Sensitive communication of Human Rights: case study of the European Foundation of Human Rights

Relatório de estágio de mestrado apresentado à Escola Superior de Comunicação Social como parte dos requisitos para obtenção de grau de mestre em Gestão Estratégica das Relações Públicas.The literature has conceptualized Public Relations as a paradigm that encompasses organizational identity, communication, and management, with influence on an organization's image. An essential attribute of this approach consists of a complex interactions system that is established at the corporate level with multiple stakeholder groups. If we want to take seriously the construction of a respect culture for diversity, Human Rights, and the construction of a democratic society, it is primordial to discuss communication. The interest in studying the Public Relations discipline extends to organization communication, strategies and behavior change. Public Relations can be seen as a support function that solves problems in organizations and societies, an impetus for the appeal of social awareness. In our everyday life, there are many ways of communication. But in some cases we need to communicate in a more caring way. As a means of organizational communication, sensitive communication is used by people to deliver information in a way that tries to meet the needs and wants of its target audience. The purpose of this paper is to examine the strategies and methods of Public Relations towards sensitive communication using a case study during an international internship. The present work is about a Public Relations internship at the European Foundation for Human Rights, a Lithuanian company specialized in protecting and promoting the rights and ethics of minorities living in Lithuania. This investigation presents in detail the specific characteristics that motivated, conditioned, and characterized the realization of this internship, as well as the importance of Public Relations in an active role in society, so that it is possible to achieve a sensitive communication for Human Rights.RESUMO: A literatura tem conceptualizado as Relações Públicas como um paradigma que engloba a identidade, comunicação e gestão organizacional, com influência na imagem de uma organização. Um atributo essencial desta abordagem consiste num sistema complexo de interações que é estabelecido a nível corporativo com múltiplos grupos de interessados. Se queremos levar a sério a construção de uma cultura de respeito pela diversidade, pelos Direitos Humanos, e a construção de uma sociedade democrática, é primordial discutir a comunicação. O interesse em estudar a disciplina das Relações Públicas estende-se à comunicação organizacional, estratégias e mudança de comportamento. As Relações Públicas podem ser vistas como uma função de apoio que resolve problemas nas organizações e sociedades, um impulso para o apelo da consciência social. Na nossa vida quotidiana, existem muitas formas de comunicação. Mas em alguns casos, precisamos de comunicar de uma forma mais atenciosa. Como meio de comunicação organizacional, a comunicação sensível é utilizada pelas pessoas para fornecer informação de uma forma que tenta satisfazer as necessidades e desejos do seu público alvo. O objetivo deste documento é examinar as estratégias e métodos das Relações Públicas para a comunicação sensível utilizando um estudo de caso durante um estágio internacional. O presente trabalho é sobre um estágio de Relações Públicas na Fundação Europeia para os Direitos Humanos, uma empresa lituana especializada na proteção e promoção dos direitos e ética das minorias que vivem na Lituânia. Esta investigação apresenta em detalhe as características específicas que motivaram, condicionaram e caracterizaram a realização deste estágio, bem como a importância das Relações Públicas num papel ativo na sociedade, para que seja possível alcançar uma Comunicação Sensível aos Direitos Humanos.N/

Making urban planning and design smarter with participatory mobile biosensing

The objective of this project is to develop and test inclusive and participatory mixed methodologies that use biosensor data to plan and design healthy, convivial, and sustainable tourism, consumption and leisure areas.N/

Uncovering biodegradability and biocompatibility of betaine-based deep eutectic systems

Funding Information: Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on). This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 (European Research Council) under the grant agreement No ERC-2016-CoG 725034. This work was further supported by the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry- LAQV which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020) and by the Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit UCIBIO which is financed by national funds from FCT (UIDP/04378/2020 and UIDB/04378/2020). Alexandre Paiva acknowledges FCT for the financial support through IF/01146/2015. Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s).Deep eutectic systems (DES) have shown increasing popularity in last decade; however, the number of studies on the potential toxicity towards living organisms remains scarce. These studies are of the utmost importance to infer on the claimed non-toxicity and biocompatibility of DES. Most articles published, at this moment, only evaluate the toxicity towards a cell model or in different strains of bacteria. For this purpose, in this work, the effect of two DES (betaine:sorbitol:water 1:1:3 and betaine:glycerol 1:2) and their individual components were evaluated at different concentrations after administered via intraperitoneal injection in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The total antioxidant capacity, lipoperoxidation, and the activity of various enzymes that work in different antioxidant pathways (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase) were assessed. The results show no significant toxicity within the tested concentrations: up to 5000 µM and 3000 µM, for the assays using the system betaine:sorbitol:water 1:1:3 and for betaine:glycerol 1:2, respectively. The toxicity of individual components was studied up to 1000 µM. Based on the encouraging results that have been obtained, it is safe to conclude that these two deep eutectic systems can be used as the new class of environmentally friendly solvents. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]publishersversionpublishe

Communicating the Urban Experience through Biosensing: A Participatory Approach

Advances in biosensing technologies have led to the commercialization of novel lightweight wearable devices, which have been praised by urban scholars for offering the possibility to quantify emotions in real-world settings, something that had proven to be very challenging until now. Although many studies mix biosensing with qualitative methods to provide a clearer picture of what physiological data might mean in terms of emotions, there has been little exploration of how people interpret their own biodata. Following calls for greater attention to participation in biosensing studies, this article explores the nuances of the interpretation of biodata by research participants. Drawing on the findings of a study in which participants were invited to reflect on and discuss their own biodata during and after a walk in a high street in Lisbon, we show how exposing participants to biodata creates moments of bounded interference that foster in-depth reflection about the urban experience. With this in mind, we discuss how bounded interference can be a generative driver for more detailed discussions about spatial experiences.Los avances en las tecnologías de biodetección han llevado a la comercialización de aparatos portátiles, novedosos y ligeros, que se ponderan por los estudiosos de los entornos urbanos por ofrecer la posibilidad de cuantificar las emociones en entornos reales, algo que hasta ahora se consideraba poco menos que irrealizable. Si bien muchos estudios juntan la biodetección con los métodos cualitativos para brindar una imagen más clara de lo que podrían significar los datos fisiológicos en términos de emociones, muy poca exploración ha sido adelantada sobre el modo como la gente interpreta sus propios biodatos. Atendiendo los llamados porque se preste más atención a la participación en los estudios de biodetección, este artículo explora los matices de la interpretación de los biodatos por quienes participan en las investigaciones. Basándonos en los hallazgos de un estudio en el que los participantes fueron invitados a reflexionar y discutir sobre sus propios biodatos, durante y después de una caminata por una calle importante de Lisboa, mostramos cómo el exponer a los participantes a sus biodatos crea momentos de interferencia limitada que fomenta la reflexión a profundidad acerca de la experiencia urbana. Con eso en mente, discutimos cómo la interferencia limitada puede ser una fuerza generativa para discusiones más detalladas acerca de las experiencias espaciales.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Utilização de biodetetores em investigação participada em Turismo e Estudos Urbanos.

Desenvolver e testar metodologias mistas inclusivas e participativas através da utilização de dados de biodeteção (biosensing) que permitam planear espaços de turismo, consumo e lazer mais saudáveis, conviviais e sustentáveis.N/

Dried blood spots in clinical lipidomics: optimization and recent findings

Dried blood spots (DBS) are being considered as an alternative sampling method of blood collection that can be used in combination with lipidomic and other omic analysis. DBS are successfully used in the clinical context to collect samples for newborn screening for the measurement of specifc fatty acid derivatives, such as acylcarnitines, and lipids from whole blood for diagnostic purposes. However, DBS are scarcely used for lipidomic analysis and investigations. Lipidomic stud ies using DBS are starting to emerge as a powerful method for sampling and storage in clinical lipidomic analysis, but the major research work is being done in the pre- and analytical steps and procedures, and few in clinical applications. This review presents a description of the impact factors and variables that can afect DBS lipidomic analysis, such as the type of DBS card, haematocrit, homogeneity of the blood drop, matrix/chromatographic efects, and the chemical and physi cal properties of the analyte. Additionally, a brief overview of lipidomic studies using DBS to unveil their application in clinical scenarios is also presented, considering the studies of method development and validation and, to a less extent, for clinical diagnosis using clinical lipidomics. DBS combined with lipidomic approaches proved to be as efective as whole blood samples, achieving high levels of sensitivity and specifcity during MS and MS/MS analysis, which could be a useful tool for biomarker identifcation. Lipidomic profling using MS/MS platforms enables signifcant insights into physiological changes, which could be useful in precision medicine.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fatores associados à amamentação na primeira hora de vida: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To identify independent risk factors for non-breastfeeding within the first hour of life. METHODS A systematic review of Medline, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases, till August 30, 2013, was performed without restrictions on language or date of publishing. Studies that used regression models and provided adjusted measures of association were included. Studies in which the regression model was not specified or those based on specific populations regarding age or the presence of morbidities were excluded. RESULTS The search resulted in 155 articles, from which 18 met the inclusion criteria. These were conducted in Asia (9), Africa (5), and South America (4), between 1999 and 2013. The prevalence of breastfeeding within the first hour of life ranged from 11.4%, in a province of Saudi Arabia, to 83.3% in Sri Lanka. Cesarean delivery was the most consistent risk factor for non-breastfeeding within the first hour of life. “Low family income”, “maternal age less than 25 years”, “low maternal education”, “no prenatal visit”, “home delivery”, “no prenatal guidance on breastfeeding” and “preterm birth” were reported as risk factors in at least two studies. CONCLUSIONS Besides the hospital routines, indicators for low socioeconomic status and poor access to health services were also identified as independent risk factors for non-breastfeeding within the first hour of life. Policies to promote breastfeeding, appropriate to each context, should aim to reduce inequalities in health.OBJETIVO Identificar fatores de risco independentes para a não amamentação na primeira hora de vida. MÉTODOS Revisão sistemática nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs, Scopus e Web of Science, sem restrição de idioma ou período de publicação, até 30 de agosto de 2013. Foram incluídos estudos que utilizaram modelos de regressão e forneceram medidas de associação ajustadas. Foram excluídos artigos que não especificaram o modelo de regressão utilizado ou que abordaram populações específicas quanto à faixa etária ou presença de morbidade. RESULTADOS Foram identificados 155 artigos, dos quais 18 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Foram realizados na Ásia (nove), África (cinco) e América do Sul (quatro) entre 1999 e 2010. A prevalência da amamentação na primeira hora de vida variou de 11,4%, em uma província da Arábia Saudita, a 83,3% no Sri Lanka. A cesariana foi o fator de risco mais consistente para a não amamentação na primeira hora de vida. “Baixa renda familiar”, “idade materna menor que 25 anos”, “baixa escolaridade materna”, “ausência de consultas pré-natais”, “parto domiciliar”, “falta de orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal” e “prematuridade” foram fatores de risco identificados em pelo menos dois estudos. CONCLUSÕES Além de rotinas hospitalares, indicadores associados a pior nível socioeconômico e menor acesso a serviços de saúde foram também identificados como fatores de risco independentes para a não amamentação na primeira hora de vida. Políticas de promoção da amamentação, adequadas a cada contexto, devem ter como meta a redução das desigualdades em saúde

