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Publications

2023

Association between blood pressure and angiotensin-converting enzymes activity in prepubertal children*

Authors
Gaspar, AR; Andrade, B; Mosca, S; Ferreira Duarte, M; Teixeira, A; Cosme, D; Albino Teixeira, A; Ronchi, FA; Leite, AP; Casarini, DE; Areias, JC; Sousa, T; Afonso, AC; Morato, M; Correia Costa, L;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION

Abstract
Objectives:Angiotensin-converting enzymes' (ACEs) relationship with blood pressure (BP) during childhood has not been clearly established. We aimed to compare ACE and ACE2 activities between BMI groups in a sample of prepubertal children, and to characterize the association between these enzymes' activities and BP.Methods:Cross-sectional study of 313 children aged 8-9 years old, included in the birth cohort Generation XXI (Portugal). Anthropometric measurements and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed. ACE and ACE2 activities were quantified by fluorometric methods.Results:Overweight/obese children demonstrated significantly higher ACE and ACE2 activities, when compared to their normal weight counterparts [median (P25-P75), ACE: 39.48 (30.52-48.97) vs. 42.90 (35.62-47.18) vs. 43.38 (33.49-49.89) mU/ml, P for trend = 0.009; ACE2: 10.41 (7.58-15.47) vs. 21.56 (13.34-29.09) vs. 29.00 (22.91-34.32) pM/min per ml, P for trend < 0.001, in normal weight, overweight and obese children, respectively]. In girls, night-time systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) increased across tertiles of ACE activity (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). ACE2 activity was associated with higher night-time SBP and DBP in overweight/obese girls (P = 0.037 and P = 0.048, respectively) and night-time DBP in the BMI z-score girl adjusted model (P = 0.018). Median ACE2 levels were significantly higher among nondipper girls (16.7 vs. 11.6 pM/min per ml, P = 0.009).Conclusions:Our work shows that obesity is associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, with significant increase of ACE and ACE2 activities already in childhood. Also, we report sex differences in the association of ACE and ACE2 activities with BP.

2023

BARRIERS AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL HOUSING AN OVERVIEW

Authors
Jorio, M; Amaral, A; Neto, T; Ferreira, P;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PRODUCTION ECONOMICS AND PROJECT EVALUATION, ICOPEV 2022

Abstract
The uncontrolled growth of some cities and significant social inequalities were reflected in the population's housing conditions. Since housing projects must meet the needs of their inhabitants today and in the future, impacted by climate change, it is essential to search for more sustainable alternatives for social housing. To help decision-making on housing programs and incentives for sustainable building, this study aims to identify the main barriers and critical success factors of sustainable building projects. With this objective, a combination of qualitative data collection methods was applied, including the literature review and semi-structured interviews. The study's main results are the most significant barriers to sustainable social housing, such as lack of information, high cost, and lack of government incentives. Besides the critical success factors to guide sustainable social housing projects, the study highlights results such as the implementation of policies by government and professional bodies, monitoring compliance by the government, and commitment to sustainable delivery with the opinion of all stakeholders. Therefore, sustainable social housing projects can work as a tool to encourage social housing, strengthening the environmental pillar of sustainability. Furthermore, directly benefits the population with lower purchasing power, strengthening the economic and social pillars.

2023

A lean approach to robotic process automation in banking

Authors
Mamede, HS; Martins, CMG; da Silva, MM;

Publication
HELIYON

Abstract
Automation is a concept that has been previously introduced in organizations as a means to improve their processes. However, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging method to automate processes with software, which the industry calls robots. These robots perform repet-itive and low-complexity tasks previously performed by humans in front of a computer which as is known is the most commonly used feature in a company nowadays. Using the Design Science Research methodology to build up this article, it is argued that RPA is being used idly compared to its full potential which would entail using process improvement techniques before applying the automation itself. Thus, this article proposes a new approach to RPA through the use of Lean techniques. This article assesses two market leaders in RPA. It suggests a framework of activities for organizations that are investing in RPA and that want to take advantage of the capabilities currently offered by this technology. The majority of the demonstration proposal was carried out in a Portuguese private bank in three processes. Depending on the different cases, it had an overall positive evaluation in the field or simulations. Comparing RPA and Lean RPA projects in the number of resources (time, FTE) needed to carry out business processes, the latter approach presented values that were significantly lower and, consequently, satisfactory.

