Satisfaction with human resource management practices and turnover intention in a five-star hotel : the mediating role of perceived organizational support

Employees’ satisfaction with human resources management (HRM) practices has been envisaged as a solid predictor of turnover; nonetheless, how these practices may influence employee’s behavior is still an unclear process. There are suggestions that HRM practices may be distal determinants of turnover, as their effects may be mediated by more proximal variables such as perceived organizational support. This study empirically tested a model of research arising from these theoretical suggestions in a five-star hotel. The data collected from the survey of 152 workers were subjected to structural equation analyses. The results showed that the theoretical model had a strong fit to the data, giving empirical support to the prediction that satisfaction with HRM practices reduces turnover intentions, by increasing perceived organizational support. The importance of these results is discussed and interpreted from the point of view of strategic gains associated to the quality of HRM practices for the management of voluntary turnover.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an endemic problem in Brazil

Relatos mundiais têm documentado a problemática da endemicidade de isolados clínicos de Pseudomonas aeruginosa multirresistente (MDR) aliada a elevados índices de morbidade/mortalidade. No Brasil, surtos de infecção ocasionados por P. aeruginosa têm sido relacionados com uma disseminação clonal da espécie. Atualmente, as opções terapêuticas para o tratamento das infecções causadas por esse microrganismo são limitadas, muitas vezes restringindo-se ao uso de carbapenêmicos (p. ex., imipenem [IPM]). Assim, a resistência ao IPM é uma questão de saúde pública, uma vez que esse antibiótico é empregado como último recurso no tratamento de infecções de origem hospitalar, causadas por bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. No Brasil, os principais mecanismos relacionados com fenótipos multirresistentes de P. aeruginosa são produção de metalobetalactamase (MBL) do tipo SPM-1, presença de metilase 16S rRNA RmtD, perda de porina OprD e superexpressão de bombas de efluxo, o que pode explicar os altos índices de resistência a carbapenêmicos e aminoglicosídeos. A emergência de cepas com essas características é preocupante, tendo em vista a escassez de terapias efetivas no tratamento de infecções por esse patógeno. Finalmente, com base em relatos nacionais, publicados por diferentes grupos de pesquisa, podemos deduzir que a convergência de múltiplos mecanismos de resistência em P. aeruginosa tem sido um evento favorável para a seleção de diferentes clones endêmicos multirresistentes disseminados no Brasil.Global reports have documented the endemicity of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with high levels of morbidity/mortality. In Brazil, outbreaks of MDR P. aeruginosa have been related to clonal dissemination. Currently, therapeutic options for the treatment of these infections are restricted to carbapenemic antibiotics (i.e., imipenem [IPM]). Thus, carbapenem resistance is a public health issue, since carbapenems are considered the last resort to nosocomial infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria. In Brazil, the main mechanisms associated with MDR P. aeruginosa phenotypes are metallo-betalactamase (MBL) production (SPM-1 enzyme), presence of 16S rRNA methylase RmtD, loss of OprD porin, and overexpression of efflux pumps, which may explain the high level of carbapenem and aminoglycoside resistance. Accordingly, the emergence and dissemination of MDR strains is worrisome. Finally, based on national reports published by different groups of investigators, it is deduced that the convergence of multiple mechanisms of P. aeruginosa resistance has played a major role in the selection of endemic MDR clones widespread in Brazil

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an endemic problem in Brazil

