Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-11"
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- PEF Priming of Seeds for Microgreen Production: A Comparative StudyPublication . Aguiar-Macedo, Mafalda; Dulyanska, Yuliya; Guiné, Raquel; Costa, Daniela V. T. A.; Redondod, Luis M; de Pinho Ferreira Guiné, RaquelSeed priming with Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) is a promising strategy to enhance early plant development and crop quality. This study evaluated PEF priming effects on Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), Arugula (Eruca vesicaria), and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) microgreens by assessing the effects of three distinct monopolar PEF protocols (PEFA: 2 kV/cm; PEFB: 3 kV/cm; PEFC: 4 kV/cm). PEFB and PEFC treatments significantly influenced imbibition. Germination Indexes (DGI, CGI, and SVI) were positively and significantly affected, with radicle length increasing up to 33% and DGI improving from 40 to 66 on the 1st day (Beetroot, PEFC). Chlorophylls and the Total Carotenoid concentration increased in Basil but decreased in Beetroot and Arugula. Fat and Protein increased in Beetroot (Fat: +41%; Protein: +34%) and Arugula (Fat: +91%; Protein: +11%) treated with PEFC. PEFB led to an increase in Starch in all species. Crude Fibre and Neutral Detergent Fibre decreased amongst all species. Methionine rose by 100% in Beetroot treated with PEFC. Sensory analysis showed slight increases in Sweet (Beetroot) and Aroma Intensity (Basil and Arugula), although these changes were not statistically significant. Species-specific responses to different PEF protocols were observed: optimal protocols seem to be PEFC for Beetroot, PEFB for Arugula, and PEFA/B for Basil.
- Speaking care: a collaborative online international learning experience in English with future nurses and pharmacistsPublication . MOTA ROBOREDO AMANTE, FÁTIMA SUSANABackground: Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) offers an inclusive approach to internationalisation by connecting students and faculty across borders through virtual teamwork. In health education, COIL promotes linguistic, intercultural, and interdisciplinary competencies essential for international and interprofessional communication. Aim: This study examined how collaborative COIL activities - Padlet introductions, videoconferencing, poster design, and reflective writing - supported ‘Technical English in Health’ learning and soft skill development across Portuguese Nursing and Belgian Pharmaceutical Sciences students. Methods: A qualitative case study design, aligned with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research, was used. Data from 29 IPV (Portugal) and 27 UMONS (Belgium) students were collected through observation, learning portfolios, and collaborative outputs, then analysed via reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Findings indicated that COIL enhanced students’ technical English proficiency, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while fostering cultural awareness and interprofessional communication. Despite challenges in coordination and communication, participants reported increased confidence in interdisciplinary collaboration and patient education. Conclusions: COIL represents an effective pedagogical strategy for developing linguistic and intercultural competencies in healthcare education, enriching students’ readiness for international professional contexts.
- Impact of a combined physical exercise and sensory stimulation program on the quality of life of institutionalized older adults: A qualitative study from the perspective of healthcare professionalPublication . Marinho, M.; Coelho, E.; Afonso, C.; Pereira, Antonino; Mourão Carvalhal, M.; Fonseca, S.; Corresponding author: Fonseca, S..The search for effective non-pharmacological interventions for institutionalized older adults has intensified, particularly those capable of meaningfully enhancing their well-being and quality of life. However, scientific evidence regarding the combined use of physical exercise and sensory stimulation in this population remains limited, leaving an important gap in geriatric practice. This qualitative, exploratory, and longitudinal study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the impact of a combined physical exercise and multisensory stimulation program on institutionalized older adults living in a residential care facility in Vila Real, Portugal. Ten older people (aged 79–98 years) and eight healthcare professionals participated in the 12-week intervention. The program integrated adapted physical exercise with olfactory, auditory, and visual sensory stimulation. Semistructured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals at the end of the program. Data were analyzed using content analysis, which revealed eight thematic categories: Innovative therapy; Motivation and participation; Motor and sensory stimulation; Satisfaction and well-being; Alertness and sleep; Reminiscence; Self-esteem and usefulness; and Overall well-being and quality of life. Professionals consistently reported improvements in mood, engagement, cognitive alertness, motor activation, sleep regulation, reminiscence, social interaction, and perceived usefulness among participants. They further noted that the integration of sensory stimulation with physical exercise provided a meaningful therapeutic experience that promoted active participation and enhanced the daily functioning of older adults. These findings highlight the potential of multisensory, movement-based interventions as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for improving the well-being and quality of life of institutionalized older people. Future studies should explore long-term effects, include larger and more diverse samples, and integrate older adults’ perspectives to strengthen evidence for implementation in geriatric care settings.
