Experimentation with radio environment maps for resources optimisation in dense wireless scenarios

The rapidly increasing popularity of WiFi has created unprecedent levels of congestion in the unlicensed frequency bands, especially in densely populated urban areas. This results mainly because of the uncoordinated operation and the unmanaged interference between WiFi access points. Recently, Radio Environment Maps (REM) have been suggested as a support for coordination strategies that optimize the overall WiFi network performance. Despite some theoretical work done in this area, there are no clear experimental evidences of the benefit brought by WiFi coordination. In this context, the main objective of this experiment is to assess the benefit of a coordinated management of radio resources in dense WiFi networks using REMs for indoor scenarios. This experiment has used the w-iLab.t test environment provided by iMINDS, a cognitive-radio testbed for remote experimentation. It was shown that REMs are capable of detecting the presence of interfering links on the network (co-channel or adjacent channel interference), and a suitable coordination strategy can use this information to reconfigure Access Points (AP) channel assignment and reestablish the client connection. The coordination strategy almost double the capacity of a WiFi link under strong co–channel interference, from 6.8 Mbps to 11.8 Mbps, increasing the aggregate throughput of the network from 58.7 Mbps to 71.5 Mbps. However, this gain comes with the cost of a relatively high density network of spectrum sensors (12 sensors for an area of 60 × 20 m), increasing the cost of deployment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dermic diffusion and stratum corneum: a state of the art review of mathematical models

Transdermal biotechnologies are an ever increasing field of interest, due to the medical and pharmaceutical applications that they underlie. There are several mathematical models at use that permit a more inclusive vision of pure experimental data and even allow practical extrapolation for new dermal diffusion methodologies. However, they grasp a complex variety of theories and assumptions that allocate their use for specific situations. Models based on Fick's First Law found better use in contexts where scaled particle theory Models would be extensive in time-span but the reciprocal is also true, as context of transdermal diffusion of particular active compounds changes. This article reviews extensively the various theoretical methodologies for studying dermic diffusion in the rate limiting dermic barrier, the stratum corneum, and systematizes its characteristics, their proper context of application, advantages and limitations, as well as future perspectives

Views and Experience of People with Diabetes, Informal Carers, and Healthcare Professionals in Portugal

INTRODUCTION: The increasing burden of diabetes poses a great challenge to healthcare systems and economy worldwide. Although modern therapeutic strategies for diabetes are widely available, most patients still fail to achieve optimal clinical targets and well-being. The primary objective of this study was to assess and explore potential drivers and successful management of diabetes among people with diabetes, family members and healthcare professionals in Portugal, by applying the protocol of the multinational study "Diabetes, Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2)". MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 767 adults, including 417 people with diabetes, 123 family members and 227 healthcare professionals, participated in the study. Surveys assessed health-related quality of life, self-management, attitudes/beliefs, social support and priorities for improvement areas in diabetes care. RESULTS: Diabetes has a negative impact on the physical health and emotional well-being of patients in Portugal and is also a psychological burden for family members. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of diabetes were mentioned as a major area of improvement. Healthcare professionals indicated the need for diabetes self-management education. CONCLUSION: We have used for the first time in Portugal the DAWN2 protocol to address the wishes, needs, and attitudes of Portuguese diabetes patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals regarding the disease.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

time to go public with insulin resistance?

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that around 70% of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients (T2DM) have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Awareness and education are amongst the major shortcomings of the public health response to the increasing threat of NAFLD. Characterizing the specific NAFLD-related information needs of particular high-risk metabolic communities, for instance, T2DM patients, might aid in the development of evidence-based health promotion strategies, ultimately promoting NAFLD-awareness, treatment adherence and therapeutic success rates. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with T2DM patients were conducted to gain insight into their awareness of NAFLD, including its relationship with insulin resistance and T2DM. RESULTS: Awareness of NAFLD as a disease entity, as well as its progression to end-stage liver disease or its relationship with other metabolic conditions, including insulin resistance and T2DM was low. Surveillance behaviours were also suboptimal and perceptions on the self-management knowledge and praxis regarding lifestyle intervention components of T2DM treatment seemed detached from those of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could inform the integration of NAFLD-related content in T2DM health promotion strategies. Rising awareness on NAFLD progression and its relationship with T2DM using culturally and community-relevant constructs might facilitate the development of primary and secondary prevention programmes to promote the adherence to lifestyle interventions by influencing NAFLD threat perceptions.publishersversionpublishe

Impact of climate changes in the suitable areas for Coffea arabica L. production in Mozambique: Agroforestry as an alternative management system to strengthen crop sustainability

Climate changes (CC) are a main global phenomenon, with a worldwide impact on natural and agricultural ecosystems. The objective of this study was to analyse the potential impact of future CC on the suitability of areas for rainfed coffee growth, both at the Mozambique national scale and in the Gorongosa Mountain, under Agroforestry (AFS) and Full Sun (FS) management systems. The latter study site is part of the Gorongosa National Park (PNG), one of the most biodiverse places and an outstanding case of successful ecosystem restoration, including the rainforest from Gorongosa Mountain. Additionally, coffee cultivation in PNG under AFS is part of a strategy to strengthen the socio-economic sustainability of the local population, and the recovery of biodiversity in a degraded tropical rainforest ecosystem. Future climate assessments were elaborated through bioclimatic and biophysical variables (Elevation), with Coffea arabica L. being modeled under the current conditions and four global climate models (GCMs) using four Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). Isothermality, annual precipitation, and altitude were the most important variables influencing suitable areas in Mozambique. The analysis revealed that currently suitable areas where C. arabica is grown in Mozambique will be negatively affected under future scenarios (SSP126 to SSP585) in both systems (AFS and FS), although with clear worst impacts for FS. Under AFS, suitable areas will be reduced between about half and two-thirds by 2041–2060, and up to 91% by 2081–2100 (depending on scenarios) at the whole country level. Additionally, in Gorongosa Mountain, almost all scenarios point to a 30% reduction of the suitable area by 2041–2060, reaching 50% by 2081–2100, both in SSP126 and SSP245 scenarios. In sharp contrast, at the whole country level, the FS system is projected to be unsuitable for most of Mozambique, with area losses close to or above two-thirds already in 2021–2040, and greater than 80% by 2061–2080. Under this system, the projections were even more dramatic, pointing to a total absence of adequate areas at Gorongosa Mountain already by 2021–2040. Overall, our study provides clear evidence that the implementation of AFS greatly reduces CC deleterious impacts, being crucial to guarantee the sustainability of the coffee crop in the near future.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Agroforestry as an alternative management system to strengthen crop sustainability

Funding Information: This work was supported by national funds of Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua (Portugal), Agência Brasileira de Cooperação (Brazil), and Parque Nacional da Gorongosa (Mozambique), through the project GorongosaCafé (TriCafé), as well as through Portuguese national funds from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT), through the grants SFRH/BD/135357/2017 (C. Cassamo), and the Scientific Employment Stimulus - Individual Call (CEEC Individual) - 2021.01107.CEECIND/CP1689/CT0001 (I. Marques), and to the research units UIDB/00239/2020 (CEF), UIDB/00329/2020 (CE3C) and UIDP/04035/2020 (GeoBioTec). Funding from CNPq, Brazil (F. Partelli) is also greatly acknowledged. Funding Information: This work was supported by national funds of Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua (Portugal), Agência Brasileira de Cooperação (Brazil), and Parque Nacional da Gorongosa (Mozambique), through the project GorongosaCafé (TriCafé), as well as through Portuguese national funds from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia , I.P. (FCT), through the grants SFRH/BD/135357/2017 (C. Cassamo), and the Scientific Employment Stimulus - Individual Call (CEEC Individual) - 2021.01107.CEECIND/CP1689/CT0001 (I. Marques), and to the research units UIDB/00239/2020 (CEF), UIDB/00329/2020 (CE3C) and UIDP/04035/2020 (GeoBioTec). Funding from CNPq , Brazil (F. Partelli) is also greatly acknowledged. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The AuthorsClimate changes (CC) are a main global phenomenon, with a worldwide impact on natural and agricultural ecosystems. The objective of this study was to analyse the potential impact of future CC on the suitability of areas for rainfed coffee growth, both at the Mozambique national scale and in the Gorongosa Mountain, under Agroforestry (AFS) and Full Sun (FS) management systems. The latter study site is part of the Gorongosa National Park (PNG), one of the most biodiverse places and an outstanding case of successful ecosystem restoration, including the rainforest from Gorongosa Mountain. Additionally, coffee cultivation in PNG under AFS is part of a strategy to strengthen the socio-economic sustainability of the local population, and the recovery of biodiversity in a degraded tropical rainforest ecosystem. Future climate assessments were elaborated through bioclimatic and biophysical variables (Elevation), with Coffea arabica L. being modeled under the current conditions and four global climate models (GCMs) using four Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). Isothermality, annual precipitation, and altitude were the most important variables influencing suitable areas in Mozambique. The analysis revealed that currently suitable areas where C. arabica is grown in Mozambique will be negatively affected under future scenarios (SSP126 to SSP585) in both systems (AFS and FS), although with clear worst impacts for FS. Under AFS, suitable areas will be reduced between about half and two-thirds by 2041–2060, and up to 91% by 2081–2100 (depending on scenarios) at the whole country level. Additionally, in Gorongosa Mountain, almost all scenarios point to a 30% reduction of the suitable area by 2041–2060, reaching 50% by 2081–2100, both in SSP126 and SSP245 scenarios. In sharp contrast, at the whole country level, the FS system is projected to be unsuitable for most of Mozambique, with area losses close to or above two-thirds already in 2021–2040, and greater than 80% by 2061–2080. Under this system, the projections were even more dramatic, pointing to a total absence of adequate areas at Gorongosa Mountain already by 2021–2040. Overall, our study provides clear evidence that the implementation of AFS greatly reduces CC deleterious impacts, being crucial to guarantee the sustainability of the coffee crop in the near future.publishersversionpublishe

Development of an Interactive Lifestyle Programme for Adolescents at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes: PRE-STARt

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing in young people. Reporting on the processes used when developing prevention interventions is needed. We present the development of a family-based interactive lifestyle intervention for adolescents with risk factors for T2D in the future. Method: A multidisciplinary team in the UK site led the intervention development process with sites in Portugal, Greece, Germany and Spain. Potential programme topics and underpinning theory were gathered from literature and stakeholders. A theoretical framework based on self-efficacy theory and the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour) model was developed. Sessions and supporting resources were developed and refined via two iterative cycles of session and resource piloting, feedback, reflection and refinement. Decision on delivery and content were made by stakeholders (young people, teachers, parents, paediatricians) and all sites. Materials were translated to local languages. Site-specific adaptations to the language, content and supporting resources were made. Results: The “PRE-STARt” programme is eight 90-min interactive sessions with supporting curriculum and resources. Iterative development work provided valuable feedback on programme content and delivery. Conclusion: Reporting on the intervention development process, which includes stakeholder input, could yield a flexible approach for use in this emerging ‘at risk’ groups and their families

Shade and Altitude Implications on the Physical and Chemical Attributes of Green Coffee Beans from Gorongosa Mountain, Mozambique

Coffea arabica L. is as a tropical crop that can be grown under monocrop or agroforestry (AFS) systems, usually at altitudes greater than 600 m, with suitable environmental conditions to bean quality. This study aimed to assess the effect of altitude (650, 825, and 935 m) and light conditions (deep shade—DS, and moderate shade—MS provided by native trees, and full Sun—FS) on the physical and chemical attributes of green coffee beans produced in the Gorongosa Mountain. Regardless of altitude, light conditions (mainly MS and FS) scarcely affected most of the studied physical and chemical attributes. Among the few exceptions in physical attributes, bean mass tended to lower values under FS in all three altitudes, whereas bean density increased under FS at 650 m. As regards the chemical compound contents, sporadic changes were found. The rises in trigonelline (MS and FS at 935 m), soluble sugars (FS at 935 m), and the decline in p-coumaric acid (MS and FS at 825 m), may indicate an improved sensory profile, but the rise in FQAs (FS at 825 m) could have a negative impact. These results highlight a relevant uncertainty of the quality changes of the obtained bean. Altitude (from 650 to 935 m) extended the fruit maturation period by four weeks, and altered a larger number of bean attributes. Among physical traits, the average sieve (consistent tendency), bean commercial homogeneity, mass, and density increased at 935 m, whereas the bean became less yellowish and brighter at 825 and 935 m (b*, C* colour attributes), pointing to good bean trade quality, usually as compared with beans from 650 m. Furthermore, at 935 m trigonelline and 5-CQA (MS and FS) increased, whereas FQAs and diCQAs isomers declined (in all light conditions). Altogether, these changes likely contributed to improve the sensory cup quality. Caffeine and p-coumaric acid showed mostly inconsistent variations. Overall, light conditions (FS, MS, or DS) did not greatly and consistently altered bean physical and chemical attributes, whereas altitude (likely associated with lower temperature, greater water availability (rainfall/fog), and extended maturation period) was a major driver for bean changes and improved qualityinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Prediabetes blunts DPP4 genetic control of postprandial glycaemia and insulin secretion

