ESS - TBIO - Comunicações em eventos científicos
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- Acceptance of industrial collaborative robots: Preliminar results of appliction of portuguese version of the Frankenstein Syndrome Questionnaire (FSQ)Publication . Pinto, Ana; Ferraz, Mariana; Nomura, Tatsuya; Santos, JoanaCobots are highly flexible and able to operate in the same workspace and at the same time with the worker. The use of these technologies allows for increased production performance while ensuring comfort and confidence for the worker. Robot acceptance is still a controversial topic with various approaches and methods to measure acceptance of humanoid robots. This study aimed to evaluate cobots acceptance after a motor assembly task in a collaborative workstation. 30 university students were divided into two groups, with group 1 having read the assembly instructions before the usage of the assembly workstation and group 2 without having any previous knowledge about the car engine. All participants completed the Portuguese version of the Frankenstein Syndrome Questionnaire (FSQ). Data analyses were carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 28.0. One correlations was found between the scales of the FSQ (p < 0.05). It was possible to conclude that the acceptance of robots by the participants in group 1 and group 2 was the same. This study can contribute to understanding which factors explain the acceptance of collaborative robots, to improve human-robot intercation.
- An unobtrusive multimodal stress detection model & recommender systemPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Correia, Hugo; Rodrigues, Fátima; Rodrigues, Matilde; Rocha, NunoStudies estimate that about 50% of all lost workdays are related to occupational stress. In recent years, several solutions for mental health management, including biofeedback applications, have emerged as a way to enhance employee mental health. Solutions to mitigate risk factors related to the working settings present an enormous potential and a clear contribution. However, most of the work that has been developed is limited to laboratory environments and does not suit real-life needs. Our study proposes an unobtrusive multimodal approach for detecting work-related stress combining videoplethysmography and self-reported measures for stablishing the ground truth in real-life settings. The study involved 28 volunteers over a two-month period. Various physiological signals were collected through a videopletismography solution, while users were performing daily working, for approximately eight hours a day. In parallel, selfreported measures were collected via a pop-up application (developed by the research team) that periodically retrieved the user's perceived stress (amongst other variables) in order to label the physiological data. In order to develop the stress detection model, we pre-processed the data and performed Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature extraction. Then, we experimented with several machine learning models, utilizing both individual and combined physiological signals to explore all available alternatives. After rigorous evaluation, the best-trained model achieved an accuracy of over 80% and an F1 Score of over 85%. With the stress detection model in place, we are developing a structured intervention model to help reduce stress. This intervention model integrates two interconnected dimensions through digital coaching, which prioritizes personalized recommendations based on user preferences. Our top priority is to ensure user engagement, and we believe that adherence to and adoption of recommended interventions are more likely when users receive recommendations that align with their preferences. Thus, we prioritize personalized recommendations that are tailored to each individual's unique model. After detecting immediate stress peaks and providing real-time feedback on stress levels, our alarm system goes a step further by offering customized recommendations for brief stress relief. The digital coach (intervention model) offers various recommendations and active lifestyle changes such as exercise, task management, weight management, better sleep habits, structured pauses, and other critical interventions. These critical interventions are also based on user preferences, allowing our system to prevent future stress-related incidents and, most importantly, mitigate long-term stress. This project and its methodology demonstrate that truly unobtrusive stress detection is possible and can be performed within the scope of ethical demands. In future work, we will evaluate the responses and beneficial outcomes of implementing a recommender system.
- Burnout and coping strategies among Professors during COVID-19: Portugal-Brazil comparative studyPublication . Pinto, Ana; Carvalho, Carla; Rodriguez, Susana; Simões, Ana; Carvalhais, Carlos; Gonçalves, Fernando J.; Santos, JoanaThe global pandemic experienced in recent years led Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to close their facilities to safeguard the health and safety of the academic community. This reality overloaded professors in terms of work, often leading them to the limit of exhaustion and impacting on their performance, quality of life and well-being, taking, in many cases, to burnout. This study aims to identify and characterize the frequency of burnout and strategies of coping in professors from HEIs of Portugal and Brazil. A sample of 132 professors answered to online self-administrated questionnaires: sociodemographic and telework conditions; Oldenburg-Burnout Inventory and Brief-COPE. The results suggest that: regarding burnout, the exhaustion dimension is higher among professors in Portugal; regarding coping strategies, professors in Brazil use more strategies designated as maladaptive. Appropriate coping strategies and resources made available to professors can contribute to their well-being at work and to their quality of life and happiness.
