Mais um ano de e-Learning na FCT NOVA

LE@D-UID4372info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O controller e o CSO : uma relação atual : estudo de caso : NORS

Com o clima cada vez mais competitivo, as estruturas organizacionais das empresas tendem a sofrer alterações - novos cargos aparecem e cargos existentes sofrem alterações. Com estas mudanças, criam-se novas relações e ligações internas. O papel de chief strategy officer é um papel recente nos quadros das empresas e que está em crescimento. O cargo de controller, que já está presente nas estruturas organizacionais há muito tempo, tem vindo a sofrer mudanças. Seria relevante perceber se há alguma relação entre estas duas figuras e aprofundar o conhecimento acerca dessa relação. O método de investigação escolhido foi o case study realizado à NORS. A principal ferramenta utilizada foi a entrevista efectuada ao chief strategy officer da NORS. Através desta investigação foi possível retirar 3 principais conclusões: a função de controller sofreu alterações para uma função com tarefas mais estratégicas do que antes; o papel da estratégia nas empresas tem ganho importância e, consequentemente, o chief strategy officer é visto, cada vez mais, como uma mais valia; e há uma relação entre o CSO e o controller, que se tem intensificado com o aumento da competitividade organizacional. Esta relação indireta, é cada vez mais intensa e evidente devido às pressões competitivas do contexto atual. Esta investigação permite colmatar a falha de investigação existente acerca da função de CSO e da relação entre o CSO e o controller.With the increasingly competitive climate, corporate organizational structures tend to change - new jobs appear and existing positions change. With these changes, new relationships and internal connections are created. The role of chief strategy officer is a recent and growing role. The role of controller, which is already present in organizational structures for a long time, has undergone changes. It is important to understand if there is any relation between these two figures and to deepen the knowledge about this relation. The research method chosen was the NORS case study. The main tool used was the interview with the NORS chief strategy officer. Through this investigation it was possible to draw three main conclusions: the controller function underwent changes to a function with more strategic tasks; the role of strategy in companies has gained importance and, consequently, the chief strategy officer, increasingly, is seen as an asset; and there is a relationship between the CSO and the controller, which has intensified with increasing organizational competitiveness. This indirect relationship is increasingly intense and evident due to the competitive pressures of the current context. This investigation makes it possible to bridge the existing research failure about the CSO function and the relationship between the CSO and the controller

Doentes crónicos idosos nas UCCI: qualidade de vida e satisfação

Mestrado em GerontologiaCom o aumento da esperança média de vida, há uma maior propensão para a perda de autonomia, para o aumento da dependência física e para o aparecimento de doenças crónicas. De carácter progressivo, lento e permanente, a doença crónica abala profundamente a homeostasia do indivíduo a nível biopsicossocial. A Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados constitui exemplo de resposta adequada para esta população. Combinando os cuidados de saúde com o apoio social, procura promover a capacidade funcional, a autonomia e a independência da mesma, melhorando a sua qualidade de vida. Objectivos: Avaliar os diferentes domínios inerentes à percepção da QV de individuos com 65 e mais anos, com doença crónica, em situação de internamento em Unidades de Cuidados Continuados e averiguar o seu grau de satisfação com a organização do serviço e com a respectiva equipa técnica. Métodos: O estudo compreende uma amostra 30 individuos com 65 e mais anos, com doença crónica, em situação de internamento em Unidades de Cuidados Continuados. A abordagem metodológica para este estudo transversal foi quantitativa, do tipo exploratório-descritivo. Os dados foram obtidos através do instrumento EASYcare e de um questionário de satisfação, com o consentimento dos participantes. A amostra apresenta uma média de idades de 78,2 anos, com habilitações literárias baixas e 56,7% são do género masculino. Resultados: De modo geral, os resultados indicam que i) as dimensões mais críticas são a mobilidade, o auto-cuidado e a saúde mental e bem-estar; ii) os utentes estão muito satisfeitos com os espaços físicos das unidades e iii) apresentam menor satisfação com a informação disponibilizada sobre a doença e práticas a adoptar face à mesma.With the increasing life expectancy, there is a greater propensity for the loss of autonomy, an increasing physical dependence and the emergence of chronic diseases. Progressive, slow and permanent in nature, chronic diseases are profoundly undermining the homeostasis of the individual in what the biopsychosocial level is concerned. The Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados is an example of an appropriate response to this population. Combining health care with social support, it seeks to promote the functional ability, its autonomy and independence, improving the individuals’ quality of life. Objectives: Evaluate the different areas involved in the perception of QOF in individuals over 65 years old with chronic disease, inpatients in a continuing care unit, and know their satisfaction with the service’s organization and technical team. Methods: The study includes 30 individuals over 65 years old with chronic illness and inpatients in continuing care unit. The methodological approach for this survey was quantitative, exploratory and descriptive. Data were obtained through the instrument EASYcare and a satisfaction questionnaire, with the consent of all participants. The sample has a mean age of 78,2 years old, low educational attainment and 56,7% are male. Results: Overall, the results indicate that i) the most critical dimensions are mobility, self care and mental health and wellbeing, ii)users are very satisfied with the physical units and iii) have lower satisfaction with information available about the disease and practices to adopt face to the same

