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Proximate analysis, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of wild carob pulp from three mediterranean countries
No full textBackground: Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp is of great interest nowadays due to its nutritional benefits and diverse utilization in the food process. The nutritional and antioxidant properties of carob pulp in the Mediterranean have been assessed in several studies. Still, few studies have combined, within the same work, a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of carob pulp from fruits of natural populations across different countries of the Mediterranean basin, while also incorporating new research areas. (2) Methods: In the present work, we evaluated the nutritional value, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of carob pulp derived from wild populations of carob trees from three Mediterranean countries: Lebanon, Spain, and Morocco; (3) Results: All assessed bromatological characteristics, with the exception of ash and fiber content, revealed significant differences in the carob pulp from the three countries under study. High variability was observed for the total polyphenols ranging between 5.05 mg/g and 12.70 mg/g. Sucrose was the predominant sugar quantified ranging between 13.70 g/100 g and 28.10 g/100 g. The lipid content was low (0.26-0.36%). The moisture content of carob pulp ranges between 4.36% and 6.40%. Carob pulp presented a rich composition in fiber, with an average of 35.87%. The ash content was between 2.52% and 3.28%. The percentage of the protein content of the carob pulp ranged between 4.40 and 5.52, with an average carbohydrate value of 74.71%; (4) Conclusions: Spanish wild carob pulp samples offered higher carbohydrates contents and values for sucrose, fructose, and glucose, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity, whereas Moroccan samples had higher values of carbohydrates and in concrete, the monosaccharides fructose and glucose showed higher contents in proteins and lipids. In contrast, Lebanese samples exhibit a high content of the disaccharide sucrose. These findings could be exploited in breeding programs to improve varieties that balance both the agronomical quality and nutritional values of carob pulp.GOPG-CA-20-0003; 2018UC004; 020516; SA 13-2022; RYC2022-036888-
Comparative study of drought assessment indices in coastal aquifers
No full textOs aquíferos em áreas costeiras áridas e semiáridas, como a região do Algarve, são fortemente impactados por secas, agravadas pela sobre-exploração, que pode levar à degradação da qualidade da água e à intrusão salina. A monitori zação eficaz é essencial, utilizando vários indicadores para prever e gerir os efei tos da redução da precipitação e do aumento da extração. Este estudo compara indicadores de desempenho relativos à seca, como o Índice Padronizado do Nível de Água Subterrânea (SGI) e os tempos ótimos de acumulação do Índice Padro nizado de Precipitação e Evapotranspiração (SPEI). Ao combinar dados de re análise atmosférica com observações dos níveis de água subterrânea, o estudo avalia a memória do sistema de água subterrânea e determina os períodos de acumulação do SPEI mais adequados. O inverso da memória obtido pela auto correlação do SGI ajuda a estimar a capacidade de recuperação de cada furo em condições de seca, indicando a sua resiliência e sustentabilidade. No Algarve, o índice SPEI-12 representa eficazmente a variabilidade regional dos níveis de água subterrânea, mas as memórias dos aquíferos e os tempos ótimos do SPEI variam amplamente (SPEI-5 a SPEI-48). Furos com memórias mais curtas ( 16 meses) apresentam menor resiliência.Aquifers in arid and semi-arid coastal areas, such as the Algarve region, are heavily impacted by droughts, worsened by over-extraction which leads to de graded water quality and seawater intrusion. Effective monitoring is essential, utilizing various indicators to predict and manage the effects of reduced precip itation and increased pumping. This study com-pares performance indicators relative to drought, the Standardized Groundwater Level Index (SGI) and opti mal accumulation times from the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspira tion Index (SPEI). By combining atmospheric reanalysis datasets with ground water observations, the study assesses groundwater system memory and deter mines the most suitable SPEI accumulation periods. The inverse of memory from SGI autocorrelation helps estimate each well's drought recovery capacity, indi cating resilience and sustainability. In the Algarve, the SPEI-12 index effectively represents regional groundwater variability, but groundwater memories and optimal SPEI times vary widely (SPEI-5 to SPEI-48). Wells with shorter memo ries ( 16 months) have lower resilience.info:eu-repo/semantics/draf
Ecodesign and environmental assessment: a synergy for higher education institutions
No full textThis article explores how ecodesign can help enhance environmental assessment methods (EAMs) employed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Current EAMs primarily offer resource management evaluations or sustainability rankings but lack holistic and actionable solutions for institutional improvements. The proposed method integrates ecodesign tools, such as Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), environmental benchmarking, and parametric design tools, with existing EAM frameworks. This synergy allows HEIs to quantitatively assess their environmental and social impacts while identifying targeted strategies for improvement. By embedding ecodesign into institutional practices the approach provides a structured pathway to align HEIs with global sustainability goals, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. The paper emphasizes a multi-tool integration strategy, offering a cohesive solution to advance sustainability comprehensively within HEIs
Sensory experience of visitors with hearing impairment on a rural island destination
No full textThis study aims to examine the sensory experiences of visitors with hearing impairment (HI) in the context of a rural destination. A series of field visits have been run over four seasons at the island of Yim Tin Tsai (YTT) in Hong Kong, involving 85 participants without impairment and 78 participants with HI. Spatial mapping and focus group discussions have been employed to perceive their sensory impressions and appraisals of YTT. The empirical data collected offers opportunities for in-depth examination of multisensory experiences of visitors with HI from a spatial perspective, as well as any differences with participants without impairment regarding their sensory perceptions. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of offering a vivid multisensory environment by preserving and utilizing the natural landscape, such that visitors with HI can be left with a fulfilling and rewarding experience
Exploring vulnerability to stress and its correlation with bullying in the nurse’s workplace
No full textBackground: Vulnerability to stress is associated with susceptibility to react to certain events, taking into account individual factors, beliefs, and available resources. Workplace bullying increases stress, absenteeism, and turnover among nurses, creating a toxic environment. This negatively impacts their well-being and compromises the quality of nursing care. As a result, patient safety and healthcare outcomes may be affected. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of vulnerability to stress in Portuguese nurses and its relationship with the experience of workplace bullying. Methodology: This study used a descriptive-correlational approach with a cross-sectional design. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire consisting of a sociodemographic component and a scale assessing vulnerability to stress (QVS-23) and workplace bullying (NAQ-R). The total sample consisted of 2015 nurses working in healthcare institutions. Results: Nurses who perceived themselves as victims of workplace bullying were shown to be more vulnerable to stress, with a higher mean value for perfectionism and dramatization of existence, inhibition and functional dependence, lack of support and deprivation of affection, intolerance of frustration and rejection, and adverse living conditions. Conclusions: Organizations must create a healthy, respectful, and productive working environment by identifying the various factors that make them vulnerable to stress in the workplace. They must also act to prevent workplace bullying, thus protecting the health of nurses and promoting positive relationships and a harmonious work culture
Os projetos e documentos afins das operações SAAL de Tavira. Peças desenhadas e peças escritas
No full textO arquiteto João Moitinho foi o responsável pela Equipa de Apoio Local do SAAL do Sotavento do Algarve. Foi autor dos projetos para as Associações de Moradores (AM) dos bairros de Tavira, Cabanas, Vila Real de Santo António e Monte Gordo, todos construídos, e também da proposta de uma operação para Castro Marim que acabou por não se concretizar. Para além da coordenação técnica destas operações, João Moitinho contribuiu para a definição do modelo que, com poucas variações, foi implementado nas diferentes sub-regiões do Algarve, em colaboração com os colegas das Equipas Técnicas do Centro e do Barlavento, acompanhando e fotografando, desde o início, as obras das operações ali localizados, como os bairros da Meia Praia ou 11 de Março em Olhão. A documentação que se apresenta neste volume é relativa às operações SAAL 1º de Maio em Tavira e Amigos Unidos de Cabanas. Inclui axonometrias, plantas e alçados de conjunto dos bairros, plantas cotadas e cortes das habitações, registando a matriz evolutiva da proposta, bem como a planta, os alçados e a perspetiva do projeto para o equipamento coletivo do bairro 1º de maio
Technical note: large offsets between different datasets of seawater isotopic composition – an illustration of the need to reinforce intercalibration efforts
No full textWe illustrate offsets in surface seawater isotopic composition between recent public datasets from the Atlantic Ocean and the subtropical southeastern Indian Ocean. The observed offsets between datasets often exceed 0.10 parts per thousand in delta 18O and 0.50 parts per thousand in delta 2H. They might in part originate from different sampling of seasonal, interannual, or spatial variability. However, they likely mostly originate from different instrumentations and protocols used to measure the water samples. Estimation of the systematic offsets is required before merging the different datasets in order to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of isotopic composition in the world ocean surface waters. This highlights the need to actively share seawater isotopic composition samples dedicated to specific intercomparison of data produced in different laboratories and to promote best practices, a task to be addressed by the new Scientific Committee of Oceanic Research (SCOR) working group 171.ISOAR
A comprehensive comparative study of quick invariant signature (QIS), dynamic time warping (DTW), and hybrid QIS + DTW for time series analysis
No full textThis study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the quick invariant signature (QIS), dynamic time warping (DTW), and a novel hybrid QIS + DTW approach for time series analysis. QIS, a translation and rotation invariant shape descriptor, and DTW, a widely used alignment technique, were tested individually and in combination across various datasets, including ECG5000, seismic data, and synthetic signals. Our hybrid method was designed to embed the structural representation of the QIS with the temporal alignment capabilities of DTW. This hybrid method achieved a performance of up to 93% classification accuracy on ECG5000, outperforming DTW alone (86%) and a standard MLP classifier in noisy or low-data conditions. These findings confirm that integrating structural invariance (QIS) with temporal alignment (DTW) yields superior robustness to noise and time compression artifacts. We recommend adopting hybrid QIS + DTW, particularly for applications in biomedical signal monitoring and earthquake detection, where real-time analysis and minimal labeled data are critical. The proposed hybrid approach does not require extensive training, making it suitable for resource-constrained scenarios
From passion to burnout: the role of work–family conflict and job satisfaction in the workplace
No full textIn the modern workplace, understanding the dynamics of work passion and its consequences on employee well-being is crucial. This quantitative study, conducted with Portuguese workers, seeks to examine and validate the Dualistic Model of Passion, which distinguishes between harmonious and obsessive passion, while also exploring the intricate relationships among work passion, job satisfaction, work-family conflict, and burnout. Using mediation analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM), a convenience sample of 326 participants (169 men and 157 women), aged between 19 and 69 years (M = 41.31, SD = 10.52), was analyzed to uncover how different types of work passion-obsessive and harmonious-impact professional outcomes and well-being. The findings reveal that obsessive passion for work is a significant predictor of work-family conflict, which, in turn, escalates the risk of burnout. In contrast, harmonious passion is positively associated with increased job satisfaction and acts as a buffer against the negative effects of work-family conflict. Notably, contrary to initial assumptions, obsessive passion does not directly precipitate burnout. Mediation analyses confirmed that work-family conflict plays a key role in this process, while SEM results demonstrated strong model fit indices, reinforcing its relevance and applicability in organizational settings. These results offer crucial insights for both theoretical advancement and practical applications, highlighting the importance of fostering a work environment that nurtures harmonious passion. By doing so, organizations can mitigate conflict and burnout while promoting higher levels of job satisfaction among employees.UIDB/PSI/04345/202
Pharmacist-mediated deprescribing in long-term care facilities: a systematic review
No full textMultimorbidity and polypharmacy are prevalent among Long-Term Care (LTC) users. Older people, who most use LTC services, are more prone to drug-related problems, which polypharmacy aggravates. Deprescribing is a key intervention to address polypharmacy and inappropriate medication. Evidence shows that pharmacists' expertise in medicines and their growing involvement in clinical-oriented activities have proven to play an essential role across many healthcare settings, including LTC. Thus, this study aimed to identify and assess LTC pharmacist-mediated deprescribing. A systematic review was undertaken following the PRISMA checklist, using three literature databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge). A set of 18 keywords, divided into three domains (professional, type of care, and type of setting), were combined into search equations. The studies selected were assessed through the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria out of 288 initial hits. Pharmacist-mediated deprescribing was divided into specific (targeted to a medicine group) and non-specific. Half of the studies were graded as low quality (53%). In total, the studies enrolled 6928 patients and 45 pharmacists. The ATC groups A, C, M, and N, as well as medicines with anticholinergic properties, were the most addressed medicines groups. Acceptance rates of pharmacists' recommendations ranged between 30% and 100%. Generically, the number of medicines was reduced after the intervention. Mixed results were found for falls and quality of life outcomes. Cost savings associated with the interventions ranged from neutral to as high as 3800 /patient/year. Barriers to deprescribing were mainly linked to patients' or family members' refusal to change. In conclusion, pharmacist-mediated deprescribing seems feasible in LTC. The studies' methodological heterogeneity hampers robust comparisons and conclusions. The medicine groups targeted by deprescribing can help tailor interventions to optimize the use of medicines in LTC. A detailed understanding of barriers and enablers to deprescribing would support developing and implementing these interventions