Desenvolvimento de processo de depilação de pele caprina sem destruição do pêlo e avaliação do seu impacto ambiental

O meio ambiente é uma grande preocupação mundial existindo cada vez mais imposições legais no sentido de o proteger. Torna-se assim necessário que as indústrias adoptem e desenvolvam processos alternativos mais limpos. A indústria de curtumes transforma a pele animal em couro, material resistente à putrefacção e com estabilidade térmica suficiente para ser manufacturado nas indústrias do calçado, estofos, vestuário e marroquinaria. A transformação referida é efectuada através duma série de processos entre os quais o caleiro, processo que visa depilar a pele e promover o relaxamento da estrutura fibrilar, tem um papel importante. O processo de caleiro produz um efluente bastante poluente. Tendo em conta esse facto, este trabalho teve como objectivo desenvolver processos de depilação de pele caprina sem destruição do pêlo, com vista à redução da quantidade de sulfureto e sulfidrato de sódio utilizada e da carga poluente do efluente. Além disso, o processo permite a recuperação do pêlo e este pode ser reaproveitado como fertilizante orgânico, hidrolisado de queratina, compostagem, etc. Todo o trabalho foi realizado tomando por base um processo de caleiro padrão utilizado industrialmente, alterando-o de forma a obter um processo de caleiro óptimo de depilação sem destruição do pêlo com e sem utilização de enzimas. Numa primeira fase, desenvolveu-se um processo de depilação sem destruição do pêlo normalmente utilizado para a pele de bovino que foi adaptado com resultados positivos, designado de processo sem enzimas. Numa segunda fase, desenvolveu-se um processo enzimático em que se utilizou uma protease (Erhavit DMC), uma lipase (Defat 50) e uma amilase (Mayzme SD-L); este processo deu bons resultados tal como o anterior. A redução da quantidade de sulfureto de sódio foi de 33% e 53% para o processo sem enzimas e processo com enzimas, respectivamente, em relação ao processo padrão. O efeito dos processos na carga poluente, à escala piloto, comprova uma redução de 37% nos SST, 37% nos SDT, 60% na CQO, 9% no S2- e 73% no Azoto para o processo sem enzimas e uma redução de 93% nos SST, 63% nos SDT, 69% na CQO, 69% no S2- e 83% no Azoto para o processo com enzimas, quando comparados com o processo padrão. . Uma análise de custos, com incidência apenas nos agentes químicos utilizados, permitiu concluir a existência de uma redução de custos anuais de 30% para o processo com enzimas e de 13% para o processo sem enzimas, quando comparados com o processo padrão. Como conclusão, os processos desenvolvidos apresentam um grande potencial para serem explorados industrialmente.The environment is a global concern. There are more and more legal charges as an effort to protect the environment. So, it becomes necessary that companies develop and adapt alternative and cleaner processes. The leather industry turns animal skin in leather that is a resistant material to the putrefaction and with enough thermal stability to be manufactured in footwear, upholstery, clothing and other leather goods manufacturing. This transformation takes place through a series of processes including liming, important process which aims to unhair the skin and promote relaxation of its structure. The liming process produces a very pollutant effluent. Given that, this thesis aimed to study the environmental effect of unhairing the goat skin without destroying the hair, in order to reduce the amount of sodium sulphide and sodium hydrogen sulphide used in liming and the pollution load of wastewater. Furthermore, the process allows the hair recovery which can be reused as an organic fertilizer, hydrolyzed keratin, composting, etc. All the work was done based on a standard liming process used on industry. It was modified to get a liming optimum process of unhairing without hair damage, with or without use of enzymes. Initially a depilation process without enzymes based was developed without destroying the hair, which is normally used with positive results in the cow skin. Secondly, it was developed an enzymatic process in which was used a protease (Erhavit DMC), a lipase (Defat 50) and an amylase (Mayzme SD-L); this processes gives as good results as the previous one. The reduction of sodium sulphide quantity was 33% and 53% in the without enzymes process and enzymatic process respectively comparing to the standard process. The trials done at pilot scale proves a reduction in the pollutant load, comparing to standard process, of 37% in SST, 37% in SDT, 60% in CQO, 9% in S2- and 73% in Nitrogen for the without enzymes process, and of 93% in SST, 63% in SDT, 69% in CQO, 69% in S2- and 83% in Nitrogen for the enzymatic process.. A cost analysis, focusing only on the chemicals used, showed that the enzymatic process leads to a cost reduction of 30% compared to the standard process. The without enzymes process showed a reduction of 13% compared to the standard process. As a conclusion, the processes developed have a great potential to be exploited in industry

Diferenciación morfológica y genética del pejesapo (Halobatrachus didactylus) entre estudarios y áreas costeras del Portugal

The Lusitanian toadfish, Halobatrachus didactylus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801), is distributed from the Ghana coast to the Iberian Peninsula, being particularly abundant on the south coast of Portugal. The differentiation of this species along the Portuguese coast was assessed through the analysis of 10 samples, considering morphological characters (20 morphometric and 16 meristic) and genetic markers (10 allozymes, 11 loci). Southern samples included estuaries and their adjacent coastal areas, given that this species inhabits both environments, whereas western samples only comprised estuaries. Morphometric and meristic data discriminant analysis evidenced some differentiation between estuarine and coastal populations. This was not entirely corroborated by the genetic analysis, which showed an overall pattern of low FST (0.042) and Nei’s genetic distance, even between geographically distant areas. However, higher values of these parameters were found between estuaries of the south coast and their adjacent coastal areas, suggesting that estuarine systems play a major role in such differentiation. Results are discussed regarding toadfish life-history pattern and Portuguese coast geomorphology, giving an insight into the biological and environmental factors influencing population sub-structuring.El pejesapo, Halobatrachus didactylus (Bloch y Schneider, 1801), está distribuido desde la costa de Ghana hasta la Península Ibérica, siendo particularmente abundante en la costa sur portuguesa. La diferenciación de esta especie a lo largo de la costa Portuguesa se ha evaluado a través del análisis de diez muestras, considerando caracteres morfológicos (20 características morfométricas y 16 merísticas) y genéticos (10 aloenzimas, 11 loci). Hacia el sur, las muestras incluyen estuarios y sus áreas costeras adyacentes, ya que esta especie habita ambos ambientes, mientras que las muestras del oeste están relacionadas sólo a estuarios. El análisis discriminante de los datos morfométricos y merísticos evidenciaron diferenciación entre poblaciones de estuarios y costeras, lo cual no fue enteramente corroborado por el análisis genético, el cual mostró un patrón general de bajo FST (0.042) y distancia genética de Nei, incluyendo áreas geográficamente distantes. Sin embargo, valores más altos de estos parámetros fueron encontrados entre estuarios de la costa sur y sus áreas costeras adyacentes, sugiriendo que los sistemas de estuarios juegan un papel importante en tal diferenciación. Los resultados son discutidos considerando los patrones de historia de vida del pejesapo y la geomorfología de la costa portuguesa, dando una perspectiva de cómo los procesos biológicos y factores ambientales influyen la sub- estructuración poblacional.

Os fatores psicossociais de risco na atividade de tecnicos superiores de segurança no trabalho

Alterações sociais e organizacionais têm trazido profundas transformações que podem gerar nos locais de trabalho, dinâmicas de cariz psicossocial que se tornam preocupantes. Os “riscos psicossociais” resultam de um conjunto de condições e de fatores intrínsecos à organização do trabalho que devem ser identificados. Este estudo teve como principal objetivo verificar se os Técnicos Superiores de Segurança no Trabalho (TSST) que desempenham a sua atividade em Portugal estão, ou não, expostos a fatores psicossociais de risco e se, como consequência, veem deteriorado o estado da sua saúde. Concluiu-se que estão expostos a fatores psicossociais de risco associados a condições e caraterísticas do seu trabalho. A sua saúde é percecionada como sendo boa e não muito relacionada com o trabalho, embora alguns dos seus problemas de saúde sejam agravados por ele. Quanto menos afetados são os TSST pelos fatores psicossociais de risco melhor percecionam a sua saúde.Los cambios sociales y organizacionales han provocado profundas transformaciones y han generado en los entornos de trabajo, dinámicas de tipo psicosocial que pueden resultar preocupantes. Los llamados "riesgos psicosociales" resultan de un conjunto de condiciones y factores intrínsecos a la organización del trabajo que deben ser identificados. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo principal comprobar si los Técnicos Superiores de Seguridad en el Trabajo (TSST) que ejercen su actividad en Portugal están o no expuestos a este tipo de factores y si, en resultado de ello, su estado de salud se deteriora. El estudio concluye afirmando que si están expuestos a factores de riesgo psicosociales asociados con las condiciones y características de su trabajo. Su salud es percibida como buena y no muy relacionada con el trabajo, aun cuando aceptan el hecho de que algunos de sus problemas de salud se agravan por el mismo. Cuanto menos afectados están los TSST por factores de riesgo psicosociales, mejor perciben su salud.Les changements sociaux et organisationnels produisent actuellement des transformations qui peuvent générer, sur le lieu de travail, des dynamiques de nature psychosociale préoccupantes. Les “risques psychosociaux” proviennent d’un ensemble de conditions et de facteurs propres à l’organisation du travail, qui doivent être identifiés. Cette étude a eu pour finalité principale de vérifier si les techniciens supérieurs de sécurité au travail (TSST) exerçant leur activité au Portugal sont, ou non, exposés à des facteurs psychosociaux de risque et si, en conséquence, ils constatent une dégradation de leur état de santé. On a conclu qu’ils sont effectivement exposés à des facteurs psychosociaux de risque, associés aux conditions et caractéristiques de leur travail. Ils perçoivent toutefois leur état de santé comme étant bon et sans rapport évident avec le travail, même s’ils admettent que certains problèmes de santé sont aggravés par ce même travail. Cependant, au moins ces TSST sont affectés par des facteurs psychosociaux, au mieux leur santé leur semble satisfaisante.Social and organisational changes are causing deep transformations, which can generate quite concerning psychosocial dynamics in the work places. The “psychosocial risks” result from a set of conditions and factors inherent to the organisation of the work and it is important to identify them. This study’s main purpose was to verify whether the Advanced Technicians on Occupational Health (ATOH) who perform their activity in Portugal are exposed, or not, to psychosocial risk factors and whether, consequently, their health condition is deteriorating. The findings show they are exposed to psychosocial risk factors related to the work conditions and characteristics. Their health is perceived as good and not entirely work-related, though some of their health problems are made worse by the work. The less the ATOH are affected by the psychosocial risk factors, the better do they perceive their health

Candida clinical species identification : molecular and biochemical methods

In the last decade, the number and diversity of nosocomial Candida infections has increased significantly, resulting in an emergent need for rapid and accurate methods for Candida identification. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three biochemical systems (Auxacolor, ID32C, and Vitek 2 YST) for the identification of Candida species, comparing them with molecular identification (polymerase chain reaction and gel agarose electrophoresis). These methods were used to assess Candida spp. (229 clinical isolates) prevalence and distribution among clinical specimens. The biochemical methods with higher percentages of correct identification were Vitek 2 YST (79.6%) and Auxacolor (78.6%). However, overall the biochemical methods assayed differed from the molecular identification. Thus, due to their rapid and precise identification, molecular methods are promising techniques for Candida species identification in clinical laboratories. Candida albicans and Non Candida albicans Candida species had a similar prevalence (50.4 and 49.6%, respectively), corroborating the epidemiological shift observed for these pathogens in the recent years

From sugarcane to skin: lignin as a multifunctional ingredient for cosmetic application

Lignin has been suggested as a promising candidate for cosmetic applications due to its remarkable potential to absorb ultraviolet rays and distinctive antioxidant activity. This study aims at evaluating the performance of lignin from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as natural UV blocker, antioxidant, and pigment. Lignin was extracted from SCB, characterized and incorporated into a blemish balm (BB) cream. The biological potential, concretely, in vitro and in vivo sun protection factor (SPF) and in vitro UVA-PF, and safety were assessed. A high-purity SCB lignin (>92 %) was obtained by a mild alkaline extraction process. The results of cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, skin sensitization and in vivo acute cutaneous irritation demonstrated that SCB lignin is safe for topical applications. Lignin showed capacity to scavenge both ABTS and DPPH radicals, which were preserved after its incorporation into the cosmetic formulation. Notable results were achieved in terms of in vitro and in vivo SPF of 9.5 ± 2.9 and 9.6 ± 0.8, respectively. Furthermore, the tested lignin-based BB cream revealed a broad-spectrum UV protection (critical wavelength of 378 ± 0.5 nm). These results suggest SCB lignin as multifunctional and safe ingredient for use in cosmetic products.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Combined cognitive-motor rehabilitation in virtual reality improves motor outcomes in chronic stroke–a pilot study

