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- Advancing internationalisation at the Polytechnic University of Viseu: Transforming challenges into opportunities with short-term mobilitiesPublication . MOTA ROBOREDO AMANTE, FÁTIMA SUSANA; Rodrigues, HelenaInternationalisation has become essential for higher education institutions (HEIs), driven by global collaboration demands. Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and other European University initiatives (EUIs) offer new international opportunities. The Polytechnic University of Viseu (IPV) in Inner Portugal is embracing this trend. This study explores the potential of short-mobility initiatives in advancing internationalisation, focusing on opportunities for students, staff, and the broader institutional landscape. It highlights the role of the EUNICE European University Alliance (EUA), of which IPV is a member, in fostering international engagement. Through a qualitative analysis, the study examines IPV’s strategic planning, showing how it aligns with internationalisation goals. Organisational culture plays a key role in shaping IPV’s global perspective, and the institution’s resourceful approach and clear strategic direction have contributed to a thriving internationalisation framework. This research also addresses the unique challenges HEIs in Inner Portugal face, offering insights that can inform policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance internationalisation efforts in similar contexts. Ultimately, it showcas
- Assessing Q Fever Exposure in Veterinary Professionals: A Study on Seroprevalence and Awareness in Portugal, 2024Publication . Guilherme Moreira; Mário Ribeiro; Miguel Martins; José Maria Cardoso; Esteves, Fernando; Sofia Anastácio; Sofia Duarte; Vala Correia, Helena Maria; Cruz, Rita; Mesquita, João R.Due to their frequent contact with animals, veterinarians may be at preferential risk of Coxiella burnetii exposure due to occupational contact with livestock. This study assesses the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity in Portuguese veterinarians. A cross-sectional study compared IgG anti-C. burnetii in veterinarians’ sera to a demographically matched control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between the demographic, occupational, and biosecurity factors and seropositivity. Seroprevalence among veterinarians was 33.7%, significantly higher (p = 0.0023) than in the controls (17.39%). Univariate analysis identified higher seropositivity in the northern region (p = 0.03), though this association was not significant after adjustment (p = 0.07). Protective measures, including isolating aborting animals from the rest of the herd (adjusted OR [aOR]: 0.35, p = 0.03) and wearing gloves during sample collection (OR: 0.28, p = 0.009), were significantly associated with lower infection risk. Veterinarians face increased C. burnetii exposure, but specific biosecurity practices reduce risk. Strengthening preventive measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) use and biosecurity training, is essential to mitigate occupational and public health risks. Further research should explore vaccination strategies and molecular epidemiology to improve risk reduction efforts.
- Carbon footprint calculator for the Portuguese textile and clothing industry: development, application and validationPublication . C. Duarte; Ferreira, José; Lopes Brás, Isabel Paula; Ferreira Silva, Maria Elisabete
- Characterization of Lignocellulosic Byproducts from the Portuguese Forest: Valorization and Sustainable UsePublication . Macena, Morgana; Gonçalves Oliveira Valente da Cruz-Lopes, Luísa Paula; Grosche, Lucas; Santos-Vieira, Isabel; Esteves, Bruno; Pereira, HelenaThe increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has placed biomass as a versatile and renewable resource, while the management and disposal of forest byproducts remain a significant challenge. This study explores the valorization of forest biomass residues derived from Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea, and the invasive species Acacia dealbata, with a focus on their potential application as bioadsorbents. A comprehensive physicochemical characterization was conducted for different biomass fractions (leaves, needles, and branches of varying diameters). Leaves and needles contained higher amounts of extractives (from 7.7% in acacia leaves to 18.8% in maritime pine needles) and ash (3.4 and 4.2% in acacia leaves and stone pine needles, respectively), whereas branches contained more holocellulose (from 59.6% in P. pinea small branches to 79.2% in P. pinaster large branches). ATR-FTIR and pHpzc analyses indicated compositional and surface charge differences, with higher pHpzc values in A. dealbata relative to Pinus. TG analysis showed that acacia large branches degraded at a lower temperature (320 °C) compared to Pinus species (440–450 °C). Overall, the findings highlight the suitability of these underutilized forest byproducts as bioadsorbents, contributing to the advancement of circular economy practices.
