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Being motivated is fundamental for any individual to achieve personal and professional success. In the context of learning in Higher Education, Motivation is crucial for achieving this success. Understanding the motivational state of students is essential for higher education managers and teachers. Understanding students’ Amotivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can provide vital information to initiate changes in teaching and learning. In this sense, measuring Amotivation, Intrinsic Motivation, and Extrinsic Motivation allows for understanding the general state of students’ Motivation. This study aims to analyze the Motivation of 145 Portuguese Higher Education Students (70 Male and 75 Female) aged between 17 and 47 years old who studied the second/foreign language (English) in Portugal during the Academic Year of 2020/2021. We used the Academic Motivation Scale to measure Motivation to study English. The results show that students are not demotivated. The Motivation that prevails in the results is Intrinsic Motivation, and Extrinsic Motivation was insignificant. This study’s results contribute to the literature on Motivation to study Second Language, especially concerning the need to understand why students are only intrinsically motivated. Are the lessons, the teaching methodologies, the techniques and the contents not able to motivate them?

Abstract Background Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare degenerative disorders of the retina that can lead to blindness from birth to late middle age. Knowing the target population and its resources is essential to better plan support measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of regions in Portugal where IRD patients reside to inform the planning of vision aid and rehabilitation intervention measures. Results This study included 1082 patients from 973 families, aged 3 to 92 years, with a mean age of 44.8 ± 18.1 years. Patients living with an IRD were identified in 190 of the 308 municipalities. According to this study, the estimated IRD prevalence in Portugal was 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, and by municipalities, it ranged from 0 to 131.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Overall, regions with a higher prevalence of IRD have a lower population density (r=-0.371, p

Cybersickness refers to the negative symptoms caused by exposure to a Virtual Reality (VR) experience. The literature is consensual that cybersickness is a key factor in an experience, as the non-existence of cybersickness provides an optimal virtual experience. Thus, it is of utmost importance to evaluate cybersickness when assessing VR applications to understand the impact of this factor on the user experience and, ultimately, on the VR application viability. However, there is a lack of Portuguese instruments to evaluate this variable. To tackle this, this aimed to translate and validate the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) to Portuguese so it can be used with the Portuguese population and maintain its psychometric properties. The new instrument was validated using a sample of 603 Portuguese subjects aged between 16 and 79. Based on the observed results, the obtained theoretical model shows that the Portuguese version of the SSQ is valid for properly evaluating cybersickness in VR experiences with Portuguese samples.

Objective: In recent years, management accounting in higher education institutions has undergone significant changes due to the various New Public Management (NPM) reforms. One of the management accounting tools that has been advised to HEIs is Activity-Based Costing (ABC). With this evolving field of research, this article aims to analyze research in international scientific journals focusing on ABC in HEIs. To this end, this article provides an overview of how research in this area has evolved. We present an overview of the past, present, and future of research in the field of the ABC model applied in HEIs. Methodology: Through a systematic literature review, the Web of Science and Scopus databases were used as a source of articles. Our analysis is based on a total of 139 articles. We used a systematic literature review combining different bibliometric techniques. These allowed us to develop a mapping of the literature on the application of the ABC model in HEIs, which helps us better understand the research related to the topic and its evolution. Results: It is concluded that the existing literature on this topic has developed along three lines of research: implementation of ABC as a cost-control method, TDABC as a time-based cost-control method, and the application of the ABC Method in health services. Originality: Based on the results found, this article identifies avenues of research that can be explored, namely the study of the application of ABC in the education sector, and provides a research agenda for future studies.

The role of digital transformation (DT) in economic development is a vital and recurring point of research. It is particularly relevant if we consider the high percentage of digital transformation initiatives that fail to deliver the expected results, particularly in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This paper analyzes what is needed to make this transformation successful from an implementation perspective and, simultaneously, from the standpoint of obtaining the company’s expected results. This phenomenon is even more critical to decipher and understand when we look at the small and medium enterprises that face more significant challenges due to the scarcity of resources and needed skills. This work reviews a large variety of models through an extensive systematic literature review (SLR) that assess the readiness and maturity of the digital transformation of enterprises, with a focus on SMEs, with its primary objectives being (1) to review the existing studies and models that assess an organization’s maturity and readiness in the context of digital transformation, focusing on SMEs; (2) to identify if there are gaps considering the importance of the SMEs; and (3) to propose a standardized set of dimensions that should always be considered in a digital transformation assessment. The outcome of this research provides an essential contribution by identifying apparent gaps in the assessment of digital transformation in SMEs and proposing a scalable and standardized set of categories and subcategories that can be used across any future assessment model. These contributions are even more relevant when referencing minimal deep research in the context of SMEs and Digital Transformation. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-06-025 Full Text: PDF

BackgroundAnkle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are vital in gait rehabilitation for patients with stroke. However, many conventional AFO designs may not offer the required precision for optimized patient outcomes. With the advent of 3D scanning and printing technology, there is potential for more individualized AFO solutions, aiming to enhance the rehabilitative process. ObjectiveThis nonrandomized trial seeks to introduce and validate a novel system for AFO design tailored to patients with stroke. By leveraging the capabilities of 3D scanning and bespoke software solutions, the aim is to produce orthoses that might surpass conventional designs in terms of biomechanical effectiveness and patient satisfaction. MethodsA distinctive 3D scanner, complemented by specialized software, will be developed to accurately capture the biomechanical data of leg movements during gait in patients with stroke. The acquired data will subsequently guide the creation of patient-specific AFO designs. These personalized orthoses will be provided to participants, and their efficacy will be compared with traditional AFO models. The qualitative dimensions of this experience will be evaluated using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction With Assistive Technology (QUEST) assessment tool. Feedback from health care professionals and the participants will be considered throughout the trial to ensure a rounded understanding of the system’s implications. ResultsSpatial-temporal parameters will be statistically compared using paired t tests to determine significant differences between walking with the personalized orthosis, the existing orthosis, and barefoot conditions. Significant differences will be identified based on P values, with P

The purpose of this study was three-fold: (i) to compare total distance, high-speed running (HSR) distance, and sprint distance covered per 5-minute epoch by players acting as both starters and substitutes; (ii) to compare the locomotor demands between the moments the players entered the match (45–60, 60–75 and 75–90 minutes); and (iii) to compare the locomotor demands of the players between the variations of the withinand between-playing positions. Twenty-one male professional soccer players competing in the Professional Premier League of one of the European countries were observed over sixteen official matches. The players were monitored during all matches using a Global Navigation Satellite System. The measures collected were total distance (TD; m), distance in HSR, sprint distance, HSR, and sprint counts. Considering the comparisons between the splits over the second half of match play, a significant difference between the starters and the substitutes was observed only for sprint distance in the 90–95 minute split ( Z = –2.023; p = 0.043). Moreover, no substantial differences were found between the moment the substitute player entered the match regarding total distance ( H = 2.650; p = 0.266), HSR distance ( H = 1.738; p = 0.419), and sprint distance ( H = 0.048; p = 0.976). However, the comparison of between-playing positions revealed considerable differences in total distance ( H = 29.246; p < 0.001), and HSR distance ( H = 12.153; p = 0.002) covered by the players acting as starters. In contrast, for substitute players, such differences were reported in HSR distance ( H = 27.892; p < 0.001) and sprint distance ( H = 15.879; p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that acting as a starter or a substitute does not significantly affect the intensity of effort except during the last periods of match play. However, the contextual factor of performing in a specific playing position plays a significant role both forstarters and substitutes.

Endoscopic esophageal stent placement is an effective palliative treatment for malignant strictures and has also been successfully used for benign indications, including esophageal refractory strictures and iatrogenic leaks and perforations. Despite several decades of evolution and the wide variety of esophageal stents available to choose from, an ideal stent that is both effective and without adverse events such as stent migration, tissue ingrowth, or pressure necrosis has yet to be developed. This paper is an overview of how this evolution happened, and it also addresses the characteristics of some of the currently available stents, like their material and construction, delivery device, radial and axial force pattern, covering and size which may help to understand and avoid the occurrence of adverse events. The insertion delivery systems and techniques of placement of an esophageal self-expandable metal stent are reviewed, as well as some tips and tricks regarding placement and management of adverse events.

AbstractManagement Control Systems (MCS) have become increasingly important for the management of subsidiaries by the parent company. In addition, MCS are influenced by the cultural and organizational axes of both parties (parent company vs. subsidiaries).Therefore, an appropriate balance between these axes is required since there are differences between the country of origin and the host country of the investment. Thus, this study explores the MCS of a subsidiary and the parent company’s influences on it through a case study supported by multiple semi-structured interviews. The results obtained show that the parent company exerts a strong influence on the MCS of the subsidiary. This assertiveness is revealed in the subsidiary’s weak operational and non-operational autonomy as a reflection of the parent company’s organisational culture (country of origin of the investment). The main contribution of this study lies in the country of origin of the parent company (Asia) and in the study of an extractive industry whose end product (tungsten) is a strategic resource for the world. Another contribution is theoretical and related to the new institutional sociology. This theory recognizes the normative and cultural issues of organizations as essential and sees management accounting practices and management control systems as the result of internal and external pressures, as well as the growing importance given to the norms, beliefs, and values of stakeholders within the organization and the organizational environment itself. The use of the Flamholtz model applied to the mining sector also fills a gap identified in the literature.

In recent years there is a growing importance in using machine learning techniques to improve procedures in precision agriculture: in this work we perform a study on models capable of predicting oenological parameters from hyperspectral images of wine grape berries, a specially relevant topic to boost production tasks for winemakers. Specifically, we explore the capabilities of a novel technique mostly used for visualization, t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE), for reducing the dimensionality of the highly complex hyperspectral data and compare its performance with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method, which despite the introduction of many nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques over the years, had achieved the best results for real-world data across several studies in literature. Additionally we explore the potential of Kernel t-SNE, an extension to the t-SNE method that allows for the usage of the technique in streaming data or online scenarios. Our results show that, in a direct comparison, t-SNE achieves better metrics than PCA for most of the data sets in this work and that the regressor (Support Vector Regression, SVR) performs better with the t-SNE reduced features as inputs, accomplishing better predictions with lower error rates. Comparing the results with current literature, our shallow learning model paired with t-SNE achieves either better or on par results than those reported, even competing with more advanced models that use deep learning techniques, which should propel the introduction of t-SNE in more studies that require dimensionality reduction.

All types of sports are potential application scenarios for automatic and real-time visual object and event detection. In rink hockey, the popular roller skate variant of team hockey, it is of great interest to automatically track player movements, positions, and sticks, and also to make other judgments, such as being able to locate the ball. In this work, we present a real-time pipeline consisting of an object detection model specifically designed for rink hockey games, followed by a knowledge-based event detection module. Even in the presence of occlusions and fast movements, our deep learning object detection model effectively identifies and tracks important visual elements in real time, such as: ball, players, sticks, referees, crowd, goalkeeper, and goal. Using a curated dataset consisting of a collection of rink hockey videos containing 2525 annotated frames, we trained and evaluated the algorithm’s performance and compared it to state-of-the-art object detection techniques. Our object detection model, based on YOLOv7, presents a global accuracy of 80% and, according to our results, good performance in terms of accuracy and speed, making it a good choice for rink hockey applications. In our initial tests, the event detection module successfully detected an important event type in rink hockey games, namely, the occurrence of penalties.

Introdução: A pandemia por COVID-19 conduziu à readaptação e reorganização dos sistemas de saúde. Objetivos: Caraterizar o impacte da pandemia por COVID-19 nos Enfermeiros Especialistas em Enfermagem de Reabilitação; identificar o impacte da pandemia por COVID-19 nos cuidados especializados de enfermagem de reabilitação disponibilizados às populações; identificar o impacte da pandemia por COVID-19 nas estratégias de atualização técnico-científica dos Enfermeiros Especialistas em Enfermagem de Reabilitação; tendo ainda como finalidades disponibilizar informação aos decisores para uma melhor gestão de recursos humanos/profissionais; e, disponibilizar informação aos decisores para uma melhor gestão de cuidados de enfermagem especializados às populações. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Amostra não probabilística, de conveniência, de enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação, sócios da Associação Portuguesa dos Enfermeiros de Reabilitação. Questionário online. Análise descritiva e inferencial. O questionário foi submetido para resposta durante o período entre 2 de marco de 2022 e 11 de abril de 2022, tendo obtido um total de 160 questionários respondidos. Resultados: Durante o período da pandemia pelos EEER verificou-se um impacte negativo nas dimensões “tempo para os amigos” e “tempo para o lazer pessoal”, e um impacte positivo nas dimensões “relacionamento com os colegas de trabalho” e “disponibilidade de equipamentos de proteção individual”. No futuro verificou-se uma perceção de impacte negativo nas dimensões “atividades burocráticas”, “saúde pessoal”, “tempo para os amigos”, e “tempo para o lazer pessoal”, e um impacte positivo nas dimensões “disponibilidade de equipamentos de proteção individual” e “organização do espaço físico no local de trabalho”. Conclusão: A pandemia por COVID-19 apresentou um impacte nos EEER e nos cuidados especializados prestados. Recomendam-se estudos futuros que permitam conhecer este impacte a longo prazo, ou direcionados para as intervenções autónomas dos EEER tornam-se pertinentes.

Precision viticulture is an area that is very dependent on methods that allow for a sustainable assessment of grape maturity and, in this work, we apply two state-of-the-art (SOTA) convolution-based networks, namely InceptionTime and OmniScale 1D-CNN, to hyperspectral images of wine grape berries to estimate sugar content. Since attaining generalization capacity and processing the information in such high-dimensional data are the two biggest challenges to overcome in problems of this nature, we also study the impact of two dimensionality reduction techniques, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE), on the models' performance. Both models underwent different tests with different vintages and varieties of wine grapes in the training/validation steps, as to form a true test to their generalization capacity. Our results show that both PCA and t-SNE succeed in improving the performance of these deep networks when an adequate number of components is chosen that minimizes the ratio between information loss and removing redundant features: additionally, both techniques significantly reduce computational cost, a very important trait when training deep learning models. Both models showed good generalization ability with very competitive results across different varieties and vintages even despite their significant differences in variability, which is an indicator that a relationship between spectras can be found that is reflected on sugar content values.

In a pandemic and post-pandemic environment, the consequences for the creative economy have been brutal and nefarious. Thus, this study aims to measure cities’ creativity performance, through a composite index, reported in the year 2021. In this sense, the results show that culture, the creative economy and enabling environment, as subdimensions of creativity, show that cities suffered a significant setback in their creative performance. However, this is currently being reversed so that creativity continues to contribute to the performance and growth of cities, whereby the formation of networks/partnerships as allies of the creative class and industries that characterise this dimension becomes even more important. This means that the creative class was one of the most affected by the pandemic, given that its activities are sustained mainly by the public, which corroborated recent studies. The study’s main contribution lies in the use of the Composite Index, in which it was concluded that creativity generates employment and wealth for a country’s economy. Finally, some limitations and avenues for future research were outlined.

This study aims to identify and characterize the culture of the largest exporters without the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and with the BSC implemented. In addition, it confirms whether there are different characteristics in the type of organizational culture of the largest exporters without the BSC and with the BSC. To achieve this objective, data were collected through questionnaires sent to the 250 largest exporters in Portugal. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to validate the research hypotheses. This research shows that the Adhocracy (turbulent management) culture type prevails in organizations without BSC, while the Market (productivity) culture type prevails in organizations with BSC. The study is based on the characterization of the culture type of the organizations. This characterization is significant because organizational culture shapes and differentiates organizations’ actions, goal definitions, and strategic objectives, which can affect organizational performance. Although recent literature has addressed organizational culture and performance monitoring in isolation, not many studies have been found that link the topics of organizational culture, BSC, and performance.

5G has been heralded as a critical, decisive technology for verticals’ digital transformation. It targets innovative technical capabilities, allowing dedicated and improved communication mechanisms, going beyond the mere performance increase experienced by past generations’ evolution. Despite the literature already envisaging the application of 5G-enabled solutions in vertical-based deployments, there is still a lack of experimental insights shedding light on the actual feasibility of 5G capabilities in specific vertical deployments. This gap is particularly evident in verticals that did not traditionally rely on mobile network solutions for their communication needs, such as safety-related control signals in railway operations. This paper aims to fill this gap by delivering an extensive empirical analysis performed through a 5G-enabled railway deployment. We designed and implemented a joint testbed, which allows us to faithfully reproduce two important transportation railway use cases that leverage 5G communications involving the vertical, communication service solutions operator, and integration actors. There, we expose the necessary integration engineering behind the enablement of 5G capabilities in such scenarios, considering the highly safety-certified and standardized environment of railway vertical sector regulations (which never considered the utilization of mobile networks in their development). We empirically demonstrate the performance capability achieved by the 5G-enabled network using two different systems, a carrier-grade one and an open-development one, in light of the required key performance indicators. To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first field trial and empirical evaluation of the suitability of 5G with the implementation of a 5G-enabled railway cross-level scenario within the transportation context.

Introduction: With the increase of esophageal and gastric cancer, surgery will be more often performed. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared postoperative complications of gastroesophageal surgery. It can be managed by conservative, endoscopic (such as endoscopic vacuum therapy and stenting), or surgical methods, but optimal treatment remains controversial. The aim of our meta-analysis was to compare (a) endoscopic and surgical interventions and (b) different endoscopic treatments for AL following gastroesophageal cancer surgery. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis, with search in three online databases for studies evaluating surgical and endoscopic treatments for AL following gastroesophageal cancer surgery. Results: A total of 32 studies comprising 1,080 patients were included. Compared with surgical intervention, endoscopic treatment presented similar clinical success, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit length of stay, but lower in-hospital mortality (6.4% [95% CI: 3.8–9.6%] vs. 35.8% [95% CI: 23.9–48.5%]. Endoscopic vacuum therapy was associated with a lower rate of complications (OR 0.348 [95% CI: 0.127–0.954]), shorter ICU length of stay (mean difference −14.77 days [95% CI: −26.57 to −2.98]), and time until AL resolution (17.6 days [95% CI: 14.1–21.2] vs. 39.4 days [95% CI: 27.0–51.8]) when compared with stenting, but there were no significant differences in terms of clinical success, mortality, reinterventions, or hospital length of stay. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment, in particular endoscopic vacuum therapy, seems safer and more effective when compared with surgery. However, more robust comparative studies are needed, especially for clarifying which is the best treatment in specific situations (according to patient and leak characteristics).

When a limb suffers a fracture, rupture, or dislocation, it is traditionally immobilized with plaster. This may induce discomfort in the patient, as well as excessive itching and sweating, which creates the growth of bacteria, leading to an unhygienic environment and difficulty in keeping the injury clean during treatment. Furthermore, if the plaster remains for a long period, it may cause lesions in the joints and ligaments. To overcome all of these disadvantages, orthoses have emerged as important medical devices to help patients in rehabilitation, as well as for self-care of deficiencies in clinics and daily life. Traditionally, these devices are produced manually, which is a time-consuming and error-prone method. From another point of view, it is possible to use imageology (X-ray or computed tomography) to scan the human body; a process that may help orthoses manufacturing but which induces radiation to the patient. To overcome this great disadvantage, several types of 3D scanners, without any kind of radiation, have emerged. This article describes the use of various types of scanners capable of digitizing the human body to produce custom orthoses. Studies have shown that photogrammetry is the most used and most suitable 3D scanner for the acquisition of the human body in 3D. With this evolution of technology, it is possible to decrease the scanning time and it will be possible to introduce this technology into clinical environment.

Considering the SECI model, which emphasizes a modern conception of knowledge management, the main objective of this study is to understand how the socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization (SECI) dimensions can influence innovative behavior within organizations. The quantitative method was adopted, carrying out a descriptive-correlational study in which 247 individuals participated. For data collection, a questionnaire was used. Their analysis was performed using SPSS software. The results show that of the four dimensions of the SECI model, only three have a positive influence on innovative behavior: externalization, combination, and internalization. This study highlights the importance that the SECI model has in understanding knowledge generated by companies/organizations, in particular, startups. It is possible to state that this model is extremely important to understand innovative behavior in startups, but also issues related to entrepreneurship, thus rendering this study into a guiding reference for companies.

Purpose The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) to analyse the variations of countermovement jump (CMJ) performance over the different periods of the season (early-, mid-, and end-season) and (2) to analyse the correlations between CMJ performance and wellness variables over season periods. Methods Overall, 10 elite young male freestyle wrestlers (aged 16.0 ± 0.7 years) participated in this study during the 32 weeks of the season. Neuromuscular performance was analysed via a CMJ protocol and well-being variables were monitored by using the Hooper index questionnaire. Repeated measures analysis of variance with eventual Bonferroni post-hoc test was applied to investigate the differences between season periods within weeks. Results There were no significant changes of neuromuscular performance throughout the season, which suggests the absence of neuromuscular fatigue. No relationships were found between CMJ performance and any single well-being variable. In turn, a small association was observed between weekly Hooper index and neuromuscular status early in the season (correlation coefficient: 0.20, p = 0.044). Conclusions Using the sum of all well-being variables instead of the single variables may be better to track possible neuromuscular status variations in wrestling athletes, particularly early in the season.

Abstract The aim of the present paper was to determine the relationship between linear sprinting and jump performance, dynamic balance and change of direction on young soccer players. Ninety-four healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging to the same high-performance academy agreed to participate in the study [twenty-seven soccer players U16 (14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 170.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass 64.7 ± 8.4 kg)] and [sixty-seven soccer players U19 (16.6 ± 1.3 years; height: 173.7 ± 7.2 cm; body mass 66.7 ± 8.0 kg)]. Participants completed 3 testing sessions, 7 days apart. Data from a CMJ, Crossover Hop Test, 10-m sprint test, 505 COD tests and the 90° COD test were collected. Moderate correlations were found in some of the cases (r values were between 0.2 and 0.5 in all cases, being p

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the influence of leg dominance on the change of direction (COD) performance. In this study participated 94 healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging from two categories (n = 27 vs. n = 67; 14.81 ± 0.40 vs. 16.64 ± 1.25 years of age; 170.61 ± 5.61 vs. 173.73 ± 7.19 cm of height; 64.74 ± 8.44 vs. 66.70 ± 7.95 kg of weight, for U16 and U18, respectively). Fitness assessments were performed two times in a period of three months, and included: (1) anthropometry measures, (2) 30–15 IFT, (3) 10-m sprint test, (4) 505-COD test, 90° COD test and cross-over hop test. A paired sample t-test was performed to evaluate the asymmetries at the intragroup level in each of the COD’s tests. A symmetry index was used to analyse the asymmetries between categories, and an independent sample t-test was used to compare the variability between the two categories in each of the three tests performed. The effect size was also evaluated. Analysis demonstrated that evidence a trend for a better performance with the preferred leg in the cross-over hop and 505-COD tests, and with the non-dominant leg in the 90° COD. However, in the intragroup analysis, only the 505-COD test registered differences, and no differences were notice din the intergroup comparison. Only in the 505-COD test the percentage of variability (CV) was statistically significant (7.03 ± 4.18% vs. 4.03 ± 2.02% from U16 and U18, respectively). In sum, bilateral differences were noticed in the intragroup comparison, although only in 505-COD test the leg dominance showed to influence performance. In the intergroup analysis any difference was noticed between age categories.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was (i) provide reference data of metabolic power-based measures during professional football matches; and to (ii) analyze the between-position and between-halves differences of power-based measures during professional football matches. Methods Forty-six professional male players from two Turkish Super League teams were observed during two seasons, and 58 matches were analyzed. Total distance, equivalent distance, Low Power (LP), Intermediate Power (IP), High Power (HP), Elevated Power (EP), Max Power (MP) and power metabolic measures Pmet at different match moments were considered. Results Significant between-position differences were observed for IP (p: 0.000; d: 0.284), HP (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.45), EP (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.44), and for MP (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.56), with the central defenders (CD) showing the lower values, and the central midfielders (CM) showing the higher values for the overall measures. Conclusion Power-based measures are dependent on playing positions. While the CD have lower Pmet values when compared to all positions, the CM have the greatest values. Training and recovery strategies must be ensured for CM players, especially those who have greater match participation.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to compare the effects of small-sided games (SSGs) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the body composition and physical fitness of youth female soccer players. Methods This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Twenty-four female soccer players (age: 18.63 ± 2.36 years) were randomly allocated to two training groups (SSG, n = 12; and HIIT, n = 12). The training intervention had a duration of eight weeks, consisting of three training sessions per week. Players were assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) for anthropometrics, vertical (countermovement jumps, CMJ; and drop jumps, DJ) and horizontal jumping (single, triple and crossover hop), sprinting (10- and 30-m), change-of-direction (COD), COD deficit and final velocity at 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT). A covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used to determine differences between the groups in the effect on post-intervention by controlling for covariates (pre-intervention). The within-group analysis (time) was performed using a paired t-test, while the between-group analysis per assessment moment was performed using an independent t-test. Results The between-group analysis with ANCOVA revealed that there are no significant differences between the SSG and HIIT groups in the post-intervention for any outcome (p > 0.05). The within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in both the SSG and HIIT groups in CMJ (p

In this article, we provide a brief overview of some of the outstanding sessions that were (co)organised by the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly during the 2022 European Respiratory Society International Congress, which was held in a hybrid format. Early Career Members from Assembly 9 summarised the content of the sessions, with the support of the Officers from the four Assembly groups: Respiratory Function Technologists and Scientists (Group 9.01); Physiotherapists (Group 9.02); Nurses (Group 9.03); and Psychologists and Behavioural Scientists (Group 9.04). The sessions covered the following topics: recent advances in cardiopulmonary exercise and challenge testing; the role and new trends in physiotherapy, exercise and physical activity promotion interventions in chronic respiratory diseases; development of the international curriculum for respiratory nurses and nursing aspects in disease management; and treatment adherence, e-health interventions and post-coronavirus disease 2019 challenges. This Highlights article targets delegates who attended the Congress sessions, as well as those who were unable to attend, and provides valuable insight into the latest scientific data and emerging areas affecting the clinical practice of Allied Respiratory Professionals.

Abstract Background The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between minutes played (MP) with maturity status, fitness, and hormonal levels, and to quantify their influence on minutes played. Methods Twenty-four elite youth soccer players under-16 years participated in this study, over a full-season period. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, hormonal and physical fitness levels were collected. Participants were monitored during the season. After the end-season, players were assessed in 6 different tests over a four-day period. Results The maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) was strongly correlated with MP (r = 0.75), maturity offset (r = 0.52), and countermovement jump (r = 0.53). Multiple linear regression explained 76% of MP (F (8, 15) = 6.05, p = 0.001), with an R2 of 0.76. Moreover, Growth hormone (GH) and V̇O2max. were the most influential factors in MP (F (2, 21) = 17.92, p ≤ 0.001), with an R2 of 0.63. Conclusion High levels of GH and V̇O2max have a preponderant role in MP by elite youth soccer players, it appears to be more pragmatic to consider other contextual dimensions, as they can impact selection for competition and minutes of participation in a match.

Abstract Objectives The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between minutes of play (MP) and maturity status, fitness, and hormonal levels and to explain how those measures influence the time of play. Methods Twenty-six youth soccer players U15 participated in this study over a full-season period. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor and physical levels such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), fatigue index, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were collected. At the end-season, players were assessed in 6 different tests over four days. Results VO2max largely correlated with GH (r = 0.57) and CMJ (r = 0.51). Also, GH largely correlated with CMJ (r = 0.55). MP had moderate correlations with VO2max (r = 0.44) and CMJ (r = 0.42). Multiple linear regression with maturation, physical fitness and hormonal levels explained R2 of 0.62 of the MP (F (8, 17) = 3.47, p = 0.015). Although each independent variable alone was not able to determine the playing time, when using the interactions, the model significantly explained the MP. Conclusions The combination of maturity status, physical fitness, and hormonal levels seem to play a determinant role in explaining the match participation in youth soccer players.

Point-of-care ultrasound aims to enhance physical examination findings with real-time information from the ultrasound. Peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections are a frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis and a major predisposing factor to peritonitis. The diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections is made with physical examination, but physical findings usually lack sensitivity or specificity. This is a single-center observational study that aimed to evaluate the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for the diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections. Sixteen peritoneal dialysis patients with peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections clinical suspicion were enrolled in this study, as well as nine controls. Peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infection was defined as a purulent discharge with or without inflammatory signs in the peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site or subcutaneous tunnel, and a positive microbiological culture collected from the exit-site. Point-of-care ultrasound was considered positive when an anechoic collection in relation to the external cuff or catheter tunnel was identified. Physical examination findings were coded using the Exit-site Scoring System. A total of 13 peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections were diagnosed. The mean Exit-site Scoring System score for the suspected cases of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections was 2,82 ± 1,22, and the most commonly encountered sign was purulent discharge. All of the cases of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections had a positive point-of-care ultrasound. In contrast, none of the controls had a positive point-of-care ultrasound (p < 0,001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of physical examination for the diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections was 0,6 (95% CI 0,37-0,84). In contrast, point-of-care ultrasound had an AUROC of 0,91 (95% CI: 0,73-1) for the diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections. Nephrologist-performed point-of-care ultrasound is feasible and superior to physical examination for the diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections.

Portugal has made investments in several regions within the country to promote the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems. The primary goal of these investments is to facilitate the foundation of new firms, drive economic growth, and encourage innovation. The current emphasis is on examining productive entrepreneurship and the intricate interactions among many features of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. This study’s main objective is to thoroughly comprehend the current status of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Portugal, and their potential to foster local economic development as perceived by key stakeholders. This will be achieved through analysing the contributions made by universities, incubators, municipalities, and business groups towards their growth and advancement. The research employed a qualitative technique, wherein semi-structured interviews were administered to a total of nineteen participants. These participants consisted of CEOs from incubation organisations, representatives from municipal councils, representatives from business associations, and representatives from higher education institutions. The data was gathered throughout the period spanning from December 2022 to March 2023, with a combination of in-person and online interviews. The interviews were taped and afterwards transcribed, with the information being processed using the MAXQDA PRO 20 software. The findings indicate that there has been a notable development and expansion of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Portugal throughout the past several years. This progress has been facilitated by the active involvement of various stakeholders at the local level, including higher education institutions, incubators, local government bodies, and business groups. Notwithstanding the aforementioned expansion, the survey participants highlight the presence of some challenges that constraint the advancement of entrepreneurial ecosystems in select locations in the country, including insufficient financial resources and a dearth of skilled workers.

One of the most often-used task constraints in designing small-sided games (SSGs) is the manipulation of pitch size to promote increases or decreases in the relative area per player. Such adjustments cause hanges in the acute responses during SSGs. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of smaller vs. larger pitch sizes on soccer players’ physiological, physical, technical, and tactical responses during SSGs. Comparisons between smaller and larger pitches were not considered based on a specific size, but also between using at least two dimensions in the same comparative study, aiming to understand differences between using smaller and larger (independently of the specific dimensions). The data sources utilized were PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The database search initially yielded 249 titles. From those, 41 articles were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Results revealed that, compared to smaller pitches, SSGs played on larger pitches induced greater values for heart rate (p < 0.001; ES = 0.50), rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), total distance (p < 0.001; ES = 1.95), high-speed running (p < 0.001; ES = 1.20), stretch index (p < 0.001; ES = 1.02) and surface area (p < 0.001; ES = 1.54). No significant differences were found between pitch size regarding the numbers of accelerations (p = 0.232; ES = 0.45), decelerations (p = 0.111; ES = 0.85), passes (p = 0.897; ES = 0.02), dribbles (p = 0.823; ES = -0.05), or positional centroid (p = 0.053; ES = 0.56). Larger pitch sizes can be implemented as a meaningful task constraint to increase the internal and external load experienced by soccer players during SSGs, as well as to increase the dispersion of players while acting together. These results were found independent of format and age group.

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been extensively used for measuring human motion. One particular outcome of interest in sports is vertical jump height, which is assessed in specific performance tests or actions occurring in training or match scenarios. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify and summarize studies that have examined the validity of wearable wireless IMUs for measuring jump height and (2) identify and summarize studies that have examined the reliability of wearable wireless IMUs for measuring jump height. A systematic review of the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. From the 596 studies initially identified, 30 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analysed. Among the 16 different IMU models, 15 were considered valid, with only one device not validated. Of the 7 IMUs that were tested for reliability, all were considered reliable for measuring jump height. In general, however, despite these findings, IMUs are not considered accurate enough to detect small changes in performance. Also, generalizations were not possible for athletic populations given the lack of studies with such samples.

The purpose of this study was to describe weekly variations in the type and duration of training, as well as wellness-related parameters, in elite volleyball players. Twenty-four youth elite volleyball players from the French national team (age: 17.8 ± 1.0 y.o.) were monitored daily, and the type of training, training duration, participation in matches, and wellness status were measured over 22 weeks. Volleyball training duration varied from 100 to 510 minutes per week, while strength and conditioning training duration varied from 97 to 262 minutes per week. Fatigue levels varied from 1.5 to 2.8 A.U., and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) varied from 1.5 to 2.5 A.U. Large positive correlation were found between sleep and match duration (r = 0.64) and between stress and weekly volume (r = 0.52). Additionally, moderate positive correlation were found between fatigue and match duration (r = 0.36); between sleep and weekly volume (r = 0.35); between DOMS and match duration (r = 0.43); between stress and strength training (r = 0.42), volleyball training (r = 0.35), and match duration (r = 0.47). The present study revealed natural variations in training volume across the season and moderate dependency between weekly training/match durations and wellness status.

Abstract Several polymers are researched for tendon repair as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA). These are biocompatible and useful in scaffolding repair though with minimal success due to long‐term failure. There is a need to improve such scaffolds' design and physical–chemical nature. This work concerns surface functionalization of polymeric braids (PET and PLA) that fulfill the high mechanical demands of tissues such as tendons. The functionalization aims to incorporate amine groups in the braids' surface, improve cell adhesion, and consequently, the poor healing rate of these tissues and the biointegration of the braids. Two approaches are compared: the direct application of NH3 plasma and the surface grafting of EDA after O2 plasma activation. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that amine groups are effectively introduced onto the samples' surfaces. Besides, the plasma parameters chosen do not compromise the topography and tensile behavior of the braids. Resazurin assay and scanning electron microscopy show that the NH3 treatment improves cell–biomaterial interaction as improved cell adhesion and proliferation are observed. Both approaches are safe for biomedical applications. The NH3 plasma approach is more environmentally friendly, faster, and easier to scale‐up, showing potential for application in the final hybrid medical device.

Introduction: Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is associated with high mortality and impaired quality of life. Aim: The objective of this work was to determine the effectiveness of management of esophageal anastomotic leakage (EAL) after esophagectomy for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Methods: Patients submitted to esophagectomy for esophageal and GEJ cancer at a tertiary oncology hospital between 2014 and 2019 (n = 119) were retrospectively reviewed and EAL risk factors and its management outcomes determined. Results: Older age and nodal disease were identified as independent risk factors for anastomotic leak (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.13, and adjusted OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.09–21.8). Patients with EAL spent more days in the intensive care unit (ICU; median 14 vs. 4 days) and had higher 30-day mortality (15 vs. 2%) and higher in-hospital mortality (35 vs. 4%). The first treatment option was surgical in 13 patients, endoscopic in 10, and conservative in 3. No significant differences were noticeable between these patients, but sepsis and large leakages were tendentially managed by surgery. At follow-up, 3 patients in the surgery group (23%) and 9 in the endoscopic group (90%) were discharged under an oral diet (p = 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 38% in the surgical group, 33% in the conservative group, and 10% in endoscopic group (p = 0.132). In patients with EAL, the presence of septic shock at leak diagnosis was the only predictor of mortality (p = 0.004). ICU length-of-stay was non-significantly lower in the endoscopic therapy group (median 4 days, vs. 16 days in the surgical group, p = 0.212). Conclusion: Risk factors for EAL may help change pre-procedural optimization. The results of this study suggest including an endoscopic approach for EAL.

This article provides a holistic framework for the development of the technical, tactical, and fitness capacities required in soccer. It summarizes and organizes the main tactical and technical characteristics and the common physical demands of the game in accordance with different playing positions. Moreover, the typical fitness values found by playing positions are reviewed. A theoretical framework for a more individualized and specific training that integrates technical and tactical dimensions as well as fitness dimensions is proposed. Thus, through the identification of the main moments in a football game, a profile characterization of the contents for each capacity in each moment for all playing positions is presented and described.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze within-week and within-match external load variations in male soccer players over three consecutive matches during a congested week. Methods: The study cohort included nineteen elite professional male players (age: 26.5 ± 4.3 years) from a European First League team. Players were monitored daily over a full season using measurements collected by global positioning systems (GPSs). GPS-derived measures of total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), high metabolic load (HML), and maximal speed (maxSpeed) were collected during each match. Results: TD and HML intensity were meaningfully lower during the second half of the season than the first half for all weeks (p < 0.05), regardless of the number of matches. Also, the standardized differences for both metrics presented moderate-to-strong effect sizes. Although no significant differences between halves were found for HSR or maxSpeed (p > 0.05), these measures presented inconsistently minimum-to-strong effect sizes in some matches in overall weeks. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that TD and HML distances were significantly different between halves for all weeks, regardless of the number of matches. Meanwhile, HSR and maxSpeed measures presented no significant differences across matches overall.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to test the relationship of volume and weekly training intensities with match-running demands of professional male soccer players. Methods: The training volume and intensity load and match demands of 18 professional soccer players (age: 20.7 ± 1.8 years) were monitored daily for 15 weeks. Results: Match high-speed running (mHSR) and match accelerations (mACC) were found to be moderately positively correlated with weekly HSR (wtHSR) and weekly ACC volume (wtACC) (r = 0.497; p < 0.01; r = 0.367; p < 0.01), respectively. Moderate positive correlations were also found between mHSR, mACC and mHSR and mean training intensity of ACC (mtACC) (r = 0.366; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Weekly HSR and ACC training volume and intensity have moderate associations with match HSR and ACC loads. Coaches should prioritize weekly HSR and ACC during the training process, for ensuring that players perform more HSR and ACC actions during the subsequent match.

ABSTRACT: In this study, Airbnb’s brand personality is explored in relation to its effects on consumer involvement and institutional trust. The objective of this paper is to fill a gap in marketing research by building up a solid understanding of the relationship between those constructs in the context of hospitality brands. The results of the study revealed that Airbnb’s brand personality is mostly associated with excitement, sincerity, and competence. Brand personality was shown to have effects on both consumer involvement and institutional trust, with competence having the biggest impact on consumer involvement, and institutional trust being under the most significant influence of sincerity. The results of this study present meaningful implications not only for the academic community, but also for marketing specialists focusing on branding strategies in the innovative context of sharing economy businesses.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between a brand’s trust in consumer decisions and its maintenance over time in a retail chain in northern Brazil known as Bemol. The sample consists of 210 respondents, customers of Bemol, and the methodology used is a model of structural equations. The developed model consists of 22 variables, divided into three constructs: trust, loyalty and brand. The results show the importance of trust in the consumption decision, as well as loyalty, relationship and satisfaction. Trust and loyalty lead to brand relationship, which is why managers must pay special attention to the factors to be provided to their customers so that this triad can be verified. Commercial brands marketed to the public should consider inducing strong feelings towards the brand as an important step in promoting customer satisfaction and loyalty. A brand for which that the consumer develops strong feelings will facilitate and potentiate positive behaviors in the long term. However, some behavioral characteristics, attendance and leadership, are of lesser importance to the consumer. This research presents a limitation as to its application, as the respondents were only customers of one brand, Bemol.

Dialysis-associated immune dysfunction makes chronic kidney disease patients both susceptible to severe Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid19) and to a weaker response to vaccination. Previously infected patients are thought to sustain stronger and more durable humoral responses than vaccinated patients. Four months after a two dose-regimen of the Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2), we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobin G (IgG-S1) antibody levels in previously infected peritoneal dialysis patients and compared them with infection naïve PD patients. A total of 79 peritoneal dialysis patients were analyzed, of which 11 had a previous history of Covid19. We have verified that the median titer of the IgG-S1 in previously infected patients (14310 AU/mL) was significantly superior to that in infection naïve patients (760,05 AU/mL) (p < 0,001). Previous Covid19 was the only significant predictor of IgG-S1 levels in a multivariate linear regression model (p < 0,001). These results may impact vaccination strategies for peritoneal dialysis patients regarding the future administration of BNT162b2 booster doses. In conclusion, previously infected peritoneal dialysis patients who have completed a two-dose regimen of the BNT162b2 may be well suited without a third, booster dose for longer than infection naïve peritoneal dialysis patients. This strategy could make additional doses available around the world.

In modern times, disruptive contexts have challenged the functioning of organisations, as shown by recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the current war in Europe. The literature highlights the role of management control practices (MCP) as resources that help to improve decision-making processes and organisational performance and competitiveness in a crisis context. In response to stakeholders’ pressures, companies are integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issues into their measurement and control systems. The aim of this research is to examine whether companies perceive MCP as a resource to support the decision-making process and contribute to organisational performance and competitiveness in a crisis environment, as well as to ascertain the perceived role of CSR in MC. A survey by questionnaire was conducted among the 250 major exporting companies in Portugal. Results show that in a crisis context of uncertainty and unpredictability such as the COVID-19 pandemic organisations perceive MCP as having (1) a significant influence on organisational performance and on leveraging organisational competitiveness; (2) a significant link with CSR. In general terms, this study provides new insights into the perceptions of the role of MCP as a valuable resource to achieve organisational competitiveness and performance in disruptive social and economic contexts.

Perampanel is a promising antiepileptic drug (AED) for refractory epilepsy treatment due to its innovative mechanism of action. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model to be further used in initial dose optimization of perampanel in patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy. A total of seventy-two plasma concentrations of perampanel obtained from forty-four patients were analyzed through a population pharmacokinetic approach by means of nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM). A one-compartment model with first-order elimination best described the pharmacokinetic profiles of perampanel. Interpatient variability (IPV) was entered on clearance (CL), while the residual error (RE) was modeled as proportional. The presence of enzyme-inducing AEDs (EIAEDs) and body mass index (BMI) were found as significant covariates for CL and volume of distribution (V), respectively. The mean (relative standard error) estimates for CL and V of the final model were 0.419 L/h (5.56%) and 29.50 (6.41%), respectively. IPV was 30.84% and the proportional RE was 6.44%. Internal validation demonstrated an acceptable predictive performance of the final model. A reliable population pharmacokinetic model was successfully developed, and it is the first enrolling real-life adults diagnosed with refractory epilepsy.

Since its appearance in 2008, blockchain technology has found multiple uses in fields such as banking, supply chain management, and healthcare. One of the most intriguing uses of blockchain is in voting systems, where the technology can overcome the security and transparency concerns that plague traditional voting systems. This paper provides a thorough examination of the implementation of a blockchain-based voting system. The proposed system employs cryptographic methods to protect voters’ privacy and anonymity while ensuring the verifiability and integrity of election results. Digital signatures, homomorphic encryption (He), zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), and the Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus method underpin the system. A review of the literature on the use of blockchain technology for voting systems supports the analysis and the technical and logistical constraints connected with implementing the suggested system. The study suggests solutions to problems such as managing voter identification and authentication, ensuring accessibility for all voters, and dealing with network latency and scalability. The suggested blockchain-based voting system can provide a safe and transparent platform for casting and counting votes, ensuring election results’ privacy, anonymity, and verifiability. The implementation of blockchain technology can overcome traditional voting systems’ security and transparency shortcomings while also delivering a high level of integrity and traceability.

The expansion of augmented reality across society, its availability in mobile platforms and the novelty character it embodies by appearing in a growing number of areas, have raised new questions related to people’s predisposition to use this technology in their daily life. Acceptance models, which have been updated following technological breakthroughs and society changes, are known to be great tools for predicting the intention to use a new technological system. This paper proposes a new acceptance model aiming to ascertain the intention to use augmented reality technology in heritage sites—the Augmented Reality Acceptance Model (ARAM). ARAM relies on the use of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) model’s constructs, namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, to which the new and adapted constructs of trust expectancy, technological innovation, computer anxiety and hedonic motivation are added. This model was validated with data gathered from 528 participants. Results confirm ARAM as a reliable tool to determine the acceptance of augmented reality technology for usage in cultural heritage sites. The direct impact of performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation is validated as having a positive influence on behavioural intention. Trust expectancy and technological innovation are demonstrated to have a positive influence on performance expectancy whereas hedonic motivation is negatively influenced by effort expectancy and by computer anxiety. The research, thus, supports ARAM as a suitable model to ascertain the behavioural intention to use augmented reality in new areas of activity.

Contemporary organizations need to follow their performance over a continuous period, as the short period is not enough to provide complete control. Bearing this in mind, performance measurement indicators must be reflecting the organizational strategy, not just in the short term, but also in the medium and long term. In the past, especially in industrial enterprises, a high interest in measuring organizational performance was noted. Afterward, the need for effective performance management has also gained increased recognition and interest in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Considering the transversal demand for management control tools, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) gained special highlight, based on its four interlinked perspectives (financial, customer, internal processes, and learning & growth), originally developed by Kaplan and Norton. The BSC was selected for this research, as it has been already implemented by multiple HEIs, to guide managers and directors in their decisions and contribute to greater efficiency. It was, therefore, also selected for the implementation by an analyzed Portuguese higher education institution. This research aims to contribute to the empirical and practical understanding of BSC implementation in higher education, whilst providing orientation to directors and managers of HEIs. With the implementation of this tool, managers and directors can monitor the organizational performance and follow the defined strategy in the medium and long term. Based on these findings, other institutions could use this study as a guide and a benchmark.

Temporary employment is not influenced by the unemployment rate, but shows a positive relation with the social protection expenses of the companies. Poland is the country with the highest percentage of temporary workers (2013). The objective of this research is to study this flexibility, by obtaining empirical evidence in the European Union, using a quantitative research method. Research is still missing towards a better understanding of the relation between temporary employment and unemployment. The relevance of understanding of the effects of temporary employment in the European Labor Market. As future research, it is suggested that this study be replicated for the time span of 2006 to 2020. This research focuses on the geographical area studied, providing a better understanding of the relation between temporary employment and unemployment. This research is based on quantitative research using a European Union secondary database (Eurostat).

This article presents a framework for improved and efficient video delivery in scenarios featuring users moving at high speed (e.g., trains), leveraging on dynamic Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) enabled 5G network capabilities. The framework is location-aware and it allows the content to efficiently follow the users, conserving load usage on network and computational resources, by placing virtualized Content Delivery Network (vCDN) nodes at edge sites. The nodes are controlled by the framework's centralized control unit, which is able to dynamically and preemptively deploy virtulized resources, as the train moves. The framework is capable of segmenting video content and placing the specific portion of content that a user is likely to consume across a set of dynamically deployed vCDN nodes, associated to the coverage section the train is currently passing. A proof of concept was implemented and evaluated, where the benefits of using this framework are assessed. Results showed that the proposed system was able to reduce the load on the core network by 10.9 percent and maximize the cache hit ratio to a value of 99.8 percent.