Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

Objective Assess differences between hematocrit levels in a population with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and determine if these differences correlate with disease severity and/or with levels of hypoxemia. Material and methods Data was collected from patients who underwent level I polysomnography (PSG) in the sleep laboratory at Hospital Rainha Santa Isabel, Torres Novas, Portugal, between January 2018 and December 2022. The patients' medical data was analyzed and sociodemographic (gender, body mass index (BMI) and age), polysomnographic (Apnea and Hypopnea Index (AHI), mean SpO2, minimum SpO2, Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), T90 and T85) and laboratory data (hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB) and erythrocyte count) were collected. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD for pairwise comparisons, Pearson’s correlation for associations between polysomnographic and hematological parameters, and multivariate regression to identify independent factors. Results HCT levels were found to be higher in the moderate OSA group, particularly compared to the no OSA group (42.34 ± 4.09% vs 40.28 ± 2.75%), with significant differences between groups (p = 0.032). Although HCT levels were shown to be higher in the OSA group, the mean values remained within normal range, so no patient manifested erythrocytosis. Conclusion Our results suggest that moderate OSA is associated with increased HCT levels but does not seem to cause secondary erythrocytosis. Future research should further evaluate the hypoxic burden of OSA, as increased HCT may raise the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Non-invasive electrocutaneous stimulation, which applies an electrical current flowing through the skin’s surface to elicit a tactile percept, can be used in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to obtain somatotopic maps that illustrate the spatial patterns and functional organization of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). However, accessibility to this technique, combined with fMRI, is limited, especially for applications requiring multiple stimulation channels. This study presents the development and assessment of a novel multichannel electrocutaneous stimulation device designed for non-invasive somatosensory stimulation of the upper limbs in human participants within a magnetic resonance (MR) environment. The current-controlled, voltage-limited stimulation device features 20 stimulation channels that can be individually configured to deliver various non-simultaneous combinations of personalized electrical pulses, tailored to the subject, stimulation site, and paradigm. It was designed with a modular assembly to ensure compatibility with the MR environment. The assessment of the device consisted of four stages. First, the feasibility of generating controllable electrical stimuli outside the MR environment was validated using an electrical circuit equivalent to the impedance of the human body and the electrode-skin interface. Subsequently, safety and compatibility were evaluated in a 3 Tesla Magnetom Prisma fit scanner using a phantom. Next, the device's capacity to generate perceptible tactile sensations and user acceptability were assessed by testing the device on a single participant outside the MR environment. Finally, structural and functional data were acquired from three participants during a somatosensory stimulation experiment as a proof of concept to confirm the brain activity elicited by stimulation. These assessments confirmed the device’s capacity to generate controllable electrical stimuli both outside and in the MR environment, its compatibility and safety in this MR environment, and its effectiveness in eliciting brain activity in the expected brain areas without causing any discomfort to the participant. This study paves the way for future research on somatotopic mapping of S1 using this device.

The new world challenges under climate change call for eco-friendly practices that make agriculture’s economic and social dimensions compatible with environmental preservation and ecosystem resilience. Carbon farming has emerged as an interesting alternative for dealing with these new frameworks, as it promotes conservation agriculture with practices that increase carbon sequestration in soils and plants. Considering these motivations, this research intends to bring more insights into the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Portuguese context, and this variable is interrelated with land use, land attributes, and soil characteristics. Statistical information from the INFOSOLO legacy database was analyzed through statistical methodologies and machine-learning approaches. The findings provide interesting support for the stakeholders about the influence of land use and soil types on the levels of SOC.

This study examines how typical household conditions after bottle opening affect the physicochemical, sensory, and bioactive properties of cv. Cobrançosa extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), attempting to define kinetic models to predict the shelf-life (SL) during domestic use. For 9 weeks, EVOO amber glass bottles (750 mL), exposed to light (n = 5) or darkness (n = 5), at 18 ± 2 ºC, were opened/shaken daily to simulate household use, with oil removed weekly. In light-exposed samples, the peroxide value (PV) imposed EVOO declassification at week five, with intense rancidity at week eight (≥ 3.5), rendering the oil unsuitable for consumption. On the contrary, light-protected oils had only a downgrade to virgin olive oil due to a K232 rise. Acidity was preserved, as was the health claim supported by tyrosol/hydroxytyrosol polyphenols. Kinetic models (zero-, first-, and second-order) supported on the oxidation indicators (PV, K232, or K268), allowed determining reaction rates by linear regression (correlation coefficients: 0.942 to 0.997). For light-exposed oils, PV was the most reliable indicator of SL, predicting from a second-order TRUL model a preservation of the EVOO grade for 35 ± 2 days, in agreement with the experimental SL (28–35 days). For light-protected oils, K232 was the most accurate SL indicator, predicting a SL of 49 ± 4 days using a zero-order TRUL model, consistent with the experimental SL (49–56 days). The models were validated using SL literature data from cvs. Arbequina, Istarska Bjelica, and Buža olive oils, confirming their applicability to various cultivars and highlighting oxidation’s role, particularly photo-oxidation, in EVOO degradation during domestic use. Graphical Abstract

