Quality in Higher Education: internal quality assurance systems and the quality management models

Quality assurance and accreditation processes related to Portuguese higher education are a relatively new phenomenon, deserving special relevance today after the creation, by the Portuguese State, of the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education - A3ES. The creation of this organism determined the obligation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) accredit their study cycles and, later, implement internal systems for quality assurance. Thus, it is important to realize that these institutions have to decide which direction they have to take to better meet the requirements of the entities that steer them, and meet the needs of the market where they operate. To do this, they need to make strategic decisions that will allow them to apply effective evaluation and quality assurance mechanisms. The implementation of quality assurance internal systems implies that HEIs develop structures, mechanisms, indicators and models that support a dynamic culture of internal evaluation, allowing also responding to the requirements of external evaluation and accreditation systems. With this communication one intends to discuss how quality management models already known and universally accepted, namely ISO 9001 and EFQM, may help to address these requirements and consequently the implementation of such systems in institutions like these, characterized by a very distinct and complex culture

Monte Carlo simulation of portable XRF setup: Non-invasive determination of gold leaf thickness in indo-Portuguese panel paintings

S. Pessanha, M. Manso and V. Antunes also acknowledge FCT for the post-doc grants SFRH/BPD/94234/2013, and SFRH/BPD/103315/2014In this work, we present the combined use of in situ X ray Fluorescence spectroscopy and Monte Carlo simulation using PENELOPE code for the completely non-invasive determination of gold leaf thickness in artworks using lead white as mordant. The methodology used is based on the detection of different characteristic lines of Pb in the X ray fluorescence spectra, attenuated trough the gold leaves, and determining the thickness of gilding by comparing their attenuation. Firstly, this methodology was calibrated using model samples of simple stratigraphy, namely pure Au leafs of 1, 2 and 2.5 μm thickness covering a Pb infinitely thick sheet. The modelled X ray setup was then used to study the gilding thickness of three panel paintings belonging to the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa (India): two paintings, from the 18th century, concerning to the same series but different themes: Our Lady of Sorrows (MoCA1) and Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (MoCA2), and a third painting entitled Monstrance (MoCA3), from the 17th century. These panel paintings were analyzed to understand the differences and similarities between techniques, according to the time/epoch and technique of its manufacture. The obtained values for MoCA2 tend to be slightly lower than for MoCA1, however, the t student test revealed that the differences were not statistically different (p = .37). Regarding the MoCA3 painting, the average thickness was determined to be statistically different (p < .001) and higher than for the other two paintings. These results emphasize the use of different techniques concerning gold leaf beating. In the 17th century painting it was verified the use of a thicker gold leaf while in the group of the 18th century gold leaf was thinner and manufactured with a similar thickness in both paintings. These results are in consonance with the accuracy of leaf beating technology, increasing with the experience acquired during the ages.authorsversionpublishe

IL-1 polymorphisms may predict unsuccessful dental implants?

AimThe aim of this study was to analyse the possible association between no success of dental implants and two polymorphisms, IL1A (-889) and IL1B (+3953), in a Caucasian Portuguese population, and a possible relationship with other potential risk variables associated with a peri-implant disease.Material and Methods155 unrelated Caucasian individuals, were divided into 2 groups: 100 with successful dental implant rehabilitations and 55 with unsuccessful ones. To identify the polymorphisms, in positions -889 of IL1A gene and +3953 of IL1B gene, was performed an oral mucosa scraping of the patients and the DNA obtained from epithelial cells. The data were analysed in the SPSS Statistics 17.0® and the statistic analysis included the independence test of the chi-square, the exact test of Fisher and techniques of analysis of binary logistic regression.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of polymorphisms of IL1A and IL1B gene, determined by the TGP (CGC Genetics, Portugal) results, in the Caucasian Portuguese population was of 33.5%.Success of rehabilitation with dental implants was more associated to a negative TGP result, whereas failure was found to be related to a positive result.Tobacco and alcohol consumption showed no statistically significant association with success or no success of the dental implants.ConclusionThe success of the dental implants was more associated with the presence of the allele 2 of the IL1A gene and the allele 2 of the IL1B gene.Tobacco and alcohol consumption showed no association with success or no success of the rehabilitation with dental implants