Hydrophobic DES Based on Menthol and Natural Organic Acids for Use in Antifouling Marine Coatings

Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.Marine biofouling negatively impacts industries with off-shore infrastructures, such as naval, oil, and aquaculture. To date, there are no ideal sustainable, economic, and environmentally benign solutions to deal with this phenomenon. The advances achieved in green solvents, as well as its application in different industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology, have promoted the emergence of deep eutectic systems (DES). These eutectic systems have applications in various fields and can be revolutionary in the marine-based industrial sector. In this study, the main objective was to investigate the potential use of hydrophobic DES (HDES) based on menthol and natural organic acids for their use as marine antifouling coatings. Our strategy encompassed the physicochemical characterization of different formulations, which allowed us to identify the most appropriate molar ratio and intermolecular interactions for HDES formations. The miscibility of the resulting HDES with the marine coating has been evaluated and proven to be successful. The Men/OL (1:1) system proved to be the most promising in terms of cost-production and thus was the one used in subsequent antifouling tests. The cytotoxicity of this HDES was evaluated using an in vitro cell model (HaCat cells) showing no significant toxicity. Furthermore, the application of this system incorporated into coatings that are used in marine structures was also studied using marine species (Mytilus edulis mussels and Patella vulgata limpets) to evaluate both their antifouling and ecotoxicity effects. HDES Men/OL (1:1) incorporated in marine coatings was promising in reducing marine macrofouling and also proved to be effective at the level of microfouling without viability impairment of the tested marine species. It was revealed to be more efficient than using copper oxide, metallic copper, or ivermectin as antifouling agents. Biochemical assays performed on marine species showed that this HDES does not induce oxidative stress in the tested species. These results are a strong indication of the potential of this HDES to be sustainable and efficiently used in marine fouling control technologies.publishersversionpublishe

Exploring biomedical applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the grants 2021.05914.BD (given to D.P.) and PTDC/BTM-MAT/4738/2020 project (given to A.C.P.-S., J.C., and F.V.) from Fundacão para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). J.C. acknowledges the European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG-2019-848325).Bio-mimicking principles have recently been proposed for the surface functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs). Such a strategy is based on camouflaging the NP surface with functional biomembranes to render superior biocompatibility, interfacial features, immune evasion, and active targeting properties to nanomaterials. In this area of research, cell membranes derived from a plethora of highly optimized cells, such as red blood cells, immune cells, platelets, stem cells, cancer cells, and others, have been the pioneers as coating materials. This biomimetic concept has then been applied to subcellular structures, namely extracellular vesicles and intracellular organelles. Exosomes are a nanosized extracellular vesicle subtype secreted by most cells. These phospholipid bilayer nanovesicles are surface enriched with proteins accounting for their dynamic and prominent roles in immune escape, cell-cell communication, and specific cell uptake. Their intrinsic stability, biocompatibility, reduced immunogenicity and toxicity, and specific cell-targeting features denote an optimal biological nanocarrier for biomedical applications. This review highlights the current clinical applications of exosome membrane-coated nanosystems in cancer diagnosis and therapy. These biomimetic nanosystems have emerged as a promising avenue to provide effective, highly specific, and safer cancer-targeted applications. Finally, challenges hindering their clinical application will be mentioned.publishersversionpublishe