Repositório RCAAP

Este ensaio investiga o conceito de female gaze e a sua relação com a montagem cinematográfica, propondo uma reflexão sobre como a forma de olhar pode construir novas formas de representar a experiência feminina. Através da análise teórica e prática, com destaque para a curta-metragem Mais Alto (2025), explora-se como escolhas de enquadramento, ritmo e silêncio podem contribuir para um espaço que incita a intimidade, a empatia e a subjetividade feminina. Assim sendo, este ensaio debruça-se sobre o papel da montagem na transformação do modo como vemos, pensamos e sentimos personagens femininas no cinema.

This study aimed to describe the lifestyle factors and mental health levels among higher education students and identify their predictors. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 745 students was conducted with students from the Polytechnic of Porto using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE)-18, and FANTASTICO Lifestyle Questionnaire. The findings indicate that while students generally exhibited a positive lifestyle, they also experienced mild levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, nearing the moderate threshold. The DASS-21 Depression subscale was a significant predictor of both CORE-18 and FANTASTICO scores, underscoring the strong relationship between depression and overall well-being. Anxiety and stress were also predictors of CORE-18 scores, reflecting the negative impact of stress on students’ psychological well-being. Perceived health status and the male sex were associated with better outcomes on the DASS-21 and CORE-18, while the female sex predicted a healthier lifestyle, as measured by FANTASTICO. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions that address mental health and promote healthy lifestyle choices in educational settings.

The investigation of rigidity physiology in Parkinson’s Disease involves the examination of reflexes. Parkinsonian patients often demonstrate reduced sensitivity in polysynaptic reflexes within the leg extensor muscles, which is correlated with their postural instability. The compensatory mechanisms for impaired proprioceptive reflex function may involve alterations in intrinsic muscle stiffness. The interplay between gait and reflexes is intricately linked to the nervous system’s functioning and motor control. Certain reflexes, such as patellar reflex, play a pivotal role in maintaining walking and posture. Ensuring the integrity of these reflexes is essential for facilitating smooth and efficient walking. To analyze the behavior of patellar reflex in four Parkinson’s Disease patients undergoing an acupuncture treatment protocol. This study adopts a case series design. Reflex outcomes based on amplitude and velocity were assessed at six different time moments throughout a month-long treatment protocol using the MP 36, Biopac Systems. Over the long term, a tendency for an improvement in range of movement and velocity of the patellar reflex, was observed. Nevertheless, in specific cases, a reduction in the amplitude during acute effects was also found. Our findings suggest that the acupuncture protocol used may lead to a cumulative improvement in efficacy of patellar reflex in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, further in-depth research, including a statistical evaluation with a larger participant pool, is necessary to validate and confirm these promising preliminary results.

Gait kinematic and kinetic changes have been identified in older adults, highlighting the need to explore the principal age-related components and how these are associated with functional disability. This study aims to perform a factor analysis, including gait kinematic and kinetic parameters in older adults to establish determinant gait domains. Additionally, this study aims to identify which domains differentiate those without and with functional disability. Through a cross-sectional design, older adults aged 60 and over (n = 35 without and n = 25 with functional disability) were analyzed during overground gait. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine principal components from gait parameters previously demonstrated to express age-related effects (spatiotemporal parameters, sagittal ankle moment and power, ground reaction forces peak, and tridimensional lower limb joints range of motion and positions at heel strike and toe-off). Pace, variability, propulsion, hip and knee control, transverse ankle control, asymmetry, sagittal ankle control, frontal ankle control, frontal hip control, and pre-swing control domains explained 83.90% of the total gait variance in older adults. pace and frontal hip control distinguished individuals with disabilities. PCA identified ten gait domains in older adults. Pace and frontal hip control distinguished disabilities, revealing cautious walking patterns and weaker hip abductor strength.

Military personnel encounter stressors that uniquely affect their performance and well-being, necessitating effective stress management interventions. This study investigates the efficacy of VR-based Stress Management Training (SMT) programs in comparison to traditional approaches. Through a systematic review of 13 studies, VR-based SMT programs were found to significantly reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, with various physiological markers used to evaluate the stress response. Additionally, a Delphi study was conducted to gather expert insights on designing VR-based SMT programs specifically for special operations forces. The experts identified key stressors and coping strategies relevant to this group, emphasizing the potential of VR for stress monitoring, simulation training, and real-time feedback. The Delphi study reached a 97 % consensus on the design principles for these programs. Overall, the findings suggest that integrating VR into SMT programs offers a promising strategy for enhancing stress management and resilience in military personnel.

