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- Effects of seasoning with Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds on the formation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in barbecued beef pattiesPublication . Neves-Gonçalves, T. M.; Viegas, O.; Pinto, Edgar; Ferreira, I. M.P.L.V.O.; Rosso, V. V. De; Domene, S. M. A.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous compounds, however the highest PAH concentration in foods is usually described when grilled and/or barbecued, mainly when charred, which contribute significantly to the intake of these compounds. In view of their carcinogenic potential, mitigation strategies have been investigated, among them the use of condiments rich in bioactive compounds that could, owing to potential to modulate the oxidative system, suppress the reactive species involved in the formation of PAH. Despite this, no studies were found concerning the effect of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, a product of Brazilian biodiversity, source of bioactive compounds and used as a food coloring, on PAH formation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of annatto seedson the formation of PAH in barbecued beefpatties. Beef patties (80g) seasonedwith annatto seeds (0.5%, w/w), and unseasoned (control) were barbecued (n = 2), at well-done level, and 14PAHwere analyzed using an acetonitrile basedextraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLCFLD)[4]. The unseasoned samples showed a total ΣPAH of 140.1 ± 1.2 ng g-1, and a significant reduction(p < 0.05) were observed in patties with annatto(ΣPAH 106.2 ± 0.2 ng g-1). In relation to the EFSA most suitable indicator for the occurrence and carcinogenic potency of PAHin foods, ΣPAH4 (benz[a] anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene),the same trend was observed (ΣPAH4 1.88 ± 0.01 ng g-1 in unseasonedvs ΣPAH4 1.29 ± 0.01 ng g-1). In addition to the known natural coloring and antioxidant properties of annatto seeds, this study demonstrate its potentialas a seasoning in meat to reduce dietary exposure to PAH from charcoal grilled meat. Other cooking methods and conditions, as well as other food processing contaminants, deserve to be evaluated in further studies.
- Nutrient adequacy of Nfuma, the flour from Strychnos Madagascariensis fruitPublication . Ribeiro, M.; Chemane, S.; Pinto, Edgar; Khan, M.; Ferreira, I.M.P.L.V.O.; Casal, S.; Pinho, O.; Viegas, O.African native fruits play a significant role in reducingmicronutrient deficiencies and increasing the income of poor rural communitiesin developing countries. In Mozambique, the fruit of Strychnosmadagascariensis is usually processed into flour, nfuma, and is consumed by local communities during staple food shortage.However, there is practically no data on its nutritional value. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and adequacy of nfuma. Flours were collected from four districts of Mozambique and analyzed using AOAC methods for proximate composition, HPLC for sugars, vitamin E and carotene profiles and ICP-MS and FAAS for minerals. The estimated daily intake of nutrients, as % of EFSA dietary reference values (DRVs), was calculated assuming an average daily consumption of 100 g and 50 g of nfuma for adults and children, respectively. Nfumapresents high content of fat (~27%), fiber (> 6%), sugars (~10%), vitamin E (6.7 to 8.0 mg/100 g) and carotenes (2.2 to 2.6 mg/100 g). Oleic acid was the main fatty acid ofnfuma (~16g/100 g of flour). The mineral composition reveals K (~1200 to 1700 mg/100g) and Mn (~4 mg/100g) as the main macro-mineral and trace element, respectively. Regarding current DRVsfor adults, the consumption of 100 g of nfuma provides 30% of fiber, 27-48% of alpha-linolenic acid, 55-63% of vitamin A and 56-66% of vitamin E. Moreover, nfuma can contribute to the daily intake of Mg, K, and Mn (22 - 26%, 40% and > 100% of DRVs, respectively). Due to its high β-carotene content, the daily consumption of 50 g of nfuma provides 82% of vitamin A DRV for toddlers, representing a promising food-based strategy to alleviate the high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in Mozambique. This fruit flour stands out for its high fat content, mainly composed by MUFA, delivering vitamin E and carotenes, together with naturally occurring sugars and high fiber content. Its local use to enrich maize-based porridges or to develop healthier new food products deserve to be technologically approached for wider valorization.
- Exposure to naturally occurring metals during early-pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: results from the IoMum cohortPublication . Marques, Beatriz; Dias, Ana; Brachi, Isabella; Guimarães, Juliana; Coelho, Cláudia M.; Pinheiro, Cátia; Prucha, Carmo; Martins, Cristina; Pinto, Edgar; Azevedo, Rui; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Fernandes, Vírginia C.; Almeida, Agostinho; Ramalho, Carla; Keating, ElisaThis work aimed to characterize exposure to Aluminium (Al), Lithium (Li), Barium (Ba), and Strontium (Sr) and their association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, anthropometric parameters of the newborn and pregnancy complications. Spot urine samples (n=349) of eligible pregnant women attending the routine 1st-trimester ultrasound scan from April 2018 to April 2019 at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de S. João were analysed through ICP-MS to quantify the metals’ urinary concentrations (MUC). Inclusion criteria were: gestational age between 10 weeks and 13 weeks plus 6 days with confirmed foetal vitality and signature of the informed consent. MUCs are presented through median (IQR) in µg/L or µg/g creatinine.
- Factors influencing workplace physical activity interventions: a short reviewPublication . Maheronnaghsh, Sara; Santos, Joana; Vaz, MárioIntroduction: Many occupations are characterized by sedentary behavior (SB) and lack of physical activity (PA). There is growing evidence that prolonged sitting is associated with multiple health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders, biomarkers of increased cardiovascular diseases, some forms of cancer. There is an increasing interest in changing the work environment by implementing various interventions to reduce barriers and promote physical activity. The aim of this short review is to identify factors that affected workers’ SB and/or PA to design appropriate interventions. Methodology The search was performed based on PRISMA statement methodology and was conducted in Scopus for articles and reviews published in scientific journals from 2010 until 2019 in English, usinga set of root keywords as “sedentary work,” “physical activity” and ”effectiveness intervention”. Results and discussion the review included 12 studies describing effective factors on PA in three categories: organizational factor, individual factor, and social factor. The main organizational factors found were: supportive workplace policies and resources, time for involvement in intervention, paying for activity, management support, work environment factors, and job type (passive jobs, and high-strain jobs). Interpersonal factors, knowledge include (educational level and information about physical activity guidelines) and some sociodemographic factors as individual factors associated with the physical work activity. Furthermore, social factors like social support and social norm have a significant effect on willing to do physical activity in workers. Some studies used “behavior change techniques” to find effective factors on physical activity for identifying the most appropriate interventions. Conclusion: Current evidence demonstrates that some individual, organizational and social factors influence work physical activity; therefore, they need to be considered in each population specifically, before choosing the intervention type. It can contribute to the increasing effectiveness of interventions intended to improve physical activity. Future research in this area should consider the association of various factors identified to enhance the effectiveness of interventions.
- Importance of climate change manifestations and urban green areas on the potential expansion of ixodid vectorsPublication . Barbosa, Rui; Monteiro, Ana; Freitas, MarisaUrban development combined with climate change can trigger negative effects in the ecosystems. Although the recognized environmental benefits, the implementation of urban green areas can increase the number of habitats favorable to the spread of ixodid vectors, as well as to increase its contact with humans and animals, which may constitute a public health problem. Nowadays, to increase the effectiveness of health services intervention, is necessary to create multidisciplinary teams. In this context, geography, through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), plays a crucial role. This software contributes to operate and export geographic alphanumeric information in a global, regional, or local scale. The aim of this study was to conjecture the potential vulnerabilities of climate change and the expansion of urban green areas on the occurrence of ixodid vectors in urban environments. Besides, it is intended to demonstrate the application of GIS methodology in delimiting higher risk zones and to propose new locations for ixodid vectors surveillance. The study area was composed by four municipalities of Porto metropolitan zone (Northern Portugal). The study was divided into three topics: characterization of local climate conditions, climate forecasts as well as green areas, surveillance data of ixodid vectors in the study area, identification of susceptible and risk areas of ixodid vectors expansion. The expansion of vectors in urban area was confirmed, evidencing that climate change combined with urban green areas can result in an increased dissemination of ixodid vectors in urban environments, consequently, may increase the incidence of diseases transmitted by them. This study shows that GIS constitute a profitable tool for a more fruitful site demarcation of ixodid vectors monitoring, increasing the success of its capture in the free-living phase. The more active identification of risk areas will allow health services to take more effective measures.
- Níveis de iluminação em passadeiras: um estudo de casoPublication . Silva, N.; Sousa, R.; Rodrigues, MatildeA iluminação junto das passadeiras é considerada um dos principais fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de acidentes por atropelamento. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a iluminação em passadeiras sem controlo de travessia por semáforo numa região do Norte do país. Neste estudo foram caracterizadas 27 passadeiras. Foram recolhidos os valores da iluminância vertical e horizontal médios. Os resultados mostraram que em todas as passadeiras caracterizadas os níveis de iluminância vertical médios se encontravam abaixo dos valores recomendados (>20lux). Em relação aos níveis de iluminação horizontal médios, parte das passadeiras apresentaram valores abaixo do recomendado (>20lux). As obstruções foram identificadas como um fator que poderá ter influenciado o nível de iluminação das passadeiras, assim como a distância das luminárias à passadeira e ainda o estado de conservação das mesmas. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de uma maior manutenção dos sistemas de iluminação das passadeiras, bem como um reforço junto às zonas mais perigosas.
- 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.
- Safety culture in higher education institutions: Knowledge and training preferencesPublication . Filho, P. C. Anacleto; Dall-Orsoletta, Alaize; Carneiro, Paula; Colim, Ana; Leão, Celina P.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Costa, Susana; Costa, NelsonThe development of a positive culture is a key element within an organization to achieve performance against a strategic objective. In terms of safety, universities play a very important role in training new professionals who must be increasingly aware and prepared for the challenges of the labour market and daily activities. Therefore, this study aims to assess the safety culture of newcomer students to higher education through the application of a 22-item questionnaire. Participants included 109 undergraduate and master’s students from 31 different courses at a university in Northern Portugal. It was observed that the level of knowledge varied according to the type of course adopted and the gender of the student. A global performance level of below 80% shows that safety knowledge can improve further. Additionally, different preferences concerning the content, moment, and format of safety training were presented. The low level of interest in training related to chemical leakage, suspicious package, and bombing show participants may attribute a low probability level to these events. In conclusion, this work shows that it can be useful for universities to consider different training approaches according to different course types.
- 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 e percepção do conforto térmico em bibliotecas do ensino superiorPublication . Rodrigues, Matilde; Leão, Celina P.; Barroso, Mónica P.As bibliotecas são consideradas um recurso imprescindível ao sucesso no ensino superior, sendo a sua concepção com base em critérios ergonómicos fundamental para potenciar o desempenho dos seus utilizadores. A falta de informações sobre as condições das bibliotecas do ensino superior em Portugal foi uma das razões para a realização do presente estudo. O objectivo principal foi o de caracterizar as condições de trabalho e conforto nestes locais através de uma abordagem objectiva e subjectiva. Neste artigo estão retratados apenas os aspectos referentes ao ambiente térmico, devido à sua importância quer para o conforto dos utilizadores, quer para a conservação dos livros. Foram estudadas duas bibliotecas da Universidade do Minho em três épocas do ano distintas de forma a incluir dias amenos, frios e quentes. Em cada estação do ano analisada, foram realizadas amostragens de campo ao longo de 4 dias. A análise objectiva teve por base a aplicação de uma check-list e a medição dos parâmetros físicos do ambiente térmico. Para a abordagem subjectiva, foi desenvolvido e aplicado um questionário de caracterização das Condições de Trabalho e Conforto em Bibliotecas de ensino superior (CTCB). Foram identificadas temperaturas inadequadas nas duas bibliotecas, nomeadamente no Verão, e níveis de humidade relativa inapropriados em BGUM, no entanto, os índices PPDPMV determinados através da abordagem objectiva, levam a considerar estes ambientes como adequados. No que concerne à percepção do ambiente térmico, esta ocorre de forma distinta de acordo com a estação do ano, existindo uma clara preferência por ambientes mais quentes no Inverno e mais frescos no Verão. Temperaturas entre os 21 e 23ºC são as mais aceitáveis na Primavera e no Inverno. No que respeita à velocidade do ar, quando a temperatura se apresenta reduzida, movimentações de ar consideradas baixas são passíveis de causar desconforto. Em termos gerais, o ambiente térmico nos espaços de leitura estudados não se apresenta apropriado às necessidades de conforto e de conservação dos livros.