Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-08"
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- Napyradiomycin-based coatings: promising eco-friendly, sustainable and circular solutions for effective marine antibiofoulingPublication . Pereira, Isabel; Macedo, Helena; Ferreira, Inês; Gonçalves, Bárbara; Piçarra, Susana; Sobral, Rita G.; Diniz, Mário; Gaudêncio, Susana P.This study introduces a groundbreaking approach to marine antifouling by incorporating napyradiomycins extracts, meroterpenoids derived from marine actinomycetes, into biocide-free coatings, establishing the first comprehensive assessment of their dual antimicro- and antimacrofouling potential. By leveraging naturally derived bioactives, this work pioneers a sustainable alternative to copper- and ivermectin-based formulations, aligning with circular bioeconomy and green chemistry principles. At low concentrations (31.25 µg/mL), napyradiomycin-based coatings demonstrated effective macrofouling prevention with no detectable toxicity, while higher concentrations (10 mg/mL) rivaled conventional coatings in efficacy and induced lethality. Uniquely, ecotoxicological evaluations using oxidative stress biomarkers, supported by mussels’ survival assays, revealed no significant adverse effects at the lower concentration, showcasing an environmentally friendly profile rarely achieved in antifouling solutions. Despite the promising results, limitations under current static laboratory conditions include no antibiofilm activity and the need for long-term field validation under dynamic marine environments. These challenges, however, offer valuable opportunities for future research in formulation refinement, release profile optimization, and biocide loading thresholds. By combining antimacrofouling efficacy with low ecological impact and scalability potential, these coatings represent a promising advance in marine coating technology, warranting clear path forward for enhancing sustainability in marine industry practices while protecting marine biodiversity.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: Usefulness of Molecular Methods for Microorganism Detection in Stored Sexual Assault SamplesPublication . Cainé, Laura; Eiras, Ana; Fadoni, Jennifer; Franco, Magda; Correia Dias, Maria Helena; Amorim, AntónioSexual assault is a global public health and human rights concern, with serious physical, psychological and reproductive consequences for survivors. Among these, sexually transmitted infections are particularly relevant due to their frequently asymptomatic nature and potential for long-term complications. The detection of sexually transmitted infections in forensic settings is crucial for clinical management of victims and for evidentiary support in forensic sexual crimes investigations. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of real-time polymerase chain reaction for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum in biological samples collected from victims of sexual assault and stored under routine forensic conditions, in some cases, for up to 18 years. A total of 231 swabs from 116 individuals collected between 2004 and 2017 were analysed using real-time PCR with pathogen-specific primers and fluorescent probes. The analysis revealed 13 positive samples of T. vaginalis (5.6%) and 11 of C. trachomatis (4.8%). No positive results were obtained for N. gonorrhoeae or T. pallidum. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of real-time polymerase chain reaction for detecting sexually transmitted infections in long-term preserved forensic samples. Moreover, the ability to identify pathogen DNA in archived samples highlights the potential role of molecular diagnostics in the retrospective investigation of sexual crimes, including cold cases. It underscores the value of molecular methods as a complementary tool in forensic proceedings and survivor care.
- The Genetic Structure of Cape Verdean Population Revealed by Y-Chromosome STRsPublication . Cainé, Laura; Costa, Rita; Fadoni, Jennifer; Amorim, António; AmorimBackground/Objectives: Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STR) are genetic markers widely used in forensic and population genetics. However, despite their importance, many populations remain under-represented in published studies and genetic databases. One such population is the Cape Verdean, which, despite its unique history of admixture between European and sub-Saharan African populations, continues to be under-represented in global Y-STR reference databases. This study aims to characterize the Y-STR haplotype diversity and paternal lineage composition of the Cape Verdean population using a high-resolution STR panel. Methods: A total of 143 unrelated Cape Verdean men were analyzed using a set of 26 Y-STR loci, including rapidly mutating markers. Allele and haplotype frequencies were calculated, along with standard forensic parameters such as gene and haplotype diversity. Paternal lineages were inferred, and genetic relationships with other populations were evaluated using distance-based and graphical methods. Results: A total of 135 haplotypes were detected, with 88.8% being unique, yielding a haplotype diversity of 0.999. The most common haplogroups reflected both West African and European ancestry. Genetic distance analysis positioned the Cape Verdean population between African and European groups, supporting its intermediate and admixed genetic background. Conclusions: This study provides the first high-resolution Y-STR dataset for Cape Verdeans, contributing valuable reference data for forensic casework and population genetic studies. The results highlight the utility of extended Y-STR panels in admixed populations and underscore the need to enhance the representation of admixed populations in international forensic reference databases
- Comprehensive quantitative evaluation of municipal budget allocation efficiency: the Portuguese casePublication . Moraes e Soares, Ricardo de; Nunes, Alexandre Morais; HELIODORO, PAULA; Kaizeler, Ana Catarina; Martins, VandaThe study provides a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of municipal budget allocation efficiency in Portugal over the period 2018–2022, based on a comparative and longitudinal analysis of financial data from 308 municipalities. Efficiency was assessed by examining the alignment between budget forecasts and actual financial execution. The results show that 77.6% of municipalities (n = 239) were classified as efficient in 2018, increasing to 82.1% (n = 253) in 2019 and 83.1% (n = 256) in 2020. However, a downward trend followed, with efficiency declining to 74.0% (n = 228) in 2021 and 73.7% (n = 227) in 2022. Over the five-year period, the average efficiency rate across all municipalities was 78.1%. In contrast, 21.9% of municipalities on average (ranging from 16.9% to 26.3%) consistently demonstrated inefficiencies in budget preparation and execution. The study identifies key contributing factors to inefficiency, including political interference, reliance on incremental budgeting approaches, and limited technical forecasting capacity. The data reveal persistent discrepancies between budgeted allocations and actual service demand, leading to resource misallocation and reduced fiscal credibility. Statistical patterns also indicate that municipalities with higher population densities and more diversified revenue sources tended to perform better in efficiency metrics. The findings support the conclusion that the adoption of rigorous, data-driven forecasting methodologies significantly improves financial planning outcomes and institutional trust. These results offer evidence-based recommendations for refining municipal financial management practices, particularly in settings subject to political and economic volatility.
- Apostilha de investigação II: (Des)construindo o processo de investigação: uma análise crítica e práticaPublication . Poeira, Ana Filipa; Canais, Edgar; Nunes, Lucília; Prazeres Duarte Canais, Edgar Manuel; Mateus Nunes, Lucília Rosa
- Co-creation and multidisciplinary education as a learning framework for developing ICT-based solutions for informal caregivers: insights from a pilot experience in Higher EducationPublication . Soares, Célia; Madeira, Rui Neves; Colaço, Gabriela; Macedo, Patrícia
- Emotional diagnosis in patient relationship managementPublication . Dias, Maria do Rosário; Neves, Ana CristinaResearch around facial expression of emotions has only made significant progress in the last two decades, remaining closely connected to the emerging empirical knowledge in the field of non-verbal communication. Understanding the phenomenon of Pain experience involves and raises questions across various healthcare specialties, and therefore, it should be approached in a necessarily multidisciplinary manner, emphasizing the Biopsychosocial nature of the pain phenomenon. It is essential to implement the true biopsychosocial model from a Patient-centered perspective, in which the Dentist should position themselves, in essence, within the context of the Dentist-Patient Relationship as a “reader of the facial expressions” of the Patient, with the relationship established with the “Silent Patient” functioning as a “therapeutic analgesia” within the context of the Dentist-Patient relationship. Nevertheless, the major challenge facing the Dentist in relation to the subjective language of Pain is a matter of time availability, both due to the demands of healthcare institution management models, which allocate little time for Therapeutic dialogue, and the intrapsychic availability of both the Patient and the Healthcare Professional.
- The role of digital marketing in shaping sustainable consumption: insights from a systematic literature reviewPublication . Rosário, Alberto Travassos; Dias, Joana CarmoAs global awareness of environmental and social challenges continues to rise, companies are increasingly re-evaluating how they connect with consumers. This study investigates the role of digital marketing in promoting more sustainable consumer behaviours. Based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature retrieved from the Scopus database, and conducted following the PRISMA framework, this research analysed 84 academic publications. The findings highlight that strategies such as personalised messaging, social media engagement, influencer collaborations, and eco-conscious branding are significantly influencing purchasing decisions. Approaches rooted in transparency, emotional storytelling, and ethical data practices appear to enhance consumer trust and strengthen brand relationships. Although the field is technically well developed, it remains underexplored in areas such as digital accessibility and ethical governance. Overall, this study suggests that, when aligned with sustainable values, digital marketing becomes more than a promotional tool—it emerges as a key driver of responsible consumption and the cultivation of long-term, value-based connections between consumers and brands.
- Information flow between asset classes during extreme eventsPublication . Dora Almeida; Andreia Dionísio; Paulo Ferreira; Faheem Aslam; Derick Quintino
- Autoestima e o risco de depressão pós-parto : um estudo quantitativo com mulheres grávidasPublication . Moura, Luísa Negrão de; Reis, Marta SofiaO período pós-parto é caracterizado por intensas transformações físicas, emocionais e psicológicas, podendo culminar no desenvolvimento de Depressão Pós-Parto (DPP), uma condição que compromete não apenas a saúde da mãe, mas também o bem-estar da criança e a dinâmica familiar. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de autoestima durante a gravidez e o risco de DPP, considerando fatores emocionais, sociais e culturais que influenciam a autopercepção materna. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal e de natureza correlacional, com amostragem por conveniência. A recolha de dados foi realizada online, por meio de questionários autoaplicados. Participaram 250 mulheres grávidas, maiores de 18 anos e residentes em Portugal, sendo excluídas aquelas com barreiras cognitivas ou linguísticas. Foram utilizados a Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg (RSES), a Escala de Depressão Pós-Parto de Edimburgo (EPDS) e um questionário sociodemográfico. A análise dos dados foi realizada com recurso ao software SPSS, incluindo procedimentos descritivos, correlação de Pearson (r = -0,545; p < 0,001) e regressão linear, cujo modelo explicou 36,6% da variância da DPP (R² = 0,366). Partiu-se da hipótese de que níveis mais baixos de autoestima estariam associados a maior vulnerabilidade à DPP, enquanto níveis mais elevados funcionariam como fator protetor. Os dados obtidos fornecem contributos relevantes para o desenvolvimento de intervenções clínicas e políticas públicas em saúde mental, destacando a importância de reforçar a autoestima materna como estratégia preventiva ao longo do período gravídico-puerperal.