Inteligência emocional nos enfermeiros de saúde mental e psiquiatria

A inteligência emocional (IE) é considerada um assunto emergente em diferentes campos de investigação (Wong e Law, 2002). Diversos estudos realçam como a IE está positivamente associada ao bem-estar e o bom funcionamento das organizações, sendo que no âmbito da saúde é reconhecida como uma habilidade indispensável no atendimento aos doentes (Neumann et al., 2011). Este trabalho de investigação procura identificar os níveis de IE, em todas as suas dimensões, nos enfermeiros de saúde mental e psiquiatria, numa instituição portuguesa cuja missão é prestar cuidados de qualidade no âmbito da saúde mental e psiquiatria. Pretendem-se mensurar os níveis de IE considerando-se a importância das variáveis sociodemográficas e socioprofissionais. Utilizou-se uma metodologia quantitativa para avaliar o impacto das variáveis sociodemográficas e de contexto profissional nos níveis de IE. A recolha de dados realizou-se através da aplicação de um questionário composto por indicadores sócio demográficos e socio profissionais, com a escala Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS – 2002), na versão traduzida e validada para a língua portuguesa por Rodrigues, Rebelo e Coelho. (2011). A amostra foi constituída por 225 enfermeiros que desenvolvem a sua atividade no Instituto das Irmãs Hospitaleiras do Sagrado Coração de Jesus. Com predomínio dos sujeitos do sexo feminino (73,8%), os níveis de IE não apresentaram diferenças significativas nas variáveis género, grupo etário, estado civil, habilitações académicas, antiguidade e tipo de vínculo, embora os prestadores de serviços revelem valores médios de IE inferiores aos restantes contratados. As diferenças estatisticamente significativas observaram-se nas variáveis: funções desempenhadas, com os trabalhadores em funções de liderança a apresentarem maiores níveis de IE, e ligação institucional, com os membros da congregação religiosa a apresentarem maiores níveis de IE do que os restantes trabalhadores. Salientam-se os níveis mais elevados de IE dos trabalhadores que exercem funções de liderança quando comparados com trabalhadores que não exercem funções de responsabilidade, revelando a tendência para o exercício de funções de liderança de indivíduos com elevados níveis de IE. Também assume extrema relevância o facto dos membros da congregação revelarem maiores níveis e IE, fator não evidenciado pela teoria, provavelmente por ser novidade o estudo comparativo entre membros da instituição religiosa e membros exteriores à instituição que exercem funções de enfermagem.Emotional intelligence (EI) is considered an emerging subject in different fields of research (Wong and Law, 2002). Several studies emphasize how EI is positively associated with the well-being and well-functioning of organizations, and in health it is recognized as an indispensable ability to take care of patients (Neumann et al., 2011). This research aims to identify levels of EI, in all its dimensions, in mental health and psychiatry nurses, in a Portuguese institution whose mission is to provide quality care in the field of mental health and psychiatry. The objective is to measure the EI levels considering the importance of socio-demographic and socio-professional variables. A quantitative methodology was used to measure the impact of sociodemographic and professional context variables on the EI levels. Data collection was performed through the application of a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic and socio-professional indicators with the Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS - 2002), in the version translated and validated for the Portuguese language by Rodrigues, Rebelo e Coelho. (2011). The sample consisted of 225 nurses who work in the no Instituto das Irmãs Hospitaleiras do Sagrado Coração de Jesus. With the predominance of female subjects (73.8%), EI levels did not present significant differences in gender, age group, marital status, academic qualifications, seniority and type of employment relationship, although service providers show lower EI values than the other contractors. The statistically significant differences were observed in the variables: performed functions - with workers in leadership roles presenting higher levels of EI - and institutional link - with the members of the religious congregation presenting higher levels of EI than the other workers. Emphasis on higher levels of EI among workers in leadership roles compared to workers in non-leadership roles, revealing the tendency that leadership roles are performed by individuals with high EI levels. Also of great relevance is the fact that members of the congregation reveal higher levels of IE, a factor not evidenced by the theory, probably because it is new the comparative study between members of the religious institution and members outside the institution who perform nursing functions

Qualidade de serviço de empresas: Plataforma de transportes privados

Atualmente, os clientes são cada vez mais exigentes quanto ao nível de qualidade dos produtos e serviços que adquirem. Neste sentido, as organizações têm procurado criar e desenvolver produtos e serviços adaptados às necessidades dos clientes que estão em constante mutação. Um dos serviços que mais se desenvolveu nos últimos anos, foi o serviço de transporte privado de pessoas, mais conhecido por TVDE (Transporte individual e remunerado de passageiros em Veículos Descaracterizados a partir de plataforma Eletrónica). Esta dissertação aborda toda a jornada de cliente deste serviço, com o intuito de analisar a qualidade do mesmo e a satisfação dos clientes, quer seja na sua globalidade como individualmente a cada momento da jornada, fazendo detalhe e distinção em relação ao aplicativo, veículo e condutor. Estará o cliente satisfeito com o nível de serviço prestado? Quais serão os pleasure e pain points da sua jornada? Será o preço o elemento diferenciador entre marcas? Para responder as estas questões, foram realizadas 26 entrevistas presenciais e online de resposta aberta, que percorreram todos os momentos da jornada de cliente, desde a experiência aplicacional, à chegada ao destino e avaliação do serviço. Ao longo deste estudo, confirmou-se que o nível de satisfação dos clientes em relação ao serviço de TVDE é bastante elevado, o que demostra que a aposta em serviços de qualidade adaptados às necessidades dos clientes é um fator de sucesso. No entanto, destacam-se alguns pontos menos positivos, nomeadamente algumas funcionalidades aplicacionais, o apoio ao cliente e o comportamento do condutor.Nowadays customers are increasing demanding about the quality level of the products and services they purchase. In this way, organizations have been creating and developing products and services adapted to customers’ needs whose are constantly changing. The private transportation of people was one of the services that most developed in recent years. This dissertation addresses the entire customer journey of this service, in order to globally analyze its quality and customer satisfaction at each moment of the journey, highlighting the application, vehicle and driver. Is the customer satisfied with the level of service provided? What will be the pleasure and pain points of their journey? Is price the differentiating element between brands? To answer these questions, were conducted 26 face-to-face and online interviews with open answer, covering all the moments of the customer journey, from the application experience to destination and service evaluation. Throughout this study, it was confirmed that the level of customer satisfaction in relation to the private transportation service is high, showing that the commitment to quality services adapted to customer needs is a factor of success. However, there are some negative points that should be highlighted, as some application features, customer support and driver behavior

Uma solução de domótica para o controlo da temperatura

Mestrado em Engenharia de Automação IndustrialA domótica ajuda a melhorar a qualidade de vida dos utilizadores, melhorando o conforto, segurança e mais recentemente eficiência energética. Este trabalho tem como objetivo desenvolver uma solução de otimização do controlo da temperatura. Numa primeira fase será desenvolvido um circuito de leitura da temperatura, para aquisição da temperatura real, e um circuito controlo de potência para efetuar o controlo da temperatura do reservatório de água. Para conseguir controlo eficiente recorreu-se a algoritmos de controlo: ON/OFF, PID e lógica difusa utilizando uma atuação com PWM com objetivo de manter uma resposta estável no setpoint predefinido. Este controlo será monitorizado através do smartphone e do computador que se encontram conectados com o sistema através de Bluetooth, sendo possível observar a temperatura e definir o setpoint.Home automation helps improve the quality of the users, improving comfort, security and energetic efficiency. The main goal of this project is to develop an optimization solution of temperature control. Initially will be develop a temperature reading circuit for acquiring the real temperature and a power control circuit to perform the control of the temperature on the water tank. To achieve an efficient control was used control algorithms: ON/OFF, PID and fuzzy logic operating in the output with a PWM in order to maintain a stable response in a default setpoint. This control will be monitored vi smartphone and computer connected to the system via Bluetooth that records the temperature and temperature setpoint are set

