11763 research outputs found
Sort by
Quality of life of women with urinary incontinence in the postpartum period: an integrative literature review
No full textArticle number - 1562572Urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and after childbirth can negatively impact women's lifestyles, health, and well-being. It is a common problem that is often normalized by both healthcare professionals and women. This integrative review examines the influence of UI on women's quality of life (QoL) during the postpartum period and identifies the main affected domains. It will also contribute to the discussion of the results of a primary study. Fourteen studies were included in this review, mainly from Brazil and Spain, with most using quantitative methods. The findings indicate that UI negatively affects the QoL of women during the postpartum period, with mixed UI causing greater discomfort despite stress UI being more frequent. The main affected domains are general health perception, physical functioning, daily life activities, psychological/emotional/mental and social aspects, and sexuality. Effective interventions should promote women's self-care and enhance their awareness and recognition of the problem. These interventions should go beyond physical aspects to address emotional and psychological dimensions, such as low self-esteem and self-image, secrecy, embarrassment, and reluctance to seek help. Nurse midwives have specialized skills and can work within multidisciplinary teams to improve the QoL of women with UI at a time of increased vulnerability.Acknowledgments
The corresponding author gratefully acknowledges the support of the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Nursing School of Coimbra, and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under grant reference project UIDB/00742/2020
The Influence of Muscle Flexibility Training on Chronic Pain in Older Adults: An Exploratory Systematic Review
No full textBackground/Objectives: This exploratory systematic review aims to analyze the influence of isolated muscle flexibility training on the reduction of chronic pain symptoms in older adults aged 65 years or more. Articles were selected from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, using the EndNote software for reference management. The selection process followed the PICOS framework and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Methods: The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials with participants aged 65 or older, evaluating the effect of flexibility training as a standalone intervention on chronic pain, and published in English or Portuguese. Studies were excluded if they involved multimodal training, did not specify participants’ ages, evaluated only acute or postoperative pain, or were not peer-reviewed articles. Results: From an initial pool of 1390 articles, only three met all criteria and were included in the final analysis. These studies—conducted in China (n = 2) and the United States (n = 1)—showed moderate methodological quality (PEDro score = 7/10). Two trials applied Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in participants with knee osteoarthritis, while the third compared a flexibility-based program to combined strength and aerobic training in a healthy elderly population. All studies reported significant reductions in chronic pain symptoms following flexibility training interventions. Conclusions: The reviewed evidence suggests that muscle flexibility training, particularly using techniques like PNF, may be a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate specific chronic pain-related symptoms in older adults, particularly reductions in joint stiffness, movement discomfort, and pain intensity associated with osteoarthritis. However, the limited number of high-quality trials and heterogeneity in protocols and pain assessment tools highlight the need for further research.This work was funded by National Funds by FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology under the following project UID/04045: Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Development.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Aprendizagem pela descoberta: o caso das funções sintáticas no 2.º CEB
No full textApresenta-se, neste artigo, o relato e a análise de uma experiência de ensino-aprendizagem reali zada no ano letivo de 2020/2021, em contexto de Prática Pedagógica, na disciplina de Português, com uma turma de 5.º ano de escolaridade, na Escola E. B. 2/3 Dr. Correia Mateus, em Leiria. Enquadrada por uma lógica de investigação-ação, a experiência didática incidiu no processo de ensino-aprendizagem de um conteúdo gramatical específico (funções sintáticas), privilegiando atividades de aprendizagem pela descoberta.
Os resultados alcançados permitem concluir que, mesmo em contexto de pandemia (em que as circunstâncias não são favoráveis quer à realização de trabalhos em pequenos grupos em presença, quer à troca de materiais entre alunos), é possível proporcionar aprendizagens significativas, produtivas e eficazes, ao nível do conhecimento linguístico (sintático e metassintático), centradas em atividades pela descoberta, de carácter oficinal.The following article presents the report and analysis of a teaching-learning experience carried out in the academic year of 2020/2021, in the context of Pedagogical Practice, in Portuguese subject, with a class of students attending year 5 at Escola Dr. Correia Mateus, in Leiria. Framed by an action-research logic, the didactic experience focused on the teaching-learning process of a specific grammatical content (syntactic functions), favouring learning activities through discovery.
