Browsing by Author "Silva, Manuela Vieira da"
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- Atas do I Encontro de Investigação da Escola Superior de Saúde do Politécnico do PortoPublication . Prudêncio, Cristina; Rocha, Nuno; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Lopes, Paula
- Colouring applications of microalgae and cyanobacteria photosynthetic pigments: Challenges for industrial and market acceptancePublication . Reimão, Mariana; Almeida, Liliana; Ramos, Cristiana; Eusébio, Nádia; Martins, Rosário; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Freitas, Marisa; Freitas, Marisa; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Martins, Rosario; REIMÃO BORGES LOPES DA SILVA, MARIANAMicroalgae and cyanobacterial photosynthetic pigments possess immense potential for sustainable colouring applications in industries such as food, feed, cosmetics and textiles, primarily because of their vibrant colours, safety and eco-friendliness. These photosynthetic pigments align with the growing demand for eco-conscious products. However, substantial challenges persist at the industrial level, particularly in scaling up production and achieving acceptance in niche markets. This review highlights the critical roles of abiotic factors such as light quality, temperature, pH, nutrient availability and salinity in enhancing pigment production using conventional production methods. Additionally, issues related to the cost, purity and stability of the pigments must be addressed to facilitate broader acceptance. Looking forward, the focus must be on developing innovative cultivation techniques that optimise and define the abiotic conditions most favourable for maximum pigment production or even incorporate genetic engineering tools. Additionally, exploring untapped species from inhospitable environmental sources and integrating the residual biomass through biorefinery processes represent effective approaches for enhancing the sustainability of microalgae and cyanobacterial pigment production on an industrial scale. Overcoming these barriers utilising targeted research and industry collaboration as well as fostering market acceptance is essential for fully harnessing the potential of these natural pigments and driving the transition towards more sustainable industrial colouring practices.
- Higher education student's behaviors towards COVID-19Publication . Peranta, Catarina; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Dores, Artemisa Rocha; Almeida-Silva, Marina; Pinto, Marta V.; Andrade, Graça; Rodrigues, MatildeIn response to the pandemic of COVID-19, higher education institutions have adopted a set of measures to ensure safe face-to-face teaching and control of potential outbreaks. However, the effectiveness of the measures implemented is dependent on student behaviors. Additionally, the way students behave outside the educational institution is also relevant to the control of the pandemic. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the behaviors adopted by higher education students during the pandemic period in two higher education institutions. Materials and methods: 425 higher education students participated in this study. An online questionnaire was applied in two higher education institutions to characterize the behaviors adopted by students inside and outside the educational institution. Results: The behaviors reported as less frequent inside the higher education institution were disinfection of hands and equipment used and social distancing from colleagues. Regarding behaviors adopted outside the institution, it was found that students tended not to avoid socializing with colleagues and family members. Application: These results contribute to the knowledge about the students' behaviors towards the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to more effective control programs and measures.
- Horizontes futuros: repensar o ensino e curricula para a sustentabilidade no ensino superior através da implementação de casos práticosPublication . Rigueiro, Constança; Farinha, Carla Sá; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Caeiro, Sandra; Mapar, Mahsa; Moreiram Anabela; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaO Grupo de trabalho de Educação e Curricula para a Sustentabilidade definiu no seu plano de atividades para 2024 a realização de um ciclo de webinars denominado “Horizontes Futuros: repensar o ensino e curricula para a sustentabilidade no ensino superior”. Estes eventos são de periodicidade trimestral, na forma de mesa-redonda e abordam a implementação da sustentabilidade no ensino e curricula nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), em particular as que subscreveram a Carta de Intenções com a Rede Campus Sustentável (RCS). Tendo por base a comunicação para a sustentabilidade, estes webinars têm como objetivo proporcionar momentos de partilha de experiências, práticas de sucesso e de desafios que as IES encontraram nesta implementação. Para tal são convidados membros da governança das IES, de norte a sul de Portugal, para reportar o que têm feito no âmbito da missão definida neste contexto. O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer um balanço destes webinars e realçar através da análise de conteúdo das suas apresentações e dos debates ocorridos, quais têm sido as práticas mais comuns, os atuais desafios e as dificuldades nas diversas IES.
