Publications

Abstract Recent developments in vehicle automation are leading a paradigm change in respect to mobility of goods and people. Pushed by environmental concerns, researchers and practitioners seek new and innovative solutions. Nevertheless, the challenge of sustainable transport does not end with the use of clean fuels, as faster, cheaper, and more efficient transport is still desired by operators. The concepts behind truck automation and truck platooning technologies present potential for operations management efficiency and cost reduction. On the other hand, as drivers are still the main piece on a safe and efficient transport system, their working conditions must be ensured. Therefore, a multidisciplinary perspective on truck platooning is required, comprising the view of all the stakeholders involved in the development of safe and easily adopted technologies. In the context of the project TRAIN, we have developed exploratory research towards understanding and mapping the requirements for deploying truck platooning technology. Through a qualitative research, based on focus groups, we have identified three main areas of requirements from logistics companies: (i) labor, (ii) safety and liability, and (iii) transport and logistics. The analysis also showed that these areas are related to three research domains: (i) human factors and human-machine interaction, (ii) operations research and management, and (iii) policy and regulation. © 2023. Published by AHFE Open Access. All rights reserved.

Abstract Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in elderly people worldwide. The damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) triggered by oxidative stress plays a central role in the onset and progression of AMD and results from the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced mainly by mitochondria. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial molecular chaperone that contributes to the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity by decreasing the production and accumulation of ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence and the role of TRAP1 in the RPE. Here, we report that TRAP1 is expressed in human adult retinal pigment epithelial cells and is located mainly in the mitochondria. Exposure of RPE cells to hydrogen peroxide decreases the levels of TRAP1. Furthermore, TRAP1 silencing increases intracellular ROS production and decreases mitochondrial respiratory capacity without affecting cell proliferation. Together, these findings offer novel insights into TRAP1 functions in RPE cells, opening possibilities to develop new treatment options for AMD.

Abstract Chronic diseases represent one of the major causes of death worldwide. It has been suggested that pregnancy-related conditions, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), maternal obesity (MO), and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) induce an adverse intrauterine environment, increasing the offspring's predisposition to chronic diseases later in life. Research has suggested that mitochondrial function and oxidative stress may play a role in the developmental programming of chronic diseases. Having this in mind, in this review, we include evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are mechanisms by which GDM, MO, and IUGR program the offspring to chronic diseases. In this specific context, we explore the promising advantages of maternal antioxidant supplementation using compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Mitoquinone (MitoQ) in addressing the metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress associated with GDM, MO, and IUGR in fetoplacental and offspring metabolic health. This approach holds potential to mitigate developmental programming-related risk of chronic diseases, serving as a probable intervention for disease prevention.

Abstract In this work, we intend to reflect on digital media in science and ma- thematics teaching from theoretical readings and empirical works that consider, mainly, the Portuguese case. First, we will situate the debate in the internal con- tradictions of the representations of the school and the idea of crisis associated with digital media. Then we will address the problems specifically associated with the Internet and the way in which it is integrated into pedagogical practices and, subsequently, into the participatory culture. We will see how the gap between promises and reality is constant and significant. We will end our work with a brief reflection in which we call on those responsible for education to reflect on the role of the school in the appropriation of digital media and the Internet.

Abstract Background: Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) treated with immunomodulatory therapy present an increased susceptibility to infections. Vaccination is a crucial element in the management of IMID patients; however, rates remain suboptimal. This study intended to clarify the adherence to prescribed vaccines. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 262 consecutive adults with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatological diseases who underwent an infectious diseases evaluation before initiating or switching immunosuppressive/biological therapy. Vaccine prescription and adherence were assessed during an infectious diseases (ID) consultation using a real-world multidisciplinary clinical project. Results: At baseline, less than 5% had all their vaccines up-to-date. More than 650 vaccines were prescribed to 250 (95.4%) patients. The most prescribed were pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, followed by hepatitis A and B vaccines. Adherence to each of the vaccines ranged from 69.1-87.3%. Complete adherence to vaccines occurred in 151 (60.4%) patients, while 190 (76%) got at least two-thirds of them. Twenty patients (8%) did not adhere to any of the vaccines. No significant differences were found in the adherence rates of patients with different sociodemographic and health-related determinants. Conclusions: ID physicians can play a role in the process of increasing vaccine prescription and adherence. However, more data on patients' beliefs and vaccine hesitancy, along with mobilization of all health care professionals and adequate local interventions, shall be considered to improve vaccine adherence.

Abstract Background. No Man's Sky (NMS) is a sci-fi videogame about survival and exploration where players fly spaceships, search for elements, and use them to build, trade, and survive. Despite evolving around scientific concepts, NMS isn't a serious game, and not all the scientific content in the game is presented with evidence.Theory and Method. Looking at the interceptions between videogames and science, and moving to how science communication, both in theory and practice, can be explored within the videogame's paradigm, a survey was developed to better understand how NMS players perceive the scientific content in the game.Aims. Are players aware of the scientific content and how it is presented in NMS? Can they decipher it, question it and understand it under real-world rules? With the data collected from 124 respondents from 23 countries, we aim to better understand how an entertainment videogame can potentially help scientists, educators, and science communicators reach a growing, evolving, vibrant, diverse, and demanding audience.Results. Players seem aware of the scientific content in NMS, with a positive attitude through it. But players showed problems identifying what is right and wrong, while also pointing to the idea that every videogame that deals with science should strive to treat it with evidence. 57% of the respondents answered that NMS motivated them to know more about chemistry, with more than 35% revealing that they learned something new and understood the role of some scientific fundaments in certain real-world situations like new energy sources, biomes, or the role of carbon and oxygen.Discussion and Conclusion. With the growth of the videogames' audience, educators, science communicators, scientists, and policymakers can find in the medium - in any shape or form - a fun and interactive ally to engage with younger audiences and promote dialogues that can be transformative around scientific topics.

Abstract Science communication is an essential activity for institutions and scientists seeking to reach out to the public, find funding opportunities or career advancement. In this article, we intend to better present the reality of science communication practices in Portuguese research units. A questionnaire was drawn up and data from 124 centers were analyzed. Traditional strategies such as public events, science fairs or open days continue to be strong allies to the Portuguese scientific community, as does direct communication with journalists. But social media platforms, used by 109 of 124 respondents, are becoming fundamental. The Portuguese scientific community is experimenting with videos, animations, applications, or podcasts, suggesting that practice in science communication is becoming more demanding, specialized, and focused on finding multiple ways to reach the community.

Abstract PFASs are a class of highly persistent chemicals that are slowly infiltrating soils and waterways. Thus, there is a great need for fast, sensitive, and reliable techniques to detect PFASs. Conventional methods, such as LC-MS/SPE, allow high sensitivities. However, such methods can be complex and expensive. Considering this, it is not surprising that the scientific community has turned their attention to the search for alternatives. New types of PFAS sensors have been reported over the years, being generally part of three classes: optical, electrochemical, or hybrid sensors. Carbon dots (CDs) are new alternative fluorescent sensors that can present great affinity towards PFASs, while allowing for a fast response and promising sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, CDs have more attractive properties than traditional fluorophores and even metal-based nanomaterials that make them better candidates for sensing applications. Thus, CDs display great potential for permitting a fast and accurate quantification of PFASs. This review aims to serve as a basis for the future development and optimization of CD-based fluorescent sensors for PFASs.