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Counseling and Prescription of Physical Exercise in Medical Consultations in Portugal: The Clinician’s Perspective
Full text linkAbstract: Background/Objectives: Physical exercise (PE) is essential in promoting health
and quality of life and protecting against chronic diseases. Health professionals are identified as key figures in promoting and prescribing PE, yet various factors may impact this
during consultations. This study aims to assess Portuguese specialist physicians’ understanding of the importance of PE prescriptions. It will also investigate the approaches they
utilize in promoting and prescribing PE, their knowledge of incorporating this practice
into their consultations, and the major facilitators or barriers to prescription. Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a validated questionnaire distributed via email by the Centre Regional Section of the Portuguese Medical Association to
physicians. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In
total, 414 responses were collected, with participants representing different medical specialties. The participants were primarily women (62.8%) with a mean age of 49.9 ± 14.9 years.
While 85.5% of physicians promoted and prescribed PE, recognizing its cardiovascular and
metabolic health benefits, only 24.0% received specific training, and 73.7% were unaware of
relevant guidelines. Older male physicians (over 60 years old) expressed more confidence
in PE prescriptions, while younger ones were more familiar with electronic prescribing
tools. Identified barriers included patient compliance (42.3%), a lack of accessible PE
resources (18.4%), and limited consultation time (17.4%). Most physicians (64.4%) relied
on oral counseling for prescriptions. Conclusions: Most Portuguese specialist doctors
recognize the benefits of PE prescriptions. However, barriers like inadequate training and
patient compliance hinder PE implementation. Enhanced training and resources are vital
for effectively integrating PE into clinical practice.N/
Comportamentos aditivos sem substância numa amostra de adolescentes da região centro
Full text linkTem vindo a aumentar a evidência de que os adolescentes passam muito tempo a jogar e que jogar em excesso pode conduzir a jogadores patológicos. A presente investigação tem como objetivo principal estudar comportamentos relacionados com dependências comportamentais sem substâncias, mais especificamente, o uso de videojogos e jogos de apostas (online e offline), numa amostra de adolescentes portugueses. Participaram neste estudo 247 adolescentes (56,3% do género masculino e 43,7 do género feminino) dos 13 aos 19 anos, duma escola pública da região centro. Utilizaramse as escalas: Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form, itens da Impact of Gambling Advertising Scale, Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure e Escala de Bem-estar Psicológico e um questionário sociodemográfico. A análise descritiva e inferencial foi realizada com recurso ao SPSS, com grau de confiança de 95%. Os resultados apontam que 1.6% dos adolescentes foram classificados como jogadores com distúrbio de videojogos e 21.1% estão em risco de Internet Gaming Disorder-IGD. A prevalência de jogos de apostas no último mês atingiu 23%, com preferência por apostas desportivas online (70%). O género masculino apresenta maior perturbação de jogo (gaming e gambling). A IGD relaciona-se negativamente com o bem-estar psicológico e a intensidade de jogo de apostas relaciona-se negativamente com relações positivas. Também se verificou a inexistência de relação significativa entre mindfulness e o uso de jogos (online/offline). Constata-se a importância de considerar os adolescentes com dependência de jogo online, como os que estão em risco de vir a desenvolver essa perturbação e de planear a deteção precoce.There is increasing evidence that adolescents spend too much time gaming and that excessive gaming can lead to pathological gamblers. This research aims to study behaviors related to non-substance behavioral addictions, more specifically, the use of video games and gambling (online and offline), in a sample of portuguese adolescents. A total of 247 adolescents (56.3% male and 43.7 female) aged 13-19 years, from a public school in the central region of Portugal participated in this study. The following scales were used: Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form, items from the Impact of Gambling Advertising Scale, Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure and Psychological Well-Being Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using SPSS, with a 95% confidence level. The results indicate that 1.6% of the adolescents were classified as gamers with video game disorder and 21.1% are at risk for Internet Gaming Disorder-IGD. The prevalence of gambling in the last month reached 23%, with a preference for online sports betting (70%). Male gender shows higher gambling disorder (gaming and gambling). IGD relates negatively to psychological well-being and gambling intensity relates negatively to positive relationships. It was also found that there was no significant relationship between mindfulness and gaming use (online/offline). The importance of considering adolescents with online gambling addiction as those at risk for developing this disorder and planning for early detection is noted
Perturbação do Espectro do Autismo no feminino: Um estudo qualitativo com mulheres portuguesas
No full textA Perturbação do Espectro do Autismo (PEA) é uma perturbação do neurodesenvolvimento caracterizada pela diversidade da manifestação dos sintomas em diferentes pessoas, nomeadamente nas mulheres. Embora haja uma crescente consciencialização sobre a perturbação, as experiências das mulheres com PEA ainda carecem de investigação aprofundada, especialmente a nível nacional. Este estudo qualitativo do tipo exploratório descritivo teve como objetivo abordar as trajetórias de vida, necessidades, funcionalidade, desafios e suportes/apoios de 13 mulheres portuguesas com PEA, com uma média de idades de 28,38 anos (DP=4,27). Utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada como instrumento de recolha de dados, de modo a permitir uma maior compreensão das experiências e perspetivas das participantes. Os resultados revelam a tendência para o diagnóstico tardio, frequentemente devido à subtileza dos sintomas e à capacidade de camuflar características. As participantes enfrentaram desafios nas diferentes fases do desenvolvimento, embora salientem também alguns aspetos facilitadores. Destacam-se as dificuldades na comunicação com pares a contrastar com a facilidade de relacionamento com adultos na infância, os desafios das mudanças físicas e falta de apoio na adolescência, divergindo do apoio familiar percebido na transição para a vida adulta. Ademais, as participantes deram sugestões para uma sociedade mais inclusiva, passando por mais apoio técnico, adaptações no emprego e investimento em conhecimento sobre a PEA. Assim, é importante aumentar a sensibilização para o tema em Portugal, começando pelos técnicos de saúde, educação e apoio social, a fim de melhorar a qualidade de vida destas mulheres, assim como potencializar oportunidades de acesso e sucesso, para que vivam numa sociedade mais inclusiva.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the diversity of symptom manifestations in different individuals, particularly in women. Despite increasing awareness of the disorder, the experiences of women with ASD still lack in-depth investigation, especially at the national level. This exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) research aimed to investigate the life trajectories, needs, functionality, challenges, and supports of 13 Portuguese women with ASD, with an average age of 28,38 years (SD=4,27). Semi-structured interviews are used as a data collection instrument to better understand the participants' experiences and perspectives. The results reveal a tendency towards late diagnosis, often due to the subtlety of symptoms and the ability to camouflage characteristics. Participants faced challenges in different phases of development, although they also highlighted some facilitating aspects. Difficulties in communication with peers stand out, contrasting with the ease of relating to adults in childhood, challenges of physical changes, and lack of support in adolescence, diverging from the family support perceived in transitioning to adulthood. Additionally, participants provided suggestions for a more inclusive society, including more technical support, job adaptations, and investment in knowledge about ASD. Hence, raising awareness of this issue in Portugal is crucial, beginning with healthcare, education, and social support professionals. This would not only enhance the quality of life for these women but also broaden opportunities for their access and success, fostering a more inclusive society for all
The Paradox Between Concept Knowledge and Digital Maturity Level for Industry 4.0: The Portuguese Case
No full textThis study investigates the paradox between theoretical knowledge of the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) concept and the actual level of digital maturity observed in Portuguese industrial companies. Specifically, it examines whether companies’ awareness of I4.0, geographic location, and size influence their capacity to adopt and integrate digital technologies. Data were collected from a sample of 450 companies through a structured self-assessment questionnaire developed in collaboration with the Shift2Future consortium. The instrument evaluated the degree of familiarity with the I4.0 concept and the stage of digital maturity across different dimensions. The statistical analysis applied ordinal logistic regression models and chi-square tests to assess three hypotheses related to the potential influence of concept knowledge, regional distribution, and company size. The results reveal no statistically significant relationship between the tested variables and the level of digital maturity, suggesting that individual factors do not primarily drive digital advancement. Instead, the findings indicate that broader structural and strategic dimensions, such as leadership commitment, participation in support programs, availability of qualified human resources, and alignment with national and European digitalization agendas, are more decisive in determining companies’ digital readiness. These results challenge common assumptions in the literature, which often posit a direct relationship between company characteristics and technological integration. The study highlights the limited predictive power of isolated variables and highlights the importance of a systemic and integrated approach to promoting digital transformation. The findings contribute to academic and policy discussions by identifying the need for more comprehensive frameworks considering the complex interplay of internal capabilities and external enablers. Future research should expand this approach by including longitudinal and sector-specific analyses and qualitative data to explore internal organizational dynamics, leadership behaviour, and employee digital literacy. The data gained can support designing more effective and inclusive digital transition strategies for industrial firms in Portugal and similar European contexts.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Marketing no Setor Privado da Saúde: Estágio no Hospital da Casa de Saúde São Mateus
Full text linkO propósito deste relatório consiste na apresentação de um estudo sobre a prática do marketing digital no setor da saúde privada, tratando em particular a Casa de Saúde São Mateus Hospital. A preponderância da utilização das ações de comunicação e de marketing digital é cada vez mais notória, aumentando assim a visibilidade das instituições de saúde privadas, em Portugal.
Pretendeu-se com este estudo evoluir a presença digital da entidade em questão, através da implementação de ações de marketing digital - exemplo disso foi a reformulação do design gráfico para as redes sociais e a sua otimização. O estágio permitiu a aplicação dos conhecimentos adquiridos durante o percurso académico, como a análise do posicionamento digital atual da entidade e a elaboração de propostas para a comunicação online.
Finalizando, a entidade deve aproveitar todas as potencialidades das plataformas digitais, para reforçar a sua relação com os utentes e realçar as suas mais-valias. O estágio curricular assim contribuiu para evidenciar a incontestável importância do marketing digital na gestão hospitalar nos dias de hoje.The porpuse of this to present a study on the practice of digital marketing in the privatehelthcare sector, specifically focusing on the São Mateus Hospital Casa de Saúde. The predominance of using communication and digital marketing actions is increasingly noticeable, thus increasing the visibility of private healthcare institutions in Portugal.
This study aimed to enhance the digital presence of the institution in question through the implementation of digital marketing actions - such as, the reformulation of the graphic design for social media and its optimization. The internship allowed the application of the knowledge acquired during the academic journey, such as the analysis of the institution's current digital positioning and the preparation of proposals for online communication.
Finally, the instiution must leverage all the potential of digital platforms to strengthen its relationship with patients and highloght its keyes advantages. The curricular internship thus contributed to highlighting its keys advantages. The curricular internship thus contributed to highlighting the undeniable importance of digital marketing in hospital management today
Implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Intralogistics: Simulations in a Case Study
Full text linkAutonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are increasingly being integrated into intralogistics operations, playing a pivotal role in material handling within the Industry 4.0 framework. In this context, a central unit oversees programming and planning decisions, while AMRs independently communicate and negotiate with other resources, such as machines and systems, decentralizing decision-making processes. These advancements have significantly impacted traditional methods and decision-making processes for planning and control. This study analyzes the use of simulation to evaluate AMRs in supplying XYZ factory assembly lines, with a view toward future implementation on the factory floor. Beyond comparisons, the study aims to assess AMR performance to determine their feasibility and provide analytical validation. Various simulation models were developed using SIMIO software to achieve these goals, followed by iterative adaptations and testing through simulation. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of AMRs in Industry 4.0- based production networks. They offer production managers practical guidance for determining optimal configurations and evaluating the performance impacts of AMR-based production networks compared to traditional assembly lines.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio
Development of a Polymer Shredder: Recycling Waste from 3D Printers
No full textThe increasing use of 3D printers has heightened the need for sustainable solutions to manage the polymeric waste generated, such as PLA. This study presents the development of an innovative shredder capable of processing 3D printing waste and transforming it into reusable granules for the production process. The project involved the design of a knife mill, adapted for PLA, with blades offset by 30°, ensuring efficient distribution of cutting forces and reducing stress on the components. Critical components, such as blades, shafts, and motor, were dimensioned using precise calculations to determine cutting force, torque, and material resistance. The system was validated through finite element analysis (FEA), ensuring structural robustness and an adequate safety factor. The system allows for the adjustment of granule size using sieves with different calibers, making it adaptable to process requirements. It also includes safety devices that ensure reliable operation and protect the operators. The equipment proved versatile and capable of processing common polymers such as ABS, PETG, and PA. The results confirm that the shredder is a practical, efficient, and sustainable solution, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of 3D printing. In the future, improvements in design and automation could enhance its scalability and facilitate integration into industrial processes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The influence of consumer, manager, and investor sentiment on US stock market returns
No full textThis study examines how consumer, investor, and manager sentiment explain US stock excess returns over 23 years. Its novelty resides in integrating the sentiments of three different types of economic and financial agents. It also performs a segmented temporal analysis using rolling window techniques, to assess sentiment’s impact across different time horizons. The empirical analysis utilizes the Paris-Winsten and Newey-West estimators, along with the ARMAX model to address autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity in linear regression, providing robust standard errors and reliable statistical inferences. The autoregressive moving average models estimate excess return based on the past values, shocks, and external variables. Combining the Fama-French five-factor model with the sentiment factor enriches the analysis. The study’s findings indicate that higher consumer optimism negatively impacts excess returns, as investors may anticipate a future decline in the stock market due to an existing overheated economy. Investor sentiment exhibits mixed behavior, where higher uncertainty may increase stock returns due to previous oversold markets creating opportunities for investors or due to the closing of short positions, which will also increase stock demand. It is also related to decreased stock returns depending on the proxy used. As for managers’ sentiment, this work did not demonstrate a relevant relationship between this sentiment and stock returns. The study also reveals that the importance of sentiment determinants of those three agents changes over time. The findings support behavioral models of asset pricing, which incorporate both market fundamentals and the psychological characteristics (sentiment) of different market participants.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A Hybrid Strategy for Oven Optimization in Aerospace Manufacturing: Lean Principles and Mathematical Modelling
No full textAdopting the Lean philosophy is essential for reducing costs and increasing productivity in industrial environments, where equipment efficiency plays a pivotal role. This study focuses on optimizing the use of an oven, a critical equipment, in the aircraft parts manufacturing process, in a company producing composite components for aerospace applications. A mathematical model based on the classic two-dimensional knapsack problem was developed to address inefficiencies in space utilization and workflow inconsistencies.
The model was implemented to determine the optimal parts’ allocation, maximizing oven occupancy while ensuring efficient workflows. The study introduces a hybrid strategy that combines a structured allocation system with vertical shelving units to streamline part storage and improve the kiln-loading process.
Extensive experiments validated the model’s performance, demonstrating its ability to support Lean principles by enhancing productivity and reducing costs in the aeronautical industry. This work underscores the importance of mathematical modelling for optimizing manufacturing processes and meeting the increasing demands of modern production environments.N/
Digital Maturity In Industry 4.0: A Bibliometric Review of Evaluation Models for Small and Medium Enterprises
Full text linkThe present study, utilizing bibliometric techniques, aimed to structure and analyze the existing scientific literature on Digital Maturity Assessment Models for Industry 4.0, explicitly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite digital transformation not being a new phenomenon, it continues to be a crucial and relevant concept, significantly impacting SMEs and presenting a valuable opportunity for their integration into the global economy. This research involved a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and a bibliometric analysis to uncover key trends and insights in this field. The study identified the primary research trends and highlighted the ten most influential articles based on citation count and publication frequency. Furthermore, it pinpointed the most cited authors, offering greater clarity on the development level of SMEs in their integration and preparation for the Industry 4.0 paradigm. This analysis provides valuable insights into SMEs’ current state and future directions of digital maturity, facilitating their transition into a more technologically advanced and competitive environment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio