An Overview of Mindwave Applications: Study Cases

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have diverse applications across various research domains. In healthcare, individuals with disabilities in communication and controlling prosthetic devices are aided. Beyond healthcare, BCIs integrate seamlessly into Internet of Things (IoT) and smart environments, enabling intuitive device control and interaction, enhancing user experiences. In neuromarketing and advertising, BCIs help decipher consumers’ preferences and emotional responses to products and services, providing businesses with profound insights into consumer behavior. In education and self-regulation, BCIs monitor and regulate students’ cognitive states. BCIs use sensors and hardware to capture brain signals, with non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) technology being a pivotal component. Preliminary studies analyzing cognitive load using EEG signals and the Mindwave device pave the way for measuring student learning outcomes, shedding light on cognitive and neurological learning processes. Our research explores these parameters, particularly the Mindwave system, aiming to understand brain function across domains. To this end, we conduct a range of diversified studies, trying to better grasp parameters such as attention, concentration, stress, immersion, and fatigue during various tasks. Ultimately, our work seeks to harness BCIs’ potential to improve our understanding of brain function and enhance various areas of knowledge

Psychological and Educational Factors of Digital Competence Optimization Interventions Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review

[EN] The rapid development of the ever-changing information and communication society demands skills from its members that allow access to and adapt to the various situations that they may face. To achieve this, it is essential to acquire a set of key competencies throughout different stages of life, among which we find digital competence. This systematic review aims to analyse, through a series of focal points and indicators, the internationally published interventions in the last ten years aimed at improving digital literacy and the acquisition of this competence by students in early childhood education, primary education, and higher education, as well as professionals from various fields. The procedure followed for the selection of the interventions has been documented and graphically represented according to the PRISMA statement, with searches conducted across various databases and journals. In total, 26 studies were selected, covering the period before, during, and after the COVID-19 health lockdown, and the influence of the lockdown on the development of digital competence was examined. The obtained results show the evolution of the selected interventions in terms of general aspects, instructional and evaluative procedures, fidelity, and encountered limitations. The results demonstrate a growing concern for the development of digital competence, amplified by the needs arising during the COVID-19 lockdown and evidenced by an increase in interventions aimed at this goal. It also showcases the relationship between adequate acquisition and the nurturing of other sychoeducational variables like motivation or satisfaction.S

Psychometric properties of ten item personality iventory (tipi)

This study based on the Five Factor Model of Costa and McCrae (1987) sought to determine theninternal consistency and the psychometric properties of the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) of Gosling, Rentfrow, y Swann (2003), Lima and Castro (2009) Portuguese version. The sample consisted of 170 male soccer athletes whose average age stood at 18.50 years, with a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 33 years. Statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Software Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) in its 19 version for Windows. The TIPI showed low internal consistency (=0.462) and factor analysis that meets the criteria postulated by the instrument authors, so considered it valid to evaluate the personality rapidly in samples with little time available, for example elite athletes

Portuguese version of Workgroup Emotional Intelligence Profile : short version (WEIP-S): psychometric properties

