Technical University of Lisbon
Recent publications
We herein describe the radiosynthesis of a ¹²⁵I‐labeled acridine orange derivative ([¹²⁵I]‐C8), acting as a G‐quadruplex binder, and its biological evaluation in cervical cancer models, aiming to enlighten its potential as a radioligand for Auger Electron Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (AE‐RPT) of cancer. [¹²⁵I]‐C8 was synthesized with a moderate radiochemical yield (ca. 60 %) by a [¹²⁵I]iodo‐destannylation reaction. Its evaluation in cervical cancer HeLa cells demonstrated that the radiocompound has a significant cellular internalization with a notorious accumulation in the cell nucleus. In line with these results, [¹²⁵I]‐C8 strongly compromised the viability of HeLa cells in a dose‐dependent manner, inducing non‐repairable DNA lesions that are most probably due to the AEs emitted by ¹²⁵I in close proximity to the DNA molecule. Biodistribution studies in a murine HeLa xenograft model showed that [¹²⁵I]‐C8 has fast blood clearance and high in vivo stability but poor tumor uptake, after systemic administration. The respective supramolecular conjugate with the AS1411 aptamer ([¹²⁵I]‐C8/AS1411) led to a slower blood clearance in the same animal tumor model, although without improving the tumor uptake. To take advantage of the radiotoxicity of [¹²⁵I]‐C8 against cervical cancer cells other strategies need to be studied, based namely on alternative nanodelivery carriers and/or intratumoral injection approaches.
Two new mono‐thiourea, four bis‐thiourea and one squaramide organocatalysts were synthesised from L‐tartaric acid. These organocatalysts were able to activate glycosyl phosphates for stereoselective nucleophilic substitution reactions with broad functional group compatibility under mild conditions. The influence of the number and position of the thiourea groups and the proximity of the asymmetric centre to the catalytic important atoms for the stereoselective outcome of the glycosylation reactions was studied. 1,2‐cis Glycosides were obtained in up to 85 % yield and high diastereoselectivity (up to α:β 83 : 17).
Photonic circuits are an enabling technology for the development of novel solutions in different fields such as healthcare, quantum computing, neural networks, communications, and manufacturing. Interconnections between devices and systems require low-loss light coupling strategies. Grating couplers are a promising solution to couple light between photonic circuits and optical fibres due to their off-plane coupling capabilities. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), which can be deposited by PECVD over a substrate of silica or glass, is a suitable low-cost solution for the production of such light coupling devices. In this work we developed, trained and tested a fully connected feedforward neural network for coupling efficiency prediction in a-Si:H grating couplers. The light coupling gratings were simulated by twodimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis and field distributions were analysed with the Finite Element Method (FEM). Simulated gratings include non-apodized, linear and quadratic refractive index variation designs featuring full or partial etching, operating at 1550 nm. Not featuring any type of bottom reflector, the couplers exhibit coupling efficiencies up to about 40 % (~ -4 dB). The neural network multiclass grating coupler efficiency classifier was trained with over 3000 simulation results, reaching an accuracy over 85%, for coupling efficiencies between 0 and 30%+.
Cropping systems are strongly dependent on mineral fertilisers, which are effective in achieving high crop productivities. However, these chemical inputs end up compromising soil quality in the long-term. Frass from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a novel organic fertiliser that is rich in organic matter and advocated as a material that can sustain crop productivity while increasing soil quality. This study aimed at evaluating distinct fertilisation regimes in the cultivation of ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam. or annual ryegrass) in soils of different types (sandy, loamy and clay) and fertility levels. In a 7-month pot experiment conducted in a glass greenhouse, plants were cultivated with exclusive mineral (MT) or organic (OT) fertilisation, in addition to combinations between both (mineral and organic, MOTs) in different proportions (25:50; 50:50 and 75:25), considering a 140 kg per hectare N demand. Crop yield was favoured by the combination of organic and mineral fertilisers in all soils, which also had its fertility increased, especially regarding organic matter build-up and nutrient accumulation. In addition, the presence of frass in the sandy soil stimulated microbial activity, which was measured by the enzyme dehydrogenase. Frass derived from BSF larvae can be considered an adequate organic fertiliser in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soil types, when applied in partial (25% to 75%) replacement of mineral fertilisers, enabling high crop productivity and nutritional quality of the crop, while increasing soil fertility.
