Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-04"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 41
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ARIA-Italy managing allergic rhinitis and asthma in a changing world: The role of the PharmacistPublication . Paoletti, Giovanni; Giua, Corrado; Marti, Alessandro; Baio, Matteo Alberto; Valli, Nicolò; Ridolo, Erminia; Ventura, Maria Teresa; Passalacqua, Giovanni; Puggioni, Francesca; Lourenço, Olga ; Bousquet, Jean; Canonica, Giogio Walter; Heffler, Enrico; Lombardi, CarloAllergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are common respiratory disorders that often occur together, affecting quality of life and increasing healthcare expenses of patients. These chronic illnesses are often managed without medical supervision, creating distinct challenges. A lack of resources can limit regular follow-up, which in turn promotes disease mismanagement and an increased reliance on self-medication, including the inappropriate use of corticosteroids and nasal decongestants. Community pharmacies could serve as critical primary healthcare providers, facilitating AR and asthma management by promoting therapy adherence, minimizing drug misuse, and improving symptom monitoring using digital tools. The evolving role of pharmacists as vital healthcare team members is highlighted by their involvement in screening, prevention, and patient education, particularly in underserved communities. Strengthening the partnerships between pharmacists, physicians, and patients may lead to more tailored and effective management strategies. This collaborative approach has demonstrated promise in enhancing disease outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
- Chronotherapy of Brain Diseases: Assessment of the Circadian Rhythms of Efflux Transporters at the Blood-cerebrospinal Fluid BarrierPublication . Furtado, André Filipe Lino ; Paixão, Telma Alexandra Quintela; Santos, Cecília Reis Alves; Gallardo Alba, Maria EugéniaThe choroid plexus (CP) is an integral part of the blood cerebrospinal-fluid barrier (BCSFB). The CP is formed by a monolayer of cuboidal epithelial cells united by tight junctions. On the apical side, these cells present microvilli and are in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). On the basal membrane, these cells are surrounded by a vast network of capillary blood vessels. The CP is responsible for several functions that are vital to the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) where we include the production of the CSF, synthesis of several proteins, CNS protection against foreign elements, CSF detoxification from noxious compounds that result from normal cell metabolism and the transport of multiple molecules across the BCSFB. The CP has an essential role on the transport across the BCSFB of therapeutic molecules targeting the CNS. For that, it expresses multiple membrane transporters that have been described in the literature as essential for the transport of therapeutic compounds across CNS biological barriers. Recently, a functional molecular clock was described in the CP. This means that the biological functions of this structure might have a circadian rhythmicity associated. There's the possibility that this circadian clock influences membrane transporters' expression and activity at the CP which would result in circadian changes of the bioavailability of therapeutic compounds in the CNS depending on the time of administration. As such, the main goal of this doctoral thesis was to analyse the influence of circadian rhythms on the expression of multiple membrane transporters on the CP. Additionally, we used therapeutic compounds, namely methotrexate (MTX) and donepezil (DNPZ) to assess the relation between the CP's membrane transporters circadian expression and their drug transport function across the BCSFB. One of the objectives of this project, as mentioned earlier, was to assess the circadian expression of multiple CP’s membrane transporters. For that, CP primary cell cultures of neonate rats were used. We concluded that rSlc9a1 and rSlc1a5 expression was rhythmic during a 24-hour period while rSlc47a1 did not reveal a circadian pattern. This work also aimed at disclosing the influence of sex on the daily expression oscillations of several ABC and SLC membrane transporters expressed by the CP. For this we used CPs from male, female, ovariectomized and sham-operated female rats. The results showed that the membrane transporter rAbcc1 is expressed in a circadian manner in the CP of male rats, while rAbcg2 presented circadian rhythmic expression in the CP of female rats. Both rAbcc4 and rOat3 were rhythmically expressed in the CP of male and female rats. Next, we used an in vitro model of the CP in order to evaluate the relevance of Abcc4’s circadian expression in the transport of MTX across the BCSFB. We demonstrated that MTX transport across the BCSFB was rhythmic. Besides, we also concluded that Abcc4 circadian expression might influence the MTX circadian transport across the BCSFB. Finally, this project also aimed to describe the impact of circadian rhythms on CP Abcg2 expression and also on the circadian transport profile of DNPZ across the BCSFB. Using CP primary cell cultures of neonate rats, we demonstrated the presence of rAbcg2 circadian expression. Next, using primary cell cultures, an in vitro model of the BCSFB was established and we discovered that DNPZ transport across the BCSFB presents circadian rhythmicity. Furthermore, it was also proposed that besides rABCG2, SLC22A4 could also be involved in the DNPZ circadian transport across the BCSFB. The results obtained in this project demonstrate that membrane transporters present circadian expression in the BCSFB. Moreover, the transport of therapeutic compounds, such as MTX and DNPZ, across the BCSFB is also influenced by the circadian rhythm of CP membrane transporters. In the future, it is essential to further exploit the role of circadian rhythms on the expression of membrane transporters at the CP and its influence on the transport of therapeutic compounds across the BCSFB. This information might prove vital in the treatment of CNS diseases. By timing drug administration with the period when they are more prone to reach the target tissue at the CNS, we are ensuring their maximum target tissue concentration, and a reduction in side effects.
- As Ocupações Pós-Governativas dos Ministros e Secretários de Estado em PortugalPublication . Freire, Diogo Pessoa; Silveira, Pedro Miguel AlegriaHá a perceção de que os ex-governantes saem do governo para carreiras altamente lucrativas no setor privado. Mas será que é uma perceção correta? Será que as ocupações pós-governamentais dos ex-governantes passam por uma carreira no setor privado, com cargos de alta senioridade e que a pasta que detêm no governo influencia futuras ocupações dos mesmos? Esta dissertação pretende responder a estas perguntas, com especial foco nos Governos XIX e XXI Constitucionais Portugueses. Para esta dissertação propomo-nos a mapear as ocupações pós-governamentais dos ex-ministros e secretários de estado desde o primeiro ano após o término do cargo e após três anos, de forma a perceber potenciais padrões. As conclusões demonstram que as ocupações pós-governamentais dos ex-governantes são sobretudo no setor público, geralmente em cargos de média senioridade, e não demonstram uma ligação com as áreas de responsabilidade ministerial previamente exercidas, tornando o caso português, um caso particular, em relação à literatura.
- Development of new Water Landing Infrastructures and ProceduresPublication . Gabriel, Vasco João Capote; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos Reis; Soares, Paulo Alexandre Ramos de FigueiredoThis Master Dissertation arises from an analysis of accidents in Portuguese territory involving water landing and ditching emergencies. The concern regarding this topic was primarily raised by Gabinete de Prevenção e Investigação de Acidentes com Aeronaves e de Acidentes Ferroviários (GPIAAF). Over the past years, Portugal has experienced several accidents of this type, some fatal, which involved or should have involved an in-depth study of the process of water landing and its specificities. It is therefore evident that there is a failure regarding the characteristics of the dedicated water landing infrastructures, as well as an effective risk assessment and flight crew training related to this aspect. This Master Dissertation not only addresses an analysis of historical occurrences, and the lessons retrieved up from them but also the current applicable regulations, to make possible to propose new water landing infrastructures equipped with operational support elements that could assist aircrafts in regular operations as well as emergency situations, if the decision is to ditch the aircraft. For this purpose, two locations are proposed for such infrastructures at two distinct dams, Marateca and Aguieira, being the first near Castelo Branco and the latter on near Viseu. The proposed location of these infrastructures is based on the initial condition that the areas for operation are well defined and marked out, thus avoiding the risk of incursion into them by third parties who are unaware of the delimitation of these restricted areas of operation. It also accounts for the existence of means of rescue, not only for normal operations, but especially in the event of an accident, namely search and rescue means for immediate reaction. It is also proposed to build up the infrastructure on the ‘land side’ with hangars, parking bays and taxiways, which can be used by amphibious or rotary-wing aircraft, while aircraft/crews can move from the maritime to the land environment via docks or access ramps. Moreover, access roads, suitable car parking slots, and restaurants, for example, can have a double-use, for both complementary aerial emergency activities and for tourism purposes, for example. Means for ensuring safety and separation of “airside” to the “landside” are also proposed. This entire study is based on current regulations to ensure the necessary safety and compliance. To ensure that the proposed infrastructure is operation viable, it will be necessary to provide for the most rigorous risk assessments possible, which in terms of crew training will lead to the implementation of new training methods, not only in the theoretical component, but mainly in terms of instruction and flight training, which should be transversal to any Approved training Organisation (ATO). This study is based on the requirements of international and national legislation, which include theoretical and practical training, as well as key points that must be addressed during the training stage. In addition, these points are based on the prerequisites needed to obtain an amphibious aircraft pilot's licence. For this study, and while developing this dissertation, only the crucial flight phases involving the use of the proposed infrastructure have been considered.
- Impacto do E-Commerce na Satisfação do Cliente em Transição de Online para OfflinePublication . Pereira, Daniel Duarte; Pinheiro, Paulo GonçalvesA velocidade de expansão do E-Commerce está a alterar os hábitos de compra dos consumidores e a moldar a forma como as empresas atuam no mercado. Esta realidade é mais evidente e impactante no setor de retalho, onde o E-Commerce possibilitou as empresas ultrapassar as barreiras geográficas para vender e a operar de forma mais eficiente permitindo uma presença online e offline. Esta presença digital criou uma maior exposição das empresas e reconhecimento, facilitando o acesso a informação acerca de um determinado produto ou serviço. O estudo apresenta a análise efetuada sobre o impacto da satisfação persentida pelos consumidores quando transitam de um meio online para offline. Para isso, recorreu-se a uma metodologia qualitativa, sob a forma de entrevistas, de 10 restaurantes pertencentes ao distrito de Castelo Branco, mais concretamente, no concelho da Covilhã. Pretende-se averiguar, dentro do setor da restauração, como o E-Commerce pode influenciar a satisfação do consumidor, potenciar a transição online para offline e qual o diferencial encontrado na satisfação do online comparativamente com o offline. Com os resultados foi possível atestar que E-Commerce tem impacto, positivo ou negativo, na satisfação do consumidor e, incrementa a transição de online para offline, influenciando a satisfação do consumidor. O estudo ajuda a enriquecer o entendimento do E-Commerce com a satisfação do consumidor e, em simultâneo, inside em uma lacuna existente em estudos previamente realizados.
- Stand-up Paddle Boarding: Muscle activity, kinematics and performance analysis in recreational athletesPublication . Freitas, João Diogo Rodrigues ; Neiva, Henrique Pereira; Conceição , Ana Teresa SilveiraStand-up paddle (SUP) has become increasingly popular due to its accessibility and physical benefits. Despite its growing popularity, there is limited research focusing on the biomechanical factors influencing SUP performance. This doctoral thesis aims to fill this gap by investigating various determinants of SUP performance through four studies. The general objective of this thesis was to analyze kinematic and neuromuscular factors that influence SUP performance in pratical contexts, in recreational-level athletes. The following steps were undertaken: (i) a literature review focused on performance analysis in SUP; (ii) analysis of muscle activation behavior in SUP, focusing on the activation patterns of adjacent and opposite muscles relative to the paddling side; (iii) classify SUP practitioners based on kinematic and neuromuscular activity variables and identify performance differentiators; iv) to examine how different visual focus conditions affect kinematic and neuromuscular responses during SUP. The main findings demonstrated that: (i) SUP athletes have more muscle mass, less body fat, and use more efficient paddling techniques, resulting in better performance; (ii) there seems to be higher muscle activation on the opposite side of the paddle in SUP, suggesting the importance of alternating the paddling side for muscular balance; (iii) faster performers showed a higher stroke frequency and different neuromuscular activation (i.e., higher triceps brachii activity) during the recovery phase of the stroke; (iv) visual focus significantly impacts kinematic and neuromuscular activity during SUP, with the free choice condition resulting in faster speeds, higher stroke frequencies and higher muscle activation during recovery phases of the stroke. These results demonstrate the importance of kinematic and neuromuscular factors in SUP performance. This thesis provides valuable insights for SUP practitioners and coaches to optimize training and performance through a better understanding of these biomechanical and neuromuscular factors.
- Enhancing Smart City Capabilities with the Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Unlocking Porto s PotentialPublication . Barateiro, João Gonçalo Lopes ; Dias, Veruska Mazza Rodrigues; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisThe increasing number of urban residents presents growing challenges that require innovative and efficient solutions. Cities are looking for smarter approaches, which involve the optimization of resource usage and the improvement of public services, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life and overall satisfaction of residents through sustainable practices. Current and emerging innovative technologies provide effective tools for addressing urban challenges. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) present a valuable solution, due to their versatility, flexibility, efficient data collection methods, and lower environmental and economic impact compared to other technologies (e.g., helicopters, general aviation aircraft). UAS have been extensively studied as they offer a large variety of urban applications, such as monitoring, traffic management, and infrastructure inspection. In the near future, they are also expected to start carrying passengers and delivering goods in Europe, contributing to the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a priority among the European Union’s (EU) sustainable urban mobility initiatives. This work proposed the application of a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis to qualitatively evaluate the key factors influencing the implementation of UAS in Porto, alongside the use of the TOWS matrix to define strategies of implementation. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP) was used to identify the most relevant factors from the perspective of respondents with expertise in various relevant fields. Other quantitative methods were also applied to establish a prioritization order for the proposed strategies, aiming to identify initiatives that would position Porto closer to widely recognized smart cities. The obtained results were validated in a partnership with a UAS sector company based in the city under study. The combination of both stages allowed for the conclusion that Porto has significant potential for the implementation of UAS within the smart city paradigm. Among the key favourable factors are the city’s proactive, dynamic and collaborative nature - regarding the urban environment, and the environmental sustainability intrinsic to UAS – regarding the vehicle itself. Additionally, the potential for creation of jobs and business opportunities with the development of this industry emerged as the major benefit of this implementation. However, the study highlighted also substantial concerns regarding both the fragility of the current legislative framework and its constantly evolving nature, as well as the inherent complexity, all of which amplify the challenges associated with safety and security.
- Análise de aplicações para o desenvolvimento de gémeos digitais: o estudo de caso do Porto de SinesPublication . Pimentel, Carlos Manuel da Costa; Almeida, Pedro Gabriel de Faria Lapa Barbosa de; Batista, Maria Teresa FolgôaEsta dissertação aborda a componente de visualização geográfica e os requisitos técnicos para a criação de um gémeo digital do Porto de Sines. Desde a concetualização e origem do termo gémeo digital e áreas interrelacionadas bem como as possíveis aplicações dos gémeos digitais na indústria. Enquanto, focou-se na análise dos benefícios da utilização dessa ferramenta nos Portos marítimos. Explorou-se aqui tanto os requisitos para a visualização geográfica, as tecnologias envolvidas e como elas podem melhorar a eficiência e a segurança do porto. Usaram-se várias ferramentas para criação de visualizações geográficas apelativas e para melhorar o nosso conhecimento da área de estudo como: “Google Earth Pro”, “Google Earth Studio”, “Arcgis pro”, incluindo uma aplicação de página única interativa em 3D com o mapa do Porto de Sines em destaque. Apresenta-se também um protótipo de gémeo digital estático, criado com a ferramenta “BlenderGIS” o qual permite uma aproximação maior a realização dos objetivos propostos. Analisou-se também a integração com ferramentas e metodologia da indústria 4.0, como a internet das coisas e armazenamento e computação na nuvem. A análise dos requisitos concentrou-se nas funcionalidades, tipos de dados e perfil dos utilizadores. Por fim fez-se uma lista de possíveis materiais e tecnologias bem como metodologia para criação efetiva do gémeo digital.
- Application of eVTOL Aircraft in Advanced Air Mobility: Vertiport in Humberto Delgado AirportPublication . Nave, Tiago Anseriz da; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisTechnological developments allowed air mobility to enter the urban environment, expanding urban mobility to a new dimension and originating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The present work explores the potential of a vertiport, AAM's ground infrastructure, associated with Humberto Delgado Airport, allowing its connection to the new Luís de Camões Airport. There are still many obstacles in the path to implementing a route taken by a recent category of aircraft, eVTOLs, in an industry that does not accept safety compromises. Various aeronautical authorities have released documentation to guide the development of vertiports. Yet, their transitional nature alongside the uncertainty around accordingly expanding air traffic control (ATC) and other operational uncertainties leads to significant doubt of the longevity of the models used so far. Aiming to reduce the impact of the many uncertainties, a vertiport implementation was sought while pondering proper specifications and public exposure to the negative side of AAM, pointing out identified sources of uncertainty and explaining the decision process for each step. Reaching a recommended layout for the case of study, a simulation model was then elaborated to estimate its performance, identify bottlenecks and confirm assumptions made during the layout design phase. The reached conclusions reflect a lack of validation of the claims surrounding AAM, translated on rigorous EASA guidance material for vertiport design, restricting the options for a vertiport associated with Humberto Delgado Airport. Considering data from August 2024, the developed vertiport, under various limitations such as visual flight rule (VFR) conditions and considering Volocopter’s VoloCity as the eVTOL, proved capable of serving 0.398% of the airport's daily processed passengers. The proposed vertiport’s performance can be seen as adequate for the expected demand on this initial stage, with few passengers seeking a direct connection between the airports and not taking another means of transport. On the other hand, expansion options are lacking, compromising the capacity of ground infrastructure in case of the concept's success. Additionally, as soon as infrastructure projects seeking an expansion of ground transport capabilities are completed, while still many years in the future, AAM may face serious competition from the more conventional transport means.
- O aeródromo municipal de Castelo Branco como polo gerador de desenvolvimento regionalPublication . Sousa, Miguel Esteves de; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisEste estudo faz uma análise padronizada da importância de um aeródromo na Região Centro (NUT II) de Portugal, centrando-se nos potenciais impactos económicos e sociais decorrentes do desenvolvimento de um dos setores que atualmente mais cresce em termos mundiais. Em termos metodológicos, a dissertação irá recorrer principalmente a motores de pesquisa digitais através da consulta de livros, repositórios, bases de dados, artigos de comunicação social e documentos técnicos das entidades do setor da aviação. Parte o estudo da hipótese de que um aeródromo, articulado com a rede aeroportuária portuguesa, é capaz de transformar a região do país onde se insere, através da captação de população e mão-de-obra qualificada, investimentos e de atividades turísticas, com impacto direto crucial noutros setores, contribuindo, por isso, para a coesão com outras regiões do país. A análise inclui um estudo de caso, na região de Castelo Branco, área marcada pelos problemas que mais afetam a Região Centro, designadamente o afastamento em relação aos centros de decisão, a população envelhecida e em perda, em números absolutos, de ano para ano. No sentido de analisar o potencial de desenvolvimento regional do aeródromo de Castelo Branco, este estudo parte da caracterização da região em termos económicos, geográficos e demográficos, além de caracterizar o aeródromo e de avaliar a sua viabilidade. Para tal, é estabelecida uma comparação com o impacto do Aeródromo de Ponte de Sor, localizado na Região do Alentejo, com uma realidade próxima da de Castelo Branco. Os resultados revelam que o desenvolvimento regional a partir do aeródromo de Castelo Branco é uma realidade, onde ficaram descritas quais as condições que mais favorecem este desenvolvimento, bem como os desafios que existem e que poderão condicionar o desenvolvimento do seu aeródromo.