Percorrer por autor "Lopes, Ana"
A mostrar 1 - 7 de 7
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Assessment and creativity stimulus in school contextPublication . Cardoso, Ana Paula; Malheiro, Rogério; Rodrigues, Paula; Felizardo, Sara; Lopes, AnaCreativity is a fundamental aptitude today, with teachers playing an important role in its promotion. So, this study intends to examine to what extent teachers of Visual and Technological Education (EVT) evaluate, objectively, the creative level of their students and which strategies they put into practice, in order to stimulate student creativity. A comparative research of a descriptive-correlational nature was undertaken, comprising a questionnaire to twenty nine 2nd Cycle of Basic Education teachers from the Viseu municipality state schools (Portugal) and the application of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking to 46 students from two classes at one of the schools. The data reveal that there are no statistically significant differences between the assessment of student creativity obtained by the Torrance Test and the creative level assigned by teachers. We can also verify, with relation to stimulating creativity, that teachers of Visual and Technological Education opt, more frequently, for psychological stimuli and, less frequently, for educational strategies that involve carrying out assignments/research. Educational implications are addressed.
- A atividade processual de uma Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens do Centro de PortugalPublication . Lopes, Ana; Mendes, Francisco; Magalhães, Cátia; Fernandes, Rosina; Martins, EmíliaA Convenção dos Direitos da Criança, a Constituição da República Portuguesa e a Lei 147/99 de 1/9 constituem-se como os bordões legais fundamentais que suportam a intervenção das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ). Este estudo centra-se sobre a atividade processual (2011-2014) duma CPCJ do Centro de Portugal. Metodologia: Foram escrutinados, por análise de conteúdo, 107 processos de outras tantas crianças, com idades entre 1 mês e 17 anos, sendo 51 masculinos. Resultados: As sinalizações resultaram da exposição a comportamentos que comprometem o bem-estar e desenvolvimento da criança (39,3% integra a violência doméstica e o consumo de álcool), bem como a negligência a nível educativo (17,8%), psicoafectivo (15,0%) e da saúde (10,3%), a não supervisão e acompanhamento (14,0%), o absentismo escolar (11,2%) e a ofensa física (10,3%). As participações foram realizadas pelas autoridades policiais (37,3%) e estabelecimentos de ensino (22,5%). Foram objeto de reabertura 19 (17,7%) processos. Nos Acordos de Promoção e Proteção, as medidas previstas nas alíneas a) e b) do art.º 35.º da Lei 147/99 de 1/9 representam, respetivamente, 61% e 25,4%, sendo a duração média de 12 meses. Conclusões: Estes resultados estão, parcialmente, em continuidade com os disponibilizados nos últimos Relatórios Anuais de Avaliação das CPCJ, sendo necessários outros estudos que permitam um conhecimento mais aprofundado da dinâmica dos processos de promoção e proteção
- Comparison of the bacterial composition of two commercial composts with different physicochemical, stability and maturity propertiesPublication . Silva, Elisabete; Lopes, Ana; Cunha-Queda, Ana; Nunes, OlgaPreviously, two municipal solid waste commercial composts (MSW1 and MSW2) were characterized. Although sharing the same type of raw material, most of their physicochemical, stability and maturity properties differed. The present study aimed to characterize them at a microbiological level, and to infer on possible relationships between the composts properties and the structure of their bacterial communities. Both the 16S rRNA gene-based PCR-DGGE profiling and 454-pyrosequencing technology showed that the structure of the bacterial communities of these composts was distinct. The bacterial community of MSW1 was more diverse than that of MSW2. Multivariate analyses revealed that the high electrical conductivity, Cu content as well as the low phytotoxity of compost MSW1, when compared to MSW2, contributed most to shape its bacterial community structure. Indeed, high abundance of halophilic (Halomonadaceae and Brevibacteriaceae) and metal resistant organisms (Brevibacteriaceae and Bacillaceae) were found in MSW1. In addition, Pseudonocardiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, and Brevibacteriaceae may have contributed to the high humic-like acids content and low phytotoxicity of MSW1. In contrast, the high organic matter content and the high density of the cultivable fungi population were the parameters most correlated with the structure of the bacterial community of compost MSW2, dominated by Corynebacteriaceae and mainly Aerococcaceae, taxonomic groups not commonly found in composts.
- Crisis Communication in the digital age: bridging classic approaches with modern toolsPublication . Matias, Ana; Turk, Ezel; Lopes, AnaIntroduction: In the contemporary era, technological advancements and transformations in communication practices demand enhanced organizational communication strategies. Public entities must protect their reputations and engage stakeholders effectively, leveraging new media to address crises and mitigate negative impacts. Crises - inherent to human activity -, are projected to rise in the next years, necessitating robust crisis communication frameworks for risk identification, prevention, and response; this way, strategies should include stakeholder engagement, media interaction, and transparent messaging. This research explores best practices in crisis communication, proposing coding categorization to bridge theoretical and practical approaches for effective crisis management in a digital context. Objectives 1. To analyze best practices in crisis communication by exploring theoretical and practical frameworks, emphasizing effective messaging strategies and stakeholder engagement during different stages of a crisis. 2. To investigate the role of digital and social media platforms in modern crisis communication, assessing their opportunities for real-time engagement and challenges related to misinformation and swift information dissemination. 3. To propose a coding categorization framework for future empirical studies, aiming to enhance the adaptation of crisis management strategies in diverse organizational contexts and unfavorable digital environments. Methodology A qualitative methodology was employed, combining theoretical and methodological elements. The approach included a literature review to identify knowledge gaps, a documentary analysis of scientific materials to extract relevant criteria, and the development of a theoretical model for content categorization. The proposed framework was validated against existing theories, ensuring coherence and adaptation to the digital context. Results Effective crisis communication requires a combination of offline and online tools to ensure a coordinated response and maintain trust. A Crisis Management Plan provides a strategic framework, outlining roles, responsibilities, and operational strategies, while a Crisis Communication Plan focuses on real-time information flow and engagement with stakeholders, media, and the public. Forming a crisis team, assigning spokespersons, and utilizing tools such as messaging templates, press releases, email communication, and official websites are essential components of effective crisis communication. Digital platforms, especially social media, play a crucial role in crisis communication by enabling real-time, two-way interactions and addressing misinformation promptly. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube allow organizations to disseminate updates, engage with stakeholders, and foster community resilience. Social media tools and analytics, such as Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Twitter Analytics, as well as social listening tools like Brandwatch, Hootsuite, and Mention help track the crisis's impact and refine strategies in real time, ensuring a transparent and reliable approach to crisis management. Strategies for apologies, transparency, image repair, or corrective action can be adapted to social media. Regarding response strategies discussed in the literature (Benoit, 2015; Coombs, 2007, 2017; Liu et. al., 2011; Jin, Pang, & Cameron, 2012), a systematic coding framework can be used to categorize social media crisis content by message type, tone, audience, and engagement, helping organizations optimize their strategies and evaluate effectiveness Conclusions Crisis communication is a cornerstone of organizational resilience, requiring strategic preparation, response, and post-crisis evaluation. Preparation involves proactive measures like risk assessments, communication planning, and team training to enhance readiness and mitigate risks; in crises, transparency, timeliness, and consistent messaging are vital to counter misinformation and maintain credibility. Social media platforms, such as X and YouTube, enable real-time engagement and broad reach but also present challenges like misinformation. Digital tools, including analytics and monitoring software, help refine messaging and target stakeholders more effectively. This research introduces a coding framework to analyze communication strategies by categorizing message types, tones, and audience engagement. Combining traditional and digital approaches fosters trust, supports recovery, and strengthens organizational resilience in today’s complex global environment.
- Dementia Approach and Follow-up in Primary CarePublication . Lopes, Ana; Martins, Vitor; Ribeiro, JoãoIntroduction: The prevalence of dementia has been increasing in recent years in parallel with an ageing population. Today it is a common pathology in primary care level. Objectives: To review the family physician’s role in diagnosing and following up on patients with dementia. Methods: Theoretical review based on researching clinical guidelines, systematic and original articles published in English and Portuguese in PubMed, Clinical Key, UpToDate, the Index of Portuguese Journals from January 2006 to September 2016 using the MeSH terms: “Dementia,” “Primary Health Care,” “Primary Care Nursing” and “Primary Care Physician.” Results: When dementia is suspected, it is important to resort to family members and/or caregivers’ cooperation, to conduct a thorough medical history of the patient, focusing on behavioural and cognitive symptoms and changes in daily activities. Subsequently, an objective examination should be carried out and an array of cognitive, psycho-affective and functional assessment tests applied. Finally, an analytical and imaging evaluation should be performed. Equally important is the role of the family physician in the patient’s subsequent treatment/guidance and support to families and caregivers in care management. Conclusions: The family physician is in a prime position for early detection of dementia. Clinical diagnosis is essential and is not always easy at an early stage. The role of doctors and other professionals in primary health care should not be limited to the initial assessment, but should extend to following up on and guiding the sick and their respective families.
- Nanopartículas no tratamento da doença de alzheimerPublication . Cruz-Lopes, Luísa; Lopes, Ana; Escudeiro, Maria; Duarte, Cláudia; Ferreira, Rafaela; Graça, Francisco; Silva, Isaura; Esteves, BrunoIntrodução: A Doença de Alzheimer é uma patologia neurodegenerativa primária, de etiologia desconhecida e influenciada por vários fatores com aspetos neuropatológicos e neuroquímicos característicos. Atualmente, os fármacos aprovados para o tratamento desta doença apenas permitem aliviar os sintomas sendo acompanhados por diversos efeitos secundários. A nanotecnologia aparece como alternativa para o tratamento do Alzheimer, por oferecer muitas vantagens para a medicina contemporânea permitindo um diagnóstico e tratamento não invasivos e direcionados, reduzindo as reações adversas e os efeitos sistémicos. Objetivo: Reconhecer as potencialidades do uso de nanopartículas no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer, identificando os tratamentos mais promissores e quais os seus possíveis efeitos secundários. Métodos: Revisão bibliográfica narrativa a partir de consulta a bases de dados como Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed e Scielo. Resultados: As nanopartículas de ouro mostram-se capazes de atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica (BHE), carregando fármacos essenciais para a inibição da agregação dos péptidos Aβ, bem como dissolver fibrilhas pré-existentes. Polímeros biodegradáveis e biocompatíveis, como o polilactídeo poliglicólico (PLGA), constituem uma abordagem promissora e segura, tendo sido muito utilizados. As melhores técnicas são aquelas que garantem que as nanopartículas são capazes de atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica (BHE), atingir o seu alvo terapêutico, bem como garantir que estas partículas não induzem efeitos tóxicos no organismo. Apesar das nanopartículas serem capazes de tratar algumas doenças de forma eficiente, pouco se conhece sobre os seus efeitos secundários, estes poderão ou não ser mais danosos para o organismo do que a doença que pretenderam tratar. Conclusão: Existem várias abordagens terapêuticas promissoras, porém nenhuma ainda aprovada, uma vez que é difícil manter concentrações adequadas de fármaco no espaço intraneuronal. Estabelecer a dose tóxica é necessário para o uso aprovado de uma nanopartícula num tratamento, porém é quase impossível prever os seus efeitos citotóxicos em regiões extra-neuronais.
- Organizational resilience in the digital era: leveraging social media platforms for Crisis Communication.Publication . Matias, Ana; Turk, Ezel; Lopes, AnaThis paper explores the critical role of crisis communication in contemporary organizations, emphasizing the growing importance of digital media in shaping communication strategies. As technological advancements and societal shifts redefine how institutions interact with stakeholders, entities face increasing pressure to safeguard their reputations and maintain public trust, particularly in times of crisis. Drawing on recent data predicting a rise in unforeseen crises, this study examines how crisis communication serves as a strategic framework for risk identification, prevention, and responsive action. Special attention is given to the integration of traditional and digital communication tools, as well as the principles of transparency, timeliness and consistency in managing reputational risks. The paper proposes a coding categorization model to support future empirical research, offering a structured approach for analyzing organizational responses in crisis scenarios. Ultimately, the findings highlight the necessity of adaptative, proactive, and multi-platform communication strategies that enable institutions to respond effectively in an increasing complex and fast-paced media environment.