Elaboration of distilled beverage from spent coffee ground

Spent coffee ground (SCG) is the solid residue obtained from the treatment of coffee powder with hot water to prepare instant coffee, and constitutes the main coffee industry residue. Finding alternatives for the reuse of this residue is of great interest from economical and environmental viewpoints. The goal of the present study was to use this residue as raw material for the production of a new distilled beverage. The process for elaboration of this beverage consisted in an initial extraction of the aromatic compounds from SCG with water, followed by the fermentation of this extract in a bench bioreactor and subsequently distillation of the fermented broth. The produced drink contained 40% v/v ethanol, and presented mild coffee flavor. Several volatile compounds were identified in this distillate among of which, higher alcohols were quantitatively the most abundant group. Isoamyl alcohol (3-methyl-1-butanol), isobutanol (2-methyl-1-propanol), and 2-methyl-1- butanol were the higher alcohols found in major quantities (810, 269, and 185 mg/l, respectively), contributing thus for the greatest proportion of the total aroma and essential character. Ethyl acetate and acetaldehyde, which are also volatile compounds of large influence on the flavor of alcoholic beverages, were found in SCG distillate in concentrations of 38 mg/l and 80 mg/l, respectively. On the other hand, methanol that is a compound harmful to the health was found at low level (11 mg/l). Considering the flavor, the volatile compounds present, and the ratio between isoamyl alcohol/2- methyl-1-propanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol/1-propanol, which are indicative of the quality of alcoholic beverages and have to be higher than unity, it was concluded that a novel spirit of acceptable organoleptic character can be produced by fermentation using SCG as raw material.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Association Between Taste Sensitivity And Self-reported And Objective Measures Of Salt Intake Among Hypertensive And Normotensive Individuals.

This study investigated the gustatory threshold for salt and its relationship with dietary salt intake among hypertensive (n = 54) and normotensive (n = 54) subjects. Salt intake was evaluated through 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and self-reported measures (discretionary salt, Sodium- Food Frequence Questionnaire (Na-FFQ), and 24-hour recall). Detection and recognition thresholds were higher among hypertensive subjects, as well as the total sodium intake. Detection and recognition thresholds were positively related to discretionary salt and total intake of the group as whole. Hypertensive and normotensive subjects presented positive correlations between taste sensitivity and the different measures of salt intake. To conclude, a positive correlation exists between taste threshold and salt intake and both seem to be higher among hypertensive subjects. The combined use of methods of self-report and assessment of taste thresholds can be useful in health promotion and rehabilitation programs, by screening subjects at higher risk of elevated salt intake and the critical dietary behaviors to be targeted as well to evaluate the result of targeted interventions.201330121

Geographic variation in phenology behavior and response to drought of cork oak populations is crucial to cope with climate change

Cork oak is widely distributed in the Western Mediterranean region, spanning a range of different environmental conditions, and frequently dominating open woodlands of high conservation and socioeconomic value. Cork oak woodlands spread-out for over 715000 ha in Portugal, covering 21% of the national forested area and 30% of the world’s cork producing area. Cork oak is well adapted to the seasonal drought of Mediterranean climate, following several decades of warming- up and frequent drought years. However, since the 70's, maximum and minimum temperatures have risen in Portugal about 0.5 ºC each decade, corresponding to twice the average world temperature increment. In addition, since longer, more frequent, and more intense drought periods are expected, stress caused by the expansion of arid and semi-arid climate throughout the country will affect the species distribution. Consequently, not only established stands may be prone to tree mortality, but also the current reforestation effort may be jeopardized by low survival rates attributed to the use of unsuitable genetic material. It is expected that, through genetic adaptation and/or phenotypic plasticity, cork oak populations may have developed significant differences in fitness and the traits related to it. In this context, provenance trials are the best resource of material to assess the variability between and within populations from seed sources sampled in a wide range of locations (stands) covering the geographical distribution of the species. This will enable to assess the levels and patterns of genetic variation for growth and traits determining adaptation to a specific environment, hence providing crucial information to select appropriate seed sources for planting, as well as to develop sustainable breeding and gene conservation programs. In 1998, multi-site provenance trials were established at three locations in Portugal, as a part of the “European Network for the Evaluation of Genetic Resources of Cork Oak for Appropriate Use in Breeding and Gene Conservation Strategies”. Results from these field trials at 7 years from planting pointed out that seed origin must be considered in reforestation programs, since survival, growth and adaptive traits (phenology, water use efficiency - wue) showed significant differences among populations. Responses to drought (a major limitation to cork oak regeneration) of four contrasting populations, selected according to their field performance for growth, phenology and wue, were further studied under controlled-environment conditions where drought stress was induced. In addition, morphological (total height, root/shoot biomass), physiological (wue, water potential, relative water content and gas exchange) and biochemical (maximum quantum yield of PSII) traits were assessed in 6-month seedlings produced from acorns collected in the stands representing the four contrasting provenances. Results from the controlled experiment provided an indication that drought adaptation was mainly related to early stomatal closure and root investment, with these traits showing significant differences between the studied populations. We have also observed significant differences in growth rhythm, as well as dissimilar temporal drought responses, in the populations under study. In conclusion, both field trials and controlled environment showed consistent results and indicated an important influence of geographic origin on growth performance and wue.projeto PTDC/AGR-AAM/104364/200

Glutaraldehyde exposed Pseudomonas fluorescens: a case of biofilm persistence?

