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Closing Editorial: Advances and future directions in autonomous systems for cyber-physical systems and smart industry
No full textAs guest editors of the Special Issue “Autonomous Systems in Cyber–Physical
Systems and Smart Industry: Innovations and Challenges”, we would like to express our deep
appreciation to all the authors whose work was published in this issue and thus contributed to
its success.The rapid evolution of autonomous systems and their integration into cyber–physical
Systems (CPS) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has been a critical driver of
the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 [1], along with the transition
towards Industry 5.0. These systems enable the real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of industrial processes by combining the power of computational intelligence
with physical machinery. Autonomous systems offer significant potential for improving
efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in various industrial sectors. However, challenges
remain, including interoperability, real-time data processing, and secure communication
across heterogeneous devices and networks.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) [2], edge computing, advanced
cyber security, and industrial automation have opened new avenues for innovation in
CPS and smart industry. These innovations are driving the development of intelligent
decision-making systems capable of self-managing the complexity and scale of modern
industrial environments [3]. This Special Issue focuses on exploring the innovations and
challenges in autonomous systems, aiming to bridge gaps in current knowledge and
foster future research. The contributions to this Special Issue provide a comprehensive
overview of the current state of the field while addressing critical challenges.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Pre-hospital ultrasonography screening for biliary disease in remote settings
No full textScreening ultrasound, including Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS), is widely utilized for rapid clinical guidance in diverse healthcare settings. In this case report, a 34-year-old male with recurrent biliary colic symptoms underwent a Basic Emergency Service ultrasound, revealing a 13 mm gall bladder calculus and signs of inflammation, and was promptly referred to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Medical specialist confirmation at the hospital underscored the significance of early detection through POCUS. Despite inconclusive laboratory results, the detailed ultrasound assessment provided a comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the tool’s value in averting com plications. Thus, screening ultrasound played a pivotal role in justifying the hospital referral, showcasing its vital role in healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings. The judicious use of POCUS can lead to superior outcomes, avoiding unnecessary referrals for non-emergent case
Involvement of young fashion designers in Portugal : creative process and the relationship between fashion and activist aspects
No full textImpulsionados pelas demandas da sociedade e pela crescente preocupação global, tanto em questões climáticas quanto sociais, alguns designers e marcas do setor da moda estão adotando práticas mais conscientes em relação ao ambiente e aos direitos humanos. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o envolvimento dos jovens designers de moda e suas manifestações de ativismo no processo criativo. A pesquisa apresenta uma breve abordagem do contexto da sociedade portuguesa e do ativismo na moda, seguida por uma investigação exploratória que utiliza a abordagem metodológica qualitativa, com recurso a entrevistas em profundidade, nas quais se investigou o processo de socialização dos participantes e a relação que estabeleceram com a moda. Assim como o processo criativo e a sua relação com as diferentes dimensões da sustentabilidade, a fim de compreender o po-sicionamento e envolvimento desses designersAbstract : Driven by society's demands and growing global concern, both in climate and social issues, some designers and brands in the fashion sector are adopting more conscious practices about the environment and human rights. This study aims to analyze the involvement of young fashion designers and their manifestations of activism in the fashion creative process. The research presents a brief approach to the context of Por-tuguese society and fashion activism. Moreover, it is followed by an exploratory investigation that uses a qualitative methodological approach, using in-depth interviews, in which the socialization process of the designers and the relation-ship they established with fashion. As well as the creative process and its relationship with the different dimensions of sustainability, to understand the positioning and involvement of these designers with activist aspect
Impact of organizational climate on the motivation process of higher education teachers in Guinea-Bissau
No full textDissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Gestão de Idanha-a-Nova, do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Gestão de Empresas.O presente trabalho de dissertação tem como objetivo pesquisar e aferir o impacto
do clima organizacional no processo desmotivação dos professores de Ensino Superior na Guiné-Bissau. O trabalho analisa o nível de influência que o clima organizacional tem no estado motivacional dos professores afetos às instituições do Ensino Superior Público e Privado do país que se situa na Costa Ocidental Africana.
A investigação é de natureza descritiva, e as técnicas de recolha de dados
compreendem levantamento bibliográfico e uma pesquisa de campo feita através dos questionários elaborados no Google Formulário e enviados aos professores das Instituições do Ensino Superior.
Os resultados mais significativos do estudo são as competências, o clima
organizacional, o compromisso e a produtividade organizacional, como os fatores que merecem atenção no presente estudo. Não obstante, o estudo permitiu identificar diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas pontuações obtidas para as dimensões Clima Organizacional, Compromisso e Produtividade Organizacional em função do rendimento dos inquiridos. Em particular, observa-se uma tendência para perceções mais positivas nestes dois fatores nos inquiridos com rendimentos mensais mais elevados. Perante esses fatos, há uma normalização na satisfação, influenciando a motivação das mesmas.Abstract: This dissertation aims to explore and assess the impact of organizational climate on the motivation of higher education teachers in Guinea-Bissau. The work analyses the extent to which the organizational climate influences the motivational state of teachers in public and private higher education institutions in the country, which is located on the West African coast.
The research is descriptive, and the data collection techniques include a bibliographical survey and field research using questionnaires created using Google Forms and sent to teachers in higher education institutions.
The main findings of the study are that competencies, organizational climate, commitment, and organizational productivity are the factors that deserve attention in this study. Nevertheless, the study found statistically significant differences in the scores obtained for the organizational climate, commitment, and organizational productivity dimensions depending on the income of the respondents. There was a trend towards more positive perceptions of these two factors among respondents with higher monthly incomes. Given these facts, there is a normalization of satisfaction that influences their motivatio
Relationship between landscape pattern and human disturbance from 1990 to 2018 in mainland Portugal
No full textThe land use/land cover pattern of landscapes as the main element of the landscape structure has an important role in landscape management, nature conservation, and preservation, considering its ability to provide valuable information about the spatial distribution and changes in land cover that occur on the Earth's surface. On the other hand, human activities have caused significant impacts on ecosystems, resulting in a loss of biodiversity, increased risks of erosion and soil degradation, and wildfires. In the last few decades, the growing trend of occurrence of negative effects on land use/land cover has not contributed to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), considering that the relationship between humankind and the environment is an extremely fragile equilibrium. In recent decades, large-scale land use and land cover (LULC) patterns have shown stability, but significant dynamics have been observed in forest areas and agricultural land. Among these changes, the conversion of maritime pine to eucalyptus is the most relevant transition in forest and agroforestry use classes. This conversion is a result of the available economic incentives, which have contributed to the gain in forested areas. This study intends to verify how the alteration of the landscape configuration, represented by different metrics of configuration and diversity, is related to the intensity of human disturbance. The objectives of the study are: (1) to quantify the change in land use/land cover (LULC) patterns and the degree of human disturbance in Mainland Portugal between 1990 and 2018, and (2) to study the relationship between LULC configuration and the impact resulting from human disturbance under different levels of intensity, to understand how changing trends in landscape pattern can serve as indicators to estimate landscape changes resulting from human actions. The Hemeroby index (HI) was calculated to quantify the impacts on ecosystems resulting from disturbance caused by human actions. Based on the Hemeroby index value analysis for the period between 1990 and 2018, the level of naturalness increased in 58% of the country, mainly in the south and east of Portugal. The landscape pattern was quantified using a set of metrics, namely Mean Patch Size (MPS), Mean Shape Index (MSI), Total Edge (TE), Mean Patch Fractal Dimension (MPFD), and Mean Perimeter-Area Ratio (MPAR). The Spearman method was used to identify the existing statistical correlations between the geometric parameters of the landscape and the HIs values. At the landscape level, the metrics TE and MSI have a strong negative correlation with HI. This suggests that landscapes with greater structural complexity are good indicators of low levels of hemeroby. At the class level, edge density (ED) and mean patch size (MPS) showed a significant correlation with the Hemeroby index for seminatural areas (all metrics), artificial surfaces and forests (TE, MSI, and MPS), agricultural areas (TE, MPS, and MPFD), and Bare Ground (TE, MSI, and MPFD).This work is supported with Portuguese national funds by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., within the GEOBIOTEC - Project UIDB/04035/2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Sustainable water management in horticulture: Problems, premises, and promises
Get PDFWater is crucial for enduring horticultural productivity, but high water-use requirements
and declining water supplies with the changing climate challenge economic viability, environmental
sustainability, and social justice. While the scholarly literature pertaining to water management in
horticulture abounds, knowledge of practices and technologies that optimize water use is scarce. Here,
we review the scientific literature relating to water requirements for horticulture crops, impacts on
water resources, and opportunities for improving water- and transpiration-use efficiency. We find that
water requirements of horticultural crops vary widely, depending on crop type, development stage,
and agroecological region, but investigations hitherto have primarily been superficial. Expansion of
the horticulture sector has depleted and polluted water resources via overextraction and agrochemical
contamination, but the extent and significance of such issues are not well quantified. We contend that
innovative management practices and irrigation technologies can improve tactical water management
and mitigate environmental impacts. Nature-based solutions in horticulture—mulching, organic
amendments, hydrogels, and the like—alleviate irrigation needs, but information relating to their
effectiveness across production systems and agroecological regions is limited. Novel and recycled
water sources (e.g., treated wastewater, desalination) would seem promising avenues for reducing
dependence on natural water resources, but such sources have detrimental environmental and
human health trade-offs if not well managed. Irrigation practices including partial root-zone drying
and regulated deficit irrigation evoke remarkable improvements in water use efficiency, but require
significant experience for efficient implementation. More advanced applications, including IoT and AI
(e.g., sensors, big data, data analytics, digital twins), have demonstrable potential in supporting smart
irrigation (focused on scheduling) and precision irrigation (improving spatial distribution). While
adoption of technologies and practices that improve sustainability is increasing, their application
within the horticultural industry as a whole remains in its infancy. Further research, development, and extension is called for to enable successful adaptation to climate change, sustainably intensify
food security, and align with other Sustainable Development Goals.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, P.I.,
through the research project PTDC/EEI-ROB/2459/2021, and by the Carbo2Soil project—Strengthening the complementarity between agriculture and livestock to increase soil fertility and its carbon sequestration capacity. PRR–ID140–PRR-C05-i03-I-000030, and the SoloC+ project—Development of solutions
to increase the resilience of agricultural soils to climate change in the Centre Region. PRR–ID150–PRRC05-i03-I-000032, the institutional scientific employment program-contract CEECINST/00077/2021 of
Carla Ferreira, and the doctoral fellowship 2022.10290.BD allocated to Pedro Soares.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A adoção do Teletrabalho na Administração Pública : análise das experiências e perspetivas dos trabalhadores
No full textDissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Gestão de Idanha-a-Nova do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Gestão de Empresas.Num ambiente cada vez mais adverso em termos competitivos, torna-se relevante para as empresas e instituições apostarem em metodologias de trabalho que lhes permitam a obtenção de índices de produtividade acima das expetativas delineadas pela gestão. Os últimos anos foram impactantes caracterizando-se por novas realidades pautadas pela perda de liberdade e maior isolamento social. As pessoas foram forçadas a uma nova forma de estar e assistiu-se a uma organização e implementação do Teletrabalho em todas as áreas de atividade social e económica. A Administração Pública não foi exceção e procurou adaptar-se à realidade existente enfrentando um conjunto de desafios que surgiram com uma rapidez extrema. Pretende-se com este estudo através do objetivo geral, analisar as experiências e perspetivas dos trabalhadores da Administração Pública na adoção do Teletrabalho. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivos específicos, identificar qual a perceção dos trabalhadores da Administração Pública sobre o equilíbrio entre a vida pessoal e profissional no contexto do Teletrabalho. Como é que as diferenças demográficas sexo e idade influenciam a perceção dos trabalhadores da Administração Pública e quais os principais desafios enfrentados pelos trabalhadores da Administração Pública ao adotar o Teletrabalho. E por fim, saber qual a perceção dos trabalhadores em relação à aplicabilidade do Teletrabalho na Administração Pública. Utilizou-se uma metodologia quantitativa através da aplicação de um questionário de forma online a organismos da Administração Pública, onde se obteve uma amostra de 311 inquiridos em que todas as respostas foram consideradas válidas. Os resultados permitem concluir que, de uma forma geral, os trabalhadores inquiridos encontraram-se motivados e aceitaram esta modalidade como práticas de trabalho na Administração Pública, mas sobressai a importância de haver condições de trabalho para a execução das tarefas, nomeadamente questões de ergonomia, equipamentos informáticos bem como o pagamento de despesas tais como, eletricidade e internet. O estudo salienta que, os trabalhadores da Administração Pública revelam um equilíbrio entre a vida pessoal e profissional na adoção do Teletrabalho realçando uma maior qualidade de vida e satisfação pessoal e profissional. De realçar ainda que, as organizações em nada motivaram os seus funcionários para a realização das tarefas em regime de Teletrabalho. O estudo refere ainda, que para que esta modalidade funcione em pleno, deverá haver uma comunicação sólida entre chefias e funcionários e um conhecimento aprofundado em Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação. Esta investigação promove o regime de Teletrabalho como forma e meio de aplicação desta modalidade na Administração Pública.Abstract: In an increasingly adverse competitive environment, it becomes important for companies and institutions to participate in work methodologies that allow them to obtain productivity rates above the expectations outlined by management. The last few years have been impactful, characterized by new realities marked by the loss of freedom and bigger social isolation. People were forced into a new way of being and helped to organize and implement Teleworking in all areas of social and economic activity. Public Administration was no exception and adapted to the standing reality by facing a set of challenges that emerged extremely quickly. The overall aim of this study is to analyze the experiences and perspectives of Public Administration workers in adopting Teleworking. Consequently, this study has the specific purposes of identifying Public Administration workers' perception of the balance between personal and professional life in the context of Teleworking. How do demographic differences, genders, and age influence the perception of Public Administration workers and what are the main challenges faced by Public Administration workers when adopting Teleworking. Lastly, find out what workers’ perception is regarding the applicability of Teleworking in Public Administration. A quantitative methodology was used through the application of an online questionnaire to Public Administration bodies, where a sample of 311 respondents was obtained in which all responses were considered effective. The results allow us to conclude that, in general, the workers surveyed were motivated and accepted this modality as work practices in Public Administration, but the importance of having working conditions for carrying out tasks stands out, particularly ergonomic issues, computer equipment as well as payment of expenses such as energy and internet. The study highlights that Public Administration workers establish a balance between personal and professional life when adopting Teleworking, highlighting a greater quality of life and personal and professional satisfaction. It should also be noted that the organizations did not motivate their employees to carry out tasks via teleworking. The study also states that for this modality to work fully, there must be solid communication between managers and employees and in-depth knowledge of Communication and Information Technologies. This investigation promotes the Teleworking regime as a way and means of applying this modality in Public Administration
Labdanum resin from Cistus ladanifer L. as a source of compounds with anti-diabetic, neuroprotective and anti-proliferative activity
Get PDFLabdanum resin or “gum” can be obtained from Cistus ladanifer L. by two different extraction methods: the Zamorean and the Andalusian processes. Although its main use is in the fragrance
and perfumery sectors, ethnobotanical reports describe its use for medicinal purposes in managing
hyperglycemia and mental illnesses. However, data concerning the bioactivities and pharmacological applications are scarce. In this work, it was found that the yield of labdanum resin extracted
by the Andalusian process was 25-fold higher than the Zamorean one. Both resins were purified
as absolutes, and the Andalusian absolute was purified into diterpenoid and flavonoid fractions.
GC-EI-MS analysis confirmed the presence of phenylpropanoids, labdane-type diterpenoids, and
methylated flavonoids, which are already described in the literature, but revealed other compounds,
and showed that the different extracts presented distinct chemical profile. The potential antidiabetic
activity, by inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and the potential neuroprotective activity,
by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, were investigated. Diterpenoid fraction produced the higher
α-amylase inhibitory effect (~30% and ~40% at 0.5 and 1 mg/mL, respectively). Zamorean absolute
showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory effect (~14% and ~24%, at 0.5 and 1 mg/mL, respectively). Andalusian absolute showed the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect (~70% and
~75%, at 0.5 and 1 mg/mL, respectively). Using Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines, Andalusian absolute
and its purified fractions showed moderate cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity at 24 h exposure
(IC50 = 45–70 µg/mL, for Caco-2; IC50 = 60–80 µg/mL, for HepG2), whereas Zamorean absolute did
not produce cytotoxicity (IC50 ≥ 200.00 µg/mL). Here we show, for the first time, that labdanum
resin obtained by the Andalusian process, and its fractions, are composed of phytochemicals with
anti-diabetic, neuroprotective and anti-proliferative potential, which are worth investigating for
the pharmaceutical industry. However, toxic side-effects must also be addressed when using these
products by ingestion, as done traditionally.N/
Prevalence of hypertension in the municipality of Vila Velha de Ródão
Get PDFIntrodução: As doenças cerebrocardiovasculares são um grande flagelo mundial, sendo as principais responsáveis pelas mortes em Portugal.
A alta prevalência e incidência das doenças cerebrocardiovasculares estão diretamente ligadas a diversos fatores de risco que contribuem
para um descontrolo da Pressão Arterial.
Objetivos: Este estudo tem como principal objetivo estudar a prevalência da Hipertensão Arterial no concelho de Vila Velha de Ródão e
relacioná-la com outros fatores de risco cerebrocardiovasculares.
Material e Métodos: Estudo do tipo prospetivo, observacional e quantitativo, com recolha da amostra de forma aleatória por clusters,
constituída por 795 indivíduos adultos com idades superiores a 18 anos e residentes na zona em estudo. Foram recolhidos dados
antropométricos, da pressão arterial e aplicado o questionário da investigação. Foi utilizado o programa estatístico SPSS (Statiscal
Package for the Social Sciences) para tratamento dos dados.
Resultados: Amostra constituída por 795 indivíduos, 53,1% do sexo feminino e 46,9% do sexo masculino. A idade mínima foi de 18
anos de idade e máxima de 99 anos, sendo a média de 56,98 anos e desvio- padrão de 18,521 anos. Verificou-se que nesta população
os três fatores de risco mais prevalentes foram o sedentarismo com 80,3%; o IMC≥ 25 Kg/ m² com 59,1% e a ingestão de álcool
com 52,5%. A prevalência de Hipertensão Arterial neste concelho foi de 45% que teve relação estatisticamente significativo com
todos os fatores de risco estudados, exceto a história familiar de doença cardíaca e o alcoolismo que foi marginalmente significativo.
Conclusões: Mais de metade da população é obesa ou tem excesso de peso. Existe uma significativa prevalência Hipertensão Arterial
no concelho estudado.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The influence of pericardial fat on left ventricular diastolic function
Get PDFAbstract: Background: Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; left
ventricular diastolic dysfunction plays a leading role in this clinical context. Diastolic dysfunction may
be predisposed by increased abdominal fat and, consequently, increased pericardial and epicardial
adiposity. This study aimed to determine whether pericardial fat (PF) and epicardial fat (EF) are
associated with left ventricular diastolic function. Methods: A total of 82 patients had their abdominal
circumference measured and underwent transthoracic echocardiography to measure the thickness
of PF and EF and assess the left ventricular diastolic function. Two groups were created based on
mean pericardial fat (PF) thickness (4.644 mm) and were related to abdominal circumference and
echocardiographic parameters. Results: Subjects in the PF High group showed a significant decrease
in septal e’ (p < 0.0001), lateral e’ (p < 0.0001), and E/A ratio (p = 0.003), as well as a significant
increase in E/e’ ratio (p < 0.0001), E wave deceleration time (p = 0.013), left atrial volume (p < 0.0001),
the left ventricle mass (p = 0.003), tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (p < 0.0001), and the left ventricle
diameter (p = 0.014) compared to the PF Low group. Correlations were found between pericardial fat
and nine echocardiographic parameters in the study, while epicardial fat (EP) only correlated with
eight. Conclusions: Measurement of abdominal circumference, PF, and EF is an early indicator of
diastolic changes with transthoracic echocardiography being the gold standard exam.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio