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- O Uso de Brain Computer Interface na Intervenção em Pessoas com Afasia Pós-Acidente Vascular Cerebral: Uma Revisão SistemáticaPublication . Branquinho, Ana Sofia; Maia, Patrícia; Rodrigues, Inês TelloIntrodução: A afasia pós-acidente vascular cerebral tem um impacto significativo ao nível da qualidade de vida da pessoa com esta alteração e nos recursos exigi-dos no setor da saúde. Tem existido um interesse crescente em investigar novas metodologias de intervenção, como as que integram a tecnologia brain computer interface (BCI). O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar de que forma a utilização desta tecnologia em contexto terapêutico poderá potenciar a recuperação das competên-cias linguísticas e comunicativas das pessoas com afasia. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura através das diretrizes do Preferred Re-porting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), envolvendo pesquisas nas bases de dados PubMed Central, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science e nas bases de dados integradas na plataforma EBSCO HOST, sem restrição temporal ou de língua, com o recurso a termos MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) e a termos não padronizados, em inglês. O processo de seleção dos estudos foi efetuado de forma independente por dois investigadores via plataforma Rayyan®. A análise de evidên-cia dos estudos elegíveis em triagem foi realizada através do modelo de níveis de evidência e qualidade dos estudos John Hopkins.Resultados: Obteve-se um total de 198 artigos, dos quais quatro foram incluídos nesta revisão sistemática, após eliminação de duplicados e aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade. A intervenção terapêutica com base num sistema BCI poderá po-tenciar o reforço da rede linguística e a restruturação das redes funcionais de pes-soas com afasia, devido ao mecanismo de neurofeedback que proporciona. Alguns autores encorajam o desenvolvimento de sistemas BCI com a integração de dife-rentes técnicas (e.g. ressonância magnética funcional em combinação com o eletro-encefalograma). A investigação nesta área é recente, sendo os estudos escassos e maioritariamente de tipologia quasi-experimental. Os artigos incluídos nesta revisão apresentam uma qualidade de evidência reduzida. Conclusão: A utilização de BCI poderá ter uma influência positiva na reabilitação da linguagem e comunicação de pessoas com afasia. Porém, a integração desta tecnologia recente na intervenção terapêutica enfrenta, ainda, vários desafios, sendo necessários estudos mais robustos que permitam a criação de protocolos específicos e diretrizes clínicas.
- Qualitative Research: The Heart of Evidence-Based PracticePublication . García-Fernández, Rubén; Oliveira, Ellen Synthia Fernandes de; Presado, Maria Helena; Silva, Marcelle Miranda; Marques, Fátima Mendes; Baixinho, Cristina LavaredaEvidence-based practice in healthcare remains challenging. The sheer volume of studies, methodological diversity, scarce resources, and professionals’ difficulties in locating, appraising, and implementing evidence all contribute. In addition, there is often a lack of clear, evidence-based health-policy guidelines. In addition, there is a predominant positivist paradigm in the training of most health professionals, which makes it challenging to introduce the results of qualitative studies into practice. We believe that qualitative research provides a unique insight into the experiences, needs, difficulties, and choices of people going through transitions between health and illness. This is a theoretical paper based on a narrative literature review, the authors aim to reflect on the results of qualitative healthcare research, the difficulties in translating the knowledge obtained by more constructivist and interpretative methods, and the gains that can be made from an Evidence-Based Practice supported by the results of qualitative studies that make it possible to respect the patient’s values and preferences, allowing person-centered care. Studies that enable the exploration of experiences, perspectives, and meanings in complex areas, such as self-care, behavioral change, and adherence to therapeutic regimens, support health professionals’ clinical decision-making. This support reflects the multifaceted nature of human experiences in care settings and is vital for understanding phenomena both in isolation and in relation to other research approaches. Qualitative studies are the heart of evidence-based practice because they deepen and individualize knowledge about phenomena and make it possible to focus care on people, especially those with increased vulnerability.