2023

Trustworthy artificial intelligence and machine learning: Implications on users' security and privacy perceptions

Authors
Do Espírito Santo Faria, RM; Torres, AI; Beirão, G;

Publication
Confronting Security and Privacy Challenges in Digital Marketing

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has altered our world in numerous ways. Although its application has benefits, the underlying issues surrounding privacy and security in AI need to be understood, not only by the organizations that use it but also by the users that are susceptible to its vulnerabilities. To better understand the impact of privacy and security in AI, this chapter reviews the current literature on artificial intelligence, trustworthiness, and privacy and security concepts and uses bibliometric techniques to understand and identify current trends in the field. Finally, the authors highlight the challenges facing AI and machine learning and discuss the results obtained from the bibliometric analysis, which provides insight into the several implications for managers and contributions to future research and policy. © 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved.

2023

Towards sustainable last-mile logistics: A decision-making model for complex urban contexts

Authors
Silva, V; Amaral, A; Fontes, T;

Publication
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY

Abstract
E-commerce growth is raising the demand for logistic activities, especially in the last-mile, which is considered the most ineffective part of the supply chain and a negative externalities source. Although various solutions aim to address these issues, selecting the best one is challenging due to multiple perspectives, conflicting criteria, trade-offs, and complex and sensitive urban contexts. This article proposes a 4-level hierarchical model based on the triple bottom line of sustainability that may assist decision-makers in selecting the most adequate last -mile solution for historic centers. The model was defined based on a systematic literature review; evaluated by interviewing a set of experts; and quantified according to an AHP-TOPSIS approach. This quantification focused on the historic center of Porto, Portugal. The experts considered all three sustainability dimensions similarly important. Air pollution was the most valued sub-criterion whereas Visual pollution was the least. 67 decision-maker profiles were defined, showing that environmentally oriented decision-makers prefer cargo bikes, while decision-makers who prioritize economic and social factors prefer parcel lockers. All last-mile solutions considered in the model yielded similar results, therefore suggesting a combined distribution strategy. Nevertheless, the use of parcel lockers is the most favorable solution for Porto's historic center.

2023

A Review on the Video Summarization and Glaucoma Detection

Authors
Correia, T; Cunha, A; Coelho, P;

Publication
Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, LNICST

Abstract
Glaucoma is a severe disease that arises from low intraocular pressure, it is asymptomatic in the initial stages and can lead to blindness, due to its degenerative characteristic. There isn’t any available cure for it, and it is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. Regular visits to the ophthalmologist are the best way to prevent or contain it, with a precise diagnosis performed with professional equipment. From another perspective, for some individuals or populations, this task can be difficult to accomplish, due to several restrictions, such as low incoming resources, geographical adversities, and traveling restrictions (distance, lack of means of transportation, etc.). Also, logistically, due to its dimensions, relocating the professional equipment can be expensive, thus becoming inviable to bring them to remote areas. As an alternative, some low-cost products are available in the market that copes with this need, namely the D-Eye lens, which can be attached to a smartphone and enables the capture of fundus images, presenting as major drawback lower quality imaging when compared to professional equipment. Some techniques rely on video capture to perform summarization and build a full image with the desired features. In this context, the goal of this paper is to present a review of the methods that can perform video summarization and methods for glaucoma detection, combining both to indicate if individuals present glaucoma symptoms, as a pre-screening approach. © 2023, ICST Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.

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