The food processing industry is a vital sector in Europe contributing significantly to the economy and ensuring food safety and security for consumers. Identifying and addressing the gaps between occupations, qualifications, and certification of professionals is essential for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to develop effective strategies for training and recruiting qualified workers in the food processing sector. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the occupations, qualifications, and certifications of professionals in the European food processing sector, and to identify gaps or inconsistencies in the existing requirements. This study used desk research, and standardized classification systems (ESCO, ISCO, ISCED, EQF) were used to analyze food processing occupations, qualifications, and certifications in Europe. Occupational data were collected from ESCO, while vocational and academic qualifications were collected from national agencies and the ISEKI-Food Association. The Jaccard Similarity Index was used to assess skill overlap between occupations, and Pearson’s correlation was used to examine relationships between qualifications, industry focus, and economic indicators. A frequency analysis was conducted to identify common academic degree titles. Regulated professions were acquired from the European Commission’s database, and certifications were recognized by searching for them online. This review confirmed that there are significant variations in the qualifications and certifications required for food processing occupations across different European countries. These variations are likely influenced by factors such as industry size, national specificities, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, there is no full correspondence between occupations and qualifications. The regulation of professions is limited to a few countries, specifically for Food Technologists and Food Inspectors, with heterogeneous requirements.

Slash and burn treatments are often recommended and employed for controlling the invasive tree Acacia dealbata Link. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach. We established eight experimental blocks with burn, slash and slash-and-burn treatments distributed across central Portugal. The density and height of new seedlings and resprouts of the invasive alien plant were monitored for three years. Our results showed that slash treatments stimulated resprouting, while burn treatments promoted seed germination. Resprouts and seedlings were significantly taller in the slash treatments compared to the burn treatments. When combined treatments were applied, different combinations of slash-and-burn reduced the number of resprouts and seedlings; however, the minimum stem density remained at 6.5 stems m⁻², compared to 0 in the control plots. These results demonstrate that, under the conditions of this study, slash-and-burn treatments without follow-up interventions are not effective for controlling A. dealbata populations, despite their role in reducing the soil seed bank.

Desertification sensitivity in semi-arid urbanizing regions remains a critical challenge for sustainable land management. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics (2018–2022) of desertification sensitivity in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei core region using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), soil texture, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and nighttime light data. Using a GIS-based model, we found a decline in overall desertification sensitivity, with vegetation degradation (post-2020) emerging as a key factor. Key recommendations include optimizing urban spatial patterns via ecological red lines, prioritizing vegetation restoration in high-sensitivity zones, and establishing dynamic remote sensing-based monitoring systems. These strategies aim to coordinate urban growth with ecological resilience, offering actionable pathways for semi-arid regions facing similar pressures. Future work should integrate socioeconomic drivers to refine adaptive governance frameworks.

Objectives: Severe loneliness poses a significant risk to older adults' health and quality of life. This study assessed the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the Portuguese version of the ALONE scale in community-dwelling older adults and explored the scale's associations with sociodemographic, social isolation, depression, life satisfaction, and daily functioning. Method: A descriptive, correlational study was conducted with 285 Portuguese older adults. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and health data, the ALONE scale, Social Isolation Scale (SIS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-16), and Lawton and Brody IADL Scale. Analyses included confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, group comparisons, correlations, and logistic regression. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional model with satisfactory fit indices and internal consistency (α = 0.743). Severe loneliness correlated positively with social isolation and depression and negatively with life satisfaction and daily functioning. Participants experiencing severe loneliness were likely older, female, living alone, socially isolated, depressed, and dependent in daily activities. Significant predictors included social isolation (OR = 0.806) and depression (OR = 1.131). Conclusion: The ALONE scale demonstrated validity and reliability for assessing loneliness in older adults, making it a suitable, efficient tool for clinical practice.

Non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and cancer are escalating global health concerns [...]

Dicyphus cerastii Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae) is an important predator in horticultural crops. This study provides the first data on biological traits like development, survival, and reproduction for this species. We investigated how host (tomato, tobacco, and Cape gooseberry) and temperature (15.0, 20.0, 25.0 ± 1 °C) influenced nymphal development, survival, and adult longevity. In the absence of prey, nymphs failed to complete development on any host. When prey was available, nymphal development, survival and longevity declined as temperature increased across all hosts. Development and longevity of D. cerastii were further examined on tomato, at seven temperatures (15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5, 35.0 ± 1°C). Reproductive capacity was measured at 20.0, 25.0, 30.0 ± 1°C, on tomato. Egg development ranged from 30.6 days (15.0 °C) to 9.7 days (32.5 °C). Nymph development decreased from 40.0 days (15.0 °C) to 16.4 days (30.0 °C), and no nymphs completed development above 30.0 °C. The optimal temperature for development from egg to adult was estimated at 29.2 °C., while the minimum threshold for immature development was approximately 7.0 °C. The thermal constant for development was 230.4 degree-days for eggs, and 394.0 degree-days for nymphs. Adult longevity ranged from 158.6 days (15.0 °C) to 13.8 days (30.0 °C). The net reproductive rate (R0) and generation time (T) were highest at 20.0 °C, while the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was highest at 25.0 °C.

AS1411 is a G-quadruplex (G4) aptamer that binds tightly to nucleolin (NCL) on the cell surface and has shown strong anticancer effects. However, this aptamer is highly polymorphic, presenting different types of G4s, which may hinder its preclinical application. Several modifications have been made to decrease the polymorphism of this aptamer. In this work, we designed six AS1411 derivatives by substituting guanine with thymine in the central linker and modifying the number of thymines either in the linker itself and/or at both ends of the sequence. The G4 formation, stability, and NCL binding were evaluated by several biophysical techniques and computational and cell studies. Overall, a decrease in polymorphism of G4-forming sequences compared to AS1411 is observed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in the presence of potassium salt. The melting experiments reveal a higher ability of the derivatives without thymine at both sequence ends to form a G4, consistent with the G4H score predictions. Additionally, it is possible to conclude that deletions of T in the central core increase the ability to form G4. Moreover, the AS1411 derivatives bind NCL with high affinity (KD values in the 10⁻⁹ M range), particularly the sequences with only thymine modifications in the central linker. In silico studies reveal structural insights and demonstrate that AS1411 derivatives interact with NCL, establishing multiple interactions with the different domains, thereby further supporting the experimental findings. By using a lung cancer cell line with high cell surface NCL expression, we evaluate the internalization and uptake of AS1411 derivatives, identifying the derivative-lacking thymines in the central core as the ones with the highest internalization and cellular uptake.

This chapter examines the emergence of novel trends in spiritual experiences, which are now designated as “spiritual tourism”. The study encompasses six locations in Portugal, four of which facilitate the implementation of St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises. In-depth interviews with the individuals responsible for managing these locations elucidate the factors that motivate people to engage in spiritual tourism. Spiritual tourism in Portugal offers a connection to the Catholic heritage, facilitating well-being, prayer, and contemplation in natural environments. These spaces foster individual and small-group spiritual journeys, tailored to modern religious behaviour. Religious institutions shape and promote these experiences, aligning with tourists’ desire for individual spiritual retreats.

(1) Background: Teachers’ visual behaviour in classes has an important role in learning and instruction. Hence, understanding the dynamics of classroom interactions is fundamental in educational research. As mapping evidence on this topic would highlight concepts and knowledge gaps in this area, this systematic review aimed to collect and systematise the analysis of teachers’ visual behaviour in classroom settings through the use of eye-tracking apparatus; (2) Methods: The methodological procedures were registered in the INPLASY database and this systematic review used the PRISMA criteria for the selection and analysis of studies in this area. We searched on six literature databases (B-on, ERIC, ScienceDirect, Scopus, TRC and WoS) between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2024. Eligible articles used eye tracking apparatus and analysed teachers’ visual behaviour as a dependent variable in the experiment; (3) Results: The main results of the articles selected (n = 41) points to the differences in teachers’ visual behaviour in terms of professional experience and the relationship between gaze patterns and several classroom variables; (4) Conclusions: A deeper understanding of teachers’ visual behaviour can lead to more effective teacher training and better classroom environments. The scientific research in this area would benefit from more standardized and robust methodologies that allow more reliable analyses of the added value of eye tracking technology.

This study investigates the intrinsic factors influencing Portuguese family farmers’ motivations for short-term continuity, utilizing data from the Agricultural Censuses. The research, based on five Beta regression models, highlights the significance of socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, and education, alongside farm structures and agricultural practices in shaping decisions to sustain farming. Results reveal diverse motivational frameworks, including economic viability, supplementary income, emotional attachment, and the lack of professional alternatives. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic incentives with cultural preservation in agricultural policy.

