Repositório RCAAP

Scapular adaptations have been associated with shoulder pain. However, conflicting findings have been reported after scapular-focused interventions. The present study aims to evaluate scapula-related outcomes before and after a scapular therapeutic exercise program. Eighteen adult volunteers with chronic shoulder pain participated in an 8-week scapular therapeutic exercise program that was personalized according to their pain condition and the presence of scapular dyskinesis. This program included preparation and warm-up, scapular neuromotor control, and strengthening and stretching exercises. Both self-reported (shoulder pain and function, psychosocial factors, and self-impression of change) and performance-based outcomes (scapular muscular stiffness and activity level, tridimensional motion, rhythm, and movement quality, measured while participants drank a bottle of water) were used for analysis. After the intervention, participants presented reduced shoulder pain (p < 0.0001) and pain catastrophizing (p = 0.004) and increased shoulder function (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the participants presented changes in scapular winging (p < 0.0001 to p = 0.043), increased scapular downward rotation (p < 0.0001) and depression (p = 0.038), and decreased global movement smoothness (p = 0.003). These were associated with changes in serratus anterior activity (p = 0.016 to p = 0.035), decreased middle (p < 0.0001 to p = 0.002) and lower trapezius (p < 0.0001) and levator scapulae (p = 0.048) activity levels, and decreased middle trapezius muscle stiffness (p = 0.014). Patients’ self-perception of change was rated favorably. After a scapular therapeutic exercise program, changes were observed in both self-reported and performance-based outcomes. These results need to be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.

"Hippotherapy uses horse movement to promote physical and psychosocial rehabilitation and may benefit children with cerebral palsy (CP). Standardised instruments such as the Activity Scale for Kids-Performance (ASK©), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) are needed to quantify effects on motor function. To systematically review the effects of hippotherapy on gross motor skills in children with CP. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was included in the search strategy, no eligible ASD studies were identified. Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane and SciELO) were searched for English, Portuguese or Spanish studies employing ASK©, GMFCS or GMFM. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Twenty-five studies (602 participants, mean age 7.1 years, 3–14) met inclusion criteria; all involved CP, none ASD. Interventions lasted 8–24 weeks (1–3 sessions/week). Two ASK© studies showed significant motor gains (Hedges g=0.48–0.62). GMFM was used in 22 studies; 20 reported clinically relevant improvements, particularly in dimensions D (standing) and E (walking, running, jumping). The sole GMFCS study reported no change in classification. Methodological quality was moderate, limited by small samples and lack of blinding. Hippotherapy improves gross motor function in CP, best demonstrated with GMFM. Evidence for ASD is absent, highlighting a research gap. Broader application of ASK© and GMFCS is still needed to better define benefits across neurodevelopmental disorders."

The nutrient-rich composition of seaweeds and lichens makes them well-suited for agricultural applications. Their use as alternatives to synthetic fertilizers contributes to sustainable agricultural production, enabling farmers to adopt ecological practices while maintaining or increasing crop productivity. This review aims to highlight the status and trends of research, along with a literature analysis on the application of these biomasses in sustainable agriculture. A bibliometric analysis was performed based on two databases (Scopus and Web of Science) to overview the main research topics regarding the use of biomasses studied in agriculture, thus providing useful information for future research. The biochemical composition and agricultural applications of these biomasses have been highlighted. The analysis shows that these biomasses are rich of nutrient compounds, revealing their roles and mechanisms of action on the chemical, nutritional properties, and soil microbial activities and their effect on plant growth, using various extraction and application methods. It also highlighted the potential of seaweeds for protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. In light of all the data presented in this review, it is possible to stimulate farmers’ interest in using seaweeds and lichens as natural fertilizers, with a focus on sustainable and ecological agriculture mainly in developing countries.