Stair negotiation (ascending and descending) and transitions to level walking are complex motor tasks influenced by aging; yet the impact of functional disability on these changes remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the lower limb joint positions, velocities, and the center of mass (CoM) displacement and velocity during stair negotiation and transitions in older adults with and without functional disability. Sixty community-dwelling adults, aged 60 years and older, were assessed for lower limb tridimensional joint positions and velocities during the instances of foot contact or leaving the step and foot contact or leaving the floor; the joint range of motion, angular velocity range, and the CoM displacement and angular velocity range were assessed during stair ascend and descend and transitions floor-to-stair and stair-to-floor through an optoelectronic system. Principal component analysis was used to assess 8 groups of variables to compute principal component models (I-VIII). Participants were classified as with or without disability based on functional disability indicators. Group differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. From 240 variables, 41 key parameters were identified, mainly related to hip and knee angular velocities in the sagittal plane. Significant differences between older adults with disability (n=25) and without disability (n=35) were found in 12 principal components. Older adults with functional disability showed changes in the sagittal plane hip as well as in the knee angular velocity and mediolateral and vertical CoM displacement and velocity during stair negotiation and transitions. These findings can inform targeted strategies to improve mobility and stability in this population.

Mixed reality (MR) combines real and virtual elements and has shown promise in diverse fields, including surgical procedures. MR headsets may support surgical navigation, planning, and training. It is crucial to determine whether medical professionals consider this technology indispensable. This study uses the Delphi method, facilitated by the Welphi web-based platform, to assess the utility of MR in surgical settings and analyzes the results of the first round using a systematic approach modeled on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. This study aims to examine the feasibility and advantages of MR technology in surgical contexts. The findings are intended to inform and direct health care professionals, researchers, and developers in advancing MR integration into surgical environments to optimize treatment quality and safety. A 3-round Delphi approach was implemented to ascertain consensus on the utility of MR in surgical treatment. Participants (n=22) were purposefully selected from among experts with professional experience in technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D laparoscopy, and robotics. In the first round, participants provided insights into the potential applications of MR in surgical procedures through open-ended questions structured across 5 distinct sections. Responses were analyzed to develop the second-round questionnaire, which was hierarchically organized into main topics and subtopics. In the third round, the questions were identical to those in the second round, including the percentage results, allowing participants to reconsider their responses. A consensus round was subsequently conducted. The majority consensus level was defined as agreement by ≥70% of the participants in a given round. The study was conducted from January to May 2024. All 22 invited experts provided responses in both the first and second rounds (100% response rate). In the third and consensus rounds, 20 (91%) of the 22 experts participated. The consensus round, conducted to present the results, yielded a majority consensus (19/20, 95%) on the usefulness of MR in surgical treatment. The primary benefits of MR in surgery were identified as surgical navigation (15/20, 75%), planning (15/20, 75%), and teaching and training (14/20, 70%). In addition, 75% (15/20) of the experts identified cost and investments as primary constraints. We used the Kendall tau-b coefficient for correlation analysis, and significant correlations were identified between distinct aspects. MR technology is most beneficial in surgical navigation, planning, and training. However, the costs and investments required for implementation may present a potential limitation for the integration of this technology into surgical procedures. Moreover, it is of crucial importance to consider the ethical implications associated with MR use, particularly regarding patient safety and privacy.