Nanoelectromechanical relay without pull-in instability for high-temperature non-volatile memory

Emerging applications such as the Internet-of-Things and more-electric aircraft require electronics with integrated data storage that can operate in extreme temperatures with high energy efficiency. As transistor leakage current increases with temperature, nanoelectromechanical relays have emerged as a promising alternative. However, a reliable and scalable non-volatile relay that retains its state when powered off has not been demonstrated. Part of the challenge is electromechanical pull-in instability, causing the beam to snap in after traversing a section of the airgap. Here we demonstrate an electrostatically actuated nanoelectromechanical relay that eliminates electromechanical pull-in instability without restricting the dynamic range of motion. It has several advantages over conventional electrostatic relays, including low actuation voltages without extreme reduction in critical dimensions and near constant actuation airgap while the device moves, for improved electrostatic control. With this nanoelectromechanical relay we demonstrate the first high-temperature non-volatile relay operation, with over 40 non-volatile cycles at 200 ∘C

Anesthesia in Cocaine addicters: the risks of chemical interactions: Anestesia em dependentes de Cocaína: os riscos das interações medicamentosas

The interaction between cocaine and anesthetic drugs has been known since 1884, when it was first used for the treatment of morphine addiction and as local anesthetic. Due to the large number of users of the substance, the interaction with anesthetic drugs has been frequent and it has been seen that many drugs have their effects altered in the presence of cocaine. Through bibliographical survey in PubMED and CrossRef, aiming to highlight the risks of this interaction and conduct in cases of elective surgeries in these patients, we conducted this study and verified that so many drugs have to be avoided due to their interaction effects, but in the absence of clinical signs of intoxication, screening becomes ineffective

Integrated biocatalytic platform based on aqueous biphasic systems for the sustainable oligomerization of rutin

Rutin is a known antioxidant compound that displays a broad range of biological activities and health-related benefits but presents a low water solubility that can be overcome by its polymerization. In this work, biocompatible aqueous biphasic systems composed of the ionic liquid cholinium dihydrogen phosphate ([CH][DHph]) and the polymer poly(ethylene glycol) 600 (PEG 600) were investigated as an efficient integrated reaction–separation platform for the laccase-catalyzed oligomerization of rutin. Two different approaches were studied to reuse laccase in several oligorutin production cycles, the main difference between them being the use of monophasic or biphasic regimes during the oligomerization reaction. The use of a biphasic regime in the second approach (heterogeneous reaction medium) allowed the successful reuse of the biocatalyst in three consecutive reaction–separation cycles while achieving noteworthy rutin oligomerization yields (95% in the first cycle, 91% in the second cycle, and 89% in the last cycle). These remarkable results were caused by the combination of the increased solubility of rutin in the PEG-rich phase together with the enhanced catalytic performance of laccase in the [Ch][DHph]-rich phase, alongside with the optimization of the pH of the reaction medium straightly linked to enzyme stability. Finally, a life-cycle assessment was performed to compare this integrated reaction–separation platform to three alternative processes, reinforcing its sustainabilityThis research was supported by the Spanish Government (AEI) through the RTI2018-094482-J-I00 project. This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020, financed by national funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology/MCTES. The programme is cofunded by FEDER (UE). A.P.M.T. thanks the FCT for the research contract CEECIND/2020/01867. G.E. thanks the Spanish MICIU for her Ramón y Cajal contract (RYC2018- 024846-I). A.M.-M. thanks the Programa de axudas á etapa predoutoral da Xunta de Galicia (ED481A-2018/023)S

Cluster temporal de metales en un testigo corto de sedimento del Cañón Submarino de Cascais (Margen de Portugal)

The Cascais Canyon delivers contaminated sediments from the shelf to the deep marine environment. Multi-core PE252-32, located at 2100 m water depth in the canyon, records the latest 300 years of sedimentation. It was dated by 210Pb and analyzed texturally and geochemically for major elements and selected trace metals (Cu, Cr, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb and Zn). Cluster analysis performed on the down-core geochemical data identified four groups of variables related by grain-size, geochemical source and composition. Mercury, Pb and Zn were grouped in a cluster representing the anthropogenic component. Cluster analysis was applied again particularly to the latter cluster relatively to depth, in order to constrain the onset and temporal evolution of anthropogenic contamination. A second clustering, made on the basis of Hg, Pb and Zn, grouped samples by age and degree of anthropogenic contamination. One cluster contained relatively uncontaminated samples older than 1900 AD, and another cluster samples younger than 1900 AD with distinct metal enrichment. Maximum enrichments occurred during the early 1980s, followed by a slight recovery from the mid-1980s to the present. Mercury was the element with the highest enrichment factor (EFHg=5). Despite relatively low accumulation rates at this core location, our results show the importance of the Cascais Canyon as a transport route for contaminated sediments from the Tagus prodelta into the deep regions of the Portuguese Margin.El Cañón submarino de Cascais distribuye sedimentos contaminados de la plataforma continental al medio marino profundo. El testigo PE252-32, situado a 2100 metros de profundidad dentro del cañón, registra los últimos 300 años de su sedimentación. Se ha datado con 210Pb y ha sido analizada su granulometría, elementos mayoritarios y traza (cobre, cromo, mercurio, litio, níquel, plomo y zinc). Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis estadístico clúster, inicialmente aplicado a las series de datos geoquímicos en función de la profundidad, identificándose 4 grupos de variables, relacionados por la granulometría, procedencia y composición geoquímica. Los metales mercurio, plomo y zinc aparecen agrupados en un clúster que representa la componente antropogénica. A continuación el mismo análisis estadístico se aplicó específicamente a este grupo, en función de la profundidad, organizando las muestras según la edad de contaminación antropogénica. Como resultado las muestras quedan agrupadas en dos clústers principales, el de las muestras no contaminadas y más antiguas de 1900 AC, y el de las muestras más recientes de 1900 AC, marcando esta fecha el inicio de la contaminación por impacto de la actividad humana. Los máximos enriquecimientos ocurren durante el inicio de la década de los años ochenta, seguidos de un ligero descenso a partir de mediados de la misma década hasta la actualidad. De entre los demás, el mercurio es el elemento con el mayor grado de enriquecimiento (EFHg=5). Aunque la tasa de acumulación de sedimentos en este lugar es relativamente baja, los resultados obtenidos ponen en evidencia la importancia del Cañón submarino de Cascais como vía de transporte de sedimentos contaminados depositados en el pro-delta del Tajo a las regiones profundas del margen de Portugal

Sustained NMDA receptor hypofunction impairs brain-derived neurotropic factor signalling in the PFC, but not in the hippocampus, and disturbs PFC-dependent cognition in mice

BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits profoundly impact on the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Alterations in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling, which regulates synaptic function through the activation of full-length tropomyosin-related kinase B receptors (TrkB-FL), are implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia, as is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) hypofunction. However, whether NMDA-R hypofunction contributes to the disrupted BDNF signalling seen in patients remains unknown. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to characterise BDNF signalling and function in a preclinical rodent model relevant to schizophrenia induced by prolonged NMDA-R hypofunction. METHODS: Using the subchronic phencyclidine (PCP) model, we performed electrophysiology approaches, molecular characterisation and behavioural analysis. RESULTS: The data showed that prolonged NMDA-R antagonism, induced by subchronic PCP treatment, impairs long-term potentiation (LTP) and the facilitatory effect of BDNF upon LTP in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult mice. Additionally, TrkB-FL receptor expression is decreased in the PFC of these animals. By contrast, these changes were not present in the hippocampus of PCP-treated mice. Moreover, BDNF levels were not altered in the hippocampus or PFC of PCP-treated mice. Interestingly, these observations are paralleled by impaired performance in PFC-dependent cognitive tests in mice treated with PCP. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these data suggest that NMDA-R hypofunction induces dysfunctional BDNF signalling in the PFC, but not in the hippocampus, which may contribute to the PFC-dependent cognitive deficits seen in the subchronic PCP model. Additionally, these data suggest that targeting BDNF signalling may be a mechanism to improve PFC-dependent cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia

Influenza seroprotection correlates with predominant circulating viruses during 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons in Portugal

Rede Portuguesa de Laboratórios para o Diagnóstico da GripeBACKGROUND: Population immune profile for influenza is highly affected by circulating influenza viruses, thus changing the risk of infection for influenza. This study aims to assess influenza immunity in the Portuguese population by age groups, during 2014 and 2015 and establish a relationship between seroprotection and circulating influenza viruses in 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were developed based on a convenience serum sample collected in June 2014 (n=626) and July 2015 (n=675) in hospitals from mainland and Azores and Madeira.Serums equally represent all age groups. Antibody titers were evaluated by HI assay for strains recommended for seasonal influenza vaccine northern hemisphere,2014/15 and 2015/2016. Seroprevalences were estimated for each strain by age group and the association with seasonal cumulative influenza-like illness (ILI) rates for influenza virus during both seasons was analised. RESULTS: In June 2014 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza A(H3) (39.0%; 95% CI: 36.2-43.8%) and A(H1)pdm09 (29.7; 95% CI: 26.3-33.4%), with higher levels in children 5-14 years old. In 2014/2015 a dominant circulation of influenza B/Yamagata was observed with high incidence rates in individuals under 65 years old, the ones that had lower seroprotection. Although before the start of the season high protection for A(H3) was observed, the circulation of the new drift A(H3) strains had gained an immunological advantage,in accordance with A(H3) elevated incidence rates observed during 2014/15. In July 2015 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza B/ Yamagata (55.1%; 95% CI: 51.4-58.9%), 2.4 times the estimated 2014.This increase was even more pronounced in younger (≤ 4 years old), 6.3 times increase in 2015.This fact is in agreement with the predominant influenza B virus detected and the high ILI incidence rate observed in children during 2014/2015 epidemic. Seroprotection levels for influenza A in July 2015 were not significantly different from 2014.During 2015/16 season, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was predominant, with high incidence rate in < 65 year old. Influenza B/Victoria lineage,although detected at low levels increased in frequency, in agreement with the lowest level of seroprotection detected in the general population before the start of 2015/2016 season (21.8%; 95% CI: 18.7-24.0%). CONCLUSIONS There was a correlation between virus circulation, incidence rates for each age group and the previous seroprotection for seasonal influenza viruses.Our study highlights the value of measuring the serological profile for influenza to establishe risk groups for infection for which an increase preventive measures, including vaccination, should be fostered.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Diagnóstico diferencial da Síndrome de Takotsubo e infarto agudo do miocárdio: uma revisão sistemática: Differential diagnosis of Takotsubo Syndrome and acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review

A cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo e o infarto agudo do miocárdio compartilham apresentação clínica e risco de morte semelhantes, embora uma das diferenças mais importantes seja a ausência de doença coronariana obstrutiva na cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo. Neste estudo, tem-se como objetivo analisar a literatura disponível avaliando o diagnóstico diferencial entre pacientes com CTT em comparação com pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática, utilizando-se a Pubmed e a Medline como base de dados. A partir da análise dos estudos e interpretação de suas principais descobertas, concluiu-se que para pacientes com CTT, outras condições e comorbidades, em vez de apenas dislipidemia e/ou outros fatores de risco estabelecidos, sejam responsáveis por um risco de morte comparável ao de IAM. No entanto, as conclusões desse estudo têm várias limitaçõe