Browsing by Author "Martins, Paulo"
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- Abordagem metodológica sobre o carbono sequestrado como indicador de conteúdo ecológicoPublication . Gil, Luís; Cabrita, Isabel; Martins, Paulo
- Body image concerns in people who underwent a total laryngectomyPublication . Guimarães, Isabel; Torrejano, Gabriela; Aires, Raquel; Gonçalves, Filomena; Freitas, Susana Vaz; Correia, Paula; Romeiro, Cláudia; Silvestre, Inês; Bom, Rita; Martins, Paulo; Santos, Ana R.Abstract: Background: Body image is a potential psychological burden after total laryngectomy (TL) with devastating effects on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and communication. This study focused on TL patients to determine the prevalence of dissatisfied body image and whether they have poorer HRQOL and difficulty adjusting to their new voice than TL patients with satisfied body image. It also aimed to investigate the potential predictors of body image. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. For TL patients, the Body Image Scale (BIS), the European Organization for Research on Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Core and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ C30 and EORCT H&N35), and the Self-Experiences of Communication after Laryngeal cancer (SECEL) were used. Patients were categorized as dissatisfied with their body image if the BIS score was ≥8. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the BIS as the dependent measure and HRQOL (QLQ C30 and H& N35) and communication (SECEL) as independent variables. Results: Overall, 31.3% of TL patients had dissatisfied body image, significantly worse HRQOL, and difficulty adjusting to their new voice than patients with satisfied body image. The regression model showed that social eating and socializing (H&N35) and adjustment to their new voice (SECEL) were independent predictors of body image. The model explained 52% of the variance. Conclusions: Screening TL patients at risk for body image concerns may help develop effective interventions to optimize HRQOL and patient communication.
- A DGEG no apoio às politicas públicas para o hidrogénioPublication . Partidário, Paulo; Martins, Paulo; Aguiar, Ricardo
- Large Scale H2 Production by Electrolysis Based on Renewable ElectricityPublication . Franco, Flávia; Borges, R. P.; Serralha, F. N.; Martins, Paulo; Aguiar, Ricardo; Cabrita, Isabel; Partidário, PauloIn the framework of preliminary assessments for a European Strategic Project of Common Interest, Portugal has been discussing the setup and operation of a large-scale facility, of ca. 1 GW, for H2 production from water electrolysis, at the Sines region. The operational requirements of such a facility were analysed. Electricity is expected to be mostly supplied by dedicated wind and solar PV farms, but using excess renewable electricity available from the grid at low price under future expected conditions is likely to be an option as well. Under these assumptions, the H2 facility and associated renewable power plants were modelled using the energyPLAN software. The behaviour of this model, and in particular the electricity exchanges of the H2 facility with the grid, was analysed for periods of one year with hourly resolution, under various climatic, energy demand, and plant sizing scenarios. It is estimated that an optimal operation of the H2 facility can be achieved with a 2:1 ratio between the capacity of dedicated renewable power farms and the capacity of the electrolysers. The operation must minimize coincidence of periods of excess electricity available from the grid with the output of the dedicated renewable power farms. The main conclusions are twofold: (i) methodologically, it is shown that energyPLAN provides a useful tool for modelling the operation of such large scale H2 production facilities; and (ii) operationally, when looking forward to achieving optimal plant design and operation conditions, its electricity supply should rely on an appropriate mix of renewable sources and include interactions with the grid
- A Marinha de duplo uso – harmonização dos instrumentos legislativos e normativos de suportePublication . Martins, PauloO conceito de Marinha de duplo uso emerge como resultado do desempenho secular das funções que têm sido sucessivamente cumpridas pela Marinha. De facto, na sua longa existência, a Marinha sempre agrupou duas vertentes – uma de índole “militar” e outra de carácter “civil”. Esse duplo uso sempre emergiu da necessidade de optimizar os recursos que, nos tempos que correm, são cada vez mais escassos. Aliás, nunca se encontrou, no que ao mar respeita, melhor forma de integração e complementaridade na utilização dos meios disponíveis para atender às exigências expedicionárias e jurisdicionais deste “cantinho à beira-mar plantado”. O exercício deste duplo uso tem sido balizado, por um lado, pelos instrumentos legislativos e normativos emanados que, decorrendo no tempo, vão especificando as obrigações sucessivamente cometidas à Marinha. Verifica-se, no entanto, que são morosas e tardias as actualizações necessárias, face às evoluções que ocorrem na sociedade nacional e internacional. Por outro lado, este duplo uso também é balizado pela secular cultura intrínseca da Marinha, pautada pelo espírito de abnegação e entrega denodada às missões atribuídas. Corresponde a um bem intangível, sendo uma mais-valia ímpar, pela influência que esta entrega tem no regular exercício do duplo uso. As desactualizações legislativas, algumas desarticulações funcionais, alguma insuficiente coordenação entre os demais intervenientes com responsabilidades no mar têm, em conjunto, proporcionado circunstancialmente algumas disrupções que dificultam o cumprimento eficiente de algumas missões. Encontrar a melhor harmonia, de todos os factores determinantes do cumprimento eficiente de cada missão, é desafio constante de todos os intervenientes. No entanto, “quem dá o rosto”, quem é obrigado a decidir no local e no momento a mais justa e melhor forma de solução tem, sobre si, os olhos dos demais. Abstract: The concept of dual-use Navy emerges as a result of the functions’ secular performances that have been successfully met by the Navy. In fact, during its long existence, the Navy comprehends two parts - a "military" part and a "civil" part. This dual use has emerged from the need to optimize the resources that are increasingly scarce these days. In fact, never met, as regarding the sea, how to integrate and complement the best use of available resources to meet the jurisdictional and expeditionary requirements of this "corner beachfront planted." The exercise of this dual use has been oriented, first by legislation and legislative measures emanating from that, during time, will successively specifying the obligations assigned to the Navy. However, necessary updates are delayed, due to developments occurring in national and international society. Moreover, this dual use is also limited by the intrinsic secular culture of the Navy, guided by the spirit of selflessness and dedication to the missions. Corresponds to an intangible good, being a unique asset, by the influence that it has delivered in the regular exercise of dual use. The outdated laws, some functional dislocations, some insufficient coordination between all relevant stakeholders with responsibilities at sea, together have provided some circumstantial disruptions that hinder the efficient performance of some missions. Find the best harmony of all the determinants for the efficient fulfilment of each mission is an ongoing challenge for all stakeholders. However, "who gives the face," who is forced to decide on site the fairest and best solution has, on you, the eyes of others.
- Self-evaluation of communication experiences after laryngectomy (SECEL): translation and psychometric properties in european portuguesePublication . Guimarães, Isabel; Torrejano, Gabriela; Aires, Raquel; Freitas, Susana; Gonçalves, Filomena; Correia, Paula; Romeiro, Cláudia; Silvestre, Inês; Bom, Rita; Martins, Paulo; Santos, Ana RitaIntroduction: The patients’ perception of how communication dysfunction may cause a disadvantage is important information for the clinical decision-making process. Objectives: This study aimed to translate the self-evaluation of communication experiences after laryngectomy (SECEL) to the European Portuguese (EP) and to assess its feasibility, acceptability, reliability, and validity. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, and a cluster sample of seven ENT outpatient clinics was drawn. The EP-SECEL was filled in by 129 people with laryngectomy, aged 29–81 years and 25 of those completed it in the second time. Patients have also filled in the European Organization for Research Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORCT), the core quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the 35-item Head and Neck module (H&N35). Results: The EP-SECEL has the same conceptual meaning, semantics, idiomatic, format and score equivalence as the original one. Psychometric analyses revealed that it is feasible (missing <1%, to fill out took about 15 minutes for most patients), acceptable (floor and ceiling effects inferior to 15%), reliable (excellent internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90, and moderate test-retest, Spearman’s rhô = 0.64), well-constructed (66% of the total variance is explained by exploratory factor analysis), significantly convergent (correlates with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35) and validly discriminates people with total and partial laryngectomy as well as people with different primary means-of-communication. Conclusions: This study supports that the EP-SECEL has sufficient psychometric qualities to be considered an adequate tool to be recommended for assessing health-related quality of life among laryngectomy patients.
- Using educational robotics in pre-service teacher training : orchestration between an exploration guide and teacher rolePublication . Silva, Ricardo; M. L. Martins, Fernando; Cravino, José; Martins, Paulo; Costa, C.; Bernardino Lopes, J.The proper integration of technology in teaching and learning processes must consider the role of teachers and students, as well as the design of tasks and the context in which they are implemented. Teachers’ perceived self-efficacy significantly influences their willingness to integrate educational robotics (ER) into their practice, so initial teacher training should provide opportunities for teachers to participate in structured activities that integrate ER. In this study, a class of pre-service teachers from an initial teacher training programme were provided with their first contact with an ER platform through the use of a simulator. We present the design process of a student exploration guide and teacher guide, developed over three iterative cycles of implementation, assessment and redesign. The analysis of the data collected allowed for improvements in the design of the tasks, the graphic component of the student exploration guide, and more precise indications for the teacher’s actions. The main contribution of this study is the chain orchestration between the simulator, student exploration guide and teacher guide, which allowed pre-service teachers to solve a set of challenges of increasing complexity, thereby progressively decreasing their difficulties and contributing to an adequate integration of ER in their future teaching practices.
- Voice handicap index: cut-off points for screening european portuguese with voice disordersPublication . Guimarães, Isabel; Torrejano, Gabriela; Aires, Raquel; Caetano, Mariana; Fernandes, António; Martins, Paulo; Luís, LeonorSummary: Objectives. To determine cut-off values of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the shortened version (VHI-10) for European Portuguese (EP) with voice disorders. In addition, to analyze the discriminatory power of individual items of the VHI-10 and the ability to detect differences in various Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) diagnoses. Study Design. Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods. All participants completed the EP VHI and a 4-point self-assessment of voice disorder severity. The case group (subjects with voice disorders) underwent assessment through strobovideolaryngoscopy examinations by ENT surgeons and perceptual analyses by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). In contrast, the control group was evaluated solely by SLPs. Data were analyzed using a receiver-operating characteristic curve to determine the accuracy and cut-off values of the VHI and VHI-10. Results. The study involved a sample of 350 adults (171 cases and 179 controls), predominantly women aged 18–88 years. The area under curve (AUC) for VHI and VHI-10 was 0.997 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0. 992–1] and 0.998 [95% CI: 0.995–0.999], respectively. Optimal cut-off values were identified as 13.5 for VHI (0. 994 sensitivity and 0.989 specificity) and 5.5 for VHI-10 (0.977 sensitivity and 0.955 specificity). Each individual item within the VHI-10 significantly contributed to the overall assessment, exhibiting varying discriminatory power ranging from excellent (AUC = 0.937) to poor (AUC = 0.637). Significant differences were found in the case group between neurogenic disorders and healthy larynx (P = 0.014), structural and physiologic minor laryngeal abnormalities (P = 0.006), and inflammatory disorders (P = 0.043). Conclusions. The VHI and the VHI-10 exhibited accurate screening properties for predicting EP speakers with voice disorders.