Olive oil holds a significant position in the global vegetable oil market, often reaching high prices compared to other vegetable oils. However, like other oils, it is vulnerable to oxidation, which can degrade its quality during storage, making it essential to determine its shelf-life. So, kinetic or empirical models have been developed to estimate how long olive oil can maintain the legal quality standards necessary for its commercial classification or to be marketed with nutritional or health claim. This study reviews recent advancements in modelling approaches to predict the shelf-life of olive oil under different storage conditions, namely storage duration (from 2 months to 2 years), temperature (20–50 ºC), and light exposure (light versus dark storage). Most models estimate the timeframe in which olive oil remains compliant with regulatory requirements for specific commercial grades, namely extra virgin olive oil, with fewer models addressing health-related claims. Developed models include pseudo zero-, pseudo first-, and pseudo second-order kinetic models and empirical models, derived from experimental data on the oil’s chemical stability over time. While empirical models can be highly accurate, they often require extensive chemical data, including for compounds for which no legal thresholds exist, and complex statistical techniques, limiting their use by non-specialists. In contrast, kinetic models offer simpler and user-friendly mathematical equations. Nonetheless, olive oil’s shelf-life predictions remain influenced by factors such as initial oil composition, packaging materials, and storage conditions, underscoring the ongoing need to refine the predictive models.

Background Physical-functional fitness (PFF) assessments have become crucial tools for identifying physical frailty syndrome (PFS) in older adults, helping guide preventive and interventional strategies. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of performance-based PFF tests for detecting PFS among community-dwelling older adults in Tehran, Iran. Additionally, it sought to compare PFF variables between PFS groups to assess the applicability of these tests as practical screening tools in clinical and community settings. Methods Data were collected from 161 participants (91 males, 56.5%; 70 females, 43.5%), including sociodemographic, anthropometric, medical history, PFF, and PFS assessments. Results Frail participants exhibited significantly lower scores in various PFF tests, including the Tinetti balance, walking, and total score components, physical activity levels (PAL), mean hand grip strength (MGS), 30-s arm curl (30 s-AC), 30 s-chair stand (30 s-CS), Standing Stork Balance (SSB), and back stretch (BST) tests (p < 0.001). Frail individuals also had lower levels of education, shorter stature, and higher BMI compared to non-frail/pre-frail participants, highlighting broader vulnerabilities. Logistic regression analyses showed that all PFF tests, including Tinetti balance and walking components, MGS, 30 s-AC, 30 s-CS, were significant protective factors against FS. However, ROC curve analysis revealed optimal cutoff points for PFS identification, with PAL and MGS demonstrating the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting PFS. The all components of Tinetti scale also proved to be strong predictors of FS. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that, regardless of age, sex, education level, stature, and fall incidence, PFF assessments remain critical for identifying older adults at risk for PFS. The study highlights the predictive strength of key variables, such as PAL, MGS, and the Tinetti-POMA components, offering novel insights into the role of these tests in improving PFS screening accuracy. These results underscore the importance of integrating PFF assessments into routine clinical and community-based health evaluations, enabling early detection and timely interventions to promote healthier aging trajectories.

In the construction industry there are several areas and various production processes where equipment that produces vibrations is used and where workers are potentially exposed to vibrations. Vibrations are a constant concern for the various dangers they pose to the worker and the occupational diseases associated with them. In the construction sector, about 10% of workers have vascular symptoms and 14% neurological. To assess the daily exposure of construction workers to vibrations and analyze the potential impacts on their health and their day-to-day work. Measurements were made to workers in construction site in Coimbra. The data collection process was performed using a triaxial vibration meter. We found that some of the tasks analyzed exceed the limit value of daily exposure stipulated by law. It was also found that the workers most exposed to vibrations are those who have less literary qualifications and that, in turn, are also those who have less knowledge about the health impacts associated with this same exposure. The study of occupational vibrations is extremely important for the construction sector. It is essential that there is more and more monitoring and implementation of preventive measures, aiming to provide workers with more safety and a better quality of life at work.

Sugar-based polyurethane (PU) foams represent an important advancement in structured materials offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional PU foams derived from petro-based polyols. These PU foams can hold particular importance in fields such as construction, packaging, biomedical materials, and medical devices. Hitherto, the development relies on a trial-and-error basis or, at most, by changing one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT). Unfortunately, these methods are inefficient and prone to miss the intended goals. In this study, we apply a Quality by Design (QbD) strategy, integrating systematic experimental design and data-driven approaches, to optimize sugar-based PU foam formulations for integration into a pathogen-monitoring device and identify key factors affecting their properties. The effects of surfactant, water, catalyst, chain extender, and isocyanate concentrations were evaluated using statistical design of experiments (DoE), and the amount of water was identified as the most influential factor. An optimized formulation was obtained with 0.58% (w/w) water, 5.69% (w/w) surfactant, and 34.26% (w/w) toluene diisocyanate (TDI), with butanediol excluded due to its minor impact on foam’s performance and the water being the most impactful factor. This optimized formulation was synthesized and validated with the final material being able to absorb liquids, support capillary flow, and maintain physical integrity and glucose content. This approach enabled the tailored development of sugar-based PU foams to meet the specific application requirements.