Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025"
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- Adult’s perceptions after residential care: facilitating and inhibiting factorsPublication . Novo, Rosa; Prada, Ana Raquel Russo; Abrunhosa, FernandaThis study explores the perceptions of formerly institutionalized adults in Portugal regarding the challenges they faced after leaving residential care. It aims to understand the feelings experienced upon leaving the institution; to infer the facilitating and inhibiting factors of post-institutionalization transition, and to outline proposals for improving support during this transition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adults aged 24 to 39. The first and second-order categories were identified within three thematic axes. Results highlighted that the cessation of care was essentially remembered with negative feelings. Facilitating factors included academic commitment, social support, having or going to start a professional activity, and the transition to an independent living apartment emerged as facilitating factors. Poor functional skills, economic struggles, limited reality understanding, lack of formal support during the transition out of institutions, and social stigma emerged as inhibiting factors. Multiple personal and contextual factors influenced coping with transition challenges, emphasizing the need for qualified support and investment in promoting autonomy and self-confidence.
- Nursing degree curriculum: differences and similarities between 15 european countriesPublication . Antão, Celeste; Santos, Bruna; Santos, Nelson; Fernandes, Hélder; Barroso, Bárbara; Mǎrginean, Cristina Oana; Pimentel, Maria HelenaThis study explores the curriculum of Nursing Bachelor’s degrees across 15 European countries, aiming to describe nursing course curricula and admission requirements and to identify differences and similarities in the implementation of the Bologna Process. The research employs a qualitative and documentary methodology, analyzing curricula from selected higher education institutions involved in the Erasmus+ “Innovative Skills for Nurses” project. The findings reveal variations in the duration of training, with some countries adopting 3-year (180 ECTS) programs, while others require 4-year (240 ECTS) programs. Furthermore, discrepancies were found in the balance between theoretical and clinical education, as well as the availability of optional subjects. Countries with longer training programs tend to offer more consolidated practices and greater alignment with Bologna’s principles, fostering better professional outcomes. The study highlights the challenges posed by non-standardized training durations and their impact on mobility and employability of nursing professionals. These findings may inform future discussions on harmonizing nursing education across Europe to ensure consistency in quality and professional competencies.
- Special issue CHEMPOR 2023 – 14th International Chemical and Biological Engineering ConferencePublication . Pinho, Simão; Barreiro, FilomenaThe 14th International Chemical and Biological Engineering Conference (CHEMPOR 2023), organized by Bragança Polytechnic University and the Portuguese Engineers Association, was held in Bragança, Portugal, on September 12–15, 2023. CHEMPOR 2023 focused on recent developments in various settings, including biorefinery, biotechnology, energy and environment, innovative materials, and the creation and design of novel reaction and separation processes, always foreseeing industrial applications for a sustainable future. The conference served as a melting pot to celebrate creativity, diversity, and friendship among participants, fostering the exchange of ideas and enabling fruitful interactions. It brought together professionals from the academic, industrial, scientific, and technological communities, uniting over 300 delegates from 12 countries. This collection of papers from CHEMPOR 2023 vividly illustrates how biological and chemical engineers are tackling the major societal challenges of our time. They highlight converging initiatives to promote sustainability through a circular economy where materials are valued and renewable. The papers present contemporary contributions in wastewater treatment, waste and biomass valorization, energy transition solutions, efforts to mitigate climate change, and bio-based approaches to produce, separate, and purify valuable compounds using ionic liquids or eutectic solvents. The selected works featured in this special issue represent an excellent reflection of the conference spirit. The attendees' dedication to seeking innovative solutions and producing high-quality scientific outputs also stood out. Finally, we want to express our profound appreciation to all the participants and our enormous gratitude to all our sponsors and associated scientific journals and publishers. In particular, we acknowledge the editorial team of Separation and Purification Technology, especially Bart Van der Bruggen and Raquel Aires-Barros, for their significant support and enthusiasm.
- Intrapopulation differences in biological traits and impacts in a highly invasive freshwater speciesPublication . Alves, Henrique; Gonçalves, Diana; Nogueira, António Barbosa; Teixeira, Amilcar; Padilha, Janeide; Sousa, RonaldoIndividual variation assessments are essential to better understand population and community dynamics, as well ecosystem functioning. Although researchers have long recognized this aspect, only recently has evidence accumulated about the ecological importance of variation within species. The incorporation of individual variation provides an even more complete description of the effects a species may have on ecosystems and this detailed ecological knowledge can be especially important in the context of biological invasions. In this study, we used an invasion gradient of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus in the Rabaçal River (NE Portugal) to assess possible intrapopulation differences in key biological traits and evaluate possible changes in ecological impacts. For this, we collected individuals from the core and front of an invasion gradient to characterize several traits such as abundance, size, sex-ratio, body condition, behaviour (i.e. boldness), and trophic niche. In addition, we performed two laboratory experiments to assess possible differences regarding the consumption of prey (gastropods), leaf mass loss, and nutrients release. Signal crayfish from the front of the invasion gradient have lower abundance, are larger, predominantly male, have better body condition in both sexes, exhibit increased boldness, and have higher δ 15 N and lower δ 13 C values. In addition, in experimental conditions, signal crayfish from the front of the invasion gradient consumed more gastropods and leaves and increased the concentration of nitrates and phosphates in the water. Overall, the signal crayfish has different biological traits and distinct ecological impacts along the invasion gradient in the studied river. Our study demonstrates the relevance of assessing biological traits and impacts of invasive species at the intrapopulation level.