From the assessment of the recovery capability of pseudomonas fluorescens atcc 13525t after exposure to several glutaraldehyde (gta) concentrations (100, 200 and 400 mg/l) and exposure times (1 and 2 hours), it was found that, for gta concentrations above 100 mg/l, whatever the exposure time, bacterial cells presented different growth patterns in solid media. after this statement, the recovered cells were initially characterized using api ne20 strips and species identification was obtained using the api database. the type culture and the cells obtained after treatment with concentrations below 200 mg/l were identified as p. fluorescens. conversely, the identification of cells exposed to higher concentrations of gta failed. the electrophoretic profiles of both the type culture and the cells exposed to gta were obtained by pcr, using the primer t3b. the results showed identical profiles for the type culture and the cells exposed to low gta concentrations, and a totally different pattern for cells exposed to gta concentrations above 200 mg/l. sequencing of the 16s rdna gene is under way in order to further clarify the differences observed. the p. fluorescens atcc 13525 (used as control) and the cells treated with 200 mg/l of gta during 2 hours were selected for further studies. a comparative study was carried out between the above referred cells in terms of morphological structure, surface properties, respiratory activity, biofilm formation ability and susceptibility to gta. the results showed that the cells treated with 200 mg/l of gta presented an elongated structure, were about 30 times less active in terms of respiratory activity and were more hydrophilic. concerning biofilm formation, both tested cells presented biofilm formation ability, but the gta treated cells produced about 2 times more mass of biofilm. however, this biofilm had a specific respiratory activity 3 times less than the one formed by the control culture. the biofilm behaviour immediately after exposure to 200 mg/l of gta during 2 hours, was similar for both situations studied, since a low biofilm removal and inactivation was achieved. however, 7 hours after gta exposure, only 55% of the biofilm formed by the control culture remained attached to the surface, while for the biofilms formed by the treated cells all the deposit remained attached to the surface. the results obtained in this work indicate that cells submitted to gta treatment may give rise to biofilms harder to remove and consequently more persistent, than non-treated cells. therefore, care must be taken in the selection and application of biocides in industrial biofilms

Tailoring carbon nanotubes surface chemistry for the purification of antileukemic drugs

Biopharmaceuticals have been used to overcome fatal diseases related with aging. L-aspariginase (LA), in particular, has shown evidences of being efficient for leukemia therapy. The LA production and purification require several steps increasing the cost of the process. In this work, functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were studied as a cost-effective support to purify LA. It was shown that CNTs have strong affinity for the target biopharmaceutical, meaning that can be a promising alternative for the adsorption and purification of LA.publishe

Nucleotide sugar biosynthesis occurs in the glycosomes of procyclic and bloodstream form <i>Trypanosoma brucei</i>

In Trypanosoma brucei, there are fourteen enzymatic biotransformations that collectively convert glucose into five essential nucleotide sugars: UDP-Glc, UDP-Gal, UDP-GlcNAc, GDP-Man and GDP-Fuc. These biotransformations are catalyzed by thirteen discrete enzymes, five of which possess putative peroxisome targeting sequences. Published experimental analyses using immunofluorescence microscopy and/or digitonin latency and/or subcellular fractionation and/or organelle proteomics have localized eight and six of these enzymes to the glycosomes of bloodstream form and procyclic form T. brucei, respectively. Here we increase these glycosome localizations to eleven in both lifecycle stages while noting that one, phospho-N-acetylglucosamine mutase, also localizes to the cytoplasm. In the course of these studies, the heterogeneity of glycosome contents was also noted. These data suggest that, unlike other eukaryotes, all of nucleotide sugar biosynthesis in T. brucei is compartmentalized to the glycosomes in both lifecycle stages. The implications are discussed

Multidimensional Health Impact of Multicomponent Exercise and Sustainable Healthy Diet Interventions in the Elderly (MED-E): Study Protocol

Data concerning the combined effect of diet and exercise interventions on overall health in the elderly are scarce. The MED-E project's primary aim is to assess the effect of the different 3-month sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) interventions on several health outcomes in the elderly. A quasi-experimental study assigned older adults into four groups: (1) SHD, (2) MT, (3) SHD + MT, or (4) control group (CG). The SHD intervention included a weekly offer of a mixed food supply and individual and group nutritional sessions on the principles of an SHD. The MT groups were submitted to 50-min exercise sessions three times a week. The primary outcomes were blood biomarkers and metabolic profile alterations that were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, data on dietary intake and nutritional adequacy, physical fitness, body composition and anthropometry, cognitive function, quality of life, and geographical data were assessed at the same time points. The MED-E project's study protocol and future results will add to knowledge about the importance and beneficial contribution of combined SHD and MT interventions on healthy ageing policies