3ERL - Papers/ Artigos Científicos
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- Impact of female hormonal changes throughout life on oral health: a scoping reviewPublication . Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Fryde, Mayane; Guimarães, Maria Inês; C. Leal, M. FernandaThis work looks at the impact of female hormonal fluctuations throughout life, during puberty, pregnancy and the menopause, on oral health. These physiological periods, marked by major variations in estrogen and progesterone levels, influence oral health, so the following question was formulated: to what extent do female hormonal fluctuations influence oral health? Through a scoping review of 37 scientific articles selected using a rigorous methodology (in particular using the Rayyan tool), it was possible to highlight clinical manifestations specific to each hormonal stage. In adolescent girls, puberty is frequently accompanied by exacerbated gingivitis, independent of dental plaque. During pregnancy, the increase in hormones leads to increased gingival inflammation and transient tooth mobility. Finally, the menopause is associated with a drop in female sex hormones, which can lead to dry mouth, altered salivary flora and accelerated bone loss, all of which contribute to the worsening of periodontal disease. These results underline the importance of a preventive and personalized approach to oral health care for patients, taking into account the hormonal context. They also highlight the collaboration between dentists, general practitioners and gynecologists, to optimize comprehensive care for women at every stage of their hormonal life.
- Mapping the importance of pink teeth in forensic medicine for determining cause of death: protocol of a scoping reviewPublication . Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Sá, Mariana; Chiadmi, Yasmine; Moreira, Teresa; Guimarães, Maria InêsPostmortem pink teeth have been described in forensic casework for more than a century and are frequently reported in association with deaths involving drowning, asphyxiation, trauma, or electrocution. Despite recurrent mention in forensic literature, the underlying mechanisms, prevalence, and diagnostic value of this phenomenon remain unclear and inconsistently interpreted. The aim of this scoping review is to map the existing evidence on postmortem pink teeth and to explore their potential relevance in determining the cause of death in forensic medicine. Specifically, this review seeks to identify how the phenomenon has been reported, which pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, and which contextual or en-vironmental factors may influence its occurrence. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of differentiating postmortem pink teeth from antemortem dental discolora-tions, such as those resulting from trauma or congenital conditions. This protocol was developed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meth-odology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was predefined and applied across multiple databases. The study selection pro-cess was conducted at the protocol stage, and the results of identification, screening, and eligibility assessment are documented using a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. A total of twelve studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were identified as eligible for in-clusion in the final scoping review. Data extraction and synthesis will be performed following protocol publication, using a standardized JBI-based data extraction tool. The extracted data will be presented in narrative and tabular formats, enabling a structured mapping of the current evidence base, identification of knowledge gaps, and clarification of the potential forensic significance of postmortem pink teeth.
- Bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseasesPublication . C. Leal, M. Fernanda; Duarte, Rúben Jorge Guedes; Lopes Cardoso, Inês; Catarino, Rita; Pimenta, Adriana; Souto, RenataTo date, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, have no cure. The identification of natural compounds that can be used to treat and prevent neurodegeneration is of growing scientific interest. Marine macroalgae are associated with added value in the areas of therapeutics, food, and industry, and are unexplored sources of bioactive compounds including phlorotannins, terpenes, pigments, phytosterols, and polysaccharides, with beneficial properties for human health. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic properties increasingly reinforce their great neuroprotective potential, acting to protect against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are related to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Few compounds from marine macroalgae have been studied in clinical trials to date. However, the recent approval in China by the National Medical Products Administration of a marine macroalgae oligosaccharide, sodium oligomannate, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has paved the way for the discovery of drugs with potential for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases based on marine macroalgae. This manuscript reviews the mechanisms of neurodegeneration characteristic of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and the bioactive compounds of marine macroalgae that exhibit neuroprotective effects, as well as their application in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Using data science for sustainable development in higher educationPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Eustachio, João Henrique Paulino Pires; Nita (Danila), Andreea Corina; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Salvia, Amanda Lange; Cotton, Debby R. E.; Frizzo, Kamila; Trevisan, Laís Viera; Dibbern, ThaisDespite the abundance of studies focused on how higher education institutions (HEIs) are implementing sustainable development (SD) in their educational programmes, there is a paucity of interdisciplinary studies exploring the role of technology, such as data science, in an SD context. Further research is thus needed to identify how SD is being deployed in higher education (HE), generating positive externalities for society and the environment. This study aims to address this research gap by exploring various ways in which data science may support university efforts towards SD. The methodology relied on a bibliometric analysis to understand and visualise the connections between data science and SD in HE, as well as reporting on selected case studies showing how data science may be deployed for creating SD impact in HE and in the community. The results from the bibliometric analysis unveil five research strands driving this field, and the case studies exemplify them. This study can be considered innovative since it follows previous research on artificial intelligence and SD. Moreover, the combination of bibliometric analysis and case studies provides an overview of trends, which may be useful to researchers and decision-makers who wish to explore the use of data science for SD in HEIs. Finally, the findings highlight how data science can be used in HEIs, combined with a framework developed to support further research into SD in HE.
