RCIPL
Repositório Institucional do Politécnico de Lisboa
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Ensino artístico e conteúdos 3D: exploração do software blender na criação de projetos visuais
Publication . Varela, Teresa Maria
O presente texto procura refletir sobre as atividades desenvolvidas nas práticas artísticas no ensino superior, centradas na exploração e experimentação do software Blender para a criação de conteúdos 3D em projetos visuais. O principal objetivo consiste em refletir sobre como integrar tecnologia e criatividade no ensino superior artístico, promovendo processos de trabalho que incentivem a investigação autónoma por parte dos estudantes, com base em temas da sua motivação pessoal. A metodologia utilizada assentou em dinâmicas dialógicas, num ambiente de aprendizagem flexível e colaborativo, envolvendo estudantes de duas turmas, ao longo de um semestre letivo, durante os últimos dois anos, uma turma em cada ano letivo. As atividades foram estruturadas em torno de projetos individuais e interdisciplinares, estimulando o desenvolvimento criativo dos estudantes e incentivando-os a pesquisar, tomar decisões e autorregular as suas ações. Num ambiente de aprendizagem onde os estudantes a par da exploração de ferramentas digitais, decidem o que e como aprender, tornando-se também eles responsáveis pela sua própria aprendizagem. Estas práticas contribuem para os estudantes afirmarem a sua autonomia e desenvolverem tanto a criatividade individual como a criatividade colaborativa. Além disso, importa identificar e compreender como algumas práticas pedagógicas podem ajudar o
desenvolvimento criativo dos estudantes ou, pelo contrário, algumas ações podem constituir barreiras à criatividade, o que implicam a pessoa que leciona. Este enquadramento possibilita uma análise crítica das práticas pedagógicas adotadas pelo professor, especialmente no que diz respeito ao papel da mediação, da escuta ativa e do incentivo à autonomia. Os principais resultados demonstram que o uso de software digital, como o Blender — de acesso livre e multiplataforma — estimula a criatividade, a autoria e o diálogo entre os estudantes. A produção de conteúdos 3D revelou-se uma ferramenta versátil e eficaz para o desenvolvimento de competências artísticas e técnicas, permitindo aos estudantes estabelecerem conexões entre
diferentes áreas do conhecimento. Conclui-se que as práticas pedagógicas orientadas para a experimentação tecnológica e para a valorização da autoria contribuíram significativamente para o envolvimento dos alunos,
promovendo a autonomia, o pensamento criativo e o progresso do seu conhecimento enquanto agentes ativos no processo educativo. Ainda assim, a reflexão sobre esta experiência evidencia a importância de um acompanhamento contínuo por parte do professor para superar os desafios inerentes à integração tecnológica, para promover a realização de experiências que desenvolvem a expressão criativa dos estudantes, assegurando a eficácia e a relevância dessas práticas no contexto do ensino artístico contemporâneo.
The need of a one health approach to tackle microbiological contamination in animal and dairy production: the case of Portuguese feedlots farms and dairies
Publication . Viegas, Carla; Gouveia, Ana Filipa; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Carolino, Elisabete; Twarużek, Magdalena; Viegas, Susana
With the global population rising, there is increasing demand for agricultural productivity, particularly for animal-derived proteins and products. This trend places additional pressure on natural resources and the workforce in the animal production sector. This study aims to address environmental and health factors influenced by animal production within the One Health framework, encompassing animal welfare, food security, food safety, workers' health, and climate change. In this context, three feedlot farms and two dairies from the North of Portugal, representing the worst-case exposure scenario, were engaged in this study. Samples were collected using Electrostatic Dust Cloths (EDC) placed on farm surfaces and attached to work clothing (EDCT). Additional samples were obtained from feed, used bedding material, and surface swabs from feeders, drinkers, milking parlors, and frequently touched areas in social spaces (e.g., offices and changing rooms). Microbial characterization and azole-resistance screening were performed using diverse culture media, complemented by molecular assays (qPCR) targeting toxigenic fungal species. Thirty-eight mycotoxins were analyzed across the sampled matrices. This comprehensive approach identified critical sources of microbial and mycotoxin contamination: bedding material showed the highest bacterial contamination (TSA; 5.40 X 103 CFU.g-1), while swabs (MEA; 2.5 X 104 CFU.m-2 to 9.00 X 104 CFU.m-2) and feed (MEA; ranged from 1.33 X 102 CFU.g-1 to 8.00 X 102 CFU.g-1) exhibited the greatest fungal contamination. Feed was identified as the main source of mycotoxin exposure for both animals and workers, since all 16 feed samples tested positive for mycotoxin contamination. Results revealed widespread distribution of Aspergillus sp. across environmental matrices, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Azole-resistance screening and mycotoxin profiling further emphasize the importance of implementing targeted interventions to prevent, monitor, and remediate environmental contamination by fungi and mycotoxins across different contexts (food safety, animal health, public and occupational health), underscoring the value of a One Health approach.
Advances and practical lessons in fungal contamination exposure assessment: integrating field sampling and laboratory analyses
Publication . Viegas, Carla
The presence of microorganisms, and more specifically fungal contamination, may result from: 1) natural colonization of organic material present at the site; 2) intentional addition (e.g., in the food industry. Each collected sample is unique: its composition varies over time and space (in terms of species abundance and diversity). Assessing exposure to microbiological agents (including fungi) is a challenging task. Exposure can be estimated using a variety of sampling methods; however, each is unique and requires a specific methodology. Sampling is done to verify and quantify the presence of microorganisms in the air or contamination of materials, to identify sources of contamination, to monitor the effectiveness of implemented control measures, and to assess human exposure. Exposure assessment of microorganisms can be carried out using qualitative or quantitative methods, or a combination of both. Qualitative assessment includes visual and olfactory observations resulting from damage in indoor environments, such as damage caused by water infiltration.
Missed opportunities in nutritional care: prevalence, mortality, and resource utilization in internal medicine wards
Publication . Marinho, Ricardo C.; Craveiro, Ana; Ferreira, Susana; Carolino, Elisabete; Lopes, Marta S.; Correia, João A.; Marinho, Anibal; Santos, Marisa D.
Background: Malnutrition is a highly prevalent and underdiagnosed condition among hospitalized patients, especially in internal medicine wards. Hospital malnutrition is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged admissions, and a substantial economic burden. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the clinical and economic impact of nutritional risk in patients admitted to internal medicine wards, focusing on mortality, hospital resource utilization, and the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at ULS Santo António, Porto, including 1,150 hospital admissions from January to December 2022. All adult patients with nutritional risk screening (NRS-2002) in the first 48 h of admission were included. Data were collected from hospital information systems on demographic, clinical, and economic variables, with outcomes including in-hospital mortality, readmissions at 30, 90, and 180 days, and one-year post-discharge mortality. Results: Nutritional risk (NRS-2002 ≥ 3) was identified in 42.4% of patients (n = 488), while ICD-10 malnutrition coding at discharge was recorded in only 0.7% of admissions. Of patients at nutritional risk, 74.4% (n = 363) received no nutritional supplementation. Nutritional risk was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay, and increased costs across all resource categories. In the time-dependent Cox model, patients at nutritional risk without supplementation showed a markedly higher hazard of in-hospital death at admission (HR 23.32, 95% CI 13.09-41.56), with this excess hazard attenuating over time. Patients at nutritional risk who received supplementation also showed elevated early risk (HR 6.15, 95% CI 2.96-12.80), though lower than unsupplemented patients. A similar pattern was observed for one-year post-discharge mortality. Total hospitalization costs were approximately 79% higher in at-risk patients, driven mainly by longer length of stay. Conclusion: Nutritional risk affected 42.4% of internal medicine inpatients and was associated with higher mortality and resource use. The finding that 74.4% of at-risk patients received no nutritional intervention represents a substantial missed opportunity. Patients who received nutritional supplementation showed a pattern of lower mortality risk than unsupplemented at-risk patients, consistent with but not proving a beneficial association. These findings support systematic nutritional screening and timely intervention in hospital care.
Genetic variants in red blood cell adhesion-related genes influence the severity of sickle cell anemia in a malaria-endemic region
Publication . Matos, Irina; Santos, Brígida; Gonçalves, Elisângela; Lopes, Pedro; Brito, Miguel; Arez, Ana Paula; Faustino, Paula
Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic disease marked by abnormal hemoglobin S and sickle-shaped red blood cells. It is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Angola, where SCA and malaria are major causes of childhood mortality. This study aimed to explore whether genetic variants in genes associated with red blood cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium influence the manifestations of SCA in Angolan pediatric patients in the context of malaria. Methods and results: The study enrolled 65 pediatric SCA patients living in Luanda or Caxito. Their clinical, hematological, and biochemical profiles were monitored through longitudinal pediatric follow-up appointments. Fifteen polymorphic sites were genotyped in CD36 and ICAM-1 genes using PCR, Sanger sequencing, and fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis. Malaria infection was evaluated by detecting Plasmodium species DNA through PCR analysis of blood spot samples. The CD36 variant rs3211891_C is revealed for the first time as a potential modulator of anemia severity in SCA. Additionally, the CD36 variant rs3211938_G, along with the ICAM-1 variants rs5491_T and rs5496_A, significantly impacted the severity of the hematological phenotype in SCA. Furthermore, SCA patients carrying the ICAM-1 rs5494_T variant showed a 5.63-fold increased risk of having malaria infection compared to those with the wild-type genotype. Conclusions: This study enhances our understanding of genetic modifiers of red blood cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium and their influence on the severity of pediatric SCA in the context of frequent concomitant malaria infection in Angola.