Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-06-01"
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- Collective agreements on working conditions of solo self-employed persons: perspective of EU competition lawPublication . Jurkowska-Gomułka, Agata; Piszcz, Anna; Pais, Sofia OliveiraThe 2022 Guidelines of the European Commission on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed persons apparently introduced a fresh approach towards collective agreements in a gig economy era. The main aim of this paper is to discuss whether the 2022 Guidelines are an appropriate tool to address the problems of solo self-employed persons (i.e. persons who are not in a formal employment relationship and who rely primarily on their own personal labour to provide services) from the perspective of EU competition law. To this end, we first present key competition problems related to collective agreements (section 1). Second, we analyse the regulatory framework for exemptions from competition law, with a view for a potential exemption relevant for collective agreements, as well as an approach to collective agreements in EU case law (sections 2 and 3). Third, the background for adopting the Guidelines, and their goals, is analysed (sections 4 and 5). Fourth, the Guidelines are discussed in more detail in sections 6 and 7 from the perspective of exemptions from Art. 101(1) TFEU. Finally, we examine the relationship between the Guidelines and a proposal for a platform work directive. The article attempts to verify the hypothesis that the Guidelines may be considered a pseudo-development.
- Increased body movement equals better performance? Not always! Musical style determines motion degree perceived as optimal in music performancePublication . Moura, Nádia; Fonseca, Pedro; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Serra, SofiaMusicians’ body behaviour has a preponderant role in audience perception. We investigated how performers’ motion is perceived depending on the musical style and musical expertise. To further explore the effect of visual input, stimuli were presented in audio-only, audio–visual and visual-only conditions. We used motion and audio recordings of expert saxophone players playing two contrasting excerpts (positively and negatively valenced). For each excerpt, stimuli represented five motion degrees with increasing quantity of motion (QoM) and distinct predominant gestures. In the experiment (online and in-person), 384 participants rated performance recordings for expressiveness, professionalism and overall quality. Results revealed that, for the positively valenced excerpt, ratings increased as a function of QoM, whilst for the negatively valenced, the recording with predominant flap motion was favoured. Musicianship did not have a significant effect in motion perception. Concerning multisensory integration, both musicians and non-musicians presented visual dominance in the positively valenced excerpt, whereas in the negatively valenced, musicians shifted to auditory dominance. Our findings demonstrate that musical style not only determines the way observers perceive musicians’ movement as adequate, but also that it can promote changes in multisensory integration.
- Religiously unaffiliated youth in Europe: shifting remnants of belief and practice in contexts of diffused religion and cohort declinePublication . Coutinho, José P.; Wilkins-Laflamme, SarahThis study investigates the remnants and dynamics of religious beliefs and practices among religiously unaffiliated youth in Europe, comparing them with the older unaffiliated as well as with the religiously affiliated. Using EVS 2017–2021 data to test contrasting hypotheses of diffused religion and cohort replacement, the study draws three main conclusions. First, youth believe more on average and older age groups believe less when it comes to eschatological beliefs among both the unaffiliated and the affiliated. Second, youth practice less and older age groups practice more on average among both the unaffiliated and the affiliated. Third, the gaps in levels of religious beliefs and practices remain between the religiously unaffiliated and the religiously affiliated among younger populations, but this gap is now narrower for religious practices. Results confirm both hypotheses (diffused religion and cohort replacement) depending on the dimensions of religiosity at study.
- Impact of washing and freezing on nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and microstructure of mango peelsPublication . Marçal, Sara; Sousa, Sérgio; Araújo-Rodrigues, Helena; Silva, Inês V.; Campos, Débora A.; Pintado, ManuelaMango peels are widely produced and highly perishable. Disinfectant washing and freezing are among the most used methods to preserve foods. However, their impact on products’ properties is conditioned by the foods’ features. This study evaluated for the first time the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and microstructure of mango peels washed with peracetic acid (27 mg/mL for 19 min) and frozen at −20 °C for 30 days. Washing decreased the content of vitamin C (−7%), penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (−23 %), catechin (−30 %), and lutein (−24 %), but the antioxidant activity was preserved. Freezing changed mango peels’ microstructure, increased free phenolic compounds, namely acid gallic (+36 %) and catechin (+51 %), but reduced bound phenolic compounds (−12 % to −87 %), bound phenolic compounds’ antioxidant activity (−51 % to −72 %), and violaxanthin (−51 %). Both methods were considered adequate to conserve mango peels since fiber and the main bioactive compounds (free mangiferin, free gallic acid, and β-carotene) remained unchanged or increased.
- A dança como estratégia de autocuidado profissional em cuidados paliativosPublication . Leão, Deolinda; Ribeirinho, CarlaO investimento no autocuidado é fundamental para alcançar uma harmonia saudável entre a vida pessoal e profissional dos profissionais da área dos cuidados paliativos. As danças circulares são uma prática integrativa, que consciencializa para uma visão sobre a pessoa, o mundo e a relação com o outro. Compreender-se a si mesmo implica explorar pensamentos, emoções e sentimentos, muitas vezes, manifestados pela expressão corporal. Foi este o mote do projeto da Comunidade de Prática em Cuidados Paliativos do Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas da Universidade de Lisboa, para o desenvolvimento de um momento formativo, através das danças circulares como estratégia para a promoção da saúde física e emocional. Foram objetivos estimular reflexões e partilhas sobre autoconhecimento e autocuidado; promover a aprendizagem da diferenciação entre pensar, sentir e agir; clarificar o propósito das emoções e sua manifestação corporal e acolher a vulnerabilidade. Participaram 17 profissionais e 2 estudantes da área da saúde, das ciências sociais e comportamentais. As danças circulares revelaram-se uma ferramenta de intervenção educativa e social com potencial, contribuindo para uma maior humanização do autocuidado individual e coletivo, resgatando valores humanos fundamentais através da expressão corporal e emocional e do autoconhecimento.
- Characteristics of lacto-fermented whey, milk, hemp and lupine proteinsPublication . Bartkiene, Elena; Klupsaite, Dovile; Starkute, Vytaute; Mockus, Ernestas; Bartkevics, Vadims; Ruibys, Romas; Batkeviciute, Gabija; Özogul, Fatih; Khalid, Muhammad Usman; Rocha, João MiguelLacto-fermentation of proteins not only improves their biological and functional value but also causes nutritional and biochemical alteration as well as the formation of undesirable compounds, which needs to be monitored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in whey, milk, hemp and lupine protein characteristics (acidity, microbiological parameters, color characteristics, free amino acid (AA) profile, biogenic amine (BA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations) during lacto-fermentation with Pediococcus acidilactici LUHS29 and Pediococcus pentosaceus LUHS183 strains. Greater lactic acid bacteria growth and drop in pH was found in fermented plant proteins than in the animal ones. The contents of free essential and non-essential AAs were increased in all proteins fermented with the LUHS29 strain. This strain also possessed a greater GABA-producing ability in all fermented proteins. Compared to plant proteins, fermented animal proteins exhibited less GABA and total BA contents. Fermented hemp proteins had the highest BA content (on average, 215.8 mg/kg), while milk proteins fermented with LUHS183 for 48 h had the lowest value. P. acidilactici LUHS29 strain could be beneficial for a notable enhancement of AA and GABA in proteins, while the monitoring of BA synthesis in fermented hemp proteins needs specific attention.
- Characterization of spent yeast streams from precision fermentations driven by genetically engineered yeasts: valorization potential for a circular bioeconomyPublication . Deuchande, Teresa; Fundo, Joana F.; Rodrigues, Daniela; Pintado, Manuela E.; Amaro, Ana L.Currently, valuable biomolecules are sustainably produced through fermentation using genetically modified microorganisms. However, this industry also generates several waste streams, such as spent yeast (SY). To close the sustainability loop in bioproduction, it is essential to define valorization strategies for such waste streams. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the compositional differences among these novel SYs, intending to pave the way for devising highly effective and beneficial valorization strategies for these streams. In this work, SYs derived from the production of beer (SBY) and six biomolecules [β-farnesene (Fene), rebaudioside M (Reb M), manool (MN), patchouli (PAT), sandalwood (SDW), and sclareol (SCL)] through fermentations driven by engineered yeasts were characterized. The results showed that SY from Fene, MN, and PAT production have similar concentrations of protein (35.9–44% dw), minerals, and amino acids, being compatible with bulking and use as nitrogen sources. Those derived from Reb M production showed significantly higher levels of lipids (21 ± 2.6% dw) compared to all the other SYs (1.7–10.8% dw), whereas the ones derived from SCL production showed significantly higher levels of inorganic matter (45%) compared with those found in the other SYs (1.2–11.3% dw). The results showed that assessing the extent of compositional variation among different SYs derived from precision fermentations represents a primary step toward developing efficient valorization or biorefining strategies.
- Pseudoacromegaly - a challenging entity in the endocrine clinic: a systematic reviewPublication . Marques, Pedro; Sapinho, Inês; Korbonits, MártaObjective: Pseudoacromegaly encompasses conditions with features of acromegaly/ gigantism, but no growth hormone (GH) or insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) excess. We aimed to review published pseudoacromegaly cases evaluated due to clinical suspicion of acromegaly. Design/Patients: PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify reported pseudoacromegaly cases, which were systematically reviewed to ensure they met eligibility criteria: (1) presentation suggestive of acromegaly; (2) acromegaly excluded based on normal GH, IGF‐1 and/or GH suppression on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT‐GH); (3) diagnosis of the pseudoacromegaly condition was established. Data were retrieved from each case and analysed collectively. Results: Of 76 cases, 47 were males, mean ages at presentation and at first acromegaloid symptoms were 28 ± 16 and 17 ± 10 years, respectively. Most common conditions were pachydermoperiostosis (47%) and insulin‐mediated pseudoacromegaly (IMP) (24%). Acromegaloid facies (75%) and acral enlargement (80%) were the most common features. Measurement of random GH was reported in 65%, IGF‐1 in 79%, OGTT‐GH in 51%. GH excess was more frequently excluded based on two tests (53%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 30 patients, with pituitary adenoma or hyperplasia being reported in eight and three patients, respectively. Investigations differed between cases managed by endocrine and non‐endocrine specialists, the former requesting more often IGF‐1, OGTT‐GH and pituitary MRI. Conclusions: Pseudoacromegaly is a challenging entity that may be encountered by endocrinologists. Pachydermoperiostosis and IMP are the conditions most often mimicking acromegaly. Adequate assessment of GH/IGF‐1 is crucial to exclude acromegaly, which may be better performed by endocrinologists. Pituitary incidentalomas are common and require careful judgement to prevent unnecessary pituitary surgery.
- An overview on mushroom polysaccharides: health-promoting properties, prebiotic and gut microbiota modulation effects and structure-function correlationPublication . Araújo-Rodrigues, Helena; Sousa, Ana Sofia; Relvas, João Bettencourt; Tavaria, Freni K.; Pintado, ManuelaMushroom polysaccharides are recognized as “biological response modifiers”. Besides several bioactivities, a growing interest in their prebiotic potential has been raised due to the gut microbiota modulation potential. This review comprehensively summarizes mushroom polysaccharides' biological properties, structure-function relationship, and underlying mechanisms. It provides a recent overview of the key findings in the field (2018–2024). Key findings and limitations on structure-function correlation are discussed. Although most studies focus on β-glucans or extracts, α-glucans and chitin have gained interest. Prebiotic capacity has been associated with α-glucans and chitin, while antimicrobial and wound healing potential is attributed to chitin. However, further research is of utmost importance. Human fecal fermentation is the most reported approach to assess prebiotic potential, indicating impacts on intestinal biological, mechanical, chemical and immunological barriers. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been directly connected with intestinal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Concerning gut microbiota modulation, animal experiments have suggested proinflammatory cytokines reduction and redox balance re-establishment. Most literature focused on the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. However, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties are discussed. A significant overview of the gaps and research directions in synergistic effects, underlying mechanisms, structure-function correlation, clinical trials and scientific data is also given.
- Impact of a daily legume-based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults: a pilot studyPublication . Ferreira, Helena; Vasconcelos, Marta; Gil, Ana M.; Silveira, Joana; Alves, Paulo; Martins, Sandra; Assunção, Marco; Guimarães, João Tiago; Pinto, ElisabeteThis pilot study aimed to assess the impact of substituting a traditional lunch for a vegetarian legume-based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults. A one-group comparison, quasi-experimental dietary intervention was designed. A vegetarian legume-based meal was offered for 8 consecutive weeks (weekdays) to non-vegetarian individuals (n = 26), (28 years [P25 = 20.0, P75 = 35.5]; 21.9 kg/m2 [P25 = 21.3, P75 = 24.8]). Sociodemographic data, health status and lifestyle-related information were recorded. Three-day food records were used to collect food intake at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and fasting blood analyses were performed following standard procedures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical comparisons. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Participants showed a median intake of 79.8 g of cooked legumes per meal, meaning 13 (50.0%) subjects met the Portuguese daily legume intake recommendations during the intervention days. There were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters. Transferrin concentration increased after 8 weeks (+12.5 mg/dL; p = 0.001). Total cholesterol concentration reduced after 8 weeks (−6 mg/dL; p = 0.041), as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (−7 mg/dL; p = 0.003). Triglycerides (+9 mg/dL; p = 0.046), fasting glucose (+2 mg/dL; p = 0.037) and HbA1c (+0.1 mg/dL; p = 0.010) concentration increased after the 2-month legume-based trial. Results suggest a cholesterol-lowering potential of legume-rich diets. However, unfavourable results regarding the impact on glucose metabolism-related biomarkers and triglyceride levels were observed. The study's limitations in design and sample size emphasise the importance of conducting further research with larger cohorts to attain more conclusive findings.
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