Abstract
Background: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a catabolic enzyme involved in the degradation of bioactive molecules including the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Higher COMT activity in depressive patients in comparison to non-depressed individuals has been reported. The effect of aerobic exercise on depressive patients has been studied and a number of researchers and clinicians believe it to be effective in the treatment of depression and to be involved in several molecular underlying mechanisms. However, the effect of physical exercise on this enzyme activity is unknown, and it remains to be elucidated if chronic exercise changes COMT activity. This randomized control trial evaluates the effects of chronic exercise on peripheral COMT (S-COMT) activity in women with depressive disorder. Methods: Fourteen women (aged: 51.4 + 10.5 years) diagnosed with depression (according to International Classification of Diseases-10) were randomized to one of two groups: pharmacotherapy plus physical exercise (n=7) or only pharmacotherapy (n=7). The aerobic exercise program was supervised, lasting between 45-50 min/session, three times/week for 16 weeks. Erythrocyte soluble COMT were assessed prior to and after the exercise program. Results: Exercise group when compared to a control group presented a significant decrease (p=0.02, r=-0.535) in S-COMT activity between baseline and post-intervention. Limitations: These data are preliminary outcomes from a small sample and should be replicated. Conclusions: Chronic exercise therapy combined with pharmacotherapy leads to significant decrease in S-COMT activity. Our results provide evidence that exercise interferes with S-COMT activity, a molecular mechanism involved in depression. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
This research aims to verify whether physical activity influences the levels of self-esteem and depression in the elderly. The sample is constituted by 215 subjects (61 males and 154 females), practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity, aged 60 to 100 years. The study variables were evaluated by applying two instruments, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The results showed that elderly people who practice physical activity reveal high levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression. It was found that self-esteem decreases with age, while depressive symptoms increase. Gender, marital status, educational level and institutionalization reached statistical significance in the self-esteem scale. Were elderly male, with partners, higher educational level and non-institutionalized who reported higher levels. We conclude that as the frequency of physical activity increases, levels of selfesteem become more accentuated, while levels of depression decrease. Regarding the relationship between self-esteem and depression, there was a negative correlate with small effect. © 2016: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia Murcia (España).

Abstract

Abstract
Many of the 17 million Europeans who suffer from food allergies could benefit from a more direct information system in the identification of the 14 allergens regulated by the Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) no 1169/2011 in packages of food products. This study aimed at creating pictograms representing these 14 allergens along visual and tactile lines, through relief printing. Based on Inclusive Design approach, the project meant to overcome restrictions such as sight impairment or illiteracy. Making use of User Centered Design (UCD) methodology, and with the support of the SAED (Disabled Students Support Services of the University of Porto) and GAENEE-UP (Support Office for Students with Special Educational Needs of the University of Porto), it employed field observation processes, in which potential users recorded their tactile perception of basic elements of visual communication. The result is the creation of a universal code, which is meant to satisfy the expectations and needs of potential users, namely people with impaired sight.

Abstract

Abstract
Digital technologies have become our privileged method of interacting with information. With their ubiquity, and focus on personalisation, optimisation and functionality, chance and accidental interactions in the Digital Medium are being replaced with filtered, predictable and known ones, limiting the scope of possible user experiences. In order to promote the design of richer experiences that go beyond the functionally-driven paradigm, we propose that digital systems be designed in order to favour serendipity. Through a literature-based analysis of serendipity, we explore the distinct meanings of value that are possible with serendipitous systems, offering examples of the current state of the art, observing the methods used to do so, and proposing a possible typology, while highlighting unexplored fields, experiences and interactions.