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- Assessing resilience potentials in management of occupational safety and health in hospitals: Development and validation of a toolPublication . Fernandes, Joana Afonso; Barbosa, Judite Lopes; Arezes, Pedro; Ferreira, María del Carmen Pardo; Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Afonso Fernandes, JoanaA resilient Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management system is crucial for effectively addressing potential future public emergencies, ensuring the continuous protection of workers’ safety and health. Therefore, it is essential for organizations, particularly hospitals, to assess their resilient performance and employ tools that are appropriate and tailored to their specific context. This study aims to enhance the understanding of resilience potentials in OSH management within hospital settings. To this end, an assessment tool was developed based on the Resilience Assessment Grid (RAG). A Delphi study involving subject matter experts was conducted to refine the tailored RAG tool. Following this, a pilot test was administered to 404 healthcare professionals across three public hospitals, with subsequent psychometric analysis. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified a four- dimensional structure. Goodness-of-fit indices demonstrated acceptable values, confirming the adequacy of the measurement model. Reliability testing indicated that the 29 item assessment tool is both valid and reliable. The tailored RAG tool was successfully validated, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in OSH management.
- Effect of taping on postoperative recovery following SaphenectomyPublication . Guerero, Raquel Michelini; Zordão, Catarina Clápis; Zampieri, Elisa Helena Subtil; Noites, Andreia; Guirro, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira; Noites, Andreia; Noites, Andreia; Sousa, Andreia S. P.Post-surgical complications are common complications following saphenectomy surgery, and strategies to facilitate its resolution are essential for postoperative recovery. This study evaluated the effects of adhesive elastic taping on edema control in patients undergoing saphenectomy. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients of both sexes, divided into two groups: intervention (IG), which received taping immediately after surgery combined with standard compression, and a control group, which received standard treatment with compression stockings (CG). Assessments were performed preoperatively and seven days after surgery, including limb volume (indirect calculation), edema (dielectric constant analysis), Skin Elasticity Assessment (durometer), pain (Visual Analog Scale—VAS), limb functionality (Lower Extremity Functional Scale—LEFS), and ecchymosis area (Image J, version 1.51). Both groups showed a significant increase in edema postoperatively (IG: p = 0.003; CG: p = 0.001). The intervention group exhibited a trend toward volume reduction (p = 0.069), better functionality (p = 0.006)—skin elasticity was assessed using a durometer—and fewer ecchymoses (p = 0.002). Only the control group showed a significant increase in tissue firmness (p = 0.012). No significant difference in pain was observed between groups (p = 0.203). The application of taping demonstrated beneficial effects on postoperative functional recovery and ecchymosis control following saphenectomy.
- Development and validation of a Portuguese psychologist's empathy scale: A pilot studyPublication . Cruz, Márcia; Grilo, Ana; Custódio, Susana; Dores, Artemisa R.; Silva, Carina; Alves, Paulo; Dores, ArtemisaThe systematic assessment of empathy is essential for identifying psychologists' competencies and developmental needs, ultimately contributing to more effective clinical practice. Given the multidimensional nature of empathy, comprehensive evaluation requires consideration of its cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions. How ever, no existing instrument is specifically validated to assess psychologists' self-perceived empathy in clinical contexts. To address this limitation, the present pilot study aimed to develop and undertake a preliminarily validation of the Portuguese Psychologists' Empathy Scale (PPES), a self-report instrument designed to assess empathy among psychologists working in Portuguese-speaking contexts across these three components. The study proceeded in two phases: item construction and initial psychometric testing. A total of 106 Portuguese psychologists completed a 57-item Likert-type instrument. Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (χ2 (45) = 811.56, p < .001), and the KMO index (0.73) indicated moderate adequacy for factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three core factors explaining 48% of the total variance, with strong internal consistency. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis supported model refinement, leading to the removal of items with low factor loadings. The final PPES comprises 43 items distributed across cognitive (16), affective (16), and behavioural (11) dimensions. The findings provide encouraging preliminary evidence for the PPES, demon strating robust internal consistency and acceptable initial factorial validity. Nevertheless, further studies using independent samples and external validation procedures are required to fully establish its psychometric soundness and clinical applicability with Portuguese-speaking psychologists.
- Task demand effects on Visual and Auditory MMN across autistic and schizotypal traitsPublication . Mazer, Prune; Pasion, Rita; Rao, Zohra Kamran; Silveira, Celeste; Santos, Fernando Ferreira; Mazer, PruneMismatch negativity (MMN) is an event-related potential component automatically elicited by violations of sensory predictions and is widely interpreted, within the Predictive Processing framework, as a neural correlate of prediction error. Disruptions in prediction error signaling have been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying the diverse cognitive and perceptual profiles observed in autism and schizophrenia spectrum conditions. In this study, 122 community participants completed auditory and visual oddball tasks with two levels of target detection difficulty while undergoing EEG recording, alongside self-report measures of autistic and schizotypal traits. We found that increased task difficulty significantly reduced MMN amplitude in both modalities, with large effect sizes for auditory (d = 1.826) and visual (d = 1.005) MMN, indicating robust modulation by perceptual load. Although associations between MMN amplitude and trait dimensions were limited, emerging patterns suggest a potential dissociation between social and non-social autistic traits. These findings address key gaps in the literature, particularly the underrepresentation of visual MMN, and highlight the importance of multidimensional, cross-modal approaches to investigating prediction error mechanisms in neurodiverse populations.