Apesar da trágica crise da Covid-19, a situação pandémica tem impulsionado a transição energética global e o crescimento da tecnologia do Hidrogénio (H2). Vários países têm anunciado políticas para acelerar o desenvolvimento da indústria deste combustível e, ao mesmo tempo, explorado estratégias para impulsionar a sua inovação, aspeto crucial para reduzir os custos e melhorar o desempenho do eletrolisador. O hidrogénio pode ser obtido de diferentes fontes de matérias-primas sendo uma das principais a água, através do uso de eletrolisadores de hidrogénio que efetuam a eletrólise. Apesar dos eletrolisadores serem conhecidos há mais de dois séculos, as atuais tendências tecnológicas têm influenciado o seu desenvolvimento e as suas aplicações na indústria. O princípio da eletrólise da água é simples, no entanto, as diferenças no eletrólito e temperatura de funcionamento orientam a construção de diferentes tecnologias que, por sua vez, conduzem à seleção de diferentes componentes e métodos de produção de H2. Neste artigo é caraterizada a tecnologia de obtenção de H2 pelos equipamentos atualmente comercializáveis, como é o caso dos eletrolisadores: alcalinos, de óxido de sódio e os de membrana de protões. São apresentados os seus modos de funcionamento e as suas caraterísticas. É elaborada uma análise comparativa entre as diferentes tecnologias, com base em dados técnicos recolhidos e informação disponibilizada pelos agentes económicos.

To analyse the relationship between traditional stiffness and muscle antagonist coactivation in both stroke and healthy participants, using linear and nonlinear measures of coactivation and COP during standing, stand-to-sit, and gait initiation. Participants were evaluated through a cross-sectional design. Electromyography, isokinetic dynamometer, and force plate were used to calculate coactivation, intrinsic and functional stiffness, and COP displacement, with both linear and non-linear metrics. Spearman’s correlations and Mann–Whitney tests were applied (p < 0.05). Poststroke participants showed higher contralesional intrinsic stiffness (p = 0.041) and higher functional stiffness (p = 0.047). Coactivation was higher on the ipsilesional side during standing (p = 0.012) and reduced on the contralesional side during standing and transitions (p < 0.01). Moderate correlations were found between intrinsic and functional stiffness (p = 0.030) and between coactivation and intrinsic stiffness (standing and stand-to-sit: p = 0.048) and functional stiffness (gait initiation: p = 0.045). COP displacement was reduced in post-stroke participants during standing (p < 0.001) and increased during gait initiation (p = 0.001). Post-stroke participants exhibited increased gastrocnemius/tibialis anterior coactivation during gait initiation (p = 0.038) and higher entropy and stability across tasks (p < 0.001). Post-stroke participants showed higher contralesional intrinsic and functional stiffness, reduced coactivation in static tasks, and increased coactivation in dynamic tasks. COP and coactivation analyses revealed impaired stability and random control, highlighting the importance of multidimensional evaluations of postural tone.

Quando alguém, até aí com uma audição normal, acorda sem ouvir, pelo menos de um ouvido, parece que tudo se desmorona, com dificuldade em ouvir no local de trabalho, nas relações familiares, surge alguma frustração e degradação da qualidade de vida do individuo.

Aging often leads to a decline in intersegmental coordination, particularly in the lower limbs, which can negatively impact gait stability and symmetry. While fear of falling (FoF) and a history of falls (HoF) increase fall risk in older adults, their relationship with intra- and intersegmental coordination during gait remains understudied. This cross-sectional observational study involved 60 participants aged 60 and older. The three-dimensional range of motion of lower limb joints during gait was assessed using an optoelectronic system. Intra- and intersegmental coordination were evaluated via the Continuous Relative Phase (CRP) variable, including its mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. The results showed that the HoF and FoF groups had higher mean CRP values in the left hip-knee (HOF, p = 0.004) and hip-ankle (FOF, p = 0.030) in the sagittal plane, as well as higher standard deviation values in the left knee-ankle (HOF, p = 0.006) and right hip-ankle (HOF, p = 0.004). Inter-segmental coordination differences were also observed, with higher mean CRP values between the knee joints in the sagittal plane (HOF, p = 0.046) and lower mean and standard deviation values between the ankle joints (FOF, p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). This study concludes that fear of falling and history of falling are significantly associated with altered intra- and intersegmental coordination in older adults, which may contribute to fall risk. Understanding these altered coordination patterns is crucial, as it underscores the therapeutic significance of targeting these changes, which could lead to interventions aimed at improving gait stability and reducing fall risk in elderly individuals.

