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- Nutritional and safety assessment of brown seaweed species and their extractsPublication . Silva, Aurora; Soares, Cristina; Carpena, Maria; Fernandes, Virginia Cruz; Chamorro, Franklin; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Barroso, M. Fátima; Prieto, M. A.; Fernandes, VirgíniaThis study examines the nutritional profiles of Bifurcaria bifurcata (BB), Ascophyllum nodosum (AN), and Fucus spiralis (FS), as well as their extracts obtained through microwave-assisted extraction. Compositional analysis covered residual water, volatiles, fixed carbon, ash, lipids, sugars, protein, and fiber. Proximate analysis revealed high protein levels in FS (9.72 %) and BB (ext) (4.95 %). Lipid content ranged from 1.26 % to 4.49 %, and fiber content averaged 52.3 %, with FS peaking at 60.2 %. The study applied indices of atherogenicity (AI), thrombogenicity (TI), and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (HH) ratio to assess the cardiovascular impact, with FS exhibiting the healthiest fatty acid combination. Amino acid analysis revealed the presence of all essential amino acids except phenylalanine. Taurine, beneficial for cardiovascular health and scarce in plant sources, was found to be significantly present in BB. Additionally, the presence of polyphenols was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS. It revealed a panoply of phenolic compounds, with phlorotannins accounting for more than 50 % of the compounds detected. Acceptable risk levels were confirmed by Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total cancer risk (TCR) analyses, even when considering moderate values of inorganic arsenic. The results highlight the nutritional value and safety of these macroalgae, emphasizing their potential applications in food.
- Deciphering the potential of orange peel polysaccharides for modulating black tea astringencyPublication . Vieira, Joana; Silva, Inês E.; Guerreiro, Carlos; Bravo, Carlo; Rinaldi, Alessandra; Ramos, Rui M.; Fernandes, Pedro A. R.; Coimbra, Manuel A.; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Freitas, Victor de; Brandão, Elsa; Soares, Susana; Fernandes, VirgíniaAstringency: a complex oral sensation described as dryness, puckering, or tightening - limit consumer acceptance of polyphenol-rich products like black tea, with recognized health benefits. Traditional strategies, such as sugar addition or polyphenol removal, often compromise nutritional quality, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to modulate astringency. One promising strategy involves the use of pectic polysaccharides as modulators of polyphenol-oral constituents interactions. This study explored two pectic polysaccharides fractions (PPFs) from orange peels with different composition on the interactions between black tea polyphenols and oral constituents, using an advanced oral cell-based quaternary model and trained sensory panel. PPF1 had a high degree of methylesterification (88 %) and high molecular weight (1.004 kDa), while PPF2 had a low degree of methylesterification and low molecular weight (226 kDa). Both fractions exhibited high uronic acid content, 72–80 mol%, respectively. Results: showed that PPFs decreased black tea polyphenols-oral constituents interactions, particularly in the HSC- 3-Mu-SP model (HSC-3 tongue-derived cell line, mucosal pellicle, salivary proteins). Notably, PPF2 showed a greater effect (53 % reduction) of total polyphenols adsorbed (UV–Vis colorimetric assay) and decreased the adsorption of all individual polyphenols, with the stronger effect on theasinensin C (56 % reduction) (HPLC analysis). PPF2 also decreased cystatins–oral component interactions (64 % reduction). Conversely, PPF1 showed a reducing effect on theaflavin-3,3′-digallate adsorption (24 %) and on gRPPs/aPRPs precipitation (33–38 %). Sensory analysis corroborated that both PPFs reduced astringency perception of black tea and contributed to positive astringency subqualities: silkiness associated with high molecular weight and mouthcoating associated with high uronic acid content.
- DMO marketing strategies: fostering digital hosting in tourism destinationsPublication . Liberato, Pedro; Liberato, Dália; Martins, Telma; Sousa, Bruno Barbosa; Santos, José DuarteDigitalisation is one of the most striking phenomena of the 21st century. It is considered the third industrial revolution, also known as the digital revolution. In the last two decades, the popularisation of the internet and electronic devices has completely transformed society. The branch of tourism that has emerged from this revolution is called digital tourism, being directly linked to digital tools and the way they support the multiple activities of the sector. The aim of this chapter is to understand the impact of the different digital practices in tourism businesses in the Porto and North region of Portugal. For this purpose, a qualitative research methodology has been adopted, based on an exploratory study, using semi-structured interviews with representatives of different entities in the tourism sector, namely tourism agencies and local accommodation companies. The general objective of the research study is the analysis of the digital hospitality of the destination and the proposal of strategies for the improvement of the destination, to carry out a Benchmarking analysis of competing destinations, the identification of good practices in tourist hospitality in destinations and lastly, the contribution of the digitalisation of tourism businesses as a contribution to the digital hospitality of tourism destinations. In the main conclusions, it is possible to highlight some impacts that companies in Porto have felt in the last decade, such as the increase in the flow of sales, due to the implementation of e-commerce, as well as due to the adoption of e-marketing strategies and website innovation.
- Dual-Regulated Ru by Alloying and Metal-Substrate Interaction for Energy-Efficient Hydrazine Oxidation-Paired Hydrogen ProductionPublication . Zhang, Qijing; Wang, Jingshu; Li, Haibo; Zeng, Suyuan; Li, Rui; Yao, Qingxia; Chen, Hongyan; Meng, Lijian; Qu, Konggang; Meng, LijianOverall water splitting (OWS) is the most potential method for large-scale hydrogen production, but the high-potential and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) greatly impedes its efficacy. Coupling the low-potential hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) with the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has drawn widespread attention with energy-saving advantage and safe products, which necessitates the elaborate design of advanced bifunctional electrocatalysts. Herein, only using two complexes of Ru and Pd with 2,2′-bipyridine, the novel RuPd alloy/N-codoped carbon (RuPd/NC) composite was originally synthesize by direct mixing and pyrolysis, showing superior dual activity for HER and HzOR. Particularly, to deliver the current density of 10 mA cm−2, RuPd/NC merely needs the potentials of −8 and −42 mV for alkaline HER and HzOR, far outperforming Pt/C and being most advanced among the previously studied counterparts. Moreover, the two-electrode overall hydrazine splitting (OHzS) needs ultrasmall voltages of 0.042 and 0.239 V to achieve 10 and 100 mA cm−2, displaying great energy-saving feature. Moreover, the better activity for neutral HER, HzOR and OHzS on RuPd/NC was also found compared with Pt/C. The theoretical simulations uncover the water dissociation at Ru site with the greatly reduced energy barrier followed by the H desorption on the adjacent Pd site for HER, and the optimum activation energy on Ru site for HzOR, crediting to the synergistic regulation of alloying effect and metal-substrate interaction.
- Therapeutic drug monitoring education: The current statePublication . Petrova, Guenka; Blagova, Stiliyana; Tachkov, Konstantin; Santos, Marlene; Bluett, James; Rumano, Merita; Kkolou, Elena; Drakalska, Elena; Arev, Marija; Barsbay, Mehtap Cakmak; Mulleman, Denis; Santos, MarleneTo evaluate available information on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) education programmes and their implementation across different countries. The study was performed in two phases. First, a scoping review of scientific literature on available education programmes was performed. Afterwards, a questionnaire was distributed among a worldwide network of professionals engaged in the practice of TDM. Eight scientific articles discussing TDM educational programmes were found. They described in depth an educational programme on TDM, which was primarily offered as postgraduate education programme for hospital staff. We received a total 23 responses (30% response rate); of these, 68% were from academia. For 70% of respondents, TDM is part of the educational programme of healthcare professionals, and for 56% it is offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, aimed mainly at physicians (39%) and pharmacists (65%). TDM is mainly performed in infectious diseases (n = 15), neurology (n = 14) and psychiatry (n = 12), as well as for antibiotics (83%), monoclonal antibodies (53%), and oncology and psychotropics (48%). Funding for TDM is derived mostly from public health insurance (48%), hospital (44%), patients (39%). In some cases, patients might co-pay to hospital or to health insurance fund. Education on TDM is scattered across different subjects, disciplines and degrees. It is oriented essentially towards physicians and pharmacists, and its funding is mainly public. General guidelines are lacking. In light of this, it is necessary to consider developing a comprehensive educational programme on TDM, oriented towards relevant drugs and diseases, and encompassing appropriate analytical and pharmacological methods.
- Leadership structure and implications of partial state ownership in the hospitality sectorPublication . Ferreira, Flávio; Umbelino, JorgePrivatization frequently boosts efficiency and productivity in businesses as private companies are generally more motivated to reduce costs, innovate, and meet market needs than state-run counterparts. The privatization of the hospitality sector pertains to the acquisition or operational control of hospitality properties, such as hotels and resorts, including additional services, shifting from government provision to private companies. This shift can have mixed effects on environmental sustainability. This paper delves into the interplay of environmental taxes, pollution control spending, and the privatization of a partially state-owned (PSO) hotel within a mixed duopoly framework. The market we analyze comprises a single partially state-owned (PSO) hotel competing against one for-profit (FP) hotel in a five-stage game: (i) the government decides how much of the PSO hotel will be privatized; (ii) a regulator, aiming to maximize social welfare, establishes the emission tax rate; (iii) the PSO hotel selects abatement pollution investments; (iv) the FP hotel then selects pollution abatement investments; and (v) subsequently, the two hotels concurrently and autonomously determine the quantity of rooms available for reservation. This game presents a model of a policy regime featuring commitment. In contrast, our analysis also considers a non-committed regime, distinguished by the fact that step (ii) occurs after decisions regarding abatement pollution investments. This study’s most significant finding is that, according to the social welfare perspective within the analyzed models, neither total privatization nor complete nationalization represents the optimal governmental strategy.
