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Estudo e intervenção de um manicórdio italiano (sécs. XVIII-XX), do Museu Nacional da Música
No full textO objeto de estudo presente neste relatório é um manicórdio. Consiste num clavicórdio de pequenas dimensões, que faz parte da família dos cordofones e que desempenhou um papel crucial no desenvolvimento musical durante os períodos do Renascimento e Barroco, especialmente em contextos conventuais. O instrumento, atualmente integrado na coleção do Museu Nacional da Música, possui uma caixa retangular constituída na sua maioria por madeira, metais, papel, têxteis e pele. Contém 26 teclas com capas de osso e ébano e cordas em ferro. O interior da tampa é revestido na sua totalidade por papel pintado adornado com motivos florais e, ao centro, um brasão do Papa Bento XIV. Foram utilizadas técnicas avançadas de análise laboratorial para compreender melhor a composição e estado dos materiais constituintes: a microscopia ótica (OM), para análise de uma estratigrafia, a espectrometria de fluorescência de raios-X dispersiva de energia (EDXRF) para análise das ligas metálicas e a micro-espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (µS-FTIR), usada na análise de aglutinantes e adesivos. O estudo histórico, material e técnico teve como objetivo a contextualização e compreensão das técnicas de produção envolvidas na execução do instrumento. A intervenção de conservação e restauro, realizada no Laboratório José de Figueiredo, teve como finalidade a estabilidade física e química de todo o objeto. Após a conclusão do restauro e, sabendo de antemão que não será tocado, o manicórdio, será integrado no novo percurso expositivo do Museu Nacional da Música, que será instalado, em 2025, no Palácio Nacional de Mafra.The object of study in this report is a manichordium. It is a small-sized clavichord that belongs to the family of string instruments, which played a crucial role in musical development during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, especially in convent settings. The instrument, currently part of the collection at the National Museum of Music, features a rectangular case made mostly of wood, metals, paper, textiles, and leather. It consists of 26 keys covered with bone and ebony, and iron strings. The inside of the lid is fully lined with painted paper adorned with floral motifs, and, Pope Benedict XIV’s central coat of arms. Advanced laboratory analysis techniques were used to better understand the composition and condition of the constituent materials: optical microscopy (OM) for stratigraphy analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) for analysis of metal alloys, and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (µS-FTIR) for analysis of binders and adhesives. The historical, material, and technical study aimed to contextualize and understand the production techniques involved in making the instrument. The conservation and restoration intervention, carried out at the José de Figueiredo Laboratory, aimed to ensure the physical and chemical stability of the entire object. Upon completion of the restoration, the manichordium, which will not be played, will be integrated into the new exhibition route of the National Museum of Music at the National Palace of Mafra
Estudo e intervenção de conservação e restauro do simulacro de S. Victorini Martyr e respetiva urna
No full textA presente dissertação tem como objeto principal o estudo do simulacro de S. Victorini Martyr e a sua respetiva urna. Este encontrava-se guardado num armazém de materiais da propriedade da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Almada, integrando um conjunto composto por três adultos e duas outras crianças e uma mãe e o seu filho, corpos santos também. O presente simulacro foi recolhido para estudo e intervenção de conservação e restauro – no âmbito do projeto “Holy Bodies: An Atlas for the Corpi Sancti in Portugal” (2022.01486.PTDC). Terá chegado a Portugal na segunda metade do século XVIII, com a sua origem provável nas catacumbas romanas de onde outros exemplares terão surgido, espalhando-se pela Europa como símbolos fortalecedores do Catolicismo. Trata-se de um corpo de criança, com vestes à romana decoradas com fios metálicos e pérolas decorativas. Faz-se também acompanhar de diferentes elementos decorativos, como o vas sanguinis, a coroa de flores e a folha de palma. Os objetivos da dissertação desdobram-se em duas vertentes, incluindo um estudo antropológico, material e técnico, realizado no laboratório Hércules da Universidade de Évora, para os quais se tornou necessário recorrer a diferentes metodologias de exame e análise – de imagem, espectroscópicas e cromatográficas. Visou-se a determinação de diferentes aspetos relacionados com a idade e o sexo do corpo, bem como os diferentes materiais que compõem todo o simulacro – têxteis, ligas metálicas, ossos entre outros. A intervenção de conservação e restauro, assente na intervenção mínima, pretendia preservar a autenticidade do bem e a sua história, enquanto se recuperava uma leitura mais homogénea e clara – principalmente tendo em conta que se trata do corpo de uma criança, tornando-se um exemplo particular e digno de preservação. Para a intervenção apostou-se também na aplicação de tecnologias avançadas para a limpeza deste tipo de obras, de destacar a limpeza dos têxteis por via laser. Definiram-se também estratégias genéricas de conservação preventiva para a manutenção do estado de conservação do simulacro em diferentes contextos de reserva e/ou exposição. O trabalho realizado permitiu, tendo como base outros trabalhos nacionais e europeus, a exploração e uso de diferentes técnicas para o estudo e intervenção de conservação e restauro. Foram utilizadas metodologias semelhantes a outros trabalhos, incluindo ao mesmo tempo novidades e testando outras hipóteses, aumentando o leque de possibilidades para a preservação deste tipo de património, no sentido de definir procedimentos para futuros trabalhos.The present dissertation’s main object is the simulacrum of the S. Victorini Martyr and his respective urn. This reliquary was stored in a storehouse belonging to Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Almada in a group consisting of three adults and two other children, besides a mother and son, all holy bodies. This simulacrum was taken in for a technical study and conservation-restoration work – in the context of the project “Holy Bodies: An Atlas for the Corpi Sancti in Portugal” (2022.01486.PTDC). It probably arrived in Portugal in the second half of the XVIII century, probably originating from the Roman catacombs, where other holy bodies also came from, spreading throughout Europe as symbols that solidified and strengthened the Catholic Church. It is the body of a child, dressed in Roman costumes, decorated with metallic threads and decorative pearls, accompanied by additional ornamental decorative elements like the vas sanguinis, a flower crown and a palm leaf. The objectives of the dissertation included an anthropological, material and technical study, requiring various exams and methodologies of analysis, such as imaging, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. There was an interest in defining the age and sex of the body, as well as in identifying and characterizing the different materials that composed the piece – textiles, metals, bones and various others. The conservation-restoration work was mostly done with the minimal intervention principle in mind, with the objective of preserving the authenticity and history of the piece while recovering a more clear and homogenous reading – mainly because it was a simulacrum using a child’s bones, making it a particular example that is worth preserving. The conservation work was also performed with innovation, introducing laser technology for the cleaning of textiles. Preventive conservation strategies were also defined for the maintenance of the piece in various storage or exhibition contexts. This work enabled the exploration and use of different techniques to study and restore the simulacrum, based on previous national and European examples. Various methodologies were applied, some adapted from other similar experiences but others entirely innovative in this context, offering a larger variety of possibilities for the treatment of similar pieces of heritage and the possibility of defining base procedures for future studies
Obstacles to the treatment of pediatric pain : perception of professionals, parents/caregivers and children
No full textIntrodução: Reconhecendo os benefícios da abordagem dos cuidados paliativos no adulto, emergem os cuidados paliativos pediátricos, com a adequada abordagem das necessidades biopsicossociais e espirituais da criança, e o apropriado controlo de sintomas. Este estudo irá incidir sobre a dor em pediatria, e a perceção de profissionais, pais e crianças, sobre os obstáculos ao tratamento da mesma. Metodologia: Contando com um questionário específico para cada população: profissionais de saúde, pais/cuidadores e crianças e jovens, foi realizado num hospital central, da região sul de Portugal, no período temporal de março a julho de 2024. Resultados: Obteve-se as respostas de 60 profissionais de saúde, 25 pais/cuidadores e 18 crianças/jovens. O questionário abordou asserções sobre dor e opióides, opiniões sobre consumo de opióides e sentimentos que estes despertam, quer na sua manipulação (profissionais de saúde) quer quando pensam/ouvem sobre estes (pais/cuidadores e crianças). Com a perceção muito semelhante entre os três grupos, sobre a elevada importância da dor, e o conhecimento sobre a mesma; assim como a lacuna em conhecimento terapêutico nomeadamente em opióides, reconhecendo também a importância de uma abordagem global, com formas não farmacológicas. Conclusão: Destaca-se a evidência também obtida noutros estudos, sobre a importância em investimento em formação e educação sobre a dor e sua adequada abordagem terapêutica, a importância da implementação de protocolos de atuação, a desmistificação sobre os opióides e a disseminação de informação não só junto dos profissionais, mas também incluindo o utente e a sua família.Introduction: Recognizing the benefits of the palliative care approach in adults, pediatric palliative care emerges, with the appropriate approach to the biopsychosocial and spiritual needs of the child, and the appropriate control of symptoms. This study will focus on pain in paediatrics, and the perception of professionals, parents and children, about the obstacles to their treatment. Methodology: With a specific questionnaire for each population: health professionals, parents/caregivers, and children and young people, it was carried out in a central hospital, in the southern region of Portugal, from March to July 2024. Results: Responses were obtained from 60 health professionals, 25 parents/caregivers and 18 children/young people. The questionnaire addressed assertions about pain and opioids, opinions about opioid consumption and feelings they arouse, both in their handling (health professionals) and when they think/hear about them (parents/caregivers and children). With a very similar perception between the three groups, about the high importance of pain, and knowledge about it; as well as the gap in therapeutic knowledge, namely in opioids, also recognizing the importance of a global approach, with non-pharmacological forms. Conclusion: The evidence also obtained in other studies on the importance of investing in training and education on pain and its appropriate therapeutic approach, the importance of implementing action protocols, demystifying opioids and disseminating information not only among professionals, but also including the patient and his family, is highlighted
Exploring the technological acceptance of immersive technologies
No full textImmersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), are rapidly evolving and becoming an integral part of different sectors. Today, they are a key part of the rapid evolution of technology. This paper explores the factors influencing the adoption of these immersive technologies, using the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. The aim of the study is to explore the interaction between individuals' motivations and the factors and attitudes that influence the adoption of immersive technologies in two different sectors, tourism, and education. The research aims to provide a comprehensive picture of how perceived usefulness, ease of use and perceived enjoyment shape individuals’ decisions to adopt immersive technologies, using mixed-methodologies, qualitative and quantitative methods. For the research, I used in-depth interviews as a qualitative method and IBM SPSS AMOS software as a quantitative method for data analysis. Research shows that the adoption of immersive technologies is influenced by a number of factors. Qualitative interviews provided insights into motivations and attitudes towards these technologies, which showed a mixture of excitement and concern. The quantitative analysis highlighted individual innovativeness as a key driver, with perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness playing a crucial role in the intention to use. Furthermore, attitudes towards immersive technology differed across educational and tourism contexts, highlighting the importance of context in shaping behavioural intention
Fatores de desgaste profissional na área de consultoria
No full textA consultoria desempenha um papel crucial no mundo dos negócios, fornecendo diagnósticos e soluções totalmente especializadas para as necessidades de cada cliente. No entanto, a dinâmica de trabalho neste setor pode ser altamente exigente e stressante, levando ao desgaste físico, emocional e mental por parte dos consultores, sendo que nos últimos anos, tem-se assistido a um aumento na conscientização sobre os efeitos adversos do desgaste profissional na consultoria. Diante deste cenário, o objetivo deste estudo passa por perceber os fatores que contribuem para o desgaste nesta área, as suas implicações e sugestões de medidas eficazes de combate e prevenção do desgaste, de modo a melhorar consideravelmente o bem-estar dos consultores, promover a produtividade da organizações e satisfação dos clientes. Assim, adotou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, realizando entrevistas a um total de sete consultores distribuídos por três setores distintos da consultoria: recursos humanos, gestão empresarial e tecnologias de informação. Os resultados revelam que a pressão por resultados colocada pelas chefias é o principal fator de desgaste em todos os tipos de consultoria analisados, no entanto, foram observadas também algumas variações no que diz respeito aos fatores de desgaste. A promoção de um maior equilíbrio entre a vida pessoal e profissional foi a sugestão pretendida por todos os entrevistados, só sendo possível através de políticas organizacionais que apoiem o bem-estar dos consultores.Consulting plays a crucial role in the business world, providing fully specialised diagnostics and solutions to meet each client's needs. However, the work dynamics in this sector can be highly demanding and stressful, leading to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion among consultants, and in recent years there has been an increase in awareness of the adverse effects of burnout in consulting. Considering this scenario, the objective of this study is to understand the factors contributing to burnout in this field, their implications, and suggestions for effective measures to combat and prevent burnout to considerably improve the well-being of consultants, promote the productivity of organisations and client satisfaction. A qualitative approach was adopted, conducting interviews with a total of seven consultants distributed across three distinct sectors of consulting: human resources, business management, and information technology. The results reveal that pressure for results imposed by management is the primary factor contributing to burnout in all types of consulting analysed. However, some variations were also observed regarding the factors contributing to burnout. Promoting a better balance between personal and professional life was the suggested approach by all interviewees, only achievable through organisational policies supporting the well-being of consultants
Influência de lideranças tóxicas na saúde mental dos colaboradores em contexto organizacional : uma meta-análise qualitativa
No full textO presente estudo tem como principal objetivo explorar a relação entre as lideranças tóxicas e a saúde mental dos colaboradores em contexto organizacional. Este tipo de liderança está associado a consequências negativas para o colaborador e para as organizações em que estes se inserem, pelo que se torna relevante compreender de que forma contribuiu para a causa e prevalência de problemas relacionados com a saúde mental. Optou-se pela utilização do método de meta análise qualitativa, através do qual foi possível selecionar 29 estudos científicos que compõem a amostra deste estudo, cujo conteúdo foi alvo de um processo de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados encontrados permitem compreender que existe claramente uma relação de impacto negativo das lideranças tóxicas na saúde mental dos colaboradores. Este impacto verifica-se em diferentes dimensões como a produtividade, a motivação, a satisfação e o bem-estar, contaminando a cultura organizacional e perpetuando assim o efeito negativo. Isto leva a um impacto significativo ao nível da exaustão emocional e do burnout pondo em causa a saúde mental dos colaboradores, que resulta em consequências graves e prolongadas para os colaboradores e para o sucesso das organizações. Por fim, os resultados permitem verificar que a Gestão de Recursos Humanos pode ter um papel crucial na prevenção e mitigação do impacto das lideranças tóxicas na saúde mental dos colaboradores através da implementação de boas práticas e políticas que promovam um estilo de liderança mais ética e, consequentemente, o bem-estar dos colaboradores.The main purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between toxic leadership and employees’ mental health in an organizational context. This type of leadership is usually associated with negative consequences for employees and organizations, which is why it is important to understand how it contributes to the cause and prevalence of mental health problems in employees. This study is a qualitative meta-analysis. Through this method it was possible to select 29 scientific papers that compose the sample of this study, and which were examined through content analysis method. The results show that there is a clear relationship characterized by negative impact of the toxic leadership on employees' mental health. It was found that they negatively impact employees in different dimensions such as productivity, motivation, satisfaction, and well-being and contaminate the organizational culture itself, perpetuating this negative effect. This leads to a significant impact in terms of emotional exhaustion and burnout, jeopardizing the mental health of employees, which results in serious and prolonged consequences for employees and the success of organizations. Finally, the results show that Human Resources Management can have a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the impact of toxic leadership on employees' mental health by implementing good practices and policies that promote a more ethical leadership style and employee’s well-being
Bio-based superabsorbent hydrogels for nutrient release
No full textDrought is characterized by a low water precipitation rate, with strong impact on crop productivity, threatening global food production. In this context, the use of soil amendments, such as superabsorbent hydrogels constitute a potential technology for better water use efficiency and higher crop yields. In this work, we synthesised cellulose-based hydrogels, characterized their physical and functional properties, evaluated their impact on the environment, and their potential to be used as a soil amendments. The hydrogel showed pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and conductivity below 10.0 µS cm-1. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a low intensity peak in the crystallinity region, which was supported by the low crystallinity index (27.3% ± 0.6) verified by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. The swelling capacity reached more than 200 g of water, the hydrogel showed good resistance to osmotic pressure and high thermostability, which favours the application in hot and arid areas. In addition, no potentially hazardous compound was detected, nor was there any adverse effect on soil microorganisms. Further, the hydrogel was found to be safe for use during seed sowing and for promoting seedling development. In the greenhouse pot experiment, the hydrogels showed a significant increase in maize shoot and root biomass, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the overall water holding capacity of the soil, thereby influencing nutrient availability for more efficient plant growth. In conclusion, the superabsorbent hydrogel exhibited promising characteristics for use as a soil amendment, scalability potential and constitutes a sustainable alternative for agricultural applications.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Actions to control the fear of falling in older people: an umbrella review
No full textBackground Fear of falling in older adults is a multifactorial psychological condition associated with the degree of confidence in performing activities of daily living without falling, leading to reduced physical activity, quality of life, and life satisfaction, and resulting in social isolation. Purpose This study aimed to summarize and evaluate effective actions to control fear of falling in older adults. Method An umbrella review of interventions that control fear of falling in people aged ≥60 years was conducted, in accordance with JBI and PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted in six electronic databases: CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Reviews, and JBI Databases, during the period from February to April 2024. Results Of a total of 706 references identified, 25 met the eligibility criteria. Of those included, eleven studies are systematic review, three studies are meta-analysis, and eleven studies are systematic review with meta-analysis. Five types of action to control fear of falling with therapeutic potential were identified: Physical and functional therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Combined strategies; Multifactorial preventive programs; Technological interventions. Conclusions The results of this umbrella review indicate that holistic exercises (Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates) are the most effective in mitigating fear of falling in older adults. Interventions that incorporate multimodal approaches also appear to be beneficial. The combination of physical and cognitive actions is widely recognized as effective and long-lasting. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of actions over time
Impacto da dimensão do auditor na qualidade da auditoria em Portugal
No full textA má qualidade da auditoria associada a informações financeiras enganosas pode ter graves consequências nos mercados financeiros, o que gera uma crescente preocupação por parte dos stakeholders que procuram, cada vez mais, informação fidedigna sobre a situação financeira das empresas. Consequentemente, compreender os determinantes que podem comprometer a qualidade da auditoria tornou-se um assunto de extrema importância para os utilizadores de informação financeira (Salehi et al., 2019). Importa notar que sempre existiu um debate entre as empresas de auditoria de dimensão maior e as de menor dimensão (Big 4 ou Não Big 4) e sobre qual delas apresentaria melhor qualidade da auditoria. Deste modo, esta dissertação tem como objetivo analisar se existe relação entre a dimensão do auditor e a qualidade da auditoria, em Portugal. Para quantificar a manipulação de resultados (MR), foi utilizado o Modelo de Jones Modificado, estimando os accruals discricionários, e uma regressão linear baseada na equação de Lawrence, et al. (2011). A amostra é composta por 16.540 empresas portuguesas, para o período compreendido entre 2020 e 2022, inclusive. Os resultados obtidos indicam que empresas auditadas por Big 4 apresentam maior manipulação de resultados face a empresas portuguesas auditadas por não Big 4.A low audit quality associated with misleading financial statements can have severe consequences in the financial markets, leading to increasing concerns among stakeholders who seek reliable financial statements from companies. Consequently, understanding the determinants that affect the quality of an audit has become an extremely important issue for the financial information users (Salehi et al., 2019). It is worth noting that there has always been a debate between larger and smaller auditing firms (Big 4 or Non-Big 4) regarding which presents better audit quality. In this sense, this dissertation aims to analyze whether there is a relationship between the size of the auditor and the quality of the audit in Portugal. In order to quantify earnings manipulation (EM), the Modified Jones Model was used, estimating the discretionary accruals, and a linear regression based on the Lawrence, et al. (2011) equation. The sample consists of 16,540 companies for the period from 2020 to 2022, inclusive. The results obtained show evidence that Portuguese companies audit by Big 4 exhibit more earnings manipulations than Portuguese companies audit by Non-Big 4
Enhancing carob flour (Ceratonia siliqua L.) for by-product utilization in food industries: carob syrup production, functional profiling and application
No full textThe focus on by-product valorization in the food industry, particularly from the carob pod, underscores a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. This fruit, sourced from the leguminous evergreen carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), is renowned for its adaptable flavour and nutritional value, in Mediterranean regions such as Portugal. Its production yields significant by-products, presenting environmental challenges when not managed efficiently. Innovative approaches, including integral carob flour production, aim to optimize utilization while minimizing waste and energy consumption. This study repurposed carob waste to produce novel, value-added ingredients like carob syrup, by thermal hydrolysis of integral carob flour using water at 1:3 solid-to-liquid ratio - obtaining up to 50 % solubility yield. The resulting syrup exhibited 72 % °Brix, a melting temperature (Tm) of approximately 130 °C and predominantly viscous behavior with minimal elastic (solid-like) response. Lastly, the syrup was incorporated into a carob-based brigadeiro, replacing conventional glucose-fructose syrup. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion revealed enhanced bioaccessibility of sugars and phenolics, and increased antioxidant activity during the intestinal phase. Despite sugar availability, the prebiotic activity of the syrup decreased when embedded in the brigadeiro matrix, potentially due to interactions with polyphenols or organic acids. Cytotoxicity and permeability assays confirmed safety at ?0.5 % (w/v) and supported intestinal barrier integrity. These findings support the use of integral carob flour for producing multifunctional ingredients, contributing to circular economy models while meeting consumer demands for healthier, sustainable food products