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- Standardization of Power-from-Shore Grid Connections for Offshore Oil & Gas ProductionPublication . Antunes, Tiago A.; Castro, Rui; Santos, Paulo; J. Pires, A.Offshore oil and gas (O&G) production is typically powered by local diesel engines or gas turbines. Power-from-shore (PFS) is an alternative that takes advantage of onshore renewable production and reduces greenhouse emissions but is limited to bespoke projects that are tailored to the characteristics of each site. This lack of repetition leads to an increase in the construction risk, delivery time, and lifecycle costs, therefore limiting their large-scale deployment. Furthermore, the absence of standardized designs is also notorious in mature applications such as offshore wind farms (OWF) despite their long-standing track record, with the negative consequences extensively covered in the literature. This research paper addresses offshore transmission standardization in two parts. First, by providing the scientific community with a review of the existing offshore O&G production and substations and secondly, by outlining a lean optioneering algorithm for the cost-optimized and technically feasible selection of the key design criteria. The exercise is centred on the main limiting component of the transmission systems—the cables. As such, it addresses their operational range and the cost to calculate the most effective configuration in terms of voltage and rated power. The end goal, based on the spread of connection proposals, is to cluster the candidates to a limited set of grid connection options, the achievement of which the model has been shown to be adequate.
- The Effectiveness of eHealth Interventions in Promoting the Health Literacy of Informal Caregivers: A Systematic Literature Review ProtocolPublication . Valentim, Patrícia; Costa, Paulo; Henriques, Adriana; Costa, Andreia; Nogueira, PauloDigital Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) offer significant opportunities to enhance public health, particularly through their strategic use in promoting health literacy. Objectives: This systematic review protocol aims to outline the methodological steps necessary to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of digital interventions in improving health literacy among informal caregivers. Methods: This review will include studies involving adult informal caregivers (≥18 years) undergoing a digital health intervention promoting health literacy. Intervention, effectiveness or efficacy, RCT, quasi-experimental, and observational studies will be eligible. This review will follow the methodology for Cochrane Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The search strategy will identify studies published in the databases SCOPUS and Web of Science, as well as CINAHL (via EBSCO) and PubMed and gray literature sources. Two in-dependent reviewers will screen the studies, extract data, and critically appraise the selected studies. It is planned that the risk of bias will be assessed using the RoB2, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions). From the included studies, data will be extracted on the identification of the study, the aim of the study, characteristics of the population, study method and intervention and control conditions, study variables, and significant results. Conclusions: It is anticipated that the results of the study will guide healthcare professionals and managers in incorporating digital technologies into health literacy programs for informal caregivers. Whenever possible, a statistical meta-analysis will be performed to combine study results. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42024589465.
- Evidence-based practice in peripheral intravenous catheterization: The road ahead in PortugalPublication . Santos-Costa, Paulo; Ray-Barruel, Gillian; Rodríguez-Calero, Miguel Ángel; Blanco-Mavillard, Ian; Hernon, Orlaith; Carr, Peter J.Vascular access is a rapidly evolving field in modern healthcare that presents challenges across diverse clinical settings. Recent data indicate shortcomings in peripheral vascular access care for patients and nurses in Portugal. Objective: Given the ongoing challenges faced by Portuguese nurses in providing quality care to patients requiring peripheral intravenous access, we aim to identify and discuss potential ways forward in this field Main topics under analysis: The advancement of the field in Portugal involves the development of a clinical standard of care for peripheral intravenous catheterization in pediatric and adult patients, as well as the formal recognition of vascular access as an enhanced nursing competency. Additionally, a long-term focus on institutional initiatives to establish permanent Vascular Access Specialist Teams in Portuguese primary and tertiary care settings is recommended. Conclusion: The proposed pathways are consistent with the current evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care paradigm, as well as with international calls to action on fostering efficient, sustainable, and safe patient care.
- Nursing Students' Perceptions of a Novel Education Approach to Prevention and Control of Healthcare-Associated Infections: Insights from PrevInf Pilot StudyPublication . Santos-Costa, Paulo; Paiva-Santos, Filipe; Graveto, João; PrevInf GroupHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant global threat, particularly in developing regions such as Southeast Asia. International bodies emphasize the role of formal undergraduate training in the prevention and control of HAIs. To address this, we aimed to explore the perceptions of Southeast Asian nursing students regarding a novel educational approach developed by a European–Southeast Asian project consortium. Methods: A pilot study was conducted in four nursing higher education institutions from Cambodia and Vietnam. First, local nursing educators conducted a 2 h classroom-based training session. Then, students were invited to participate for the first time in one of twelve evidence-based simulation scenarios developed by the research team, covering a range of nursing care situations related to the prevention and control of HAIs. After attending both components, students were asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire and rate their agreement with a set of statements on the appropriateness and meaningfulness of both components. Results: A total of 430 nursing students enrolled in the pilot study; 77.4% were female, with an average age of 19.8 years. The PrevInf educational intervention received positive feedback from participating students across settings, with strong agreement on the importance of proactiveness in competency development (M = 5.9, SD = 1.4). Notable differences between Cambodian and Vietnamese students were observed in terms of their receptiveness to the pre-selected teaching materials (p = 0.001) and strategies (p = 0.01) used by the nursing educators during their experience with the simulation scenarios. Conclusions: The PrevInf educational intervention shows promise in engaging Southeast Asian nursing students and fostering a deeper understanding of the prevention and control of HAIs. Further studies are warranted to refine the learning content and standardize the pedagogical strategies used by nursing educators across settings. This study was not registered.
- Effectiveness of an individual cognitive stimulation program for older adults with cognitive impairmentPublication . Rodrigues, Joana Filipa Cunha; Santos, Diana Gabriela Simões Marques dos; Rocha, Susana Maria Moreira da; Carvalho, Carla Isabel Mota de; Santos-Costa, Paulo; Gil, Isabel Maria de Assunção; Silva, Rosa Carla Gomes; Silva, Rosa Carla Gomes daBackground: The number of people with dementia increases significantly with age. However, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive stimulation, can slow this process down. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of individual cognitive stimulation interventions on the cognition, quality of life, and neuropsychiatric symptoms of older adults with dementia, as well as on the quality of the relationship between the older adult with dementia and the caregiver. Methodology: A 12-week quasi-experimental study was conducted. The cognitive stimulation program “Make a Difference 3” was administered to older adults with dementia living in the community. Outcomes of interest were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in neuropsychiatric symptoms (p = 0.042) and cognition (p = 0.038) after the program was administered. Conclusion: This type of intervention should be widely disseminated and administered as it promotes gains in older adults with cognitive impairment.