- Chronic toxicity of valproic acid in daphnia magnaPublication . Machado, Beatriz; Prudêncio, Cristina; Ferraz, Ricardo; Barros, PiedadeEnvironmental exposure to pharmaceuticals, have negative effects on the health of ecosystems and humans and numerous pharmaceuticals have been identified on surface watersall around the world. After administration, medicines are absorbed, metabolized,and excreted to the sewer system, but many are refractory to the traditional wastewater treatment and become widely distributed in freshwater riversand lakes. Valproic acid is a short-chain fatty acid,clinically used as a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug, in neurological diseases, whose adverse effects in aquatic organisms are not fully studied. Daphnia magnaisa planktonic crustacean found in lakes and ponds and is one of the most used organisms in aquatic toxicology studies. The adverse effects of pharmaceuticals in Daphni ahave consequences in all the ecosystem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of valproic acid in the reproduction of Daphnia magna. The chronic toxicity study had a duration of 21 days. It was evaluated the effect of five different concentrations of valproic acid(0,4 mg/L, 0,6 mg/L, 0,8 mg/L, 1,0 mg/L and 1,2 mg/L). The parameters evaluated were age at first, second and third posture; the number and mortality of juveniles of each posture. Valproic acid affected the age of the first posture in all the concentrations, it is notice able a delay comparatively to the control. In relation to the juveniles, all concentrations of valproic acid induced aborted eggs, and this number was higher at the highest concentrations (1,0 mg/L and 1,2 mg/L). The control didn’t have any aborted eggs. At the highest concentrations, juvenile mortality was higher,and postures were smaller than the control. Valproic acid interfere with the reproduction of Daphnia magna, causing a delay in reproduction and affecting the number and viability of the offspring.
- Cognitive workload and fatigue in a human-robot collaborative assembly workstation: A pilot studyPublication . Santos, Joana; Ferraz, Mariana; Pinto, Ana; Rocha, Luís Freitas; Costa, Carlos M.; Simões, Ana Correia; Bombeke, Klass; Vaz, MárioIndustry 5.0 represents a novel approach that builds upon the advancements of Industry 4.0 and is aimed at fostering a more harmonious relationship between humans and machines to prioritize resource efficiency and user-centered manufacturing.Objective: This paper presents a study, integrated in the COBOSHe project, for assessing and analyzing the cognitive workload and fatigue, using heart rate (HR) and a perceived scale related to fatigue, in a car engine assembly in which a robot and ahuman operator are performing tasks in a shared workspace. For this purpose, a sample of 30 subjects were divided into two groups, with group A having read the assembly instructions before the usage of the assembly workstation and group B without having any previous knowledge about the car engine. The data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis’s test and Spearman's correlation test) in the IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 28.0. The results showed thatHRand perceived fatigue didn’t had statistical differences between groups(p=0.380). There is insufficient statistical evidence, to state that the subscales of SOFI are not identical between the two groups(p >0.05). Therefore, we conclude that the usage of the augmented reality system in the assembly workstation for providing on demand instructions was intuitive and allowed the operators to learn how to assemble the car engine without requiring any previous knowledge about the assembly process. This type of study allows to improve collaborative workstations, as it increases the efficiency and productivity of production lines.
- Ecotoxicity of valproic acid in Lemna minorPublication . Machado, Beatriz; Prudêncio, Cristina; Ferraz, Ricardo; Barros, PiedadeThe water pollution represents one of the most serious ecological challenges. Over the last years the use and consumption of pharmaceuticals has increased,and this is reflected in the rise of water contamination. Many drugs cannot be efficiently removed by wastewater treatment and ended up being released into the aquatic environment. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsive and mood stabilizer medication that has been found in the aquatic environment. Although some effects of this drug on small mammals and fish are known, its ecotoxicity in plants has not yet been evaluated. Lemnaminor is widely used as a bioindicator of water quality. This aquatic macrophyte has been applied for remediation studies and has shown effective results. The aim of this study is to study the ecotoxicity of valproic acid on the growth of Lemna minor. Lemna minor was exposed to six different concentrations of valproic acid for 7 days. During this time the number of fronds was analyzed. After the test some parameters were evaluated: area of fronds, root length and chlorophylls content. The chlorophylls were analyzed by spectrophotometry. At the higher concentration (0,1 mg/L) of valproic acid, the number of fronds was significantly lower than the control. Also, chlorophyll content was lower at 0,05 mg/L and 0,1 mg/Lfor chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids and at 0,025mg/L; 0,05mg/L and0,1mg/L for total chlorophyll. The rootlength was significantly lower at the higher concentrations(0,025mg/L; 0,05mg/L and 0,1mg/L), comparatively to the control. The fronds area didn’t show any significant difference when compared to the control. Valproic acid influenced the number of fronds,length of the root and concentration of chlorophylls and at the higher concentrations it is notable a significant inhibitory effect.
- Exploring the antiradical potential of species from Lamiaceae family: implications for functional food development in the context of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseasesPublication . Campinho, Ana; Alves, Joana; Martins, Rosário; Vieira, Mónica; Grosso, Clara; Delerue-Matos, CristinaNeurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases have become highly significant in Western societies. Unfortunately, these diseases currently lack a cure, and existing treatments merely manage the symptoms. Thus, it is imperative to explore new alternatives for either preventing these disorders or treating them effectively. One promising avenue for prevention lies in the development of neuroprotective and antioxidant functional foods. To this end, a study focused on ten species from the Lamiaceae family, which have attracted attention due to their well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer properties, among others. The interest in their pharmacological applications has grown significantly in recent years. In order to uncover the biological potential of these species, the study involved performing decoctions and evaluating both the total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity. The results revealed that TPC values ranged from 59.97 ± 6.18 (Ocimum basilicum L. var minimum) to 374.0 ± 16.9 (Salvia officinalis L.) mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of dry extract (dw). Additionally, the IC50 values for DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging activities varied between 21.55 ± 1.18 (Origanum vulgare L.) and 132.0 ± 15.3 μg/mL (O. basilicum var minimum), and from 14.79 ± 0.50 (O. vulgare) to 44.65 ± 2.34 μg/mL (O. basilicum), respectively. The observed strong antiradical activity holds great promise for the future development of functional foods aimed at combating the oxidative stress implicated in these diseases and promoting overall brain health. By harnessing the potential of these species from Lamiaceae family, we may pave the way for innovative approaches to tackle neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions.
- In vivo activity of peptide-ionic liquid conjugates against diabetic woundsPublication . Gomes, A.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Ferreira, M.; Maciel, J.; Plácido, A.; Leal, E.; Gameiro, P.; Gonçalves, Teresa; Carvalho, E.; Gomes, P.Due to widespread multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes, efficient treatments for infected wounds are being exhausted, which means that there is an alarming lack of effective antibiotics to treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The increasing life expectancy of the population and the growing incidence of unhealthy lifestyles is leading to a concerning rise in the number of people affected with diabetes and related complications, being DFU amongst the most troublesome. In 2014, already about 11% of the Portuguese population had diabetes and this number is continuously growing every year. [1] Like other chronic wounds, DFU are difficult to heal, but their association with other diabetes complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and ischemia, underpin an exceedingly low healing rate and high propensity for persistent infections. In connection with the above, we have recently advanced peptide-ionic liquid conjugates (PILC) as potential active pharmaceutical ingredients for topical formulations to tackle DFU. PILC combine a short cosmeceutical peptide with collagenboosting action, with an ioni q b , k “ k” -catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. This revealed one conjugate with an outstanding performance in vitro, namely, potent collagen-inducing effect, alongside microbicidal (bactericidal and fungicidal) action.[2] This conjugate was now tested for its wound healing ability in a mouse model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes. The promising results obtained thus far in this animal model, alongside biophysical investigations on the potential antimicrobial mechanism of action of PILC, will be presented in this communication.
- Is a hypothalamic hamartoma always a suspect in gelastic seizures? A source functional connectivity studyPublication . Borges, Daniel Filipe; Leal, AlbertoGelastic seizures are rare manifestations of epilepsy that are often associated with hypothalamic hamartomas (HH). In the absence of HH, location of the origin is more difficult and there are several less well-established possibilities. Non-invasive assessment is often complicated by the deep localization of the epileptogenic area and the complex dynamics of spike activity. Robust neurophysiological methods and careful validation of intrinsically epileptogenic lesions detected by RM can improve the validity of scalp EEG analysis. This presentation will discuss a case report analysing the dynamics of epileptic activity in gelastic seizures associated with cortical dysplasia. The clinical case was a 26-year-old girl with daily refractory gelastic seizures since the age of 6 who underwent neurophysiological examination with long-term EEG recordings and MRI of the brain. She had previously been rejected in an epilepsy surgery programme because no structural brain lesion had been found and the EEG information was not conclusive enough. A recent 3T MRI showed cortical dysplasia in the cingulate gyrus, which was highly suspicious as an epileptogenic focus. We analysed the 31-channel EEG (ictal and interictal) using source and functional connectivity methods to obtain a solid computer model of the origin and dynamics of the epileptic activity and correlate it with the anatomical information of the MRI. Source analysis of the interictal activity revealed multiple sources that dominated at different time points, suggesting considerable dynamics that prevented clear identification of the source. The ictal recordings showed little late rhythmic activity over the frontal areas, but no early focalization. Connectivity analysis, which revealed the flow of information between cortical sources, showed a consistent origin of epileptic activity near the cortical dysplasia for both interictal and ictal activity. EEG connectivity analysis significantly improves the performance of non-invasive methods for determining the intracranial dynamics of epileptic activity and correlation with structural lesions.
- Measurement of resilience potential: Development and validation a toolPublication . Fernandes, Joana; Barbosa, Judite; Arezes, Pedro; Pardo-Ferreira, María del Carmen; Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos; Rodrigues, MatildeCrises that occur without warning test the abilities and resilience of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems. Resilience engineering seeks ways to enhance the ability of systems to thrive under diverse conditions across various domains. However, developing metrics to measure and analyze the resilience potential of the OSH management systems remains a significant challenge. Therefore, it is of the crucial to build up a robust and resilient OSH system, capable to handling unforeseen events and emergent risks in order to ensure workers’ safety and health. Resilience engineering has proposed the following four potentials for resilient performance (Hollnagel, 2017): potential to respond (knowing what to do); potential to monitor (knowing what to look for); potential to learn (knowing what has happened); and potential to anticipate (knowing what to expect). In view of the above, it is necessary to develop a new tool to measure the resilience potential of the OSH management system in this context according to the concepts introduced by resilience engineering.