- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113589
Integrating structural batteries and topology optimization: A path to multifunctional lightweight design
- May 01, 2026
- Composites Part B: Engineering
- P Fernandes + 6 more +6
Publications from 2021 to 2026
Showing 10 of 151 papers
Integrating structural batteries and topology optimization: A path to multifunctional lightweight design
Digitalisation, Remote Work, and Perceived Job Security and Quality in Post-COVID-19 Portugal
This study investigates how pandemic-induced digitalisation, understood as the transition to remote work combined with the enforced use of digital tools and the reconfiguration of tasks and digital skills at the job level, has affected job security and job quality in Portugal. In 2022, a nationwide survey was administered to employees in companies registered in the country, yielding 2001 valid responses through a stratified random sampling strategy that ensured representation across different firm sizes. Structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the relationships between digitalisation (independent construct) and perceived job quality and job security (dependent constructs), while controlling for demographic, organisational, and work-regime characteristics. Digitalisation had a significant positive effect on perceived job quality but no systematic effect on perceived job security. The results also revealed more positive perceptions of job security among women, employees in smaller firms, and those working on-site, whereas directors and workers in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area reported greater negative effects. These findings underscore the importance of contextual factors in shaping how workers experience digitalisation and provide evidence to inform public policies aimed at promoting job security and job quality in a post-COVID-19 labour market.
Read moreHigiene oral na pessoa sob ventilação mecânica invasiva: conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas dos enfermeiros no cuidado à pessoa em situação crítica
Introdução: A higiene oral na pessoa ventilada mecanicamente é uma intervenção crucial nos cuidados de enfermagem em unidades de cuidados intensivos. A colonização bacteriana da cavidade oral está ligada à pneumonia associada à intubação, que aumenta morbilidade, mortalidade, tempo de internamento e custos em saúde. A literatura mostra variação nos conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas dos enfermeiros, influenciada por fatores como formação, protocolos e recursos disponíveis. Objetivos: Identificar os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas dos enfermeiros sobre higiene oral em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica invasiva, bem como as lacunas existentes. Material e Métodos: Realizada revisão narrativa na PubMed com os descritores: oral health; oral hygiene; nursing care; critical care nursing; team nursing. Incluídos artigos publicados entre 2024-2025, em inglês, com texto completo, abordando práticas de enfermagem em saúde oral, especialmente em cuidados críticos. Consideraram-se estudos originais, revisões e diretrizes clínicas. Excluíram-se estudos fora do contexto hospitalar, sem relação com enfermagem ou dados empíricos. De 513 artigos encontrados, 9 foram selecionados após análise crítica. Também foi considerada a Norma da Direção-Geral da Saúde (2022) sobre prevenção da pneumonia associada à intubação. Resultados: Enfermeiros apresentaram atitudes positivas (77,3%) e práticas adequadas (70,5%), embora os conhecimentos sejam limitados (60,9%). Enfermeiros especialistas e com maior experiência tiveram melhor desempenho. Barreiras incluem carga de trabalho, ausência de protocolos, falta de materiais e formação insuficiente. Intervenções educativas em vídeo e a participação multidisciplinar com dentistas melhoraram conhecimentos e práticas. O uso de escova com aspiração integrada para evitar aspiração de secreções, associado ao uso da octenidina — eficaz e menos tóxica que a clorexidina —, três vezes ao dia, contribuiu para reduzir a colonização bacteriana. Tecnologias como luz Q-LED e dispositivos ultrassônicos mostraram benefícios adicionais. A aplicação de protocolos e auditorias correlacionou-se à redução da pneumonia associada à ventilação e do tempo de internamento. Conclusão: Recomenda-se higiene oral três vezes ao dia com escova de aspiração integrada e antisséptico, preferencialmente octenidina. A incorporação de novas tecnologias e o trabalho multidisciplinar são promissores. A combinação de protocolos baseados em evidências, auditorias e formação contínua é essencial para aprimorar a qualidade dos cuidados e o conhecimento dos enfermeiros.