- CSR and quantity leadership in restaurant competitionPublication . Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Meneses, Daniela; Carvalho, Sandro; Peres, RitaThis paper investigates the critical role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the food industry. It analyzes CSR’s impact on competition between a CSR-focused restaurant and a traditional for-profit (FP) restaurant. The research employs a game theory model to examine how each restaurant chooses the quality and quantity of its products, influenced by its differing objectives (CSR vs. profit maximization). The study’s main contributions include analyzing scenarios where a CSR restaurant competes with a traditional for-profit establishment, considering two leadership structures (CSR restaurant leading or FP restaurant leading the market), and determining equilibrium quality levels, quantities, profits, and overall social welfare in each model. This paper investigates the effects of CSR within the food industry. We develop a model where a restaurant with a CSR focus competes with a traditional for-profit (FP) establishment in determining the quality and quantity of their offerings, in the order mentioned. Yet, while the levels of quality are chosen at the same time, the quantities are determined one after the other. Our analysis considers two leadership structures: (i) the CSR restaurant leading the market; and (ii) the FP restaurant leading the market.
- Film tourism and the image of the destination: preliminary impacts on host communitiesPublication . Liberato, Pedro; Sousa, Bruno; Brito, Miguel; Liberato, Dália; Santos, José DuarteIn recent decades, film tourism has expanded throughout the world. Increasingly, authors present the definitions, behaviors, and motivations of film tourists. Film tourism has a range of positive impacts, such as strengthening scenic beauty, reinforcing local pride, preserving local culture, conserving natural resources, attracting investment, improving local infrastructure, increasing the number of facilities, and broadening employment opportunities. The main purpose was defined based on understanding how film tourism and the image of the destination impact host communities in Portugal. In addition, three specific objectives were defined: to evaluate the attractiveness of Portugal as a cinematographic destination using cognitive image; to analyze sociodemographic characteristics with the impact of film tourism; and to evaluate the affective image of the host community because of the impacts of film tourism. To respond to these objectives, a questionnaire was created and administered to 125 residents in Portugal. From the data collected and the application of the ANOVA test and Pearson correlation, it is concluded that the age group of the host community determines the impacts of film tourism on the location and the impacts of film tourism will determine the feeling of the local community when viewing Portugal in films/series. In terms of the limitations of the study, it is important to note that there is still not enough up-to-date information on the concept of film tourism. Furthermore, the length of the questionnaire constitutes a constraint on attracting participants to this study. In future studies, it is proposed to analyze cinematographic tourism by region, considering the works filmed in these locations. Furthermore, the creation of focus groups and exploratory interviews is essential for the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
- A novel deleterious variant and a founder effect in four new families of MBD4-Associated Neoplasia Syndrome recruited over a period of 20 YearsPublication . Querido, Inês; Pinto, Carla; Arinto, Patrícia; Brandão, Andreia; Santos, Catarina; Pinheiro, Manuela; Guerra, Joana; Silva, João; Peixoto, Ana; Teixeira, Manuel R.; Pinto, CarlaDNA glycosylases play a crucial role in DNA repair mediated by the base excision repair (BER) pathway, and alterations in these enzymes have been associated with hereditary cancer predisposition. Recently, germline biallelic loss-of-function variants in MBD4 were shown to be responsible for a novel autosomal recessive multi-tumor predisposition syndrome, provisionally denominated as MBD4-associated neoplasia syndrome and characterized by the association of adenomatous polyposis, colorectal cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we studied the MBD4 gene in five individuals from four families affected by adenomatous polyposis and AML, who had been referred for genetic counselling at a single institution over a period of approximately 20 years. All patients with this phenotype presented homozygous deleterious germline variants in MBD4, of which one is a founder variant recurrent in three of the families, and another variant has not been previously described in the literature. Our work allowed a molecular diagnosis for these families and significantly contributes to expanding the knowledge about this emerging syndrome caused by MBD4 constitutional deficiency.
- The impact of war on asthma, a systematic review and meta-analysis: An EAACI task force reportPublication . Rufo, João Cavaleiro; Paciência, Inês; Jutel, Marek; Moreira, André; Annesi-Maesano, Isabella; Suojalehto, Hille; Zemelka-Wiącek, Magdalena; Trikamjee, Thulja; Demir, Semra; Eguíluz-Gracia, Ibon; Carvalho, Daniela; Backland, Anaïs; Lawson, Josh; Cavaleiro Rufo, JoãoWartime events have been followed by an increase in asthma prevalence, which is believed to result from a combination of environmental hazards and psychological trauma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate this relationship by pooling available data on various wartime exposures, such as occupational, environmental, and psychological factors. MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles that measure the effect of war-related exposures on asthma. Risk of bias was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. The retrieved effects were then used to fit meta-analytical models. A total of 48 studies, corresponding to 90 effect measures, were included. War-related post-traumatic stress disorder showed the strongest association with asthma outcomes (OR [95% CI]=2.25 [1.04, 4.89]), followed by experiencing at least one life-threatening event (1.96 [1.18, 3.26]) and depression (1.56 [1.02, 2.37]). Although environmental exposures were also associated with an increased asthma risk in subgroup analysis (1.64 [1.32, 2.04]), this effect was mitigated when psychological variables were included in the models. The study's results show that wartime events and conflicts may increase asthma prevalence and outcomes associated with asthma. The management of asthma symptoms, lung function, and mental health seems fundamental in individuals who have experienced psychological trauma in war zones.
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