https://hdl.handle.net/10216/73085 2026-07-18T22:10:56Z 2026-07-18T22:10:56Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/174781 2026-07-08T06:46:34Z 2023-10-19T00:00:00Z

Title: Characterisation of the outdoor public space: a model for assessment

2023-10-19T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/156952 2026-05-30T06:45:33Z 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Guest Editorial for the Special Issue on Soil-Geosynthetic Interaction Abstract: [No abstract available]

2023-11-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/160028 2026-05-21T06:54:29Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effect of T2-T4 sympathicotomy in skin temperature of pediatric patients with hyperhidrosis: a thermographic follow-up. Abstract: [No abstract available]

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/153597 2026-04-25T06:13:08Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quorum sensing architecture network in Escherichia coli virulence and pathogenesis Abstract: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative commensal bacterium of the normal microbiota of humans and animals. However, several E. coli strains are opportunistic pathogens responsible for severe bacterial infections, including gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant serotypes that can cause a wide spectrum of diseases, E. coli is considered one of the most troublesome human pathogens worldwide. Therefore, a more thorough understanding of its virulence control mechanisms is essential for the development of new anti-pathogenic strategies. Numerous bacteria rely on a cell density-dependent communication system known as quorum sensing (QS) to regulate several bacterial functions, including the expression of virulence factors. The QS systems described for E. coli include the orphan SdiA regulator, an autoinducer-2 (AI-2), an autoinducer-3 (AI-3) system, and indole, which allow E. coli to establish different communication processes to sense and respond to the surrounding environment. This review aims to summarise the current knowledge of the global QS network in E. coli and its influence on virulence and pathogenesis. This understanding will help to improve anti-virulence strategies with the E. coli QS network in focus. This review highlights the latest findings in the field of cell-to-cell communication systems in Escherichia coli and discusses the relevance of this complicated signalling network for the virulence and pathogenesis of this bacterium.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/153602 2026-04-25T06:09:50Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The action of phytochemicals in biofilm control Abstract: Covering: 2009 to 2021 Antimicrobial resistance is now rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world, threatening the treatment of an ever-increasing range of infectious diseases. This has becoming a serious public health problem, especially due to the emergence of multidrug-resistance among clinically important bacterial species and their ability to form biofilms. In addition, current anti-infective therapies have low efficacy in the treatment of biofilm-related infections, leading to recurrence, chronicity, and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to search for innovative strategies/antibacterial agents capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional antibiotics. Natural compounds, in particular those obtained from plants, have been exhibiting promising properties in this field. Plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) can act as antibiofilm agents through different mechanisms of action from the available antibiotics (inhibition of quorum-sensing, motility, adhesion, and reactive oxygen species production, among others). The combination of different phytochemicals and antibiotics have revealed synergistic or additive effects in biofilm control. This review aims to bring together the most relevant reports on the antibiofilm properties of phytochemicals, as well as insights into their structure and mechanistic action against bacterial pathogens, spanning December 2008 to December 2021.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/169497 2026-04-22T06:40:56Z 2025-05-27T00:00:00Z

Title: The potential of selected natural products as biofilm control agents and antibiotic resistance modifiers

2025-05-27T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/169489 2026-04-22T06:15:06Z 2025-05-27T00:00:00Z

Title: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: a synergistic approach with berberine, gentamicin, and colistin

2025-05-27T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/169479 2026-04-22T06:40:54Z 2025-05-27T00:00:00Z

Title: Targeting quorum sensing: ferulic and sinapic acids compromise Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm architecture and virulence

2025-05-27T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/169500 2026-04-22T06:27:14Z 2025-05-27T00:00:00Z

Title: Photodynamic inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using harmine-antiseptic combinations

2025-05-27T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/116081 2026-04-21T06:44:25Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Photodynamic inactivation as an emergent strategy against foodborne pathogenic bacteria in planktonic and sessile states Abstract: Foodborne microbial diseases are still considered a growing public health problem worldwide despite the global continuous efforts to ensure food safety. The traditional chemical and thermal-based procedures applied for microbial growth control in the food industry can change the food matrix and lead to antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, currently applied disinfectants have limited efficiency against biofilms. Therefore, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has become a novel alternative for controlling foodborne pathogenic bacteria in both planktonic and sessile states. The use of aPDT in the food sector is attractive as it is less likely to cause antimicrobial resistance and it does not promote undesirable nutritional and sensory changes in the food matrix. In this review, aspects on the antimicrobial photodynamic technology applied against foodborne pathogenic bacteria and studied in recent years are presented. The application of photodynamic inactivation as an antibiofilm strategy is also reviewed.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/141334 2026-04-16T06:35:59Z 2021-06-08T00:00:00Z

Title: Mitigation of uranium mining impactsa review on groundwater remediation technologies Abstract: Groundwater contamination is one of the most concerning issues from uranium mining activities. Radionuclides cannot be destroyed or degraded, unlike some organic contaminants (and similar to metals). Besides, sites, where radionuclides may be found, are mainly radioactive and mixed waste disposal areas, and therefore many other contaminants may also be present in groundwater. The state-of-the-art of environmental technology is continually changing, and thus a review on technologies application is of utmost relevance. This work gives an overview of the available remediation technologies for groundwater contaminated with radionuclides resulting mainly from uranium mining. For each technology, a theoretical background is provided; the state of development, limitations, efficiency, and potential adverse effects are also approached. Examples of application and performance monitoring of remediation progress are described, and criteria for the selection of the appropriate remediation technology are given. The most effective remediation technology will always be site-specific as a result of the multitude of geographic and operational factors that influence the effluent quality and impact the technical feasibility of treatment methods. Ion exchange, chemical precipitation, and membrane filtration have been considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as best demonstrated available technologies for radium and uranium removal. Several factors have been demonstrated to influence the selection of a remediation technology (technological aspects and non-technical factors), but even for the technologies demonstrated or industrial proven, two important challenges remain; the (still) mobile radionuclides and the generation of secondary wastes. Besides, remediation technologies are constantly evolving, but future advancement depends on rigorously monitored, documented efficiency, and results achieved. Therefore, the technologies approached in this paper are by no means exhaustive. (c) 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

2021-06-08T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/174013 2026-04-15T06:38:16Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Recent Advances in Pneumatic Soft Actuators: Special Issue in Actuators Journal

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/165965 2026-04-11T06:54:18Z 2024-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Building a Greener Future: Advancing Concrete Production Sustainability and the Thermal Properties of 3D-Printed Mortars Abstract: The integration of waste materials in extrudable cement mixtures has the potential to make the construction industry more sustainable by reducing carbon footprints and developing eco-friendly materials. This along with advancements in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) provides engineering and architectural benefits by reducing material waste and costs. In this paper, the impact of waste incorporation on properties of mortar and concrete is examined. The use of waste materials, such as pumice, coal slag, agricultural lignocellulosic residues, and recycled rubber tyres, to improve thermal insulation and durability of cementitious composites is discussed. In addition, the incorporation of air-entraining admixtures with surfactant activity is explored for their indirect effect on thermal behaviour, pore size reduction, and enhancement in concrete properties. This review includes important topics such as a strength resistance to freezing and thawing, fire resistance, plasticising effect, and delay in cement hydration. These findings highlight the benefits of using diverse waste materials in construction, providing a multidimensional approach to waste management, cost optimization, and enhanced construction materials in the context of 3DCP.