- New methodologies and techniques for biomonitoring pesticide exposure in agricultural workers: A systematic reviewPublication . Moreira, Andreia; Guedes, Joana; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaBiomonitoring allows for the assessment of internal exposure to various pesticides and metabolites. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aims to summarise innovative biomonitoring techniques for assessing pesticide exposure in agricultural workers, their advantages and limitations, and their applicability. The search of the Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 14 articles dealing with new techniques for biomonitoring pesticide exposure in agricultural workers. These new methodologies have identified several biomarkers associated with exposure to organophosphates. Most of the included studies combine and/or improve traditional methods to overcome their limitations. This leads to more sensitive, specific, and precise techniques with lower detection and quantification limits. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly analyse and test new biomonitoring methods for assessing pesticide exposure. These techniques can complement qualitative risk assessments and aid in developing strategies to protect public health and the environment.
- Prevalence of the use of dosimeters for ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy − a systematic literature review and meta-analysisPublication . Videira, Sara; Rodrigues, Matilde; Santos, Joana; Guedes, Joana; Martins, João; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Rodrigues, MatildeThis study aims to assess the prevalence of individual dosimeter use among workers exposed to ionizing radiation during fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Additionally, factors contributing to its use were identified. Studies were identified through searches in five databases on 13 April 2024. Additionally, snowballing techniques were employed. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and the CoCoPop model. A narrative synthesis, bibliometric analysis, and meta-analysis were performed. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies. Fifty studies involving 11,067 individuals were included. Orthopedics/traumatology was the most studied specialty (46 %). Median use rates were: 24 %(IQR = 44 %) for eye lens dosimeters, 15 %(IQR = 13 %) for electronic real-time dosimeters, 27 %(IQR = 42 %) for wrist/finger dosimeters, 25 %(IQR = 23 %) for collar/ thyroid dosimeters and 5 % for ankle dosimeter; 15 %(IQR = 78 %) reported no monitoring device. In 15 studies (30 %) with 4,188 individuals (38 %), the overall prevalence of “always” using whole-body dosimeters was 43 % [95 %CI:24–62]. By continent, the highest prevalence was found in Africa (75 %[95 % CI: 46–95]), while the lowest was in the “Americas” (33 %[95 % CI: 16–52]). Significant moderator effects were found: higher prevalence in “Africa” (p = 0.04), “gastroenterology” (p = 0.04), and “involving radiology” (p = 0.01); lower in “orthopedics” (p = 0.01) and “physicians” (p = 0.03). No significant moderator effects were found: “very high Human Development Index” (p = 0.72) and “high Human Development Index” (p = 0.69). Studies showed moderate risk of bias (6/9), with little evidence of publication bias. Exposure doses may be underestimated due to the low prevalence of dosimeter use. Interventions targeting individual and organizational factors are needed to promote consistent use and improve safety.
- Worker's exposure to radiation in fluoroscopy, assessing and instruments: A systematic literature reviewPublication . Videira, Sara; Rodrigues, Matilde; Silva, Manuela Vieira daThis review aims to identify and analyze the instruments employed for assessing the overall performance of workers exposed to fluoroscopy during surgical procedures and/or interventional procedures, using the PRISMA methodology. The studies were located through searches conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, B-ON, EBSCOhost, and EBSCO Discovery Service on March 27, 2023. Additional studies were identified using backward and forward citation techniques. The PEO strategic model was followed. The search spanned studies published between 2012 and 2022. The quality of the studies underwent assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Out of the 23 studies identified, encompassing 3604 individuals, 12 (52%) addressed the reliability and/or validity of the instruments, while 3 (13%) focused on the development and psychometric testing of the instruments. Only 5 instruments (23%), validated and reliable, exclusively evaluated occupational radiological protection. The predominant dimension covered was knowledge (82%, n = 19). The population was assessed in 18 studies, pre- and post-intervention in 2 studies, and 21 studies provided recommendations or tools for improvement. Individuals in the studies utilized passive dosimeters (ranging from 5% to 98%), thyroid shields (15% to 98%), and aprons or lead skirts/coats (28% to 99%). The evidence quality was moderate (6/8). This study underscores the imperative to enhance compliance with protective and monitoring equipment. Furthermore, additional information is warranted concerning the validity and reliability of the instruments used, as well as the development of instruments that are both valid and reliable.