Mar das especiarias: a viagem de um português pela Indonésia

Arachnophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and persistent fear of spiders, often leading to avoidance behaviors that can significantly impact daily life. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) offers a controlled, adaptable, and immersive therapeutic environment, allowing for greater personalization, flexibility, and the real-time modulation of exposure parameters. This pilot study employed a quasi-experimental design without a control group to evaluate the efficacy of a gamified VRET intervention for treating arachnophobia. A sample of 25 participants underwent the intervention, with outcomes assessed through a Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) and self-report measures, including the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire (FSQ) and the Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ-15), administered pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a two-week follow-up. Findings indicate that gamified VRET led to significant reductions in self-reported fear and avoidance behaviors, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic tool for arachnophobia. Although some results were not entirely conclusive, the overall improvements observed support further investigation in larger, controlled trials.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected frontline workers’ mental health, including healthcare workers, firefighters, and police officers, increasing the need for effective interventions. This study focuses on the pandemic’s psychological impact, perceived stress, depression/anxiety symptoms, and resilience, examining if a brief virtual reality (VR)–based relaxation session could reduce psychological symptoms. In this preliminary study with data collected in 2025 from frontline workers who had served during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, 54 frontline workers completed a baseline assessment of the perceived psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic, general perceived well-being, perceived stress (PSS-4), anxiety/depression (PHQ-4) and resilience (RS-25). Each participant then engaged in a 10-min immersive VR relaxation session featuring a calming 360◦ nature environment with audio guidance, after which questionnaires were re-administered. Paired samples t-tests and repeatedmeasures ANOVA evaluated pre-/post-session differences, and a hierarchical multiple linear regression model tested predictors of the change in stress. Pre-session results showed moderate perceived stress and resilience and low depression/anxiety. Occupation groups varied in baseline stress, mostly reporting negative pandemic psychological effects. After VR, significantly perceived well-being increased, and stress decreased, whereas depression/anxiety changes were nonsignificant. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a main effect of time on stress (p = 0.003) without occupation-by-time interaction (p = 0.246), indicating all occupational groups benefited similarly from the VR session. Hierarchical regression indicated baseline depression and higher perceived pandemic-related harm independently predicted greater stress reduction, whereas resilience and baseline anxiety showed no statistically significant results. A single VR relaxation session lowered perceived stress among frontline workers, particularly those reporting higher baseline depression or pandemic-related burden. Limitations include the absence of a control group. Results support VR-based interventions as feasible, rapidly deployable tools for high-stress settings. Future research should assess longer-term outcomes, compare VR to alternative interventions, and consider multi-session protocols.

A energia eólica offshore surgiu como uma solução promissora para atender aos objetivos energéticos climáticos impostos pela União Europeia. A capacidade de produção tem sido acompanhada por avanços tecnológicos que aproveitam os recursos eólicos disponíveis nas zonas costeiras dos países, tanto a norte como a sul da Europa. Neste artigo será apresentada a evolução da indústria eólica no mar (offshore), assim como a estratégia europeia para a produção de energia a partir das fontes oceânicas. São também demonstrados alguns dos incentivos e metas que visam garantir a continuidade da tecnologia e o desenvolvimento da indústria offshore. São exploradas as perspetivas futuras de energia eólica offshore, destacando o seu potencial para desempenhar um papel ainda mais significativo no mix energético europeu. As oportunidades e desafios desta indústria emergente são destacadas na análise SWOT desenvolvida neste artigo, concluindo pela sua importância na promoção da sustentabilidade e na redução das emissões de gases poluentes, delineando assim os caminhos para um futuro energético mais limpo. São ainda apresentados os projetos eólicos mais relevantes na área, apoiados e financiados pela União Europeia.

Na maioria dos casos mais graves de COVID-19 foram identificados sintomas e comorbilidades importantes até 6 meses após alta hospitalar, designando-se estes como COVID Longo. De forma a reduzir os sintomas, melhorar as capacidades e qualidade de vida destes pacientes, é indicada a realização de um programa de reabilitação respiratória, que devido à saturação dos serviços existentes e/ou longas listas de espera, é efetuada em contexto domiciliar, sendo uma solução sustentável a longo prazo, permitindo assim uma intervenção mais precoce junto destes pacientes. Aplicação de um programa de reabilitação respiratória, durante 3 meses em contexto domiciliar a um paciente com COVID Longo, composto por exercícios aeróbios, fortalecimento muscular, exercícios respiratórios, educação terapêutica e plano complementar de tratamento. De forma a compreender o impacto deste programa, avaliou-se a dispneia, ansiedade e depressão, capacidade funcional, capacidade aeróbia e qualidade de vida, em três momentos do programa de reabilitação (inicial, intermédia e final). Tanto na avaliação intermédia como na avaliação final, foram encontradas melhorias na qualidade de vida (total-81,46/26,16%; sintomas-85,71/33,48%; atividades-92,51/42,40%; impacto-73,83/14,59%), indicadores de ansiedade e depressão (A-19/7; D-17/5), dispneia (mMRC-4/1; EBM comer/beber-4/0,5; tomar banho-8/3), capacidade aeróbia (distância 107/267m; SaO2 final 87/94%; dispneia final 8/4) e capacidade funcional (9/14 repetições). A reabilitação respiratória realizada em contexto domiciliar parece ter tido um impacto positivo no paciente em estudo, uma vez que este apresentou melhorias ao nível da qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressão, dispneia, capacidade aeróbia e capacidade funcional.

