Repositório RCAAP

Um concurso sobre a Tabela Periódica? Mas isso, é o que eu penso que é? e é motivo para um concurso? O resultado está à vista. Os cerca de 40 trabalhos apresentados a concurso, envolvendo um total de 180 participantes, utilizaram técnicas diversificadas nas área da pintura, escultura, música, literatura, fotografia, culinária, vídeo, novas tecnologias… A Tabela Periódica transformou-se, associando o carácter científico e sua semiótica a uma visão mais abrangente no campo da percepção, da estética, da imagem, das sensações, isto é da Arte. Surge assim uma abordagem inovadora e irreverente, de uma matéria classificada pelos alunos de "árida e inacessível". Um processo de levar a Química às camadas mais jovens e a todos aqueles que se interessam pela Ciência.

Zero valent iron (ZVI) has been extensively used as a reactive medium for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in reactive permeable barriers. The kinetic rate depends strongly on the superficial oxidation of the iron particles used and the preliminary washing of ZVI increases the rate. The reaction has been primarily modelled using a pseudo-first-order kinetics which is inappropriate for a heterogeneous reaction. We assumed a shrinking particle type model where the kinetic rate is proportional to the available iron surface area, to the initial volume of solution and to the chromium concentration raised to a power ˛ which is the order of the chemical reaction occurring at surface. We assumed α= 2/3 based on the likeness to the shrinking particle models with spherical symmetry. Kinetics studies were performed in order to evaluate the suitability of this approach. The influence of the following parameters was experimentally studied: initial available surface area, chromium concentration, temperature and pH. The assumed order for the reaction was confirmed. In addition, the rate constant was calculated from data obtained in different operating conditions. Digital pictures of iron balls were periodically taken and the image treatment allowed for establishing the time evolution of their size distribution.

Realizou-se o I Ciclo de Palestras no Departamento de Engenharia Civil do Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, sobre os seguintes temas: Revestimentos em Edifícios - dia 17 de Outubro de 2001 Zonas Costeiras - dia 14 de Novembro de 2001 Betão Reforçado com Fibras - dia 12 de Dezembro de 201 De que resultaram os textos das comunicações agora compilados. Na escolha dos temas considerou-se a sua actualidade e o facto de completarem os assuntos das aulas do curso de Engenharia Civil. No futuro prevê-se a realização de novos ciclos com temas diversos proporcionando a divulgação de conhecimentos e criando um espaço de diálogo com técnicos e investigadores. Não deve deixar de se referir, que estas palestras reflectem o empenho de docentes do DEC na actualização de conhecimentos em áreas científicas de elevado potencial e interesse para uma escola de engenharia de grandes tradições.

Self-initiated expatriation is a widespread phenomenon that has gained limited attention, in particular related to some countries and industries. Recent literature indicates that the hospitality industry is looking for talent beyond national boundaries. The main goal of this study is to understand the experiences of Brazilian self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) residing in Portugal. We are studying how individuals adjust to the job market and Portuguese society, to identify factors that help or hinder their integration into a country known as “sister nations”. The methodology employed in this study involved a qualitative approach to comprehensively investigate the experiences of Brazilian SIEs living in Portugal. A semi-structured interview script was administered to the participants, focusing on their perceptions of cultural adjustment in the country. The findings of this research indicate that adapting to the intercultural environment in Portugal can be quite difficult in terms of professional development. Building social connections and being part of the SIE communities is crucial for a smooth transition and integration into the country. The perception of acceptance by the local community varies, with some individuals reporting positive experiences while others encounter prejudice and discrimination. Participants mentioned that the main challenge in finding work in Portugal is the recognition of degrees in certain fields of study. The final section outlines the study’s limitations and suggests future research directions, with a specific focus on SIEs in Portugal.

The labour market is suffering many changes and transformations putting several challenges to human resources management. One of the biggest challenges is related to the attraction and retention of employees to work in several activity sectors and to retain the talent in the organisations. In particular, hospitality and technology sectors have seen robust growth since the pandemic-induced. This study aims to explore the strategies for attracting and retaining millennials. More specifically, to understand the challenges of multigenerational management, and to understand the strategies used by organisations to meet the needs and interests of the millennial generation. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using a semi-structured interview with 17 Human resources managers. Data were analysed according to thematic analysis procedures. The results showed that university partnerships are the preferred practice for attracting millennials, work-life balance, benefits, organisational culture, investment in professional development, feedback, and recognition are the main attraction and retention strategies. Participants consider the millennial Generation to be committed, and the biggest challenge in managing generational diversity is linked to the demand and impatience of millennials. In conclusion, human resources managers should consider the generation characteristics to adequate and update their human resources practices.

The United Nations 2030 Agenda emphasizes reducing food waste through responsible consumption and production. The concept and principles of Circular Economy (CE) propose rethinking the entire food chain to minimize environmental impact. This chapter aims to characterize the adoption and implementation level of CE dimensions by restaurants in specified regions of Portugal. An exploratory quantitative study was performed through an online survey, with responses from 304 restaurants. Descriptive data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 28.0. Key findings include significant food and beverage management practices, such as root-to-stem utilization and effective portion control. However, less emphasis is placed on practices like donating surplus food and promoting vegetarian options. Waste management practices, particularly waste separation, are widely adopted; however, energy and water-saving measures are lagging. The main conclusions highlight the need for increasing awareness, supportive governance, and investment in infrastructures to enhance CE adoption by restaurants and the food service industry. The results also advocate for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to overcome barriers and promote sustainable practices in the restaurant sector.

A realização das Primeiras Jornadas Científicas do ISEP, em Setembro de 1999, permitiu que a Escola tivesse um primeiro contacto com o tipo de investigação científica em que docentes dos vários Departamentos se encontravam empenhados, essencialmente no âmbito da sua valorização científica e tecnológica. A grande maioria desses docentes encontrava-se então a frequentar ou mesmo terminar Doutoramento ou Mestrado, com o apoio possível e o incentivo da Escola. De facto, reconhecendo que a formação avançada de recursos humanos, nomeadamente ao nível de Doutoramento, constitui um dos alicerces da política de integração da Escola no Ensino Superior e nas redes de I&D nacionais, o ISEP ao nível dos seus Órgãos de Gestão e Departamentos, procurou desde sempre incentivar a formação dos seus docentes. Apraz-me portante verificar, decorridos que são praticamente dois anos sobre as Ias Jornadas, um crescente envolvimento e empenhamento dos docentes na sua formação e/ou actualização em áreas científicas de grande actualidade e interesse para uma Escola de Engenharia. Simultaneamente, verifica-se um incremento notável das actividades de Investigação praticadas nos Centros do ISEP, o que se traduz num potencial científico e tecnológico já apreciável. Apesar de, por força de lei, as Escolas do Ensino Superior Politécnico estarem impedidas de leccionar cursos de pós-graduação é crescente o número de docentes do ISEP que conduzem os seus trabalhos de investigação com vista a doutoramento nos Centros de Investigação do ISEP e sob a supervisão de docentes doutorados, também da Escola. Nestas circunstâncias, para além da "obrigatória" parceria com a Universidade começa a procurar-se incrementar as ligações ao mundo empresarial começando a desenvolver-se no ISEP trabalhos de doutoramento também com o interesse e a comparticipação da indústria. Não deve deixar de se referir, ainda, que estas Jornadas reflectem o empenhamento dos diversos Departamentos na formação e actualização dos seus docentes em áreas científicas de elevado potencial e interesse para uma Escola de Engenharia de grandes tradições como é o ISEP, visando sobretudo um ensino de qualidade crescente. Resta-me desejar que estas Segundas Jornadas Científicas do ISEP sejam profícuas e incentivadoras quer de futuros trabalhos de valorização docente quer do desenvolvimento da Investigação Científica efectuada nesta Escola.

Nautical tourism is a broad concept that includes rivers, lakes, and water where tourists can enjoy activities on a boat. The Nautical Stations of Portugal are a network of organizations that operate together to promote high-quality nautical tourism through the integrated valorization of resources, including accommodation, restaurants, and nautical activities, attracting tourists and other visitors. The general objective of the research is to evaluate the importance of Nautical Tourism in Sustainable Practices, using the Portuguese Nautical Station Network as a case study. The specific objectives are to analyze the relationship between the location of the Nautical Station and the dimensions of sustainability and to evaluate the relationship between social and environmental sustainability. The methods used were an exploratory interview with the Coordinator of the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal and the application of a questionnaire service addressed to the Coordinating Entities of the Nautical Stations. The analysis of the quantitative data was carried out by establishing the relationship/association between a set of variables, using descriptive statistics. The participation of most of the nautical stations in Portugal reflects their involvement in innovative projects aimed at the sustainable and integrated development of the tourism sector in different territories and the identification of sustainable nautical activities in the Network, providing good practice for other businesses.

This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable tourism by developing a conceptual model that identifies twelve key dimensions crucial to this industry's sustainable development. Based on a thematic literature review, the research encompasses the sustainable principles, the triple bottom line approach, along with accessibility and infrastructure, health and safety, technology integration, effective marketing, as well as resilience and adaptability, analysed through the lens of tourism sustainability. The proposed model offers a holistic framework for guiding sustainable tourism, illustrating how different elements enhance industry sustainability. The model works as a strategic tool that guides policymakers in several dimensions, allowing them to make informed decisions that can be adapted to different contexts. Theoretical implications underscore the strategic importance of governance, awareness, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This study provides valuable insights for students, researchers, and professionals in the tourism sector, deepening their understanding of the multifaceted nature of sustainable tourism development.

Sustainability and luxury are topics of research at an individual level, but the relationship between them is still somewhat ambiguous. Sustainability aims to protect and preserve the environment, encourages the conscious use of resources, and promotes good community involvement. Luxury, on the other hand, is considered materialistic consumption to satisfy individual pleasures, referring to the exclusive and personalized use of a product or service. Assuming this antagonistic relationship, the main objective of this study is to compare the perception and practices of sustainability in luxury hotels, both in urban and rural areas. To this end, the specific objectives are to understand the sustainability indicators and in the context of hotel operations, the behavior and receptiveness of tourists to sustainability practices in hotels (urban and rural) and to identify the obstacles faced by hotels in implementing sustainable measures. Using qualitative analysis, through semi-structured interviews with the managers/directors or representatives in charge of luxury hotels in urban and rural areas in the Northern Region of Portugal, it was also possible to gain a more detailed understanding of sustainability in luxury hotels in urban and rural areas, as well as their points of convergence and divergence. Some of the statements made in the literature review were confirmed, especially regarding the profile of tourists, who mention that their perception of sustainability differs according to their geographical location. It was also possible to confirm that many sustainable practices are not implemented in luxury hotels, not only for fear of affecting the quality of the guest experience, but, according to the data from this research, it is also mainly due to a lack of financial resources, awareness, and leadership problems.

O presente relatório explora o processo de formação da mestranda no âmbito da Prática Educativa Supervisionada em Creche e Educação Pré-Escolar. Assim, este documento tem como objetivo apresentar as competências e aprendizagens desenvolvidas ao longo dos estágios, mobilizando referências teóricas, legais e pedagógicas que sustentaram as práticas realizadas e a temática em estudo: compreender de que forma a envolvência da Natureza em práticas de Artes Visuais, pode promover o desenvolvimento holístico e o bem-estar das crianças. Para tal, a estagiária apoiou-se em diversas referências teóricas que analisam a relação entre a Natureza e as Artes Visuais, numa perspetiva de promoção do bem-estar e do desenvolvimento da criança. Todas as propostas desenvolvidas tiveram origem na observação das crianças, dos seus interesses e necessidades, orientando a planificação das atividades e a posterior reflexão, de modo a garantir a sua adequação ao grupo e a promoção de aprendizagens significativas. Neste sentido, e com o intuito de enriquecer a sua prática educativa, a formanda descreve, analisa e reflete sobre as experiências educativas implementadas ao longo do estágio. As atividades desenvolvidas permitiram-lhe evoluir e aprofundar a reflexão sobre o seu papel enquanto educadora, reforçando a importância do papel do educador e evidenciando a perspetiva da criança como ser ativo e agente do seu próprio processo de aprendizagem. Além disso, destaca-se a relevância do meio envolvente e da diversificação de experiências educativas na promoção do desenvolvimento holístico da criança.

O presente relatório de estágio, desenvolvido no âmbito da Prática Educativa Supervisionada do Mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar, pretende analisar as interações entre pares em contexto de Educação em Creche e Educação Pré-Escolar, refletindo sobre a sua importância no desenvolvimento social e emocional das crianças. A metodologia adotada baseia-se na investigação-ação, recorrendo à observação participante e à recolha de registos descritivos e fotográficos das interações entre crianças. No contexto de Educação em Creche, a análise centrou-se na exploração livre de materiais, enquanto no contexto de Educação Pré-Escolar são descritas e analisadas três atividades desenvolvidas no âmbito da Metodologia do Trabalho de Projeto. A reflexão fundamenta-se em referenciais teóricos como a Ecologia do Desenvolvimento Humano (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) e a Sociologia da Infância (Corsaro, 2018), bem como em orientações pedagógicas, nomeadamente nas Orientações Curriculares para a Educação Pré-Escolar (Silva et al., 2016) e Orientações Pedagógicas para a Creche (Marques et al., 2024) e normativas, nomeadamente, no Decreto-Lei n.º 240/2001 e Decreto-Lei n.º 241/2001. O relatório contempla ainda uma reflexão sobre as aprendizagens profissionais da mestranda, nomeadamente a evolução do seu olhar pedagógico, a consolidação de práticas educativas fundamentadas e o desenvolvimento de uma postura mais intencional e reflexiva na mediação das relações entre crianças.

