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Exploring Injury Prevention Strategies for Futsal Players: A Systematic Review
Full text linkFutsal carries a high risk of injury for players. This systematic review aimed to assess the existing literature on injury prevention strategies for futsal players. The literature was searched using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to 20 March 2024. Relevant articles were searched using the terms “futsal” AND “injury” AND “prevention”. Fourteen studies were included in the review. The review identified several injury prevention strategies with potential benefits for futsal players. Structured warm-up routines were shown to improve balance and eccentric strength and to reduce total, acute, and lower limb injuries. Proprioceptive training methods were suggested to improve joint stability and landing mechanics, which may reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, multicomponent methods that include components such as core stability and flexibility have shown potential for reducing injury rates in futsal players. Finally, by reducing fatigue and improving movement control, strength training procedures designed to correct muscular imbalances may improve performance, which may ultimately minimize the risk of injury. This systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of different injury prevention strategies for futsal players. The combination of several strategies, such as proprioceptive training, multicomponent programs, warm-up routines, and strength training specifically designed to address muscular imbalances, appears promisingThis work is supported by national funds (FCT\u2014Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) under the project UIDB/DTP/04045/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Biochars Derived from Olive Mill Byproducts: Typology, Characterization, and Eco-Efficient Application in Agriculture—A Systematic Review
Full text linkIn the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar agricultural and envi-
ronmental applications have attracted a good deal of attention. Biochar has unique characteristics
like surface area, porosity, water-holding capacity, pH, surface charge, and nutrients. This study
reviews the biochar production from olive pomace (OP) and olive stone (OS) byproducts, its chemical
and physical characterization, and its environmental application. The current review highlights the
conditions for biochar production, the effects of pyrolysis temperature, and feedstock type on the
physicochemical properties of biochar. High pyrolysis temperature (>500 ◦C) promotes a high specific
surface area, high porosity (especially for OS biochars), and pH as well as the content of ash and fixed
carbon, but generates low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC) and high
values of O/C and H/C ratio. OP biochar also presents a high C amount, and ash content, i.e., rich in
nutrients and high alkalizing capacity. OP biochar serves as an important source of plant nutrients,
especially potassium. After adding both types of biochar, aggregate stability and the amount of water
held in soil increase, and bulk density and bioavailability of trace elements decrease. Thus, biochar
from olive mill wastes can be a potential plant nutrient reservoir, a good amendment to improve
soil properties and long-term carbon sequestration. Results presented in this review can be used to
build designer biochars from olive mill wastes to help solve environmental issues (water purification
and pollutant remediation) and are suitable for improving soil physical chemistry characteristics and
crop growth.The authors are grateful for the financial support of the research carried out by project
“EEAGRANT_CALL#5—Innovative nature-based solutions for restoring ecosystem services in areas
degraded by the great fire of Picões, Portugal—SOILING” funded by European Economic Area
(EEA) Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy
Programme. ‘Environment Programme (*); and Programme 13/REACT-EU/2021 “ForestWaterUp-
Nature-based solutions for the ecological restoration of degraded soils in the Sabor Lakes” (POCI-07-
62G4-FEDER-181557), funded by COMPETE 2020 Operational Programme. The authors are also grate-
ful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for the financial support through na-
tional funds by FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020)
and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020); and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020
(DOI:10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020), and by the institutional scientific employment program-contract
with Zulimar Hernández. Ana Paula Ferreira thanks her doctoral Grant with reference PRT/BD/
153090/2021, financed by FCT, with funds from NORTE2020, under Program MIT Portugal. (*)
Through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway
are partners in the internal market with the Member States of the European Union. The Secretary-
General of the Environment operated EEA Grants support to Portugal to promote a continuous and Sustainability 2024, 16, 5004 26 of 31
balanced strengthening of economic and trade relations, reduce social and economic disparities in
Europe, and strengthen bilateral relations between these three countries and the beneficiary countries. The authors would like to acknowledge 11 Call#5-SOILING for funding a full-time Pos-Doctoral Grant (MORE/SOILING/1) for the first author (J.F.L.F.), which allowed the
publication of the present researchinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Análise da via verde trauma de um serviço de urgência do norte de Portugal
Full text linkO trauma é lesão no organismo que pode estar associado à morte ou a
incapacidades temporárias ou permanentes de extensão variável. O seu prognóstico depende da
celeridade de cuidados de saúde adequados. Os sistemas de saúde têm organizados redes
estruturadas de emergência para atender a essas situações, sendo em Portugal operacionalizada
por diretrizes produzidas pela Direção Geral de Saúde, a Via Verde Trauma (VVT).
Objetivos: Descrever os resultados da implementação do protocolo da Via Verde Trauma num
Serviço de Urgência Geral de um centro hospitalar da região norte de Portugal, no período de
janeiro de 2021 a agosto de 2022 e analisar a mortalidade dos doentes inseridos em Via Verde
Trauma.
Métodos: Estudo transversal analítico. A população do estudo são todos os doentes inseridos
em VVT num SU centro hospitalar da região norte de Portugal, com registos na base de dados
de VVT, obtendo-se assim uma amostra de 204 participantes. Foi construída uma grelha para
onde foi transposta a informação sobre sexo e idade da vítima, prioridade estabelecida pelo
sistema de triagem de Manchester, tempo de permanência na SE, tipo de trauma e segmento
afetado, critérios de ativação da VVT e causa subjacente ao trauma, destino do doente após os
cuidados na SE, altas e óbitos. O estudo obteve o parecer favorável da comissão de ética.
Resultados: A amostra foi constituída maioritariamente por vítimas do sexo masculino (75,0
%), com mais de 60 anos 41,7% e triados cor laranja 93,6%. O nível de consciência foi o critério
absoluto que determinou a ativação da VVT (19,1%), mais frequente e a queda de uma altura
superior a três metros (19,6%) foi o critério relativo mais frequente. A principal causa de
ativação foram os acidentes de viação (55,4%), seguido das quedas (24,5%). O trauma fechado
representou a esmagadora maioria (97,2%) dos traumas registados, que afetaram
principalmente o segmento cranioencefálico (46,6%), seguido das extremidades e do torácico.
Tiveram como destino outra valência do SU (72%). A taxa de mortalidade foi de 1,47%
ocorreram na SE eram homens, com mais de 60 anos e triados com cor vermelha, com
traumatismo cranioencefálico fechado e com tempo em emergência superior a uma hora. Não
se verificou associação da mortalidade com as restantes variáveis.
Conclusão: A VVT foi ativada maioritariamente em casos envolvendo o sexo masculino e
pessoas mais velhas. O trauma é maioritariamente desencadeado por acidentes de viação e
quedas, e resulta em traumas fechados, maioritariamente traumatismo cranioencefálico, das extremidades e torácicos. A mortalidade dos doentes inseridos na VVT foi reduzida, com três
óbitos em 204 casos, associado a traumatismo cranioencefálico em vítimas com idade superior a
60 anos, dois do sexo masculino e uma do sexo feminino.Trauma is injury to the body that can be associated with death or
temporary or permanent disabilities of varying extent. Prognosis depends on the time of
adequate healthcare. Health systems have organized structured emergency networks to respond
to these situations, which in Portugal are operationalized by guidelines produced by the General
Directorate of Health, Trauma Green Lane (TGL) [Via Verde Trauma].
Objectives: Objectives: To describe the results of the implementation of the Trauma Green
Lane protocol in an Emergency Department of a hospital center in the northern region of
Portugal, from January 2021 to August 2022 and analyze the mortality of patients included in
Trauma Network protocol.
Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study. The study population was all patients
undergoing TGL in a hospital center in the north of Portugal, with records in the TGL database,
thus obtaining a sample of 204 participants. The information was transposed to a database on
the victim's sex and age, priority established by the Manchester triage system, length of stay in
the ED, type of trauma and affected segment, TGL activation criteria and underlying cause of
the trauma, destination of the patient after care in the ED, discharges and deaths. The study
obtained a favorable opinion from the ethics committee.
Results: The sample was predominantly composed of male victims (75.0%), 41.7% were over
60 years old and 93.6% were screened orange. The level of consciousness was the absolute
criterion that determined the activation of the TGL (19.1%). The main cause of activation was
car accidents (55.4%), followed by falls (24.5%). Blunt trauma represented the majority
(97.2%) of recorded traumas, which mainly affected the cranioencephalic segment (46.6%),
followed by the extremities and the thoracic segment. Victims were transferred mainly to
another part of the ED (72%). The mortality rate was 1.47%, they occurred in the ED and were
men, over 60 years old and screened as red, with closed head trauma and time spent in the
emergency room for more than one hour. There was no association between mortality and the
remaining variables.
Conclusion: Trauma Green Lane was predominantly activated in cases involving male
individuals and older people. Trauma was mostly triggered by car accidents and falls, and
results in blunt trauma, mostly to the head, extremities and chest. The mortality of patients inserted into the Trauma Network was reduced, with three deaths in 204 cases, associated with
traumatic brain injury in victims aged over 60, two were male, and one was female
Características da dor em utentes atendidos no serviço de urgência, avaliados pelo sistema de triagem de Manchester
Full text linkA dor é o 5º sinal vital e o seu controlo eficaz é um dever dos profissionais,
um direito dos doentes e um avanço para efetiva humanização das Unidades de Saúde. A
experiência e gestão da dor constituem elementos centrais na prestação de cuidados de
saúde, especialmente em contextos de urgência. A dor é o motivo mais comum que leva
os doentes a deslocarem-se ao Serviço de Urgência. Objetivos: O objetivo geral do
presente estudo foi descrever características da dor dos utentes avaliados pelo sistema de
triagem de Manchester em serviços de urgência básica e de urgência geral médico-
cirúrgica, de um Centro Hospitalar da região centro de Portugal, no ano de 2022.
Metodologia: A metodologia adotada consistiu num estudo epidemiológico descritivo
transversal correlacional de natureza quantitativa. Resultados: Foram analisados dados
pseudo anonimizados de uma população de 139149 admissões nos Serviços de Urgência
de um Centro Hospitalar no centro dos pais. Sendo selecionada a amostra segundo os
critérios de inclusão e exclusão definidos. A recolha de dados foi solicitada ao gabinete
de controlo e gestão da mesma instituição. Os dados foram analisados com recurso a
estatística descritiva. Constatou-se que 60,59% dos doentes que recorreram aos serviços
de urgência foram avaliados pelo sistema de triagem de Manchester com dor. Verificou-
se uma predominância do sexo feminino 54,7%, em termos de faixa etária observa-se que
o maior número de registos ocorre entre os 45 e 54 anos. Observou-se que os problemas
nos membros foi o motivo mais referido. E a intensidade da dor mais sentida foi a
moderada, correspondendo ao intervalo entre 5 e 7 na escala numérica. Conclusão: Os
resultados do presente estudo revelam aspetos importantes acerca da experiência e gestão
da dor no Serviço de Urgência. Sendo o enfermeiro o primeiro profissional de saúde a
obter contacto com o doente que se desloca ao SU, é o qualificado responsável para avaliar
e priorizar a pessoa no momento da sua chegada ao serviço, tendo um papel preponderante
na avaliação da sua dor, necessitando para isso de estar sensibilizado para esta
problemática, para a promoção de boas práticas na gestão da dor.Pain is the 5th vital sign and its effective control is a duty of
professionals, a right of patients and an advance for the effective humanization of Health
Units. Pain experience and management are central elements in the provision of health
care, especially in emergency settings. Pain is the most common reason that leads
patients to go to the Emergency Department. Objectives: The general objective of the
present study was to describe pain characteristics of patients evaluated by the
Manchester triage system in basic emergency and general medical-surgical emergency
services, of a Hospital Center in the central region of Portugal, in the year 2022.