- Literatura para a infãncia e as emoções: um estudo de casoPublication . Pereira, Ana Rita da Silva; Melão, DulceO presente Relatório Final de Estágio encontra-se dividido em duas partes. A primeira parte consiste numa reflexão crítica sobre as práticas educativas desenvolvidas no contexto do 1.º e do 2.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, com base nos Padrões de Desempenho Docente presentes no Despacho n.º 16034/2010, de 22 de outubro. A segunda parte apresenta o trabalho de investigação intitulado "Literatura para a Infância e as emoções: um estudo de caso", que tem como objetivo explorar de que forma a literatura para a infância, quando mediada de forma intencional e sensível, pode ser uma ferramenta eficaz no desenvolvimento de diversas competências nas crianças. Trata-se de uma abordagem de cariz qualitativo, tendo como referencial metodológico um estudo de caso. Os dados foram recolhidos através da observação direta, da análise de inquéritos por questionário e da interpretação dos desenhos realizados pelos alunos. O estudo centrou-se em dois objetivos principais: compreender de que modo a criação de um “espaço literário” em contexto de sala de aula pode contribuir para a compreensão do papel desempenhado pelas emoções, no âmbito da fruição da leitura dos alunos e analisar de que modo as práticas de leitura e escrita podem fomentar o entendimento das emoções por parte dos alunos. Os resultados evidenciam que a criação de um espaço especialmente consagrado à leitura pode promover um ambiente mais inclusivo e emocionalmente consciente. As obras literárias selecionadas permitiram às crianças conhecer melhor as suas emoções e desenvolver empatia, compreendendo as consequências das suas ações nos outros.
- Kinetics and Isotherm Study of Ceftriaxone Removal Using Functionalized Biochar Combined with PhotocatalysisPublication . Cruz-Lopes, Luísa ; Araújo, Rodrigo ; Lopes, Ana Rita ; Moles, Samuel ; Romero-Sarria, Francisca ; Esteves, BrunoThe increasing presence of antibiotics such as cephalosporins in wastewater represents a significant environmental risk. These compounds are excreted in large quantities, and conventional wastewater treatment plants are often ineffective at their removal. Consequently, the development of more sustainable and efficient treatment technologies is essential. In this study, the removal of cephalosporins from aqueous solutions was evaluated through adsorption using pine bark biochar, photocatalysis with TiO2, and a combination of both processes. Kinetic experiments were conducted with cephalosporin solutions (15 mg/L), employing 150 mg/L of biochar, 100 mg/L TiO2, or their combination, under continuous stirring and/or UV-vis irradiation. Samples were collected at 0 and 120 min and analyzed via UV-vis spectrophotometry. Adsorption isotherms were established for initial cephalosporin concentrations ranging from 5 to 50 mg/L. The biochar alone achieved a removal efficiency of 94.2% after 120 min. Photocatalysis with TiO2 alone resulted in 75% removal, while the combined approach reached 95.9%, indicating a synergistic effect between adsorption and photodegradation mechanisms. Kinetic data fitted the pseudosecond-order model, and the Langmuir isotherm provided the best correlation, suggesting monolayer adsorption. These findings demonstrate that pine bark biochar, whether used independently or in combination with TiO2, constitutes an eco-friendly, effective, and low-cost alternative for the removal of antibiotics from wastewater, while simultaneously contributing to the valorization of forestry residues
- The Impact of Using Digital Marketing Tools for the Strategic Visibility of the Organization: A Study in Social Institutions in the Municipality of VagosPublication . Fonseca, Susana M.S.R.; Duarte, Filipe; Bernardo Guia, Ana Teresa; Martins, Eduarda T.; Da Silva Soeiro De Carvalho, Ana BrancaDigital marketing has become a widely adopted strategy for companies seeking to promote their activities and enhance visibility. This study investigates the impact of digital marketing on third sector social organizations, focusing on how these entities perceive and implement digital strategies. The research involved interviews with organizations based in the municipality of Vagos, aiming to identify the digital tools employed and the extent of their strategic planning in this area. Findings indicate that most social organizations in Vagos lack structured digital marketing strategies. However, there is a strong recognition of the growing importance of digital tools for organizational development and competitiveness. Notably, organizations that have integrated such tools tend to exhibit greater structural consistency and financial sustainability.
- A Comunicação nas Redes Sociais como Ferramenta de Envolvimento: Estudo de Caso "Casa360" da MediaCenterPublication . Silva, Daniela Nogueira da; Rego, Belmiro; Santos, SaraO presente relatório de estágio foi desenvolvido no âmbito da unidade curricular Projeto-Estágio do Mestrado em Comunicação Aplicada e descreve a experiência vivida durante o estágio curricular realizado na empresa MediaCenter, entre novembro de 2024 e março de 2025. O estágio teve como principal objetivo a criação da presença online da marca Casa360, considerando como estudo de caso a própria marca. A componente de investigação deste relatório foca-se na análise da interação nas redes sociais da marca Casa360, identificando os fatores que impactam o alcance e as interações nas suas publicações, bem como a sugestão de estratégias que possam aumentar o envolvimento nas redes sociais. A metodologia utilizada para esta investigação foi a abordagem quantitativa, através de um inquérito por questionário online com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Este inquérito permitiu a recolha de dados de 153 inquiridos, com o objetivo de compreender os hábitos, preferências e motivações do potencial público da Casa360, relativamente ao consumo de conteúdos nas redes sociais. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados no Microsoft Excel, por meio de estatística descritiva, enquanto as respostas “abertas” foram organizadas e interpretadas por categorias. Durante o estágio na MediaCenter, participei de forma ativa na criação da presença digital da Casa360, tendo realizado diversas tarefas relacionadas com a definição da identidade da marca nas redes sociais. Estive responsável pelo planeamento de conteúdos, criação de publicações e monitorização do desempenho das mesmas. Esta responsabilidade permitiu-me adquirir novos conhecimentos na área do marketing digital e compreender os desafios que é posicionar uma marca no ambiente online.
