Percorrer por data de Publicação, começado por "2026"
A mostrar 1 - 10 de 87
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Strategic visuality: Exploring the role of imagery in brand visual language - A case study of Renault KwidPublication . Gastal, Manuela; Oliveira, Fernando; Raposo, DanielAlthough the concept of image has been examined across multiple disci-plinary fields, there remains a notable gap in scholarly literature regarding the role of imagery in constructing a brand’s symbolic repertoire, meaning, and communicative strategies. This study aims to investigate the relationship between brand imagery and brand personality, with the objective of proposing parameters that inform the devel-opment of photographic aesthetics within a brand’s visual language This article focuses on car brands and employs a literature review combined with case study analysis to systematically examine the Imagery (Photographic style and/or Illustra-tion/Iconography) of the Renault Kwid. The study seeks to identify elements within photographic representations that align with the brand’s DNA and narrative, in order to define key points of contact that can reinforce these strategic attributes. The find-ings include the identification of analytical parameters for evaluating brand imagery and demonstrate their applicability in monitoring and assessing the relevance and communicative function of images within brand communication.
- Climate-informed afforestation planning in Portugal: Balancing wood and non-wood productionPublication . Roque, Natália; Almeida, Alice; Fernandez, Paulo; Ribeiro, M.M.A.; Alegria, C.M.M.This study explores the potential for afforestation in Portugal that could balance wood and non-wood forest production under future climate change scenarios. The Climate Envelope Models (CEM) approach was employed with three main objectives: (1) to model the current distribution of key Portuguese forest species—eucalypts, maritime pine, umbrella pine, chestnut, and cork oak—based on their suitability for wood and non-wood production; (2) to project their potential distribution for the years 2070 and 2090 under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP2–4.5 (moderate) and SSP5–8.5 (high emissions); and (3) to generate integrated species distribution maps identifying both current and future high-suitability zones to support afforestation planning, reflecting climatic compatibility under fixed thresholds. Species’ current CMEs were produced using an additive Boolean model with a set of environmental variables (e.g., temperature-related and precipitation-related, elevation, and soil) specific to each species. Species’ current CEMs were validated using forest inventory data and the official Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map of Portugal, and a good agreement was obtained (>99%). By the end of the 21st century, marked reductions in species suitability are projected, especially for chestnut (36%–44%) and maritime pine (25%–35%). Incorporating future suitability projections and preventive silvicultural practices into afforestation planning is therefore essential to ensure climate-resilient and ecologically friendly forest management.
- Prevalence, determinants, and temporal dynamics of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in urinary tract infection patients from Central Portugal (2018–2022)Publication . Adnan, Muhammad; Coelho, Patricia; Castelo-Branco, Miguel; Rodrigues, FranciscoBackground: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNBs) significantly compromisse the effective management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide. As antimicrobial resistance varies across regions, locally tailored data are essential to guide empirical therapy. This study investigated the prevalence, determinants, and temporal dynamics of MDR GNBs in UTI patients from Central Portugal between 2018 and 2022. Methods:We conducted a retrospective observational study at a hospital center in Central Portugal, analyzing data from 2018 to 2022. Data from 5194 UTI patients with GNB-positive cultures were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to identify determinants of MDR GNBs, defined as resistance to ≥1 agent in ≥3 antibiotic classes. Results: The study population had a mean age of 64.5 ± 25.3 years, and females represented two-thirds of the sample (67.0%). The overall prevalence of MDR GNBs was 35.8%. Advanced age (≥75 years), male sex, and specific treatment contexts—particularly day treatment and laboratory-only cases—were independently associated with MDR. SBL-producing Enterobacterales and non-fermenting GNBs showed the highest risk levels. Conclusions: MDR GNBs are highly prevalent among UTI patients in Central Portugal, and their increasing trend—particularly in 2022—highlights an urgent need for strengthened surveillance and updated empirical treatment strategies. The observed temporal increase highlights the urgent need for strengthened regional surveillance and updated empirical treatment guidelines.