Lesões Nervosas Periféricas têm um impacto significativo na qualidade de vida e na independência, afetando tanto o movimento quanto a sensação da pessoa. A reintegração na rotina diária é particularmente desafiadora devido às mudanças na força e sensibilidade do membro afetado, que variam conforme o nervo lesionado. Embora seja reconhecido que a reeducação sensorial pode ter efeitos benéficos, há uma lacuna na literatura quanto à formulação de protocolos específicos para essa intervenção. Verificar o impacto do “Programa de Discriminação Sensorial” na reabilitação dos défices sensoriais na lesão do plexo braquial. Estudo de caso de nível micro focado num ator e do tipo multimetodológico. Caso ilustrativo da síndrome do túnel cárpico, com avaliações inicial, intermédia e final, assim como 14 sessões de intervenção. Utilizaram-se vários instrumentos de avaliação, tais como o Mini Mental State Examination, Questionário (3 secções), Índice de Barthel, Escala de Lawton & Broady, WHOQOL-Bref e Monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein. Os dados foram analisados através do Microsoft Excel, versão 2305. Após 14 sessões de intervenção com o “Programa de Discriminação Sensorial”, foram encontrados resultados positivos em relação à reabilitação sensorial em pessoas com STC, o que parece ter um impacto positivo na reabilitação sensorial em lesões nervosas periféricas. Apesar dos resultados positivos, é importante aumentar a amostra e continuar com a aplicação deste programa para apoiar o trabalho dos Terapeutas Ocupacionais nestes casos.

Virtual reality (VR) is a novel technology that can facilitate reminiscence in people with dementia. However, few studies have explored the role of VR’s immersiveness in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an immersive VR reminiscence session compared to a non-immersive session, focusing on engagement, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), and well-being, using behavioral observation and physiological metrics. A randomized crossover trial with a seven-day washout period was conducted. Engagement, BPSD and well-being were assessed before, during and after each intervention using both observational scales and heart rate variability analysis. 20 participants (average age 80.55 years, 90% women) were recruited. Significant pre-post differences were found in behavioral engagement (z=−2.67, p=0.008) and facial expression of apathy (z=−2.12, p=0.034) during the immersive intervention. Additionally, lower apathy in terms of purposeful activity was observed during the immersive intervention (z=−2.24, p=0.025). These results are particularly noteworthy given the sample size, which, although small, highlights a clear trend of behavioral and apathy change. The results suggest that VR’s immersiveness can enhance engagement in dementia intervention programs. As VR technology becomes more accessible and safer, continued research is needed to explore its therapeutic potential.

Os acionamentos eletromecânicos são os maiores consumidores mundiais de energia elétrica, pelo que a melhoria dos seus rendimentos tem um elevado impacto na poupança de energia. Os motores de indução trifásicos são a opção dominante, razão pela qual a procura de máquinas com melhores rendimentos tem estado centrada nestes motores. No entanto, a ausência de um sistema universal de classificação dos rendimentos e, principalmente, a diversidade de métodos usados na sua estimação (com resultados distintos), constituiu um sério obstáculo à comercialização mundial destas máquinas. A classificação IE (CEI) foi decisiva na superação dessas dificuldades. Este artigo pretende fazer uma síntese da evolução das classes de rendimento de motores elétricos de alcance internacional. Começa-se pelo acordo CE/CEMEP, no contexto europeu, referindo depois as sucessivas normas internacionais CEI, as quais traduzem a evolução da classificação IE.