- Pharmacy technicians in Europe: exploring the diversity in training, roles, and regulationPublication . Valeiro, Carolina; Silva, Vitor; Jesus, Ângelo; Joaquim, João; Matos Cristiano; Jesus, ÂngeloPharmacy technicians are increasingly recognized as essential healthcare professionals who contribute significantly to the delivery of pharmacy services. However, in Europe, the education, training, and regulatory frameworks governing pharmacy technicians vary substantially, influencing their scope of practice and integration within healthcare systems. This review maps the education, qualifications, and scope of practice of PTs across Europe, highlighting differences in professional titles and regulatory approaches. A review was conducted using publicly available data from the EU Regulated Professions Database and data collected from national organizations representing pharmacy technicians across Europe. Data on professional titles, qualification levels, regulations, program duration, and role delineation were extracted and summarized for comparison. Findings from 28 European countries revealed significant variability in pharmacy technician qualification levels (EQF 4–6), training duration (2–4.5 years), and national regulation. Regulation ranges from mandatory licensing with protected titles to a lack of regulation. The scope of practice differs, from basic dispensing and inventory tasks to broader clinical and technical responsibilities. The landscape of pharmacy technician education and regulation in Europe remains fragmented. Although PTs share core responsibilities, qualification levels, program durations, and regulatory protections vary widely, limiting professional identity, mobility, and workforce planning. Developing a shared European framework for education and professional recognition could facilitate professional mobility, reduce professional and skill disparities, and support safe, high-quality pharmacy services, ultimately optimizing the contribution of PTs to healthcare systems.
- Rare but relevant: MDMA and hyponatraemiaPublication . Garcia, Maria Rita; Gomes, Nelson G. M.; Silva, Diana Dias da; Dias da Silva, Diana CristinaConventionally used for its stimulant, empathogenic and entactogenic effects,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is one of the most commonlyused psychoactive drugs, specifically among young adults and in nightlife and recrea-tional party contexts. Often perceived as a safe drug, MDMA can display an array oftoxic effects on multiple organs, with hyponatraemia (a low blood sodium concentrationthat can cause an altered mental state) being increasingly reported. Although hypona-traemia per se is among the most common electrolyte disorders encountered in clinicalcare, acute MDMA-induced hyponatraemia was first described in 1993 and constitutes alife-threatening condition if left untreated, particularly among women, who presenthigher incidence rates and increased odds of developing severe clinical effects. The pre-sent review outlines the main clinical manifestations and prevalence of MDMA-inducedhyponatraemia, its pathophysiological mechanisms and the therapeutical approaches tocorrect this electrolyte imbalance.
- Sistema de Gerenciamento de Pavimentos Asfálticos Urbanos: Proposta de Matriz de Decisão de Manutenção Fundamentada na Avaliação de PatologiasPublication . SCHWANDT, VICTOR CELESTINO; Oliveira, Maria do Rosário SantosFrente à grande importância que a malha rodoviária apresenta para o Brasil e sua crescente deterioração, justificam-se os investimentos substanciais realizados para a construção e manutenção de vias pavimentadas. Contudo, é necessário avaliar as prioridades e analisar as intervenções necessárias de forma eficiente para um melhor resultado. Para isso, existem os sistemas de gerenciamento de pavimentos, que são ferramentas que auxiliam na gestão e conservação de vias, fornecendo informações e recursos para a tomada de decisões relacionadas aos pavimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um sistema de gerenciamento para pavimentos adaptado para a realidade urbana, baseado na avaliação de patologias para obter, a partir da análise, métodos de manutenção e reabilitação de forma mais eficiente e adequada. Entende-se que a matriz proposta é capaz de fornecer as técnicas de manutenção e reabilitação mais assertivamente para aplicações urbanas, devido a ponderação das características dos defeitos na análise final.
- A memória como “Raiz”: o peso do cinema documental na materialização da biografia pessoalPublication . Pereira, Ângela Filipa Rodrigues; Baptista, AdrianaA identidade é edificada em torno do conjunto de aprendizagens adquiridas ao longo do tempo, que vão desde informações básicas, como o próprio nome ou o de familiares, necessárias a longo prazo, até informações cuja pertinência é apenas provisória. A memória é um processo complexo, responsável pela retenção e acesso a esses conteúdos. Não se pode considerar fidedigna ou objetiva, pois está sujeita a fatores como interpretação, estado emocional ou estímulos externos, mas, ainda assim, contribui para a atribuição de significado aos elementos envolventes, tornando-se um dos pilares da existência humana. Na arte, a chave para a singularidade, conexão e imersividade é a expressão individual. Como tal, a identidade, e por consequência a memória, são basilares para a criação artística. O cinema, e em especial o cinema documental, pelo seu cariz autêntico, transcende o entretenimento. Atua como reflexo social, cultural e ideológico, podendo preocupar-se com transmitir uma mensagem, mas estando a mesma sempre sujeita ao enviesamento da perspetiva do realizador. É um organismo vivo de preservação, estando constantemente encarregue de analisar e representar arquivo para reconstruir o passado e de produzir novos registos, que levarão o presente para gerações futuras. Este projeto pretende iniciar uma reflexão sobre o papel do cinema documental na preservação identitária, coletiva e individual. Sendo a memória um elemento crucial para a noção de identidade, considera-se que é a base, ou a raiz, da materialização biográfica e da subsequente produção artística. Para apurar estas questões, foram realizadas entrevistas a especialistas nas áreas da memória e das artes, a par de revisão de literatura relevante sobre os temas salientados (e adjacentes). Foram igualmente analisados filmes (ficcionais e não-ficcionais) que tratassem a aplicação prática da memória como fonte narrativa. Finalmente, foi realizado um documentário, centrado numa única personagem, que dá voz a memórias geracionais e representa uma comunidade.
- The face of low back pain: A preliminary method for quantifying pain-related facial expressionsPublication . Parolini, Franciele; Pires, Ricardo; Santos, Sara Dereste dos; Goethel, Márcio F.; Becker, Klaus; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Santos, Rubim; Ervilha, Ulysses F.; Rubim Silva Santos, Manuel; Carvalho Santos Parolini, FrancieleFacial expressions of pain are essential for pain assessment, yet subjective pain reports often vary between sexes. Traditional self-report measures are prone to bias, and objective methods are needed for more reliable pain evaluation. To develop and validate a subjectivity-free automated tool to assess acute low back pain using facial expressions recorded during a functional spinal extension task. Thirty healthy adults, aged 18–40 years. Methods: Participants received intramuscular injections of hypertonic (pain) and isotonic (placebo) saline in the lumbar region during separate sessions. Facial expressions were video-recorded during a submaximal lumbar extension task and analyzed using a custom software based on Haar Cascade and Local Binary Pattern Histogram algorithms, which are techniques that do not require neither training data nor subjective labeling, contrary to what happens in deep learning solutions. The tool successfully detected significant differences in facial expressions between pain, placebo, and pain-free conditions (p < 0.001). Test–retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.85). While both sexes showed similar facial expression patterns during pain, males reported higher pain scores on the numeric rating scale (p < 0.01). Pain significantly reduced steadiness of force in both sexes. The automated tool objectively quantified facial expressions associated with acute low back pain and revealed sex-related differences in subjective pain perception. This multimodal approach integrating expression analysis, physical performance, and self-report may enhance the accuracy of pain assessment in physiotherapy settings.
- Efeitos na saúde associados à exposição ocupacional à radiação ultravioleta solar: Uma revisão sistemática da literaturaPublication . Rocha, Ricardo; Guedes, Joana; Santos, Joana; Carvalhais, Carlos; Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Santos, JoanaA exposição ocupacional à radiação ultravioleta solar (UVR) é um dos principais riscos para os trabalhadores ao ar livre, associada a cancro, lesões oculares e envelhecimento precoce da pele. Embora seja crucial na síntese de vitamina D, a exposição excessiva é reconhecida como carcinogénico do Grupo 1 pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A caracterização dos efeitos desta exposição, em diferentes contextos profissionais, é essencial para a adoção de medidas de proteção eficazes. Identificar os efeitos na saúde relacionados com a exposição ocupacional à UVR, descrevendo os grupos profissionais mais afetados, as medidas de proteção adotadas e as limitações metodológicas reportadas nos estudos. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática segundo a metodologia PRISMA 2020. A pesquisa foi efetuada nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science e PubMed, com término a 19 de novembro de 2024. Foram incluídos estudos originais em humanos, publicados entre 2019 e 2024, em inglês e revistos por pares, que abordassem os efeitos da exposição ocupacional à UVR. O risco de viés foi avaliado através da checklist do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).Foram incluídos 16 estudos, abrangendo trabalhadores de vários setores profissionais, tais como agricultura, construção, pesca, docência, forças armadas e trabalho offshore. Os efeitos negativos mais identificados foram carcinoma basocelular e espinocelular, melanoma maligno, cataratas, fotoenvelhecimento, queratose actínica e lesões labiais. Em contrapartida, níveis moderados de exposição foram associados a uma redução do risco de cancro do cólon e da próstata. A utilização de medidas de proteção revelou-se inconsistente, com baixa adesão no uso de protetor solar e chapéus. As principais limitações metodológicas incluíram heterogeneidade dos desenhos de estudo, ausência de dados sobre exposição não ocupacional e falta de padronização na medição da dose cumulativa de UVR. A exposição ocupacional à UVR representa um risco significativo e persistente para a saúde dos trabalhadores ao ar livre, mas também pode conferir alguns efeitos protetores quando moderada. Estes resultados reforçam a necessidade de políticas públicas robustas, programas de vigilância ocupacional e uma maior uniformização dos métodos de avaliação. Estudos quantitativos de longo prazo são fundamentais para sustentar estratégias de prevenção eficazes e adaptadas aos diferentes contextos profissionais.