RCIPL
Repositório Institucional do Politécnico de Lisboa
Entradas recentes
Facing organizational crises: the importance of validating psychological capital scale using Angolan sample
Publication . Geremias, Rosa Lutete; Lopes, Miguel Pereira; Soares, André Escórcio
Purpose: The main goal of this study was to validate the Angolan version of the PCQ-24, using samples of employees who develop their work in adverse situations and need to deal daily with different constraints in their work environment. Originality/value: Although several studies have confirmed the factorial validity of the psychological capital scale in different countries, this is a pioneering validation study of psychological capital in Angola, using two independent samples (sample 1 = 478 employees, and sample 2 = 200 employees). Design/methodology/approach: The present study uses a quantitative methodology. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the five competing models reported in previous studies with cultures similar to Angola (e.g., Portugal and Brazil). Findings: Contrary to previous findings in studies performed in countries with cultures similar to Angola, the results show that the 4-factor model had a better fit for the data. The discriminant validity of the psychological capital scale was confirmed by performing the correlation analysis with internal learning. Validation of the psychological capital scale in Angola may provide managers with tools to assess and develop the psychological capabilities of their employees. The validation of the psychological capital scale may contribute to the organizational assessment processes in an uncertain context.
From benign parasite to emerging pathogen: a review of Theileria orientalis in ruminants
Publication . Felício, Maria; Zúquete, Sara Tudela; Delgado, Inês L.; Inácio, Esmeralda; Nolasco, Sofia; Caetano, Pedro; Basto, Afonso P.; Padre, Ludovina; Leitão, Alexandre
Once regarded as a benign, clinically overlooked organism, Theileria orientalis has undergone a paradigm shift in its perceived status and is now recognised as a tick-borne haemoparasite of clinical and economic importance. Severe outbreaks characterised by haemolytic anaemia, reproductive losses, and mortality, primarily associated with the Ikeda and Chitose genotypes, have been increasingly reported in Australasia, Asia, and North America. In Europe and parts of Africa, however, the epidemiological status of T. orientalis remains poorly defined, despite increasing molecular evidence of circulation and reports of predominantly subclinical infections. The parasite is transmitted transstadially in ixodid ticks, with Haemaphysalis longicornis as the principal confirmed biological vector, although vector competence remains unverified for most suspected tick species. This narrative review was based on a comprehensive PubMed search from database inception up to the date of initial manuscript submission, supplemented by reference-list screening and targeted searches. This review synthesises current knowledge on taxonomy, life cycle, transmission, genetic diversity based on the major piroplasm surface protein gene, global epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, co-infections, production losses, diagnostics, and control strategies. Key gaps include limited understanding of the mechanisms driving erythrocyte destruction, insufficient experimental confirmation of vector competence, absence of licensed vaccines, and incomplete epidemiological data in several regions. Future research priorities are discussed in the context of climate change and the expanding geographic distribution of tick vectors.
Assessment of miocrobiological contamination exposure in the plastic waste industry using passive sampling methods
Publication . Viegas, Carla; Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Kosicki, Robert; Twaruzek, Magdalena; Viegas, Susana
This study assessed occupational exposure to microbiological contamination in the plastic waste sorting industry using passive sampling methods and aimed to identify suitable analytical approaches for characterizing microbial contamination in this environment.
Incidental subfoveal choroidal synphlebia in non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Publication . Mendo, Inês; Camacho, Pedro; Cabral, Diogo
Left-eye colour fundus photography shows dilated subfoveal choroidal vessels and a large patch of retinal atrophy sparing the fovea. En face OCT of the choroid reveals confluence of two large choroidal veins beneath the macula. OCT B-scans at different locations show two separate enlarged choroidal venous channels beneath the atrophic area, which merge at a different scan level into a single venous complex occupying almost the full choroidal thickness, with near-complete absence of visible overlying Sattler’s layer. These findings represent the fused large-vein variant of choroidal synphlebia. These images were acquired from a woman in her 80 s with bilateral non-neovascular AMD and no history or imaging signs of central serous chorioretinopathy, supporting choroidal synphlebia as an incidental imaging finding rather than a disease-related finding.
Innovation strategies, teacher development and internationalization: Key factors to organizational performance of HEIS
Publication . Godinho Antunes, Marina; Ribeiro Mucharreira, Pedro; Texeira Fernandes Justino, Maria do Rosário; Texeira Quirós, Joaquín
The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of innovation strategies, teacher development, and internationalization initiatives on the organizational performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Considering globalization and the evolving challenges and requirements of contemporary society, HEIs must explore new quality assurance tools to enhance their competitiveness and ensure their survival. Methodologically, a survey was conducted among members of Portuguese HEIs. To analyze the relationships between the identified variables, multiple linear regression analysis was employed. The findings reveal that specific Total Quality Management (TQM) variables, particularly those related to teacher involvement, empowerment, and training, have a notable influence on the organizational performance of HEIs. Moreover, it is important to emphasize that innovation and internationalization strategies exhibit a significant correlation with organizational performance outcomes. This research is essential for deepening the understanding of HEIs, given their critical role in national development and their contributions to knowledge generation and societal advancement. As these institutions navigate increasingly competitive environments, identifying key drivers of organizational performance is of paramount importance.