The remediation of contaminated sites supports the goal of sustainable development but may also have environmental impacts at a local, regional and global scale. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has increasingly been used in order to support site remediation decision-making. This review article discusses existing LCA methods and proposed models focusing on critical decisions and assumptions of the LCA application to site remediation activities. It is concluded that LCA has limitations as an adequate holistic decisionmaking tool since spatial and temporal differentiation of non-global impacts assessment is a major hurdle in site remediation LCA. Moreover, a consequential LCA perspective should be adopted when the different remediation services to be compared generate different site’s physical states, displacing alternative post-remediation scenarios. The environmental effects of the post-remediation stage of the site is generally disregarded in the past site remediation LCA studies and such exclusion may produce misleading conclusions and misdirected decision-making. In addition, clear guidance accepted by all stakeholders on remediation capital equipment exclusion and on dealing with multifunctional processes should be developed for site remediation LCA applications.

O presente relatório de estágio integra-se no Mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar da Escola Superior de Educação do Politécnico do Porto e documenta a experiência formativa em contextos de Creche e Educação Pré-Escolar. A investigação centra-se nas transições educativas, momentos determinantes no percurso das crianças, analisando estratégias pedagógicas que promovem continuidade e adaptação harmoniosas. A prática educativa foi desenvolvida em duas instituições distintas com relevo na participação ativa da criança. A experiência de estágio em contexto de educação em creche e Educação Pré-Escolar permitiu compreender a importância da articulação entre os ciclos educativos, o impacto das rotinas na estabilidade emocional e a necessidade de envolvimento da família no processo educativo. Para além disso, analisou-se o papel dos educadores na promoção de ambientes de aprendizagem seguros, desafiantes e respeitadores do ritmo individual de cada criança. A reflexão crítica destaca desafios e aprendizagens construídas, evidenciando a relevância da intencionalidade pedagógica na construção de experiências significativas. Conclui-se que a educação de infância deve garantir contextos ricos, seguros e inclusivos, promovendo o desenvolvimento integral das crianças e consolidando a identidade profissional dos educadores. O estudo reforça ainda a necessidade de aprofundar práticas de continuidade educativa, minimizando eventuais ruturas no percurso da criança e promovendo transições harmoniosas.

O presente Relatório de Estágio (RE) insere-se na unidade curricular Prática Educativa Supervisionada (PES) do Mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar (MEPE). Este documento, tem como objetivo refletir sobre o percurso formativo da mestranda, através da descrição, análise e reflexão crítica da sua prática ao longo da PES em contexto de Creche e de Educação Pré-Escolar (EPE). Fundamentado em referentes teóricos e legais, o documento pretende evidenciar a importância do espaço exterior enquanto contexto educativo. Considerando os princípios da metodologia de investigação-ação (MIA), a mestranda planeou e implementou práticas pedagógicas intencionais que permitiram o contacto das crianças com o espaço exterior, reconhecendo as potencialidades deste espaço para a aprendizagem, a autonomia e o bem-estar. Este processo foi orientado por uma postura reflexiva na e para a ação, permitindo ajustar continuamente as intervenções, tendo em conta os interesses e as necessidades de cada criança, promovendo o seu desenvolvimento holístico e proporcionando o bem-estar. A PES e a elaboração do presente RE permitiram à mestranda desenvolver um conjunto de capacidades e competências profissionais essenciais para a sua prática enquanto futura educadora de infância. Além disso, constituiu uma oportunidade para refletir sobre a importância do espaço exterior no processo de desenvolvimento das crianças, reconhecendo o seu papel enquanto contexto educativo.

Opuntia is a well-known plant for its folkloric use and nutritional composition. This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, as well as the mineral composition realized by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for cultivated and wild Algerian Opuntia species. The results showed a signifcant diference in length, diameter, and weight between both Opuntia fruits. The highest pH, brix°, and total sugar content were found in the pulp of cultivated fruit compared to the wild one. Moisture was found to be higher in pulp of both species with more than 90% compared to their seeds (33%); however, ashes content was more determined in seeds with 1.04%. Moreover, high protein content was found in wild Opuntia parts (more than 200 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/100 g dry matter), which also presented higher ascorbic acid and betalain contents, particularly in the pulp with 211.45 mg EAA/100 g DM and 312.91 mg/100 g DM, respectively, compared to the cultivated Opuntia. Finally, the mineral profle revealed a signifcant countenance of all species’ fractions in many important minerals for human organism functioning, like iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

The importance of fungal infections, particularly those caused by yeasts, is increasing among the medical community. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans are amongst the high-priority fungal species identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are considered in the critical group, while Candida krusei is included in the medium-priority group. The cyclam salt H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 proved to be active against the growth of these three yeasts, and the aim of this work was to verify its interference with their virulence mechanisms, whether shared or unique. H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 significantly inhibited biofilm production and catalase activity, being able to interfere with C. albicans dimorphic transition and C. neoformans melanin production. At the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 had no antioxidant effect, as determined by the DPPH method. When using the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 reduced nitric oxide (NO) detection (the Griess reaction), but this effect was associated with a significant toxic effect on the cells.

This study aimed to evaluate intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) in eyes with advanced nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using multimodal approach in co-located areas focusing on central retina (up to 50°) and to look at possible correlations between IRMA and other structural changes, like ischemia and presence of microaneurysms. The RICHARD study (NCT05112445) included 60 eyes from 60 patients with type 2 diabetes with moderate-severe NPDR, diabetic retinopathy severity levels 43, 47, and 53 (DRSS). IRMA were defined as capillary tortuosity covering a minimum circular area of 300 µm (calculated to correspond to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study standard photo 8A) and were identified using multimodal imaging with distinct fields of view (FoV): color fundus photography (CFP) using a Topcon TRC-50DX camera (Topcon Medical Systems, Japan), Optos California ultra wide field fundus fluorescein angiography (UWF-FFA) (Optos plc, UK), and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) (PLEX® Elite 9000, ZEISS, USA). Different areas of the retina were examined: central macula (up to 20°) and posterior pole (between 20° and 50°). Multimodal imaging was used to identify IRMA in co-located areas (FoV < 50°) including UWF-FFA, CFP, and SS-OCTA. In eyes with DRSS levels 47 and 53, IRMA were identified in both areas of the retina, while in eyes with DRSS level 43, IRMA were detected only outside of the central macula (FoV > 20°). Our results show that when evaluating the presence of IRMA (FoV < 50°), UWF-FFA detected 203 IRMA, SS-OCTA detected 133 IRMA, and CFP detected 104 IRMA. Our results also show that the presence of IRMA was positively associated with presence of microaneurysms. dentification of IRMA in eyes with advanced NPDR is better achieved by UWF-FFA than CFP and SS-OCTA. A statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of IRMA and the increase in number of microaneurysms.

This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Mini-BESTest into European Portuguese and to evaluate its psychometric properties in individuals with sensorimotor impairments. A cross-sectional cross-cultural adaptation and validation study was conducted according to the COSMIN guidelines and the STROBE statement. The study included 100 participants with sensorimotor impairments who were able to walk 6 m. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlations were used to assess internal consistency. Interpretability was assessed by examining floor and ceiling effects and skewness. To investigate construct validity, Spearman correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to compare the Berg Balance Scale and the Mini-BESTest Inter- and intra-rater reliability were assessed by calculating the ICC, SEM and MDC based on video recordings of the participants during the Mini-BESTest assessments. The European Portuguese Mini-BESTest showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.892) and no significant floor or ceiling effects. Excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97) were also demonstrated, with MDC of 2.58 and 2.57, respectively. Furthermore, this instrument showed a significant correlation with the BBS (r = 0.902). Bland-Altman analysis showed small absolute differences. The European Portuguese Mini-BESTest is comparable to the original English version in terms of validity and reliability and is therefore highly recommended for use by Portuguese-speaking professionals to assess postural control.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, and the limited therapeutic options show poor efficacy in patients, associated to severe side effects and development of resistance. Considering that chromene-based scaffolds proved to be attractive candidates for cancer therapy, herein we prepared new chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidinone derivatives by a simple two step procedure, starting from the reaction of cyanoacetamide and a salicylaldehyde. A cell viability screening in several breast cancer cell lines allowed to identify two promising compounds with IC50 values in the low micromolar range for TNBC cells. These chromenes inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and triggered cell death through apoptosis. In vivo studies revealed a safe profile in invertebrate and vertebrate animal models and confirmed their capacity to inhibit tumor growth in the CAM model, inducing significant tumor regression after 4 days of treatment. The two compounds identified in this study are promising drug candidates for TNBC treatment and valuable hits for future optimization, using the versatile synthetic platform that was developed.