Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern, driven in part by antibiotic use in animal production systems. Despite its relevance, the microbiome and resistome of small ruminant farm environments remain largely underexplored. In this study, shotgun metagenomics was applied to environmental samples from 46 sheep, goat and mixed-species farms across 14 municipalities in central Portugal. Microbial profiling revealed a well-preserved microbiome with Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota and Bacillota (syn. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes respectively) as the most dominant phylum across different farm types. Regarding AMR, a total of 706 unique antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), covering 15 antibiotic classes, were detected. Tetracycline, aminoglycoside and macrolide resistance genes dominated across all samples, forming a conserved core resistome. While overall resistome profiles were broadly similar among farm types, significant differences were observed in specific ARG classes, such as pleuromutilin and fosfomycin. These findings highlight small ruminant farm environments as potential reservoirs of clinically relevant ARGs, including WHO highest priority critically important antimicrobial (HPCIA) resistance genes for macrolides (mph(c), erm(f), erm(b)) and fluoroquinolones (qnrD1), as well as critically important antimicrobial (CIA) resistance genes for glycopeptides (vanR-SC, vanR-O) and aminoglycosides (str, aadA), supporting the need to incorporate these environments into surveillance strategies.

Introdução: A Radiocirurgia (RC) é uma modalidade terapêutica utilizada no tratamento de lesões intracranianas, caracterizada pela administração de doses ablativas, geralmente concentradas numa única sessão, com margens de tratamento reduzidas. Esta elevada precisão exige técnicas rigorosas de posicionamento e imobilização, mais exigentes do que as aplicadas na Radioterapia (RT) convencional. Objetivos: Analisar as diferentes estratégias de posicionamento e imobilização em RC, avaliando o conforto do doente, a precisão do tratamento, a compatibilidade com distintos equipamentos e o impacto dosimétrico. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, segundo a metodologia PRISMA, baseada em literatura científica publicada desde 2010. A pesquisa foi efetuada em motores de busca científicos, aplicando critérios de inclusão rigorosos e as palavras-chave: “Radiocirurgia”, “Posicionamento”, “Imobilização”, “Lesões intracranianas” e “Acelerador Linear”. Resultados: Os sistemas invasivos demonstram elevada precisão, estabilidade e fiabilidade dosimétrica, sendo preferidos quando é necessária uma localização extremamente rigorosa. Contudo, associam-se a maior desconforto e menor flexibilidade para tratamentos múltiplos. As abordagens não invasivas, por sua vez, oferecem maior conforto ao doente e permitem a execução da RC em Aceleradores Lineares (AL) para várias lesões. No entanto, exigem sistemas de monitorização rigorosa e controlo contínuo do movimento do doente e do volume de tratamento, de modo a manter a exatidão da administração da dose. Conclusões: A análise do state of the art demonstra que, a escolha entre abordagens invasivas e não invasivas, deve equilibrar a precisão do tratamento com o conforto do doente, sem comprometer a dosimetria. Conclui-se, ainda, a preponderante importância da existência de protocolos uniformizados e baseados em evidência científica, que assegurem práticas seguras, eficazes e centradas no doente.

This study establishes a systematic and reproducible workflow for topology optimization (TO) of indexable face milling cutter bodies with integrated internal coolant channels, designed for Additive Manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts. Grounded in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles, the workflow combines displacement-based TO and computational fluid dynamics analysis to generate simulation-driven tool geometries tailored to the constraints of AM. By leveraging iterative design knowledge, the proposed methodology enhances the scalability and repeatability of the design process, reducing development time and supporting rapid adaptation across various tool geometries. AM is explicitly exploited to integrate support-free internal coolant channels directed toward the insert cutting edge, thereby achieving a 20% mass reduction relative to the initial milling tool designs, and improving material usage efficiency at the design stage. The workflow yields numerically optimized geometries that maintain simulated global stiffness under the considered loading conditions and exhibit coolant flow distributions that effectively target the exposed cutting edges. These simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of an AM oriented, workflow-based approach for the numerical design of milling tools with internal cooling, mass reduction and provide a focused basis for subsequent experimental validation and comparison with conventionally manufactured counterparts.

Abstract This study presents an accessible experimental setup using an Arduino to model a real battery. It addresses the challenge of limited resources in physics education by providing an analogous representational model for investigating the relationship between a battery’s terminal voltage and current. Our methodology uses the Arduino as a voltage source, with a resistor simulating the battery’s internal resistance and a potentiometer acting as the variable load. The setup also includes a buzzer to provide auditory feedback, making the activity inclusive for visually impaired students. The results confirm the setup’s accuracy, with linear regression yielding minimal errors when compared to multimeter readings and attest that maximum electrical power transfer occurs when the load resistance matches the battery’s internal resistance. This approach not only provides a solution for schools with limited equipment but also promotes hands-on learning and essential skills in experimental design and data analysis.