Methodology: The methodology adopted consisted of a cross-sectional descriptive
epidemiological study of a quantitative nature. Results: Pseudo-anonymized data from a
population of 139149 admissions to the Emergency Department of a Hospital Center in
the parents' center were analyzed. The sample was selected according to the defined
inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was requested from the control and
management office of the same institution. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics. It was found that 60.59% of the patients who went to the emergency
department were evaluated by the Manchester triage system for pain. There was a
predominance of females (54.7%), in terms of age group, the highest number of
registrations occurs between 45 and 54 years old. It was observed that limb problems
were the most frequently reported reason. And the intensity of the most felt pain was
moderate, corresponding to the interval between 5 and 7 on the numerical scale.
Conclusion: The results of the present study reveal important aspects about the
experience and management of pain in the Emergency Department. As the nurse is the
first health professional to have contact with the patient who goes to the ED, he is the
qualified person responsible for evaluating and prioritizing the person at the time of their
arrival at the service, having a preponderant role in the evaluation of their pain, and for
this they need to be sensitized to this problem, for the promotion of good practices in
pain management
Valor fertilizante de leguminosas anuais cultivadas como adubo verde
Full text linkMestrado de dupla diplomação com o Instituto Superior Politécnico de GazaAs leguminosas anuais cultivadas como adubo verde podem variar em seu valor
fertilizante dependendo de vários fatores, como a espécie de leguminosa, o manejo
agronómico e as condições do solo. No entanto, em geral, as leguminosas anuais têm um
alto valor fertilizante devido à sua capacidade de fixar azoto atmosférico através da
simbiose com bactérias da família Rizobiaceae. O azoto é um nutriente essencial para o
crescimento das plantas, mas muitas vezes é limitado no solo. As leguminosas anuais têm
a capacidade de fixar azoto atmosférico e convertê-lo em uma forma utilizável pelas
plantas. Essa fixação de azoto ocorre dentro dos nódulos das raízes das leguminosas, onde
as bactérias fixadoras transformam azoto elementar em amónia e outros compostos
nitrogenados. Além de fornecer azoto para as plantas, as leguminosas anuais também
podem melhorar a saúde do solo e aumentar sua fertilidade. Isso ocorre porque as raízes
das leguminosas podem penetrar profundamente no solo, contribuindo para diminuir os
riscos de compactação e usando nutrientes que estavam nas camadas mais profundas.
Além disso, as leguminosas anuais também podem melhorar a estrutura do solo, aumentar
a matéria orgânica e a capacidade de retenção de água. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o valor
fertilizante de leguminosas e gramíneas, incluindo seu potencial de incorporação de azoto
no solo e o favorecimento na absorção de outros nutrientes, em duas áreas de olival de
sequeiro com solos ácidos. O primeiro ensaio foi instalado na quinta do Valongo em
Mirandela, no Nordeste de Portugal. O segundo ensaio foi instalado em Bragança na
quinta do Pinheiro Manso. Cada ensaio consistiu em 11 talhões, sendo cada um
delimitado por quatro oliveiras num compasso 7 m × 7 m, a que correspondem 49 m2,
onde se semearam individualmente, fava (Vicia faba, cvs. Favel e Vesúvio), tremoço-
branco (Lupinus albus, cv. Estoril), treomoço-de-folha-estreita ou tremoço-azul (Lupinus
angustifolium, cv. Karo), tremocilhas (Lupinus luteus, cvs. Nacional e Mister), trevo-
encarnado (Trifolium incarnatum, cv. Diogene), trevo-subterrâneo (Trifolium
subterraneum, cvs. Campeda e Dalkeith), aveia (Avena sativa, cv. Boa Fé) e azevém
anual (Lolium multiflorum, cv. Falladino). As plantas foram colhidas ao longo de três
fases distintas (março a maio) e levadas para estufa de secagem regulada a 70 oC até
atingirem peso constante, sendo posteriormente pesadas, moídas e analisadas para a
composição elementar dos seus tecidos. Nos dois ensaios, as tremocilhas, cvs. Nacional
(7,27 t ha-1 e 8,28 t ha-1) e o tremoceiro-azul, cv. Karo (7,21 t ha-1 e 8,83 t ha-1),
