Publications Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança
Not a member yet
30168 research outputs found
Sort by
Fostering Reading in English to Young Learners through an Interactive and Phonics-based Approach
Get PDFThe milestones on first (L1) and second (L2) language acquisition have fascinated researchers and practitioners for decades. However, the findings of the most updated research (Mourão e Lourenço, 2015; Lucas, Rei and Abuquerque, 2021; Yum et al.,n2021) do not always and instantly reflect on the classroom, specifically in Teaching English to Young Learners in Portuguese primary schools. Within this, it is worth highlighting, as per previous studies, the lack of uniformity in terms of sillabi design and implementation in the classroom. Moreover, more continuous professional development opportunities would be welcome. This paper is set out to gather a more traditional phonics-based approach with the use of innovative interactive whiteboards and classic storybooks to help young learners of English learning how to read and write in English. This study has also as an aim to contribute to research-informed teaching, based in actual findings from the classroom, through and after the implementation of an action-research programme for nurturing the seeds in learning how to read in English. Therefore the purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of read-aloud storybooks, associated with the use of interactive whiteboards, further anchored in a phonics-based approach to teach reading and writing to Young Learners of English. Participants were 80 (n=80) native Portuguese children, attending the second year of primary school, learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes, aged 7 years old. The findings suggest that through the use of storybooks, followed by watching the respective videos, together with follow-up phonics activities are effective strategies which Teachers of English to Young Learners can certainly use to “nurture the seeds” for English language learning, considering that they have resulted in improved decoding skills, higher engagement levels in the classroom, stronger phonemic awareness and an enhanced writing ability
Biomass and nutrient release dynamics of decomposing rolling down legume cover crops in a steep-sloped Mediterranean vineyard
Get PDFWell-managed cover crops are gaining traction as an alternative to conventional tillage, offering a range of agronomic and ecological benefits. This field study, conducted in a commercial vineyard in the Douro region (Portugal) during the 2022/2023 growing season, evaluated the decomposition dynamics and nutrient release from different legume cover crop residues over a period of 183 days after sowing and 114 days after rolling. These mixtures consisted of subterranean clovers (SC), low-growing (LG), and moderately-growing (MG) legumes. MG legumes produced the highest biomass (7.8 t ha-1), followed by LG (7.2 t ha-1) and SC (5.9 kg ha-1). MG residues decomposed more rapidly, potentially meeting early grapevine nutrient demands. SC residues decomposed more slowly, retaining nutrients over longer periods and acting as a sustained source of fertility, while LG legumes provided a balance between rapid and gradual nutrient release. Biomass production peaked before rolling termination, suggesting that the lower canopy foliage might have started decomposing as the crops reached maximum vegetative expansion and early seed formation, reflecting the dry, hot environmental conditions during the study year. The observed nutrient release from cover crop residues, particularly during the first 45 days post-termination, suggested a potential to support grapevine nutrient requirements, although direct uptake by grapevines was not assessed in this study. SC residues retained higher levels of key macronutrients and micronutrients over time. These findings highlight the importance of selecting legume cover crop mixtures aligned with vineyard management goals, whether rapid nutrient supply or sustained soil fertility. The study also underscores the influence of environmental conditions, residue composition and termination timing on nutrient dynamics. Long-term research is recommended to evaluate cover crops' chemical composition, cumulative effects on soil organic carbon (C) and nutrients, microbial activity and effects on grapevine performance across diverse Mediterranean environments.The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This work was funded by the Project Vine&Wine Portugal - Driving Sustainable Growth Through Smart Innovation, Ref. n.° C644866286-00000011, co-financed by the NextGenerationEU, under Reg. (EU) 2021/241 - Recovery and Resilience Facility in Portugal (PRR - C5: Capitalization and Business Innovation). This work is also supported by National Funds by FCT –Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects UID/04033: Centro de Investigação e de Tecnologias Agro-Ambienteis e Biológicas and LA/P/0126/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0126/2020)
3D Analysis of the Initial and End Positions of an Active and Passive Prone Hip Extension Test and Its Correlation with Lower Limb Isokinetic Neuromuscular Function of College Students: A Pilot Study
Get PDFManual therapists routinely evaluate changes in pain, movement, and function through clinical tests that support clinical reasoning. The Prone Hip Extension Test (PHET) is commonly used as a self-perturbation task to assess lumbopelvic control and hip motion patterns related to gait. Performing the PHET actively and passively may reveal how voluntary activation and passive structures influence joint kinematics and contribute to force production. This study aimed to compare active and passive PHET execution and investigate how initial (IP) and final hip positions (FP) correlate with lower-limb neuromuscular function. Methods: Seven healthy volunteers (24.3 ± 3.4 years; 173.1 ± 7.5 cm; 72.1 ± 9.5 kg) without musculoskeletal conditions participated. Hip kinematics were recorded using a 12-camera Qualisys Oqus system (200 Hz) with 22 reflective markers, processed in Qualisys Track Manager 2.13 and exported to Visual3D. Participants performed three PHET trials in both IP and FP, with mean angles considered for analysis. Knee isokinetic performance was assessed on a Biodex System 4 at 180◦/s and 300◦/s for flexion
and extension. Results: Significant differences between active and passive PHET emerged in the FP for rotational movements bilaterally (p = 0.02) and in IP adduction/abduction for both hips (right p = 0.03; left p = 0.02). No side-to-side differences were observed. Passive FP of the right hip showed multiple significant correlations with isokinetic flexion and extension parameters at 180◦/s and 300◦/s, particularly with torque/body weight, acceleration and deceleration times, and agonist/antagonist ratios (ρ ranging from −0.86 to 0.90). Conclusions: Meaningful differences exist between active and passive PHET performance, especially in frontal-plane IP and rotational FP measures. Additionally, passive FP strongly correlates with several neuromuscular variables, suggesting that PHET kinematics may reflect lower-limb isokinetic function
Relação estabelecida entre o enfermeiro e a família do doente crítico na sala de emergência
Get PDFA relação entre o enfermeiro e a família do doente crítico na sala de emergência desempenha uma função crucial na qualidade do cuidado prestado. É importante a adoção de estratégias de enfermagem que fortaleçam a relação terapêutica promovendo um cuidado mais humanizado e eficaz em contexto crítico.
Mapear a evidência científica sobre estratégias de enfermagem à família do doente crítico na sala de emergência para uma relação terapêutica. Específicos: 1) Identificar na literatura atual estratégias de enfermagem à família do doente crítico na sala de emergência para uma relação terapêutica; 2) Identificar na literatura atual atitudes e comportamentos expressos pelos enfermeiros para uma relação terapêutica com a família do doente crítico na sala de emergência
Optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhanced yield of bioactive compounds from Vaccinum myrtillus and Rubus idaeus bioresidues
Get PDFDue to the high nutritional value of berries, their extensive production has led to the accumulation of bioresidues. To leverage these residues, the distinct chemical composition, and functional properties of the leaves and other aerial parts can be used to produce high-value ingredients for cosmetics. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is considered simple, fast, efficient, and more affordable than other techniques for obtaining bioactive extracts. This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for maximizing ultrasound-assisted extraction yields from raspberry (RB) and blueberry (BB) pruning using response surface methodology (RSM). Three factors were analyzed: the ethanol-to-water solvent ratio (ranging from 0 % to 100 % ethanol), extraction time (ranging from 5 to 30 min), and extraction power (ranging from 20 % to 100 %, with a maximum ultrasound power of 500 W). The Box-Behnken design included 17 individual randomized runs to optimize the extract's dry weight range from 22.2 to 202.8 mg/g for RB and 123.5-394.0 mg/g for BB. The optimal extraction point for RB was at 40 % ethanol-to-water ratio, 16 min, and 98 % extraction power, while for BB, it was at 59 % ethanol in water, 30 min, and 73 % extraction power. Higher levels of hydrolyzable tannins characterized the optimal point of RB, while BB showed greater contents of flavonoids. Both revealed strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities, with RB showing higher antioxidant activity than Trolox. These results suggest that the extracts from pruning are obtained at interesting compositions and yields, offering advantages to use in the cosmetic industry due to their bioactivity.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support from the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.544 99/UIDB/00690/2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.544 99/UIDP/00690/2020)); and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). National funding by FCT, through the institutional and individual scientific employment program-contract with L. Barros (CEEC-INST, DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002), R.C. Calhelha (CEEC-INST; DOI:10.54499/CEECINST/00016/2018/CP1505/CT0009) and M. Carocho (CEEC-IND/00831/2018), respectively
Aptidão Física, Funcionalidade e Equilíbrio em Idosos: estudo descritivo - correlacional na Rede de Cuidados Continuados (Madeira)
Get PDFO envelhecimento demográfico, aliado à inatividade física e à presença de morbilidades, está fortemente associado à deterioração da aptidão física, com repercussão significativa sobre equilíbrio postural, com impacto negativo na independência funcional da pessoa idosa. O declínio funcional apresenta, assim, uma relação crescente com o aumento do risco de queda, constituindo um domínio prioritário de intervenção no âmbito da Enfermagem de Reabilitação (ER). A implementação de programas de treino multicomponente, com especial enfoque no treino de equilíbrio e proprioceção, constituem estratégias fundamentais para a promoção da funcionalidade.
Objetivo: Descrever o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico dos idosos integrados na Rede Regional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados, e analisar a sua funcionalidade, aptidão física e equilíbrio, bem como a relação entre estas variáveis.
Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo e correlacional de uma amostra 10 clientes institucionalizados, com uma média de idades de 77,30 anos. Utilizou-se um protocolo para a colheita de dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, a aplicação de provas físicas como Teste Levantar e Sentar (TLS) e Timed up and go (TUG) e de instrumentos validados: a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e o Índice de Barthel (IB). Para correlacionar estas variáveis recorreu-se ao coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (rho).
Resultados: 50% dos participantes referiu quedas no último ano. As médias nos testes TLS e TUG foram de 4,9 repetições e 75,89 segundos, respetivamente. A EEB revelou média de 34,5 pontos, com 70% em risco moderado de queda/equilíbrio médio. Ainda, 70% apresentaram dependência ligeira e 20% dependência moderada e 10% eram independentes. Observou-se correlação positiva forte entre EEB e IB (r = 0,743; p = 0,014) e correlação negativa entre TLS e TUG (r = -0,661; p = 0,038).
Conclusão: Verificou-se uma relação positiva entre as variáveis estudadas. Os resultados justificam a pertinência da inclusão do treino multicomponente para a otimização das variáveis em estudo.Demographic ageing, combined with physical inactivity and the presence of comorbidities, is strongly associated with the deterioration of physical fitness, significantly affecting postural balance and negatively impacting the functional independence of older adults. Functional decline is thus increasingly correlated with a higher risk of falls, constituting a priority area for intervention within Rehabilitation Nursing (RN). The implementation of multicomponent training programmes, with particular emphasis on balance and proprioception training, represents a fundamental strategy for promoting functionality.
Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile of older adults integrated into the Regional Network of Integrated Continuous Care, and to analyse their functionality, physical fitness and balance, as well as the relationship between these variables.
Methodology: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study involving a sample of 10 institutionalised clients, with a mean age of 77.30 years. Data collection included a protocol for sociodemographic and clinical information, the application of physical tests such as the Sit-to-Stand Test (STS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG), as well as validated instruments: the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Barthel Index (BI). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess correlations between variables.
Results: Fifty percent of participants reported falls in the past year. The mean scores for the STS and TUG were 4.9 repetitions and 75.89 seconds, respectively. The BBS showed a mean score of 34.5 points, with 70% of participants classified at moderate risk of falls/moderate balance. Additionally, 70% exhibited mild dependency, 20% moderate
dependency, and 10% were independent. A strong positive correlation was observed between the BBS and BI (r = 0.743; p = 0.014), and a negative correlation between the STS and TUG tests (r = -0.661; p = 0.038).
Conclusion: A positive relationship was observed between the variables studied. The results support the relevance of incorporating multicomponent training to optimise the studied variables
Gestão estratégica: estudo de caso da empresa catedral solar
Get PDFA presente dissertação analisa criticamente a mobilização de ferramentas de gestão estratégica e práticas de inovação no processo de consolidação do modelo de negócios da empresa Catedral Solar, atuante no setor de energia solar fotovoltaica em Mato Grosso, Brasil, entre 2023 e 2025. A investigação, de natureza qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, adota o método de estudo de caso instrumental, centrando-se na compreensão contextualizada das estratégias adotadas por uma organização emergente em um mercado tecnicamente intensivo e competitivo. A análise empírica fundamentou-se na análise documental, observação direta e consulta a fontes secundárias (ANEEL, SEDEC-MT, JUCEMAT e RAIS), sendo os dados tratados segundo os princípios da análise de conteúdo temática proposta por Bardin (2011).
Os resultados indicam que a Catedral Solar integra de forma eficaz ferramentas clássicas de gestão estratégica como análise SWOT, Matriz BCG, Balanced Scorecard e o modelo das Cinco Forças de Porter, as práticas inovadoras, como auditorias térmicas com drones, plataformas digitais de monitoramento energético e metodologias avançadas de projeção de ROI. Essa integração tem permitido à empresa adaptar-se rapidamente às exigências regulatórias, técnicas e mercadológicas, consolidando uma vantagem competitiva baseada na inovação contextualizada e na eficiência operacional.
Embora limitada ao estudo de um único caso, a investigação contribui para o avanço do conhecimento sobre a gestão estratégica em setores de base tecnológica, ao evidenciar como organizações emergentes podem articular racionalidade analítica e criatividade aplicada para enfrentar a volatilidade de mercados dinâmicos. Recomenda-se, como futuras linhas de pesquisa, a realização de estudos comparativos entre múltiplas empresas do setor e a aplicação de métodos mistos para mensurar o impacto das estratégias adotadas sobre o desempenho organizacional e a sustentabilidade do negócio.This dissertation critically examines the integration of strategic management tools and innovation practices in the consolidation of the business model of Catedral Solar, a company operating in the solar photovoltaic energy sector in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, between 2023 and 2025. The research, qualitative in nature and both descriptive and exploratory in its approach, is based on an instrumental case study aimed at providing a contextualized understanding of the strategic actions adopted by an emerging organization in a technologically intensive and highly competitive market. Empirical data were collected through document analysis, direct observation, and consultation of secondary sources (ANEEL, SEDEC-MT, JUCEMAT, and RAIS), and analyzed using thematic content analysis, following Bardin’s (2011) methodological framework.
The findings reveal that Catedral Solar effectively combines classical strategic management tools such as SWOT analysis, the BCG Matrix, the Balanced Scorecard, and Porter’s Five Forces with innovation practices including thermal drone inspections, digital platforms for energy monitoring, and advanced ROI forecasting methodologies. This integrated approach has enabled the company to respond swiftly to regulatory, technical, and market demands, thus establishing a competitive advantage grounded in contextual innovation and operational efficiency.
Despite being limited to a single case study, the research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of strategic management applied to technology-based sectors. It demonstrates how emerging companies can strategically combine analytical rationality with applied creativity to navigate the volatility of dynamic markets. Future research should consider comparative studies across multiple firms and the adoption of mixed methods to assess the impact of strategic practices on organizational performance and long-term business sustainability
Nutritional Content, Phytochemical Composition, and Physicochemical Properties of Different Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seed Varieties
Get PDFQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal with documented benefits for human health. The macronutrient composition and phytochemical content of the grain are known to vary depending on the variety and the growing location. In this context, three varieties of quinoa seeds from the United Kingdom (UK) and Brazil (BR) were analyzed for their nutritional value and phytochemical content. All three varieties had high protein content (Variety 1: 12.82% +/- 0.08%, Variety 2: 12.79% +/- 0.06%, Variety 3: 15.23% +/- 0.29%) and a balanced amino acid profile. The UK varieties (1 and 2) showed higher content (p < 0.001) of insoluble fiber (mean: 5.61%) compared with the BR variety (4.34%). ICP-MS analysis indicated that all varieties were rich in manganese, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Of a total of 158 phytochemicals analyzed with targeted LC-MS/MS, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin were detected in the highest quantities. Quinoa is a promising candidate crop to incorporate in the human diet and contributes toward dietary recommendations in terms of macronutrients and minerals. Varietal variations affect physical properties and seed suitability as a functional ingredient in food formulations. Diversification of the human diet is an essential step for promoting biodiversity and ensuring sustainability of food production.The authors would like to thank Lynn Pirie and Jodie Park from the Rowett Institute Analytical Department for carrying out the proximate, amino acid, and ICP–MS analyses and the funders Scottish Governments Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS) and Ministério da Educação Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Brazil (CAPES). This study was funded by the Scottish Governments Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS) as part of the Strategic Research Programme 2016–2022 and Ministerio da Educacao Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior–CAPES, Brazil. This study was also supported by the 2022–2027 RESAS Strategic Research Programme (projects RI-B1-01 and RI-B5-03). The publication of this article in OA mode was financially supported by HEAL-Link
Focus Issue: Woodland Resurgence and Sustainability in Mountains—Patterns, Drivers, and Social-Ecological Consequences
Get PDFIn recent decades, the resurgence of forests and other woodlands has become apparent in different regions of the world, challenging the perception of deforestation as the dominant land cover change pattern. Woodland resurgence has been particularly pronounced in mountain areas, where conditions limit the scope for agricultural mechanization and rural outmigration has favored land abandonment. In addition, many governmental and nongovernmental initiatives to promote forest management, restore forests, protect biodiversity, and conserve ecosystem services have focused on mountain areas
Origin Identification of Table Salt Using Flame Atomic Absorption and Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometries
Get PDFThe mineral composition of table salt can be indicative of its origin. This work evaluated the possibility of identifying the origin of salt from four countries: Brazil, Spain, France, and Portugal. Eight metals were quantified through flame atomic absorption/emission spectroscopy (FAAS). The possibility of using portable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) as a faster and lower-cost alternative for identifying salt provenance was also evaluated. The content of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Cu was identified as possible markers to differentiate the salt origin. One-class classifiers using FAAS data and DD-SIMCA could discriminate the salt origin with few misclassifications. For NIR spectroscopy, it was possible to highlight the importance of controlling the humidity and granulometry before the spectra acquisition. After drying and milling the samples, it was possible to discriminate between samples based on the interaction between the water of hydration and the presence of the cations in the sample. The Mg, Mn, and Cu are important in identifying the origin of salt using NIR spectra. The DD-SIMCA model using NIR spectra could classify the origin with the same performance as observed in FAAS. However, it is important to emphasize that NIR spectroscopy requires less sample preparation, is faster, and has low-cost instrumentation.This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)—grant numbers 312595/2021-2, 310446/2020-1, INCT-FNA 464898/2014-5; Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020)