Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-02"
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- Quality parameters and lipid composition of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds: A promising alternative to vegetable oils used for consumption and cosmetic purposesPublication . Sakouhi, Faouzi; Saadi, Chaima; Omrani, Ikbel; Boukhchina, Sadok; Rodríguez Solana, RaquelCoffee grounds are the most commonly generated daily waste in the world, raising numerous questions regarding their proper management and their environmental impact. The present study focuses on the physical and chemical characterization of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds (SCG), with the aim of valorizing this by-product as a potential source for oil production. The results obtained from the analysis of SCG oil were also compared to those of some edible oils (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) and cosmetic oils (lentisc, sweet almond, and castor oils). The results revealed that spent coffee waste yielded an important amount of oil, specifically 17.19%, as compared to corn (4.31%) and soybean (19.52%) seeds. Regarding the fatty acids composition of SCG oil, eight components were identified, with a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids accounting for more than 45% of total fatty acids. The phytosterols composition of SCG oil revealed the presence of seven components, with beta-sitosterol being the predominant one. The tocopherol analysis showed that SCG oil contained only alpha and beta isomers, with beta-tocopherol being the dominant form at over 68%. These findings accentuate the potential of spent coffee waste as a promising alternative for oil production and open up new applications for SCG oil, such as in the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, and cosmetics.Practical Application: Given the significant increase in the demand for vegetable oils, the oil industry has recently begun to explore new plant matrices, particularly those having low costs. SCG are the most commonly generated daily by-product in the world. The present investigation aims to characterize and valorize the oil extracted from SCG. The obtained results revealed the potential of SCG as a promising alternative for oil production. Consequently, valorizing spent coffee waste as a natural by-product for oil production can be an ideal solution to address numerous issues related to its proper management and its environmental impact. Hence, the oil industry can promote spent coffee waste, cheapest by-products, as a promising alternative for oil production. Moreover, the present investigation represents a commendable model of the circular economy since the remaining waste obtained after extracting lipids from the coffee grounds waste can be used as natural fertilizer rich in protein for plant development. In Tunisia, the annual quantity of spent coffee grounds (SCG) is estimated to reach 40 000 tons. In the current investigation, a Soxhlet extractor was used to extract oil from SCG. GC-MS and HPLC techniques were utilized to characterize the fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols present in the SCG oil. The results obtained open up new applications for SCG oil. image
- Portuguese adaptation of the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ)Publication . Cova Fernandes, Catarina; Martins, A.T.; Faisca, LuisBehavioral inhibition (BI) is a temperamental trait characterized by a consistent pattern of behavioral and emotional responses to unfamiliar people and novel situations. BI exhibits moderate stability across development and is considered a risk factor for the emergence of emotional disorders in adolescence and adulthood, making early assessment crucial for understanding this behavioral pattern. In the Portuguese context, there is a paucity of measures specifically designed to assess BI in childhood. To address this gap, we aimed to adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ) in Portuguese children. We obtained BIQ ratings from both parents and teachers of 435 children (average age = 57.1 months; SD = 13.8). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor measurement model, each factor loading onto a higher-order BI factor. Additionally, we included a method factor to account for reversed items. Full scalar measurement invariance across gender and age groups was supported. Parents and teachers showed good agreement in their ratings of BIQ scores. Comparisons with other instruments revealed good convergent validity. The BIQ scores showed acceptable reliability, although the subscales exhibited limited sensitivity in discriminating between different contexts where BI may manifest. This study suggests that the BIQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing BI in Portuguese children.
- Genomics goes deeper in fisheries science: The case of the blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the northeast AtlanticPublication . Cunha, Regina L.; Robalo, Joana I.; Francisco, Sara M.; Farias, Inês; Castilho, Rita; Figueiredo, IvoneRecent advances in genomics are an essential contributor to the assessment of fish stocks by providing a finescale identification of the species' genetic boundaries. The blackspot seabream, Pagellus bogaraveo, is a commercial sparid distributed across the northeast (NE) Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Within the NE Atlantic, three P. bogaraveo stocks are currently defined: Azores; Atlantic Iberian waters; Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay. We used a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach to better define the spatial scale at which the species occurs in the NE Atlantic. Our findings revealed the existence of an additional genetic cluster in the eastern Atlantic (Gulf of C ' adiz) that was not identified in previous studies based on mitochondrial DNA or microsatellite data. The combined effect of ocean circulation patterns, complex bathymetry and the existence of local upwelling may play an important role on the retention of blackspot seabream larvae and adults, providing an explanation for the genetic differentiation between the specimens caught off the Gulf of C ' adiz and Peniche (Portugal). Results presented here revealed hidden intra-specific genetic differentiation and can inform a finer-scale sampling to determine the new stock boundaries in the Atlantic Iberian coasts.
- Quality parameters and lipid composition of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds: A promising alternative to vegetable oils used for consumption and cosmetic purposesPublication . Sakouhi, Faouzi; Saadi, Chaima; Omrani, Ikbel; Boukhchina, Sadok; Rodríguez Solana, RaquelCoffee grounds are the most commonly generated daily waste in the world, raising numerous questions regarding their proper management and their environmental impact. The present study focuses on the physical and chemical characterization of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds (SCG), with the aim of valorizing this by-product as a potential source for oil production. The results obtained from the analysis of SCG oil were also compared to those of some edible oils (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) and cosmetic oils (lentisc, sweet almond, and castor oils). The results revealed that spent coffee waste yielded an important amount of oil, specifically 17.19%, as compared to corn (4.31%) and soybean (19.52%) seeds. Regarding the fatty acids composition of SCG oil, eight components were identified, with a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids accounting for more than 45% of total fatty acids. The phytosterols composition of SCG oil revealed the presence of seven components, with beta-sitosterol being the predominant one. The tocopherol analysis showed that SCG oil contained only alpha and beta isomers, with beta-tocopherol being the dominant form at over 68%. These findings accentuate the potential of spent coffee waste as a promising alternative for oil production and open up new applications for SCG oil, such as in the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, and cosmetics.Practical Application: Given the significant increase in the demand for vegetable oils, the oil industry has recently begun to explore new plant matrices, particularly those having low costs. SCG are the most commonly generated daily by-product in the world. The present investigation aims to characterize and valorize the oil extracted from SCG. The obtained results revealed the potential of SCG as a promising alternative for oil production. Consequently, valorizing spent coffee waste as a natural by-product for oil production can be an ideal solution to address numerous issues related to its proper management and its environmental impact. Hence, the oil industry can promote spent coffee waste, cheapest by-products, as a promising alternative for oil production. Moreover, the present investigation represents a commendable model of the circular economy since the remaining waste obtained after extracting lipids from the coffee grounds waste can be used as natural fertilizer rich in protein for plant development. In Tunisia, the annual quantity of spent coffee grounds (SCG) is estimated to reach 40 000 tons. In the current investigation, a Soxhlet extractor was used to extract oil from SCG. GC-MS and HPLC techniques were utilized to characterize the fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols present in the SCG oil. The results obtained open up new applications for SCG oil. image
- Building the city of champions: an examination of the motivations and impacts of athlete entrepreneurship in KenyaPublication . Korir, Diana; Ormerod, Neil; Fletcher, ThomasPurposeThis paper examines the under-explored phenomena of athlete entrepreneurship in Kenya.MethodologySemi-structured interviews with current and retired athletes, and Athletics Kenya representatives.FindingsAthlete investments are personally and societally important and have led to significant social and economic development. We uncover the pivotal role of associated stakeholders, such as coaches, in influencing and educating athletes about investments. Furthermore, we show that elite athlete entrepreneurship and investment comprise a unique form of athlete-led entrepreneurship that is driven by necessity, but also opportunity from their sporting career.Practical implicationsThere are lessons for local government and athletic federations about how best to support athletes non-sport lives through education.Research contributionThere has been growing interest in sport-based, and athlete-led entrepreneurship over the last decade. Very little has focused on how athletes make investment decisions, who the main influencers are, and the potential social and economic impacts of investment activity on athletes and local communities. Very little, if any, of this work has centralised athletes from the Global South.OriginalityThis paper makes a significant contribution to this phenomena through an examination of athlete investments and entrepreneurship by high-profile Kenyan middle- and long-distance runners.
- Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the cognitive-behavioral avoidance scale (CBAS-PT)Publication . Giger, Jean-Christophe; Rocheta, Ana Sofia; Piçarra, Nuno; Almeida, Ana SusanaIntroduction. - The functional approach of depression states that depressed people try to avoid or escape from situations, objects or persons which are perceived as threatening, and that avoidance maintains and perpetuates depression. The Cognitive-Behavioral Avoidance Scale (CBAS), first developed in English, has proved to be a useful instrument to understand the association between depression and avoidance. Objective. - The study (n = 493) examined the psychometric properties of its Portuguese version (CBASMethod and results. - A confirmatory factor analysis supported the original four-factor structure and found that CBAS-PT displayed good convergent and divergent validities. Conclusion. - Globally, results indicated that CBAS-PT is a reliable instrument to study depression and its association with avoidance in a Portuguese speaking population. (c) 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
- Perceived social benefits and drawbacks of sea turtle conservation efforts in a globally important sea turtle rookeryPublication . Vieira, Sara; Jiménez, Victor; Ferreira-Airaud, Betania; Pina, Antunes; Soares, Venceslau; Tiwari, Manjula; Teodosio, Maria; Castilho, Rita; Nuno, AnaConservation interventions have wide-ranging social impacts - both positive and negative. Yet a limited understanding of how conservation initiatives affect people's livelihoods often hinders our ability to learn from past efforts and design more effective and equitable conservation measures. This is particularly needed when there is a high degree of overlap between critical habitats and human activities or a high cultural and economic demand for products derived from the conservation target. Here, we explore the social impacts of sea turtle conservation initiatives implemented on Sao Tome Island (Gulf of Guinea) as a case study and consider how these might enhance or hinder future efforts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors involved in the sea turtle trade in December 2014-February 2015 (prior to the implementation of key initiatives) and February-April 2022. Our findings suggest a clear reduction in the scale of the sea turtle trade and the number of main actors involved. However, most respondents previously involved in the trade had experienced economic displacement and several associated social impacts, such as the reduced ability to support family and friends and food insecurity, due to trade restrictions. Financial capital was the main barrier to transitioning to alternative livelihoods, followed by the lack of skills and peer pressure. Finally, this study highlights the importance of considering human dimensions during the planning and implementation phase of conservation actions and the need for more investment focused on the well-being of communities to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species.
- Screening for light personalities in Portugal: a cross-cultural validation of the light triad scale with an at-risk-of-delinquency samplePublication . Pechorro, Pedro; Baptista, Makilim N.; Bonfá-Araujo, Bruno; Nunes, Cristina; DeLisi, MatthewThe Light Triad of personality refers to three prosocial personality traits-Faith in Humanity, Humanism, and Kantianism-that promote the worth and dignity of other people, focus on ethical behavior and empathy, and confidence that other people are naturally good. The aim of the present study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Light Triad Scale (LTS)-Portuguese version. Our convenience sample consisted of 242 male and female participants (M = 30.19 years, SD = 12.78, range = 16-77) from Portugal. The proposed latent structure models of the LTS obtained adequate fits. Internal consistency/reliability, as measured by the alpha and omega coefficients, was adequate to good. Construct validity with other psychometric measures (i.e., empathy, dark traits of personality, propensity to morally disengage, and antisociality/criminality measures) and criterion-related validity (with justice involvement variables such as problems with the law, arrested by the police, sentenced to prison and alcohol/drug abuse variables) were demonstrated. Cross-gender measurement invariance was established, with females scoring higher than males. The findings support the use of the LTS as a valid and reliable measure.
- A citricultura do Algarve e a seca: Proposta de algumas medidas de contenção.Publication . Duarte, Amilcar; Trindade, Ana RitaNas últimas semanas a seca que está a afetar o Algarve (e algumas zonas do Alentejo) tem estado presente na maioria dos órgãos da comunicação social e tem sido alvo de discussão em todo o país. O problema levou a que os diversos órgãos do poder se tenham concentrado em falar e tomar decisões relativamente à falta de água que ameaça a economia e, eventualmente, a qualidade de vida nesta região. Independentemente da atual gravidade do problema e da quantidade de precipitação que, entretanto, ocorra, parece evidente que todos temos de repensar a forma como usamos a água e poupá-la todos os dias, tanto nas nossas casas, como nas nossas atividades profissionais.
- Workplace bullying, burnout and turnover intentions among Portuguese employeesPublication . Ribeiro, Neuza; Gomes, Daniel; Gomes, Gabriela Pedro; Ullah, Atiat; Semedo, Ana Suzete; Singh, ShardaPurposeThis study aims to broaden the understanding of the mechanisms through which workplace bullying might affect employees' intention to leave the organisation, as well as the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention.Design/methodology/approachThe sample included 884 employees from different Portuguese organisations operating in the tertiary sector and industry. This study uses structural equation modelling to evaluate the hypothesised model.FindingsThe results suggest that workplace bullying causes high levels of burnout in victims and increases their turnover intentions. The results further suggest that burnout fully mediates the effect of workplace bullying on turnover intentions.Practical implicationsOrganisations should work to reduce these problems in workplace environments, focusing on HRM models that prevent the precursors of workplace bullying, particularly those associated with low determination of HR practices and the emphasis on employee participation. Implementing workplace ethical guidelines as part of an annual action plan can contribute to cultivating organisational cultures that reject any form of devaluation of human worth within the organisation.Originality/valueThere is little knowledge on the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention. This study answers the call for further empirical research from those who have argued that more information is needed and contributes to the growing debate on this topic and its effects on Portuguese employees. This study seeks to fill these gaps by developing a model of workplace bullying and its consequences and exploring burnout's potential mediating role.