apresentaram os maiores valores de matéria seca, assim como maior acumulação de azoto,
revelando-se as mais promissoras para adubação verde, constituindo-se como uma
importante fonte de azoto para a cultura principal e para a melhoria da fertilidade do solo.Annual legumes grown as green manure can vary in their fertilizing value
depending on several factors, such as the legume species, agronomic management and
soil conditions. However, in general, annual legumes have a high fertilizing value due to
their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with bacteria of the
Rizobiaceae family. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but it is often
limited in the soil. Annual legumes have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and
convert it into a form usable by plants. This nitrogen fixation occurs in the root nodules
of legumes, where bacteria transform elemental nitrogen into ammonia and other
nitrogenous compounds. In addition to providing nitrogen to plants, annual legumes can
also improve soil health and increase soil fertility. This is because legume roots can
penetrate deep into the soil, helping to reduce the risks of compaction and releasing
nutrients that were taken up from deeper layers. Additionally, annual legumes can also
improve soil structure and increase organic matter and water holding capacity. In this
work, the fertilizing value of legumes and grasses was studied evaluating their potential
for incorporating nitrogen into the soil and favoring the uptake of other nutrients, in two
plots of rainfed olive groves with acidic soils. One experiment was installed at Quinta do
Valongo in Mirandela, in the Northeast of Portugal. The second trial was installed in
Bragança on the Pinheiro Manso farm. Each trial consisted of 11 plots, each delimited by
four olive trees in a 7 m × 7 m space, corresponding to 49 m2, where were sown
individually, broad beans (Vicia faba, cvs. Favel and Vesúvio) and white lupine (Lupinus
albus, cv. Estoril), narrow-leaf lupine or blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolium, cv. Karo),
lupins (Lupinus luteus, cvs. Nacional and Mister), red clover (Trifolium incarnatum, cv.
Diogene), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum, cvs. Campeda and Dalkeith),
oats (Avena sativa, cv. Boa Fé) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum, cv. Falladino).
The plants were sampled three times (from March to May), oven-dried at 70 oC until they
reached a constant weight, and subsequently weighed, ground and analyzed for the
elemental composition in their tissues. In both experiments, lupins, cvs. Nacional (7.27 t
ha-1 and 8.28 t ha-1) and blue lupine, cv. Karo (7.21 t ha-1 and 8.83 t ha-1), presented the
highest dry matter values, as well as the highest nitrogen accumulation, proving to be the
most promising for green manure, constituting an important source of nitrogen for the
main crop and for improving soil fertility
VPD-based models of dead fine fuel moisture provide best estimates in a global dataset
Full text linkDead fine fuel moisture content (FM) is one of the most important determinants of fire behavior. Fire scientists
have attempted to effectively estimate FM for nearly a century, but we are still lacking broad scale evaluations of
the different approaches for prediction. Here we tackle this problem by taking advantage or a recently compiled
global fire behavior database (BONFIRE) gathering 1603 records of 1h (i.e., <6 mm diameter or thickness) dead
fuel moisture content from measurements before experimental fires. We compared the results of models routinely
used by different agencies worldwide, empirical models, semi-mechanistic models and also non-linear and
machine learning approaches based on either temperature and relative humidity or vapor pressure deficit (VPD).
A semi-mechanistic model based on VPD showed the best performance across all FM ranges and a historical
model developed in Australia (MK5) was additionally recommended for low fuel moisture estimations. We also
observed significant differences in FM dynamics between vegetation types with FM in grasslands more responsive
to changes in atmospheric dryness than woody ecosystems. The addition of computational complexity through
machine learning is not recommended since the gain in model fit is small relative to the increase in complexity.
