Applications of Blockchain Technology to Higher Education Arena: A Bibliometric Analysis

Reis-Marques, C., Figueiredo, R., & Neto, M. D. C. (2021). Applications of Blockchain Technology to Higher Education Arena: A Bibliometric Analysis. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 11(4), 1406-1421. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe11040101 ---------------------------------------------- This work is financed by national funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I. P., under the project “UIDB/04630/2020”.Research related to blockchain is rapidly gaining importance in the higher education. This opportunity collaborates with a proposal for a review of papers on the main blockchain topic. The bibliometric analysis included 61 peer-reviewed articles published in the Scopus database during the period of 2016 to 2021. This paper offers the identification of gaps in the literature enabling studies on the subject in higher education. The article identifies the main applications of blockchain technology in higher education around the world, as well as suggests future investigations. For further scientific investigation, we propose the operationalization of each of the researched approaches, especially combining the blockchain relationship, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, digital maturity, and customer experience in higher education.publishersversionpublishe

On the Multihop Relays with Multiple Antennas for LTE-A

In this paper we analyze cooperative communications for broadcast/multicast wireless communication systems based on the LTE-A standard. Multihop relays utilizing the same frequency bands as the base station are considered. These relays are equipped with multiples antennas (MIMO), at least the double of those employed at the base station side. The simulation results show that multihop relays achieve an improvement of power efficiency, while keeping the average coverage and the overall network throughput unchanged. This can be viewed as an energy-efficient wireless transmission technique, which contributes to the implementation of the green cell networks concept, as it allows a reduction in the carbon emission footprint

Technology characterization of digital mammography in Portugal: project implementation progress

Introdução – A mamografia é o principal método de diagnóstico por imagem utilizado no rastreio e diagnóstico do cancro da mama, sendo a modalidade de imagem recomendada em vários países da Europa e Estados Unidos para utilização em programas de rastreio. A implementação da tecnologia digital causou alterações na prática da mamografia, nomeadamente a necessidade de adaptar os programas de controlo de qualidade. Objetivos – Caracterizar a tecnologia instalada para mamografia em Portugal e as práticas adotadas na sua utilização pelos profissionais de saúde envolvidos. Concluir sobre o nível de harmonização das práticas em mamografia em Portugal e a conformidade com as recomendações internacionais. Identificar oportunidades para otimização que permitam assegurar a utilização eficaz e segura da tecnologia. Metodologia – Pesquisa e recolha de dados sobre a tecnologia instalada, fornecidos por fontes governamentais, prestadores de serviços de mamografia e indústria. Construção de três questionários, orientados ao perfil do médico radiologista, técnico de radiologia com atividade em mamografia digital e técnico de radiologia coordenador. Os questionários foram aplicados em 65 prestadores de serviços de mamografia selecionados com base em critérios de localização geográfica, tipo de tecnologia instalada e perfil da instituição. Resultados – Foram identificados 441 sistemas para mamografia em Portugal. A tecnologia mais frequente (62%) e vulgarmente conhecida por radiografia computorizada (computed radiography) é constituída por um detector (image plate) de material fotoestimulável inserido numa cassete de suporte e por um sistema de processamento ótico. A maioria destes sistemas (78%) está instalada em prestadores privados. Aproximadamente 12% dos equipamentos instalados são sistemas para radiografia digital direta (Direct Digital Radiography – DDR). Os critérios para seleção dos parâmetros técnicos de exposição variam, observando-se que em 65% das instituições são adotadas as recomendações dos fabricantes do equipamento. As ferramentas de pós-processamento mais usadas pelos médicos radiologistas são o ajuste do contraste e brilho e magnificação total e/ou localizada da imagem. Quinze instituições (em 19) têm implementado um programa de controlo de qualidade. Conclusões – Portugal apresenta um parque de equipamentos heterogéneo que inclui tecnologia obsoleta e tecnologia “topo de gama”. As recomendações/guidelines (europeias ou americanas) não são adotadas formalmente na maioria das instituições como guia para fundamentação das práticas em mamografia, dominando as recomendações dos fabricantes do equipamento. Foram identificadas, pelos técnicos de radiologia e médicos radiologistas, carências de formação especializada, nomeadamente nas temáticas da intervenção mamária, otimização da dose e controlo da qualidade. A maioria dos inquiridos concorda com a necessidade de certificação da prática da mamografia em Portugal e participaria num programa voluntário. ABSTRACT - Introduction – Mammography is the gold standard for screening and imaging diagnosis of breast disease. It is the imaging modality recommended by screening programs in various countries in Europe and the United States. The implementation of the digital technology promoted changes in mammography practice and triggered the need to adjust quality control programs. Aims –Characterize the technology for mammography installed in Portugal. Assess practice in use in mammography and its harmonization and compliance to international guidelines. Identify optimization needs to promote an effective and efficient use of digital mammography to full potential. Methodology – Literature review was performed. Data was collected from official sources (governmental bodies, mammography healthcare providers and medical imaging industry) regarding the number and specifications of mammography equipment installed in Portugal. Three questionnaires targeted at radiologists, breast radiographers and the chief-radiographer were designed for data collection on the technical and clinical practices in mammography. The questionnaires were delivered in a sample of 65 mammography providers selected according to geographical criteria, type of technology and institution profile. Results – Results revealed 441 mammography systems installed in Portugal. The most frequent (62%) technology type are computerized systems (CR) mostly installed in the private sector (78%). 12% are direct radiography systems (DDR). The criteria for selection of the exposure parameters differ between the institutions with the majority (65%) following the recommendations from the manufacturers. The use of available tools for post-processing is limited being the most frequently reported tools used the contrast/ brightness and Zoom or Pan Magnification tools. Fifteen participant institutions (out of 19) have implemented a quality control programme. Conclusions – The technology for mammography in Portugal is heterogeneous and includes both obsolete and state of the art equipment. International guidelines (European or American) are not formally implemented and the manufacturer recommendations are the most frequently used guidance. Education and training needs were identified amongst the healthcare professionals (radiologists and radiographers) with focus in the areas of mammography intervention, patient dose optimization and quality control. The majority of the participants agree with the certification of mammography in Portugal