2024-05-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/173983 2026-04-11T06:54:02Z 2026-01-14T00:00:00Z

Title: Trends and Challenges in Lead-Free Brass Alloy Development for Machining Applications: A Systematic Literature Review Abstract: Lead (Pb) is widely used in brass alloys (Cu-Zn) to enhance machinability, as its deformation into needle-like particles promotes chip breakage by initiating cracks. However, growing awareness of Pb's toxicity has led to strict environmental regulations and growing demand for sustainable, lead-free alternatives. This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 framework, consolidates recent research on the development and performance of machinable lead-free brass alloys. A comprehensive search was performed in the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases, identifying 93 studies for full-text analysis. Various strategies have been identified for the development of lead-free brass, including process optimization, heat treatments, direct Pb substitution, and novel alloy design. The review highlights significant progress in achieving acceptable mechanical and machining performance, although trade-offs in cost, corrosion resistance, and large-scale manufacturability remain. The consolidated key findings offer a structured basis for future alloy design and promote consistent evaluation of microstructural, mechanical, and machining properties.

2026-01-14T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/165556 2026-04-11T06:51:41Z 2025-02-26T00:00:00Z

Title: Modular Construction in the Digital Age: A Systematic Review on Smart and Sustainable Innovations Abstract: Modular construction provides numerous benefits over traditional methods, especially when combined with digital technologies, offering a faster, safer, leaner, and more sustainable construction environment. This literature review follows the PRISMA method to assess recent advancements in digital-oriented modular construction towards a sustainable and climate-neutral built environment, identifying research trends and gaps based on three pillars: digital tools, building solutions, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the integration of digital technologies with modular construction methods, extending the analysis to circular and bioclimatic efforts, renewable energy sources, and passive building design strategies. While most articles focus on BIM uses, there is an increasing emphasis on IoT applications that leverage real-time data to achieve sustainability goals. However, no full-scale automated Digital Twin was found in this context. Additionally, Building Energy Modelling (BEM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools are frequently discussed, reflecting the push for climate-friendly housing. Despite the interest in parametric and generative design, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence applications for sustainable modular construction strategies remains underexplored. Only a few papers acknowledged reaching nZEB requirements despite the great emphasis on passive building solutions and renewable energy sources that contribute to this goal. However, material circularity has yet to achieve its full potential for sustainable modular construction. Moreover, there is some interest in off-grid modular buildings, although further research should be undertaken to analyse the modular construction feasibility for sustainable off-grid communities. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of digitalisation in modular construction to enhance efficiency and ensure environmental sustainability within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.

2025-02-26T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/132212 2026-04-10T06:46:42Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A Systematic Survey of ML Datasets for Prime CV Research Areas-Media and Metadata Abstract: The ever-growing capabilities of computers have enabled pursuing Computer Vision through Machine Learning (i.e., MLCV). ML tools require large amounts of information to learn from (ML datasets). These are costly to produce but have received reduced attention regarding standardization. This prevents the cooperative production and exploitation of these resources, impedes countless synergies, and hinders ML research. No global view exists of the MLCV dataset tissue. Acquiring it is fundamental to enable standardization. We provide an extensive survey of the evolution and current state of MLCV datasets (1994 to 2019) for a set of specific CV areas as well as a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results. Data were gathered from online scientific databases (e.g., Google Scholar, CiteSeerX). We reveal the heterogeneous plethora that comprises the MLCV dataset tissue; their continuous growth in volume and complexity; the specificities of the evolution of their media and metadata components regarding a range of aspects; and that MLCV progress requires the construction of a global standardized (structuring, manipulating, and sharing) MLCV "library". Accordingly, we formulate a novel interpretation of this dataset collective as a global tissue of synthetic cognitive visual memories and define the immediately necessary steps to advance its standardization and integration.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/147877 2026-04-10T06:45:53Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Occupational Accidents Related to Heavy Machinery: A Systematic Review Abstract: Surface and underground mining, due to its technical challenges, is considered a hazardous industry. The great majority of accidents and fatalities are frequently associated with ineffective or inappropriate training methods. Knowing that knowledge of occupational accident causes plays a significant role in safety management systems, it is important to systematise this kind of information. The primary objective of this systematic review was to find evidence of work-related accidents involving machinery and their causes and, thus, to provide relevant data available to improve the mining project (design). The Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement methodology was used to conduct the review. This paper provides the main research results based on a systematic review protocol registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), where the research strategy, information sources, and eligibility criteria are provided. From the 3071 articles identified, 16 were considered eligible and added to the study. Results are presented in a narrative-based form, with additional data provided in descriptive tables. The data analysed showed that the equipment often related to mining accidents are conveyor belts, haul trucks, and dumpers, especially during maintenance or repair activities. Attention should be paid to powered tools. Effective monitoring and machine operation control are some of the stated measures to minimise accidents. Particular attention should be paid to less experienced and senior workers, mainly through fatigue control, workload management, and appropriate training programs.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/119757 2026-04-10T06:45:41Z 2019-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Editorial Editors: Gustavo Carneiro; João Manuel R. S. Tavares; Andrew P. Bradley; João Paulo Papa; Jacinto C. Nascimento; Jaime S. Cardoso; Zhi Lu; Vasileios Belagiannis

2019-05-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/167142 2026-03-16T07:45:04Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cytostatics in Indoor Environment: An Update of Analytical Methods Abstract: Periodic and adequate environmental monitoring programs are crucial to assess and reduce the occupational exposure of healthcare workers to cytostatics. The analytical methods employed should be rapid, reliable, sensitive, standardized, and include multiple compounds. A critical overview of recent overall procedures for surface and air contamination with cytostatics in workplace settings is presented, with a focus on sampling, sample preparation, and instrumental considerations. Limitations are also addressed and some recommendations and advice are provided. Since dermal absorption is the main exposure route, surface contamination is the preferred indicator of biological uptake and its methods have significantly improved. In contrast, cytostatics' inhalation is rare; thus, air contamination has been poorly studied, with little improvement. Still, some elements of the analytical methods have not been extensively explored, namely: the amount of wetting solution, the extraction procedure, surface chemistry and roughness, recovery studies from specific surfaces, and cytostatics stability (in surfaces and during shipping and storage). Furthermore, complete validation data (including precision, accuracy, and instrumental and method detection limits) and estimation of global uncertainty are still lacking in most studies, thus preventing method comparison and proposal of standardized procedures.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10216/133780 2026-01-22T07:28:30Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Coherence in the Ferroelectric A(3)ClO (A = Li, Na) Family of Electrolytes Abstract: Coherence is a major caveat in quantum computing. While phonons and electrons are weakly coupled in a glass, topological insulators strongly depend on the electron-phonon coupling. Knowledge of the electron-phonon interaction at conducting surfaces is relevant from a fundamental point of view as well as for various applications, such as two-dimensional and quasi-1D superconductivity in nanotechnology. Similarly, the electron-phonon interaction plays a relevant role in other transport properties e.g., thermoelectricity, low-dimensional systems as layered Bi and Sb chalcogenides, and quasi-crystalline materials. Glass-electrolyte ferroelectric energy storage cells exhibit self-charge and self-cycling related to topological superconductivity and electron-phonon coupling; phonon coherence is therefore important. By recurring to ab initio molecular dynamics, it was demonstrated the tendency of the Li3ClO, Li2.92Ba0.04ClO, Na3ClO, and Na2.92Ba0.04ClO ferroelectric-electrolytes to keep phonon oscillation coherence for a short lapse of time in ps. Double-well energy potentials were obtained while the electrolyte systems were thermostatted in a heat bath at a constant temperature. The latter occurrences indicate ferroelectric type behavior but do not justify the coherent self-oscillations observed in all types of cells containing these families of electrolytes and, therefore, an emergent type phenomenon where the full cell works as a feedback system allowing oscillations coherence must be realized. A comparison with amorphous SiO2 was performed and the specific heats for the various species were calculated.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z