Among older adults, there is a high incidence of history of fall (HoF), fear of falling (FoF), and falls on stair descent during gait transitions. We aim to evaluate the association between HoF and FoF on spatiotemporal and lower-limb kinematic parameters in older adults during stair descents and gait transitions. Sixty older adults (>60 years) were evaluated through an optoelectrical motion capture system during stair descents and gait transitions, using the mean value of the task velocity and time; single- and double-support time; peak downward center of mass (CoM) velocity; hip, knee, and ankle positions of ipsi and the contralateral limb; and foot clearance and foot placement, assessed through multivariate analysis of variance. FOF exhibited longer time to complete (p = 0.009) and double-support (p = 0.047) and single-support (p = 0.009) times and a reduced peak downward CoM velocity (p = 0.043). In the gait transition cycle, HOF exhibited reduced ipsi ankle angles at toe-off (p = 0.015), and FOF presented reduced ipsi ankle angles at heel-strike (p = 0.041) and toe-off (p = 0.026) and reduced contralateral ankle angles at toe-off (p = 0.022).Older adults with HoF and FoF exhibit biomechanical changes during stair descents and gait transitions, in line with the use of more conservative strategies to avoid falling.

The preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions (smaller than 10mm) guided by imaging is an important and required procedure for conservative breast surgery. The purpose of this study is to identify needs and outcomes that can be explored in order to develop and assess a new 3D breast image to aid preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions and surgical planning.

«O leitor», de Bernhard Schlink

Introduction: The production of electricity from wind energy presents an increased growth and sustained since 1985. Currently, there are wind generators located throughout the world whose power already reaches values exceeding 250 GW. The main technologies used in electromechanical conversion of wind energy into electric energy are based primarily on three types of electric machines: • The direct current (DC) machine; • The synchronous machine; • The induction machine. These machines work on the principles of the electromagnetic actions and reactions. The resulting electromechanical energy conversion is reversible. The same machine can be used as the motor for converting the electrical power into mechanical power, or as the generator converting the mechanical power into electrical power. Typically, there is an outer stationary member (stator) and an inner rotating member (rotor). The rotor is mounted on bearings fixed to the stator. Both the stator and the rotor carry cylindrical iron cores, which are separated by an air gap. The cores are made of magnetic iron of high permeability, and have conductors embedded in slots distributed on the core surface. Other way, the conductors are wrapped in the coil form around salient magnetic poles. In the Figure 1 is possible to see a cross-sectional view of the rotating electrical machine with the stator with salient poles and the rotor with distributed conductors. The magnetic flux, created by the excitation current in one of the two members, passes from one core to the other in the combined circuit always forming a closed loop. The electromechanical energy conversion is accomplished by interaction of the magnetic flux produced by one member with electric current in the other member. The induced current is proportional to the rate of change in the flux linkage due to rotation.

The use of photovoltaic systems is a key aspect for a sustainable energy future because allows the use of renewable energy, prevenient from the Sun, to produce the electricity needed. The present paper proposes the sizing of a PV system and his analysis to see how much impact it has on a company energy footprint and how much money they can save by not using electricity from the grid. For this project was used a simulator provided by SMA, showing that it’s possible to invest on a PV system and get the payback in a few years.

Urophycis cirrata is an important demersal fish species targeted by Brazilian industrial fisheries. With high exploitation rates, its stock(s) is(are) currently deemed fully exploited or overexploited. While basic ecological information, such as length at first maturity, exists, knowledge of its population structure is limited. A sub-sample of 90 sagittal otoliths of U. cirrata juveniles (300–411 mm total length) collected during the Program for Assessment of the Sustainable Potential of Living Resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone (REVIZEE) in 2001/2002 was analyzed. Samples came from the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the southeast-south Brazilian coast, divided into three regions: northern (Cabo São Tomé to São Sebastião), central (São Sebastião to Cabo Santa Marta Grande), and southern (Cabo Santa Marta Grande to Chuí). Otolith shape (elliptic Fourier descriptors) and elemental (element:Ca) signatures were examined using univariate (ANOVA, Tukey) and multivariate (MANOVA, LDFA) statistical methods. An overall reclassification success rate of 86% was achieved using both signatures. However, individuals from the three regions were not fully separable, indicating a single, albeit not homogeneous, population unit for fisheries management. As fish stocks are dynamic, contemporary studies should be conducted to verify whether this population structure persists.

Benign rolandic epilepsy or benign epilepsy in childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) and developmental dyslexia (DD) are two of the most studied disorders in childhood. Despite decades of research, the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning these disorders are largely unknown. Here, we use auditory event-related potentials (AERPs) to shed light on these issues, since several authors have reported the existence of language and learning impairments. AERPs reflect the activation of different neuronal populations and are suggested to contribute to the evaluation of auditory discrimination (N1), attention allocation and phonological categorization (N2), and echoic memory (mismatch negativity (MMN]). This study aims to investigate and document AERP changes in a group of children with BECTS and another group with DD. AERPs were recorded to pure-tones and consonant–vowel (CV) stimuli in an auditory oddball paradigm in eight children with BECTS, seven with DD, and 11 gender- and age-matched controls. The results revealed perceptual deficits for pure-tone and CV stimuli (pre-attentional and auditory discrimination) in DD, related to N1 reduced amplitude (p< 0.05; Fz: 2.57 μV, Cz: 2.75 μV). The BECTS group revealed no significant results for N1; however, there was an increase in N2b latency. The findings in the DD group support the anchor-deficit hypothesis as an explanation for neurolinguistic deficits. The increased N2b latency in the BECTS group could be related to a potential lack of inhibitory mechanisms of pyramidal neurons, as justified by the process of epileptogenesis.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is an inherited disease, where the study of family history holds importance. This study evaluates the changes of age-of-onset (AOO) and other age-related clinical factors within and among families affected by ATTRv amyloidosis. We analysed information from 934 trees, focusing on family, parents, probands and siblings relationships. We focused on 1494 female and 1712 male symptomatic ATTRV30M patients. Results are presented alongside a comparison of current with historical records. Clinical and genealogical indicators identify major changes. Overall, analysis of familial data shows the existence of families with both early and late patients (1/6). It identifies long familial follow-up times since patient families tend to be diagnosed over several years. Finally, results show a large difference between parent-child and proband-patient relationships (20–30years). This study reveals that there has been a shift in patient profile, with a recent increase in male elderly cases, especially regarding probands. It shows that symptomatic patients exhibit less variability towards siblings, when compared to other family members, namely the transmitting ancestors’ age of onset. This can influence genetic counselling guidelines. Abbreviations: AOO: age-at-onset, age-of-onset; ATTRv: hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (v stands for variant); ATTRV30M: specific genetic mutation associated with transthyretin; coef.var: coefficient of variation; DPD: diphosphono-propanodicarboxylic acid scintigraphy; ECG: electrocardiogram; GLM: generalised linear model; NMR: not most recent cases; OMR: only most recent cases; SD: standard deviation; UCA: Unidade Corino de Andrade

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern. This study presents an image retrieval system to aid specialists in the analysis of mammogram images. The system employs individual classifiers for eight dimensions: laterality, view, breast density, BI-RADS classification, masses, calcifications, distortions, and asymmetries. Four pre-trained networks, ResNet50, VGG16, InceptionV3, and InceptionResNetV2, were used to train these classifiers. The retrieval model combines these classifiers through a weighted sum. Four weight assignment strategies were explored, ranging from equal weights to weights based on empirical, literature-based, and specialist-informed considerations. Results are illustrated using the INBreast database, which comprises 410 images. Besides the native annotations, ground truth to validate retrieval models had to be acquired. Classification accuracy is as high as 100% for some of the dimensions. Results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed weighted-sum approach, with variations in weight assignments impacting model performance.

