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Scientific Repository of the Porto Polytechnic
The Scientific Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto's main goal is to provide all the scientific production of teachers, researchers and students of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto when possible in full text.The mission of the Scientific Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto comprises up between two factors of extreme importance, the availability of scientific information and the preservation of digital information."Key Market": to make available in free access all the scientific production of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto."Contribution": aid students, researchers, teachers and the general public in obtaining reliable scientific production."Distinction": commitment that each user meets their scientific needs.
Recent Submissions
Avaliação isocinética dos músculos extensores e flexores do joelho em atletas de basquetebol feminino da região norte
Publication . Ferreira, Samuel; Macedo, Rui; Carvalho, Paulo; Macedo, Rui; Carvalho, Paulo
Os desequilíbrios musculares (DM) são apontados, por alguns investigadores, como causa de uma maior incidência de lesões nos joelhos das atletas de basquetebol comparativamente ao sexo oposto. Descrever e comparar a força isocinética entre atletas de basquetebol feminino e estudantes sedentárias. A avaliação da força muscular, bem como do seu equilíbrio, é um factor de elevada importância para os fisioterapeutas, para que se consiga objectivar uma melhor recuperação do atleta e prevenir a ocorrência de lesões. Estudo observacional, analítico, transversal em que se avaliaram 38 sujeitos (Grupo A= 21 atletas federadas de basquetebol; Grupo B= 17 estudantes sedentárias) do sexo feminino. Para avaliação do Peak Torque (PT ) foi utilizado um dinamómetro isocinético da marca Biodex Medical System 3 Pro® . Foi realizada a correcção da força da gravidade na avaliação do PT concêntrico dos músculos extensores e flexores do joelho, para a velocidade angular de 60º/s (6 repetições). Verificaram-se diferenças significativas para os valores do PT e Peak Torque/Body Weight (PT /BW), enquanto que para os valores do rácio isquiotibiais/ quadricípite (Rácio I/Q) e diferenças bilaterais (DB) de força do quadricípite e isquiotibiais, não se verificaram diferenças significativas. As atletas de basquetebol feminino federado apresentam valores mais elevados de PT e PT /BW comparativamente com as estudantes sedentárias. O maior desenvolvimento da mesma musculatura é feita de uma forma equilibrada, na medida em que não altera, nas atletas, a relação I/Q nem as DB de força no sentido de um DM.
Prevalence, characteristics, and impact of spinal and lower limb recurrent pain at age 13
Publication . Rodrigues, Elisa; Bessa, Isabel Moura; Brochado, Gabriela; Carvalho, Paulo; Talih, Makram; Pires, Catarina; Lucas, Raquel; Rodrigues, Elisa; Moura Bessa, Isabel
To compare spinal and lower limb pain in adolescents regarding prevalence, characteristics, causes, and impact. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 13-year-old adolescents (female n=2210; male n=2353) from the Portuguese Generation XXI birth cohort. Data were collected between 2018 and 2020 through personal interviews by applying the Luebeck Pain Questionnaire. The pain features examined in each anatomical location (back and lower limb) were recurrence, duration, frequency, intensity, perceived causes, and impact on school and leisure activities. Frequencies and the Chi-square test were used. Results: Questionnaires from 4563 adolescents were analysed, 57.9% had pain in the last three months (main pain in the spine: 11.6%; main pain in the lower limb: 29.0%). Of those, 69.4% and 62.4% reported recurrent pain in the spine and lower limb, respectively. Recurrent pain was more frequent in girls than in boys (spine: 80.0%; 57.0%; lower limb: 70.4%; 58.1% respectively). Pain lasted more than three months in most adolescents (spine: about 60%; lower limb: above 50%); frequency was similarly high in both regions and both sexes (girls: 47.0%; boys: 45.7% in the spine; girls: 45.7%; boys: 40.3% in the lower limb); intensity was rated as high by girls (spine: 45.5%; lower limb: 47.3%) and moderate by boys (spine: 42.0%; lower limb: 41.0%). The leading causes of pain were daily living activities, both for the spine (girls: 65.9%; boys: 76.5%) and the lower limb (girls: 62.2%; boys: 72.1%). Psychosocial causes were the second most common cause of spinal pain (girls: 25.0%; boys: 21.0%). Other causes of lower limb pain were traumatic (girls: 25.5%; boys: 16.6%) and physical factors (girls: 20.7%; boys: 23.8%). Absences from school (girls: 11.7%; boys: 4.8%) and restrictions of leisure activities (girls: 20.7%; boys: 25.2%) were more related to pain in the lower limb. Conclusion: More than half of the adolescents reported spinal or lower limb recurrent pain, which presents a higher frequency, higher intensity, and longer duration in the spine. However, lower limb pain led to more concurrent limitations.
Translation, adaptation, and validation in portuguese of an acceptance scale for human–robot interaction in an industrial context
Publication . Pinto, Ana; Lemos, Letícia; Carvalho, Carla; Santos, Joana; Menezes, Paulo; Nomura, Tatsuya; Santos, Joana
Industry 4.0, characterized by the integration of advanced technologies across various industrial domains, is now evolving intoIndustry 5.0, which emphasizes the human perspective, resilience, and sustainability. In this context, the study of humanbehavior and attitudes towards human–robot interaction (HRI) is crucial for understanding the acceptance of this emergingtechnology, which, in turn, can drive the development of more well-designed industrial robotic systems. This paper is aimed attranslating, adapting, and validating a scale designed to measure acceptance in the context of HRI within industrial settings,with a focus on collaborative robots (cobots). To conduct an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), 140 participants (male = 45%,female = 52%, and nonbinary = 3%) were recruited. The results revealed a four-factor structure for the Frankenstein SyndromeQuestionnaire–Industrial Context (FSQ-IC): “general anxiety towards cobots” (α = 0 87), “trustworthiness towards developersof cobots” (α = 0 83), “apprehension towards cobots in the industrial context” (α = 0 73), and “expectation of cobots in socialchange” (α = 0 69). For further validation and to help ensure the validity and reliability of the adapted scale, a confirmatoryfactor analysis (CFA) was conducted with a sample of 210 participants (male = 45%, female = 53%, and nonbinary = 2%). Themodel fit indices, including a χ2/df of 3.14 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.10, indicated anacceptable fit. The goodness-of-fit index (GFI), comparative fit index (CFI), and normed fit index (NFI) were 0.88, 0.90, and0.86, respectively, all within acceptable ranges. Convergent and discriminant validities were also analyzed. An analysis of thedifferences in perceptions of acceptance based on sociodemographic variables (gender, experience with robots, educationallevel, and age) was conducted. Only gender revealed significant differences. Considering the psychometric qualities of theinstrument, the FSQ-IC is valid and reliable for assessing acceptance in HRI.
Optimized extraction protocols for bioactive antioxidants from commercial seaweeds in Portugal: A comparative study of techniques
Publication . Santos, Francisca; Soares, Cristina; Morais, Stephanie L.; Neves, Cátia; Grosso, Clara; Ramalhosa, Maria João; Vieira, Mónica; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Domingues, Valentina F.; Vieira, Mónica
This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions for a valuable source of antioxidants: seaweed. Therefore, ten seaweed samples were subjected to a solid–liquid extraction (SLE), where the extraction conditions (biomass (g): solvent (mL) ratio, temperature, and time) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The seaweeds were also subjected to subcritical water extraction (SWE) (140 and 190 ◦C) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (10 and 20 min). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was determined through the ferric-reducing antioxidant power and the 2,2′ -azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The total phenolic content revealed the significance of temperature and biomass; solvent ratio parameters in the extraction process with higher conditions generally promoting the release of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, applying RSM allowed for the identification of optimal conditions and the establishment of predictive models that can be valuable in industrial-scale extraction processes. The antioxidant potency composite index (APCI) shows that SWE at 190 ◦C stands out, with E. bicyclis reaching an APCI score of 46.27%. The AGREEprep evaluation showed that UAE is the most sustainable method, achieving the highest score (0.69). The results of this study contribute to the development of efficient and standardized extraction protocols for each seaweed species, allowing for the maximum yield of antioxidants.