- Incursões pela "arte de governar" a infância pobre em PortugalPublication . Henriques, HelderO propósito deste trabalho consiste na análise, discussão e compreensão do governo da infância pobre em Portugal, na década de 1930. Discute-se essa infância como um problema social e a consequente emergência de ações, saberes e contextos técnico-institucionais – como é o caso do Dispensário de Puericultura de Castelo Branco – no contexto político do Estado Novo português. Através de uma metodologia de natureza qualitativa, convocamos um corpus documental constituído por fontes documentais publicadas e existentes em arquivos pessoais e institucionais, com destaque para a produção científica do diretor do dispensário, o médico José Lopes Dias. O olhar atento, no contexto da modernidade, sobre a infância portuguesa pobre traduz-se na existência de um sistema de poder mais amplo que atuou nos indivíduos através de saberes e instituições criadas para o efeito. Assume-se que essa infância pobre, e suas famílias, deviam ser acompanhadas para evitar desvios sociais e comportamentos errantes numa sociedade que se pretendia de progresso e civilizada. O Dispensário de Puericultura, à semelhança de outros, constituiu um dispositivo ao serviço de um projeto de Estado, no contexto da modernidade, que valorizava a vida e a sua utilidade e produtividade, ampliando a qualidade da população.
- From waste to packaging: Smart edible films from sericin and red cabbage for fruit coatingPublication . Pinheiro, Daniela; Ferraz, Ana Rita; Esteves, Sofia; Anjos, O.; Ribeiro, Maximiano P.This study aimed to develop new smart edible films for fruit preservation and freshness monitoring using sericin, an undervalued by-product of the sericulture industry, and red cabbage extract (RC). The films were prepared using a sodium alginate matrix, and two sets of films were developed. One incorporating sericin, and other incorporating sericin and RC. Chemical and mechanical characterization showed that sericin improved film thickness, mechanical strength, and water retention. The films also exhibited acceptable water vapor transmission rates and swelling behavior, showing their suitability as coatings. The cytotoxicity was assessed prior to application, and no toxic effects were observed in human fibroblasts. When applied to blueberries, the coatings significantly reduced weight loss during storage at both room temperature and under refrigeration. Although no visible color changes were observed on the coated blueberries, the RC-containing films demonstrated clear pHresponsive color changes in laboratory tests, highlighting their potential as intelligent freshness indicators. Overall, the results demonstrate the dual functionality of these films as biodegradable protective coatings with indicator potential, offering a sustainable approach to reducing postharvest fruit losses and food waste.
- Inclusive digital gaming platformPublication . Mendonça, Rodrigo; Lopes, Salvador; Oliveira, Ângela; Serra, Paulo; Fidalgo, FilipeThe lack of accessibility in digital gaming platforms remains a significant barrier to equitable user participation. To address this issue, this article presents an inclusive solution developed as a multimedia project designed to promote access to digital games for any user through the ipcb.games platform. The platform offers features that enhance accessibility, including voice-based authentication, voice-assisted registration, facial recognition, visual and auditory feedback, and a simplified interface. It also enables users to submit their own games for subsequent approval and integration. The development process followed a multimedia project methodology, structured into phases of analysis, planning, design, production, testing, and validation. The proposal was informed by a systematic review of scientific literature on digital inclusion and accessibility, complemented by a comparative analysis of existing platforms. During usability testing, the platform was evaluated by approximately 50 teachers from different educational levels, who provided highly positive feedback. Future work includes implementing voice-controlled gameplay, enabling keyboard-based navigation, re-implementing a functional eye-tracking system, and creating pedagogical groups, further strengthening the platform’s role in educational contexts.
- Nonlinear gait variability and the role of cognitive-physical exercise in mitigating mobility decline in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairmentPublication . Galrinho, João; Batista, Marco; Gonçalves-Montera, Marta; Matias, Ana Rita; Fernandes, OrlandoBackground: Age-related cognitive decline is linked to reduced gait complexity and higher fall risk. Traditional linear gait measures may miss subtle motor-cognitive deficits in older adults with dementia. This study examined whether an 8-week motor-cognitive exercise program could improve gait adaptability in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment. Gait complexity, measured using Sample Entropy, was the primary outcome. Methods: Forty-two institutionalized older adults completed follow-up assessments, including 26 with cognitive impairment and 16 controls. Gait was assessed during normal walking (single-task) and while performing cognitive tasks (dual-task), such as naming animals or counting backward. Inertial sensors recorded stride intervals, and Sample Entropy was calculated to evaluate gait regularity and adaptability, (gait complexity). The intervention included 24 structured sessions combining physical and cognitive exercises targeting balance, coordination, and executive function. Non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon) were used, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Participants with cognitive impairment showed increased gait complexity, especially during dual-task walking. Significant improvements were found in both limbs under dual-task conditions (left: p = 0.015, effect size = 0.34; right: p = 0.030, effect size = 0.31). During single-task walking, a significant improvement was observed in the left limb (p = 0.006, effect size = 0.39). Conclusions: Motor-cognitive exercise may enhance non-linear gait complexity in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment. The use of dual-task training in rehabilitation and highlight the value of entropy-based gait assessment for detecting subtle functional changes. However, the lack of a randomized non-exercising cognitive impairment control group limits definitive conclusions about causality.
- Early cardiovascular risk indicators in school-aged children from inland Portugal: Elevated blood pressure at screening and the coexistence of underweight and excess weightPublication . Coelho, Patricia; Figueiredo, Ana; Mateus, Sónia; Furtado, Guilherme Eustáquio; Rodrigues, FranciscoBackground: Cardiovascular risk factors may emerge early in life and track into adulthood. Local data from inland and socioeconomically vulnerable regions remain limited. This study aimed to describe cardiovascular risk indicators in school-aged children from inland Portugal, focusing on body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and physical activity patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional school-based screening study was conducted in 101 children and adolescents aged 10–15 years. Anthropometric measurements and BP were obtained using standardized procedures. BMI categories were classified according to age- and sex-specific WHO references. BP was classified using European pediatric percentiles. Because measurements were obtained during a single visit, results were interpreted as elevated BP at screening. Associations between variables were explored using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and Spearman’s correlation. Results: The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obesity was 25.7%, 67.3%, and 6.9%, respectively. Overall, 24.8% of participants presented elevated BP at screening. The BMI category was significantly associated with BP classification (p = 0.003), and BMI correlated positively with systolic BP (ρ = 0.32; p = 0.001). Most children reported only school-based physical education. Conclusions: This school-based screening suggests a high proportion of elevated BP measurements and an unexpectedly high prevalence of underweight children, indicating the coexistence of different nutritional vulnerabilities. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small, single-school sample and single-occasion BP assessment but support the importance of early cardiovascular risk monitoring in vulnerable settings.
- Índice VL e Índice VL-Erva: Rentabilidade do setor leiteiro: tendência?Publication . Rodrigues, A.M.; Vouzela, Carlos; Marques, Nuno; Pitacas, F.I.Analisa-se neste número da Ruminantes os Índices VL e VL - ERVA para o período de agosto a outubro de 2025. Durante o trimestre em análise o preço médio do leite pago aos produtores individuais do continente foi de 0,480 €/kg para leite com 3,89% de gordura e 3,36% de proteína. O preço variou entre 0,472 €/kg em agosto e 0,485 €/kg em outubro. Nos Açores, o preço médio do leite pago aos produtores individuais que possuem tanque de refrigeração na exploração foi de 0,436 €/kg para leite com 3,83% de gordura e 3,21% de proteína, tendo variado entre 0,428 €/kg em agosto e 0,443 €/kg em setembro. Relativamente ao leite Bio produzido em Portugal, durante o trimestre em análise preço médio foi de 0,552 €/kg, leite com 3,93% de gordura e 3,25% de proteína, variando entre 0,533 €/kg em agosto e 0,552€/kg em março. A evolução do preço do leite pago aos produtores e a evolução dos custos de alimentação com as vacas leiteiras da exploração, refletiu-se nos Índices VL e VL - ERVA que, em outubro de 2025, foram, respetivamente, 1,914 e 2,106. A situação da produção de leite no trimestre em análise permite-nos afirmar que se mantém a tendência favorável para que as explorações sejam rentáveis em Portugal. No entanto, no mesmo período, voltou a verificar-se que os produtores portugueses continuam a ser dos mais mal pagos de toda a UE27.
- Neuromuscular characteristics of female futsal players: A systematic reviewPublication . Marques, Catarina; Rebelo, Miguel; Serrano, João; Fonseca, Helder; SportsBackground: This systematic review aimed to analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251055503). PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases were searched until May 2025. The eligibility criteria were defined using the PECOS strategy. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black modified version. Results: Twenty-three studies were included, covering a total of 433 female players between the ages of 12 and 27. Muscle strength was assessed mainly using an isokinetic dynamometer, jumping ability using the countermovement jump and squat jump, sprinting using the 10 m, 20 m and 30 m tests and agility and change of direction (CoD) using the Illinois agility test. Elite players generally showed a better performance in agility and CoD tests compared to lower-level players. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players and highlights trends related to the competitive level. These findings may support evidence-based practices for performance evaluation, training and injury prevention. More studies are needed to standardize methods and understand differences between competitive levels.