- Differential Modulation of Cancellous and Cortical Distal Femur by Fructose and Natural Mineral-Rich Water Consumption in Ovariectomized Female Sprague Dawley RatsPublication . David Guede; Cecília Durães; Inês Brandão; Nuno Silva; Emanuel Passos; Miguel Bernardes; Rosário Monteiro; Maria João Martins; Pereira, Cidália AlmeidaBone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure depend on estrogens and diet. We assessed the impact of natural mineral-rich water ingestion on distal femur of fructose-fed estrogen-deficient female Sprague Dawley rats. Ovariectomized rats drank tap or mineral-rich waters, with or without 10%-fructose, for 10 weeks. A sham-operated group drinking tap water was included (n = 6/group). Cancellous and cortical bone compartments were analyzed by microcomputed tomography. Circulating bone metabolism markers were measured by enzyme immunoassay/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or multiplex bead assay. Ovariectomy significantly worsened cancellous but not cortical bone, significantly increased circulating degradation products from C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), and significantly decreased circulating osteoprotegerin and osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio. In ovariectomized rats, in cancellous bone, significant water effect was observed for all microstructural properties, except for the degree of anisotropy, and BMD (neither a significant fructose effect nor a significant interaction between water and fructose ingestion effects were observed). In cortical bone, it was observed a significant (a) water effect for medullary volume and cortical endosteal perimeter; (b) fructose effect for cortical thickness, medullary volume, cross-sectional thickness and cortical endosteal and periosteal perimeters; and (c) interaction effect for mean eccentricity. In blood, significant fructose and interaction effects were found for osteoprotegerin (no significant water effect was seen). For the first time in ovariectomized rats, the positive modulation of cortical but not of cancellous bone by fructose ingestion and of both bone locations by natural mineral-rich water ingestion is described
- Understanding the Interaction of Design Students with Portable Computers in the ClassroomPublication . Lavin, Luís; Filgueiras, Ernesto; Figueiredo, Carlos; Desouzart, GustavoLaptop computers are an indispensable tool for the learning of Product Design. However the universities classrooms are not adapted to the new technological evolutions and working processes. The main objectives of this study were to analyze the human-computer interaction in Product Design classrooms, by observing the users, the work activity and the environment, to understand the current demands for the use of laptop computers, and to observe current patterns of student interaction, and their needs. Data were gathered and analyzed from a set of classrooms in a Portuguese university using the following methodologies: free observation; systematic indirect observation through video recording and analysis; and student survey. The results show that 56.5% of the study participants use information systems in the classroom, of these, 90% use laptop computers, and use this devices individually. In general, about 52% of the records indicate that in the classroom the information systems were used by less than 50% of the class students. This study results can promote: (a) the development of a set of data and information that can assist designers and other professionals in the product creation process; (b) the awareness of the universities to the need to modernize the spaces, furniture, and equipment, and to adapt them to the new processes of work and to the new student-computer interactional behaviors.
- Knowledge of the Portuguese population on Basic Life Support and availability to attend trainingPublication . Dixe, Maria dos Anjos Coelho Rodrigues; Gomes, José Carlos RodriguesObjective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and the availability of the Portuguese population to attend training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and identify factors related to their level of knowledge about BLS. Method: Observational study including 1,700 people who responded to a questionnaire containing data on demography, profession, training, interest in training and knowledge about BLS. Results: Among 754 men and 943 women, only 17.8% (303) attended a course on BLS, but 95.6% expressed willingness to carry out the training. On average, they did not show good levels of knowledge on basic life support (correct answers in 25.9 ± 11.5 of the 64 indicators). Male, older respondents who had the training and those who performed BLS gave more correct answers, on average (p<0.01). Conclusion: The skill levels of the Portuguese population are low, but people are available for training, hence it is important to develop training courses and practice to improve their knowledge.
- BPFlexTemplate: a software tool to derive flexible process model templatesPublication . Ilahi, Latifa; Martinho, Ricardo; Ghannouchi, Sonia AyachiMost organizations have difficulties in enforcing the same procedures/business processes across their multiple organizational units. For instance, we can find different activities, activity orders or even subprocesses in student enrollment procedures across several faculties of the same belonging University. This happens due to the need of these organizational units to adjust and adapt their business processes to different and evolving contexts, lack of resources or even cultural aspects. On the other hand, handling a significant number of these process variants becomes hard for an organization that seeks to manage and optimize time and resources allocated to these business processes. In this paper we present a web-based software tool that is able to compare several process variants and derive a flexible template process model. The template foresees not only the inclusion of process elements that are common to all compared variants, but also non-common (flexible) elements which result from adjustments made in each variant. These flexible elements can or cannot be later executed by each organizational unit. This process model template will allow process engineers to: 1) enforce a similar process model across all the organization, and therefore control process variants proliferation and manage business processes more efficiently; and 2) allow organizational units to benefit from adjustments made throughout time, based on each organizational unit’s experience and knowledge.