Relatos mundiais têm documentado a problemática da endemicidade de isolados clínicos de Pseudomonas aeruginosa multirresistente (MDR) aliada a elevados índices de morbidade/mortalidade. No Brasil, surtos de infecção ocasionados por P. aeruginosa têm sido relacionados com uma disseminação clonal da espécie. Atualmente, as opções terapêuticas para o tratamento das infecções causadas por esse microrganismo são limitadas, muitas vezes restringindo-se ao uso de carbapenêmicos (p. ex., imipenem [IPM]). Assim, a resistência ao IPM é uma questão de saúde pública, uma vez que esse antibiótico é empregado como último recurso no tratamento de infecções de origem hospitalar, causadas por bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. No Brasil, os principais mecanismos relacionados com fenótipos multirresistentes de P. aeruginosa são produção de metalobetalactamase (MBL) do tipo SPM-1, presença de metilase 16S rRNA RmtD, perda de porina OprD e superexpressão de bombas de efluxo, o que pode explicar os altos índices de resistência a carbapenêmicos e aminoglicosídeos. A emergência de cepas com essas características é preocupante, tendo em vista a escassez de terapias efetivas no tratamento de infecções por esse patógeno. Finalmente, com base em relatos nacionais, publicados por diferentes grupos de pesquisa, podemos deduzir que a convergência de múltiplos mecanismos de resistência em P. aeruginosa tem sido um evento favorável para a seleção de diferentes clones endêmicos multirresistentes disseminados no Brasil474Global reports have documented the endemicity of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with high levels of morbidity/mortality. In Brazil, outbreaks of MDR P. aeruginosa have been related to clonal dissemination. Currently, therapeutic options for the treatment of these infections are restricted to carbapenemic antibiotics (i.e., imipenem [IPM]). Thus, carbapenem resistance is a public health issue, since carbapenems are considered the last resort to nosocomial infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria. In Brazil, the main mechanisms associated with MDR P. aeruginosa phenotypes are metallo-betalactamase (MBL) production (SPM-1 enzyme), presence of 16S rRNA methylase RmtD, loss of OprD porin, and overexpression of efflux pumps, which may explain the high level of carbapenem and aminoglycoside resistance. Accordingly, the emergence and dissemination of MDR strains is worrisome. Finally, based on national reports published by different groups of investigators, it is deduced that the convergence of multiple mechanisms of P. aeruginosa resistance has played a major role in the selection of endemic MDR clones widespread in Brazi

Characterisation of Films Based on Exopolysaccharides from Alteromonas Strains Isolated from French Polynesia Marine Environments

LA/P/0140/202019 UID/AGR/04129/2020 LA/P/0037/2020This work assessed the film-forming capacity of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by six Alteromonas strains recently isolated from different marine environments in French Polynesia atolls. The films were transparent and resulted in small colour alterations when applied over a coloured surface (ΔEab below 12.6 in the five different colours tested). Moreover, scanning electron microscopy showed that the EPS films were dense and compact, with a smooth surface. High water vapour permeabilities were observed (2.7–6.1 × 10−11 mol m−1 s−1 Pa−1), which are characteristic of hydrophilic polysaccharide films. The films were also characterised in terms of barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide. Interestingly, different behaviours in terms of their mechanical properties under tensile tests were observed: three of the EPS films were ductile with high elongation at break (ε) (35.6–47.0%), low tensile strength at break (Ꞇ) (4.55–11.7 MPa) and low Young’s modulus (εm) (10–93 MPa), whereas the other three were stiffer and more resistant with a higher Ꞇ (16.6–23.6 MPa), lower ε (2.80–5.58%), and higher εm (597–1100 MPa). These properties demonstrate the potential of Alteromonas sp. EPS films to be applied in different areas such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, or food packaging.publishersversionpublishe

A protocol to evaluate retinal vascular response using optical coherence tomography angiography

