Sara Pinto

Facile synthesis of hydrogenated reduced graphene oxide via hydrogen spillover mechanism

Here we demonstrate a single step approach for the facile reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to hydrogenated reduced graphene oxide (HRGO) under ambient conditions.

Resistive switching and activity-dependent modifications in Ni-doped graphene oxide thin films

The resistive switching (RS) mechanism in Ni-doped graphene oxide (GO) devices is studied. We found that RS depends strongly on the fabrication method of the GO sheet and on the electrode material. Resistive switching in GO-devices can be caused by the diffusion of ions from metallic electrode or by the migration of oxygen groups, depending on the fabrication process. We also show that GO-based structures possess activity-dependent modification capabilities, emphasized by the increase/decrease of device conductance after consecutive voltage sweeps of opposite polarity. Our results allow a better understanding of bipolar RS, towards future non-volatile memories and neuromorphic systems.

“Love Is Strong, and You're so Sweet”: JAGGER Is Essential for Persistent Synergid Degeneration and Polytubey Block in Arabidopsis thaliana

Successful double fertilization and subsequent seed development in flowering plants requires the delivery of two sperm cells, transported by a pollen tube, into the embryo sac of an ovule. The embryo sac cells tightly control synergid cell death, and as a result the polyspermy block. Arabinogalactan proteins are highly glycosylated proteins thought to be involved in several steps of the reproductive process. We show that JAGGER, Arabinogalactan Protein 4, is an important molecule necessary to prevent the growth of multiple pollen tubes into one embryo sac in Arabidopsis thaliana. In jagger, an AGP4 knockout mutant, the pistils show impaired pollen tube blockage as a consequence of the survival of the persistent synergid. JAGGER seems to be involved in the signaling pathway that leads to a blockage of pollen tube attraction. Our results shed light on the mechanism responsible for preventing polyspermy in Arabidopsis and for safeguarding successful fertilization of all ovules in one pistil, ensuring seed set and the next generation.

A esperança da pessoa com cancro - estudo em contexto de quimioterapia

Background: hope is a concept which helps people to deal more effectively with a crisis. The scientific evidence suggests its importance in the...

Comfort, well-being and quality of life: Discussion of the differences and similarities among the concepts

HighlightsThe distinction among the concepts of comfort, well‐being and QoL is often unclear.This ambiguity can lead to redundancies, gaps, and knowledge dispersion.The concepts are not surrogate terms but related concepts sharing common attributes. Aim: To analyze the differences and similarities of the concepts of comfort, well‐being and quality of life (QoL). Methods: Review of concept analysis research on PubMed, Cinahl (full text) and Scielo, using the search terms “Comfort”, “Well‐being”, “Quality of Life” and “Concept Analysis”. Results: Eighteen studies were included. Comfort is a broader holistic concept while well‐being is mainly related to psycho‐spiritual dimensions. QoL reflects the individual perception of satisfaction with life. Conclusions: The concepts are not surrogate terms, but related concepts sharing common attributes. Caution should be taken in further research, particularly as regards the correct use and framing of the concepts.

A Systematic Literature Review Toward the Characterization of Comfort.

Comfort integrates the taxonomies and the classifications of nursing knowledge. Its meaning is not yet clear, although it is an important construct from which theories are developed. This article aims to analyze comfort in nursing scientific literature. The results highlight a particular interest in comfort at crisis situations such as illness, palliative care, or intensive care. Comforting seems to be a complex intervention. More studies are needed to achieve its operational assimilation and implementation in clinical practice, as well as the evaluation of its efficiency and effectiveness.

Correlations among magnetic, electrical and magneto-transport properties of NiFe nanohole arrays

In this work, we use anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates to build NiFe magnetic nanohole arrays. We perform a thorough study of their magnetic, electrical and magneto-transport properties (including the resistance R(T), and magnetoresistance MR(T)), enabling us to infer the nanohole film morphology, and the evolution from granular to continuous film with increasing thickness. In fact, different physical behaviors were observed to occur in the thickness range of the study (2 nm < t < 100 nm). For t < 10 nm, an insulator-to-metallic crossover was visible in R(T), pointing to a granular film morphology, and thus being consistent with the presence of electron tunneling mechanisms in the magnetoresistance. Then, for 10 nm < t < 50 nm a metallic R(T) allied with a larger anisotropic magnetoresistance suggests the onset of morphological percolation of the granular film. Finally, for t > 50 nm, a metallic R(T) and only anisotropic magnetoresistance behavior were obtained, characteristic of a continuous thin film. Therefore, by combining simple low-cost bottom-up (templates) and top-down (sputtering deposition) techniques, we are able to obtain customized magnetic nanostructures with well-controlled physical properties, showing nanohole diameters smaller than 35 nm.

Tradução e adaptação da Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale em enfermeiros portugueses de cuidados paliativos

Theoretical framework: The knowledge on spirituality in Nursing has increased in Portugal, but there is still low evidence on the nurses’ perception of th...

The Comfort app prototype: introducing a web-based application for monitoring comfort in palliative care

AIM To introduce a web-based application for monitoring comfort in patients receiving palliative care. METHODS Multi-phase electronic application development process that concluded with a pilot design to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the developed app (n=7 patients). RESULTS The app is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows. The results from phases I and II provided the knowledge about monitoring comfort. In phase III, five experts analysed the content of the app. The assessment of comfort comprises 11 self-reported items (pain, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, fear of the future, peace and the will to live). In phase IV, a total of 117 messages were retrieved. Participants considered the app simple, easy to use and useful. CONCLUSIONS This prototype is feasible and user-friendly. Further research is needed to continue the app development, particularly in terms of data protection.

Evolutionary Analysis of the Concept of Comfort

Although comfort is cited as an important component of nursing care, a definition that provides a firm conceptual foundation for research and nursing science is still needed, particularly in nursing classifications and taxonomies. This article provides a clear and evidence-based definition, improving research, development, and implementation of specific nursing interventions.