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About

About

Bruno M. P. M. Oliveira is an auxiliary professor at the University of Porto (Portugal) and a researcher of the LIAAD, INESC TEC. He has a degree in Astronomy, a MSc in Applied Mathematics, a PhD in Applied Mathematics and an Habilitation in Clinical Nutrition - Basic Sciences.
His research reaches several Mathematical areas that include Dynamical Systems, Game Theory and Statistics.
Of his particular interest are applications to Nutrition and Food Sciences (in particular to Clinical Nutrition and Food and Nutrition Consumption Sciences), Immunology (in particular modelling T cell and Tregs), Epidemiology and Economy (in particular in Cournot competition and random pairing markets).
He has participated in research projects funded by EU and the Portuguese FCT covering Nutrition and Food Sciences and Mathematics.

Interest
Topics
Details

Details

  • Name

    Bruno Mendes Oliveira
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    01st April 2012
001
Publications

2025

Barrett's paradox of cooperation in the case of quasi-linear utilities

Authors
Accinelli, E; Afsar, A; Martins, F; Martins, J; Oliveira, BMPM; Oviedo, J; Pinto, AA; Quintas, L;

Publication
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE APPLIED SCIENCES

Abstract
This paper fits in the theory of international agreements by studying the success of stable coalitions of agents seeking the preservation of a public good. Extending Baliga and Maskin, we consider a model of N homogeneous agents with quasi-linear utilities of the form u(j) (r(j); r) = r(alpha) - r(j), where r is the aggregate contribution and the exponent alpha is the elasticity of the gross utility. When the value of the elasticity alpha increases in its natural range (0, 1), we prove the following five main results in the formation of stable coalitions: (i) the gap of cooperation, characterized as the ratio of the welfare of the grand coalition to the welfare of the competitive singleton coalition grows to infinity, which we interpret as a measure of the urge or need to save the public good; (ii) the size of stable coalitions increases from 1 up to N; (iii) the ratio of the welfare of stable coalitions to the welfare of the competitive singleton coalition grows to infinity; (iv) the ratio of the welfare of stable coalitions to the welfare of the grand coalition decreases (a lot), up to when the number of members of the stable coalition is approximately N/e and after that it increases (a lot); and (v) the growth of stable coalitions occurs with a much greater loss of the coalition members when compared with free-riders. Result (v) has two major drawbacks: (a) A priori, it is difficult to convince agents to be members of the stable coalition and (b) together with results (i) and (iv), it explains and leads to the pessimistic Barrett's paradox of cooperation, even in a case not much considered in the literature: The ratio of the welfare of the stable coalitions against the welfare of the grand coalition is small, even in the extreme case where there are few (or a single) free-riders and the gap of cooperation is large. Optimistically, result (iii) shows that stable coalitions do much better than the competitive singleton coalition. Furthermore, result (ii) proves that the paradox of cooperation is resolved for larger values of.. so that the grand coalition is stabilized.

2025

Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Exercise in Hypoxia and Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet in Managing Hypertension in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Novel Intervention Approach

Authors
Kindlovits, R; Sousa, AC; Viana, JL; Milheiro, J; Oliveira, BMPM; Marques, F; Santos, A; Teixeira, VH;

Publication
NUTRIENTS

Abstract
Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition marked by hyperglycemia, which can affect metabolic, vascular, and hematological parameters. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been shown to improve glycemic control and blood pressure regulation. Exercise in hypoxia (EH) enhances insulin sensitivity, erythropoiesis, and angiogenesis. The combination of LCHF and EH may offer a promising strategy for managing T2DM and hypertension (HTN), although evidence remains limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of an eight-week normobaric EH intervention at 3000 m simulated altitude combined with an LCHF diet on hematological and lipid profiles, inflammation, and blood pressure in older patients with T2DM and HTN. Methods: Forty-two diabetic patients with HTN were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) control group (control diet + exercise in normoxia), (2) EH group (control diet + EH), and (3) intervention group (EH+LCHF) Baseline and eight-week measurements included systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP), hematological and lipid profiles, and inflammation biomarkers. Results: Blood pressure decreased after the intervention (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups (SBP: p = 0.151; DBP: p = 0.124; MAP: p = 0.18). No differences were observed in lipid profile or C-reactive protein levels (p > 0.05). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased in the EH group (p = 0.027), while it decreased in the EH+LCHF group (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Adding hypoxia or restricting carbohydrates did not provide additional benefits on blood pressure in T2DM patients with HTN. Further elucidation of the mechanisms underlying hematological adaptations is imperative.

2025

Factors associated to the perceived adherence to a healthy diet in overweight treatment

Authors
Caetano, E; MPM Oliveira, B; Correia, F; Torres, D; Poínhos, R;

Publication
Acta Portuguesa de Nutrição

Abstract
Introduction: Together with sociodemographic and clinical features, locus of control and self-efficacy may impact the processes underlying changes in eating habits. Objectives: To study the relationships of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, locus of control, general self-efficacy and eating self-efficacy with the perception of adherence to healthy eating among patients undergoing treatment for overweight. Methodology: A convenience sample of 74 overweight (BMI = 25.0 kg/m2) individuals (77.0% females, mean age = 41 years, SD = 11) attending nutrition consultations was studied regarding sociodemographic and clinical data, stages of change towards healthy eating, health locus of control (Health Locus of Control Scale), eating self-efficacy (General Eating Self-Efficacy Scale) and general self-efficacy (Self-Concept Clinical Inventory’s self-efficacy factor). Results: Approximately two-thirds (67.6%) of participants were in the “Action/Maintenance” stage towards healthy eating. In the total locus of control scale, general self-efficacy and eating self-efficacy, participants showed average scores slightly higher than the midpoint of the respective scales. In a binary logistic regression model, sociodemographic, clinical, locus of control and self-efficacy variables significantly predicted being in the action/maintenance stage towards healthy eating (p < 0.001; Nagelkerkle’s R2 = 48.4%). A higher proportion of weight loss (adjusted Exp(ß) = 1.074, p = 0.017) and higher eating self-efficacy (adjusted Exp(ß) = 1.317, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with higher odds of being in the “Action/Maintenance” stage. Conclusions: Most participants attending nutrition consultations to treat overweight considered following a healthy diet. Higher eating self-efficacy and greater weight loss associated to being in the “Action/Maintenance” stage towards healthy eating.

2025

Chronotype, Lifestyles, and Anthropometric and Biochemical Indices for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Among Obese Individuals

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.

2024

Assessment of Intuitive Eating and Mindful Eating among Higher Education Students: A Systematic Review

Authors
Rezende, F; Oliveira, BMPM; Poínhos, R;

Publication
HEALTHCARE

Abstract
Background: The role of mindful eating (ME) and intuitive eating (IE) in improving eating behavior, diet quality, and health is an area of increasing interest. Objective: The objective of this review was to identify the instruments used to assess ME and IE among higher education students and outcomes related to these dimensions. Methods: This review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement, through systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria selected for higher education students, levels of ME and/or IE reported, and observational and clinical studies. The exclusion criteria selected against reviews, qualitative studies, and case studies. Quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Results: A total of 516 initial records were identified, from which 75 were included. Cross-sectional studies were the most common research design (86.7%). Most studies were conducted with samples that were predominantly female (90.7%), White (76.0%), aged 18 to 22 years (88.4%), with BMI < 25 kg/m(2) (83.0%), and in the United States (61.3%). The Intuitive Eating Scale (IES), the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), and their different versions were the most used instruments. The outcomes most studies included were eating behavior and disorders (77.3%), anthropometric assessments (47.8%), mental health (42.0%), and body image (40.6%). Regarding the quality of studies, 34.7% of studies were assigned a positive, 1.3% a negative, and 64.0% a neutral rate. Conclusions: IES and MEQ were the most used instruments. RCT and cohort studies are scarce, and future research with a higher level of quality is needed, especially on the topics of food consumption, diet quality, and biochemical markers.

Supervised
thesis

2022

Determinação das necessidades  energéticas de doentes críticos  ventilados com COVID-19

Author
Sara Vieira Serdoura

Institution
UP-FCNAUP

2022

Prevalência de Perturbações do Comportamento Alimentar na adolescência: uma Revisão Sistemática

Author
Cátia Filipa Coelho Ramalho

Institution
UP-FCNAUP

2022

Applications of Game Theory and Dynamical Systems to Biology and Economy

Author
Atefeh Afsar

Institution
UP-FCNAUP

2022

Impacto do Índice de Massa Corporal no Diagnóstico na Doença de Crohn

Author
Ana Filipa Gonçalves Dias

Institution
UP-FCNAUP

2022

Comportamento alimentar e risco de perturbações do comportamento alimentar em estudantes de ensino superior

Author
Carolina Noronha Ribeiro da Costa

Institution
UP-FCNAUP