District Of Braga Research Articles

Assessment of The Efficiency of The Territorial Administrative Reorganization of The Parishes of The District of Braga

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify whether the reorganization of parishes carried out in Portugal, in the District of Braga, in 2013, is the one that enhances the greatest efficiency gains. Theoretical framework: The study is based on the relationship between financial sustainability, efficiency, and territory, seeking the optimal dimension of the local power unit. Methodology: The study is based on the Data Envelopment Analysis method, using data from the parishes of the district of Braga in two moments, the year 2012 and the year 2015. For this year, a new territorial reorganization was also proposed and analysed. Results and Conclusions: The reform increased efficiency in 10 of the 14 municipalities. However, it was possible to observe that a reorganization that gives the parishes a larger size, that is, closer to the average seen in the European Union, would bring average efficiency gains in all municipalities. Thus, it is concluded that the reform of the parishes carried out in 2013 in the district of Braga is not the one that allows greater efficiency, since this can be enhanced if they benefit from a larger geographical scale. Research implications: The research contributes to the knowledge of the efficiency of territorial reforms, namely, regarding the impact of the dimension in this context, as well as to the evaluation of the public policy adopted, allowing the public decision-maker to make a sound and sustained decision. Originality/value: This study is original because it studies smaller units of local government, the parishes, on which research is very incipient, namely in Portugal.

Inventorying tourist resources: Assessment of the tourist potential of Vieira do Minho

This research aims to give an account of the process of inventorying tourist resources of the municipality of Vieira do Minho, located in the district of Braga, in the northwest of Portugal. Specifically, the natural, gastronomic, folkloric, handicraft resources, as well as events were analysed. The justification underlying this study lies in the absence perceived in the municipality, with regard to a complete and detailed cataloguing of all tourist resources. This entailed the creation of an inventory, where it was possible to make a “radiograph” of the existing tourist resources. Thus, some research questions guide our study: (1) How attractive are the tourist resources in Vieira do Minho? (2) What singularity do these resources present? (3) How can we classify Vieira do Minho’s tourist resources according to their notoriety? The potential of a tourist destination is defined by the importance and characteristics of the tourist resources, so its identification is essential for its development process. Each tourist resource examined in this inventory was evaluated, ensuring the most truthful and authentic assessment possible, so that, in this way, some gaps in terms of conservation and preservation of these resources can be filled. This inventory is a tool to make it possible to design and outline plans to boost tourism in the municipality of Vieira do Minho. The survey of resources was based on bibliographical research and empirical research, embodied in the stocktaking of all possible resources according to the following classification: attractiveness (international, national, regional, local and null), uniqueness (good, average and common), notoriety (high, average and low), as well as the quality of accessibility. The results presented in this work allow both the visitor and the Municipality of Vieira do Minho to enjoy detailed information and knowledge of the various tourist resources available in this destination. The present study, by carrying out an inventory and classification of tourist resources in Vieira do Minho, will contribute to transforming the local tourist heritage into resources and products likely to meet the needs of the market segments that choose Vieira do Minho as a destination for their holidays.

Strategies to improve destination accessibility: The Case of Vieira do Minho

This paper makes a critical analysis of the accessibility, especially for people with reduced mobility, of the most relevant tourist resources in the town of Vieira do Minho, a municipality belonging to the district of Braga, located in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The research presented here aims to increase the quality of local tourist attractions, presenting strategies aimed at improving the accessibility of these attractions by people with reduced mobility. It is also intended to answer the following research questions: (1) how accessible are the tourist resources in Vieira do Minho? (2) What are the conditions offered by the various points of tourist interest in the village of Vieira do Minho? (3) What are the barriers that prevent people with reduced mobility from enjoying tourism in this destination? (4) What strategies can be implemented in the various points of tourist interest to enhance accessibility for all people? The methodology used was the structured observation of accessibility conditions in the main cultural spaces, green spaces, gardens, accommodation and restaurants in Vieira do Minho. It is therefore a matter of systematically observing and recording a set of previously established categories. The results of the investigation make it clear that the municipality of Vieira do Minho is on the right path to become, in the near future, a fully accessible destination for people with reduced mobility. Nevertheless, the present investigation detected some gaps, namely in leisure parks, accommodation units, municipal swimming pools, exhibition houses, among others. In order to become a destination of excellence, in terms of accessible tourism, Vieira do Minho will still have to make some improvements to the tourist offer it has, such as installing ramps and elevators, but also improving the quality of the floors in the tourist resources mentioned in this project.

Identification of the Bacterial Pathogens in Children with Otitis Media: A Study in the Northwestern Portuguese District of Braga.

Understanding the bacterial etiology of otitis media (OM) is important when designing and evaluating the best course of treatment. This study analyzed middle ear fluid (MEF) and nasopharynx (NP) samples collected from 49 children with OM undergoing myringotomy in the northwestern Portuguese district of Braga. A correlation between species in the NP and MEF was observed following pathogen detection by culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods. Bacterial identification using culturing methods showed that Moraxella catarrhalis was the most representative in NP and MEF, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, qPCR of MEF showed a higher prevalence (61%) of Haemophilus influenzae. S. pneumoniae was not the most frequently identified species, but it still remains one of the leading causes of OM in this region despite 93.9% of the children being vaccinated with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Furthermore, 46% of the samples analyzed by qPCR identified more than two bacterial species. M. catarrhalis and S. pneumoniae were the most frequent combination identified in NP and MEF samples by culturing methods. Additionally, a few NP and MEF samples simultaneously presented the three main otopathogens. These results point out that polymicrobial infections play an important role in OM. Further studies characterizing the serotypes of the strains isolated, their resistance profile, and their biofilm forming ability would help in the development of more targeted strategies against otitis media.

MO057REGIONAL IMPORTANCE OF FIBRINOGEN A Α-CHAIN MUTATION ON RENAL AMYLOIDOSIS

Abstract Background and Aims Renal amyloidosis include amyloid A (AA) and light chain (AL) as well as amyloidogenic leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 (ALECT2) and numerous hereditary forms. After identifying amyloidosis by its suggestive pale pink amorphous appearance in optic microscopy (OM) and Congo red positivity, a correct diagnosis of the amyloidogenic precursor protein is determinant to establish prognosis and treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) studies use a limited number of antibodies to detect specific epitopes and may be difficult to interpret. The gold standard has become proteomics but laser microdissection and mass spectroscopy are not routinely available. Other options include electron microscopy with immunogold staining and complementary exams such as scintigraphy with 99mTc-DPD to detect transthyretin-related amyloidosis. Since the cause of amyloidosis vary among regions, analyzing local patterns can help establish a diagnostic procedure. We aimed at describing cases of kidney amyloidosis identified by biopsy during a 4-year interval and discuss possible implication for future diagnosis. Method We analyzed our kidney biopsy database and selected all cases of renal amyloidosis collecting clinical, laboratory and imaging data. Results From January 2016 until December 2019, 194 kidney biopsies were performed at the Hospital of Braga in the Portuguese province of Minho. Among these, 8 (4.1%) revealed amyloidosis. Mean age was 63.8±9.2 years of age, 5 were female, 6 were referred for nephrotic syndrome and 2 for what seemed like acute kidney injury. Mean creatinine at presentation was 3.2±2.3mg/dL. Among them, 2 had AL amyloidosis with light chain restriction by IF, 1 had AA amyloidosis with intense IHC stain and 5 patients had non-AL and non-AA forms of amyloidosis. Of these, 3 had probable fibrinogen A alpha-chain (AFib) amyloidosis, after a heterozygous mutation FGA p.Glu545Val was detected, 1, who did not have IHC performed, was assumed as having AA amyloidosis due to a history of serious recurrent infections and 1 is still under study. Four performed scintigraphy with 99mTc-DPD which was negative. The 2 patients with AL amyloidosis had, by OM, in one case glomerular and tubulointerstitial and on the other, glomerular and vascular involvement and, by IF, both had k light chain restriction. Both had additional cardiac and neurovegetative involvement, were treated with cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone and oral doxycycline with complete hematologic response and stabilization of kidney function. In 1 case, proteinuria only showed a slow decline 2 years after treatment. The 2 patients with AA amyloidosis had glomerular, vascular and tubular deposits. One had bronchiectasis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and the other had common variable immunodeficiency with recurrent gastrointestinal and urinary infections with frequent bacteremia. None of them had confirmed extra-renal involvement, although the latter had hepatic fibrosis awaiting biopsy. Both progressed to dialysis soon after diagnosis. The 3 patients with AFib amyloidosis all had glomerular amyloidosis with additional amyloid deposition at tubular, vascular and both respectively. Two had had an increased creatinine and subnephrotic proteinuria for some years whereas 1 had kidney function decline and nephrotic syndrome in the course of few months. All were hypertensive and none had evident extra-renal deposits. Conclusion Identifying the amyloidogenic precursor may be difficult. Algorithms for diagnosis may vary according to local prevalence of specific types and available resources. AFib amyloidosis was very significant in our series. It was also described in 4.5% of hemodialysis patients in the district of Braga making it one of the first causes of amyloidosis in our region. This high prevalence may justify early genetic testing for the specific mutation in non-AL and non-AA forms.