The results achieved allow us to conclude that, even in the context of a pandemic (in which the circumstances are not favourable either to carry out work in small groups in presence or to exchange materials between students), it is possible to provide significant, productive and effective learning at linguistic knowledge (syntactic and metasyntactic), centred on activities for discovery of an official nature.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The Green Ad Chain Reaction: The Perceived Value as a Bridge Between Advertising Appeals, Brand Attachment, and Purchase Intentions
No full textIn recent decades, sustainability has emerged as a global imperative, driving businesses to shift toward green strategies that align with environmentally conscious consumers. However, expanding into international markets requires more than just sustainable intent, it demands cultural adaptation. Consumer responses to green advertising vary across nations, making it essential to understand how these green messages are interpreted. Therefore, green advertising is not merely a communication tool, it is a strategic bridge that connects brand values with consumer identity. This master's dissertation examines the impact of rational appeals (informativeness), emotional appeals, and advertising credibility on the perceived value of green ads and how this, in turn, influences brand emotional attachment, brand identification, and purchase intention. Additionally, it examines whether brand emotional attachment and brand identification influence purchase intention in both markets, Portugal and Ecuador. A survey of 410 participants was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results highlight that rational and credibility appeals significantly influence both markets, while emotional appeals proved effective only in Portugal. Additionally, environmental concern moderates the relationship between rational appeal and perceived value solely in the Portuguese context. Perceived ad value positively affects brand attachment, brand identification, and purchase intention, although only brand identification leads to purchase intention. These insights offer valuable implications for marketers and future research
Entre escrita e reescrita: O relevo dos desafios da gramática e do discurso na aprendizagem do português por estudantes chineses
No full textOs aprendentes de uma língua estrangeira enfrentam o desafio de progressivamente as suas produções serem conformes às regras da língua e discursivamente adequadas. O presente estudo incide sobre a escrita em português por estudantes chineses. Analisa se a manutenção do conteúdo ideacional se reflete numa progressão linguístico-discursiva significativa. Metodologicamente, comparou-se a ocorrência de incorreções na escrita de um texto sobre o mesmo tema, em três momentos diferentes. Os resultados não mostraram uma diminuição significativa generalizada das incorreções, mas perfis de progressão diferenciados. Embora presente, a retoma ideacional não foi feita em associação com a formulação linguístico-discursiva. Este resultado implica que a ação didática deve desenvolver a capacidade de construir o conteúdo segundo especificações e formulações diversificadas, para dar resposta ao desafio de reprocessamento ideacional e linguístico que tem lugar em cada texto. Esse reprocessamento coloca novos desafios específicos, com relevo para os domínios da gramática e do discurso.Foreign language learners face the challenge of progressively aligning their productions with the rules of the language and ensuring discursive appropriateness. This study focuses on the writing in Portuguese by Chinese students. It analyses whether the maintenance of ideational content is reflected in significant linguistic-discursive progression. Methodologically, the occurrence of inaccuracies in writing on the same topic was compared across three different moments. The results did not show a generalized significant decrease in inaccuracies, but differentiated progression profiles. Although ideational resumption was present, it was not carried out in association with linguistic-discursive formulation. This outcome implies that didactic action should aim to develop the ability to construct content according to diverse specifications and formulations, in order to address the challenge of ideational and linguistic reprocessing that occurs in every text. This reprocessing introduces new specific challenges, particularly in the domains of grammar and discourse.N/
The power of women on corporate boards and their impact on the company: Corporate performance, Strategic decision-making, Social Responsibility, Challenges and Barriers throughout different industries
No full textCorporate governance, corporate performance and sustainability have been, in the last few years, the key topics in the debate of gender diversity on corporate boards. Even though the presence of women has increased in the decision-making areas, their impact on corporate performance remains questioned. There are several studies highlighting the positive effects of women in financial and non-financial outcomes such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), while others report inclusive or weak results. This uncertainty reinforces how imperative it is to further examine whether and how women in corporate boards influence organizational performance across industries.