Esta investigación fue dividida en dos estudios teniendo como base conceptual el Modelo de Inteligencia Emocional de Mayer y Salovey (1997). En el primero de ellos hemos tratado de traducir y adaptar a la población portuguesa del Grupo de trabajo de perfil de Inteligencia Emocional - versión corta (WEIPS) (Jordan y Lawrence, 2009) para evaluar su consistencia interna y constancia temporal. En el segundo estudio, el objetivo fue evaluar la dimensionalidad (como una medida aproximada de validez factorial), la validez de criterio, por la comparación con un instrumento paralelo ya validado para Portugal (Trait Meta-Mood Escala - TMMS24 -. Queiroz et al (2005) y verificar nuevamente el comportamiento de consistencia interna. Después, el primer estudio, WEIP-S pasó a designarse PIEGT16 (Perfil de Inteligencia Emocional del Grupo de Trabajo - 16 artículos). La muestra del primer estudio estaba formada por 150 participantes, y el segundo estudio por 369 participantes, todos jugadores de fútbol. En cuanto al estudio 1, se obtuvieron buenos valores de consistencia interna y se ha demostrado la constancia temporal del instrumento, una vez obtenidas correlaciones significativas entre prueba y prueba. En cuanto al estudio 2, se extrajo un modelo de cuatro factores agrupando los mismos artículos como en la versión original (Jordan y Lawrence, 2009). A pesar de los bajos valores observados, ambas correlaciones son estadísticamente significativas, por lo tanto, mostrando la validez concurrente, mientras que la consistencia interna mostró valores regulares. Los resultados mostraron que la versión de WEIP-S, ahora denominada PIEGT16 , posee buenas características psicométricas.This investigation was split in two separate studies, both based in the Emotional Intelligence Model proposed by Mayer e Salovey (1997). In the first study, after translating and adapting the Workgroup Emotional Intelligence Profile - short version (WEIP-S) (Jordan & Lawrence, 2009), we evaluted its internal consistency and constancy. The second study evaluated the dimensionality (as an aproximated measure of factor analysis) and the validity of the criteria, by comparison with a parallel instrument already validated for the Portuguese population (Trait Meta-Mood Scale - TMMS24 - Queiroz et al. (2005)) and double checking its internal consistency. After the first study, the WEIP-S was designated as PIEGT16 - Perfil de Inteligência Emocional do Grupo de Trabalho - 16 itens (Work Group Emotional Intelligence Profile – 16 items). The sample of the first study consisted of 150 football players and 369 for the second study. Both internal consistency and constancy were found in study 1, as revealed by the statistical significance of correlations in test-retest. In study 2, a Four-Factor Model was extracted by grouping the same itens as in the original paper (Jordan & Lawrence, 2009). Despite the low values observed, both correlations were statistically significant, hence showing concurrent validity, while internal consistency showed regular values. The results indicate that the WEIP-S’s portuguese version (PIEGT16) revealed good psychometric caracteristics.A presente investigação foi dividida em dois estudos e teve como base conceptual o Modelo de Inteligência Emocional de Mayer e Salovey (1997). No primeiro estudo procurou traduzir e adaptarse para a população portuguesa o Workgroup Emotional Intelligence Profile - short version (WEIPS) (Jordan & Lawrence, 2009) e avaliar a sua consistência interna e constância temporal. No segundo estudo, o objetivo foi avaliar a dimensionalidade (como medida aproximada de validade fatorial), a validade de critério, pela comparação concorrente com um instrumento paralelo já validado para Portugal (Trait Meta-Mood Scale - TMMS24 - Queiroz et al. (2005)) e verificar novamente o comportamento da consistência interna. Após o primeiro estudo, o WEIP-S passou a designarse PIEGT16 (Perfil de Inteligência Emocional do Grupo de Trabalho - 16 itens). A amostra do primeiro estudo foi constituída por 150 participantes e a do segundo estudo por 369 participantes, todos jogadores de futebol. Em relação ao estudo 1, foram obtidos bons valores de consistência interna e foi demonstrada a constância temporal do instrumento, uma vez obtidas correlações significativas entre o teste e o reteste. No que diz respeito ao estudo 2, foi extraída uma solução tetra-fatorial com um agrupamento de itens igual à versão original (Jordan & Lawrence, 2009). Quanto à validade de critério concorrente, embora relativamente baixas, as correlações entre as duas formas assumiram significado estatístico, denotando validade de critério. A consistência interna manteve, neste segun do estudo, valores dentro do recomendado. Os resultados demonstraram que a versão portuguesa do WEIP-S, agora designado por PIEGT16, possui boas características psicométricas.peerReviewe