The knowledge of the clinical aspects that could be related with Quality of Live (QoL) of tinnitus patients should be important when the care procedures where organized. It was used a Sociodemographic and Clinical questionnaire, and the Portuguese version of SF-36v2 in 74 tinnitus patients: 34 men; M=55,63 years (PD=13,65; 18-79) and M=8,42 years of schooling (PD=4,54; 4-18). As it was confirmed that is a normal distribution, t test was applied. The time with the complaint, where is perceived and the type of tinnitus where not related with the dimensions of SF-36v2. The QoL was related with hyperacusis (Vitality - VT and Mental Heath – MH), dizziness (Physical function – PF; Role functioning/physical – RF; General Health; VT; and Role functioning/emotional – RE;), existence of “nervous problems” (VT; Social functioning; RE; MH) and hearing level (RF), with values of p<0,033. In our sample, we realized that the presence of hyperacusis, dizziness and worse hearing level and the presence of nervous problems, where related with a compromised QoL. These results, combined in a clinical profile related to worse QoL, in tinnitus patients, can be an important contribution for programing more efficient intervention programs in this patients.

This document contains project of solar power sup-port for luxury boat. This project is design of electrical installation of the boat with solar panel system as an additional energy source what in case of an emergency it is possible to supply loads necessary for communication and safety. Electric propulsion system allows better maneuvering at low speed. This work presents design of electrical installation of the base and of the solar part of the system with all the necessary elements. Simulation of solar design and power analysis of solar part of the system are presented, what provides with good picture of its influence on the system. Obtained results are promising and can potentially be extended to bigger systems. This kind of solution highly increases reliability of the system.

This Reprint brings together contributions that address the complex interactions between occupational and environmental health, with the shared goal ofpromotingsafeandsustainable living and working conditions. Its scope spans diverse contexts, from industrial settings to community environments, highlighting bothtraditional hazards andemergingrisksthataffecthumanwell-being. The purpose of this Reprint is to provide readers with an integrated view of how scientific evidence can inform practice and policy in order to reduce exposures, prevent disease, and foster resilience. Motivated by the growing convergence of occupational and environmental challenges, the collection underscores the value of cross-disciplinary perspectives, innovative research, and applied solutions. The Reprint is intended for a broad audience, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are engaged in public health, and environmental and occupational health and safety. It may also serve as a reference for educators and students seeking to understand the evolving landscape of risks and interventions in this field. By gathering these studies under a unified framework, we hope to contribute to a better understanding of how shared determinants of health can be addressed collectively, and to inspire newcollaborations that strengthen the link between evidence and action.

Various strategies are being explored to reduce the formation of undesirable compounds during the thermal processing of foods. This study investigates the impact of incorporating annatto seed powder (Bixa orellana L.) into beef patties to reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) during charcoal-grilling and pan-frying. A three-level full factorial design was used to assess the effect of both annatto seed powder concentration and cooking times on HAs formation. The results showed that HA formation increased with longer cooking times and decreased with higher concentrations of annatto seed powder. A significant reduction in HA content was observed in both charcoal-grilled and pan-fried beef patties when annatto seed powder was added, with a particularly notable 91 % reduction at the 1 % addition level. These findings demonstrate that the addition of annatto seed powder is a highly effective strategy for reducing HA formation in beef patties. Chemical compounds studied in this article: 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) (PubChem CID: 62275); 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) (PubChem CID: 104739); 2amino-3,7,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (7,8-DiMeIQx) (PubChem CID: 104855); 2-amino-1-methyl-6phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) (PubChem CID: 1530); 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (TrpP-1) (PubChem CID: 5284474); 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) (PubChem CID: 5284476); 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (A α (MeA α C) (PubChem CID: 62805); 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole C) (PubChem CID: 62244); Bixin (PubChem CID: 5281226).