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I. Componente Universitária

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Percorrer I. Componente Universitária por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "09:Indústria, Inovação e Infraestruturas"

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  • Activity induced genes expression is impaired in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias
    Publication . Torquato Afonso, Inês; Vilhena Catarino Brito, David; Bading, Hilmar; Nóbrega, Clévio
    Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of 6 incurable genetic disorders, caused by an expansion of the trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine in their causative genes, which produces a protein with an expanded glutamine region. This project focuses on the study of Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and type 3 (SCA3) (1), which are rare dominantly inherited disorders that primarily impair the cerebellum therefore leading to motor ataxia. Activity-induced inhibitor of death (AID), are a group of pro-survival 9 genes which were found to be neuroprotector in several neurological disorders, including stroke, glaucoma, AD, HD, and ALS (2). In this project, we aim to investigate about the relevance of the expression of AID genes for cerebellum function and whether their expression levels are impaired in SCA2 and SCA3
    2025Documento de conferência Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Bridging the ESG data gap: transparent metrics and rankings for emerging financial markets
    Publication . QACHACH, AZHAR RIM; El Mahrad, Badr; Kharbouch, Omar; Moumen, Aniss; Aoufi, Sara El; Gueddari, Manal El; Abdallah-Ou-Moussa, Soukaina
    Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has become a pivotal driver of firm valuation, investment flows, and capital market stability and a critical dimension of corporate sustainability and investor decision-making. Yet, emerging markets face structural barriers to standardized ESG measurement due to limited data availability and inconsistent disclosures. This study addresses this gap by developing a simplified, transparent and indicator-based ESG assessment model tailored to the Moroccan capital market using publicly available data from 20 companies listed in the MASI ESG Index on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. The framework evaluates 12 equally weighted indicators across environmental, social, and governance pillars, and employs the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method, to generate firm-level ESG scores and rankings. In addition to equal-weighted rankings, the model was stress-tested using entropy-based and expert-informed weights. Results reveal a wide disparity in ESG maturity: while environmental reporting is relatively advanced, social and governance disclosures lag behind. Top-ranking firms align closely with international frameworks such as GRI, whereas others lack fundamental transparency. By offering a replicable, low-data ESG scoring method applicable to other emerging markets, this research provides actionable insights for investors, regulators, and corporate leaders. The findings contribute to the financial literature on ESG integration, support the design of sustainable investment strategies, and advance policy efforts to strengthen capital market resilience across the MENA region.
    2025-10-20Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Certification, maintenance and decertification of standardised innovation management systems: Motivations, barriers and benefits
    Publication . Mendes de Saboya , Liana; Candido, Carlos Joaquim Farias; Cesário, Marisa
    The role of standardised innovation management systems (SIMS) in fostering organisational innovation has been largely overlooked in the literature. This study addresses this gap by investigating the certification, maintenance, and decertification of SIMS. Using a descriptive and inductive methodology, the research analyses primary data from 94 Portuguese organisations with certified SIMS. The findings reveal a strong prevalence of internal motivations for certification, low implementation obstacles, and significant benefits, suggesting that these firms have successfully internalised the SIMS standard into their innovation management processes. Maintenance motivations are also strong, particularly internal ones, which align well with the critical success factors for sustaining certification. The benefits of maintaining SIMS are substantial, particularly internal benefits, as initial external motivations for certification often evolve into internal maintenance motivations. Decertification motivations and propensity are weak among the sample firms. Expectations of negative performance impacts following potential decertification are also low, likely because these organisations have effectively internalised the SIMS standard. This study is the first to explore the maintenance and decertification of SIMS, providing evidence that SIMS can deliver substantial benefits, be efficiently maintained, and continuously enhance innovation and competitiveness. As a result, most organisations exhibit little interest in decertification. The findings offer significant contributions to research and provide actionable insights for practitioners, suggesting that innovation management systems can indeed be standardised with considerable benefits.
    2025Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Coagglomeration patterns in portuguese labour-intensive industries: complementarity and specialisation dynamics
    Publication . Cesário, Marisa
    The aim of this paper is to analyse the patterns of industrial agglomeration in Portugal in order to understand their underlying dynamics. Industries tend to be concentrated geographically, rather than due to random causes, natural advantages or Marshallian forces. Empirically, industry pairwise coagglomeration is measured using the Ellison and Glaeser (1997) metric, with the goal of understanding the complementarity versus specialisation dynamics behind the industrial geographic concentration in Portugal. It is concluded that the most prominent industrial clusters in Portugal are as follows: textiles and clothing, footwear and transport, each one having a different agglomeration dynamic. While some sectors tend to benefit more from the interdependencies along the value chain (meaning vertical industrial relationships, related to complementary dynamics), others are more vulnerable to labour pooling (more to do with horizontal industrial relationships and specialisation dynamics), and others to both. For policymakers, for instance, it is of great use to know exactly the right triggers as the success of any programme results from the suitability of the initiatives being financially supported.
    2016-06Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Combining adequate BRUV deployment times with individual photo-identification improves monitoring of shark populations in the Caribbean
    Publication . Kohler, Johanna; Gore, Mauvis; Ormond, Rupert; Mason, Katherine; Veeder, Anne; Austin, Timothy
    Sharks play a key role in coral reef ecosystems, but Caribbean populations are concerningly low. When monitoring endangered species, it is critical to use minimally invasive tools and protocols that are adequate for local species and the environment. This study investigated the adequate deployment time of baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs) for shark studies in the Cayman Islands and whether the use of photo-identification to recognise individuals (MaxIND) on BRUVs could im prove abundance estimates (in comparison to MaxN) and the analysis of shark behaviour. From 2015 to 2018, a total of 557 BRUVs were deployed with recording times ranging from 3.8 to 211.03 min. The results showed that (1) of the total number of individual sharks recorded on videos, 95% of individuals were recorded within the first 110 min (slight variations between species), (2) MaxIND values were 1.1-1.5 times greater than that of MaxN (ratios varying with species) and (3) time of first arrival (Tarrive) was similar for all recorded species but time spent in front of the camera's field of view (Tvisit) and activity levels (count of entries in camera's field of view) varied between species. The results provide key information to improve the localised monitoring of rare/endangered species and can inform conservation management.
    2025-10-22Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Customising sustainable bio-based polyelectrolytes: introduction of charged and hydrophobic groups in cellulose
    Publication . Magalhães, Solange; Aliaño González, María José; Cruz, Pedro F.; Rosenberg, Rose; Haffke, Dirk; Norgren, Magnus; Alves, Luís; Medronho, Bruno; Rasteiro, Maria da Graça
    Abstract: Cellulose has been widely explored as a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers in industrial applications, thanks to its advantageous properties. The introduction of chemical modifications on cellulose structure, focusing on cationic and hydrophobic modifications, can enhance its functionality and expand the range of applications. In the present work, cationization was carried out through a two-step process involving sodium periodate oxidation followed by a reaction with the Girard T reagent, yielding a degree of substitution for cationic groups (DScationic) between 0.3 and 1.8. Hydrophobic modification was achieved via esterification with fatty acids derived from commercial plant oils, using an enzyme-assisted, environmentally friendly method. Lipase-catalysed hydrolysis, optimised at 0.25% enzyme concentration and with a 1 h reaction time, produced an 84% yield of fatty acids, confirmed by FTIR and NMR analyses. The degree of substitution for hydrophobic groups (DShydrophobic) ranged from 0.09 to 0.66. The molecular weight (MW) of the modified cellulose derivatives varied from 1.8 to 141 kDa. This dual modification strategy enables the creation of cellulose-based polymers with controlled electrostatic and hydrophobic characteristics, customisable for specific industrial applications. Our approach presents a sustainable and flexible solution for developing cellulose derivatives tailored to diverse industrial needs.
    2024-11-05Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Development and psychometric validation of the Minho suture assessment scale (Minho-SAS) for medical students
    Publication . Gonçalves, Nuno Silva; Sousa, Rita Matos; Collares, Carlos; Pereira, Vítor Hugo; Pêgo, José Miguel; Anderson, M. Brownell
    Introduction: Even though mastery of suturing is a core technical skill in surgical education, existing tools for its assessment often lack psychometric validation or are not specifically designed for undergraduate training. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Minho Suture Assessment Scale (Minho-SAS), a structured instrument to evaluate fundamental suturing competencies in medical students. The research question was whether the Minho-SAS demonstrates validity and reliability as a psychometric tool. Methods: The development process involved collaboration with multidisciplinary surgical teams and experienced practitioners to ensure content validity. Data from a cohort of medical students were utilized for psychometric evaluation. Dimensionality was assessed using parallel analysis, Bayesian information criterion, unidimensional congruence, item unidimensional congruence, explained common variance, item explained common variance and mean of item residual absolute loadings. Validity based on internal structure was assessed with Rasch model analysis and factor analysis from the tetrachoric correlation matrix. Reliability was assessed using Rasch model standard errors of measurement to obtain a conditional reliability curve and Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega internal consistency coefficients. Results: Analyses supported a unidimensional structure for the Minho-SAS. The single-factor solution explained 39.96% of variance, and Rasch measures accounted for 29.15% (16.43% by persons, 12.72% by items). Residual correlations, factor loadings, and item fit statistics were within acceptable ranges. Reliability indices were satisfactory: Rasch reliability = 0.706; McDonald's omega = 0.889; Cronbach's alpha = 0.883. Conclusion: The Minho-SAS is a robust instrument specifically tailored for assessing fundamental suturing skills among medical students. Rasch model analysis yielded less favorable results than factor analysis, yet still acceptable. While demonstrating considerable potential, further exploration of Minho-SAS across diverse populations and educational settings is crucial to affirm its broader applicability and impact in medical education and clinical practice.
    2025-12-18Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Edible coatings enhance storability and preserve quality of kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta L.) cv. Ken’s Red
    Publication . Guerreiro, Adriana; Gago, Custódia; Passos, Dário; Martins, Jaime; Cruz, Sandra P.; Guerra, Rui; Veloso, Fernão; Antunes, Maria Dulce
    Kiwiberries, an emerging fruit variety with increasing consumer demand, face significant commercialization challenges due to their short shelf life. This study evaluates the effectiveness of edible alginate-based coatings in extending the shelf life of kiwiberries. Two emulsion types—coarse (Coarse) and nanoemulsions (Nano)—and two application methods—spraying (Spray) and dipping (Dip)—were tested. Additionally, the use of visible/near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy for non-destructive quality monitoring was explored. Coatings were prepared with 2% (w/v) alginate (SAlg) enriched with eugenol (Eg) and citral (Ct) at their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.10% and 0.15%, respectively, as well as at double these concentrations. This resulted in a total of ten different treatments. The fruits were stored at approximately 5 ◦C, with evaluations conducted after 5 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Quality parameters, including color, firmness, soluble solid content (SSC), dry matter, weight loss, decay, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, were analyzed. Over the storage period, color and SSC increased, while firmness decreased. Weight loss and MDA levels showed the most significant changes, particularly in treatments with higher essential oil concentrations. Notably, treatments such as SAlg Spray, SAlg Dip, SAlg Ct 0.15 + Eg 0.1 Nano Spray, SAlg Ct 0.15 + Eg 0.1 Nano Dip, and SAlg Ct 0.15 + Eg 0.1 Coarse Dip demonstrated superior preservation of kiwiberry quality. Moreover, Vis-NIR spectroscopy proved valuable for distinguishing between coating treatments, highlighting its potential for non-destructive quality assessment.
    2025-01-19Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Enhancing polycaprolactone with levulinic acid-extracted lignin: toward sustainable bio-based polymer blends
    Publication . Melro, Elodie; Duarte, Hugo; Antunes, Filipe E.; Valente, Artur J. M.; Romano, Anabela; Medronho, Bruno
    The growing demand for sustainable materials has intensified the search for biodegradable polymers. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), though biodegradable, is fossil-derived. In this study, a novel lignin extracted from pine wood using a green solvent was incorporated into PCL and compared with commercial lignins (dealkaline, alkaline, and lignosulfonate). The lignin additions imparted antioxidant properties, enhanced thermal stability, and promoted circular economy goals through lignin valorization. Notably, the green-extracted lignin showed superior compatibility with PCL when compared with commercial lignins, as evidenced by lower water uptake and solubility, and improved surface hydrophobicity (higher contact angle). Although the addition of lignin reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break, it greatly increased the PCL radical scavenging activity (DPPH) from 8 ± 1% of neat PCL to 94.8 ± 0.3% when 20 wt% of lignin-LA was added. Among the tested lignins, lignin-LA stands out as the most promising candidate to be applied as a functional additive in biodegradable polymer blends and composites for advanced sustainable applications. Not only given its intrinsically higher sustainability but also due to its capacity for improving the thermal properties of PCL–lignin blends.
    2025-07-14Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais
  • Home mechanical ventilation in adults: clinical practice recommendations from the Portuguese respiratory society home mechanical ventilation assembly
    Publication . Ribeiro, Carla; Gomes, Rita; Carreiro, Alexandra; Vieira, Ana Luísa; Seabra, Bárbara; Conde, Bebiana; Nogueira, Carla; Jácome, Cristina; Lages, Joana; Aguiar, Margarida; Grafino, Mónica; Pamplona, Paula; Cysneiros, Ana; Durães, Célia; Rodrigues, Cidália; Pimenta, Cidália; Cristóvão, Cristina; Rodrigues, Daniela; Ferreira, Diva; Gonçalves, Filipe; helena Chaves Ramos; Cravo, João; Silva, João Paulo; da Silva Cunha Granatin, Karl Jonathan; Méndez, Lucía; Zeller, Mafalda Van; Araújo, Márcia; Barata, Margarida; Raposo, Margarida; Redondo, Margarida; Jacob, Maria; Araújo, Maria João; Gonçalves, Miguel R.; Guia, Miguel; Faria, Nuno; Viegas, Pedro; Conde, Sara; Drummond, Marta; Pinto, Paula
    Background: The use of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) has been increasing worldwide, driven by widening of clinical applications and improved patient survival rates. In Portugal, recent data indicate an even faster growth, although national HMV recommendations have remained unchanged for 25 years. Research question: We aimed to provide an update in clinical practice guidelines for HMV in adults, applicable to the Portuguese context, grounded on the latest available evidence and experts' opinion. Study design and methods: A multidisciplinary panel with experience in HMV in the adult population was assembled. A comprehensive literature search was conducted during March 2023 regarding specific topics: equipment, ventilatory modes and interfaces, HMV initiation, follow-up and monitoring, disease specificities (neuromuscular diseases, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, restrictive chest wall diseases; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other diseases), home mechanical invasive ventilation, and palliative and end of life care. A 2-round Delphi process was conducted to establish consensus among panel members. A minimum agreement threshold of 80% was required. Results: Out of 88 recommendations initially included in the Delphi process, 61 were selected by consensus. Conclusion: Final recommendations grounded in the current level of evidence are outlined, and the key limitations and proposals for future research are discussed.
    2025-12-22Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais