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- Lessons to be Drawn from the COVID-19 Pandemic on the impact of occupational skin exposure to disinfectant productsPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Teixeira, Diana; Santos, JoanaHand hygiene practice by using alcohol-based hand sanitizers was generalized in all sectors of activity, due the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to organize and analyze the scientific data regarding occupational exposure to hand sanitizers, with a particular focus on their use and health effects on workplace settings. (2) A rapid literature review was carried out searching on the main scientific database, namely: Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, Scielo and Current Content Connect. (3) All studies analyzed included samples from healthcare professionals and eczema as well as irritant contact dermatitis were the most reported skin lesions. (4) The adequate implementation of hygiene and disinfection programs in workplaces is essential to guarantee the workers safety and health. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of contingency plans in different sectors of activity, particularly, in industry.
- Unveiling stress vulnerability and occupational noise perception as burnout predictors: Results of an exploratory study in industrial environmentsPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Ribeiro, Luísa Antunes; Pereira, Cristiana C.Burnout is a complex phenomenon influenced by both environmental and individual factors. This pilot study explores the predictive role of occupational noise perception and stress vulnerability on burnout symptoms among industrial workers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 119 Portuguese workers exposed to occupational noise. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing noise perception, stress vulnerability, and burnout. Path analysis revealed that both higher stress vulnerability and greater perceived occupational noise were significant predictors of elevated burnout levels. Furthermore, gender emerged as a relevant predictor, with women reporting significantly higher burnout symptoms than men. Age was inversely related to stress vulnerability, indicating greater resilience among older workers. These findings suggest that individual differences in stress vulnerability and noise perception contribute meaningfully to burnout risk, beyond traditional occupational hazard assessments. The study underscores the need for holistic occupational health strategies, integrating both environmental modifications and psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing workers’ coping capacities. This study contributes novel insights into the interplay between perceived noise and psychological vulnerability in industrial settings, supporting broader preventive measures for work-related mental health outcomes.
- Mineral profle determination by ICP‑MS and physicochemical evaluation of cultivated and wild Algerian Opuntia speciesPublication . Boudjouan, Fares; Zeghbib, Walid; Lopes, Graciliana; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Vasconcelos, VítorOpuntia is a well-known plant for its folkloric use and nutritional composition. This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, as well as the mineral composition realized by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for cultivated and wild Algerian Opuntia species. The results showed a signifcant diference in length, diameter, and weight between both Opuntia fruits. The highest pH, brix°, and total sugar content were found in the pulp of cultivated fruit compared to the wild one. Moisture was found to be higher in pulp of both species with more than 90% compared to their seeds (33%); however, ashes content was more determined in seeds with 1.04%. Moreover, high protein content was found in wild Opuntia parts (more than 200 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/100 g dry matter), which also presented higher ascorbic acid and betalain contents, particularly in the pulp with 211.45 mg EAA/100 g DM and 312.91 mg/100 g DM, respectively, compared to the cultivated Opuntia. Finally, the mineral profle revealed a signifcant countenance of all species’ fractions in many important minerals for human organism functioning, like iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.
- Interventions based on biofeedback systems to improve workers’ psychological well-being, mental health and safety: a systematic literature reviewPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Mateus, Catarina; Rodrigues, Pedro Pereira; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Matilde; Mateus, Catarina; Rocha, NunoIn modern, high-speed work settings, the significance of mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged as a pressing health issue, with potential adverse consequences for organizations, including reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Over the past few years, various mental health management solutions, such as biofeedback applications, have surfaced as promising avenues to improve employees' mental well-being. To gain deeper insights into the suitability and effectiveness of employing biofeedback-based mental health interventions in real-world workplace settings, given that most research has predominantly been conducted within controlled laboratory conditions. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that used biofeedback interventions in workplace settings. The review focused on traditional biofeedback, mindfulness, app-directed interventions, immersive scenarios, and in-depth physiological data presentation. The review identified nine studies employing biofeedback interventions in the workplace. Breathing techniques showed great promise in decreasing stress and physiological parameters, especially when coupled with visual and/or auditory cues. Future research should focus on developing and implementing interventions to improve well-being and mental health in the workplace, with the goal of creating safer and healthier work environments and contributing to the sustainability of organizations.
- Exploring geographical influences on physicochemical characteristics of honey: the Montesinho Natural Park scenarioPublication . Soares, Sónia; Magalhães, Leandro; Moreira, Manuela M.; Rede, Diana; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Viegas, Olga; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Azevedo, Rui; Delerue-Matos, CristinaIn recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the global consumption of honey, driven by the high demand for natural products that offer health benefits. Consequently, consumers show a preference for honey, recognised for its superior quality, namely honey with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or honey produced in protected areas, as it is associated with superior attributes and characteristics. Portugal is one of the leading countries in the production of PDO honey, with Montesinho Natural Park (MNP) being an excellent example of high-quality Portuguese honey, known for its distinctive attributes. However, environmental threats pose a double challenge, leading to a decline in honey production and compromising its overall quality. This study aimed to assess the specific physicochemical parameters and nutritional characteristics of MNP honey and investigate their correlation with the different locations of apiaries. MNP honey samples (n=13) were obtained from local producers or purchased at supermarkets. Standard physicochemical parameters, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity, moisture and ash content, free acidity, electrical conductivity and pH, were determined according to honey legislation. Additionally, colour parameters, protein, low-molecular-weight carbohydrates (mono- and disaccharides), and mineral content were determined. The results obtained were consistent with the requirements outlined in the legislation and those described in the literature. The results suggest that geographical factors within the park and boundaries do not contribute to variations in the analysed parameters. A significant level of homogeneity was evident in all parameters evaluated among the MNP honey samples. This is the first comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of honey from various apiaries within the MNP.
- High-value compounds in papaya by-products (Carica papaya L. var. Formosa and Aliança): Potential sustainable use and exploitationPublication . Vinha, Ana F.; Costa, Anabela S. G.; Santo, Liliana Espírito; Ferreira, Diana M.; Sousa, Carla; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Oliveira, Maria Beatriz P. P.Food waste is a global and growing problem that is gaining traction due to its environmental, ethical, social, and economic repercussions. Between 2022 and 2027, the worldwide papaya market is expected to have a huge increase, meaning a growth in organic waste, including peels and seeds. Thus, this study evaluated the potential use of peels and seeds of two mature papaya fruits as a source of bioactive compounds, converting these by-products into value-added products. Proximate analysis (AOAC methods), mineral content (ICP-MS), free sugars (HPLC-ELSD), fatty acid composition (GC-FID), vitamin E profile (HPLC-DAD-FLD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) were evaluated. Both by-products showed high total protein (20–27%), and dietary fiber (32–38%) contents. Papaya peels presented a high ash content (14–16%), indicating a potential application as a mineral source. 14 fatty acids were detected, with α-linolenic acid (30%) as the most abundant in the peels and oleic acid (74%) in the seeds. Both by-products showed high antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Papaya by-products display great potential for industrial recovery and application, such as formulation of new functional food ingredients.
- An eco-friendly approach for analysing sugars, minerals, and colour in brown sugar using digital image processing and machine learningPublication . Alves, Vandressa; Santos, Jeferson M. dos; Viegas, Olga; Pinto, Edgar; Ferreira, Isabel M.P.L.V.O.; Lima, Vanderlei Aparecido; Felsner, Maria L.Brown sugar is a natural sweetener obtained by thermal processing, with interesting nutritional characteristics. However, it has significant sensory variability, which directly affects product quality and consumer choice. Therefore, developing rapid methods for its quality control is desirable. This work proposes a fast, environmentally friendly, and accurate method for the simultaneous analysis of sucrose, reducing sugars, minerals and ICUMSA colour in brown sugar, using an innovative strategy that combines digital image processing acquired by smartphone cell with machine learning. Data extracted from the digital images, as well as experimentally determined contents of the physicochemical characteristics and elemental profile were the variables adopted for building predictive regression models by applying the kNN algorithm. The models achieved the highest predictive capacity for the Ca, ICUMSA colour, Fe and Zn, with coefficients of determination (R2) ≥ 92.33 %. Lower R2 values were observed for sucrose (81.16 %), reducing sugars (85.67 %), Mn (83.36 %) and Mg (86.97 %). Low data dispersion was found for all the predictive models generated (RMSE < 0.235). The AGREE Metric assessed the green profile and determined that the proposed approach is superior in relation to conventional methods because it avoids the use of solvents and toxic reagents, consumes minimal energy, produces no toxic waste, and is safer for analysts. The combination of digital image processing (DIP) and the kNN algorithm provides a fast, non-invasive and sustainable analytical approach. It streamlines and improves quality control of brown sugar, enabling the production of sweeteners that meet consumer demands and industry standards.
- Toxic and non-toxic cyanobacterial biomass as a resource for sustainable agriculture: A lettuce cultivation experimentPublication . Massa, Anabella; Santos, Érica; Martins, Diogo; Azevedo, Joana; Reimão, Mariana; Almeida, Agostinho; Azevedo, Rui; Pinto, Edgar; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Campos, Alexandre; Freitas, MarisaCyanobacteria represent a promising resource for sustainable agriculture, as they have demonstrated the ability to restore soil fertility even after death and decay. However, several cyanobacteria can also release secondary metabolites, such as cyanotoxins, which may compromise the quality of agricultural products and pose a potential risk to human health. Depending on the concentration of exposure, few studies reported deleterious effects on plant species when irrigated with cylindrospermopsin (CYN) contaminated water, impairing plant growth and leading to food product contamination, while other studies show promoting effects on plant yield. To evaluate the potential of cyanobacterial biomass (cyanotoxin-containing or not) as a sustainable resource for soil amendment, biostimulants or fertilizers for lettuce cultivation, a study was carried out that consisted of the culture of lettuce plants under controlled conditions, in soil: (1) with no extra nutrient addition (control) and supplemented with 0.6 g of freeze-dried Raphidiopsis raciborskii biomass of (2) a non-CYN-producing strain, (3) a CYN-producing strain, and (4) the same CYN-producing strain pasteurized. Results showed no significant differences in photosystem II efficiency with the amendment addition. On the contrary, shoot fresh weight significantly increased in lettuce plants grown with the cyanobacterial biomass addition, especially in condition (3). In addition, there were significant differences in mineral concentrations in lettuce leaves after the cyanobacterial biomass addition, such as K, Na, Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, and Co. CYN accumulation was detected under conditions (3) and (4), with concentrations observed in descending order from roots > soil > shoot. Nevertheless, the CYN concentration in edible tissues did not exceed the WHO-proposed tolerable daily intake of 0.03 μg/kg/day. These findings suggest that incorporating cyanobacterial biomass as a soil amendment, biostimulant or fertilizer for lettuce cultivation, even with trace amounts of CYN (1–40 μg/g), may enhance plant yield without leading to cyanotoxin accumulation in edible tissues above the WHO-recommended tolerable daily intake.
- Application of real-time PCR in the assessment of the toxic cyanobacterium cylindrospermopsis raciborskii abundance and toxicological potentialPublication . Moreira, Cristiana; Martins, António; Azevedo, Joana; Freitas, Marisa; Regueiras, Ana; Vale, Micaela; Antunes, Agostinho; Vasconcelos, VítorCyanobacteria are prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms that pose a serious threat to aquatic environments because they are able to form blooms under eutrophic conditions and produce toxins. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a planktonic heterocystous filamentous cyanobacterium initially assigned to the tropics but currently being found in more temperate regions such as Portugal, the southernmost record for this species in Europe. Cylindrospermopsin originally isolated from C. raciborskii is a cytotoxic alkaloid that affects the liver, kidney, and other organs. It has a great environmental impact associated with cattle mortality and human morbidity. Aiming in monitoring this cyanobacterium and its related toxin, a shallow pond located in the littoral center of Portugal, Vela Lake, used for agriculture and recreational purposes was monitored for a 2-year period. To accomplish this, we used the real-time PCR methodology in field samples to quantify the variation of specific genetic markers with primers previously described characterizing total cyanobacteria (16S rRNA), C. raciborskii (rpoC1), and cylindrospermopsin synthetase gene (pks). The results report the high abundance of both cyanobacteria and C. raciborskii in Vela Lake, with C. raciborskii representing 0.4% to 58% of the total cyanobacteria population. Cylindrospermopsin synthetase gene was detected in one of the samples. We believe that with the approach developed in this study, it will be possible to monitor C. raciborskii population dynamics and seasonal variation, as well as the potential toxin production in other aquatic environments.
- Environmentally friendly and cost-effective approaches to reduce toxin content in toxic cyanobacterial biomassesPublication . Loss, Letícia; Azevedo, Joana; Azevedo, Tomé; Freitas, Marisa; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Campos, AlexandreCyanobacterial outgrowths are naturally occurring processes in eutrophic aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, as a result of climate change and anthropogenic pollution, cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are expanding worldwide. CyanoHABs are considered a threat to human health and environment due to the production of potent toxic substances, but at the same time, valuable products can be obtained from these microorganisms. The main objective of this study was to test straightforward and cost-effective methods to reduce the toxin content of cyanobacterial biomass for the exploitation of this important biological resource. To carry out this study, lyophilized or hydrated biomass from microcystin-LR (MC-LR) producing Microcystis aeruginosa and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) producing Chrysosporum ovalisporum strains were subjected to the following treatments: (1) thermal (50 °C); (2) ultraviolet (UV) radiation; (3) ozone; and (4) sunlight, for periods varying between 2 and 12 h. MC-LR and CYN concentrations were quantified by LC-MS and compared between experimental groups. The results show a significant reduction in the amount of MC-LR in M. aeruginosa biomass (lyophilized and hydrated) exposed to sunlight. Since no other treatment reduced MC-LR in M. aeruginosa biomass, this molecule was demonstrated to be very stable. Regarding CYN, the concentration of this toxin in C. ovalisporum biomass was significantly reduced with the exposure to UV radiation, to approximately 51% of the initial concentration after 2 h of exposure; 86% reduction after 5 h of exposure; and 77% reduction after 12 h of exposure. Overall, this study demonstrates that the toxicity of cyanobacterial biomass can be reduced by employing environmentally friendly and cost-effective treatments with sunlight and UV radiation.