- Influences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the impact factor of a sample of environment/sustainability-related journalsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Salvia, Amanda Lange; Gomes, Bárbara Maria Fritzen; Vasconcelos, Claudio Ruy Portela de; Albrecht, Clarissa FerreiraPurpose The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in academic routines. These changes have also contributed to an increase in the number of papers submitted to journals, citations and, ultimately, to changes in metrics. This study aims to address a gap between theory and practice, analysing the changes in the impact factor (IF) of a sample of 30 environment/sustainability-related journals, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The study used an expert-driven literature analysis and an assessment of a selected sample of 30 environment/sustainability-related journals’ increased trends. Findings The unprecedented trend observed when analysing the results obtained in the IF of environment/sustainability-related journals contribute to the body of knowledge on this topic, allowing us to understand how specifically the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced scientific publishing, despite the restrictions imposed by lockdowns and access to research knowledge and facilities. Research limitations/implications Based on a sample of 30 environment/sustainability-related journals, this study can highlight lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting specific measures which may be addressed to contribute to upkeep levels of publishing in the environment/sustainability field covered in this study. Practical implications This study will contribute to setting the stage for additional research on the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific publishing’s impact in environment/sustainability areas of knowledge. The implications of this research will allow us to set the basis for more extensive research in other areas of knowledge. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique, as it addresses the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in 30 considered exemplary environment/sustainability-related journals, the main research area of all the authors involved in this publication.
- The added value of partnerships in implementing the UN sustainable development goalsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Dibbern, Thais; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Coggo Cristofoletti, Evandro; Mbah, Marcellus Forh; Mishra, Ashish; Clarke, Amelia; Samuel, Naima; Castillo Apraiz, Julen; Rimi Abubakar, Ismaila; Aina, Yusuf A.Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.
- Editorial: sustainability challenges around energy poverty in an era of global environmental and economic crisisPublication . Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Ngarava, Saul; Zhou, Leocadia; Chari, Martin MunasheEditorial on the research topic Sustainability challenges around energy poverty in an era of global environmental and economic crisis
- The central role of climate action in achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goalsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Wall, Tony; Salvia, Amanda Lange; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Mifsud, MarkSustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 refers to “Climate Action”. It is one of the 17 goals established by the United Nations in their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The primary objective of SDG13 is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It recognises that climate change is a global challenge that requires immediate attention and concerted efforts from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals worldwide. SDG13 permeates a number of SDGs and also influences them in a significant way. Based on the need to contextualise SDG13 and considering its role as one of the central SDGs, this article outlines the links between SDG13 and the other SDGs. It also reports on a survey involving experts from 61 countries. The findings suggest that even though climate change impacts, particularly extreme weather events, are known to disproportionally affect poorer and minoritized communities, the synergies among related goals and climate justice seem to receive less attention. The article concludes by describing some of the means via which synergies between SDG13 and other SDGs may be achieved.
- Ensuring sustainability in internationalisation efforts at higher education institutionsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Viera Trevisan, Laís; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Sivapalan, Subarna; Wahaj, Zujaja; Liakh, OlenaPurpose – Higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world are engaged in internationalisation efforts. Yet internationalisation per se is associated with significant pressures on the environment and environmental resources, which need to be addressed. Therefore, this study assessed the opportunities, benefits, and challenges associated with the internationalisation of universities at a global level. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 27 relevant case studies were extracted from the literature to illustrate how HEIs worldwide are ensuring sustainability in their internationalisation efforts. Findings – Through case studies of international HEIs, the study lists the opportunities, benefits, and challenges associated with the internationalisation of universities at a global level and some of the measures that may be deployed to reduce the environmental impacts of their international activities. Originality/value - This study provides a welcome contribution to the literature since it outlines some of the works taking place at universities, where matters related to sustainable development are considered against a background of internationalisation efforts.
- Managing medical waste in Ghana – the realityPublication . Debrah, Justice Kofi; Carlotto, Ivani Nadir; Vidal, Diogo Guedes; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaThis study estimates the Medical Waste (MW) generated and the handling process in six Healthcare Facilities (HF) in Ghana, Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA), and identifies the associated parameters. The data were collected by field work and MW collection, identification and weighing. The results indicate that the average rate of infec- tious MW ranged from 0.23 to 2.34 kg/bed/day (M = 0.95 kg/bed/ day), and 0.24 to 1.68 kg/bed/day for non-infectious MW (M = 0.56 kg/bed/day). An amount of 11.41 tonnes of MW were estimated in the six HF in Greater Accra and Eastern Region in Ghana, comprising 49.1% infectious MW. The results suggest that the number of outpatients/day and the size of HF are the main predictors for the MW generation. The study shows that the segre- gation of MW is not correctly practised in the studied HF since 33% used the uncontrolled combustion process of open burning and dumping to handle 0.99 tonnes (8.7%) of MW.