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The E-Work Life Scale (EWLS), developed by Grant et al. (2019), is an instrument used to assess the quality of life when teleworking, regarding the interference between work and personal life domains, perceptions of productivity and effectiveness, flexibility, and organizational trust. This research aims to present the validation of the EWLS to the Portuguese population, through two different studies. The goal of the first study was to explore the factor structure of the scale through exploratory factor analysis (N = 207 teleworkers). The second study (N = 272) was intended to validate the scale factor structure and analyze its convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion validity. The findings from both studies showed that the scale had strong reliability, and a consistent factor structure, and demonstrated convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Thus, we conclude that the Portuguese version of the EWLS is a valid instrument to be used among teleworkers. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

One key aspect related to structural integrity of bridges is the fatigue behavior of its materials and structural components. Generally, a fatigue crack initiates in zones where there is a concentration of stresses (geometric discontinuities, for example) and then it may propagate at an increasing growth rate leading to structural failure. Experimental campaigns have been performed in order to characterize the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of these old metallic materials. More recently, several FCG models based on local approaches have been proposed. Huffman developed a strain energy density model based on Walker-like stress life and FCG behavior. The FCG process is assumed as successive crack re-initiations considering an elementary material block size. This model is used in this paper to predict the fatigue crack propagation of puddle iron material from a Portuguese centenary bridge. This model is combined with the generalized probabilistic fatigue model proposed by Correia in order to define probabilistic FCG fields.

Overview and Aims: Intrauterine systems (IUS) are one of the most effective forms of long acting reversible birth control, with low failure rates and high continuity and satisfaction rates. Still, they account for a small proportion of contraception use, which may be due to several myths and misperceptions. With this study, we aimed to assess Portuguese experts’ perceptions on potential benefits and fears that may limit women’s contraception choice and to identify current trends in clinical practice. Methods and Population: We performed an observational, descriptive and analytical study in which gynecologists/obstetricians were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire by call or email made of multiple-choice questions on IUS use. Results: A total of 482 Portuguese Gynecologists answered the survey, of which 97.1% revealed that the insertion of IUS is a common procedure in their current clinical practice. More than 95% considered the insertion of IUS an easy procedure and a safe contraceptive method. Cost-efficacy and the fact that this method doesn’t rely on women􀀀s action to be effective were the top benefits for IUS users, perceived by the physicians. On the other hand, concern about having a foreign object inside the body and fear of insertion pain were perceived by the physicians as the top barriers to IUS use. Female gynecologists perceived a higher degree of pain associated with IUS insertion (p=0.021). Overall, gynecology experts’ opinions were conservative regarding IUS recommendations to women. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a general insight towards Portuguese gynecologists’ perceptions, opinions and attitudes on the use of IUS. Most of the experts consider IUS a safe contraception method but, on the other hand, there is still concern about its use in particular female conditions which may in part contribute to the low rate of IUS use in Portuguese women. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Flush end-plate (FEP) beam-to-column joints are commonly used for gravity load resisting parts in steel multi-storey buildings. However, in seismic resisting structures FEP joints should also provide rotation capacity consistent with the global structural displacements. The current version of EN1993-1-8 recommends a criterion aiming at controlling the thickness of the end-plate in order to avoid brittle failure of the connection, which has been developed for monotonic loading conditions assuming elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour of the connection's components in line with the theory of the component method. Hence, contrary to the design philosophy of the hierarchy of resistances implemented in EN1998-1, the over strength and the hardening of the plastic components are not directly accounted for. In light of these considerations, this paper describes and discusses the results obtained from parametric finite element simulations aiming at investigating the moment-rotation response of FEP joints under cyclic actions. The influence of bolt diameter, thickness of end-plate, number of bolt rows and shape of beam profile on the joint response is discussed and design requirements are proposed to enhance the ductility of the joints