Medical negligence is a well-documented issue in the Nigerian health system literature. However, there is no in-depth information on the health system factors driving the problem among health care providers in the country. Drawing on the World Health Organization’s framework of health system building blocks, this qualitative survey contributes to addressing the gap. The study employed purposive sampling to select a wide range of 51 health care providers between October and November 2023. Six open-ended questions were used to gather perspectives, and thematic analysis was performed. Findings reveal gaps/problems in the six health system building blocks driving medical negligence. These include the long waiting time experienced by patients in health facilities, inadequate history-taking, nonexistent and/or poor protocols for procedures and work processes, unequipped health facilities offering services, underdeveloped patient safety systems, shortage of health care providers, training gaps among health care providers, poorly stated job descriptions and organograms in health facilities, inadequate remuneration for health care providers, communication gaps among health care providers involved in the multidisciplinary management of patients, the lack of data sharing between health care providers, the documentation of patient data on paper or non-easily retrievable forms, and poor monitoring of the health information system. The gaps/problems also include the use of prototype medical products and devices in health care, the lack of essential medicines, inadequate regulation and monitoring of the quality of medical products, poor healthcare financing, embezzlement of monetary allocations meant for the procurement of medical devices, weak policies and legal interventions to address medical negligence by the government, hospital protocols that delay patients’ access to health care, and health service managers’ inattentiveness to the complaints of health care providers. The study suggests that diverse health system factors drive medical negligence. Interventions to tackle the issue may be more effective if they take a systemic, rather than an individual, approach.
Phosphate‐containing glycolipids (PcGL) are scarcer than the better understood glycolipids. They are composed of arrangements of phosphate, carbohydrates and glycerol units and are always found associated with lipids. PcGL are often found associated with cell membranes, suggesting they play roles in cell membrane structure and intercellular interactions. This article aims to provide an up‐to‐date overview of the existing knowledge and research on PcGL, emphasizing their synthesis and wide range of biological activities. When it comes to the synthesis of PcGL compounds, the strategies for glycosylation mainly rely on the thioglycoside donor, the trichloroacetamidate donor and halide donor strategies, while phosphorylation is stapled and falls on either phosphite chemistry or phosphoryl chloride chemistry. Certain bacteria utilize PcGLs in their pathogenicity, triggering an inflammatory response within the host's defense mechanisms. The best‐known examples of these structures are teichoic acids, lipopolysaccharide and the capsular polysaccharide found in bacteria, all of which are frequently implicated in bacterial infections. Given the degree of variability within PcGL structures, they were found to display a wide range of bioactivities. PcGL compounds were found to: (1) have anti‐metastatic properties, (2) behave as agonists or antagonists of platelet aggregation, (3) be mostly pro‐inflammatory, (4) display antifungal and antibiotic activity and (5) have neurogenic activity.
Several theoretical frameworks have been used to understand exercise adherence. Basic psychological needs (BPN), grounded on self‐determination theory, have received large attention for this purpose. More recently, the hedonic theory and the assumptions related to the exercise characteristics (e.g., intensity) that can bolster positive affective responses have been revitalized. This study aimed to explore the associations between the agreement of current exercise intensity and the one individually preferred, BPN satisfaction/frustration, enjoyment, the intention to continue exercise, and exercise frequency. Additionally, an exploration of the direct and indirect effects while testing sex as a moderator was performed. A sample of 369 exercisers (Mage = 43.6, standard deviation = 12.96; 214 females) enrolled in 26 health clubs participated in this study voluntarily. Data were received in a first‐approach descriptive and correlational analyses. Next, a moderated mediation was performed using model 15 (PROCESS v.4.2). As a result, agreement in preference for exercise intensity was positively associated with enjoyment (r = 0.35), intention (r = 0.43), and all needs satisfaction (ranging from r = 0.12 to r = 0.45) and negatively associated with all needs frustration (ranging from r = −0.15 to r = −0.31). In the moderated mediation analysis, the same pattern of results emerged in direct effects. Indirect effects were significant for autonomy in the enjoyment and frequency models. Findings suggest that promoting an individually adjusted training intensity may foster BPN satisfaction. It appears to be present an independent (of needs) and positive association with exercise enjoyment and intention to continue exercising.
The 70s are marked by the birth of a threefold crisis: an economic one, a crisis in economic policy, and a crisis in the economic theory which had, until then, been esmonic. The sharp growth in the world capitalist economy, the considerable decrease in the range of cyclic movements, during the post-war period, seem to have validated the Keynesian concepts arrived in power following the 1929 crisis and the subsequent Second World War. ln 1974-75 everything changed. The crisis reappeared in all its depth, along with it there set in a feeling of skepticism regarding the efficacity of state intervention. At the same time with all their might there reemerged the “liberal” and monetarist thesis which had been dethroned by the impact of the events of the 30s and Keynes’s criticism. The purpose of this paper is to fit into the framework of the debate that exists today regarding the crisis and state intervention and to propose an interpretation of the economic difficulties triggered off by the 1974-75 crisis, from the theoretical elements left by Marx. KEYWORDS: Crisis; Marxism
The impacts of cumulative Chlorella vulgaris intake (proportion of microalga in the diet multiplied by the total feed consumed by each bird) on broiler carcass traits, meat quality and oxidative stability were reviewed to identify the optimal intake levels for maximising benefits. Our findings indicate that a cumulative intake of 8.73 g/bird significantly enhances thigh yield, while levels ranging from 8.73 to 401 g/bird optimise carcass weight and overall meat quality. However, higher cumulative levels may reduce carcass dressing percentage due to metabolic inefficiencies. Furthermore, C. vulgaris intake improves the oxidative stability of broiler meat by increasing antioxidant levels and balancing pro- and antioxidants. Including C. vulgaris in broiler diets boosts total carotenoid content, and antioxidant assays confirm that it enhances meat oxidative stability, with low to moderate cumulative intake levels (8.73 to 401 g/bird) providing the best balance of benefits. Optimal oxidative stability and antioxidant properties were observed at a cumulative intake level of 401 g/bird, showing significant improvements in meat antioxidant capacity. Higher levels may lead to diminishing returns or potential negative effects due to the digestibility issues of the microalga. Future research should refine intake models, understand the bioavailability of C. vulgaris nutrients and explore cost-effective methods to enhance its digestibility, to ensure its viability and sustainability as a feed additive.
The reduction of sodium chloride (NaCl) content, commonly known as salt, in processed meat products is one of the objectives of health organizations and government authorities to achieve healthier products. This reformulation of traditional meat products with protected designations poses more constraints, as they have a more consolidated quality image and less margin for change, since consumers appreciate the products for their unique sensory characteristics. The aim of this work is to present some of the strategies that have been explored to obtain meat products with low sodium content. Information related to the characteristics of traditional meat products with quality marks and geographical indications in different studies is discussed in opposition to the information recorded in their product specifications. It was found that the product specifications of meat products with Portuguese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) show a wide variation in the NaCl content, much higher than the recommended values. Thus, one of the requirements to be implemented will be the parameterization of NaCl levels and their monitorization by control and certification organizations as a way to ensure product quality. It is also urgent to examine whether healthy innovation strategies may affect the quality of traditional PDO or PGI meat products and whether they can be included in the respective product specifications.
Sludge treatment reed bed planted (STRB) with Phragmites australis (P.australis) and Arundo donax (A.donax) was assessed in the presence of Eisenia fetida under control condition during the dry season. Worm-planted units were fed with mixed sewage sludge (dry and volatile solids of 29.44 g DS.L⁻¹ and 24.23 g VS.L⁻¹). Sludge loading rates (SLR) of 50, 60, and 70 kg DS m⁻² year⁻¹ were examined to assess dewatering efficiency. Surface layers in units with P.australis and A.donax achieved DS of 80 and 81% at a loading rate of 50 kg DS m⁻² year⁻¹, while their subsurface DS were 41 and 25%, respectively. Units with A.donax experienced plant loss when subjected to SLR exceeding 60 kg DS m⁻² year⁻¹. More than 10 cm of residual sludge accumulated on the top of units after a 2-month final rest. Evapotranspiration was greater in the unit with P.australis (5.23 mm day⁻¹) compared to the unit with A.donax (4.24 mm day⁻¹) while both were fed with 70 kg DS m⁻² year⁻¹. Water loss contributions from residual sludge layer, drained water, and evapotranspiration were 3, 46, and 51%, respectively. Units with P.australis indicated 20% higher water loss compared to units with A.donax. Although the drained water quality improved over time, it did not meet standard limits. The residual sludge layer contained macro and micronutrients, and heavy metals with a significant elemental order of N > Ca > P > S > mg > K (N:P:K = 31:8:1), Fe > Na > B > Mn > Mo and Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Overall, STRB could be a sustainable alternative technology to conventional sewage sludge management techniques. Graphical Abstract
Background: Recent data show a dramatic increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Most of these NCDs may be preventable and to some extent treatable by alterations in physical activity. We investigate levels of physical activity according to energy expenditure, in different physical activity level participants from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Energy expenditure was measured in metabolic equivalent minutes per week (METs min/week) and these were related to fasting glycaemia levels, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass percentage (FM), anthropometric variables and risk factors were also associated. Result: 429 voluntary participants were included in sprots and health facilities around the country. Of these, 187 were highly active (>3000 MET × minutes per week or at least 1500 METs min/week) and had a mean age of 26.8 ± 7.5 years. 76% (327/429) were male. The mean energy expenditure was 4866.7 ± 1241.2METs.minutes/week and the mean fasting glucose was 94.0 ± 14.1mg/dl. 3.5% (n/N) of the participants had diabetes and 11.6% (n/N) were hypertensive. Obesity was present in 1.1% (n/N) of the participants. A significant negative correlation was found between blood glucose and total physical activity (r = - 0.117, p = 0.015), and in Sport IPAQ domain (r = - .175, p <0.001). In the highly active participants, no significant correlation was found between blood pressure and physical activity, however, in the sedentary group, a significant positive correlation was found, indicating a low moderate association, between systolic blood pressure and weekly sitting time, r(175) = .205, p = .006. Conclusion: High levels of physical activity had a significant impact on glycaemia control. Physical activity had no impact on blood pressure. Approximately 170 minutes of Physical activity per week is highly recommended as a treatment strategy to reduce high glycaemia levels.
In this essay, I focus on the politics and impacts of naming, especially in the social and human sciences, and more specifically on studies that focus on subordinated or discriminated groups. Through this essay, I argue that naming conventions are some of the most important-and dangerous-tools and acts that researchers have at their disposal and, thus, should be employed with the utmost care. Considering the ongoing discussions-both inside and outside of academia-around the terms "consensual non-monogamies" and "ethical non-monogamies", this essay proposes a novel solution to help create less morally-slanted, and overreaching, hypernyms, or umbrella terms. Here, I provide a rationale for using "explicitness" as a fundamental concept on which to build new classificatory hypernymic terminology. The terminology proposed is equally applicable (and applied) to both monogamies and non-monogamies, and is tripartite: Explicit, Implicit, and Covert. In addition to the terminological proposal, I include in this essay a series of intended limitations and constraints to its usage, its interoperability with other systems, objections to (and responses to) the usage of this system, and advantages of this novel classificatory system, as well as an outline of how this proposal might be improved upon.
The fourth industrial revolution has ushered in a transformative era for the industrial sector, marked by the integration of advanced technologies that increase production efficiency and quality. Among these innovations is Smart Scheduling, which aims to optimize production processes while minimizing costs and meeting manufacturing requirements. This article explores the development and application of a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm, optimized by Tabu Search, to meet the complex challenge of multi-objective industrial production planning. The proposed framework introduces a Genetic Algorithm designed for intelligent, multi-objective industrial production planning, demonstrating its effectiveness in generating high-quality planning. It significantly reduces production times while maintaining quality and business needs, as validated in a real-world case study. The algorithm improves on traditional planning methods by dynamically adapting to manufacturing priorities. It also describes potential future adaptations to a wider range of industrial contexts and sectors. This research highlights the fundamental role of genetic algorithms in advancing smart manufacturing, offering a scalable and adaptable solution to the challenges of Industry 4.0.
This paper investigates the impact of human activities on noise pollution in the Mashhad metropolis, Iran, as well as the fluctuations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging a dual strategy, a comprehensive review was initiated. First, the noise level measurements collected before (March 21 to April 20, 2019) and during (March 20 to April 19, 2020) the COVID-19 quarantine period at four key intersections in Mashhad are compared. The non-parametric Wilcoxon signed test was employed to evaluate the statistical significance of the observed changes. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the noise level during the quarantine period at every four intersections. Next, a predictive modeling algorithm named random forest (RF) was developed to predict noise pollution levels by considering time factors such as month, day, hour, and cumulative hour. The RF model achieved a high R-squared value (0.914), representing a strong correlation between predicted and actual noise levels. The predictive power of this model was demonstrated by the root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.967 and the mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.620, indicating reasonable accuracy. This study demonstrates evidence that human activities are the main cause of noise pollution in Mashhad. The findings highlight the potential benefits of urban planning strategies that reduce traffic and noise generation. Furthermore, the development of a noise prediction model using a random forest approach provides a valuable tool for future noise management efforts in urban environments.
Global population is rising, leading to higher demand for meat and concerns on environmental and economic impacts of conventional feedstuffs that corn and soybean meal have. Recently there has been a shift towards more sustainable feedstuffs such as Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) due to its nutritional value and ability to be produced locally. Consumer awareness prompts shifts towards free range poultry production but presents environmental challenges due to climate change. The naked neck (Na) gene, which reduces feather coverage, and enhances growth under adverse conditions offers a possible solution for improved welfare and efficiency. This study aims to investigate the impact of a diet with 15% Spirulina inclusion on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of two slow-growth broiler strains: naked neck (NN) and fully feathered (FF). Forty, 1-day-old male broilers, 20 per strain, were randomly assigned to either a control or a diet containing 15% Spirulina, housed individually in cages and fed ad libitum for 84 d. Growth, carcass, and meat traits were evaluated. Results indicated that animals fed a control diet generally outperformed those fed a Spirulina diet in final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) (P < 0.001). Additionally, Spirulina incorporation led to an increase in the length of the gastrointestinal tract and digesta viscosity in the duodenum plus jejunum (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in breast muscle yield between dietary groups, SP-fed broilers had higher yellowness (*b) values in meat (P < 0.05). Except for the decrease in water holding capacity (WHC) observed in the NN group animals (P < 0.05), there were no significant differences between the strains for the remaining meat quality traits (P > 0.05). The 15% Spirulina inclusion increased the concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0.0001) in breast meat and decreased (P < 0.0001) nutritional ratios. Overall, under thermoneutral conditions, animals from the NN strain showed negative effects on growth parameters. Spirulina inclusion improved certain aspects of breast meat quality, particularly fatty acid profiles.
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Maria Vaz Neves
  • Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear
Antonio Macanita
  • Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE)-IST
Plinio Moreno
  • Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR)
Sandra Amado
  • Faculty of Human Kinects
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José Pinto Duarte