Future research efforts should concentrate on predictions at low FM (<10 %) as this is the range most significant
for fire behavior and where the poorest model performance was observed. Model predictions are available from
https://hcfm.shinyapps.io/shinyfmd/.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science
and Technology (projects UIDB/04033/2020 and PTDC/AAG-MAA/
2656/2014), the Spanish MICINN (RTI2018-094691-B-C31, PID2020-
116556RA-I00) and EU H2020 (grant agreements 101003890-FirEUrisk,
and 101037419-FireRES).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Evaluating the fire behaviour of cement-based lightweight materials with textile waste incorporation using a cone calorimeter
Full text linkThe conscientious utilization of natural resources and the efficient waste management have
become a matter of great concern in recent years due to the harmful impacts on the environment.
The construction sector presents itself as one of the sectors that most contributes to raw materials
consumption and waste generation, demanding the investigation of more sustainable and ecofriendly
building materials, where the valorisation of wastes originated from other industries
can be promising. Following the sustainability concept in construction materials, this work investigates
the potential use of textile waste in cement-based lightweight construction material,
evaluating the fire reaction of the material using the cone calorimeter equipment. The samples
were tested at three different radiant heat fluxes (35 kW/m2, 50 kW/m2, 75 kW/m2) to simulate
different fire situations. For the highest heat flux, the lightweight construction element with
textile waste incorporation showed a Heat Release Rate Average ≤ 18 kW/m2, a peak Heat
Release Rate Average ≤ 60 kW/m2, and a Total Heat Release Average ≤ 33 MJ/m2. These results
reveal a very satisfactory fire behaviour compared to other materials and show the suitability of
using textile waste as lightweight cement-based materials.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Soluções práticas na implementação de lean construction em estaleiros de construção: estudo de caso
Full text linkO setor da construção civil tem se tornado cada vez mais globalizado, o que faz com que esta indústria enfrente um cenário mais competitivo, sendo fundamental que as empresas encontrem maneiras de se destacar. A Lean Construction surge como uma abordagem estratégica para impulsionar a competitividade e alcançar vantagens no mercado, uma vez que visa melhorar a eficiência na construção civil através da eliminação de desperdícios e otimização de processos, envolvendo princípios e ferramentas para aumentar a produtividade, reduzir custos, melhorar a qualidade e satisfazer o cliente, e ainda promove a melhoria contínua e incentiva a colaboração entre todas as partes interessadas, incluindo fornecedores,
empreiteiros e clientes. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho consiste em compreender a filosofia Lean
Construction e analisar os pressupostos que podem ser aplicados aos estaleiros de construção, visando melhorar a produtividade e eliminação de desperdícios dos mesmos, além de buscar corroborar com a sustentabilidade no setor. Para isto, foi realizada uma análise das práticas Lean Construction que poderiam ser aplicadas em estaleiros de construção e realizado um estudo de caso numa empresa de construção em Portugal. Este estudo de caso envolveu a aplicação de questionário dirigido a diversos técnicos da empresa, para entendimento da necessidade, aceitação e aplicabilidade das referidas soluções Lean.