To analyze the relationship between gender diversity on corporate boards and corporate performance, this study will focus on financial indicators which includes return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), return on investment (ROI), net profit, and, also, non-financial indicators, including corporate social responsibility (CSR). A quantitative methodology is applied, along with a hypothetical approach by using data obtained from financial statements, annual and sustainability reports from fifteen European multinational companies across different industries throughout a period of ten years (2014-2024). To test whether gender diversity enhances corporate performance, statistical techniques such as regression analysis will be used.
It is found that the presence of women on boards is modestly but positively associated with operational efficiency, also a more stable relationship with CSR and sustainability outcomes demonstrates that gender diversity, particularly, women on corporate boards as a significant influence in shaping non-financial dimensions of performance. These findings will contribute to the on-going debate on gender diversity on boards and how corporate performance can be affected
O Impacto do Employer branding no Compromisso Afetivo, na Criatividade e no e-WOM mediado pela satisfação
No full textO tecido empresarial em Portugal é maioritariamente composto por pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs), muitas das quais têm dificuldades na atração e retenção de talentos, conferindo ao employer branding status de prioridade estratégica que requer uma abordagem integrada e colaborativa envolvendo os gestores de RH e do marketing, a administração e os próprios colaboradores, isto é toda a organização. Só uma employer branding forte é capaz de reduzir as taxas de rotatividade e atrair colaboradores qualificados.
Este estudo tem como objetivo fornecer evidências empíricas adicionais sobre o impacto do employer branding no compromisso afetivo, na criatividade e no e-WOM, mediado pela satisfação dos trabalhadores. Assim, tendo por base a informação recolhida por questionário numa amostra constituída por 206, realizou-se um estudo quantitativo, transversal, de natureza conclusiva e causal tendo-se estimado um modelo de equações estruturais através do PLS.
O estudo realizado permitiu comprovar que o employer branding exerce um impacto significativo na satisfação dos colaboradores, a qual, por sua vez, influencia positivamente o compromisso afetivo, a criatividade e o e-WOM. Os resultados evidenciam que a satisfação atua como mediadora essencial, transformando a perceção da marca empregadora em atitudes e comportamentos que geram valor para a organização.
Conclui-se que investir em employer branding contribui para atrair e reter talento, além de promover ambientes de trabalho mais motivadores e inovadores.The business fabric in Portugal is mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which have difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, giving employer branding the status of a strategic priority that requires an integrated and collaborative approach involving HR and marketing managers, management, and employees themselves, i.e., the entire organization. Only strong employer branding can reduce turnover rates and attract qualified employees.
This study aims to provide additional empirical evidence on the impact of employer branding on affective commitment, creativity, and e-WOM, mediated by employee satisfaction. Thus, based on information collected through a questionnaire from a sample of 206, a quantitative, cross-sectional, conclusive, and causal study was conducted, estimating a structural equation model using PLS.
The study proved that employer branding has a significant impact on employee satisfaction, which, in turn, positively influences affective commitment, creativity, and e-WOM. The results show that satisfaction acts as an essential mediator, transforming the perception of the employer brand into attitudes and behaviors that generate value for the organization.
