Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-04"
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- O Registo dos Paços do ConcelhoPublication . Pinto, Susana Alcina RibeiroO Sistema Registal Português constitui um instrumento jurídico indispensável no âmbito da estabilidade do tráfico jurídico imobiliário. Na verdade, a sua finalidade essencial consiste em publicitar ou dar a conhecer a situação jurídica dos prédios. Esta publicidade provocada, não se confunde com qualquer outra, uma vez que se trata de uma publicidade com efeitos jurídicos, isto é, tem uma finalidade jurídica que consiste na segurança do comércio sobre imóveis. Trata-se de uma publicidade dinâmica porque abrange todo o comércio jurídico imobiliário e não apenas a segurança estática entre os contratantes intervenientes dos respetivos títulos. Um sistema de registo bem organizado, como é o português, proporciona informação credível e confiável e, ao mesmo tempo, célere e a custos consideravelmente baixos. Sem um sistema registal, os intervenientes no mercado dos imóveis teriam de gastar muito tempo e muito dinheiro para saber quem são os verdadeiros proprietários ou que ónus ou encargos incidem sobre os prédios. Um dos princípios enformadores do sistema registal português é o da instância ou do pedido. O pedido de registo deve ser acompanhado com os documentos indispensáveis para a prova legal do facto sujeito a registo, devendo ser corretamente instruído, tendo em vista uma qualificação favorável ou definitiva. Um dos conteúdos mais importantes da atividade do Solicitador, consiste, a par da autenticação de documentos particulares que contêm factos sujeitos a registo, na organização e promoção de atos de registo. Para isso, deve ter formação jurídica adequada e rigorosa sobre esta matéria, tendo em vista a obtenção de decisão favorável sobre questões que apresentam elevada complexidade jurídica.
- Assessment of the presence of Acinetobacter spp. resistant to β-lactams in commercial ready-to-eat salad samplesPublication . Costa-Ribeiro, Ana; Azinheiro, Sarah; Mota, Sandra; Prado, Marta; Lamas, Alexandre; Garrido-Maestu, AlejandroAcinetobacter baumannii is a well-known nosocomial infection causing agent. However, other Acinetobacter spp. have also been implicated in cases of human infection. Additionally, these bacteria are known for the development of antibiotic resistance thus making the treatment of the infections they cause, challenging. Due to their relevance in clinical setups less attention has been paid to their presence in foods, and its relation with infection/ dissemination routes. In the current study commercial Ready-To-Eat (RTE) salads were analyzed seeking for antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter spp. A preliminary screening allowed us to recover Gram-negative bacteria resistant to β – lactams using cefotaxime, third generation cephalosporins, as the selective agent, and this was followed by identification with CHROMagar™ Acinetobacter and 16S rDNA sequencing. Finally, the isolates identified as Acinetobacter spp. were reanalyzed by PCR to determine the presence of nine potential Extended Spectrum β Lactamases (ESBL). Two commercial RTE salad brands were included in the study (2 batches per brand and 8 samples of each batch making a total of 32 independent samples), and compared against an organic lettuce. High concentrations of β – lactam, resistant bacteria were found in all the samples tested (5 log CFU/g). Additionally, 209 isolates were phenotypically characterized on CHROMagar Acinetobacter. Finally, PCR analysis identified the presence of different ESBL genes, being positive for blaACC, blaSHV, blaDHA and blaVEB; out of these, blaACC was the most prevalent. None of the isolates screened were positive for more than one gene. To conclude, it is important to highlight the fact that pathogenic species within the genus Acinetobacter spp., other than A. baumannii, have been identified bearing resistance genes not typically associated to these microorganisms highlight the importance of continuous surveillance.
- Central and peripheral involvement of the retina in the initial stages of diabetic retinophatyPublication . Santos, Ana Rita; Almeida, Ana Catarina; Rocha, Ana Cláudia; Reste-Ferreira, Débora; Marques, Inês Pereira; Martinho, António Cunha-Vaz; Mendes, Luís; Santos, Torcato; Lewis, Warren; Cunha-Vaz, José; Santos, Ana RitaTo determine the degree of central microvascular closure using optical coherence tomography angiography in eyes of patients with type 2 diabetes with visible lesions only in the central retina or only in the periphery. Cross-sectional study. All 127 eyes underwent ultra-widefield fundus photography 200° examinations with OPTOS California (Optos, Dunfermline, United Kingdom) and Cirrus Angioplex optical coherence tomography angiography 3 × 3 mm acquisitions (ZEISS, Dublin, CA). Twenty-five eyes showed visible lesions only in the central retina, 57 only in the peripheral retina, and 45 presented visible lesions in entire retina. The group with visible lesions only in the periphery showed definite closure in the superficial capillary plexus in 49% of the eyes, whereas the group with visible lesions only in the central seven-early treatment diabetic retinopathy study fields area showed a definite closure in 64%. Central capillary closure is already present in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy even when lesions are only visible in the peripheral retina. Capillary closure in the superficial capillary plexus is three times more frequent than in the deep capillary plexus, demonstrating earlier closure of the superficial capillary plexus. Eyes with visible lesions only in the periphery show a milder form of retinopathy.
- High-value compounds in papaya by-products (Carica papaya L. var. Formosa and Aliança): Potential sustainable use and exploitationPublication . Vinha, Ana F.; Costa, Anabela S. G.; Santo, Liliana Espírito; Ferreira, Diana M.; Sousa, Carla; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Oliveira, Maria Beatriz P. P.Food waste is a global and growing problem that is gaining traction due to its environmental, ethical, social, and economic repercussions. Between 2022 and 2027, the worldwide papaya market is expected to have a huge increase, meaning a growth in organic waste, including peels and seeds. Thus, this study evaluated the potential use of peels and seeds of two mature papaya fruits as a source of bioactive compounds, converting these by-products into value-added products. Proximate analysis (AOAC methods), mineral content (ICP-MS), free sugars (HPLC-ELSD), fatty acid composition (GC-FID), vitamin E profile (HPLC-DAD-FLD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) were evaluated. Both by-products showed high total protein (20–27%), and dietary fiber (32–38%) contents. Papaya peels presented a high ash content (14–16%), indicating a potential application as a mineral source. 14 fatty acids were detected, with α-linolenic acid (30%) as the most abundant in the peels and oleic acid (74%) in the seeds. Both by-products showed high antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Papaya by-products display great potential for industrial recovery and application, such as formulation of new functional food ingredients.
- Betão leve de estrutural aplicado a sistemas de fachadas pré-fabricadasPublication . Tamura, Rodrigo Teruaki; Oliveira, Maria do Rosário SantosThe use of precast concrete parts is no longer a novelty in the civil construction market. Several authors cite the advantages of its use, such as reduced construction time added to greater durability of the structure. One of the limitations of its use is the weight of the pieces, which require specific equipment for assembly. The present study aimed to develop lightweight concrete mixtures using a dosage method based on particle packing, for application in precast concrete panel pieces. For the dosage of these concretes, a particle packing method was used, which consists in improving the distribution between the materials used (gravel, clay, EPS, sand and cement) by filling the voids that are left between the materials of larger size with those of smaller size. Through the tests performed, the concretes presented positive results, reaching strengths above 30 MPa and spreads above 600 mm. Therefore, it can be concluded that the method used presents great potential when the objective is linked to concretes that use lightweight aggregates for precast parts. Analyzing the relationship between the calculation methodology used, the structural verifications performed, the results and the applicability of the final products generated, it can be concluded that its application generates impacts such as reducing the weight of the structure and the amount of steel used without affecting the structural balance of the model.
- Integração de princípios de economia circular nas operações e cadeias de abastecimento de uma indústria motores elétricos: um estudo de casoPublication . Andrade, Guilherme de Souza; Pereira, Maria Teresa RibeiroThe electric motor market is undergoing remarkable growth, driven by its adoption across various industrial sectors. This increasing demand underscores the critical need for effective end-of-life management strategies for electric motors and the responsible handling of the high-value materials embedded within them. This dissertation endeavors to formulate a comprehensive framework for the integration of circular economy principles into the supply chain of the electric motor industry. The literature review revealed that methodologies for selecting the best end-of-life scenario for industrial electric motors are still a scarce topic. Among the identified strategies, recycling emerges as the primary focus area for research. Motor recovery, albeit underexplored, is recognized as pivotal in extending product lifecycles. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape, an exhaustive analysis of winding processes has been conducted. This analysis encompasses an in-depth review of the supply chain for the resins utilized in motor impregnation and the copper employed for winding. Furthermore, a close examination of the service sector responsible for motor recovery has been undertaken. Subsequently, the proposed circular economy framework is systematically applied to the processes and supply chain of the electric motor industry. This framework is designed to serve as an inaugural step, facilitating the industry's adoption of circular economy strategies. Implementation of these strategies has the potential to significantly enhance the overall sustainability performance of the electric motor industry.
- Biomechanical assessment methods used in chronic stroke: A scoping review of non-linear approachesPublication . Freitas, Marta; Pinho, Francisco; Pinho, Liliana; Silva, Sandra; Figueira, Vânia; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Silva, AugustaNon-linear and dynamic systems analysis of human movement has recently become increasingly widespread with the intention of better reflecting how complexity affects the adaptability of motor systems, especially after a stroke. The main objective of this scoping review was to summarize the non-linear measures used in the analysis of kinetic, kinematic, and EMG data of human movement after stroke. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed, establishing the eligibility criteria, the population, the concept, and the contextual framework. The examined studies were published between 1 January 2013 and 12 April 2023, in English or Portuguese, and were indexed in the databases selected for this research: PubMed®, Web of Science®, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers®, Science Direct® and Google Scholar®. In total, 14 of the 763 articles met the inclusion criteria. The non-linear measures identified included entropy (n = 11), fractal analysis (n = 1), the short-term local divergence exponent (n = 1), the maximum Floquet multiplier (n = 1), and the Lyapunov exponent (n = 1). These studies focused on different motor tasks: reaching to grasp (n = 2), reaching to point (n = 1), arm tracking (n = 2), elbow flexion (n = 5), elbow extension (n = 1), wrist and finger extension upward (lifting) (n = 1), knee extension (n = 1), and walking (n = 4). When studying the complexity of human movement in chronic post-stroke adults, entropy measures, particularly sample entropy, were preferred. Kinematic assessment was mainly performed using motion capture systems, with a focus on joint angles of the upper limbs.
- Ecological validity of neuropsychological interventions: A systematic reviewPublication . Pinto, Joana O.; Pontes, Diogo; Peixoto, Bruno; Dores, Artemisa R.; Barbosa, FernandoThe concept of ecological validity (EV) in neuropsychological interventions (NI) has been consistently advocated, but there is a lack of reviews focused on how EV is operationalized in NI programmes. This review aims to address this gap by exploring the outcome measures more commonly used for assessing EV and to understand the main characteristics of programmes with good EV. A literature search was conducted to identify studies that examined the EV of NI programmes, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. A total of twenty-seven studies were included in this review. Among these, only three studies explicitly described the procedures used to assess EV. Additionally, almost half of the studies assumed that interventions had good EV based on the characteristics of the programmes. The inconsistent assessment of EV of NI programmes prevented the identification of specific characteristics of programmes demonstrating good EV. This systematic review reveals a significant gap in the literature concerning the operationalization of EV within the field of NI. Further research is required to establish a consistent definition of EV in the context of NI and to develop criteria for its effective operationalization.
- Health care expenses impact on the disability-adjusted life years in non-communicable diseases in the European UnionPublication . Torres, Margarida ; Nunes, Alcina ; Martins, João P.; Ferreira, Pedro L. ; Pimenta, RuiNon-communicable diseases are a global health problem. The metric Disability-Adjusted Life Years was developed to measure its impact on health systems. This metric makes it possible to understand a disease’s burden, towards defining healthcare policies. This research analysed the effect of healthcare expenditures in the evolution of disability-adjusted life years for noncommunicable diseases in the European Union between 2000 and 2019. Data were collected for all 27 European Union countries from Global Burden of Disease 2019, Global Health Expenditure, and EUROSTAT databases. Econometric panel data models were used to assess the impact of healthcare expenses on the disability-adjusted life years. Only models with a coefficient of determination equal to or higher than 10% were analysed. There was a decrease in the non-communicable diseases with the highest disability-adjusted life years: cardiovascular diseases (−2,952 years/105 inhabitants) and neoplasms (−618 years/105 inhabitants). Health expenditure significantly decreased disability-adjusted life years for all analysed diseases (p 0.05) whereas public health expenditure did not significantly influence skin and subcutaneous diseases (p > 0.05). Health expenditure have proved to be effective in the reduction of several diseases. However, some categories such as musculoskeletal and mental disorders must be a priority for health policies in the future since, despite their low mortality, they can present high morbidity and disability.
- Aprendizagem federada para comunidades de agentes que permita a mobilidade dinâmica em ambientes de proteção de privacidadePublication . Ribeiro, Bruno Rafael Gonçalves; Gomes, Luís Filipe de OliveiraA privacidade e a segurança dos dados têm sido uma das principais preocupações dos utilizadores da Internet nos últimos anos. Com o aumento do uso de inteligência artificial e dos dados existentes na Internet, os utilizadores começaram a ficar preocupados com a forma como as empresas utilizavam os seus dados. Com isto, vários países começaram a desenvolver os seus próprios regulamentos de proteção de dados. Para cumprir estes regulamentos e continuar a oferecer serviços baseados na inteligência artificial, as empresas e os investigadores criaram uma técnica chamada aprendizagem federada. A aprendizagem federada distingue-se da aprendizagem automática tradicional ao deslocar o processo de treino do servidor central para os clientes. Os clientes treinam o modelo com os seus dados locais e, em seguida, o modelo é enviado de volta para o servidor, onde os agregará num único modelo. Esta abordagem ajuda a distribuir o poder computacional e a evitar a exposição dos dados dos clientes. No entanto, há problemas ainda inexplorados pela comunidade de investigação, que dizem respeito ao lado dinâmico da aprendizagem federada. A investigação atual parte do princípio de que os clientes estão fixos numa federação durante toda a execução, que os seus dados não mudam ao longo do tempo e que não existem outras opções para além da federação em que se encontram a treinar. Os sistemas multiagentes, por outro lado, são um conceito que se baseia fundamentalmente em ambientes dinâmicos e que mudam com o tempo. Estes sistemas são utilizados para conceber e simular cenários realistas, incorporando características humanas, como a inteligência, a proatividade e a adaptabilidade, em entidades chamadas agentes. A sua capacidade adaptativa e comportamental que os permite seguir um objetivo pré-estabelecido faz com que se torne relevante para a aprendizagem federada, no sentido em que os clientes podem ver o seu ambiente a ser alterado, como os seus objetivos iniciais, a distribuição e a quantidade dos seus dados, entre outros. Esta abordagem de treino colaborativo com as capacidades adaptativas e dinâmicas dos agentes pode contribuir para tornar os sistemas de aprendizagem federados mais robustos e realistas. Esta dissertação tem como objetivo combinar ambos os conceitos através de uma ferramenta de desenvolvimento dedicada, validando a sua eficácia num cenário em que os clientes podem escolher qual o melhor modelo de federação a utilizar. A framework proposta chama-se PEAK FL e permite a criação de sistemas de aprendizagem federados baseados em agentes. Esta solução visa ajudar os utilizadores a concetualizar, a construir e a analisar as vantagens e desvantagens que este tipo de sistemas apresentam. Foram realizados vários casos de estudos para validar as suas várias componentes e os resultados mostram que, quando corretamente aplicada, esta combinação pode melhorar os resultados.