Foram selecionadas dez ferramentas Lean (5S, Gestão Visual, Last Planner System, Kaizen, Instruções de Trabalho, Value Stream Mapping, Procssos Cíclicos, Kanban, Standard Work e Overall Equipement Effectiveness), e os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que a apenas metade dos inquiridos conheciam a filosofia Lean, e dos que conheciam, não era todas as ferramentas. Na empresa em si, os mesmos identificaram apenas quatro dessas ferramentas (5S, Gestão Visual, Last Planner System e Standard Work) são efetivamente aplicadas. Os entrevistados valorizam a aplicação da Lean, reconhecendo seus benefícios, e demonstram interesse em saber mais sobre a filosofia e suas ferramentas. Com base nesses resultados, foi desenvolvido um guia prático para estaleiros de obras, visando facilitar e promover a aplicação das ferramentas Lean Construction em estaleiros de obras. Esse guia irá auxiliar as equipes, em diferentes estaleiros de obra, e ao implementar as práticas do Lean Construction, de maneira consistente, espera-se promover a melhoria contínua, a redução de desperdícios e o aumento da produtividade no estaleiro, além de implementar uma cultura de sustentabilidade.The civil construction sector has become increasingly globalized, placing it in a more competitive scenario where it is crucial for companies to find ways to stand out. Lean Construction emerges as a strategic approach to boost competitiveness and gain advantages in the market. It aims to improve efficiency in civil construction by eliminating waste and optimizing processes, involving principles and tools to increase productivity, reduce costs, enhance quality, and satisfy the customer. Furthermore, it promotes continuous improvement and encourages collaboration among all stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and
clients. In this context, the objective of this work is to understand the Lean Construction philosophy and analyze the assumptions that can be applied to construction yards, aiming to improve their productivity and eliminate waste, while also contributing to sustainability in the sector. To achieve this, an analysis of Lean Construction practices applicable to construction yards was conducted, along with a case study in a construction company in Portugal. This case study involved the administration of a questionnaire to various technicians within the company to comprehend the need, acceptance, and applicability of the aforementioned Lean solutions. Ten Lean tools were selected (5S, Visual Management, Last Planner System, Kaizen,
Work Instructions, Value Stream Mapping, Cyclical Processes, Kanban, Standard Work, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and the research results showed that only half of the respondents were familiar with the Lean philosophy, and among those who were, not all the tools were known. In the company itself, they identified only four of these tools (5S, Visual Management, Last Planner System, and Standard Work) that are effectively applied. The interviewees value the application of Lean, recognizing its benefits, and express interest in learning more about the philosophy and its tools. Based on these results, a practical guide for construction yards was developed to facilitate and promote the application of Lean Construction tools in construction yards. This guide will assist teams in different construction yards, and by consistently implementing Lean Construction practices, it is expected to promote continuous improvement, waste reduction, and increased productivity on the construction site, while also instilling a culture of sustainability
The role of higher education institutions as promoters of regional competitiveness: a case study
No full textThis paper describes a specific situation where the involvement of a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB) acted as a booster for region-al competitiveness. The HEI implemented a project named “creation of business coopera-tion networks in rural cross-border regions between companies in the gourmet agri-food and tourism sectors”, with the Portuguese acronym CRECEER, The main objective of this project was to develop and implement measures to increase the companies’ competitive-ness, by enhancing certain areas, such as quality, design, Information and Communication Technologies (ITC), and marketing, along with the creation of a common framework that jointly commercialized products and services, specifically from rural accommodation enterprises and companies producing endogenous products with gourmet potential. It is our intention to describe the activities developed by the HEI involved in the implementa-tion of the project, and to show the crucial part the education institution took in the crea-tion and enhancement of online marketing strategies, in two regions, Douro and Alto Trás-os-Montes (Portugal), that include a total of 28 municipalities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Activity proposals to improve children’s climate literacy and environmental literacy
Full text linkWith the climate crisis, schools have a fundamental role to enrich children’s climate literacy, which should begin in their early years and continue for life. Developing activities in the classroom can be an excellent way of bringing this about. This work is part of a larger research project, during which a previous study was carried out with 245 children aged 9 to 13, in which we identified some limitations in their knowledge about climate change. Based on these results, we decided to present some proposals for activities that could help improve these children’s climate literacy. The study we conducted was of an exploratory character, and the main objective was to understand the impact of applying a set of activities to 54 children. The objectives of this work were to increase the climate literacy of the children involved—more specifically, to evaluate the impact of implementing three activities related to climate change and identify the knowledge about the cases and consequences of climate change that were acquired by the children involved. To collect the data, we used a focus group technique and content analysis to process it. The results revealed that the children acquired a better understanding of the problem of climate change—in particular, the causes and consequences of it and of the concept of the ecological footprint—as well as motivation to contribute to mitigating the problem. We conclude that the activities proposed could contribute to improving climate literacy, as well as stimulate children’s curiosity and proactivity so that they become citizens capable of exercising their active citizenship.This work has been supported by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the
Project Scope: UIDB/05777/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio