Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-07-29"
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- A company-basedvView on sustainable packaging orientationPublication . Duarte, Paulo; Ribeiro, Maria Inês; Silva, Susana C.; Pinhal, Rúben; Estima, AnaThis study aims to understand how companies address and integrate sustainability challenges in packaging design, as well as the motivations and processes that influence managers’ decisions when adopting sustainable practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from five major Portuguese companies to gather qualitative data on the motivations and processes related to sustainable packaging strategies and actions. The list of questions was developed based on the literature review, from which the dimensions to be analyzed were identified. The results indicate that several factors influence companies’ decisions regarding sustainability in packaging. Despite some factors being beyond the control of companies, the interviews reveal that companies possess the necessary knowledge and are committed to adopting more sustainable packaging.
- Cognitive impairment in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy: a scoping reviewPublication . Barreira, João Vasco; Barreira, Pedro; Falcão, Gil; Garcez, Daniela; Silva, Pedro; Santos, Gustavo; Fontes-Sousa, Mário; Mendes, José Leão; Reis, Filipa; Santos, Carla F.; Ribeiro, Filipa; Capelas, Manuel LuísBackground: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a primary treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) that effectively reduces androgen levels to suppress tumor progression. However, growing evidence suggests potential cognitive side effects, raising concerns about the long-term neurological consequences of this treatment. Objective: This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing evidence linking ADT to cognitive changes in men with PCa, identifying the key cognitive domains affected and outlining gaps in the existing literature. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies investigating cognitive function in ADT-treated PCa patients were included, covering randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies. The extracted data included the study design, evaluated cognitive characteristics, measurement tools, and overall findings. Results: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cognitive assessments varied across studies. While some studies reported cognitive impairments in ADT-treated patients—particularly in working, verbal, and visual memory and executive function—others found no significant effects. The variability in prostate cancer staging, epidemiological study designs, and treatment regimens; the exclusion of comorbid conditions; and the differences in assessment tools, sample sizes, and study durations hinder definitive conclusions about the cognitive effects of ADT. Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the heterogeneous and often contradictory evidence regarding ADT-associated cognitive dysfunction. While certain cognitive domains may be affected, methodological inconsistencies limit robust conclusions. Standardized cognitive assessments and longer longitudinal studies are required to clarify ADT’s role in cognitive decline. As the PCa survival rate increases with extended ADT use, integrating routine cognitive monitoring into clinical practice should be considered for PCa patients.
- Leading service-learning in management education: a frameworkPublication . Veiga, Pedro Mota; Ferreira, António Mendes; Ribeiro, Célia; Passos, Clotilde; Correia, Maria José; Ribeiro, Paulo; Figueiredo, Vitor; Ribeiro, Luísa Mota; Themudo, CarmoThe adoption of Service-Learning in higher education institutions has emerged as one of the contemporary teaching and learning methodologies. In these contexts, cooperation processes implemented between institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations turn out to be mutually beneficial. Despite the high volume of research on the adoption of Service-Learning, research is scarce on the role of Service-Learning in management courses. Thus, this study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to reflect on approaches to the implementation of Service-Learning in management courses. The process of systematic literature consisted of a review of protocol development, identification of inclusion and exclusion criteria for relevant publications, data extraction, and synthesis. Data were collected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search resulted in 89 articles, with publication dates between 1996 and 2022. Based on the findings of the systematic literature review, we developed a conceptual framework that relates to the existing research on Service-Learning in management courses. We evaluated the applicability of the conceptual model by analyzing the implementation of four projects with the Service-Learning methodology in subjects of the Degree in Management, taught at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Viseu. The research concludes with the definition of strategies for the implementation of Service-Learning in management education.
- Simplified, high yielding extraction of xylan/xylo-oligosaccharides from palmaria palmata: the importance of the algae preservation treatmentPublication . Coelho, Diogo; Costa, Diogo Félix; Barroca, Mário; Cunha, Sara Alexandra; Pintado, Maria Manuela; Abreu, Helena; Martins, Margarida; Collins, TonyThe complex plant cell wall heteropolysaccharide xylan, and its breakdown products xylo-oligosaccharides and xylose, are value-added compounds with a plethora of potential applications in diverse areas. They are nonetheless currently poorly exploited, with a major bottleneck being the unavailability of efficient, low-cost, high-yield production processes. The major objective of the present study is to identify and characterise a high-yield process for the preparation of highly pure xylan/XOS products from the macroalga Palmaria palmata. Currently, most xylan is extracted from land-sourced lignocellulosic feedstocks, but we take advantage of the high xylan content, xylan aqueous solubility, lignin-free nature, weakly linked cell wall matrix, and sustainability of the macroalga to identify a simple, sustainable, high-yield, novel-xylan-structure extraction process. This is composed of five steps: alga oven drying, milling, aqueous extraction, centrifugation, and dialysis, and we show that the alga preservation step plays a critical role in component extractability, with oven drying at high temperatures, ~100 °C, enhancing the subsequent aqueous extraction process, and providing for xylan yields as high as 80% of a highly pure (~90%) xylan product. The process developed herein and the insights gained will promote a greater availability of these bioactive compounds and open up their application potential.
- Empowering women in decision-making about mobility during labor: insights from expertsPublication . Lopes, Marlene I.; Vieira, Margarida; Cardoso, AlexandrinaINTRODUCTION: Allowing freedom of movement and positions during labor facilitates safe progression, improves maternal and neonatal outcomes, and contributes to a positive birth experience for women and their partners. Childbirth preparation aims to empower women by equipping them with skills and confidence to manage labor actively and knowledgeably. However, in many hospital settings, women's mobility remains restricted. This study explores expert perspectives on the core components of an intervention designed to promote women's autonomy and active participation during labor, to be implemented by nurse-midwives within Childbirth Preparation Programs in primary healthcare. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in February 2024 in Portugal, using a focus group composed of ten nurse-midwives recognized as experts in childbirth preparation. The session was recorded and analyzed through content analysis, guided by the Theory of Emancipated Decision-Making in Women's Healthcare. RESULTS: Nine women and one man participated, aged 34-64 years, representing primary healthcare, hospitals, and academia. Six key themes emerged from the analysis: the intentionality behind the intervention; understanding the meanings and expectations women hold about their birth experience; empowering women by providing knowledge and skills; raising awareness of social norms that may influence women's decisions and actions; encouraging women to reflect on their options; and fostering woman-centered care. CONCLUSIONS: The experts emphasized the importance of promoting mobility during labor to enhance perinatal outcomes and the childbirth experience. Empowering women through experiential learning, fostering reflection, supporting informed choices, and ensuring continuity of care through collaborative professional practices were identified as essential strategies for effective intervention.
- Stroke and spinal cord injury induced by psychoactive substance use in drug addiction: a systematic literature reviewPublication . Moreira, Diana; Pereira, Celina; Cruz, Marta; Dias, Paulo C.; Leite, ÂngelaIntroduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic brain conditions with significant neurological consequences, yet the specific neurological effects of psychoactive substances remain insufficiently characterized. This systematic review investigates the neurological sequelae and comorbidities associated with psychoactive substance abuse. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we addressed the question: What are the neurological effects and comorbidities of psychoactive substance use in addiction? A search of EBSCO, Web of Science, and PubMed identified 330 articles (1967–2023), with 13 studies meeting inclusion criteria after rigorous screening. Results: Stimulants, opioids, cannabis, and hallucinogens were linked to stroke, with risk modulated by substance purity, administration routes (e.g., intravenous use), and polysubstance combinations. Opioids contributed to ischemic strokes via cardiac arrhythmias and haemorrhagic strokes through vasculitis or hypertension. Current substance users exhibited a 13.8% stroke incidence and higher mortality. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) were associated with pre-injury opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use, worsening post-injury complications such as infections and poor rehabilitation outcomes. Demographically, younger individuals with SCI reported higher cocaine and hallucinogen use, while older adults showed greater tobacco and alcohol dependence. Conclusions: Psychoactive substance use elevates risks of stroke and SCI through neurotoxic, vascular, and behavioral mechanisms. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated clinical models that address addiction and neurological comorbidities simultaneously. Multidisciplinary approaches, combining neurology and addiction care, are critical to mitigating long-term disability. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to unravel chronic neurodegenerative outcomes and refine harm-reduction strategies. This work advocates for policy reforms to expand access to evidence-based SUD treatments, particularly in underserved populations.
- O consentimento não se compra : reflexões sobre o crime de lenocínio e a criminalização do pagamento por atos sexuaisPublication . Marques, Sofia Alexandra Henriques da Cunha; Tavares, Sandra Flávia Correia BatistaA presente dissertação consubstancia um conjunto de reflexões acerca da criminalização do pagamento por atos sexuais no ordenamento jurídico português, com o objetivo de discutir e investigar a eventual criminalização do agente que paga por atos sexuais, com enfoque na análise do fenómeno prostitucional em Portugal e procurando determinar quais os possíveis impactos desta punição. Neste sentido, a abordagem inicial do fenómeno centrar-se-á no estudo da prostituição e sua evolução, bem como nos vários modelos jurídico-políticos que a enquadram. De seguida, faremos a análise, em particular, do crime de lenocínio, previsto pelo artigo 169.º do Código Penal, única conduta relacionada com a atividade prostitucional de maiores punida criminalmente. Estudaremos a norma e sua evolução legal, bem como a controvérsia doutrinal e jurisprudencial sobre o bem jurídico tutelado no n.º 1 da presente norma, que pune o lenocínio simples. De seguida, passaremos para a reflexão em torno da criminalização do pagamento por atos sexuais e seus impactos. O fenómeno divide, até aos dias de hoje, a comunidade internacional, pelo que procuraremos também identificar as linhas gerais associadas às diferentes posições legais, dando enfoque aos ordenamentos jurídicos sueco e francês. A reflexão desenvolvida evidenciará, ainda, a necessidade de análise do papel da pessoa prostituída, bem como condições da sua vitimação perante o ato prostitucional. As conclusões resultantes da análise efetuada evidenciarão a importância do debate em torno da criminalização do pagamento por atos sexuais, com vista a analisar a sua pertinência e necessidade, bem como o seu impacto na pessoa prostituída.
- Punição e dignidade : considerações sobre a pena de prisão e a realidade prisionalPublication . Gaspar, Renata Inês Mano; Tavares, Sandra Flávia Correia BatistaA presente dissertação avalia a interseção entre a punição e o princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana, com especial foco na pena de prisão e nas condições do sistema prisional português. Inicia-se a investigação com uma abordagem etimológica e histórica do conceito da pena de prisão, avançando para a discussão das teorias da prevenção geral e especial. Ainda que a legislação penal, nomeadamente o artigo 40.º do CP, defenda a reintegração social como um dos objetivos fundamentais da pena, a taxa de reincidência e a persistência de condições indignas nos estabelecimentos prisionais revelam uma dissonância entre o ideal normativo e a realidade. Propõe-se uma reforma da política penitenciária, através do reforço das medidas não privativas da liberdade, investimento em condições dignas nos estabelecimentos prisionais, visando alcançar um sistema cumpridor das finalidades preventivas da pena, sem comprometer a dignidade da pessoa humana.
- Entre o sim e o não : o inimigo invisível do consentimento: reflexões sobre o stealthingPublication . Ramos, Catarina Alexandra Brás; Tavares, Sandra Flávia Correia BatistaA presente dissertação tem como proposta a discussão dos casos de stealthing, sucintamente caracterizados pela remoção ou manipulação do preservativo, sem que a vítima tenha consentido. Dada a aparente falta de resposta legislativa, o principal objetivo passou pela análise das possíveis soluções apresentadas pela doutrina, e compreender, até que ponto são adequadas, ou se há necessidade de ajustar a lei à realidade dos tempos mais atuais. Para alguns stealthing é uma violação à luz da lei atual, para outros a norma portuguesa não é satisfatória, e por isso são propostas alternativas como: alteração da norma, criação de um tipo específico ou ainda, alargar a fraude sexual para que abranja estes casos. Terminou por se concluir que a nossa legislação não é satisfatória da forma como está redigida, pois não responde sem hesitações e impedimentos a estes fenómenos. O mais acertado seria adequar o texto do crime de violação às exigências da Convenção de Istambul, considerando a ausência de consentimento como critério fundamental para a caracterização da violência sexual.