Copyright © 2019 Sousa, Leal, Moreira, do Vale, Silva-Herdade, Aguiar, Dionísio, Abegão Pinto, Castanho and Marques-Neves. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these termsIntroduction: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a novel diagnostic tool with increasing applications in ophthalmology clinics that provides non-invasive high-resolution imaging of the retinal microvasculature. Our aim is to report in detail an experimental protocol for analyzing both vasodilatory and vasoconstriction retinal vascular responses with the available OCT-A technology. Methods: A commercial OCT-A device was used (AngioVue®, Optovue, CA, United States), and all examinations were performed by an experienced technician using the standard protocol for macular examination. Two standardized tests were applied: (i) the hypoxia challenge test (HCT) and (ii) the handgrip test, in order to induce a vasodilatory and vasoconstriction response, respectively. OCT-A was performed at baseline conditions and during the stress test. Macular parafoveal vessel density of the superficial and deep plexuses was assessed from the en face angiograms. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v14.1 and p < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results: Twenty-four eyes of 24 healthy subjects (10 male) were studied. Mean age was 31.8 ± 8.2 years (range, 18–57 years). Mean parafoveal vessel density in the superficial plexus increased from 54.7 ± 2.6 in baseline conditions to 56.0 ± 2.0 in hypoxia (p < 0.01). Mean parafoveal vessel density in the deep plexuses also increased, from 60.4 ± 2.2 at baseline to 61.5 ± 2.1 during hypoxia (p < 0.01). The OCT-A during the handgrip test revealed a decrease in vessel density in both superficial (55.5 ± 2.6 to 53.7 ± 2.9, p < 0.001) and deep (60.2 ± 1.8 to 56.7 ± 2.8, p < 0.001) parafoveal plexuses. Discussion: In this work, we detail a simple, non-invasive, safe, and non-costly protocol to assess a central nervous system vascular response (i.e., the retinal circulation) using OCT-A technology. A vasodilatory response and a vasoconstriction response were observed in two physiologic conditions—mild hypoxia and isometric exercise, respectively. This protocol constitutes a new way of studying retinal vascular changes that may be applied in health and disease of multiple medical fields.This study was supported by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, AstraZeneca Foundation – 14th Grant.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Retinal vascular reactivity in type 1 diabetes patients without retinopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography

Copyright © 2020 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No-Derivatives 4.0 International License.Purpose: We hypothesize that patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may have abnormal retinal vascular responses before diabetic retinopathy (DR) is clinically evident. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to dynamically assess the retinal microvasculature of diabetic patients with no clinically visible retinopathy. Methods: Controlled nonrandomized interventional study. The studied population included 48 eyes of 24 T1D patients and 24 demographically similar healthy volunteers. A commercial OCTA device (AngioVue) was used, and two tests were applied: (1) the hypoxia challenge test (HCT) and (2) the handgrip test to induce a vasodilatory or vasoconstrictive response, respectively. The HCT is a standardized test that creates a mild hypoxic environment equivalent to a flight cabin. The handgrip test (i.e., isometric exercise) induces a sympathetic autonomic response. Changes in the parafoveal superficial and deep capillary plexuses in both tests were compared in each group. Systemic cardiovascular responses were also comparatively evaluated. Results: In the control cohort, the vessel density of the median parafoveal superficial and deep plexuses increased during hypoxia (F1,23 = 15.69, P < 0.001 and F1,23 = 16.26, P < 0.001, respectively). In the T1D group, this physiological response was not observed in either the superficial or the deep retinal plexuses. Isometric exercise elicited a significant decrease in vessel density in both superficial and deep plexuses in the control group (F1,23 = 27.37, P < 0.0001 and F1,23 = 27.90, P < 0.0001, respectively). In the T1D group, this response was noted only in the deep plexus (F1,23 = 11.04, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our work suggests there is an early impairment of the physiological retinal vascular response in patients with T1D without clinical diabetic retinopathy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Adding value to bycatch fish species captured in the Portuguese coast—development of new food products

We live in a world of limited biological resources and ecosystems, which are essential to feed people. Consequently, diversifying target species and considering full exploitation are essential for fishery sustainability. The present study focuses on the valorization of three low commercial value fish species (blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus; black seabream, Spondyliosoma cantharus; and piper gurnard, Trigla lyra) and of two unexploited species (comber, Serranus cabrilla and boarfish, Capros aper) through the development of marine-based food products with added value. A preliminary inquiry with 155 consumers from Região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Center of Portugal) was conducted to assess fish consumption, the applicability of fish product innovation, and the importance of valorizing discarded fish. Five products (black seabream ceviche, smoked blue jack mackerel pâté, dehydrated piper gurnard, fried boarfish, and comber pastries) were developed and investigated for their sensory characteristics and consumer liking by hedonic tests to 90 consumers. The most important descriptors were identified for each product (texture, flavor, color, and appearance). Comber pastries had the highest purchase intention (88%), followed by black seabream ceviche (85%) and blue jack mackerel pâté (76%). Sensory evaluations showed a clear tendency of consumers to accept reformulated products, with the introduction of the low-value and unexploited species under study.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Adding Value to Bycatch Fish Species Captured in the Portuguese Coast—Development of New Food Products