This study explores how artificial intelligence can promote accessibility and inclusiveness in digital culinary environments. Centred on the Receitas +Power platform, the research adopts an exploratory, multidimensional case study design integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses. The investigation addresses three research questions concerning (i) user empowerment beyond recommendation systems, (ii) accessibility best practices across disability types, and (iii) the effectiveness of AI-enabled inclusive solutions. The system was developed following user-centred design principles and WCAG 2.2 standards, combining generative AI modules for recipe creation with accessibility features such as voice interaction and adaptive navigation. The evaluation, conducted with 87 participants, employed the System Usability Scale complemented by thematic qualitative feedback. Results indicate excellent usability (M = 80.6), high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.798–0.849), and moderate positive correlations between usability and accessibility dimensions (r = 0.45–0.55). Participants highlighted the platform’s personalisation, clarity, and inclusivity, confirming that accessibility enhances rather than restricts user experience. The findings provide empirical evidence that AI-driven adaptability, when grounded in universal design principles, offers an effective and ethically sound pathway toward digital inclusion. Receitas +Power thus advances the field of inclusive digital gastronomy and presents a replicable framework for human–AI co-creation in accessible web technologies.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?Children with normal BMI and those engaging in 4–6 h of physical activity per week show better academic performance, especially in Portuguese and Mathematics.Perceived school competence is positively associated with academic achievement and mediates the relationship between physical activity, BMI, and school performance.What are the implications of the main findings?Regular physical activity (4–6 h/week) and maintaining a healthy BMI can enhance academic outcomes in primary school children.Educational and public health policies should integrate physical, psychological, and academic strategies to support children’s holistic development.Background/Objectives: Childhood is a critical stage for consolidating health-related habits that shape physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Regular physical activity has been linked to fitness and academic outcomes, while high body mass index (BMI) may hinder school performance. This study examined associations between BMI, perceived school competence, academic performance, and weekly physical activity volume in Portuguese elementary students, addressing a gap in national evidence compared with international studies. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted with 531 children (M = 9.13 years) from 10 public schools. BMI was calculated from anthropometric measures, weekly physical activity was self-reported, perceived competence was assessed with Harter’s Self-Concept Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.797), and academic performance was obtained from school records. Analyses included Pearson correlations, ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc, and multiple regression, with exact significance values reported. Results: Higher BMI was negatively associated with perceived competence and academic achievement, while regular physical activity, particularly 4–6 h per week, was linked to better results in Portuguese and mathematics. Associations were modest (r = 0.18–0.32; R2 = 0.12). Regression showed physical activity (β = 0.093, p = 0.033) and perceived competence (β = 0.126, p = 0.004) predicted academic performance, whereas BMI was not (β = −0.028, p = 0.524). The near-zero correlation with environmental studies suggests subject-specific influences. Conclusions: Adequate BMI and regular physical activity are associated with better academic performance. The role of perceived competence is theoretically inferred as a potential mediator, but not formally tested. Findings highlight the interplay of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors. Structured school-based activity programs of 4–6 h weekly may promote both health and learning.

The submediterranean is an ecotone distributed across southern Europe and north Africa, marking the transition between temperate and mediterranean climates. This is a remarkable climatic and vegetational dynamic area, with major shifts driven by changes in climate since the Late Quaternary. We explore future range shifts of the submediterranean ecotone caused by climate change using marcescent oaks as a proxy, considering their high prevalence in forests under such conditions. Our results confirm the ongoing dynamism of this ecotone, which is likely to expand its range northwards, where marcescent oaks will overlap Eurosiberian forests dominated by deciduous and temperate species. Conversely, in the southwestern Mediterranean, a loss of suitability is predicted, with remaining suitable habitat only at higher altitudes or along coastal regions, promoting scattered refuge suitable areas. To preserve these forests, further research is needed to assess the future ranges of individual species based on high-resolution models, to plan management and restoration strategies within a context of high disturbance by land use.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-10088-w.

Temos vindo a assistir a alguma confusão quanto ao âmbito de aplicação do artigo 291º do Código Civil Português e dos artigos 5º, n.º 4, 17º e 122º todos do Código de Registo Predial Português, em particular a nível jurisprudencial. Este trabalho pretendeser um contributo para que se esclareça de forma perceptível e clara, qual o âmbito de aplicação de cada um dos mencionados artigos. Deste modo, em primeiro lugar, há que explanar quais os pressupostos de aplicação do artigo 291º do Código Civil, explicitando as respetivas particularidades. Em segundo lugar, analisamos o artigo 5º, n.º 4 do Código Registo Predial, de modo a que seja possível distinguir o âmbito de aplicação deste artigo face aos demais e em particular face ao artigo 291º do Código Civil. Neste sentido, são explicitados quão diferentes são os conceitos de terceiro do artigo 291º do Código Civil e do Artigo 5º, n.º 4 do Código de Registo Predial, permitindo deste modo visualizar os diferentes âmbitos de aplicação de cada artigo. É ainda abordada a evolução do conceito de terceiro para efeitos de registo, que caminhou de um conceito amplo, para um conceito mais restrito, no seio da Jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal de Justiça, com repercussões significativas na aplicação prática do direito. Na verdade, o Acordão 3/99 veio consagrar um conceito semelhante ao que viria a constar do Código de Registo Predial, pouco tempo depois. Em terceiro lugar, analisamos o artigo 17º do Código de Registo Predial demonstrando que o seu âmbito de aplicação é também diferente do artigo 291º do Código Civil, versando o primeiro sobre nulidades registais. Por fim, analisamos o artigo 122º do Código de registo Predial, que é próximo do artigo 17º do Código de Registo Predial, mas que se reporta em especial à retificação do registo e não à nulidade do registo.

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on digital, automated, and AI-assisted accounting systems. The data include documents listed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The analysis identifies the main authors, countries/territories, sources, and thematic trends. The results reveal that the scientific output within this research field has increased since 2018, emphasising the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation, and blockchain technologies in accounting. The findings also suggest that automation enhances efficiency, accuracy, and reliability while also raising concerns about ethics, cybersecurity, and job displacement. This study evaluates the accounting research from early discussions on information systems and automation to current topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and intelligent decision-making. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of the scientific development of digital accounting and addresses future research directions involving AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and fraud detection, blockchain for secure and transparent accounting systems, sustainability through the integration of ESG reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration between accounting, computer science, and business management to develop intelligent financial systems. The findings provide insights for academics and practitioners aiming to understand the ongoing digital transformation of accounting systems.