Read moreA büntetőeljárás szakaszai a 18. század első harmadában
A szokásjogi büntetőeljárás az írott jogi jogforrások (elszórt törvények, Praxis Criminalis, Criminal Instruction), a kodifikációs termékek (1712-es javaslat), az eljárási szakirodalom (Kitonich János, Szegedi János), a büntetőjogi kézikönyvek (Huszty István, Gochetz Gábor, Bodó Mátyás) és a bírósági gyakorlat segítségével rekonstruálható. A Praxis Criminalis (és a Criminal Instruction) az előkészítő eljárással és bizonyítási eszközökkel (pl. tortúra) foglalkozott. A szakirodalom ezeket a szabályokat kombinálta a magyar eljárásjoggal, ezért megjelent a tárgyalás is. A 18. században a büntetőeljárás három vagy öt részből állt: előkészítő eljárás (inquisitio generalis és specialis), vádemelés (csak nemesek számára), bíróság előtti eljárás, fellebbezés (csak nemesek számára) vagy kegyelmezés (nagyon ritkán) és végrehajtás. Megállapítható, hogy a magyar szokásjog az inkvizitórius eljárásnak csak néhány elemét vette át.
Read moreO ensino da História como opção organizativo-curricular: um estudo de caso
Este estudo de caso explora o modo como a Educação Histórica se integra nos projetos educativos de agrupamentos de escolas de um município português. Privilegiando uma abordagem metodológica assente na análise documental, percebe-se – apesar do destaque conferido à formação cidadã dos estudantes, com enfoque no desenvolvimento de competências, pensamento crítico e participação – uma ausência explícita de ações direcionadas para o ensino e a aprendizagem da História. Embora a mesma seja mencionada pontualmente, no que concerne à multiculturalidade e à valorização da identidade de cada um, a sua presença como componente curricular autónoma é pouco (ou nada) valorizada naqueles documentos que orientam as instituições escolares. Por conseguinte, o presente estudo evidencia a necessidade de uma reflexão real sobre o território da História (ensinada e aprendida) nas opções curriculares das diferentes organizações educativas, e suas eventuais potencialidades formativas, tendo em conta a constatação de um certo estatuto fantasmagórico conferido a esta área do conhecimento.
Read moreCross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability of the European Portuguese Version of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder & Elbow Score (KJOC)
Background/Objectives: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder & Elbow Score (KJOC) is used to identify dysfunctions and estimate injury risk in overhead sports athletes. Although it has been validated in several countries, a European Portuguese version is currently unavailable. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and assess psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the European Portuguese KJOC (KJOC-PT). Methods: The KJOC-PT was translated and culturally adapted according to international guidelines. One hundred athletes were selected (median age 24 [IQR 17] years, 72% male) and divided into two groups: asymptomatic and symptomatic athletes. The convergent validity was assessed by correlating the KJOC-PT with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and DASH-Sports. 31 athletes from the initial sample were considered to assess between-day reliability and agreement (Bland-Altman analysis). Floor and ceiling effects were also calculated. Sampling adequacy was assessed using the Kaiser Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test. Results: Minor cultural and linguistic changes were made in the KJOC-PT. This version demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91 to 0.97) and moderate negative correlations for validity (KJOC-PT with DASH, rho = −0.595; with DASH-Sports, rho = −0.533, both p < 0.001). Good reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.77 to 0.89 [95%CI 0.36 to 0.96]), measurement error (SEM = 4.11 to 6.90; MDC = 11.39 to 19.13) and mean difference ranging from −0.08 ± 6.14 to 3 ± 9.17 were found. No floor effect (0%) and ceiling effects of 24.2% for the total sample (50% for asymptomatic and 5.1% for symptomatic athletes) were found. Conclusions: KJOC-PT is now available and is a valid and reliable instrument for use by athletes in overhead sports.