Metodologias de ensino na educação em sexualidade: desafios para a formação contínua

Currently no theory or model dominates the research and practice in sexuality education (ES), which is often implemented without any theoretical background. The different teaching methodologies applied value specific theoretical constructs, used intentionally or not, by teachers when they resort to specific pedagogical methods and techniques. Thus, this research aims to understand the practices of teachers to develop guidelines for their in-service training on ES. A semi-structured interview was applied to a teacher from each School Network, in a random representative sample of the District of Braga, Portugal (n = 43). It was observed that the themes / problems addressed in secondary education, while more focused on critical thinking and the deconstruction of stereotypes related to sexuality than in the third cycle, also continued to be mainly included the lack of knowledge about reproductive health. The main methods applied, based on constructivism and active learning were the active lecturing and discussion methods. The triangulation of the themes and methodology used allowed us to infer that most of the teachers did not use an explicit theoretical framework but valued constructs of the Cognitive Social Theory and Ecological Model. These results show that it is important in teacher training: to deepen knowledge about the different interdisciplinary themes / problems of human sexuality and theoretical models; to reflect on the practice to improve pedagogical content knowledge.

Risk level reduction in construction sites: Towards a computer aided methodology – A case study

There has been increased concern in the evaluation of risk in the construction field and it is common to have it performed for every task, function and machine. Nonetheless this commonly used approach does not take into account most of the intrinsic variables inherent to a site construction and hence several factors reported in literature, as well as experience based analysis, suggest that spatial and temporal variables have a strong influence on risk level distribution. To evaluate the impact of these factors a study was conducted concerning the simultaneity of risks in the construction of an Aged People Hostel, in the district of Braga, Portugal. A method was developed in order to reduce peaks of previously estimated risk levels through the reorganization of tasks in time and space attaining a substantial reduction in peak risk tasks. This study, along with the increasing availability of computing tools pertaining to the construction area, demonstrates the necessity for the development of new strategies regarding integrated risk management and planning during the project phase that substantially mitigate risk peaks during construction.

Unrecognized Fibrinogen A α-Chain Amyloidosis: Results From Targeted Genetic Testing

Fibrinogen A α-chain (AFib) amyloidosis results from autosomal-dominant mutations in the gene encoding AFib (FGA). Patients with this disorder typically present with proteinuria. Isolated cases of AFib amyloidosis, carrying the FGA p.Glu545Val variant, were identified in the district of Braga, in northwest Portugal. This observation led us to hypothesize that this disorder might be an unrecognized cause of kidney disease in that region and prompted us to carry out targeted genetic testing for the p.Glu545Val variant in the local hemodialysis population and family members of identified cases. Case series. 3 groups of participants: (1) kidney biopsy registry, n=4; (2) hemodialysis facility, n=122 of 267 patients; and (3) genetically at-risk individuals; n=69 of 167 family members. Kidney disease, kidney disease progression, and survival. The p.Glu545Val variant was identified in all 4 patients of the biopsy registry, 12 of 122 (9.8%) hemodialysis patients tested, and 34 of 69 (49%) relatives tested. These 50 cases belonged to 13 unrelated families with kidney disease or amyloidosis identified in 61% of probands. 35 individuals presented with hypertension at a mean of 51.0±10.4 years. Of these, 30 developed kidney disease at a mean of 56.7±12.0 years, and 21 initiated dialysis therapy at a mean of 61.4±11.3 years. Heart, liver, spleen, colon, and ileum were involved along the progression of the disease. Kidney disease was formerly attributed to hypertension in 25% of patients with AFib amyloidosis undergoing hemodialysis. Retrospective data collection for patients with amyloidosis previously diagnosed. AFib amyloidosis appears to be an under-recognized disorder in Braga, Portugal, where we found a high frequency of the FGA p.Glu545Val variant. Due to the nonspecific nature of its major clinical features, the diagnosis of AFib amyloidosis should have a high index of suspicion, particularly in populations in which hypertension is prevalent.

The integration of certified Management Systems. Case study - organizations located at the district of Braga, Portugal

The aim of this investigation, whose strategy and methods took into account the case study, was to obtain relevant information that in several perspectives would enable the characterization of the integration of certified Management Systems of Organizations located in the district of Braga, Portugal. For this purpose, a survey by questionnaire was carried out to 170 organizations of different activities. 21 valid questionnaires were received, which represent the sample of the research work. Among the main findings related to the purpose of this research highlights: the characterization of Organizations located at the district of Braga with more than one certified Management System and their level of integration; the approach and used models to support the integration; and the Critical Success Factors identified preventively by Organizations to better ensure the successful implementation of the Integrated Management Systems. Globally the Organizations do not use any model for Integrated Management Systems and in terms of Critical Success Factors the most relevant ones identified were: organizational culture, and commitment and leadership. The least relevant were: the management policies, and human and materials resources.

Viver a (e para) aprender: uma intervenção-ação para a promoção do envelhecimento ativo

A intervenção aqui descrita teve como objetivo contribuir para o envelhecimento ativo de usuários de centros-dia/convívio para idosos, desenvolvendo harmoniosamente todas suas dimensões, visando que os utentes fossem autônomos, participativos e ativos. Recorrendo ao paradigma interpretativo-hermenêutico, apoiamo-nos num trabalho de investigação-ação participativa, construído e implementado em dois centros-dia/convívio do conselho da Póvoa de Lanhoso, distrito de Braga, Portugal, e que contou com um total de 25 usuários: 12 no centro de convívio A e 13 no centro de convívio B. O objetivo foi transversal a todas as atividades implementadas, tendo sido alcançado como revelam os resultados satisfatórios obtidos na avaliação da intervenção (e de cada uma das atividades). A avaliação contínua e final permitiu, igualmente, aferir que todas as atividades desenvolvidas foram do agrado dos usuários e que todas lhes possibilitaram novos conhecimentos que os ajudaram na sua vida diária, aumentando, consequentemente, sua qualidade de vida e tornando-os mais autônomos, participativos e ativos.

MS Prevalence and Patients' Characteristics in the District of Braga, Portugal.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the Central Nervous System causing inflammation and neurodegeneration. There are only 3 epidemiological studies in Portugal, 2 in the Centre and 1 in the North, and there is the need to further study MS epidemiology in this country. The objective of this work is to contribute to the MS epidemiological knowledge in Portugal, describing the patients' epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics in the Braga district of Portugal. This is a cross-sectional study of 345 patients followed in two hospitals of Braga district. These hospitals cover a resident population of 866,012 inhabitants. The data was collected from the clinical records, and 31/12/2009 was established as the prevalence day. For all MS patients, demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes are reported. We have found an incidence of 2.74/100,000 and a prevalence of 39.82/100,000 inhabitants. Most patients have an EDSS of 3 or lower and a mean age of 42 years. The diagnosis was done at mean age of 35, with RRMS being the disease type in more than 80% of patients. In this cohort, we found a female : male ratio of 1.79. More than 50% of patients are treated with Interferon β-1b IM or IFNβ-1a SC 22 μg.

O Perfil esperado de um Professor de Contabilidade: uma análise a partir dos estudantes da cidade de Barcelos – Portugal

Na Europa a Declaração de Bolonha possibilitou a integração entre os 30 Estados-Membros, facilitando o ingresso no ensino superior e também ampliando as oportunidades de intercâmbio entre as universidades. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar a percepção dos alunos portugueses quanto à competência necessária ao julgamento de um bom professor. Justifica-se o estudo face à necessidade constante de formar melhores Contadores e logo, também, melhores professores da área Contábil. Para a concretização deste trabalho, foi aplicado um questionário a 127 alunos de uma instituição de ensino localizada na Cidade de Barcelos, no distrito de Braga. O questionário buscou mensurar a importância de cinco competências, atribuídas pelos alunos aos docentes, combinados de maneira a formar doze perfis distintos. Foi concluído que a competência docente e experiência de mercado são os atributos de melhor e pior avaliação. Já, quanto ao perfil, um "bom professor", no julgamento dos respondentes, é aquele docente que possui uma boa didática, um próximo relacionamento com os alunos, muita experiência de mercado, pouca exigência e amplo conhecimento teórico.

Antropometria e ergonomia no design para cadeirante desportista

Este artigo resulta da pesquisa realizada com uma equipe de jogadores de basquetebol em cadeira de rodas da Associação Portuguesa de Deficientes – APD – Delegação Distrital de Braga, em Portugal, que investigou o design ideal de vestuário para desportistas cadeirantes. O estudo apresenta a importância da utilização da antropometria e ergonomia no design e modelagem do vestuário para pessoas com necessidades especiais motoras.

Stone Materials, Constructions Techniques and Alterations in Historic Buildings: Examples from Minas Gerais, in Brazil and from the Braga and Viseu Districts in Portugal

The use of stone materials in constructions and in the art of sculpture in Brazil, as well as the related constructions techniques employed, was strongly influenced by Portugal between the mid-sixteenth century and the early nineteenth century. One of those techniques consisted of erecting the whole constructions using stone materials, without the use of mortar, by solely juxtaposing smaller and larger stones. Some remaining buildings and descriptions dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century, involving the use of carved stone in “mineiro” – or Minas Gerais – constructions, known as minhota, or made in the fashion of Minho, bear proof to the use of that technique and, specially, to the influence this ancient Portuguese province had on the constructing style and on the way of working the stones in Minas Gerais. However, when we consider the frequency with which that technique was used, there is evidence that the use of “stone blocks” was much more common in certain regions of Portugal such as in constructions situated in the district of Braga, in the old province of Minho. Also from Portugal, from the old province of Beira Alta, there should be considered beautiful examples of constructions featuring the use of the dry stone technique which involved utilizing blocks of granitic rock as those seen in the Viseu district. In addition to the description of the stone materials utilized in these buildings, both Brazilian and Portuguese, and in the production of several sculptural elements associated with some of these architectural sets, evidence is provided which shows the occurrence of very similar deterioration processes which are responsible for the imprinting of certain features into these cultural assets, identified by the loss of materials and formation of crusts due to biological colonizations.

O momento da avaliação na intervenção precoce: o envolvimento da família estudo das qualidades psicométricas do ASQ-2 dos 30 aos 60 meses

A relação entre pais e profissionais de saúde e de educação é fundamental para o desenvolvimento da criança. Esta se torna ainda mais essencial em crianças que apresentam risco de desenvolvimento. Essa mesma relação é valorizada numa abordagem centrada na família tendo implicações significativas nas práticas nos diferentes contextos e na sua aplicabilidade, exigindo que os profissionais assumam novos papéis e que aprendam novas competências no trabalho com as famílias. Estas competências concretizam-se nos primeiros contactos com a família desde o momento da avaliação até à efetiva prestação de serviços. A realização deste estudo surgiu da necessidade constatada de envolver os pais desde o primeiro momento do processo em intervenção precoce através de um instrumento formal e de simples aplicação. O ASQ-2 é constituído por 19 questionários divididos por diferentes idades entre os quatro e os 60 meses. Cada questionário é composto por 30 itens divididos pelas áreas de desenvolvimento comunicação, motricidade global, motricidade fina, resolução de problemas e pessoal-social. Este trabalho constitui a análise dos questionários dos 30 aos 60 meses para observar as qualidades psicométricas do ASQ, tendo sido aplicados a uma amostra de conveniência de 127 famílias do distrito de Braga. Foi possível verificar que o ASQ-2 traduzido apresenta resultados atraentes o que significa que poderá vir a ser utilizado pela população portuguesa de pais e profissionais (de saúde e de educação) que pretendam concretizar as suas dúvidas através de um instrumento formal de rastreio e de monitorização do desenvolvimento da criança.

Aprendizagem ao longo da vida do médico: tradução e adaptação da escala de Jefferson.

The competence and professionalism of doctors depend on the process of Lifelong Learning (LLL). In the Portuguese settings, in which the re-certification of physicians' skills or knowledge is currently not required, the exercise of LLL is left to personal motivation and initiative. The importance of LLL has been highlighted in numerous international recommendations and has already led, in the United States, to the development and validation of a scale for measuring physician LLL - the Jefferson Scale of Physician Life Long Learning (JSPLL). The lack of valid instruments to measure LLL adapted to the Portuguese contexts was the basis for this work, which presents the translation and adaptation of JSPLL, and the subsequent validation of the translated version to the Portuguese medical community. The translation and validation of the English version of JSPLL (JSPLL-VP) was conducted with physicians of Health Care institutions in the District of Braga, Portugal, in 2007. Methods of both qualitative (translation, assessment of the translation, retro translation) and quantitative nature (internal consistency analysis, factor analysis and analysis of response frequencies) resulted in a factor analysis that replicated, with the exception of three items, the distribution of the original scale by four factors: professional learning beliefs and motivation, scholarly activities, attention to learning opportunities and technical skills in seeking information. The results show that the JSPLL-VP is a valid Scale fit for purpose. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the whole scale (.89) and for each factor, confirmed the internal consistency of the Scale. Additionally, differences were found between mean and standard deviations for different Scale factors. In summary, this work provides a new validated tool to monitor physician's LLL in Portugal. The transversal characterization of LLL of specific medical professionals - by specialty or by type of institution - or longitudinal studies in relation with profiles of medical training can contribute to the quality of Medical Education at the pre- or post-graduate levels.