2025
Authors
Alexandre, MR; Poinhos, R; Oliveira, BMPM; Correia, F;
Publication
NUTRIENTS
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, yet traditional risk assessment methods may overlook behavioral and circadian influences that modulate metabolic health. Chronotype, physical activity, sleep quality, eating speed, and breakfast habits have been increasingly associated with cardiometabolic outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the associations between these behavioral factors and both anthropometric and biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk among obese candidates for bariatric surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 286 obese adults (78.3% females, mean 44.3 years, SD = 10.8, mean BMI = 42.5 kg/m2, SD = 6.2) followed at a central Portuguese hospital. Chronotype (reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), physical activity (Godin-Shephard Questionnaire), eating speed, and breakfast skipping were assessed. Cardiovascular risk markers included waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio, A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Roundness Index, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Men exhibited significantly higher WHR, ABSI, HOMA-IR, TyG, and AIP. Eveningness was associated with higher insulin (r = -0.168, p = 0.006) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.156, p = 0.011). Poor sleep quality was associated with higher body fat mass (r = 0.151, p = 0.013), total cholesterol (r = 0.169, p = 0.005) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.132, p = 0.030). Faster eating speed was associated with a higher waist circumference (r = 0.123, p = 0.038) and skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.160, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Male sex, evening chronotype, and poor sleep quality were associated with more adverse cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with severe obesity. These findings support the integration of behavioral and circadian factors into cardiovascular risk assessment strategies.
2025
Authors
Amarelo, A; da Mota, MCC; Amarelo, BLP; Ferreira, MC; Fernandes, CS;
Publication
PAIN MANAGEMENT NURSING
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to systematically collect, evaluate, and critically synthesize research findings on the effects of physical exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Method: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews was adopted for this study. We searched the Medline (R), CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases to identify relevant articles published from inception to March 2024. This review was reported in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 928 participants. Interventions ranged from aerobic and resistance exercises to balance and strength training. A range of physical exercise interventions was explored, including brisk walking, endurance training, weight exercises, and resistance bands, as well as combined programs of aerobics, resistance, and balance training, all tailored to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The meta-analysis focused on five studies that used the FACT/GOG-Ntx scale indicated a standardized mean difference of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.74), favoring exercise, reflecting significant improvements in neuropathy symptoms. The heterogeneity among the studies was low (I 2 = 2%), suggesting consistency in the beneficial effects of exercise. Conclusions: From the results analyzed, the descriptive analysis of the 12 included studies shows promising outcomes not only related to individuals' perceptions of CIPN severity but also in terms of physical functioning, balance, ADL (Activities of Daily Living) performance, pain, and quality of life. The findings support the integration of structured exercise programs into oncological treatment plans. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Pain Management Nursing. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
2025
Authors
Ribeiro, M; Carneiro, D; Mesquita, L;
Publication
PROGRESS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, EPIA 2024, PT I
Abstract
With the proliferation of ODR service providers, there is a critical necessity to establish mechanisms supporting their functioning, particularly while designing ODR processes. This article aims to examine the impact of process modelling using BPMN, and of its relevance in the integration of AI into ODR processes within the EU. BPMN allows a meticulous depiction of all the ODR process steps, stakeholders, and underlying data in structured formats that are readable and interpretable by both humans and AI, which enables its integration. The advantages include predictive analysis, identification of opportunities for continuous improvement, operational efficiency, cost and time reduction, and enhanced accessibility for self-represented litigants. Additionally, the transparency afforded by explicitly incorporating AI in BPMN notation fosters a clearer comprehension of processes, facilitating management and informed decision-making. Nevertheless, it remains imperative to address ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias, fairness, and privacy.
2025
Authors
Thunshirn, P; Baptista, J; Pinto, T;
Publication
2025 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2025 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) capacities are among the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies worldwide. The optimal sizing of these technologies is crucial to achieving a cost-effective integration into existing energy systems and increase competitiveness. However, existing models often neglect cyclic (dynamic) BESS degradation and replacement costs, and assume a calendar aging (static) system lifetime, use low-resolution consumption and solar irradiation data, or determine the optimal size of only one component. This contribution proposes a cost optimization model for the size of a grid-connected PV-BESS system including cyclic battery degradation based on its intensity of use. The model considers the most relevant technical parameters of PV and BESS, including state of charge (SoC), round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge (DoD), and self-discharge rate, and the lifetime based on a maximum number of cycles. The energy flows of the system are based on the principle that PV generation initially covers consumption directly, surplus energy is used to charge the BESS, deficits are covered by discharging the BESS, and any remaining demand is drawn from the grid or surplus electricity is fed into the grid to generate revenue. The model is validated on the basis of a real-world use case, a single-family house in Vienna, Austria, with the hourly load profile and PV generation on site available. The results indicate that assumptions about calendarbased BESS degradation lead to shorter replacement periods and lower available BESS capacity compared to the cyclic degradation model, leading to higher costs for assumptions with calendarbased degradation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
2025
Authors
de Souza, JPC; Cordeiro, AJ; Dias, PA; Rocha, LF;
Publication
EUROPEAN ROBOTICS FORUM 2025
Abstract
This article introduces Friday, a Mobile Manipulator (MoMa) solution designed at iiLab - INESC TEC. Friday is versatile and applicable in various contexts, including warehouses, naval shipyards, aerospace industries, and production lines. The robot features an omnidirectional platform, multiple grippers, and sensors for localisation, safety, and object detection. Its modular hardware and software system enhances functionality across different industrial scenarios. The system provides a stable platform supporting scientific advancements and meeting modern industry demands, with results verified in the aerospace, automotive, naval, and logistics.
2025
Authors
Ribeiro, B; Baptista, J; Pinto, T;
Publication
2025 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2025 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)
Abstract
With the European Union's requirement for reducing the amount of energy generated from non-renewable sources, there is a need for increased production of energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind power, among others. Due to the stochastic nature of natural resources that serve as these renewable energy sources, it necessitates adaptation by electrical energy systems. Predicting these resources is crucial for better planning and management of electrical energy systems. This paper aims to forecast wind speed using machine learning models, specifically comparing AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models. The results show that the LSTM is able to reach a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 3.145 and 2.245, respectively, while the ARIMA achieves a higher error of 3.460 and 3.031, respectively. The results allows to conclude that the LSTM model shows a more effective performance, with a lower error rate, due to its ability to recognize patterns over longer periods. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
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