Editorial comments on “Multiarray screening identifies plasma proteins associated with Th17 cell differentiation and viral defense in coincident asthma and obesity”
Publication . Rufo, João Cavaleiro; Chauhan, Jitesh; Kalayci, Ömer; Eigenmann, Philippe; Cavaleiro Rufo, João
The clinical associations between asthma and obesity remain poorly understood. The increasing prevalence ofboth conditions occurring may represent a modern clinical paradox. It is unclear whether reduced physical activ-ity in children with asthma leads to obesity, or if asthma-like symptoms in obese children result directly from theassociated excessive abdominal fat, impaired lung function, and heightened Th2 inflammation. Determining theetiology of both diseases and their interconnection is therefore an important research avenue.A recent study has sought to investigate this through a cross-sectional analysis of Australian children, bothwith and without asthma, examining their levels of physical activity. Interestingly, the study found no evidencethat asthma hindered physical activity.1 On the other hand, although most studies have shown obesity is linkedto a higher risk of asthma, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Many studies refer to obesity as an exacerbationfactor for asthma symptoms rather than a direct contributor to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms ofasthma. 2 This highlights the need for continued research to untangle the complex interplay between these twoconditions.In 2019, a study investigating the associations between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals andchildhood asthma identified a specific pattern of volatile organic compounds that were significantly linked to theearly onset “obese-asthma” phenotype, but not to asthma or obesity independently. 3 This suggests that asthmaand obesity may share common risk factors that trigger disease onset of both conditions during early childhood.Supporting this hypothesis, subsequent research has identified 29 genes associated with the obese-asthma phe-notypes, including GBP5 and SOCS, which further highlights the genetic underpinnings of this dual condition. 4In this issue, Manell et al. offer valuable insights by investigating novel plasma protein biomarkers specificallyassociated with the coexistence of asthma and obesity in an adolescent population. 5 The cross-sectional studyinvolved 390 children and adolescents, aged 10 to 19, who were categorized into four groups: healthy controls,individuals with asthma, individuals with obesity, and those with both obesity and asthma (OA).A proximity extension assay was used to assess the relative plasma concentrations of 113 proteins associatedwith inflammation and immune response. The study identified five plasma proteins—CCL8, IL-33, IL-17C, FGF-23,and CLEC7A—that were significantly and specifically elevated in the OA group compared to controls. However,after adjusting for age, sex, and sIgE levels, only CCL8 and CLEC7A remained significantly elevated. This suggeststhat the high levels observed for IL-33, IL-17C, and FGF-23 in the OA group may be partially attributable to atopy.Drawing on previously published evidence and considering the role of CCL8 in mucosal chemotaxis and Th2inflammation, Manell et al. propose that viral defense at mucosal barriers may play an important role in obesity-related asthma in children and adolescents. 5 While the exact pathophysiological mechanism behind CCL8 over-expression remains unclear, it is noteworthy that prior studies have confirmed no association between CCL8and atopy. 6 This, along with the evidence that CCL8 levels are regulated in obese individuals without asthma,strengthens the argument for this chemokine as a promising biomarker for obese-asthma phenotypes.Additionally, FGF-23, IL-17C, and IL-33, which are linked to mucosal host defense against viral infections andTh17 cell activation, were also regarded as potential biomarkers for concomitant asthma and obesity, though toa lesser extent. 5 Conversely, the elevated levels of CLEC7A in the OA group appear to be additive, reflecting thecombined effects of asthma and obese observed separately.