- Hope-based interventions in chronic disease: an integrative review in the light of NightingalePublication . Laranjeira, Carlos António; Querido, Ana Isabel Fernandes; Charepe, Zaida Borges; Dixe, Maria dos Anjos Coelho RodriguesObjective: To identify the available evidence in the scientific literature about the strategies or interventions used to promote hope in people with chronic diseases. Method: An integrative literature review of literature published between 2009-2019, which was conducted in online browsers/databases: b-On, EBSCO, PubMed, Medline, ISI, SciELO, PsycINFO, Google Scholar. Forty-one studies were found, of which eight met the inclusion criteria. Results: Most studies used a quantitative approach. There was a predominance of studies from Asia and America, addressing patients with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and cancer. Hope-based interventions were categorized by the hope attributes: experiential process, spiritual/transcendence process, rational thought process, and relational process. Conclusion: Hope-based interventions, in its essence, are good clinical practices in the physical, psychological, social and spiritual domains. This is congruent with the vision of nursing, first proposed by Florence Nightingale. There seem to be gaps in the literature regarding specific hope promoting interventions.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Nursing Interventions Promoting Self-Care in Elderly People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (At Home)Publication . Salvado, Susana; Grilo, Eugénia; Henriques, Helga; Ferraz, Isabel; Gaspar, Filomena; Baixinho, CristinaBackground/Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognised as one of the most cost-effective interventions. However, patients’ adherence to these programmes remains a challenge. This systematic literature review aimed to describe pulmonary rehabilitation interventions carried out by nurses that promote self-care in elderly people with COPD (at home). Methods: The exploratory literature search was conducted to support the development of the research question and the PICO strategy. The criteria for eligibility were determined for participants, interventions, comparators, and outcomes. Research was conducted in the CINAHL, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE databases and that covered publications up to 31 December 2024 with no temporal limit identified, eight articles that included cohort studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-experimental studies that met the quality standards established by JBI. Results: The identified interventions include health education, breathing training and physical exercise, the development of tailor-made plans with monitoring and follow-up, psychological support, and oxygen therapy management. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of tailor-made interventions that can enhance self-care in elderly people with COPD in a home setting, as well as key components of respiratory rehabilitation.
- Nurses' perspective on transitional care for older person with hip fracture: a qualitative studyPublication . Rocha, Paula; Lavareda Baixinho, Cristina; Albuquerque, Carlos; Batista, Susana; Henriques, Maria AdrianaBackground The aging process, being associated with a decrease in physical functionality, determines an increased risk of falling and, consequently, a greater risk of associated fractures. Among them, hip fracture often causes functional decline and difficulty returning to the state before the fracture. Objective To analyze nurses' perceptions of the transition process of the older person with hip fractures on returning home. Methods A descriptive, exploratory study of a qualitative nature was developed, based on two focus groups (FGs) with semi-structured interviews with nurses providing care to patients with hip fractures undergoing surgical treatment, whose activity takes place in a hospital context and care primary healthcare units, belonging to a Hospital in the central region of Portugal. Systematic data analysis and respective inductive work were carried out, with support from software Meetpulp®. Results The analysis of the two FGs, with 10 participants, outlines the contours of the problem that influences the personal, organizational and political spheres. Professionals recommend solutions to mitigate obstacles to the transition of care, such as: early involvement and better preparation of family members before discharge, offering greater support to caregivers, improving communication between professionals, creating a telephone support line, highlighting the importance networking and streamlining processes. Conclusion Nurses perceive important problems inherent to the transition process of older person with hip fractures, and the resulting impact on family caregivers and health services. The analysis of these aspects can constitute a basis for the reorganization of health services, in search of the best response to these needs.
- Psychometric Properties and Rasch Validation of the Herth Hope Index in a Sample of Portuguese Higher Education Students During a PandemicPublication . Laranjeira, Carlos; Querido, Ana; Lourenço, Tânia; Charepe, Zaida; Ali, Amira Mohammed; Fekih-Romdhane, Feten; Yıldırım, Murat; Dixe, Maria dos AnjosA greater understanding of health-promoting factors, such as hope, is crucial for preventing and enhancing the mental health of higher education students. The Herth Hope Index (HHI) is a 12-item tool that has been widely used to assess a comprehensive, non-temporal perception of hope. While this instrument has been used extensively in adult populations, most studies focus on clinical populations. Additionally, the HHI reveals inconsistencies in terms of scale dimensionality and items to be retained. Therefore, this study sought to assess the HHI’s psychometric characteristics in a sample of Portuguese Higher Education students. The person response validity, internal scale validity, unidimensionality, and uniform differential item functioning were assessed using a Rasch rating scale model. A total of 2227 higher education students participated during the e-survey activation period (spring semester of 2020). The mean age of the sample was 22.5 ± 6.2 years (range 18–59 years). Three of the twelve items (#3, #5, and #6) failed to satisfy the established criterion for goodness of fit. Following the elimination of these three items, the resultant nine-item scale exhibited satisfactory item fit to the model, appropriate unidimensionality (52.4% of the variance explained), enough person goodness of fit, sufficient separation, and the absence of differential item functioning. The 9-item version of the HHI had psychometric properties comparable to the original 12-item version. This study also underscores the importance of validated instruments for assessing hope-based interventions in academic contexts. Further research is necessary to explore the potential dimensions inherent to the hope concept and to identify variations in hope profiles among items influenced by cultural attributes.