Funding Information: The PREVADIAB-2 study was supported by a grant from the Portuguese Directorate General of Health. This work was financed by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (reference number PTDC/BIM/MET/4265/2014), by iNOVA4Health UIDB/Multi/04462/2020 and by ONEIDA (project E-411021.01, Lisboa-01-0145-FEDER-016417, co-funded by FEEI [Fundos Europeus Estruturais e de Investimento] from Programa Operacional Regional Lisboa 2020. We also acknowledge the research infrastructure CONGENTO (project LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-022170), co-financed by Lisboa Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund and the Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal).Aims/hypothesis: Imbalances in glucose metabolism are hallmarks of clinically silent prediabetes (defined as impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) representing dysmetabolism trajectories leading to type 2 diabetes. CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a clinically proven molecular target of diabetes-controlling drugs but the DPP4 gene control of dysglycaemia is not proven. Methods: We dissected the genetic control of post-OGTT and insulin release responses by the DPP4 gene in a Portuguese population-based cohort of mainly European ancestry that comprised individuals with normoglycaemia and prediabetes, and in mouse experimental models of Dpp4 deficiency and hyperenergetic diet. Results: In individuals with normoglycaemia, DPP4 single-nucleotide variants governed glycaemic excursions (rs4664446, p=1.63x10−7) and C-peptide release responses (rs2300757, p=6.86x10−5) upon OGTT. Association with blood glucose levels was stronger at 30 min OGTT, but a higher association with the genetic control of insulin secretion was detected in later phases of the post-OGTT response, suggesting that the DPP4 gene directly senses glucose challenges. Accordingly, in mice fed a normal chow diet but not a high-fat diet, we found that, under OGTT, expression of Dpp4 is strongly downregulated at 30 min in the mouse liver. Strikingly, no genetic association was found in prediabetic individuals, indicating that post-OGTT control by DPP4 is abrogated in prediabetes. Furthermore, Dpp4 KO mice provided concordant evidence that Dpp4 modulates post-OGTT C-peptide release in normoglycaemic but not dysmetabolic states. Conclusions/interpretation: These results showed the DPP4 gene as a strong determinant of post-OGTT levels via glucose-sensing mechanisms that are abrogated in prediabetes. We propose that impairments in DPP4 control of post-OGTT insulin responses are part of molecular mechanisms underlying early metabolic disturbances associated with type 2 diabetes. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

Loss of postprandial insulin clearance control by Insulin-degrading enzyme drives dysmetabolism traits

Systemic insulin availability is determined by a balance between beta-cell secretion capacity and insulin clearance (IC). Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is involved in the intracellular mechanisms underlying IC. The liver is a major player in IC control yet the role of hepatic IDE in glucose and lipid homeostasis remains unexplored. We hypothesized that IDE governs postprandial IC and hepatic IDE dysfunction amplifies dysmetabolic responses and prediabetes traits such as hepatic steatosis. In a European/Portuguese population-based cohort, IDE SNPs were strongly associated with postprandial IC in normoglycemic men but to a considerably lesser extent in women or in subjects with prediabetes. Liver-specific knockout-mice (LS-IDE KO) under normal chow diet (NCD), showed reduced postprandial IC with glucose intolerance and under high fat diet (HFD) were more susceptible to hepatic steatosis than control mice. This suggests that regulation of IC by IDE contributes to liver metabolic resilience. In agreement, LS-IDE KO hepatocytes revealed reduction of Glut2 expression levels with consequent impairment of glucose uptake and upregulation of CD36, a major hepatic free fatty acid transporter. Together these findings provide strong evidence that dysfunctional IC due to abnormal IDE regulation directly impairs postprandial hepatic glucose disposal and increases susceptibility to dysmetabolic conditions in the setting of Western diet/lifestyle.publishe