Information professionals in business context: new professionals, old skills

This communication aims to present some reflections regarding the importance of information in organizational context, especially in business context. The ability to produce and to share expertise and knowledge among its employees is now a key factor in the success of any organization. However, it’s also true that workers are increasingly feeling that too much information can hurt their performance. The existence of skilled professionals able to organize, evaluate, select and disseminate information in organizations appears to be a prerequisite for success. The skills necessary for the formation of a professional devoted to the management of information and knowledge in the context of business organizations will be analysed. Then data collected in two focus group discussion with students from a graduate course in Business Information, from Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal, a will be examined.

Relatório de estágio em educação pré-escolar e ensino do 1º ciclo do ensino básico

O presente relatório – requisito parcial para obtenção do grau de mestre em Educação Pré-Escolar e Ensino do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico – reflete as experiências e conhecimentos desenvolvidos, resultantes da prática pedagógica supervisionada desenvolvida em dois contextos de estágio: Educação Pré-Escolar e 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico. Com efeito, a estudante teve como objetivo descrever, compreender e refletir acerca do processo de prática segundo o desenvolvimento de capacidades e competências substanciais à prática docente. Enquanto (futura) profissional de educação, verifica-se pertinente a mobilização de saberes científicos, pedagógicos e culturais, adquiridos ao longo da formação inicial para que se torne exequível uma prática sustentada. Similarmente, o docente, baseando-se em quadros teóricos e concetuais (amplificados de forma subjetiva e continuada), desenvolverá a sua forma pessoal de pensar e agir nos contextos de práticas reais visando a inclusão e equidade educativas, e a colaboração profissional e reflexiva. Conforme a metodologia de investigação-ação (constituída por várias etapas interligadas – observação, planificação, ação e avaliação, reflexão), a ação da mestranda desenvolveu-se de forma cíclica e articulada, numa perspetiva construtivista – e holística – do conhecimento a erigir pelas crianças (atores centrais do processo) ressalvando-se, igualmente, a pertinência dos demais instrumentos orientadores elaborados no decorrer da ação. Concludentemente, os estágios desenvolvidos nos dois contextos facultaram a edificação de uma postura profissional, reflexiva e investigativa, promotora da tomada de decisões em contexto de prática reafirmando-se competências profissionais e pessoais e valorando-se, efetivamente, a formação ao longo da vida para aquele que se constitui um docente generalista.

Characterization of green zero-valent iron nanoparticles produced with tree leaf extracts

In the last decades nanotechnology has become increasingly important because it offers indisputable advantages to almost every area of expertise, including environmental remediation. In this area the synthesis of highly reactive nanomaterials (e.g. zero-valent iron nanoparticles, nZVI) is gaining the attention of the scientific community, service providers and other stakeholders. The synthesis of nZVI by the recently developed green bottom-up method is extremely promising. However, the lack of information about the characteristics of the synthetized particles hinders a wider and more extensive application. This work aims to evaluate the characteristics of nZVI synthesized through the green method using leaves from different trees. Considering the requirements of a product for environmental remediation the following characteristics were studied: size, shape, reactivity and agglomeration tendency. The mulberry and pomegranate leaf extracts produced the smallest nZVIs (5–10 nm), the peach, pear and vine leaf extracts produced the most reactive nZVIs while the ones produced with passion fruit, medlar and cherry extracts did not settle at high nZVI concentrations (931 and 266 ppm). Considering all tests, the nZVIs obtained from medlar and vine leaf extracts are the ones that could present better performances in the environmental remediation. The information gathered in this paper will be useful to choose the most appropriate leaf extracts and operational conditions for the application of the green nZVIs in environmental remediation.

Comprehensive treatments for social cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: A critical review and effect-size analysis of controlled studies

Recent advances in psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia have targeted social cognitive deficits. A critical literature review and effect-size (ES) analysis was conducted to investigate the efficacy of comprehensive programs of social cognitive training in schizophrenia. Results revealed 16 controlled studies consisting of seven models of comprehensive treatment with only three of these treatment models investigated in more than one study. The effects of social cognitive training were reported in 11/15 studies that included facial affect recognition skills (ES=.84) and 10/13 studies that included theory-of-mind (ES=.70) as outcomes. Less than half (4/9) of studies that measured attributional style as an outcome reported effects of treatment, but effect sizes across studies were significant (ESs=.30-.52). The effect sizes for symptoms were modest, but, with the exception of positive symptoms, significant (ESs=.32-.40). The majority of trials were randomized (13/16), selected active control conditions (11/16) and included at least 30 participants (12/16). Concerns for this area of research include the absence of blinded outcome raters in more than 50% of trials and low rates of utilization of procedures for maintaining treatment fidelity. These findings provide preliminary support for the broader use of comprehensive social cognitive training procedures as a psychosocial intervention for schizophrenia.

Aspectos Psicossociais Associados à Percepção da Dor Pós-Operatória em Indivíduos Submetidos a Cirurgia Coronária

Objectivo: Identificar os factores psicossociais que influenciam a percepção da dor pós-operatória em doentes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). Material e Métodos: Estudo exploratório correlacional de 91 doentes (71 homens e 20 mulheres) submetidos a CRM (pontagem aortocoronária) por esternotomia. A idade média era de 63,8 ± 9,6 anos (entre 39 e 84). Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Escala Analógica Visual às 24, 48 e 96 horas do pós-operatório; Questionário de Caracterização Demográfica; Mental Health Inventory de 5 itens; Percepção de Saúde Geral (SF-36); Escala de Expectativas de Dor; Escala de Percepção de Apoio; Escala de Expectativas de Auto-eficácia; Satisfação com o tratamento, médicos e enfermeiros (American Pain Society Questionnaire) aplicados às 96 horas após a cirurgia. Resultados: Os doentes que apresentaram expectativas elevadas de dor, percepcionaram maior apoio, apresentaram níveis elevados de auto-eficácia para lidar com a dor ou, se pertenciam ao sexo masculino, sentiram menos dor. De igual modo, os doentes que apresentaram melhor saúde mental, percepcionaram a sua saúde como boa e os doentes que expressaram maior satisfação com o tratamento sentiram menos dor. A dor não foi influenciada pela idade, grau de escolaridade ou pela satisfação com a conduta de médicos e enfermeiros. Conclusão: Após as primeiras 48 horas do pós-operatório, a experiência de dor é influenciada por factores psicossociais, em particular pela expectativa de dor, expectativa de auto-eficácia, apoio percebido, percepção da saúde geral, percepção de saúde mental e satisfação com o tratamento para a dor. Perante os resultados, evidencia-se a necessidade de conjugar conhecimentos no sentido de dar respostas mais alargadas e de carácter multidisciplinar no tratamento da dor pós-operatória em CRM devendo, a par de outros aspectos, focar-se na gestão das expectativas dos doentes.

How Were Conflicts of Interest Handled?

Conflicts of interest were potentially great but they were minimized by the great conviction from both Doctors and Health Ministry that something had to be done to improve data on perinatal health. To decrease the number of hospitals where deliveries took place, to concentrate doctors, nurses and equipment, to define staff and to acquire equipment and to train nurses and paediatricians was the way. One the point of view of cost-effectiveness, centralization of expensive technologies, and development of expertise concentrating cases in a same centre - Surgery, VLBW, etc- and lowering mortality rates and get better outcomes were clear health gains. In 1989 after the political decision of closing small maternities the committee return to villages and cities to explain to political local power and people, the decision, which kind of care they will have in the future, why and expected gains. Level I hospitals and Health Centers stop to have deliveries; Health Centers were given a great responsibility: the follow up of the most part of the normal pregnancies by GP. There was no economic pressure because the National Health Service is free, there are no economic incentives for obstetrical or neonatal care, hospitals are financed through ICD, hospital level is defined according to both delivery and newborn care. In 1989 the rule was “No results can be obtained without the interested and responsible participation of all – institutions and people”. At that time the emphasis was on training. There are geographic influences on regionalization for example for islands and inner and far geographic areas. Also we would like to emphasize the influence of demographics on regionalization. As birth rate continues to decrease the hospitals left open 20 years ago with more than 1500 deliveries have to be closed now because the number of deliveries decreased. It was much more difficult and unacceptable to close some few maternities now than 20 years ago. All the difference was that at that time reasons were explained and now it was a Minister order. Other fearful events are the opening of private hospitals, the lowering gross national income, the economic difficulties and financial problems.

Avaliação dos serviços de saúde mental em Moçambique

RESUMO: O instrumento de avaliação de sistemas de saúde mental da organização mundial de saúde (WHO-AIMS)foi usado para a recolha de informações sobre o Programa Nacional de Saúde Mental de Moçambique. O presente estudo tem como objectivo melhorar o Programa Nacional de Saúde Mental e fornecer um ponto de partida para a monitorização das mudanças. Os resultados do estudo permitirão a Moçambique fortalecer a sua capacidade para desenvolver planos de saúde mental baseados em informações com pontos de partida e metas bem definidos. O relatório será também útil para a monitorização do progresso da implementação de reformas nas políticas de saúde mental, na disponibilização de serviços de base comunitária, e no envolvimento dos utentes, seus familiares e outros actores na promoção, prevenção,cuidados e reabilitação em saúde mental. Tendo em conta os antecedentes históricos da saúde mental em Moçambique, a realidade actual clama por reformas profundas voltadas para uma intervenção mais humanizada e com enfoque nos cuidados primários. É nesse contexto que o estudo realizado apresenta resultados relacionados com as políticas, legislação, estratégias e planos de acção e financiamento para a saúde mental; serviços de saúde mental;cuidados primários; recursos humanos e ligação com outros sectores chave. A saúde mental foi avaliada desde o sistema de gestão até ao nível comunitário. Relativamente aos órgãos de gestão, a principal constatação é que existem instrumentos legais para sustentar as iniciativas desta área e influenciar os meios políticos em prol da saúde mental. Todavia, o caminho a percorrer ainda é longo uma vez que não está ainda aprovada nenhuma lei de saúde mental e os financiamentos para a área não permitem a implementação das reformas necessárias. Os serviços ao nível clínico debatem-se com a problemática dos recursos humanos (constituídos principalmente por técnicos de psiquiatria) e disponibilidade de psicofármacos. O modelo biopsicossocial ainda não é implementado integralmente uma vez que são poucos os serviços que oferecem apoio psicossocial (que inclui a reabilitação e reintegração) para além da intervenção farmacológica. Esta pode ser considerada uma das principais causas de recaídas identificadas em todas as províncias. Há uma necessidade urgente de se realizarem pesquisas e levantamentos epidemiológicos que possam servir de suporte para a advocacia em saúde mental com vista a melhoria dos cuidados a prestar aos pacientes e comunidade. Os instrumentos de recolha de informação de rotina não são adequados limitando a fidelidade dos dados recolhidos e a possibilidade de uma gestão dos serviços de saúde mental que responda as reais necessidades da população. Em suma, os resultados aqui apresentados mostram que Moçambique tem uma base que pode ser considerada uma mais valia para a reforma do sistema de saúde mental. Existem, ainda que escassos, recursos como humanos, infra-estruturas e legislação para a prestação dos serviços clínicos. É preciso investir na saúde mental para que os recursos existentes sejam melhorados e expandidos, apostando na criação de equipas multidisciplinares e qualificação das equipas de gestão e equipas clínicas. --------ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Services (WHO-AIMS) was used to collect information about the National Mental Health Program of Mozambique. The present study aims to improve the National Mental Health Program and provide a starting point for monitoring change. The study results will allow Mozambique to strengthen its capacity to develop mental health plans based on information with starting points and well-defined goals. The report will also be useful for monitoring the progress of implementation of reforms in mental health policies, the provision of community-based services, and involvement of users, their families and other stakeholders in the promotion, prevention, care and rehabilitation in mental health. Given the historical background of mental health in Mozambique, the current situation calls for reforms aimed at a more humane intervention focused on primary care. In this context, the study presents results related to policies, legislation, strategies and action plans and funding for mental health; mental health services; primary care; human resources and liaison with other key sectors. Mental health was assessed from the management system to the community level. With regard to the management, the main observation is that there are legal instruments to support the initiatives in this area and to influence the political means on behalf of mental health. However, the pathway is still long as it is not yet approved any Mental Health Law and the funding for the area do not allow the implementation of necessary reforms. Services at the clinical level are struggling with the issue of human resources (consisting primarily of psychiatrist technicians) and availability of psychotropic drugs. The biopsychosocial model is not yet fully implemented since there are few services providing psychosocial support (including rehabilitation and reintegration) in addition to pharmacological intervention. This can be considered a major cause of relapse identified in all provinces. There is an urgent need to conduct research and epidemiological surveys which could provide support for advocacy in mental health in order to improve the mental health car for the patients and community. The routine data collection instruments are not appropriate limiting the fidelity of the data collected and the possibility of a management of mental health services that meets the real needs of the population. In summary, the results presented here show that Mozambique has a groundwork that can be considered an asset for the reform of mental health system. There are, though scarce, human resources, infrastructure and legislation for the provision of clinical services. It’s necessary to invest in mental health so that existing resources are improved and expanded, and to invest on the creation of multidisciplinary teams and qualification of management teams and clinical teams.

