrication techniques to produce advanced constructs for tissue regeneration and drug delivery applications. State-of-the-art photo-fabrication techniques are described, with emphasis on the operating principles and biofabrication strategies to create spatially controlled patterns of cells and bioactive factors. Considering its fast processing, spatiotemporal control, high resolution, and accuracy, photo-fabrication is assuming a critical role in the design of sophisticated 3D constructs. This technology is capable of providing appropriate environments for tissue regeneration, and regulating the spatiotemporal delivery of therapeutics.
- Application of curcuminoids in inflammatory, neurodegenerative and aging conditions - Pharmacological potential and bioengineering approaches to improve efficiencyPublication . Lagoa, Ricardo; Rajan, Logesh; Violante, Cristiana; Babiaka, Smith B.; Marques da Silva, Dorinda; Kapoor, Bhupinder; Reis, Flávio; Atanasov, Atanas G.Curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, has shown promise in treating brain-related diseases and conditions associated with aging. Curcumin has shown multiple anti-inflammatory and brain-protective effects, but its clinical use is limited by challenges like poor absorption, specificity and delivery to the right tissues. A range of contemporary approaches at the intersection with bioengineering and systems biology are being explored to address these challenges. Data from preclinical and human studies highlight various neuroprotective actions of curcumin, including the inhibition of neuroinflammation, modulation of critical cellular signaling pathways, promotion of neurogenesis, and regulation of dopamine levels. However, curcumin’s multifaceted effects - such as its impact on microRNAs and senescence markers - suggest novel therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration. Tetrahydrocurcumin, a primary metabolite of curcumin, also shows potential due to its presence in circulation and its anti-inflammatory properties, although further research is needed to elucidate its neuroprotective mechanisms. Recent advancements in delivery systems, particularly brain-targeting nanocarriers like polymersomes, micelles, and liposomes, have shown promise in enhancing curcumin’s bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, the exploration of drug-laden scaffolds and dermal delivery may extend the pharmacological applications of curcumin. Studies reviewed here indicate that engineered dermal formulations and devices could serve as viable alternatives for neuroprotective treatments and to manage skin or musculoskeletal inflammation. This work highlights the need for carefully designed, long-term studies to better understand how curcumin and its bioactive metabolites work, their safety, and their effectiveness.
- Classification of reticular pattern and streaks in dermoscopic images based on texture analysisPublication . Machado, Marlene; Pereira, Jorge; Fonseca-Pinto, RuiThe early detection of melanoma is one of the greatest challenges in clinical practice of dermatology, and the reticular pattern is one of the most important dermoscopic structures to improve melanocytic lesion diagnosis. A texture-based approach is developed for the automatic detection of reticular patterns, whose output will assist clinical decision-making. Feature selection was based on the use of two algorithms by means of the classical graylevel co-occurrence matrix and Laws energy masks optimized on a set of 104 dermoscopy images. The AdaBoost (adaptive boosting) approach to machine learning was used within this strategy. Results suggest superiority of LEM for reticular pattern detection in dermoscopic images, achieving a sensitivity of 90.16% and a specificity of 86.67%. The use of automatic classification in dermoscopy to support clinicians is a strong tool to assist diagnosis; however, the use of automatic classification as a complementary tool in clinical routine requires algorithms with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. The results presented in this work will contribute to achieving this goal.
- Computational Resource Management for Video Coding in Mobile EnvironmentsPublication . Correa, Guilherme; Assunção, Pedro; Agostini, Luciano; Cruz, Luis A. da SilvaThe increase of computational resources in mobile devices and the availability of reliable communication infrastructures provide support for acquisition, display, coding/decoding and transmission of high-resolution video in a broad set of equipment such as tablets and smartphones. Nevertheless, real-time video encoding and decoding is still a challenge in such computing environments, especially when considering the amount of computational resources required by state-of-the-art video coding standards. Moreover, battery technologies did not evolve as much as desired, which makes power consumption minimization an important issue for the mobile devices industry and users. Therefore, in current mobile systems, the available computational resources along with battery-life are responsible for imposing significant limitations on mobile real-time multimedia communications. This chapter presents an overview of the state-of-the-art research on management of computational resources for video encoding systems in mobile communications equipment. A review on computational complexity analysis of both H.264/AVC and HEVC video coding standards is presented, followed by a description of current methods for modelling, reducing and controlling the expenditure of computational resources on these video codecs. Finally, future trends on computational complexity management for video codecs implemented on power-constrained devices are lined out.
- Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Impact of Product Packaging on Consumer Behavior in Portuguese and Czech Republic marketsPublication . Novo, Tiago António Rosa; Crespo, Cátia Claudemira Cordeiro FernandesPackaging is a key tool for brand communication and consumer engagement, as it can contribute to brand emotional connection by establishing trust and embedding narratives that resonate with consumers, enhancing their overall satisfaction. This satisfaction is crucial for brand success, influencing consumer loyalty and the perceived value of products, and is particularly important in global markets, where cultural differences affect consumer preferences and behaviors. Understanding these dynamics is vital for businesses aiming to thrive in diverse cultural contexts. The study focuses on the Portuguese and Czech market and investigates the impact of the product packaging on consumer behavior. The methodology mainly included a quantitative survey methodology, gathering data via a self-administered questionnaire distributed online in both Portuguese and English. The analysis of the data was conducted using PLS-structural equation modeling. A total of 160 responses were collected, and findings show that for Portuguese consumers, product packaging is able to evoke brand emotional connection and brand identification, subsequently enhancing customer satisfaction and purchase intention. However, for Czech consumers the impact of product packaging on brand emotional connection is not significant. The results offer support for the assertion that companies should tailor their packaging strategies to align with these cultural inclinations to foster consumer engagement.
- Data Integration in the Brazilian Public Health System for Tuberculosis: Use of the Semantic Web to Establish InteroperabilityPublication . Pellison, Felipe Carvalho; Rijo, Rui Pedro Charters Lopes; Lima, Vinicius Costa; Crepaldi, Nathalia Yukie; Bernardi, Filipe Andrade; Galliez, Rafael Mello; Kritski, Afrânio; Abhishek, Kumar; Alves, DomingosBackground: Interoperability of health information systems is a challenge due to the heterogeneity of existing systems at both the technological and semantic levels of their data. The lack of existing data about interoperability disrupts intra-unit and inter-unit medical operations as well as creates challenges in conducting studies on existing data. The goal is to exchange data while providing the same meaning for data from different sources. Objective: To find ways to solve this challenge, this research paper proposes an interoperability solution for the tuberculosis treatment and follow-up scenario in Brazil using Semantic Web technology supported by an ontology. Methods: The entities of the ontology were allocated under the definitions of Basic Formal Ontology. Brazilian tuberculosis applications were tagged with entities from the resulting ontology. Results: An interoperability layer was developed to retrieve data with the same meaning and in a structured way enabling semantic and functional interoperability. Conclusions: Health professionals could use the data gathered from several data sources to enhance the effectiveness of their actions and decisions, as shown in a practical use case to integrate tuberculosis data in the State of São Paulo.
- Design of a Video Otoscope Prototype with an Integrated Scanner for Hearing Aid Direct Digital Manufacturing: A Preliminary StudyPublication . Ganhão, Francisco; Santos, António Carvalho; Silva, Carla; Monteiro de Moura, Carla SofiaIn the current landscape of hearing rehabilitation, ear mold manufacturing typically involves the injection of silicone into the external ear canal (EEC) of each patient. This invasive procedure poses several risks, including the potential for silicone residue retention and tympanic membrane perforation, which may necessitate surgical intervention. To mitigate these risks, we present the design of a video otoscope that integrates a scanner capable of capturing high-precision, real-time images of the EEC’s geometry. The developed device allows (i) the generation of a 3D CAD model leading to the direct, quick, and low-cost production of customized hearing aids using 3D printing and (ii) the establishment of medical protocols for carrying out diagnoses and monitoring of hearing pathology evolution using methodologies based on Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, the use of customized hearing aids that allow the application of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) and music therapy enhances audiology as an alternative and innovative way to treat cognitive and degenerative diseases, as well as pathological disorders.
- Divulgação de Informação Não Financeira – Relato de SustentabilidadePublication . Andrade, Sara Filipa Santos; Eugénio, Teresa Cristina PereiraO presente relatório de estágio é parte integrante do curso de Mestrado em Contabilidade e Fiscalidade da Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão do Instituto Politécnico de Leiria. O estágio curricular decorreu nas instalações de um gabinete de contabilidade, cuja principal atividade consiste na prestação de serviços de contabilidade, gestão e consultoria. Teve início a 9 de outubro de 2023 e foi concluído a 9 de fevereiro de 2024. Decorreu durante o horário normal de funcionamento da entidade de acolhimento, com o objetivo de complementar a qualificação de estudo Nível 7, do Quadro Nacional de Qualificações. As tarefas desenvolvidas no decorrer do estágio incidiram sobre as práticas da contabilidade, nomeadamente como se organiza a contabilidade; práticas de controlo interno; apuramento e preenchimento de obrigações declarativas; preparação da informação contabilística para elaboração de relatórios; conduta e ética deontológica associada à profissão. A escolha de realizar um estágio curricular teve como intuito a inscrição na Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC) e a dispensa do estágio profissional exigido pela mesma. Teve também o objetivo de adquirir mais conhecimento técnico e prático, e de consolidar os conhecimentos teóricos no meu percurso académico. Como complemento à descrição das tarefas realizadas durante o estágio, é apresentado o tema do Relato não financeiro. Este tema evidencia uma situação que está cada vez mais presente no tecido empresarial, e que vem sendo realçada a sua importância pelas associações empresariais, sensibilizando a importância da qualidade e transparência da informação divulgada por parte das empresas. A divulgação de informação não financeira pelas empresas através das suas redes de comunicação ou de relatórios, pode trazer vantagens. Para que a informação seja transmitida de forma coesa e correta é importante o papel dos contabilistas, devido aos seus conhecimentos especializados e técnicos.
- Effect of Preventive Exercise Programs for Swimmer’s Shoulder Injury on Rotator Cuff Torque and Balance in Competitive Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled TrialPublication . Tavares, Nuno; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Castro, Maria AntónioBackground: Over the season, competitive swimmers experience a progressive imbalance in rotator cuff strength, predisposing them to a significant risk factor for a swimmer’s shoulder injury. Objectives: Verify the effectiveness of two 12-week preventive programs on the shoulder rotators’ peak torque and conventional/functional ratios. Design: A care provider- and participant-blinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial with three groups. Participants: Competitive swimmers aged 16 to 35 years with no prior clinical issues related to their shoulders. Interventions: Twice a week, over 12 weeks, the two experimental groups performed five exercises where the only difference was executing the program with weights or elastic bands, and the control group performed a sham intervention. Main outcome measures: The concentric and eccentric peak torque of the internal and external rotators of the dominant shoulder were assessed before and after the intervention using an isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3, at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s. Results: Among the experimental groups, only one test indicated a reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in rotator peak torque, while the control group showed a decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in five tests. Swimmers who completed the prevention programs demonstrated less imbalance in conventional/functional ratios than controls. Conclusions: Implementing a 12-week preventive program minimizes the progressive shoulder rotational imbalance over the season in competitive swimmers. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT06552585.
- Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printed PartsPublication . Bento, Catarina Cortez; Vasco, Joel Oliveira Correia; Freitas, Dino Miguel FernandesThis report was based on the project at Aalen University in the scope of the curricular subject of the thesis, inserted in the study program of the master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering – Industrial Production. The project had a duration of six months. The project goal was to study the manufacturing process of metal parts using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The FFF is a technique in which a fused filament is deposited controlled over or adjoining previous deposited filaments, leading to the construction of a structural part. To realize the evaluation of mechanical properties of FFF three dimensional (3D) printed parts it was performed in four main tasks: First, specimens were printed at 0º with three different infill patterns (gyroid, tri-hexagon, and quarter cubic) and two different infill densities (25% and 40%). The printing of these specimens was intended to perform density tests, tensile tests, and roughness tests. Secondly, small cubes with the same infill density (100%) were printed but with different infill patterns (gyroid, tri-hexagon, and quarter cubic) so that it was possible to compare the roughness on the different faces of the cube. These infill patterns and infill densities were chosen, to complement studies previously done by other colleagues. Third, 0°, 45°, and 90° specimens were printed with support structures to perform the charpy v test. However, performing these tests was impossible because the debinding and sintering company could not deliver the parts in time. At last, a cost analysis of the FFF process and the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process in the production of a compressor turbine was made. With the tests performed throughout this study, it was possible to conclude that the debinding and sintering process influences the weight of the specimens and the infill density and pattern have an influence on the mechanical behaviour of the specimens.