We live in a world of limited biological resources and ecosystems, which are essential to feed people. Consequently, diversifying target species and considering full exploitation are essential for fishery sustainability. The present study focuses on the valorization of three low commercial value fish species (blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus; black seabream, Spondyliosoma cantharus; and piper gurnard, Trigla lyra) and of two unexploited species (comber, Serranus cabrilla and boarfish, Capros aper) through the development of marine-based food products with added value. A preliminary inquiry with 155 consumers from Região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Center of Portugal) was conducted to assess fish consumption, the applicability of fish product innovation, and the importance of valorizing discarded fish. Five products (black seabream ceviche, smoked blue jack mackerel pâté, dehydrated piper gurnard, fried boarfish, and comber pastries) were developed and investigated for their sensory characteristics and consumer liking by hedonic tests to 90 consumers. The most important descriptors were identified for each product (texture, flavor, color, and appearance). Comber pastries had the highest purchase intention (88%), followed by black seabream ceviche (85%) and blue jack mackerel pâté (76%). Sensory evaluations showed a clear tendency of consumers to accept reformulated products, with the introduction of the low-value and unexploited species under study.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

one-step extraction and separation of betalains and chlorophylls using thermoreversible aqueous biphasic systems

This work was partly developed within the scope of the projects CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, LA/P/0006/2020 and the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry-LA/P/0008/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC). Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Royal Society of Chemistry.Globally, up to 50% of root crops, fruits and vegetables produced is wasted. Beetroot stems and leaves fit into this scenario, with only a small fraction being used in cattle food. One way of approaching this problem is through their valorisation, by extracting and recovering valuable compounds present in this type of waste that could be used in other applications, while contributing towards a circular economy. In this work, a new integrated process using thermoreversible aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of quaternary ammonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) and polypropyleneglycol 400 g mol−1 (PPG) is shown to allow the one-step extraction and separation of two pigment classes—betalains and chlorophylls—from red beet stems and leaves. The pigment extraction was carried out with a monophasic aqueous solution of the IL and PPG, whose phase separation was then achieved by a temperature switch, resulting in the simultaneous separation of chlorophylls and betalains into opposite phases. A central composite design was used to optimise the extraction parameters (time, temperature, and solid : liquid (S/L) ratio) of both pigment extraction yields, reaching at 20 °C, 70 min and a S/L ratio of 0.12 a maximum extraction yield of 6.67 wt% for betalains and 1.82 wt% for chlorophylls (per weight of biomass). Moreover, it is shown that aqueous solutions of ILs better stabilise betalains than the gold standard solvent used for the extraction method. Among the studied systems, the ABS comprising the IL N-ethyl-N-methyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) bromide ([N21(2OH)(2OH)]Br) presented the best separation performance, with an extraction efficiency of 92% and 95% for chlorophylls and betalains, respectively, for opposite phases. The pigments were removed from the respective phases using affinity resins, with high recoveries: 96% for betalains and 98% for chlorophylls, further allowing the IL reuse. Finally, the cyto- and ecotoxicities of the quaternary ammonium-based ILs were determined. The obtained results disclosed low to negligible toxicity in the thousands of mg L−1 range, with [N21(2OH)(2OH)]Br being harmless from an ecotoxicological point of view. Overall, it is shown here that the developed process is an innovative approach for the one-step extraction and selective separation of pigments contributing to the valorisation of waste biomass.publishersversionpublishe