Cylindrical Sandwich Shells for Civil Engineering Applications

Presented at the 1st International Online Conference on Buildings, 24–26 October 2023; Available online: https://iocbd2023.sciforum.net/ // Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licenseLiterature is not abundant on the mechanical characterization of cylindrical shells for civil engineering applications, especially in terms of impact response. In this context, this study intends to evaluate the impact response of cylindrical sandwich shells produced with various types of fibers. Analysis was done on three alternative configurations: carbon fibers only, carbon fibers and glass, and carbon fibers and basalt. All configurations were tested for static and impact strength. It was concluded that the constituents of the cylindrical sandwich shells are determinants in both static and impact strength. In terms of compressive properties, the lowest displacement (4.4 mm) and highest compressive strength (873 N) and stiffness (354 N/mm) are attributed to configuration 6C. However, the incorporation of basalt fibers decreased these properties to the lowest values, and reductions of 22% and 44% were found for the compressive strength and stiffness, respectively, while the displacement increased around 66%. On the other hand, in terms of impact, significant benefits were achieved with the introduction of glass fibers. Compared to configurations 6C and 2C+2B+2C, for instance, the elastic recuperation was 25% and 64.6% higher, respectively.FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia UIDB/00285/2020 LA/P/0112/202

Programa de psicoeducação LGBTI+ afirmativa, online, para grupos – uma avaliação de eficácia

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no Ispa – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia Clínica.Nesta investigação-acção foi desenhado e implementado um programa de Psicoeducação LGBTI+ Afirmativa, para grupos, on-line, com o objectivo de ser eficaz no aumento da saúde desta população. Começámos por observar a discrepância em saúde mental desta população face à população geral. Procurámos quadros teóricos – e escolhemos o Modelo do Stress de Minorias e o conceito da Descompensação – que permitissem compreender esta situação para se poder intervir eficazmente. Para a sua operacionalização prática, e neste contexto específico, (associação ILGA Portugal), foi desenhado um protocolo – seleccionando conteúdos e definindo estratégias pedagógicas a adoptar – com vista a maximizar a eficácia da intervenção. A homofobia foi tida como uma atitude, o que permitiu a sua operacionalização num protocolo desenhado para promover alterações atitudinais. Esta dissertação foca-se na avaliação do programa, em que se procuraram indícios de eficácia através da metodologia qualitativa de análise de conteúdo. Usou-se uma amostra de conveniência que abrangeu duas intervenções. Apresentam-se os principais resultados que mostram que o programa foi eficaz na promoção de bem-estar e saúde mental. Discutem-se os limites da investigação e sugerem-se estudos futuros de forma a. gerar o aprimoramento sistemático do protocolo, intrínseco a uma investigação-acçãoThis action-research implemented a programme of LGBTI+ affirmative psychoeducation, online, for groups, so it would be beneficial to this population’s health. We started observing the mental health discrepancy between this population and general population. We searched for theoretical frameworks – and choose the minority stress model and decompensation concept – that allowed us to understand this situation so we could intervene properly. To implement it and in the context of an association (ILGA Portugal) we designed a protocol – selecting materials and choosing pedagogical strategies in order to maximise the efficiency of the intervention. Homophobia was taken as an attitude which allowed us to intervene by designing the protocol so it promotes attitude’s changing. This dissertation focus is the programme’s evaluation where we looked for efficacy hints through the method of content analysis. We used a convenience sample from two of the interventions. The results show that the programme was successful promoting wellbeing and mental health. Accordingly to action research methods, we discuss the research limits and further studies are suggested in a way to systematically improve the protocol

Multi-impact response of semicylindrical composite laminated shells with different thicknesses

Nowadays, composite materials are increasingly used in the most diverse areas of engineering, where non-planar geometries begin to be quite frequent. However, the existing knowledge about its mechanical performance is still not enough for structural applications. Therefore, experimental tests were carried out to study the thickness effect on static compression and multi-impact response of laminated E-glass/Polyester semicylindrical shells. For this purpose, specimen with thicknesses of 1.1 mm, 1.6 mm and 2.1 mm (corresponding to 6, 9 and 12 woven fabric layers) were considered. In terms of static response, higher thicknesses are responsible for higher compressive strength and stiffness, reaching, in the first case, differences of 252.6 % between the thinnest and thickest shells. Regarding the multi-impact response, the impact fatigue life increases 17.4 times for the analysed thickness range, which can be explained by the different damage mechanisms observed. It was observed that impact damage becomes more localized with increasing thickness, because the energy is dissipated by more interfaces

Technology characterization of digital mammography in Portugal: project implementation progress

Introduction – Mammography is the gold standard for screening and imaging diagnosis of breast disease. It is the imaging modality recommended by screening programs in various countries in Europe and the United States. The implementation of the digital technology promoted changes in mammography practice and triggered the need to adjust quality control programs. Aims –Characterize the technology for mammography installed in Portugal. Assess practice in use in mammography and its harmonization and compliance to international guidelines. Identify optimization needs to promote an effective and efficient use of digital mammography to full potential. Methodology – Literature review was performed. Data was collected from official sources (governmental bodies, mammography healthcare providers and medical imaging industry) regarding the number and specifications of mammography equipment installed in Portugal. Three questionnaires targeted at radiologists, breast radiographers and the chief-radiographer were designed for data collection on the technical and clinical practices in mammography. The questionnaires were delivered in a sample of 65 mammography providers selected according to geographical criteria, type of technology and institution profile. Results – Results revealed 441 mammography systems installed in Portugal. The most frequent (62%) technology type are computerized systems (CR) mostly installed in the private sector (78%). 12% are direct radiography systems (DDR). The criteria for selection of the exposure parameters differ between the institutions with the majority (65%) following the recommendations from the manufacturers. The use of available tools for post-processing is limited being the most frequently reported tools used the contrast/ brightness and Zoom or Pan Magnification tools. Fifteen participant institutions (out of 19) have implemented a quality control programme. Conclusions – The technology for mammography in Portugal is heterogeneous and includes both obsolete and state of the art equipment. International guidelines (European or American) are not formally implemented and the manufacturer recommendations are the most frequently used guidance. Education and training needs were identified amongst the healthcare professionals (radiologists and radiographers) with focus in the areas of mammography intervention, patient dose optimization and quality control. The majority of the participants agree with the certification of mammography in Portugal

Business model innovation for sustainable value creation in construction companies

This paper aimed to analyze how innovations in the business model contribute to creating sustainable value in construction companies. The results revealed that analyzed companies implement practices that enhance their reputation and contribute to the environment while securing economic benefits. These practices include material reuse and replacing traditional processes with renewable ones (installing photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting). Companies also have tried to integrate with the community through sponsorships, primarily in sports and cultural events, and assistance to homes for the elderly and needy educational institutions. Companies need to implement processes that contribute to the rational use of water and waste reduction during construction projects despite the results. Furthermore, this study has the importance of identifying actions that are oriented towards generating benefits for society and the environment and analyzing them from the perspective of the creation of sustainable value from innovations in the business model