- PM10-bound elements in Luanda's urban atmosphere: Concentrations, sources, and their environmental and health impactsPublication . Alves, Célia A.; Campa, Ana Sanchez de la; Cipoli, Yago; Furst, Leonardo; Higawa, Gustavo; Leitão, Anabela; Silva, Alan Victor da; Feliciano, ManuelAn unprecedented study was carried out in the megacity of Luanda, Angola, involving daily sampling of particulate matter (PM10) from June to November 2023. The analysis was focused on the detection of 56 metal(loid)s and complemented by the application of several contamination and health risk indices. PM10 levels ranged from 23.6 to 108 μg/m3, averaging 59.3 μg/m3, exceeding WHO’s 24-h guideline on 83% of days. In addition to crustal elements, the most abundant constituents were Zn (159 ng/m3), Ba (43.2 ng/m3), Pb (17.8 ng/m3), Cu (10.5 ng/m3), Sr (7.0 ng/m3), Ni (4.5 ng/m3), Sb (3.7 ng/m3) and Cr (3.5 ng/m3). Mineral dust, primarily from unpaved roads and local soils, accounted for 31 wt% of PM10, while sea salt contributed 6%. Geochemical markers (e.g., Ce-La-V relationships) suggest that vanadium originates predominantly from upper crust weathering. Elemental ratios such as Fe/Cu, Cu/Sb, and Zn/Sb indicate significant contributions from traffic-related emissions (e.g., brake and tyre wear) and industrial sources. Sulphur, an important PM10 component, likely stems from fossil fuel combustion and petroleum refining. Luanda experiences severe air pollution, with high inputs from Sb, Cd, Zn, and other elements linked to traffic, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The extremely high ecological risk (RI = 4360 ± 2440) highlights critical contamination, driven primarily by Cd and Sb, while the Nemerow risk index (1990 ± 1530) underscores urgent public health concerns. Non-cancer hazard indices (HI) exceeded safe thresholds for children (2.29) and adults (2.18), with Fe, Mn, Be, Pb, Ni, Co, and Sb identified as key contributors. Carcinogenic risks from PM10 inhalation (2.34 × 10 3 for children and 1.36 ×10 3 for adults) also exceeded acceptable levels, emphasising the need for targeted pollution mitigation strategies.
- Satisfação no trabalho e intenção de abandono em enfermagem: a influência do empoderamento profissionalPublication . Gomes, Jacinta; Galvão, Ana Maria; Gomes, Maria José; Moura Ramos, OlgaA satisfação profissional e a intenção de abandono em enfermagem estão fortemente relacionadas com as políticas organizacionais promotoras do empoderamento estrutural e do capital psicológico dos trabalhadores. Avaliar a satisfação no trabalho, a intenção de abandono e o empoderamento profissional em enfermeiros na prática clínica em organizações de saúde; avaliar a associação entre o empoderamento profissional, a satisfação no trabalho e a intenção de abandono dos enfermeiros. Estudo observacional, transversal e correlacional, com abordagem quantitativa. Amostra por conveniência constituída por 308 enfermeiros na prática clínica. Instrumento de recolha de dados constituído por questionário de caraterização sociodemográfica e profissional, Job Satisfaction Survey, Antecipated Turnover Scale, Conditions for Workplace Effectiveness Questionnaire II e Psychological Empowerment Instrument. Participaram no estudo enfermeiros com média de idade de 40,15 anos (±9,38) e que exercem prática clínica há 16,19 anos (±9,30). Aferiu-se uma relação positiva significativa entre a satisfação no trabalho e todas as dimensões do empoderamento profissional (0,2550,088). Para a intenção de abandono, obtiveram-se relações negativas com todas as dimensões do empoderamento estrutural e psicológico (-0,352
- Rapid screening of fumonisins in maize using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and machine learning algorithmsPublication . Sampaio, Pedro; Barros, Sílvia Cruz; Freitas, Andreia; Silva, Ana Sanches; Brites, Carla; Carbas, BrunaFumonisins occurrence in maize represents a significant global challenge, impacting economic stability and food safety. This study evaluates the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric al- gorithms to detect fumonisins in maize. For fumonisin B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) levels were developed predictive NIR models using partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN). PLS models demonstrated strong correlation coefficient (R2) values of 0.90 (FB1), 0.98 (FB2), and 0.91 (FB1 + FB2) for calibration, with ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) values ranging 2.8–3.6. Similarly, ANN models showed good predictive performance, particularly for FB1 + FB2, with R = 0.99, and the root means square error (RMSE) of 131 μg/kg for calibration; and R = 0.95, RMSE = 656 μg/kg for validation. These findings underscore the efficacy of NIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive tool for fumonisin screening in maize, with chemometric algorithms enhancing model accuracy, offering a valuable method for ensuring food safety.