- Chemical Modification of Pachira aquatica Oil for Bio-Based Polyurethane Wood AdhesivesPublication . Silva, Emilly; Esteves, Bruno; Domingos, idalina; Almeida, Margarida Lopes de; Araújo, Bruno; Chaves, Izabella; Fassarella, Michelângelo; et al.The development of biomass-based adhesives has attracted interest as an alternative to petroleum-derived synthetic and potentially toxic adhesives. Pachira aquatica oil is a renewable raw material that can be incorporated into an MDI-based polyurethane system. In this study, the chemical composition and reactivity of P. aquatica oil were characterized using GC–MS, FTIR, and hydroxyl index measurements. The oil showed a predominance of saturated fatty acids, particularly methyl hexadecanoate (64.80%), derived from palmitic acid, and exhibited a low initial hydroxyl value. To enhance reactivity, the oil was transesterified with glycerol under different conditions, producing polyols with substantially increased hydroxyl values (412–769 mg KOH g−1 ), as confirmed by the intensified O–H and C–O bands in the FTIR spectra. The polyurethane adhesives were formulated from the selected polyols (P3 and P4) and evaluated at different NCO/OH ratios and pressing temperatures, using ABES shear tests. The highest ABES shear strength recorded was approximately 3.6 MPa, obtained for isocyanate indices between 0.8 and 1.0 and temperatures around 115 ◦C. Although this value represents the best performance among the tested conditions, it remains below the industrial benchmarks typically associated with the EN 205 standard (≈10 MPa). It is important to note that the ABES and EN 205 methods are not directly comparable due to differences in testing protocols. Nevertheless, the results indicate that, under the evaluated conditions, the adhesives exhibit limited mechanical performance and require further optimization.
- Co-creation & design ¿ Living heritage routes project: memories itineraries for the city of LamegoPublication . Fernandes, Didiana; Marques dos Santos, Paula Alexandra; Pereira Vieira, Isabel CristinaThe “Living heritage routes” project aims to interpret a given geographical area for tourism - the city of Lamego - based on the visual/oral perceptions and memories of the residents, so that it is possible to create tourist proposals, based on co-creation, that involve the local community, students and cultural agents through the ontemporary interpretation of the space. The project has three istinct phases: 1st survey of the material and immaterial cultural heritage; 2nd elaboration of tourist itineraries and 3rd realization of an event that promotes and divulges the project - through a historical recreation of the space. The main objectives of this study were to involve the local population in projects that aim to recover and promote the local tangible and intangible cultural heritage. We believe that it is possible to create new cultural and artistic products, such as thematic itineraries, based on the image, perceptions and memories of the resident population, which can attract more visitors, improving the development of sustainable tourism aimed at local culture promoting. The methodology of this project, as far as its 1st phase is concerned, went through a qualitative approach, using mental maps, accompanied by interview, as a method of enquiry, in order to understand the local community's perception of their urban space. The analysis and interpretation of the mental maps will follow the methodology presented by Kozel (2007). The results obtained through a first analysis of the interviews and the mental maps, applied to 40 residents of the city of Lamego from four different age groups allowed, in a first preliminary analysis, the identification of new natural and cultural tangible and intangible heritage resources, as well as the identification of several points connected to the singularity and identity of the city and its districts. It was also clear that the connection of residents to their districts influences the way they perceive the city, as well as its symbolic and representational icons. The results reinforce the importance of involving residents, in the cocreation of heritage tourism products, allowing the construction and renewal of the tourism offer in small historical towns
