Publications Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança
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Sleep quality and hormonal levels of ghrelin and leptin in the elderly: a cross-sectional study
Get PDFThe increase in life expectancy prompts a critical examination of the quality of aging in contemporary societies. Ageing causes alterations in the circadian sleep-wake cycle, which are closely linked to cellular senescence. Research indicates that insufficient sleep can accelerate inflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of good sleep hygiene for overall health and reducing the effects of ageing. Sleep quality is closely connected to hormonal balance, particularly ghrelin, leptin, melatonin, and serotonin. These hormones play significant roles in regulating appetite, metabolism, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being. This study aimed to evaluate sleep quality in a group of elderly individuals (N=25) and its relationship with serum levels of ghrelin and leptin. Sleep quality was assessed using the Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Blood collection for laboratory tests was performed according to WHO guideline
Impacto da terapia de Pressão Expiratória Positiva Oscilatória na clearance mucociliar na pessoa com DPOC
Get PDFA Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica (DPOC) é uma condição respiratória progressiva que compromete a função pulmonar e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Entre as estratégias terapêuticas, destaca-se a utilização da Pressão Expiratória Positiva Oscilatória (OPEP), uma técnica que auxilia na remoção de secreções e melhora a ventilação pulmonar. O presente estudo avalia o impacto da terapia OPEP na clearance mucociliar, função pulmonar e qualidade de vida de pacientes com DPOC.
Metodologia
Estudo piloto de natureza quantitativa quase-experimental para avaliar o impacto da terapia OPEP aplicando o dispositivo Aerobika® em pacientes com DPOC. A amostra foi constituída por 14 pacientes diagnosticados com DPOC, comparando um grupo de controlo (GC) sem aplicação de terapia OPEP com um grupo de intervenção (GI) submetido diariamente à terapia OPEP. O estudo decorreu em três fases, nomeadamente, na admissão hospitalar, após o 8ª ao 11ª dia de internamento e na alta hospitalar. A pesquisa incluiu medições da função pulmonar, nomeadamente volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE), sintomas clínicos e impacto da doença.
Os dados foram analisados com base na estatística descritiva e teste de Mann-Whitney.
Resultados
Os resultados sugerem uma melhoria na função pulmonar e redução da sintomatologia no GI, com destaque para a diminuição da dispneia e da tosse ao longo das fases do estudo. Analisando os parâmetros vitais e espirométricos salienta-se melhoria na saturação de oxigénio, aumento no FEV1 e no PFE no GI. Sugerindo maior eficácia na eliminação de secreções. O impacto da DPOC no quotidiano foi considerado menor no GI pelos doentes, indicando melhoria na qualidade de vida.
Conclusão
Os resultados sugerem que a terapia OPEP pode constituir uma estratégia eficaz na gestão da DPOC, promovendo melhorias na função pulmonar e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Os dados indicam um efeito positivo da intervenção, reforçando o potencial benefício da terapia OPEP no tratamento da DPOC. Para a consolidação de resultados, recomenda-se a realização de estudos futuros com amostras de maior dimensão e períodos de acompanhamento mais prolongados, de forma a fortalecer a robustez
da evidência científica disponível
Machine learning classification of consumption habits of creatine supplements in gym goers
Get PDFThe aim is to identify usage patterns and the main factors that influence creatine supplementation, providing a basis for future educational interventions and recommendations for safe and effective use. The study was applied to gym goers in Bragança, where a QR code for a survey was released. 158 people participated, 65 non-consumers of creatine supplementation (37.34% men; 22.78% women) and 95 consumers (15.19% men; 24.68% women). Five machine learning algorithms were implemented to classify creatine consumption in gym goers: Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosting Classifier, Ada Boost Classifier, Xgboost Classifier. K-folds cross-validation was implemented to validate the machine learning performance. There was an increased proportion of females with considered themselves not sufficiently informed about the creatine effects/side effects (22.2%) in comparison to males (8.47%), p=0.03. The AdaBoost classifier exposed the best overall performance (86%) in classifying overuse of creatine in gym goers based on their Smoke habits (r = 0.33), grams of creatine used per day (r = 0.50) and lack information about the side effects of creatine intake (r = -0.33). The K-folds method validates the results with very good performance (86%). In conclusion, the five machine learning methods employed well characterized the overuse of creatine in gym goers based on smoke habits, grams of creatine per day, and lack information about the side effects of creatine intake
Production of 3d printable hydrogels for functionality transport and release
No full textMestrado de dupla diplomação com a UTFPR - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáThe human skin, the body's largest organ, is a protective barrier with crucial functions in temperature regulation and sensory perception. However, severe injuries such as burns often challenge its regenerative capacity, needing effective wound treatment strategies. Hydrogels based on natural polymers have emerged as promising solutions for wound care, particularly when combined with advanced fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing. This study aimed to develop and characterize 3D printable hydrogels composed of alginate and gelatin due to their notable properties of biocompatibility and biomimicry. The incorporation of crosslinking agents, including calcium chloride (CaCl2) and transglutaminase (TGase), was investigated to enhance the mechanical and biochemical properties of the hydrogels. The effects of polymer concentration and crosslinking on hydrogel performance were evaluated through comprehensive analysis, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling tests, and printability assessments. The influence of bioactive substances, such as green tea extract, on swelling behavior and printability was examined. The results of this work demonstrate that optimized formulations, such as ALG2.5GEL4 (Alginate2.5:Gelatin4) and ALG4GEL4 (Alginate:4Gelatin4), exhibit superior printing and swelling characteristics, indicating their potential for use in wound treatment applications. Incorporating bioactive compounds within the hydrogel matrix aimed to improve therapeutic outcomes and promote wound healing. Furthermore, extrusion-based 3D printing technology enables precise control of material deposition, facilitating the fabrication of customized dressings tailored for individual patient needs. This interdisciplinary approach, using natural polymers, bioactive substances, and advanced manufacturing techniques, holds great potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine and advance healthcare practices, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.A pele humana, o maior órgão do corpo, desempenha a função de barreira protetora com efeitos importantes na regulação da temperatura e na perceção sensorial. No entanto, lesões graves como queimaduras muitas vezes desafiam a sua capacidade regenerativa, exigindo estratégias eficazes no tratamento de feridas. Os hidrogéis à base de polímeros naturais surgiram como soluções promissoras para cuidados com feridas, especialmente quando combinados com técnicas avançadas de fabricação, como a impressão 3D. Este estudo, teve como objetivo desenvolver e caracterizar hidrogéis imprimíveis em 3D compostos por alginato e gelatina, dado às suas propriedades notáveis de biocompatibilidade e biomiméticas . A incorporação de agentes de reticulação, incluindo cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2) e transglutaminase (TGase), foi investigada para aprimorar as propriedades mecânicas e bioquímicas dos hidrogéis. Através de uma análise extensa, incluindo espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR), testes de inchamento e avaliações da impressão, foram estudados os efeitos da concentração de polímero e da reticulação no desempenho do hidrogel. Adicionalmente, foi examinada a influência de substâncias bioativas, como o extrato de chá verde, no comportamento de inchamento e impressão. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que as formulações otimizadas, como por exemplo a ALG2.5GEL4 (Alginato2.5:Gelatina4) e ALG4GEL4 (Alginato4:Gelatina4), exibem características de impressão e inchamento superiores, indicando o seu potencial para uso em aplicações de tratamento de feridas. A adição de compostos bioativos à matriz de hidrogel, foi efetuada visando melhorar os resultados terapêuticos e promover a cicatrização de feridas. Adicionalmente, a utilização da tecnologia de impressão 3D baseada em extrusão permitiu um controle preciso da deposição do material, facilitando a fabricação de curativos personalizados adaptados às necessidades individuais dos pacientes. Esta abordagem interdisciplinar, aproveitando polímeros naturais, substâncias bioativas e técnicas avançadas de fabricação, tem elevado potencial para revolucionar a medicina regenerativa resultando na evolução das práticas de saúde, melhorando assim os resultados obtidos com os pacientes e a desta forma a qualidade de vida
Galician in Portuguese literature and vice-versa: An innovative didactic proposal for the study of Luso-Galician comparative literature
Get PDFThe aim of this research is to verify the hypothesis that in the teaching of foreign literature to Portuguese students, they exhibit a predisposition towards negative biases against their own national literature. This phenomenon arises from the mandatory nature of studying Portuguese literature during their academic education, which often leads to its rejection and hinders a deeper understanding of it. Conversely, foreign literature studied at higher education levels frequently sparks genuine interest among students, as they have no prior knowledge of or prejudice against it. The innovative methodology will be developed in the context of Spanish literature at a higher education institution in Portugal. The goal is to expose students to and surprise them with Hispanic culture beyond Castilian. This approach also aims to reconnect Portuguese students with their own literature through Galician, establishing a less conventional connection to Castilian. In this way, an intimate bond is fostered between the three Atlantic languages, using translation as a driving force to generate a sense of discovery. To achieve this, innovative activities will be implemented, including the introduction of texts devoid of context, creating ambiguity regarding their linguistic origin and authenticit
Otimização de processos de recolha de dados para análise e tratamento de dados de faturação
Get PDFMestrado de dupla diplomação com a UTFPR - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáO presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar os conhecimentos adquiridos e aplicados durante o estágio realizado, focando no desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta para atender às necessidades da empresa TECH X. Fundada em 2020, a TECH X é uma empresa de Tecnologias da Informação (TI) dedicada ao avanço tecnológico e criativo, oferecendo
serviços de desenvolvimento Web, Mobile, Marketing e Gestão de recursos.
O projeto surge em resposta à crescente transformação digital que permeia praticamente todos os setores da indústria. Uma das principais soluções desenvolvidas pela
empresa é o Gestor Virtual de Energia (GVE), uma ferramenta poderosa para auxiliar na gestão dos processos energéticos de organizações. O GVE organiza os dados de maneira
compreensível para os gestores, permitindo que eles tomem decisões de forma mais eficiente e assertiva.
Diante da alta demanda do mercado, a TECH X optou por desenvolver uma ferramenta que oferecesse maior agilidade, automatizar o processo de digitalização documental,
desde a importação até a estruturação dos dados. Essa ferramenta recebeu o nome de XFile, promovendo a renovação do GVE, para o Gestor Virtual de Energia Online (GVE
Online), uma nova perspetivava de abordagem na gestão energética, a utilizar o XFile como seu gestor documental padrão. Portanto, o XFile adiciona maior flexibilidade no
desenvolvimento de novas abordagens, velocidade e escalabilidade no processamento de documentos, segurança e rastreabilidade.
Com base nos conhecimentos adquiridos ao longo do mestrado, foi possível desenvolver uma ferramenta que atende a todos os requisitos estabelecidos pela empresa, impactando
positivamente a experiência dos clientes e possibilitando a prospecção de novas soluções diante da complexidade dos desafios enfrentados.The present work aims to present the knowledge acquired and applied during the internship, focusing on the development of a tool to meet the needs of the company TECH
X. Founded in 2020, TECH X is an Information Technology (IT) company dedicated to technological and creative advancement, offering services in Web development, Mobile,
Marketing, and Resource Management.
The project arises in response to the growing digital transformation that permeates practically all sectors of industry. One of the main solutions developed by the company is the Gestor Virtual de Energia (GVE), a powerful tool to assist in the management of energy processes in organizations. The GVE organizes data in a comprehensible way for
managers, allowing them to make decisions more efficiently and assertively.
Given the high market demand, TECH X chose to develop a tool that would offer greater agility by automating the document digitization process, from importation to
data structuring. This tool was named XFile, driving the renewal of the Gestor Virtual de Energia (GVE) into Gestor Virtual de Energia Online (GVE Online), a new perspective in
energy management that uses XFile as its standard document manager. Therefore, XFile adds greater flexibility in developing new approaches, speed and scalability in document processing, as well as security and traceability.
Based on the knowledge acquired throughout the master’s degree, it was possible to develop a tool that meets all the requirements established by the company, positively
impacting the customer experience and enabling the prospecting of new solutions in the face of the complexity of the challenges faced
The influence of kinematics and neuromuscular activity on stand-up paddling performance using cluster analysis
Get PDFThis study classified stand-up paddle (SUP) practitioners by using cluster analysis of kinematic and neuromuscular activity. 14 male
paddleboarders (24.2 ± 7.1 yrs) performed 3 submaximal trials of 65-m. Surface electromyography of upper trapezius (UT), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis, on both sides of the body. Speed, stroke frequency, distance
per stroke, and stroke index (SI) were also assessed. Clusters were discriminated between performances in different groups according to speed (F = 4.24, p = 0.043, η2 = 0.44). The left UT of the left pull (F = 7.20, p = 0.010, η2 = 0.57), the right TB of the left recovery (F = 6.21, p = 0.016, η2 = 0.53), and the right TB of the left pull (F = 5.80, p = 0.019, η2 = 0.51) were the main variables of the clusters. Best performers were characterised by high activations of the left UT during the left pull and the left TB during the right recovery, along with greater SI. Poor performers displayed low activations of right TB during the pull and recovery phases. Better performers showed high activations, in UT and TB during the pull and recovery phases, emphasising their role in SUP performance.This work was supported by National Funds by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology under the following project UIDB/04045/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/04045/2020)
Funcionalidade e capacidade funcional: a relação entre estrutura e desempenho no idoso frágil utente do cri, campinas, Brasil
Get PDFA funcionalidade familiar constitui um determinante essencial da qualidade de vida do
idoso, especialmente em contextos de fragilidade clínica. Este estudo investiga como
a dinâmica familiar, medida pelo APGAR Familiar, se relaciona com os domínios
funcionais da QDV dos idosos utentes do CRI de Campinas.
Analisar a relação da funcionalidade familiar com a qualidade de vida dos idosos, com
foco na capacidade funcional.
Metodologia quantitativa, estudo observacional, descritivo-correlacional e transversal,
amostragem não probabilística por conveniência com uma amostra de 70 idosos.
Foram aplicadas as escalas SF-36(QDV) e APGAR Familiar, além de questionário
sociodemográfico. Utilizaram-se testes estatísticos conforme a normalidade da
amostra (Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov), com SPSS v.21 e significância p<0,05.
O estudo cumpriu os princípios éticos da Declaração de Helsínquia e Convenção de
Oviedo e obteve parecer favorável do comitê de ética, conforme CAAE
(82013624.4.0000.5545)
Self-medication
Get PDFSelf-medication allows individuals to treat minor health
issues without a medical prescription, facilitated by the
availability of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (May, L.,
Schaefer, M., & Tamburro, C., 2023). This practice
requires healthcare professionals, particularly
pharmacists, to play a key role in ensuring the safe and
rational use of medicines (Pacha et al., 2023).
Objectives: This study aimed to understand the
motivations behind self-medication in Portugal and to
promote informed and responsible behaviour among
the population
Distribution of pyrethroid and amitraz resistance in Varroa destructor mites from honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in Portugal
Get PDFHoney bees (Apis mellifera) are widely used for pollination and honey production worldwide. However, they face a serious threat from the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. This parasite causes varroosis and transmits multiple viruses, such as the Deformed wing virus (DWVV), compromising the health and survival of colonies. While there are many acaricides commercially available to treat colonies against varroa, the recurrent use of certain molecules is leading to the development of varroa resistance. In Portugal, two classes of synthetic compounds are currently used: pyrethroids
(fluvalinate and flumethrin) and formamidines (amitraz). However, the excessive and repeated use of acaricides has led to the development of resistance in mite populations. Pyrethroid resistance is linked to mutations in the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (VGSC) gene, with amino acid substitutions, at position 925 and 918. Amitraz resistance is associated with mutations in the Octopamine-like β-adrenergic receptor (Octβ2R). The amino acid changes include asparagine (N) to serine (S) at position 87 (N87S), observed in France; tyrosine (Y) to histidine (H) at position 215 (Y215H), in the USA;
phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 290 (F290L), in Spain; and tyrosine (Y) to phenylalanine (F) at position 337 (Y337F), in Turkey. The distribution of resistance alleles has not yet been explored in Portugal. To fill this data gap, Varroa mites from honey bee colonies across various regions of the country were analyzed through DNA extraction, PCR with specific primers, and Sanger sequencing. The results confirmed the of widespread distribution of resistance alleles to pyrethroids at positions 925 and 918, like those observed in Spain. In contrast, preliminary results did not detect any
amitraz resistance alleles, although the small sample size warrants caution in interpretation. This study represents an important step in understanding V. destructor resistance to chemical treatments in Portugal, providing essential data for monitoring acaricide resistance and supporting the development of more effective management strategies to help beekeepers better protect their colonies.This work was supported by the project “MITE” funded by National Beekeeping Programme 2023-2027. FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020); and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020
(DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020)