Vitamin D and autoimmunity in the Portuguese population

A vitamina D é única entre as vitaminas pois trata-se de uma verdadeira hormona, à qual tem sido atribuída grande importância na homeostasia do sistema imune, para lá do seu reconhecido papel no metabolismo fosfocálcico. A ampla expressão do seu recetor (VDR), e os numerosos locais de ligação deste em todo o genoma, dão suporte a essa hipótese. Alguns polimorfismos do gene do VDR têm sido associados com doenças autoimunes. Na população portuguesa, demonstramos que o polimorfismo Fok I do VDR está associado à esclerose múltipla (EM), e à gravidade da doença no lúpus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Os baixos níveis séricos de vitamina D também estão associados com um risco aumentado de desenvolver doenças autoimunes como o LES, a EM e a artrite reumatoide. A insuficiência de vitamina D é muito comum em Portugal, podendo afetar entre os 60% e os 95% da população em função da estação do ano e do índice de massa corporal. O desenvolvimento de estratégias para o rastreio da deficiência de vitamina D é crucial, particularmente em grupos de risco. Não existem ainda, no entanto, evidências suficientes que possibilitem emitir recomendações claras e bem fundamentadas para a suplementação de vitamina D como medida preventiva de doenças crónicas, tendo em conta os riscos e benefícios inerentes.Vitamin D is unique among vitamins, as it represents a real hormone to which great impor tance in the homeostasis of the immune system has been ascribed, beyond its known role in phosphocalcic metabolism. The wide expression of its receptor (VDR), and the numerous binding sites for this receptor along the genome suppor t this hypothesis. Some well known VDR polymorphisms have been associated with autoimmune disease susceptibility. In the Por tuguese population, we have shown that the VDR Fok I polymorphism is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), and with disease severity in systemic lupus er y thematosus (SLE). Low vitamin D serum levels are also associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as SLE, MS and rheumatoid ar thritis. Vitamin D insuf ficiency is ex tremely common in Por tugal, and can af fect 60% to 85% of the population, depending on the season of the year and body-mass index. The development of screening strategies for vitamin D deficiency is needed, par ticularly for high-risk individuals. However, sufficient evidences are not yet available to make it possible to provide clear and well founded recommendations for the use of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of chronic disease, taking into account the inherent risks and benefits.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Assessment of the biotic effects of cephalexin on clinical strains of staphylococcus aureus and enterococcus faecalis isolated from a polymicrobial infection

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Enhancing motivation and learning in engineering courses: a challenge-based approach to teaching embedded systems

This paper addresses an approach to teaching embedded systems programming through a challenge-based competition involving robots. This pedagogical project distinguishes itself by incorporating international students from three international institutions through the Blended Intensive Program (BIP). The research findings indicate that this approach yields excellent results regarding student engagement and learning outcomes. The challenge-based program effectively promotes students’ creative problem-solving abilities by combining theoretical instruction with hands-on experience in a competitive setting.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CeDRI (UIDB/05757/2020 and UIDP/05757/2020), SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021) and project LA/P/0063/2020. This work was supported by Blended Intensive Programme ID: 2021- 1-PT01-KA131-HED-000004268-2, Embedded Systems Applications. The authors thank CEFET/RJ, the Institute of Engineering and the Research Centre on Bio-based Economy of Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the ERASMUS program, and the Brazilian research agencies CAPES, CNPq, and FAPERJ.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Circulating cell-free DNA methylation mirrors alterations in cerebral patterns in epilepsy

Background: DNA methylation profiling of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has rapidly become a promising strategy for biomarker identification and development. The cell-type-specific nature of DNA methylation patterns and the direct relationship between cfDNA and apoptosis can potentially be used non-invasively to predict local alterations. In addition, direct detection of altered DNA methylation patterns performs well as a biomarker. In a previous study, we demonstrated marked DNA methylation alterations in brain tissue from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS). Results: We performed DNA methylation profiling in cfDNA isolated from the serum of MTLE patients and healthy controls using BeadChip arrays followed by systematic bioinformatic analysis including deconvolution analysis and integration with DNase accessibility data sets. Differential cfDNA methylation analysis showed an overrepresentation of gene ontology terms and transcription factors related to central nervous system function and regulation. Deconvolution analysis of the DNA methylation data sets ruled out the possibility that the observed differences were due to changes in the proportional contribution of cortical neurons in cfDNA. Moreover, we found no overrepresentation of neuron- or glia-specific patterns in the described cfDNA methylation patterns. However, the MTLE-HS cfDNA methylation patterns featured a significant overrepresentation of the epileptic DNA methylation alterations previously observed in the hippocampus. Conclusions: Our results support the use of cfDNA methylation profiling as a rational approach to seeking non-invasive and reproducible epilepsy biomarkers.This study has been supported by R+D+i project PID2020-117212RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. This work has also been par‑ tially supported by a BICE Tecnifar Grant. RM-F is funded by an FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) fellowship (SFRH/BD/137900/2018). UMIB is funded by FCT Portugal (UIDB/00215/2020 and UIDP/00215/2020) and ITR (LA/P/006/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

How growth ability of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli is affected by abiotic stress factors

The ability of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli to adapt and grow in a wide range of different environmental conditions may be crucial to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival ability of 54 multidrug-resistant E. coli strains, isolated from three different biotopes (clinical setting, gull intestine, river water) when subjected to variations in pH (from 3 to 11) and salinity (from 0.5% to 6% of NaCl) and to nutrient deprivation. The growth of each isolate as well as of a reference strain was assessed during 168 h in every varying condition. Slight variations in the growth ability under some abiotic stress factors were recorded among the isolates from the different biotopes. Multidrug-resistant isolates from gull feces were found to be the more tolerant to environmental abiotic changes, while isolates from river water were the less tolerant. In addition, it was notorious that the carriage of antimicrobial resistance has a clear fitness cost in comparison with the susceptible (reference) strain, highlighting the necessity of reducing the selective pressure exerted by antibiotics. This study underlines the ecological hardness of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates with a consequent ability to reach and colonize new host and environments

Evaluation of the efficiency of a Venturi scrubber in particulate matter collection smaller than 2.5 µm emitted by biomass burning

Energy demand has increased worldwide, and biomass burning is one of the solutions most used by industries, especially in countries that have a great potential in agriculture, such as Brazil. However, these energy sources generate pollutants, consisting of particulate matter (PM) with a complex chemical composition, such as sugarcane bagasse (SB) burning. Controlling these emissions is necessary; therefore, the aim was to evaluate PM collection using a rectangular Venturi scrubber (RVS), and its effects on the composition of the PM emitted. Considering the appropriate use of biomass as an industrial fuel and the emerging need for a technique capable of efficiently removing pollutants from biomass burning, this study shows the control of emissions as an innovation in a situation such as the industrial one with the use of a Venturi scrubber in fine particle collection, in addition to using portable and representative isokinetic sampling equipment of these particles. The pilot-scale simulation of the biomass burning process, the representative sampling of fine particles and obtaining parameters to control pollutant emissions for a Venturi scrubber, meets the current situation of concern about air quality. The average collection efficiency values were 96.6% for PM&gt; 2.5, 85.5% for PM1.0–2.5, and 66.9% for PM&lt; 1.0. The ionic analysis for PM&lt; 1.0 filters showed potassium, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite at concentrations ranging from 20.12 to 36.5 μg/m3. As the ethanol and sugar plants will continue to generate electricity with sugarcane bagasse burning, emission control technologies and cost-effective and efficient portable samplers are needed to monitor particulate materials and improve current gas cleaning equipment projects.</p