- The Formation of Assets in Family Health Units: A Case StudyPublication . Da Silva Soeiro De Carvalho, Ana Branca; Bernardo Guia, Ana Teresa; Fonseca, Susana MSR; Correlo, Casimiro; Nunes, Marisa; Carvalho, Milena; Martins, SusanaIn recent times, Family Health Units (USF) have achieved greater efficiency, accessibility, a better work environment, higher citizen satisfaction, and, overall, better quality. The reform has been a clear success in terms of professional engagement. However, there are still some weaknesses to address, and the continued success of USFs is closely dependent on the sustained interest from both government entities and healthcare professionals. This study focuses on the capacity building of staff and, mainly, the acquisition of skills within a family health unit. A quantitative and qualitative methodology employed, involving a focus group and a questionnaire survey, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, and ensuring that the questions asked weren’t related to sensitive data. The staff of the USF were our target audience, with a sample of 17 people who attended the training and responded to the questionnaire. The results revealed a general need for training on teamwork and the analysis of information/communication provided. Working with multidisciplinary teams is increasingly important in healthcare structures. This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
- Comparative Analysis of Secondary Metabolite Production by Cophinforma mamane and Aspergillus niger Preserved for Long-Term MethodsPublication . Padrón-Antonio, Yuliana; Falcão, Lucas; Souza, Anne; Andrade, Cleudiane; Silva, Paulo; Barbosa, Larissa; Jr, Sérgio; Correia, Ana Cristina; Jordão, António; Albuquerque, PatriciaEndophytic fungi are recognized for their capacity to produce bioactive metabolites, yet their metabolic output is strongly modulated by preservation strategies. This study evaluated the influence of three long-term preservation methods—PDA slants with mineral oil (PB), Castellani’s method (PC), and filter paper with mineral oil (PF)—on the production of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity by the Amazonian endophytes Cophinforma mamane and Aspergillus niger. Post-reactivation morphological analyses revealed method-dependent changes in colony pigmentation, texture, and sporulation intensity. PB preservation induced the most vigorous growth and enhanced sporulation in A. niger. For extracellular metabolites (AcOEt extracts), PB yielded the highest total phenolic content in A. niger (258.24 mg GAE/g), whereas PF and PC favored C. mamane (154.48 and 153.33 mg GAE/g). For intracellular ethanolic extracts, PB was most effective for C. mamane, producing 206.19 mg GAE/g for total phenols and the highest antioxidant activities (EC50 = 1.40 mg/mL and FRAP = 95.61 μmol TE/g). HPLC–DAD identified protocatechuic acid as the predominant compound, which was especially abundant in PC and PF-preserved A. niger (60.76 and 85.38 μg/mg, respectively). Multivariate correlations indicated syringic (r = 0.53) and p-coumaric (r = 0.63) acids as the main contributors to antioxidant potential. These findings demonstrate that preservation methods may positively or negatively modulate fungal biosynthetic capacity, underscoring the importance of species-specific preservation protocols for maintaining metabolic stability in culture collections.
- Rethinking School Inclusion: A Comparative Analysis of Decree-Laws No. 3/2008 and No. 54/2018 in Portugal Based on UNESCO ReportsPublication . Morgado, Elsa Gabriel; Pereira, Antonino; Gouveia, Luís Borges; Rodrigues, João Bartolomeu; Leonido, LeviThis article proposes a comparative analysis of Decree-Laws No. 3/2008 and No. 54/2018, legal instruments that define the models for supporting inclusive education in Portugal. By linking national regulatory developments with data and recommendations from UNESCO’s monitoring reports (GEM Reports), this research assesses the structural and conceptual changes underlying Portuguese education policy. The research follows a qualitative approach, of an exploratory and interpretative nature, using comparative document analysis as the central method. The results reveal a transition from a model focused on categorizing students with special educational needs (SEN) to an approach focused on universally meeting the needs of all students. The Discussion and Conclusions and Recommendations highlight the need to strengthen teacher training, pedagogical leadership, and monitoring based on disaggregated data, as recommended by UNESCO.