Read moreVariations in mood states among Brazilian air force pilots: a crossover analysis between operational and aerobatic flight missions
BackgroundAerobatic flight maneuvers expose military pilots to a confluence of physiological and psychological stressors—including sustained G-forces, vestibular disorientation, and neuromuscular fatigue—that may acutely modulate emotional states and compromise cognitive performance. However, the differential psychometric impact of routine operational flights versus high-intensity air demonstrations remains poorly characterized.PurposeTo examine and compare mood state fluctuations elicited by distinct aerial mission profiles—operational maintenance (OM) flights and aerobatic demonstrations (AD)—within a specialized military pilot cohort.MethodsIn this within-subject, crossover experimental design, nine elite male aviators (mean age: 32.1 ± 1.8 years) from the Brazilian Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA), each with >1,000 cumulative flight hours, were assessed across two mission contexts. Mood states were measured pre- and post-flight using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), which evaluates six psychological dimensions: tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion. Paired comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.05).ResultsOM flights were associated with a statistically significant increase in depression scores post-flight (p = 0.031), alongside a non-significant trend toward decreased tension (p = 0.098). Other subscales showed no statistically significant variation, though intra-individual variability was observed.ConclusionEmotional reactivity among high-performance military pilots varies according to mission typology. Incorporating continuous affective monitoring and routine psychological assessments may bolster both operational readiness and mental health preservation in high-demand aviation environments.
Read moreChitosan (Nano)formulations as Therapeutic Tools for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia were the seventh leading cause of death in 2021. The prevalence of these disorders is predictable to increase with life expectancy, and their control is hampered by several factors, including late diagnosis due to the lack of specific biomarkers and the absence of disease-modifying treatments, as currently available therapies can only lighten some of the symptoms. Nanotechnology could be the key to overcoming some of the limitations associated with neurodegenerative diseases, as nanomaterials have excellent properties compared to their bulk counterparts and can be used as drug delivery systems, diagnostic tools and platforms for tissue regeneration. Chitosan is a biopolymer with numerous properties that impart it with great potential for biomedical applications, in particular its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and its versatility in nanoscale design. In this context, the aim of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the latest developments and future opportunities for chitosan (nano)formulations for the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Read moreBiomechanical Profile of Portuguese High-Level Female Handball Players
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anthropometric characteristics, motor performance, and isokinetic strength profiles of elite Portuguese female handball players, as well as to examine the relationships among these variables. Methods: Sixteen national-team female handball players with an average age of 20.25 ± 0.45 years, height of 171.13 ± 8.13 cm and body mass of 72.24 ± 10.96 kg volunteered. Evaluations were conducted in two sessions within one week (24–48 h apart). The first comprised anthropometric and motor performance tests, while the second focused on isokinetic strength assessments of the upper and lower limbs. Pearson correlations assessed variable associations (p < 0.05). Results: Direct correlations were found between height and arm span (r = 0.910) and between internal rotation total work and internal rotation average power (r = 0.960). The 9 m jump throw was associated with the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.670). External rotation peak torque correlated with squat jump performance (r = 0.540) and the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.760) and 9 m jump throw (r = 0.568). Internal rotation peak torque associated with squat jump performance (r = 0.674) and the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.550). Knee extension peak torque correlated with squat jump performance (r = 0.650), while knee extension total work was strongly associated with external rotation total work (r = 0.870). Knee flexion total work was associated with knee flexion peak torque (r = 0.910). Conclusions: The integrated analysis of anthropometric, motor and isokinetic variables revealed distinct strength–performance associations in female handball players, highlighting the role of upper- and lower-limb muscle function in jumping and throwing.
Read moreSupporting a physically active lifestyle in COPD: lessons from the PICk UP study
Maintaining pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) benefits in people with COPD is challenging due to the difficulties in sustaining a physically active lifestyle. The PICk UP programme (<ext-link>NCT04223362</ext-link>), a personalised community-based physical activity (PA) intervention, proved effectiveness in preventing PA decline six months post-PR. This qualitative study explored how the behavioural change techniques (BCTs) in the PICk UP intervention supported sustained PA engagement. Pre- and post-intervention semi-structured focus groups were conducted with the PICk UP participants. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied, following the “capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour” (COM-B) framework. We included 15 individuals with COPD (14male, 70±8yrs, FEV157.1±18.1%pp). Participants identified 12 BCTs within the intervention: information about health, feedback on behaviour/ outcome, verbal persuasion, PA habit formation, restructuring of the physical/social environment, action plan, goal setting, problem solving, commitment and social support. These BCTs were categorised into 5 intervention types (education, persuasion, training, environmental restructuring and enablement), which addressed the 6 components that influence behaviour (Figure 1). Collectively, they empowered participants to maintain PA following PR. This study highlights the critical role of targeted BCTs in supporting long-term PA maintenance in individuals with COPD following PR. <fig><object-id>erj;66/suppl_69/PA2792/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>
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