Sapientia
UAlg Scientific Repository
About Sapientia
SAPIENTIA brings together all scientific publications produced by teachers, researchers, and students (theses and dissertations) from the University of Algarve and cooperating entities (ULSALG-Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve and Ciência Viva network centers in the Algarve) and aims to maximize their visibility, ensure easy access to this collection, improve the public impact of the scientific activity of the University and other entities, as well as ensure the preservation of their memories.
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Recent Submissions
Segurança infantil: O que todos os pais precisam de saber
Publication . Gonçalves, Beatriz; Rodrigues, Inês; André, Ângela; Bota, Mónica; Domingos, Inês; Dias, Ana Vitória; Matos, Filomena
Design of an observing system simulation experiment for the operational model of the southwestern coast of Iberia (SOMA)
Publication . Mendonça, Fernando; Martins, Flávio; Bertino, Laurent
Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) provide a framework in which to evaluate the impact of prospective ocean-observation networks on model forecasting performance prior to their actual deployment. This study presents the design and validation of an OSSE tailored for the operational coastal model of southern Portugal, SOMA. The system adopts the fraternal twins approach and a univariate data-assimilation scheme based on Ensemble Optimal Interpolation to update the model’s 3D temperature structure with SST. The methodology provides a flexible framework that preserves the statistical structure of real observation errors while remaining independent of SOMA. This allows straightforward transfer to other applications, thereby broadening its applicability and making it useful as a starting point in the design of observation networks beyond that presented in this case study. The OSSE experiments were compared against corresponding Observing System Experiments (OSEs) using real satellite SST products. Results show that the designed OSSE is internally consistent, sensitive to observation density, and capable of reproducing realistic correction patterns that closely match those obtained in the OSEs. These findings provide strong evidence that the SOMA OSSE system is a reliable tool for assessing the potential impact of future surface-observation strategies.
Point-of-care ultrasound for the early detection of intrahepatic biliary tract dilatation: a local study in a basic emergency service
Publication . Miravent, Sérgio; Vaz, Bruna; Lobo, Manuel Duarte; Jimenez, Cármen; Pablo, Pedro; Figueiredo, Teresa; Barbancho, Narciso; Ventura, Miguel; Almeida, Rui
Background/Objectives: Ultrasonography is a diagnostic modality characterized by high sensitivity in detecting hepato-biliary pathology, particularly intrahepatic biliary duct dilation. This study compares the sonographic findings obtained by a radiographer/sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) using Point-of-Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) in Portugal with the sonographic findings from the same patients acquired by radiologists at a referral hospital (RH) for suspected intrahepatic biliary dilatation. Methods: Nineteen patients presenting with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and suspected abdominal pathology underwent sonographic screening using POCUS in the BES. Subsequently, the same patients were referred to the RH, where a radiologist performed a comprehensive ultrasound. Both examinations were compared to determine whether the findings obtained in the BES were confirmed by radiologists in the RH. Results: Cholestasis, cholangitis, lithiasis, pancreatitis, peri-ampullary lithiasis, and neoplasms were observed in association with intrahepatic biliary dilation in this study sample. All six variables showed a strong association between the BES and RH findings (Cramer’s V > 0.6; p < 0.006). A strong kappa measure of agreement between the radiographer and radiologist findings was obtained in “cholelithiasis/sludge/gallbladder acute sonographic changes” (k = 0.802; p = 0.000). A moderate kappa value was obtained for the variable “abdominal free fluid”, (k = 0.706; p = 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, all patients referred from the BES to the RH required hospitalization for treatment and additional imaging exams. Although prehospital screening ultrasound is not intended for definitive diagnoses, the early detection of intrahepatic biliary tract dilatation through screening sonography played a significant role in the clinical referral of patients, with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 75%.
Long-term performance of thermal insulating composite systems based on water resistance and surface multifunctionality
Publication . Borsoi, Giovanni; Parracha, João L.; Bersch, Jéssica D.; Garcia, Ana; Dionísio, Amélia; Faria, Paulina; Veiga, Rosário; Flores-Colen, Inês
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICSs) are increasingly applied in both new construction and energy retrofitting, where long-term durability under environmental exposure is critical to preserving thermal efficiency. Moisture ingress represents a key degradation factor, reducing insulation performance and undermining energy savings promoted by the ETICS. The effectiveness of these systems is strongly influenced by surface protection, which also reflects aesthetic and biological resistance. This study investigates the influence of three commercial protective surface coatings, characterized by hydrophobicity, photocatalytic activity, and resistance to biological growth, on ETICS finishes based on acrylic, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), and silicate binders. An artificial aging protocol was employed to evaluate coating stability and compatibility with the finishing layers. Results show that acrylic-based finishes provided superior durability and protection, while coatings on NHL and silicate substrates exhibited lower performance. Notably, a TiO2 enriched photocatalytic coating, despite improved self-cleaning potential, demonstrated the least durability. The findings highlight that optimal ETICS protection requires coatings that combine low water absorption, effective drying, and biological resistance, thereby ensuring sustained thermal and energy performance over time.
Joint model for zero-inflated data combining fishery-dependent and fishery-independent sources
Publication . Silva, Daniela; Menezes, Raquel; Araújo, Gonçalo; Rosa, Renato; Moreno, Ana; Silva, Alexandra; Garrido, Susana
Accurately identifying spatial patterns of species distribution is crucial for scientific insight and societal benefit, aiding our understanding of species fluctuations. The increasing quantity and quality of ecological datasets present heightened statistical challenges, complicating spatial species dynamics comprehension. Addressing the complex task of integrating multiple data sources to enhance spatial fish distribution understanding in marine ecology, this study introduces a pioneering five-layer Joint model. The model adeptly integrates fishery-independent and fishery-dependent data, accommodating zero-inflated data and distinct sampling processes. A comprehensive simulation study evaluates the model performance across various preferential sampling scenarios and sample sizes, elucidating its advantages and challenges. Our findings highlight the model’s robustness in estimating preferential parameters, emphasizing differentiation between presence–absence and biomass observations. Evaluation of estimation of spatial covariance and prediction performance underscores the model’s reliability. Augmenting sample sizes reduces parameter estimation variability, aligning with the principle that increased information enhances certainty. Assessing the contribution of each data source reveals successful integration, providing a comprehensive representation of biomass patterns. Empirical application within a real-world context further solidifies the model’s efficacy in capturing species’ spatial distribution. This research advances methodologies for integrating diverse datasets with different sampling natures further contributing to a more informed understanding of spatial dynamics of marine species.