Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-08"
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- Sleep and indoor air quality: an exploratory polysomnographic evaluation of potential associationsPublication . Belo, Joana; Meira e Cruz, Miguel; Viegas, Carla; Lage, Joana; Almeida, Susana Marta; Cabo Verde, Sandra; Alves, Célia; Canha, NunoThis exploratory pilot study examines the potential impact of indoor environmental exposures on sleep quality, with a particular focus on a comprehensive characterization of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and their association with sleep architecture assessed through polysomnography. The study was conducted during the cold seasons of 2016 and 2017 with a small sample of 10 subjects from the urban area of Lisbon, Portugal. Polysomnography was performed over two consecutive weeknights, while IAQ monitoring took place over three consecutive nights using typical real-time instruments. Additionally, bioburden was assessed in each bedroom before and after the sleep period using active methods. The analysis was based on correlations between the environmental parameters and the sleep data from these 10 subjects. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were employed to examine potential associations, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. The findings showed that higher bedroom temperatures during sleep were associated with a decrease in REM sleep. Both minimum and mean heart rates (HR) increased with higher levels of CO and CO2, while post-sleep bacteria levels were linked to a decrease in maximum HR. Fungal levels in the bedrooms were associated with a reduction in NREM2, and higher formaldehyde exposure was found to increase REM sleep latency. Exposure to PM2.5 negatively impacted NREM1, RDI, and snoring, while PM10 levels were negatively correlated with WASO and RDI. Although these findings provide a preliminary baseline, they are based on a small sample and may not be representative, highlighting the need for future studies to confirm the effects of various IAQ parameters on sleep quality in a larger and more diverse population.
- Characterization of physical activity levels in female breast cancer survivors: relationship with lymphedema (AtiLinf)Publication . Duarte, Alice Ralheta; Neto, Carla Martinho; Prates, Leonor; Lobo, Pablo; Tomás, Maria TeresaThe development of lymphedema (LE) is a major concern in breast cancer treatment, and it is crucial to understand the best ways to prevent and treat it. Physical activity is effective, safe, and feasible in controlling complications arising from treatments, as well as improving function and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and grip strength, as well as LE development, in breast cancer survivors. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, and women who had survived breast cancer between 1 and 5 years after surgery were selected. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. The volume of the upper limb (UL) was measured using perimetry, handgrip strength was assessed with the JAMAR dynamometer, and the Actigraph accelerometer was placed on the waist. It was found that 50% of the sample was overweight, 28.3% were obese, and 52% of the participants had grip strength below the recommended level. They had an average energy expenditure of 1.2 (0.1) metabolic equivalents, 8.3 (1.8) hours/day of sedentary activity, and spent an average of 61% of their awake time in sedentary activity per day. Significant correlations were found between grip strength on the affected side and the difference in volume between the UL (rp = -.303, P = .041), as well as between body mass index (BMI) and the difference in volume between the UL (rp = .341; P = .020). Moreover, a significant correlation between BMI and the volume of the affected UL was found (rp = .848, P = .000). BMI and grip strength of the affected side were identified as significant predictors of LE, both with P values less than .05. Although physical activity cannot directly prevent LE, it may contribute by helping to control BMI and promote higher levels of grip strength, both of which are important factors in the prediction of LE.
- Energy efficiency and waste reduction through maintenance optimization: a case study in the pharmaceutical industryPublication . Soares Domingues, Nuno Alexandre; Patrício, JoãoThe global rise in population, increased life expectancy, and heightened international mobility have escalated disease prevalence and pharmaceutical demand. This growth intensifies energy consumption and chemical waste production within the pharmaceutical industry, challenging environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. Chromatography, a vital analytical technique for ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance, can also contribute to material waste and energy inefficiencies if not properly maintained and optimized. This study applies Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to chromatographic equipment maintenance within Hovione’s Engineering and Maintenance Department, aiming to identify and mitigate failure risks. By integrating environmental metrics derived from Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into the FMEA framework, a hybrid risk evaluation tool was developed that prioritizes both equipment reliability and sustainability performance. The findings demonstrate how this integrated approach reduces unplanned downtime, lowers solvent waste, and improves energy efficiency. Additionally, the study proposes a conceptual dashboard to support proactive, sustainability-driven asset management in pharmaceutical laboratories. By bridging reliability engineering and environmental sustainability, this research offers a strategic model for optimizing resource use, minimizing chemical waste, and enhancing long-term operational resilience in regulated pharmaceutical environments.