HIV Voluntary Testing among Portuguese Women Attending Family Planning Clinics: Implications for HIV Prevention Education and Testing

Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyze the factors associated with HIV testing among 767 sexually active women. Methods: Participants were administered several self-report questionnaires that assessed behavioral and psychosocial measures. Results: Overall, 59.8% of the participants reported ever having tested for HIV. Results show that higher levels of education, being pregnant or having been pregnant, concern about AIDS, AIDS knowledge, self-efficacy in condom negotiation and perception of no risk in partner significantly predicted the likelihood of testing among women. Attending the mass was negatively associated with HIV testing. Conclusions: These findings provide information that can be used in the development of a focused gender sensitive HIV prevention program to increase HIV testing.

Predictors of consistent condom use among Portuguese women attending family planning clinics

Women account for 30% of all AIDS cases reported to the Health Ministry in Portugal and most infections are acquired through unprotected heterosexual sex with infected partners. This study analyzed socio-demographic and psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use and the role of education as a moderator variable among Portuguese women attending family planning clinics. A cross-sectional study using interviewer-administered fully structured questionnaires was conducted among 767 sexually active women (ages 18–65). Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between consistent condom use and the predictor variables. Overall, 78.7% of the women were inconsistent condom users. The results showed that consistent condom use was predicted by marital status (being not married), having greater perceptions of condom negotiation self-efficacy, having preparatory safer sexual behaviors, and not using condoms only when practicing abstinence. Living with a partner and having lack of risk perception significantly predicted inconsistent condom use. Less educated women were less likely to use condoms even when they perceive being at risk. The full model explained 53% of the variance in consistent condom use. This study emphasizes the need for implementing effective prevention interventions in this population showing the importance of taking education into consideration.

Crowdsourcing innovation: a strategy to leverage enterprise innovation

Innovation is recognized by academics and practitioners as an essential competitive enabler for any company to survive, to remain competitive and to grow. Investments in tasks of R&D have not always brought the expected results. But that doesn't mean that the outcomes would not be useful to other companies of the same business area or even from another area. Thus, there is much knowledge already available in the market that can be helpful to some and profitable to others. So, the ideas and expertise can be found outside a company's boundaries and also exported from within. Information, knowledge, experience, wisdom is already available in the millions of the human beings of this planet, the challenge is to use them through a network to produce new ideas and tips that can be useful to a company with less costs. This was the reason for the emergence of the area of crowdsourcing innovation. Crowdsourcing innovation is a way of using the Web 2.0 tools to generate new ideas through the heterogeneous knowledge available in the global network of individuals highly qualified and with easy access to information and technology. So, a crowdsourcing innovation broker is an organization that mediates the communication and relationship between the seekers - companies that aspire to solve some problem or to take advantage of any business opportunity - with a crowd that is prone to give ideas based on their knowledge, experience and wisdom. This paper makes a literature review on models of open innovation, crowdsourcing innovation, and technology and knowledge intermediaries, and discusses this new phenomenon as a way to leverage the innovation capacity of enterprises. Finally, the paper outlines a research design agendafor explaining crowdsourcing innovation brokering phenomenon, exploiting its players, main functions, value creation process, and knowledge creation in order to define a knowledge metamodel of such intermediaries.

Hopelessness and Related Variables among Cancer Patients in the Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study (SEPOS).

BACKGROUND: Although hopelessness has been studied in cancer, no data are available in non-English-speaking countries. OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to amass data from Southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland) in order to fill this void. METHOD: A group of 312 cancer patients completed the Mini-MAC Hopelessness subscale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Cancer Worry Inventory (CWI), and a six-item Visual Analog scale (VAS) to measure intensity of physical symptoms, general well-being, difficulty in coping with cancer, intensity of social support from close relationships, leisure activity, and support from religious beliefs. RESULTS: Regression analysis indicated that HADS-Depression, VAS Maladaptive Coping and Well-Being, and the CWI explained 42% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Hopelessness in cancer patients seems not exclusively to correspond to depression, but is related to various other psychosocial factors, such as maladaptive coping, as well.