- Competitive Adsorption of Metal Ions by Lignocellulosic Materials: A Review of Applications, Mechanisms and Influencing FactorsPublication . Weber Macena, Morgana; Helena Pereira; Gonçalves Oliveira Valente da Cruz-Lopes, Luísa Paula; Lucas Grosche; Esteves, BrunoThe rapid expansion of industrial and agricultural activities in recent years has significantly contributed to water pollution leading to a decline in water quality and the need for effective treatment and reuse strategies. Metal contamination in water bodies poses severe environmental and health risks, making the development of cost-effective and sustainable remediation methods essential. Among the various treatment approaches, biosorption using biological adsorbents has emerged as a promising alternative due to its low cost and high efficiency. However, while the adsorption mechanisms of single metals are well understood, the competitive interactions between multiple metal ions during the sorption process remain less explored. In this review, we analyze the competitive biosorption of metals in multi-metallic wastewater systems. Key factors influencing metal removal, such as pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage, and initial metal concentration, are discussed, along with the intrinsic properties of biosorbents and metal ions that affect sorption efficiency. Additionally, we highlight recent studies on agroforestry byproducts as effective biosorbents for metal removal, showcasing their potential for sustainable water treatment. Heavy metals pose significant risks even at low concentrations, necessitating robust regulations and advanced treatment technologies; biomass byproducts, as cost-effective biosorbents, can be optimized through pre-treatment, activation, pH and temperature control, and particle size reduction, while effectively manage
- Designing and implementing an inclusive peer mentoring program in higher educationPublication . Antunes, Sandra; Oliveira, Isabel; Guedes, Anabela; Marques dos Santos, Paula Alexandra
- Effects of theta-binaural beats auditory stimulation on creativity, psychological well-being and mood states of university students: Pilot studyPublication . Mendes, Liliana; Leonido, Levi; Pereira, Antonino; Morgado, Elsa GabrielThis study investigates the impact of theta-frequency binaural beats (BB) on creativity, mood, and psychological well-being in university students, addressing the growing interest and controversy surrounding this auditory stimulation technique. A quantitative, correlational, quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 26 university students aged 18–54 (96.2% female, 3.8% male). Participants listened to theta BB (6-Hz beat frequency on a 250 Hz carrier) for 20 minutes daily using the Binaural Beats App. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the reduced Creative Personality Scale (EPC), the short Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS), and the Psychological Well-Being Manifestation Scale (EMMBEP). Results revealed significant improvements in creativity, psychological well-being, and reduced total mood disturbance after exposure to theta BB. Significant differences in total mood disturbance across assessment moments highlighted the intervention's time-sensitive benefits. The study highlights the potential of theta-frequency BB to enhance psychological well-being, mood, and creativity among university students. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of BB as a non-invasive tool for improving mental and emotional states. Theta BB may serve as an accessible and cost-effective method for promoting mental health and fostering creativity in educational and therapeutic settings.
- Enhanced Properties of Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb ex L.f.) D.Don from the Azores Through Heat-TreatmentPublication . Esteves, Bruno; Nunes, Lina; A. Lopes, Rogério; Gonçalves Oliveira Valente da Cruz-Lopes, Luísa PaulaThis study evaluates the chemical, physical, mechanical, and biological properties of untreated and heat-treated Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb ex L.f.) D.Don wood from the Azores, Portugal. Heat treatment was performed at 212 ◦C for 2 h following the Thermo-D class protocol. Chemical analysis revealed an increase in ethanol soluble extractives and lignin content after heat treatment, attributed to hemicellulose degradation and condensation reactions. Dimensional stability improved significantly, as indicated by reduced swelling coefficients and higher anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), particularly in the tangential direction. Heat-treated wood demonstrated reduced water absorption and swelling, enhancing its suitability for applications requiring dimensional stability. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in bending strength by 19.6% but an increase in the modulus of elasticity (MOE) by 49%, reflecting changes in the wood’s structural integrity. Surface analysis revealed significant color changes, with darkening, reddening, and yellowing, aligning with trends observed in other heat-treated woods. Biological durability tests indicated that both untreated and treated samples were susceptible to subterranean termite attack, although heat-treated wood exhibited a higher termite mortality rate, suggesting potential long-term advantages. This study highlights the impact of heat treatment on Cryptomeria japonica wood, emphasizing its potential for enhanced stability and durability in various applications.