- Medicinal plants and their derivatives for skin and hair: a Mediterranean perspective of women carePublication . Bouissane, Latifa; Elfardi, Yahya; Khatib, Sohaib; Fatimi, Ahmed; Pereira, Carla; Cruz-Martins, NatáliaSince olden days, medicinal and aromatic plants have been consumed due to their well-known therapeutic, ornamental, culinary, and cosmetic properties. Plant-based cosmetics comprise a growing market offering brands of sustainable products with the ultimate goal of responding to the woman needs to boost their natural beauty, such as soothing, toning, moisturizing and protecting skin and hair. The increasing focus on body and beauty care, combined with a better understanding of the diverse biological effects of plants and their derivatives, has revitalized their significance in aesthetic, cosmetic, and dermatological contexts. Concurrently, the increasing prevalence of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions to synthetic additives commonly found in cosmetics and other skin products has spurred interest in seeking healthier and more efficacious natural alternatives. An intense investigation has been stated around the formulation of medicinal plants- and other plant-based cosmetic products for dermatological and aesthetic purposes. Similarly, a raising awareness by cosmetics’ manufacturers and related industries have been progressively stated, culminating with the emergence of a line of plant-based cosmetics increasingly safe and with reliable quality features for multiple purposes. Although a high demand for natural-based products for cosmetic purposes has been stated, further studies are required to deepening knowledge on their beneficial properties, safety and quality features and to identify the main limitations and likelihood of side effects occurrence. In this review, an outlook of the current scenario regarding the use of medicinal and aromatic plants as cosmetic ingredients in the formulation of skin care and other dermatological products traditionally used by the Mediterranean woman for prevention and even cure of skin and hair diseases or for beautification is provided.
- Microbial and pest contamination in nuts: Radio frequency disinfestation and controlled atmosphere preservation – A reviewPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Fernandes, Ângela; Moreira, Jorge; Fernandes, Natércia; Gonçalves, Alexandre; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianNuts are increasingly recognized for their rich nutritional profile and bioactive potential, making them a sig- nificant economic contributor globally. However, the commercialization of nuts necessitates stringent quality control measures to mitigate infestations by insect pests and microorganisms, which can lead to rapid deterio- ration both pre- and post-harvest. Contamination often arises from inadequate practices in harvesting, packaging, storage, and transportation, heightening the risk of pathogen infection and mycotoxin contamination. To address these challenges, innovative preservation techniques are essential for enhancing food safety and extending shelf- life without compromising quality. Radiofrequency (RF) technology has emerged as a promising solution in food processing, utilizing volumetric heating for effective disinfestation, pathogen pasteurization, drying, and blanching while maintaining product integrity. In contrast, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage employs gas composition control to create low-oxygen environments that inhibit microbial growth during storage. This re- view aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nut safety and preservation by identifying key contamination sources and the microorganisms that target nuts. It will analyze the effectiveness of RF and CA technologies in preserving and decontaminating nuts. By exploring these advanced methods, this study highlights their potential to surpass conventional processes, ultimately improving nut safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
- Ageing at work: impact and consequences – a scoping reviewPublication . Magalhães, Carlos Pires; Fernandes, Adília; Vaz, Josiana A.; Pereira, Ana Maria Geraldes Rodrigues; Monteiro, António M.; Fernandes, Hélder; Fernandes, Hélder; Brás Alves, SaraAgeism, characterised by discriminatory aYtudes towards older individuals based on nega've stereotypes, is present in various aspects of society, including workplaces, public spaces, and healthcare seYngs, influencing the psychological well-being of the ones affected. Par'cularly in the workplace, ageism poses significant challenges for older workers, affec'ng their produc'vity and job sa'sfac'on. As the workforce con'nues to age globally, it’s becoming increasingly important to address the consequences of ageism on psychological health. Methods: A scoping review to map the evidence concerning the impact of ageism on the psychological state and wellbeing of older workers. Following the JBI methodological recommenda'ons, search was realized from March to April 2024, using PubMed, MedLine and CINAHL databases as well as grey literature to iden'fy relevant ar'cles. Studies in which the par'cipants were older adults, focusing on the influence of aging on psychological well-being within occupa'onal contexts. Were included studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese developed in the last 10 years. From 38 cita'ons ini'ally retrieved, 8 ar'cles met the inclusion criteria.