This study compared the impact of an immersive virtual reality (VR)-based reminiscence therapy program with a similar non-immersive intervention on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life of people with dementia. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 individuals with mild to moderately severe dementia, who participated in eight biweekly individual reminiscence sessions conducted by trained researchers, in which 360° videos of locations with personal relevance were displayed. Participants were randomly divided in two groups: one receiving therapy using VR headsets to promote an immersive experience while the other watched the videos on a monitor (non-immersive approach). Assessment was conducted pre- and post-intervention using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease Scale to measure quality of life and the Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms. Adverse simulation-related symptoms were also assessed with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline, regarding sociodemographic variables and level of dementia progression. The results indicated significant improvements post-intervention in quality of life from caregivers’ perspectives in the non-immersive group (p < .05) but not in the VR group. Differences in overall neuropsychiatric symptoms, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms between assessments were non-significant. However, slight improvements were visible, particularly regarding anxiety. Only a few instances of mild cybersickness symptoms were reported in both groups. In this study, pre- and post-intervention comparisons do not support the added value of using immersive VR in reminiscence therapy for people living with dementia. This raises questions about whether VR is worthwhile compared to traditional approaches, and how to better capture potential benefits of immersion with VR, which may be more evident considering in-session engagement and well-being or longer intervention programs.

Pilates exercise may complement pulmonary rehabilitation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to improve Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). To investigate the effects on PROMs after incorporating a six-month Pilates exercise maintenance program compared to a home-only exercise program. A total of 32 participants with COPD (GOLD B) were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 18). Both groups participated in a three-month pulmonary rehabilitation program. For the next six months, the inter­vention group engaged in a Pilates exercise program and home-based exercises, while the control group continued with home-based exercises only. Primary outcomes were evaluated at baseline, three, six, and nine months. At the nine-month follow-up, the intervention group exhibited significantly fewer activity-related impairments in the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire Activity domain (p = 0.029) and experienced less symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.002) and depression (p = 0.014) according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores. Other PROMs did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. Incorporating a six-month Pilates exercise maintenance program resulted in fewer activity-related impairments and reduced anxiety and depression symptoms compared to those who followed a home-based exercise maintenance program alone.

With the increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DER) into the grid, the power system has suffered some changes to become more sustainable, flexible, and cost-effective. For this reason, a need for new ways of operating the power system is emerging. The control of DER such as PV power, controllable load, demand response (DR) programs, energy storage units, and electric vehicles will facilitate their integration by balancing operations in the electricity grid. The increase of DER is stressing the distributed nature of power systems, in terms of equipment and in terms of management and control. So, new entities such as aggregators are acting as mediators between end- users and grid operators to facilitate the management and control of the power system. This paper makes a review of different aggregation approaches that can be applied for the integration of the DER in the electric power system, based on recent literature. It focuses on the role of DR aggregators, load aggregators, and energy storage aggregators, and the concepts related to each of these topics are covered.

E não se pode exterminá-lo?”, a propósito de “Caim”, de José Saramago

This study aims to outline an evaluative diagnostic process and intervention for a patient who underwent total sacrectomy based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. A 70-year-old male with a history of an aggressive sacral chordoma experiencing intense pain, constipation, and polyuria without the sensation of bladder filling, underwent a total sacrectomy. Two evaluations at two-time points were conducted 12 weeks apart. The patient then underwent an individualized rehabilitation program tailored to address impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. The care plan was adjusted based on the patient’s health status and relevant personal and environmental factors. The Barthel Scale scores improved from 60 to 80. Motor scores on the American Spinal Injury Association scale increased from 62 to 66, while sensory scores for light touch improved from 86 to 96. However, pain scores remained stable at 86. Functional reach tests showed notable enhancements, with anterior reach increasing from 16.4 cm to 23.7 cm and lateral reach from 9.6 cm to 15.2 cm. The patient also showed progress in mobility, increasing the number of steps taken from 0 to 10. This case report highlights the positive therapeutic outcomes achieved, illustrating improvements in functional activities and patient independence, thereby underscoring the effectiveness of the ICF model in managing patients undergoing total sacrectomy.