Stroke is one of the most common causes of acquired disability, leaving numerous adults with cognitive and motor impairments, and affecting patients' capability to live independently. Virtual Reality (VR) based methods for stroke rehabilitation have mainly focused on motor rehabilitation but there is increasing interest toward the integration of cognitive training for providing more effective solutions. Here we investigate the feasibility for stroke recovery of a virtual cognitive-motor task, the Reh@Task, which combines adapted arm reaching, and attention and memory training. 24 participants in the chronic stage of stroke, with cognitive and motor deficits, were allocated to one of two groups (VR, Control). Both groups were enrolled in conventional occupational therapy, which mostly involves motor training. Additionally, the VR group underwent training with the Reh@Task and the control group performed time-matched conventional occupational therapy. Motor and cognitive competences were assessed at baseline, end of treatment (1 month) and at a 1-month follow-up through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Single Letter Cancelation, Digit Cancelation, Bells Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment Test, Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Barthel Index. Our results show that both groups improved in motor function over time, but the Reh@Task group displayed significantly higher between-group outcomes in the arm subpart of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Test. Improvements in cognitive function were significant and similar in both groups. Overall, these results are supportive of the viability of VR tools that combine motor and cognitive training, such as the Reh@Task. Trial Registration: This trial was not registered because it is a small clinical study that addresses the feasibility of a prototype device.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sugarcane light-colored lignin: a renewable resource for sustainable beauty

Lignin has emerged as a promising eco-friendly multifunctional ingredient for cosmetic applications, due to its ability to protect against ultraviolet radiation and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, its typical dark color and low water solubility limit its application in cosmetics. This study presents a simple process for obtaining light-colored lignin (LCLig) from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) alkaline black liquor, involving an oxidation treatment with hydrogen peroxide, followed by precipitation with sulfuric acid. The physico-chemical characterization, antioxidant and emulsifying potential of LCLig, and determination of its safety and stability in an oil-in-water emulsion were performed. A high-purity lignin (81.6%) with improved water solubility was obtained, as a result of the balance between the total aromatic phenolic units and the carboxylic acids. In addition, the antioxidant and emulsifying capacities of the obtained LCLig were demonstrated. The color reduction treatment did not compromise the safety of lignin for topical cosmetic applications. The emulsion was stable in terms of organoleptic properties (color, pH, and viscosity) and antioxidant activity over 3 months at 4, 25, and 40 °C.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Interplay between the salience and the default mode network in a social-cognitive task toward a close other

Social cognition relies on two main subsystems to construct the understanding of others, which are sustained by different social brain networks. One of these social networks is the default mode network (DMN) associated with the socio-cognitive subsystem (i.e., mentalizing), and the other is the salience network (SN) associated with the socio-affective route (i.e., empathy). The DMN and the SN are well-known resting state networks that seem to constitute a baseline for the performance of social tasks. We aimed to investigate both networks' functional connectivity (FC) pattern in the transition from resting state to social task performance. A sample of 38 participants involved in a monogamous romantic relationship completed a questionnaire of dyadic empathy and underwent an fMRI protocol that included a resting state acquisition followed by a task in which subjects watched emotional videos of their romantic partner and elaborated on their partner's (Other condition) or on their own experience (Self condition). Independent component and ROI-to-ROI correlation analysis were used to assess alterations in task-independent (Rest condition) and task-dependent (Self and Other conditions) FC. We found that the spatial FC maps of the DMN and SN evidenced the traditional regions associated with these networks in the three conditions. Anterior and posterior DMN regions exhibited increased FC during the social task performance compared to resting state. The Other condition revealed a more limited SN's connectivity in comparison to the Self and Rest conditions. The results revealed an interplay between the main nodes of the DMN and the core regions of the SN, particularly evident in the Self and Other conditions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio