Browsing by Author "Vieira da Silva, Manuela"
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- Analysis of health effects reported by agricultural workers and the adverse human effects Indicated on pesticide labels: A systematic reviewPublication . Moreira, Andreia; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaHuman pesticide exposure remains a significant issue, impacting both the environment and human health. Occupational pesticide exposure is primarily linked to improper worker practices, often due to a lack of knowledge or difficulty interpreting label information and other technical aspects of pesticide application. This systematic review aims to identify the pesticides most used by agricultural workers, the symptoms they experience due to exposure, and the GHS hazard statements on these pesticide labels. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the search identified 16 articles addressing health effects associated with the most frequently used pesticides. These studies predominantly come from Asia (68.8%), Africa (25%), and America (6.2%), with most pesticides being outside the list approved by the EC. Related symptoms were reported in 80 to 100% of the studies that included these pesticides. An evident relationship has been identified between GHS hazard statements and associated symptoms for certain pesticides. Therefore, companies and public authorities must collaborate to improve workers’ training, particularly in reading and interpreting product labels. Additionally, they must thoroughly explain the risks associated with improper pesticide practices and application to safeguard workers’ health.
- Assessment of hygienic quality of surfaces and food handlers in Portuguese school canteensPublication . Ferreira, Joana; Rebelo, Andreia; Santos, Joana; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaThe incidence of food borne outbreaks in school canteens represents a major problem for society, since they serve a youthful population who are particularly susceptible to health risks. According to the World Health Organization (2003), 31% of the reported outbreaks between 1999 and 2000 in Portugal, were originated in schools and kindergartens, which demonstrate the importance of such establishments in the transmission of food borne diseases. Food handlers have a major role in the prevention of these diseases, mainly during the production and distribution of food since they may cross-contaminate raw and processed foodstuffs.
- Avaliação da eficácia de medidas de redução do consumo de água numa instituição de ensino superior: desenho estudo piloto no P.PORTOPublication . Sousa, Joana S.; Costa, Alzira; Carvalhais, Carlos; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaA irregular distribuição espacial e temporal dos recursos hídricos em Portugal, tem implicações diretas e indiretas no planeamento e gestão da água, e está na origem de situações de escassez, que a par com o efeito das alterações climáticas, intensificam a vulnerabilidade a fenómenos hidrológicos, como secas e cheias (Ministério do Planeamento, 2020).
- Avaliação da higiene e práticas de trabalho em estúdios de tatuagem e perfuraçãoPublication . Teixeira, Sara; Freitas, Marisa; Rodrigues, Matilde; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaNos últimos anos o número de pessoas que aderiu à aplicação de tatuagens e piercings aumentou significativamente. Ambas as técnicas são invasivas e fragmentam a integridade da pele. Se não forem adoptadas medidas de instalação, de funcionamento e boas práticas de higiene, o potencial de contaminação microbiológica pode causar vários riscos por agentes biológicos e químicos. O objectivo deste estudo foi avaliar a higiene e o grau de conhecimento dos profissionais relativamente aos procedimentos e medidas de prevenção que utilizam estas práticas. Foi aplicada uma check-list, para avaliar as condições estruturais e higio-sanitárias dos estúdios, e um questionário na avaliação do nível de formação dos profissionais. Foi ainda estudado o grau de contaminação microbiológica das superfícies e equipamentos de trabalho. Ao nível estrutural foram encontradas não conformidades relacionadas com a inexistência de separação física entre as salas de realização de tatuagens, piercings e esterilização (60%), e a inexistência de lavatório para higienização das mãos nas salas de actividades (60%). Os resultados sobre o grau de conhecimentos indicam que apenas 30% e 35% tiveram formação na área de SHST e sobre o controlo de infecção, respectivamente. O grau de contaminação microbiana foi superior nos estabelecimentos em que foi detectado um maior número de não conformidades relativamente aos microrganismos mesofilos totais e Staphylococcus aureus O presente estudo permite concluir que os profissionais carecem de formação e orientações específicas, devendo ser trabalhadas e vistoriadas, realçando ainda, as questões básicas de higiene a aplicar nos estúdios de tatuagem e piercings, prevenindo o risco de transmissão de doenças.
- Avaliação da perceção do risco por parte dos profissionais de educação em Jardins-de-Infância do concelho da MaiaPublication . Tavares, João; Azevedo, Rui; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaChildren safety in preschool age doesn’t depend only in their actions, but also of the risk perception of kindergarten education professionals which interact continuously with these children. The present study aims to evaluate the perceived risk of kindergarten teachers and auxiliary teaching staff, and the types of accidents occurred with the children of the kindergarten. A survey, based on the Portuguese legislation and reference documentation, was applied to a sample of 34 kindergarten teachers and 34 auxiliary teaching staff. This evaluation comprised the perception of risk related to different spaces and subjects of the kindergarten (structural conditions, playground, equipment and materials, electrical hazards and emergency organization). The results obtained revealed no statistical difference between risk perception of the two professionals groups, both occupational categories answered in general according to the requirements in the Portuguese legislation. The results obtained in the analysis the surveys allow, note that the playground is the place with the greatest potential for danger in kindergartens. Risk perception for both groups of educational professionals seems to be quite similar. In this matter, communication, as well as experience sharing seems to have greater influence. It was verified that recreational time, this being the place where most accidents occur in the kindergarten.
- Boas práticas para a promoção da sustentabilidade no ensino e curricula nas instituições de ensino superiorPublication . Duarte, Marina; Farinha, Carla Sofia; Caeiro, Sandra; Reis, Margarida Santos; Simão, João; Rigueiro, Constança; Galacho, Cristina; Câmara, Patrícia; Pedro, Josélia; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Araújo, Marisa Almeida; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaReconhece-se que a sustentabilidade é um conceito interdisciplinar vital (Siller et al., 2022) e um dos maiores desafios que se colocam, não só atualmente, mas também às sociedades futuras (Suárez-López & Eugenio-Gozalbo, 2022). Por esse motivo, é necessária uma maior ênfase e enquadramento no ensino e curricula das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), motivando definir estratégias de aprendizagem que possibilitem preparar os e as estudantes para uma melhor consciencialização dos temas da sustentabilidade nas suas várias dimensões. Incluir a sustentabilidade nas políticas da educação é imperioso e reflete o reconhecimento dos particulares desafios, bem como das oportunidades que o novo século apresenta, impondo-se que os curricula permitam transmissão de conhecimento, valores e competências, de forma multidimensional, alinhada com a cidadania global. Num estudo realizado com Universidades públicas em Portugal, Farinha et. al (2020) concluíram que existem várias iniciativas relacionadas com a educação para a sustentabilidade, resultando principalmente da proatividade das IES, avançando cada uma a seu ritmo e de forma isolada, apesar de haver redes de colaboração entre docentes e investigadores. É neste espírito colaborativo que a Rede Campus Sustentável (RCS) desenvolve a sua atividade e realizou, em 2021, um inquérito no qual foi possível recolher informação sobre boas práticas para a promoção da sustentabilidade no ensino e curricula das IES portuguesas (Madeira et. al, 2022). Neste levantamento (N=30), alguns dos tópicos abordados foram a/o: i) promoção da revisão e melhoria dos curricula dos ciclos de estudos para integração da sustentabilidade; ii) promoção do desenvolvimento de competências em sustentabilidade na oferta formativa; iii) apoio dado aos e às docentes na promoção de competências em sustentabilidade nas unidades curriculares (UCs) que lecionam; iv) existência de outros espaços/ instalações, que não salas de aulas, onde decorram atividades letivas ou extracurriculares sobre sustentabilidade
- Challenges and solutions for sustainable food systems: The potential of home hydroponicsPublication . Sousa, Rui de; Bragança, Luís; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Oliveira, Rui S.The global food system is currently facing significant challenges that make it unsustainable and environmentally harmful. These challenges not only threaten food security but also have severe negative impacts on the environment. Efforts have been made to reform agrifood systems and align them with the built environment, but emerging obstacles have revealed the weaknesses in these systems, particularly in less self-sufficient countries. This review outlines the primary environmental problems associated with global agrifood systems and the challenges in promoting food security. It emphasizes that the increasing global population and urbanization need rational and equitable changes in food systems, including production, distribution, storage, and consumption. These changes should aim to minimize environmental impacts by protecting and efficiently utilizing natural resources such as air, water, soil, and biodiversity, reducing food loss and waste, and mitigating pollution that contributes to ecosystem degradation and climate change. In this context, hydroponics emerges as a sustainable, plant-based food production technique that can be employed as a solution in urban areas. It can be implemented in domestic microproduction systems, serving as a complementary alternative to conventional food production methods. This study also provides insights into the challenges that need to be addressed in order to enhance home hydroponic systems. The integration of hydroponics into urban food production offers the potential to tackle both food security and environmental sustainability issues, providing a path toward more resilient and efficient food systems.
- Characterizing illuminance levels and perceived work environment in an automotive industryPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Abreu, Betty; Santos, Joana; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaAutomotive Industry in Portugal, is these days a dynamic and competitive industry. For components production such as cables, comfort systems or others is require observation, human touch and must be done manually using man power capability (Ismail et al, 2010). Thus the quality of the product heavily depends on worker’s comfort in the working environment. Environmental factors are considered to have influence for acceptability and performance on the occupant’s premises (Ismail et al, 2010). One of them, such lighting, is determined by the satisfaction of three basic human needs: visual comfort, where the workers have a feeling of well-being, in an indirect way also contributing to a high productivity level; visual performance, where the workers are able to perform their visual tasks, even under difficult circumstances and during longer periods and safety (EN 12464-1, 2011). Proper lighting is a prerequisite for obtaining a good working environment. Poor lighting may increase the risk of accidents and could also cause a variety of symptoms. The variables that determine a good working visual of accidents and could also cause a variety of symptoms. The variables that determine a good working visual direction of light, no flicker, appropriate choice of lamp color and availability of natural light (Calleja and Pérez, 2011).
- 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.
- Determinação de alergénios de amendoim e amêndoa em alimentos comercializados não pré-embaladosPublication . Soares, Renata; Sousa, Carolina; Soares, Sílvia; Moreira, Andreia; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Freitas, MarisaA sustentabilidade ambiental é um tema de destaque a nível mundial. Considerando os princípios da hierarquia da gestão de resíduos e a maior sensibilização da população para evitar o uso de embalagens descartáveis, é inegável o ressurgimento e expansão das lojas de venda de alimentos a granel (Beitzen-Heineke et al., 2017).