It is concluded that investing in employer branding contributes to attracting and retaining talent, in addition to promoting more motivating and innovative work environments
Simplificando e acelerando o processo de construção de modelos para Cientistas de Dados
No full textO desenvolvimento de modelos de Machine Learning é um processo intrinsecamente
complexo, composto por múltiplas etapas, como o pré-processamento de dados, a seleção de
algoritmos, a otimização de hiperparâmetros e a avaliação de desempenho. Este projeto
propõe o desenvolvimento de uma plataforma automatizada, denominada MLCASE, com o
objetivo de simplificar e acelerar estas etapas, permitindo que os cientistas de dados
otimizem o seu tempo e concentrem os seus esforços na análise de resultados e na obtenção
de insights estratégicos. A MLCASE foi concebida com base na framework Streamlit,
proporcionando uma interface intuitiva e interativa, enquanto automatiza tarefas
fundamentais como a seleção de features, a pesquisa e otimização de hiperparâmetros e a
avaliação de modelos de aprendizagem automática. Adicionalmente, a plataforma integra a
criação automática de relatórios técnicos e gráficos analíticos, promovendo a
democratização do acesso a técnicas avançadas de Machine Learning e a sua aplicação
eficiente em áreas como saúde, finanças, marketing e ciência social.The development of Machine Learning models is inherently complex, encompassing
multiple stages such as data preprocessing, algorithm selection, hyperparameter
optimization, and performance evaluation. This project proposes the development of an
automated platform named MLCASE, designed to simplify and accelerate these stages,
enabling data scientists to optimize their time and focus on result analysis and strategic
insights. MLCASE is built using the Streamlit framework, providing an intuitive and
interactive interface while automating critical tasks such as feature selection,
hyperparameter tuning, and machine learning model evaluation. Additionally, the platform
includes automated creation of technical reports and analytical visualizations, promoting the
democratization of access to advanced Machine Learning techniques and their efficient
application in fields such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and social sciences
Práticas de Escuta como Ecologias Visionárias
No full textComissão Científica e Editoral
Ana João Romana, Catarina Leitão, Isabel Baraona,
Susana Gaudêncio, Orlando Franco e Célia Ferreira
Editor convidado Rodrigo E. R. Silv
Bioremediation of Synthetic Wastewater with Contaminants of Emerging Concern by Nannochloropsis sp. and Lipid Production: A Circular Approach
No full textContaminants of emerging concern (CECs) pose a potential risk to human and environmental health. Microalgae bioremediation is a promising approach for transforming or removing contaminants from the environment, while contributing to the circular economy. In this study, Nannochloropsis sp. was effectively used for the simultaneous removal of six CECs: paracetamol, ibuprofen, imidacloprid, methylparaben and bisphenol A at 10 µg mL−1 and triclosan at 0.5 µg mL−1 from synthetic wastewater, which were able to survive under such concentrations, higher than those commonly found in the environment (up to 2.82 µg mL−1 of methylparaben). High removal efficiencies were reached for methylparaben (100%) and bisphenol A (93 ± 2%), while for imidacloprid, paracetamol and ibuprofen, 30 ± 1%, 64 ± 2% and 49 ± 5% were removed, respectively. Subsequently, lipids were extracted, and the FAME profile was characterised using GS-MS. The main fatty acids identified after bioremediation were hexadecadienoic acid isomers (C16:2), palmitic acid (C16), linoleic acid (C18:2) and γ-linolenic acid (C18:3). The absence of oleic acid and stearic acid was noticed, suggesting an alteration in the lipidic profile due to contaminant exposure. By exploring the quantification of fatty acids in future work, potential applications for the extracted lipids can be explored, further demonstrating the feasibility of this circular process.The authors acknowledge the Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences UCIBIO (UIDP/04378/2020 and UIDB/04378/2020) and the Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy—i4HB (LA/P/0140/202019), through national funds from FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. Thisworkwas supported by the project PTDC/BTA-GES/2740/2020_NABIA, DOI 10.54499/PTDC/BTA GES/2740/2020. The Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC-IMC) is supported by the FCT through the project UIDB/00313/2020, DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00313/2020. We are also grateful for funding from PTScience which is supported through the programmes CENTRO-05-4740-FSE-001526 and FEDER. This research was also supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): LSRE-LCM—UIDB/50020/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/50020/2020) and UIDP/50020/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/50020/2020); and ALiCE—LA/P/0045/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0045/2020)