Prediction of the acoustic insulation of a prefabricated wooden-based system for collective buildings

Using wood, a renewable, carbon sink material with outstanding thermal properties associated with the prefabrication process and its benefits, a construction system for multi-storey multifamily buildings based on prefabricated wooden panels was developed to act as a tool for meeting the national carbon neutrality targets. It will contribute to the promotion of increasingly sustainable cities that optimise the use of materials and rely on highly energy-efficient buildings. This sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials was designed to comply with the Portuguese needs, regulations, and regulatory requirements regarding construction, structural, functional, and logistics demands. As the acoustic behaviour of wooden buildings is a sensitive subject due to the wood's lightweight and poor insulation performance for low-frequency sounds, this work aims to analyse the panels regarding their acoustic behaviour through INSUL software. The predictions showed favourable results for airborne insulation and partially favourable for impact sound insulation.This work was supported by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, within the scope of a Ph.D. scholarship (PRT/BD/152841/2021) granted by MIT Portugal Program to the first author

Validation of the Portuguese version of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) in Portuguese cancer survivors

In 2020, around 60,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Portugal, and many of them suffered some level of Fear of Progression (FoP) of the disease. Although this FoP is realistic, and is part of the normal and appropriate response to this type of disease, there is no instrument to assess and understand whether it is exaggerated in the face of the situation. The present study aimed to translate and validate the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) for the Portuguese population. The sample consisted of 220 volunteers, aged 18 years or over and diagnosed with cancer for at least six months. Participants completed the FoP-Q-SF, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ChecklistCivilian Version (PCL-C). The FoP-Q-SF demonstrated high internal reliability (α = 0.86) and the confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-dimensional structure of the FoP-Q-SF. Convergent validity was supported with significant positive correlations with psychological distress, especially anxiety (0.68). The FoP-Q-SF has been found to be a valid instrument to measure FoP in Portuguese cancer survivors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Towards a better understanding of the factors associated with distress in elderly cancer patients: a systematic review

This study presents a systematic review of the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with distress in elderly cancer patients. Relevant studies were identified using four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies exploring factors associated with distress in people over 60 years of age were included and independently assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklists. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Research showed that being a woman, being single, divorced or widowed, having low income, having an advanced diagnosis, having functional limitations, having comorbidities, and having little social support were factors consistently associated with emotional distress. Data further showed that the impact of age, cancer type, and cancer treatment on symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in elderly patients is not yet well established. The findings of this review suggest that the emotional distress of elderly cancer patients depends on a myriad of factors that are not exclusive, but coexisting determinants of health. Future research is still needed to better understand risk factors for distress in this patient population, providing the resources for healthcare providers to better meet their needs.This work was supported by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., within CINTESIS, R & D Unit (reference UIDB/4255/2021 and UIDP/4255/2021); William James Center for Research (reference UIDB/04810/2020); and CIDTFF—Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (reference UIDB/00194/2020 and UIDP/00194/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Microplastics and copper induce apoptosis, alter neurocircuits, and cause behavioral changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain

The knowledge regarding the neurological and behavioral toxic effects associated with microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals exposure is still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential chronic (30 days) toxic effects of MPs (2 mg/L) and copper (Cu, 25 μg/L), alone or combined, in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain antioxidant system, cell proliferation/death, cholinergic-, serotonergic- and dopaminergic pathways and, consequently, in locomotor, anxiety, and social behaviors. Our findings showed that MPs and Cu exposure modulated the antioxidant system of zebrafish brain, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) having higher activity in the Cu25 +MPs group, but glutathione peroxidase (GPx) being inhibited in MPs, Cu25 and Cu25 +MPs. Moreover, an increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in all exposed groups. When considering neurogenesis genes, a downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna) was noticed in zebrafish exposed to the mixture treatment, while for dopaminergic system-related genes (th and slc6a3) an upregulation was observed in MPs, Cu25 and Cu25 +MPs groups. An increase in apoptosis-related genes expression (casp8, casp9 and casp3) was observed in the MPs exposed group. Changes in zebrafish behavior, particularly in mean speed, total distance moved, inactivity in the aquaria, and social/shoaling behavior was also observed in the MPs and Cu exposed groups. Overall, our results highlight the multiplicity of toxic effects of MPs, alone or combined with Cu, in zebrafish brain, namely apoptosis and alterations in adult neurogenesis, neurocircuits and, consequently, behavior.Versión del editor2,29

Contribution of the solar systems to the nZEB and ZEB design concept in Portugal: energy, economics and environmental life-cycle analysis

The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive settle that by 2020 all new buildings should reach nearly zero energy levels (2018 for buildings owned or occupied by public authorities). Therefore, technicians involved in the design, management and approval of buildings should be able to understand and apply nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) concepts in both new buildings and refurbishment of existing ones. At European Union (EU) level there are differences in commitment to the EU targets and the construction of nZEB. Therefore, it is necessary to develop studies that demonstrate the advantages of the nZEB and ZEB design process that can increase the awareness of both building clients and other stakeholders regarding this issue. In this context, the aim of this paper is to assess the energy and environmental life-cycle performance of different renovation scenarios (Basic Renovation, nZEB and ZEB) for multifamily buildings in Portugal. This will be focused on the goals of the nZEB and ZEB design process and on the contribution of solar systems (both solar thermal collectors, STCs, and photovoltaic panels, PVs) to the achievement of those goals. The results presented in this paper show that, in the Portuguese climate and for a typical multi-family building, it is possible to overcome 100% of the energy needs for acclimatization and domestic hot water (DHW) preparation with the integration of solar systems. From the results, it is also possible to conclude that a significant amount of energy and carbon emissions are avoided for every renovation scenario during the considered lifetime (30 years) and that the nZEB and ZEB scenarios are cost-effective with attractive payback times.IEE Project SouthZEB (under the reference IEE/13/393)Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Projects UID/ECI/04047/2013 and UID/FIS/04650/201

Preuve de la validité du score de la qualité de l’évaluation pour l’apprentissage : une mesure de qualité pour les commentaires des superviseurs dans la formation médicale fondée sur les compétences

Background: Competency based medical education (CBME) relies on supervisor narrative comments contained within entrustable professional activities (EPA) for programmatic assessment, but the quality of these supervisor comments is unassessed. There is validity evidence supporting the QuAL (Quality of Assessment for Learning) score for rating the usefulness of short narrative comments in direct observation. Objective: We sought to establish validity evidence for the QuAL score to rate the quality of supervisor narrative comments contained within an EPA by surveying the key end-users of EPA narrative comments: residents, academic advisors, and competence committee members. Methods: In 2020, the authors randomly selected 52 de-identified narrative comments from two emergency medicine EPA databases using purposeful sampling. Six collaborators (two residents, two academic advisors, and two competence committee members) were recruited from each of four EM Residency Programs (Saskatchewan, McMaster, Ottawa, and Calgary) to rate these comments with a utility score and the QuAL score.  Correlation between utility and QuAL score were calculated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Sources of variance and reliability were calculated using a generalizability study. Results: All collaborators (n = 24) completed the full study.  The QuAL score had a high positive correlation with the utility score amongst the residents (r = 0.80) and academic advisors (r = 0.75) and a moderately high correlation amongst competence committee members (r = 0.68).  The generalizability study found that the major source of variance was the comment indicating the tool performs well across raters. Conclusion: The QuAL score may serve as an outcome measure for program evaluation of supervisors, and as a resource for faculty development.Contexte : Dans la formation médicale fondée sur les compétences (FMFC), l’évaluation programmatique s’appuie sur les commentaires narratifs des superviseurs en lien avec les activités professionnelles confiables (EPA). En revanche, la qualité de ces commentaires n’est pas évaluée. Il existe des preuves de la validité du score QuAL (qualité de l’évaluation pour l’apprentissage, Quality of Assessment for Learning en anglais) pour l’évaluation de l’utilité des commentaires de rétroaction courts lors de la supervision par observation directe. Objectif : Nous avons tenté de démontrer la validité du score QuAL aux fins de l’évaluation de la qualité des commentaires narratifs des superviseurs pour une APC en interrogeant les principaux utilisateurs finaux des rétroactions : les résidents, les conseillers pédagogiques et les membres du comité de compétence. Méthodes : En 2020, les auteurs ont sélectionné au hasard 52 commentaires narratifs anonymisés dans deux bases de données d’APC en médecine d’urgence au moyen d’un échantillonnage intentionnel. Six collaborateurs (deux résidents, deux conseillers pédagogiques et deux membres de comités de compétence) ont été recrutés dans chacun des quatre programmes de résidence en médecine d’urgence (Saskatchewan, McMaster, Ottawa et Calgary) pour évaluer ces commentaires à l’aide d’un score d’utilité et du score QuAL.  La corrélation entre l’utilité et le score QuAL a été calculée à l’aide du coefficient de corrélation de Pearson. Les sources de variance et la fiabilité ont été calculées à l’aide d’une étude de généralisabilité. Résultats : Tous les collaborateurs (n=24) ont réalisé l’étude complète.  Le score QuAL présentait une corrélation positive élevée avec le score d’utilité parmi les résidents (r=0,80) et les conseillers pédagogiques (r=0,75) et une corrélation modérément élevée parmi les membres du comité de compétence (r=0,68).  L’étude de généralisation a révélé que la principale source de variance était le commentaire, ce qui indique que l’outil a fonctionné avec une efficacité égale pour tous les évaluateurs. Conclusion : Le score QuAL peut servir de mesure des résultats pour l’évaluation des superviseurs par les programmes, et de ressource pour le perfectionnement du corps professoral

Influence of estimated training status on anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure in middle-aged and older women

The purpose of this study was to compare the association between anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and older women with different levels of estimated training status (TS). The sample consisted of 155 females (50-84 years) who were submitted to a physical examination to evaluate estimated TS through the "Functional Fitness Battery Test," BP measurements, and plasma blood samples to evaluate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite concentrations. Participants were separated by age into a middle-aged group (< 65 years) and an older (≥65 years) group and then subdivided in each group according to TS. Blood biochemistry was similar between groups. On the other hand, protein oxidation was lower in participants with higher TS, independent of age. Older females with higher TS presented higher nitrite concentrations, lower lipoperoxidation, and lower values of BP compared with those with lower TS. Lower GPx activity was observed in participants with higher TS compared with middle-aged with lower TS. Thus, our results suggest that good levels of TS may be associated with lower oxidative stress and higher nitrite concentration and may contribute to maintain normal or reduced blood pressure values.Fil: Jacomini, André M.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Dias, Danielle da Silva. Universidade Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Brito, Janaina de Oliveira. Universidade Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: da Silva, Roberta F.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Monteiro, Henrique L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Llesuy, Susana Francisca. Universidade Nove de Julho; Brasil. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; ArgentinaFil: De Angelis, Kátia. Universidade Nove de Julho; BrasilFil: Amaral, Sandra L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Zago, Anderson S.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasi

Thermal performance and comfort condition analysis in a vernacular building with a glazed balcony

The increase in global environmental problems requires more environmentally efficient construction. Vernacular passive strategies can play an important role in helping reducing energy use and CO2 emissions related to buildings. This paper studies the use of glazed balconies in the North of Portugal as a strategy to capture solar gains and reduce heat losses. The purpose is understanding thermal performance and comfort conditions provided by this passive heating strategy. The methodology includes objective (short and long-term monitoring), to evaluate the different parameters affecting thermal comfort and air quality, and subjective assessments to assess occupants? perception regarding thermal sensation. The results show that the use of glazed balconies as a passive heating strategy in a climate with cold winters is viable. During the mid-seasons, the rooms with balcony have adequate comfort conditions. In the heating season, it is possible to achieve comfort conditions in sunny days while in the cooling season there is a risk of overheating. Regarding indoor air quality, carbon dioxide concentrations were low, but the average radon concentration measured was high when the building was unoccupied, rapidly decreasing to acceptable values, during occupation periods when a minimum ventilation rate was promoted. Occupants? actions were essential to improving building behavior.The authors would like to acknowledge the support granted by the FEDER funds through the Competitively and Internationalization Operational Programme (POCI) and by national funds through FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) within the scope of the project with the reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029328, and of the Ph.D. grant with the reference PD/BD/113641/2015, that were fundamental for the development of this study

Validation of the Attitude Scale to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Old Age in a Colombian Sample

The Attitude Scale to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Old Age (EAFV-LGBT) evaluates attitudes towards LGBT older adults. The main goal of this research was to adapt and examine the psychometric properties in a Spanish-speaking sample. The sample consisted of 521 Colombian adults (36.3% men and 63.7% women) with a mean age equal to 27.39 (SD = 9.27). Participants completed a Socio-Demographic and Sexual History Questionnaire, the Hispanic translations of the EAFV-LGBT, the Subtle and Manifest Prejudice Scale towards Homosexuals, and the Big Five Personality Trait Short Questionnaire. The results showed that the Colombian EAFV-LGBT has good psychometric properties. The structure of the scale was unidimensional, and the internal consistency reliability was also adequate. Likewise, the convergent validity of the scale was verified by correlating it with another measure that evaluates explicit and implicit homophobia. In addition, it was found that there was a relationship between personality traits and attitudes towards LGBT adults. Specifically, participants with lower openness, extraversion, and agreeableness reported more negative attitudes toward older LGBT people

Avaliação em laboratório do comportamento térmico de soluções construtivas em madeira

O presente trabalho apresenta a avaliação do comportamento térmico de quatro soluções construtivas integralmente em madeira, recorrendo à previsão e análise experimental do seu desempenho térmico. Foram avaliadas quatro soluções construtivas representativas do mercado, três delas tendo por base troncos de madeira e uma outra do tipo entramado de madeira. As principais tipologias de habitações que se encontram no mercado são, essencialmente casas em painel e em troncos de madeira tratada. As casas de troncos possuem um aspeto mais rústico sendo usualmente utilizadas em ambientes de montanha, estas recorrem a ligações metálicas entre troncos e entre paredes, podendo ou não utilizar isolamento térmico colocado no interior da parede. As casas em painel são, geralmente, do tipo modular, o que permite uma rápida execução e posterior expansão. Aliadas a uma arquitetura moderna e cuidada, são difíceis de distinguir das casas em alvenaria. O objetivo central do trabalho foi o de aumentar o conhecimento científico e técnico relativo ao comportamento térmico das soluções construtivas em madeira, colmatando a ausência de valores relativos ao coeficiente de transmissão térmica à disposição de técnicos e investigadores. Foi analisado o desempenho térmico destas soluções construtivas segundo a regulamentação térmica atual (RCCTE) [1], posteriormente estes resultados foram comparados com as soluções de construções mais comuns em Portugal. A análise dos resultados experimentais obtidos permitiu verificar que os coeficientes de transmissão térmica destas soluções cumprem os requisitos mínimos. Sendo a solução com estrutura leve de madeira revestida com aglomerados e preenchida com lã-de-rocha a que apresenta melhor desempenho. Comparativamente com os sistemas construtivos mais comuns de paredes de alvenaria as soluções construtivas com estrutura de madeira apresentam um comportamento térmico superiorRusticas