Carateristicas psicossociais e padrões comportamentais associados à reincidência

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido estudiar las diferencias entre la recurrencia criminal apoyada en las características psicosociales e individuales, identificando si un criminal persistente está principalmente involucrado en un estilo de vida de comportamiento criminal, por lo que es más probable que reincidan, en comparación con un delincuente de primera vez. Excluimos delitos como el tráfico y el consumo de drogas, asegurándonos de que los crímenes estuvieran comprometidos por patrones de comportamiento relacionados con un estilo de vida criminal en lugar de estar relacionados con la drogadicción. Nuestra muestra consistió en 120 presos varones, la mitad de ellos eran delincuentes persistentes y la otra mitad eran delincuentes de primera vez, con edades comprendidas entre 19 y 71 años. Para evaluar e identificar los estilos de vida delictivos, se utilizó el Formulario de Detección de Delincuencia de Lyfestyle - Revisado y un cuestionario de evaluación de información sociodemográfica y de derecho penal. Los resultados muestran que existe una relación directa entre el estilo de vida criminal y los delitos repetidos, mostrando evidencias que pueden ser utilizadas en la promoción de la intervención específica en la integración social y en la prevención de reincidencia.The aim of this paper was to study the differences between criminal recurrence supported in psycossocial and individual characteristics, identifying if a persistent criminal is mainly involved in a criminal lyfestyle behaviour, thereby becoming more likley to reoffend, when compared with a firsttime offender. We excluded crimes such as trafficking and drug consuption, ensuring that the crimes were comitted by behavioural patterns related to a criminal lyfestyle instead of being related with drug dependency. Our sample consisted of 120 male inmates, half of which were persistent offenders and the other half were first time offenders, aged between 19 and 71 years old. To evaluate and identify criminal lifestyles, we used the Lyfestyle Criminality Screening Form – Revised and a questionnaire evaluating sociodemographic and criminal law informations. The results show that there’s a direct relationship between crimnal lifestyle and repeated offenses, showing evidences that can be used in the promotion of specific intervention in social integration and re-incidence prevention.Este estudo teve como objetivo explorar as diferenças de reincidência criminal assente em características psicossociais e individuais, verificando se os reclusos reincidentes têm um maior envolvimento em padrões comportamentais associados ao estilo de vida criminal, tornando mais provável a sua reincidência quando comparados com reclusos primários. Foram critérios de exclusão crimes associados ao tráfico e consumo de estupefacientes, de forma a garantir que os crimes são cometidos por padrões comportamentais associados a um estilo de vida criminal sem compulsão ao crime por dependência de substâncias. A amostra foi constituída por 120 reclusos do género masculino, metade reincidentes e metade primários, com idades compreendidas entre os 19 e 71 anos de idade. Na recolha dos dados foi usado o instrumento Lyfestyle Criminality Screening Form – Revised para avaliar e identificar os estilos de vida criminal e um questionário com informação sociodemográfica e jurídico-penal. Os resultados revelaram que existe relação direta entre o estilo de vida criminal e a reincidencia no crime. Estes resultados fornecem evidência a ter em conta na criação de programas de intervenção específicos para a inclusão social e a prevenção de reincidência.peerReviewe

Effectiveness and long-term retention of anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment in juvenile and adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: data from Reuma.pt

Methods. We prospectively collected patient and disease characteristics from patients with JIA who started biological therapy. Adverse events were collected during the follow-up period. Predictors of response at 1 year and drug retention rates were assessed at 4 years of treatment for the first biologic agent.Results. A total of 812 JIA patients [65% females, mean age at JIA onset 6.9 years (s.d. 4.7)], 227 received biologic therapy; 205 patients (90.3%) were treated with an anti-TNF as the first biologic. All the parameters used to evaluate disease activity, namely number of active joints, ESR and Childhood HAQ/HAQ, decreased significantly at 6 months and 1 year of treatment. The mean reduction in Juvenile Disease Activity Score 10 (JADAS10) after 1 year of treatment was 10.4 (s.d. 7.4). According to the definition of improvement using the JADAS10 score, 83.3% respond to biologic therapy after 1 year. Fourteen patients discontinued biologic therapies due to adverse events. Retention rates were 92.9% at 1 year, 85.5% at 2 years, 78.4% at 3 years and 68.1% at 4 years of treatment. Among all JIA subtypes, only concomitant therapy with corticosteroids was found to be univariately associated with withdrawal of biologic treatment (P = 0.016).Conclusion. Biologic therapies seem effective and safe in patients with JIA. In addition, the retention rates for the first biologic agent are high throughout 4 years

Colecistite calculosa em situs inversus totalis: abordagem laparoscópica

Introduction: Situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by transposition of the abdominal organs, viscera and vasculature, in relation to the sagittal direction, offering an image called “mirror image”. It is classified as total when associated with dextrocardia, while the partial situs inversus affects only one or more organs. Objective: To analyze a case of rare congenital anomaly of situs inversus totalis submitted to cholecystectomy with cholangiography by laparoscopic approach for treatment of cholecystitis. Case Report: Female patient, 42 years old, had episodes of abdominal pain in colic, located in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, with calculus cholecystitis diagnosed in abdominal situs inversus. With confirmation of the diagnosis of situs inversus totalis by simple chest x-ray, cholecystectomy was performed with videolaparoscopic cholangiography. Conclusion: The experience of the physician in the instrumental and operative management of the mirror image of the situs inversus, provides a safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Situs inversus é uma anomalia congênita rara caracterizada pela transposição dos órgãos abdominais, vísceras e vasculatura, em relação ao sentido sagital, oferecendo uma imagem chamada de “imagem no espelho”. É classificado como total quando associado à dextrocardia, enquanto o situs inversus parcial afeta apenas um ou mais órgãos. Analisar um caso de anomalia congênita rara de situs inversus totalis submetido à colecistectomia com colangiografia por abordagem laparoscópica, para tratamento de colecistite calculosa. Paciente de sexo feminino, 42 anos, apresentava episódios de dor abdominal em cólica, localizada em epigástrio e hipocôndrio esquerdo, sendo diagnosticada a colecistite calculosa em situs inversus abdominal. Com a confirmação do diagnóstico de situs inversus totalis por radiografia simples de tórax, realizou-se a colecistectomia com colangiografia videolaparoscópica. A experiência do médico no manejo instrumental e do bloco operatório da imagem espelhada do situs inversus, proporciona uma colecistectomia laparoscópica segura

Estimation of HIV incidence in two Brazilian municipalities, 2013

OBJECTIVE To estimate HIV incidence in two Brazilian municipalities, Recife and Curitiba, in the year of 2013. METHODS The method for estimating incidence was based on primary information, resulting from the Lag-Avidity laboratory test for detection of recent HIV infections, applied in a sample of the cases diagnosed in the two cities in 2013. For the estimation of the HIV incidence for the total population of the cities, the recent infections detected in the research were annualized and weighted by the inverse of the probability of HIV testing in 2013 among the infected and not diagnosed cases. After estimating HIV incidence for the total population, the incidence rates were estimated by sex, age group, and exposure category. RESULTS In Recife, 902 individuals aged 13 years and older were diagnosed with HIV infection. From these, 528 were included in the study, and the estimated proportion of recent infections was 13.1%. In Curitiba, 1,013 people aged 13 years and older were diagnosed, 497 participated in the study, and the proportion of recent infections was 10.5%. In Recife, the estimated incidence rate was 53.1/100,000 inhabitants of 13 years and older, while in Curitiba, it was 41.1/100,000, with male-to-female ratio of 3.5 and 2.4, respectively. We observed high rates of HIV incidence among men who have sex with men, of 1.47% in Recife and 0.92% in Curitiba. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the two cities showed that the group of men who have sex with men are disproportionately subject to a greater risk of new infections, and indicate that strategies to control the spread of the epidemic in this population subgroup are essential and urgent.OBJETIVO Estimar a incidência de HIV em dois municípios brasileiros, Recife e Curitiba, no ano de 2013. MÉTODOS O método de estimação da incidência foi baseado em informações primárias, resultantes do ensaio laboratorial Lag-Avidity para detecção de infecções recentes do HIV, aplicado em uma amostra dos casos diagnosticados nas duas cidades em 2013. Para a estimação da incidência de HIV para a população total das cidades, as infecções recentes detectadas na pesquisa foram anualizadas e ponderadas pelo inverso da probabilidade de teste de HIV no ano de 2013 entre os casos infectados e não diagnosticados. Após a estimação da incidência de HIV para a população total, foram estimadas as taxas de incidência por sexo, faixa de idade e categoria de exposição. RESULTADOS Em Recife, foram diagnosticados 902 indivíduos de 13 anos e mais com infecção de HIV. Desses, 528 foram incluídos no estudo, e a proporção estimada de infecções recentes foi de 13,1%. Em Curitiba, foram diagnosticadas 1.013 pessoas de 13 anos e mais, 497 participaram do estudo, e a proporção de infecções recentes foi de 10,5%. Em Recife, a taxa de incidência estimada foi de 53,1 por 100 mil habitantes de 13 anos e mais, enquanto em Curitiba, de 41,1 por 100 mil, com razão do sexo masculino para o feminino de 3,5 e 2,4, respectivamente. Foram evidenciadas elevadas taxas de incidência de HIV entre homens que fazem sexo com homens, de 1,47% em Recife e 0,92% em Curitiba. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados obtidos nas duas cidades mostraram que o grupo dos homens que fazem sexo com homens está desproporcionalmente sujeito ao maior risco de novas infecções, e indicam que estratégias para controle da disseminação da epidemia nesse subgrupo populacional são essenciais e urgentes