Publicações científicas Universidade Lusófona

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  A arquitectura bioclimática mediterrânica : um equilíbrio entre duas estações

  (Edições Universitárias Lusófonas, 2010) FARIA, PEDRO MANUEL DA SILVA; Universidade Lusófona

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  A particularidade do clima mediterrânico traduz-se num Inverno frio, embora não muito rigoroso e num Verão muito quente mas relativamente curto. As habitações têm por norma serem concebidas face aos climas predominantes, sendo nos casos mediterrânicos obrigadas a satisfazer simultaneamente as necessidades de Inverno e de Verão. A Arquitectura Bioclimática só adquire significado conhecendo-se plenamente o clima em questão; deste modo, há que encontrar um equilíbrio entre as amplitudes térmicas. É neste equilíbrio/consenso que se definem os princípios bioclimáticos, nas boas e más opções de concepção e construção, nas cedências e aquisições de energia para que se atinja uma temperatura confortável e qualidade do ar interior na habitação. Estas questões não se relacionam primariamente com a Ecologia, mas com a eficiência energética e a habitabilidade dos edifícios de modo a promover o bem-estar da pessoa.

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  Contamination and adulteration of food supplements : Risk perception and regulatory awareness in recreational athletes

  (Academic Press Inc., 2026-04-22) Lopes, Sofia; Cunha, Madalena; Fernandes, Ana S.; Oliveira, Nuno G.; Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia; Costa, João G.; CBIOS - Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies

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  There is growing concern about the toxicological risks resulting from the contamination and adulteration of food supplements (FS), which may pose significant health hazards. Heavy metals, undeclared pharmaceuticals, stimulants, and other contaminants have been identified in FS. This study evaluated recreational athletes’ perceptions and awareness of FS safety, including contamination risk and potential health consequences. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 gym-goers, using structured face-to-face interviews. Approximately 72% of participants reported FS use, predominantly men. Most respondents perceived themselves as informed, yet 95% were unable to identify the regulatory definition of FS correctly. Nearly half demonstrated limited awareness of market control and regulatory oversight. Differences emerged between FS users and non-users. As such, non-users showed greater awareness of potential interactions with medicines and were more likely to attribute broader functional roles to FS and expressed greater concern regarding overdose risk. In turn, users recognised the possibility of undeclared or prohibited substances more frequently. Contaminated FS were most often associated with cardiovascular, hepatic, and hormonal concerns. Overall, recreational athletes demonstrated substantial knowledge gaps regarding FS safety and regulation. These findings highlight the need for targeted education and risk communication strategies aligned with toxicological evidence to support safer supplementation practices.

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  Stigma and discrimination through the lens of people with lived experience of mental health conditions with diverse gender identification and age frames : a qualitative study

  (Routledge, 2026-04-27) Manão, Andreia A.; Carvalho, Ana; Pascoal, Patrícia; Beato, Ana; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab

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  Stigma against people with lived mental health experiences (PWLE) worsens their psychological and physical health and poses a global public health problem. Age and gender may influence stigma experiences, but findings vary. This qualitative study explores PWLE experiences across ages and genders, examining perceptions of who the discrimination agents are. Understanding age and gender intersectionality aids in reducing mental health-related stigma with a nuanced approach. A total of 182 adults (M = 35.6, SD = 13.4) with self-identified mental health conditions answered an open-ended question. We performed a reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: (1) Rationalizing discrimination - i.e., socially shared stereotypes used to justify discrimination; (2) This is what we get when we mess with them - i.e., patterns of lived experiences of social discrimination, harassment, and exclusion in different contexts; and (3) The perks of being a wallflower - i.e., internalized stigma related to patterns used by PWLE and circumstances to avoid exposure to stigma and discrimination. Older PWLE reported using coping strategies to prevent stigma. The age-gender of a PWLE seemed to influence how others perceive their mental health conditions. Findings suggest that PWLE face mental health stigma rooted in rationalization, leading to maladaptive coping strategies, such as hiding their condition. Prevention efforts should consider age-gender intersectionality.

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  Impact of (poly)phenol supplementation on TNF-α concentration in healthy adults

  (VI Jornadas CBIOS, 2026-02-06) Graveto, Ana Raquel; Ferreira, Sofia Gravanita; A Menezes, Regina; GOMES, ANDREIA FILIPA DOS SANTOS; CBIOS - Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies

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  Chronic low-grade inflammation is a relevant risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus [1]. (Poly)phenols, plant-derived bioactive compounds, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Although most studies on metabolic inflammation focus on populations diagnosed with diabetes or at high metabolic risk, it is also essential to understand the effects of nutritional interventions in healthy individuals [2]. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of 12 weeks of an ellagitannin supplement derived from pomegranate (EPS – Ellagitannins Pomegranate Supplement) on plasma TNF-α levels of individuals without diabetes. Forty-five volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups: supplement (n=24) and placebo (n=21). TNF-α concentrations were quantified by ELISA at baseline and at the end of the intervention. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups, and no meaningful within-subject changes were detected over time. Stratified analyses by sex, body mass index, waist circumference, and smoking status also revealed no significant effects. The absence of a measurable effect in this population may be due to low baseline inflammation, the short duration of the intervention, and individual variability in response. These data reinforce the idea that the impact of (poly)phenols on inflammation strongly depends on the individual’s clinical and metabolic context. Future studies should investigate its potential benefits in populations with higher metabolic risk or with elevated underlying inflammation.

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  Pro-IAPP accumulation and its association with β-Cell dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in Type 2 Diabetes

  (VI Jornadas CBIOS, 2026-02-06) GOMES, ANDREIA FILIPA DOS SANTOS; Borba Alves, Emília; Andrade, Rita; Farrim, Maria Inês de Jesus Duarte; Pinto, Paula; Raposo, João; Ribeiro, Rogério José Tavares; A Menezes, Regina; ECTS - School of Health Sciences and Technologies; CBIOS - Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies

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