Crescer com os desafios. Uma intervenção psicossocial em acolhimento institucional

O acolhimento institucional é concebido como uma medida com vista à promoção e proteção de crianças e jovens em risco. Esta resposta concretiza-se na capacidade de resposta dos Lares de Infância e Juventude e da especialização dos profissionais, tendo em conta as diferentes necessidades e caraterísticas dos educandos. A necessidade de compreender os jovens institucionalizados, como sujeitos participativos e com voz nas decisões que afectam as suas vidas, assume um especial significado para estes sujeitos se considerarmos que o impacte da institucionalização nas suas vidas influencia o seu desenvolvimento e a relação com os diferentes contextos nos quais se inserem. O presente Relatório reflete o desenvolvimento de um Projeto de investigação posicionado metodologicamente na Investigação-Acção Participativa, intitulado “Crescer com os desafios”, desenvolvido com jovens e educadores do LIJ. Este projeto teve como grande finalidade “Potenciar o “empowerment” dos jovens do LIJ no contexto institucional e escolar, favorecendo uma aprendizagem centrada nas suas necessidades e valorização do seu próprio processo educativo, através de uma intervenção psicossocial”. A finalidade deste Projeto e todos os objetivos propostos foram ao encontro dos problemas e necessidades priorizados pelos participantes, propondo-se, a partir de um conjunto de ações e atividades, alcançar a mudança. Os resultados deste Projeto revelam-se significativos, uma vez que promoveram um processo de reflexão e de partilha acerca dos desafios do acolhimento institucional, apontando para a necessidade de traçar linhas de intervenção adequadas às necessidades e ao percurso escolar de cada jovem.

Phototherapy in Childhood: a 17-Year Retrospective Study Regarding Effectiveness and Safety

Introduction: Skin diseases in paediatric age are often distressing conditions with significant impact in children’s psychosocial development. Additionally, systemic therapeutic options are often limited in childhood, due to its potential toxicity in this vulnerable group. Phototherapy is therefore an endorsed option for photo-responsive dermatological conditions. Objective and Methods:This observational retrospective study aims to access efficacy and safety of Phototherapy in our paediatric population. Relevant clinical data from 1996 to present concerning patients aged 18 years or less was collected. Results: 78 patients were included, of which64,1%was female. Mean age was 12,9 years (range 2-18). Distribution according to diagnosis was:47,4%psoriasis, 34,6% alopecia areata, 9,0% vitiligo, 9,0% other diagnosis. Mean number of cycles was 1,5 (range 1-7), with an average of 16,3 treatments per cycle and mean cumulative dose 134 J/cm2. 70,5% was treated with one single cycle. Topic and systemic PUVA were the first choice in 37,2% and 39,7%, respectively, while UVB TL01 and broadband UVB were used in 11,5% each. On the first cycle 67,5% improved, 14,3% showed no sustained clinical response and 19,5% were lost to follow-up. Psoriasis patients had the best response rates (81,8%), followed by alopecia areata (59,3%). Side effects occurred in 21%, being erythema the most common (12%). None led to therapeutic interruption. Discussion: Phototherapy is a safe and effective option in childhood, yet the withdraw rate might be an important limitation.

Gestão do ciclo de vida das aplicações: análise do SAP Solution Manager

Dissertação apresentada como requisito parcial para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Estatística e Gestão de Informação

Frameworks e Bibliotecas Javascript

This report describes a study based on a research and evaluation of platforms (JavaScript frameworks and libraries carried out under the discipline of Tese/Dissertação/Estágio in the Master Degree Computer Science - area of expertise in Arquitecturas Sistemas e Redes, in Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). The JavaScript language is increasingly present in the development of software and particularly software for the web environment. For this reason there is a need to investigate the issue, as the platforms that are emerging in the market have a very low level of maturity compared to existing, it is crucial to identify the main differences so that we can save time, labor and other costs in research and experimentation developers. This project aims to inform a range of platforms and existing JavaScript libraries on the market. For further investigation, a study of use cases used at this point in the market was held. To assist the work were used qualitative research methods through the existing content of research related to the area, and quantitative research methods. It was thus conducted a survey sent via email to fifty regular users of the language, platforms, and JavaScript libraries, linking the functional and non-functional characteristics of the platforms and existing use cases in the market, in order to realize what is the use of these tools in his professional life. This study allowed developers to access information that will be compared and evaluated in order to achieve a more precise evaluation of the various analyzed platforms. It was also made an evaluation of adaptation of the various platforms to the various use cases.