Biblioteca Digital do IPB
Publications Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança
Recent Submissions
Editorial: Training load in sport: current challenges and future perspectives
Publication . Branquinho, Luís; Miguel Forte, Pedro; França, Elias de; Ferraz, Ricardo; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Thomatieli-Santos, Ronaldo
Training load is a critical component of athletic development, serving as a
fundamental determinant of performance enhancement and injury prevention (1).
Factors such as training intensity, volume, frequency, and density must be carefully
managed to promote positive adaptations in athletes (2). The concept of training load is
not merely a measure of the amount of work performed, it is a complex interplay of
factors that can significantly influence an athlete’s performance trajectory (3).
Understanding how to optimize training load is essential to maximizing athletic
performance while minimizing the risks of excessive fatigue, injury, and overtraining,
which can negatively impact an athlete’s performance and ability to compete and train
effectively, as well as overall health (1).
FSC Certification in the Sustainability Management Control Systems: A Case Study of Four Wood Trading Companies
Publication . Leite, Joaquim; Ribeiro, Vânia; Carmo, Cecília
There are many management indicators on sustainability, but it is important to better understand the practices and the underlying reasons for including the monitoring of forestry certificates in management control. The purpose of this paper is to examine how and why Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is incorporated into sustainability management control systems (MCSs). FSC certification serves as a credible tool for companies to demonstrate their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing stakeholder confidence. The literature review centers on the concepts of FSC certification and sustainability MCSs. A multiple case study methodology was employed, focusing on four companies in the wood and wood-based product sector, particularly those with forestry certifications like FSC. Data were collected from documents published online by the companies studied, followed by a content analysis typical of qualitative research. The results show that the companies studied integrate FSC certification into their MCSs through diverse practices (how?) driven by sustainability motivations (why?). These firms adopt and promote sustainable initiatives, embedding FSC principles into their systems for performance monitoring and assessment. The findings indicate that companies in this sector not only adopt sustainable practices but also prioritize sharing information about these efforts. Practically, it was observed that retail businesses dealing with wood and wood-based products incorporate seven out of the ten FSC principles into their management systems. This reflects a significant level of integration of FSC certification within the MCSs of the analyzed companies.
Implementation of +PERTO® in rehabilitation for total Knee arthroplasty: a pilot study
Publication . Araújo, Tiago Emanuel Soares de; Rodrigues, Elsa Paula Santos; Files, Ana Raquel Varejão; Ventura-Silva, João Miguel Almeida; Mendes, Jorge Eduardo Ferreira; Novo, André; Ribeiro, Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes
Background/Objectives: Total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a prevalent treatment modality for degenerative knee diseases. Nevertheless, the success of the intervention is contingent on effective rehabilitation. The +PERTO® program (a Technological Rehabilitation Nursing Program) was developed as a mobile application comprising three phases to support patients during the perioperative period by providing exercises, information, and direct communication with healthcare professionals. The present study aims to evaluate the effects and usability of the +PERTO® program in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Methods: In 2024, a hospital in northern Portugal conducted a pilot trial with eleven patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty. Researchers collected data both before surgery and six weeks after discharge. To evaluate effectiveness, software satisfaction, and usability, they used several assessment tools, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), SF-36v2, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), QSEnf-10, and System Usability Scale (SUS). Researchers analyzed the data using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The hospital’s ethics committee and board of directors approved the study. Results: There was a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.041) and improvement in knee functionality (p = 0.010), physical performance (p = 0.038), and quality of life (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was high (QSEnf-10: 3.8/4), and the usability of +PERTO® was considered excellent (SUS: 96.6/100). Conclusions: The +PERTO® program proved to be an effective and innovative solution to support rehabilitation after TKA, promoting improvements in pain, functionality, and quality of life. This digital program stands out for its high rate of usability and its ability to modernize healthcare by providing a patient-centered approach.
Data Engineering Roadmap for Implementing Business Intelligence in Higher Education
Publication . Sequeira, Romeu; Reis, Arsénio; Branco, Frederico; Alves, Paulo
This article addresses the implementation of
Business Intelligence (BI) systems in Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs), focusing on developing an appropriate data
architecture that meets the specificities and requirements of this
sector. With the rapid advance of information technologies,
HEIs face the growing challenge of managing a considerable
volume of data, making it essential to implement BI systems that
support informed and efficient decision-making. Using the
Design Science Research methodology, this study proposes a BI
architecture model that aligns technologies with HEIs' academic
and administrative needs and facilitates their integration and
ongoing maintenance. The model is designed to be flexible and
scalable, allowing adaptations as institutional needs evolve. The
article describes the architecture development process, from
initial planning to implementation, and discusses how this
framework can significantly improve data management and the
quality of decision-making processes in educational institutions.
The research offers practical and theoretical insights for
academics and managers seeking to optimize the use of BI in
educational contexts.
Sewage sludge showed high agronomic value, releasing nitrogen faster than farmyard manure
Publication . Dimande, Paulo; Arrobas, Margarida; Correia, Carlos Manuel; Rodrigues, Manuel
The use of fertilizers in agriculture, particularly organic fertilizers such as sewage sludge, is a key research priority due to its impacts on crop productivity, production costs, environmental risks and the push for a more circular economy. This study, conducted in Bragan & ccedil;a, northeastern Portugal, focused on forage maize during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Eight fertilization treatments were established corresponding to the application of mineral nitrogen (N) at rates of 50 (N50), 100 (N100), 150 (N150) and 200 (N200) kg ha(-1), three organic amendments applied at a rate equivalent to 200 kg ha(-1) of N, namely sewage sludge (SS200), cow manure (CM200) and sheep manure (SM200), and a non-fertilized control (N0), with the aim of assessing the agronomic value of these treatments for forage maize (Zea mays L.). Maize dry matter yield (DMY) ranged from 10.8 to 20.3 t ha(-1) in 2022 and 13.7 to 23.6 t ha(-1) in 2023 for N0 and N200, respectively. Organic amendments produced 14.7-17.7 t ha(-1) in 2022 and 20.5-24.4 t ha(-1 )in 2023. Increased mineral N rates resulted in higher soil inorganic N content, N concentration in leaves and N recovery in tissues, with organic amendments showing lower values than crops fertilized with N200. However, due to cumulative nutrient release, organic amendments improved DMY and N use efficiency in the second year. Sewage sludge mineralized rapidly due to its low carbon (C)/N ratio and absence of hard-to-degrade compounds. It is also rich in phosphorus (P), enhancing its fertilizing value. Although nitrate leaching and denitrification potential appeared lower with organic amendments, long-term applications may increase risks, requiring careful monitoring to ensure sustainable and safe practices.