ESS - SA - Artigos
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Sustainability in allied health education and practice: An exploratory survey of student perspectives, knowledge, and attitudesPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Ribeiro, Inês; Xavier, Ana; Saúde, Miguel; Alberto Alves Carvalhais, CarlosThe growing urgency of the climate crisis has heightened the importance of integrating sustainability into health education. Allied health professionals are well positioned to lead sustainable healthcare efforts, yet evidence suggests a persistent gap between student awareness and formal training. This study explored the perspectives, knowledge, and attitudes of Portuguese allied health students regarding sustainability. An online and anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students across multiple allied health disciplines. The questionnaire assessed general knowledge, perceptions of curricular integration, and attitudes toward sustainable clinical practice. A total of 247 (response rate of 8.23%) students participated, with the majority expressing high concern about climate change and strong support for environmentally responsible healthcare. However, the results revealed inconsistent awareness of healthcare’s environmental footprint and a limited exposure to structured sustainability education. Friedman tests indicated significant variability in students’ knowledge, perceived responsibility, and curricular experiences. Students identified priority themes for curricular inclusion—such as the environmental impact of the health system—and recognized their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The findings highlight the need for the systematic, competency-based integration of sustainability into allied health curricula to support a climate-resilient and ecologically responsible future healthcare workforce.
- Understanding musculoskeletal loadings among supermarket checkout counter cashiers: A biomechanical analysisPublication . Silva, Tânia T.; Sousa, Catarina; Colim, Ana; Rodrigues, Matilde A.Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are highly prevalent among supermarket cashiers. These disorders are frequently related to the adoption of awkward postures and manual materials handling. This study aimed to analyze musculoskeletal loadings in supermarket cashiers, considering the handling of different products and different checkout conditions. To accomplish this, we employed an inertial motion capture system to measure full-body kinematics while simulating 19 cashier tasks. The study included five female cashiers from a supermarket in Northern Portugal, ranging in age from 19 to 61 years old. Using joint angles, material load, and muscle function as input parameters, we conducted the musculoskeletal loadings assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) methods. Results showed that RULA scores were higher for the microtasks that involved product scanning. Regarding microstasks analyzed by REBA, the replacement of paper rolls for the receipt machine at the checkout counter yields the highest scores. Based on these findings, there is a compelling need to redesign supermarket checkout workstations to alleviate the physical demands placed on cashiers and to ensure organizational sustainability.
- International environmental health skills, knowledge, and qualifications: Enhancing professional practice through agreements between countriesPublication . Ross, Kirstin E.; Dyjack, David T.; Choonara, Adam; Davis, Gayle; Dawson, Henry; Hannelly, Toni; Lynch, Zena; Mitchell, Graeme; Ploompuu, Inga; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Shaw, LindsayEnvironmental health is practiced primarily at the local level; however, many of the skills held by environmental health practitioners (EHPs) are transferable globally. There is currently a shortage of EHPs in many parts of the world and formally recognizing the transferability of skills and knowledge within the profession might encourage people to consider environmental health as a profession, helping to address the shortage. To facilitate this transferability, our global community of practice has mapped the environmental health practice requirements of the U.S., UK, and Australia to enable comparison of each one to the others and demonstrate the level of similarity in practice requirements. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the various professional bodies that oversee environmental health practice, which would allow qualif ied EHPs to practice in any of these countries. This flexibility would benefit the profession, professional practice, and individuals. MOUs are a way to recognize the similarities and di†erences between practices in these countries and provide pathways to address di†erences when they exist, such as via short courses and work experience. We present data to illustrate our argument that there is much overlap in the practice of EHPs. We see our research as a first step to engage with professional bodies in other countries and to facilitate MOUs between many countries, both to raise the profile of environmental health globally and to provide an attractive pathway for people to consider environmental health as a profession.
- 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.