Industrial symbiosis (IS) emerged as a self-organizing business strategy among firms that are willing to cooperate to improve their economic and environmental performance. The adoption of such cooperative strategies relates to increasing costs of waste management, most of which are driven by policy and legislative requirements. Development of IS depends on an enabling context of social, informational, technological, economical and political factors. The power to influence this context varies among the agents involved such as the government, businesses or coordinating entities. Governmental intervention, as manifested through policies, could influence a wider range of factors; and we believe this is an area which is under-researched. This paper aims to critically appraise the waste policy interventions from supra-national to sub-national levels of government. A case study methodology has been applied to four European countries i.e. Denmark, the UK, Portugal and Switzerland, in which IS emerged or is being fostered. The findings suggest that there are commonalities in policy instruments that may have led to an IS enabling context. The paper concludes with lessons learnt and recommendations on shaping the policy context for IS development.
Background: Well-established influenza surveillance systems (ISS) can be used for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance. In Portugal, RSV cases are detected through the ISS using the European Union (EU) influenza-like illness (ILI) case definition. Aim: To investigate clinical predictors for RSV infection and how three case definitions (EU ILI, a modified EU acute respiratory infection, and one respiratory symptom) performed in detecting RSV infections in Portugal. Methods: This observational retrospective study used epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data (October 2010–May 2018). Associations between clinical characteristics and RSV detection were analysed using logistic regression. Accuracy of case definitions was assessed through sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A 0.05 significance level was accepted. Results: The study involved 6,523 persons, including 190 (2.9%) RSV cases. Among 183 cases with age information, RSV infection was significantly more frequent among individuals < 5 years (n = 23; 12.6%) and ≥ 65 years (n = 45; 24.6%) compared with other age groups (p < 0.0001). Cough (odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–6.5) was the best RSV-infection predictor considering all age groups, while shortness of breath was particularly associated with RSV-positivity among ≤ 14 year olds (OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 2.6–17.4 for 0–4 year olds and OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 1.5–28.8 for 5–14 year olds). Systemic symptoms were significantly associated with RSV-negative and influenza-positive cases. None of the case definitions were suitable to detect RSV infections (AUC = 0.51). Conclusion: To avoid underestimating the RSV disease burden, RSV surveillance within the Portuguese sentinel ISS would require a more sensitive case definition than ILI and, even a different case definition according to age. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
BACKGROUND: Well-established influenza surveillance systems (ISS) can be used for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance. In Portugal, RSV cases are detected through the ISS using the European Union (EU) influenza-like illness (ILI) case definition. AIM: To investigate clinical predictors for RSV infection and how three case definitions (EU ILI, a modified EU acute respiratory infection, and one respiratory symptom) performed in detecting RSV infections in Portugal. METHODS: This observational retrospective study used epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data (October 2010–May 2018). Associations between clinical characteristics and RSV detection were analysed using logistic regression. Accuracy of case definitions was assessed through sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A 0.05 significance level was accepted. RESULTS: The study involved 6,523 persons, including 190 (2.9%) RSV cases. Among 183 cases with age information, RSV infection was significantly more frequent among individuals < 5 years (n = 23; 12.6%) and ≥ 65 years (n = 45; 24.6%) compared with other age groups (p < 0.0001). Cough (odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–6.5) was the best RSV-infection predictor considering all age groups, while shortness of breath was particularly associated with RSV-positivity among ≤ 14 year olds (OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 2.6–17.4 for 0–4 year olds and OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 1.5–28.8 for 5–14 year olds). Systemic symptoms were significantly associated with RSV-negative and influenza-positive cases. None of the case definitions were suitable to detect RSV infections (AUC = 0.51). CONCLUSION: To avoid underestimating the RSV disease burden, RSV surveillance within the Portuguese sentinel ISS would require a more sensitive case definition than ILI and, even a different case definition according to age.
This report was prepared as part of the Project "Monitoring Influenza vaccine effectiveness during influenza seasons and pandemics in the European Union" and describes the results obtained in Portugal under the Protocol Agreement celebrated between EpiConcept SARL, Paris and National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon. Data and activities related to the individuals 65 years and more were funded by European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 634446. ; The results to be presented are related to the 8th EuroEVA season (the Portuguese component of the multicentre I-MOVE study) and aimed the estimation of 2015/2016 end of season influenza vaccine effectiveness in i) all age groups and in <65 and 65 plus years ; ii) by risk group; iii) by influenza subtype and clade. Material and methods: The "Protocol for case-control studies to measure seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness in the European Union and European Economic Area Member States- Portuguese site study version" was implemented entirely adding a new variable related to statin uptake. Also, a pilot study to incorporate genetic characterization of influenza virus from patients enrolled in vaccine effectiveness (VE) study was implemented. Within this pilot study, influenza A(H1)pdm09 positive cases were randomly selected to be genetically characterized. Selection was conducted in three phases of the epidemic: early, peak and late season. Results: In Portugal, a low intensity influenza epidemic occurred between week 53/2015 and week 8/2016. Influenza A(H1)pdm09 virus predominated during all season. Influenza B/Victoria lineage was detected in co-circulation in late season. From the 84 GP's that accepted to participate in the study, 51 GP's effectively participated in the study selecting patients (60.7% participation rate). A total of 336 ILI patients were enrolled and after excluding 26 ILI patients the final sample for analyses consisted on 310 ILI patients (147 cases and 102 controls). From the cases, 89.5% were positive for influenza A(H1)pdm09, 8.9% were positive for influenza B/Victoria and the remaining (1.6%) were positive for influenza A(H3). For genetic characterization of influenza virus, A(H1)pdm09 virus subtype was selected. The HA1 subunit of the hemaglutinin gene were successfully sequenced for 93 out of 126 cases with detected viruses. Phylogenetic analysis and clade assignment were performed. The majority of A(H1)pdm09 viruses belonged to the subgroup 6B.1 (87.1%) and the remaining viruses belonged to 6B clade. Comparing cases and controls, was confirmed that they were statistically different in relation to time between onset and swab collection, sex, seasonal vaccine uptake in 2014/2015, presence of at least one chronic disease and number of GP consultations in last 12 months. For 2015/2016 trivalent influenza vaccine, confounder- adjusted VE against A(H1)pdm09 was 54.0% (95% CI: -1.5; 79.2%) in all population and 63.9% (95% CI: (7.7%; 85.9%) in the target group for vaccination. Considering the population with less than 65 years, VE against AH1pdm09 was 56.2% (95% CI: -17.5%; 83.7%) and 74.9% (95% CI: -37.1; 95.4%) in the and more years of age. Conclusions: VE estimates during 2015/2016 season indicated that the seasonal flu vaccine conferred moderate protection against A(H1)pdm09 (varied between 54% to 64% considering all population and the target group for vaccination). The vaccine had a better performance in the elderly, where VE point estimates reached 75% (not significant nevertheless). The implementation of the genetic characterization pilot study was well succeeded, with a success rate of influenza virus characterization of 80.2%. For future seasons, the high sampling fraction in the first phase should continue in order to assist the definition of the virus subtype/clade target during the season. ; Os resultados apresentados correspondem à implementação da 8ª época do EuroEVA (a componente portuguesa do estudo multicêntrico I-MOVE) e pretende obter estimativas da efetividade da vacina (EV) sazonal 2015/2016 i) em todos os grupos etários e no grupo com idade inferior a 65 e com 65 e mais anos; ii) por grupo-alvo da vacinação e iii) por subtipo de vírus da gripe e por clade. Material e métodos: O "Protocol for case-control studies to measure seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness in the European Union and European Economic Area Member States- Portuguese site study version" foi implementado na íntegra, acrescentando um nova variável relacionada com a toma de estatinas. De igual modo, foi implementando um estudo-piloto relacionado com a incorporação da caracterização genética dos participantes no estudo da efetividade. Dentro deste estudo-piloto, os casos positivos de A(H1)pdm09 foram aleatoriamente selecionados para caracterização genética, seleção esta que foi conduzida nas três fases do período epidémico: início, pico e fim. Resultados: Em Portugal o período epidémico ocorreu entre as semanas 53/2015 e 8/2016 tendo-se verificado uma atividade gripal de intensidade baixa. Predominou a circulação de vírus do subtipo Influenza A(H1)pdm09 e o vírus Influenza da linhagem B/Victoria co-circulou no final da época. De entre os 84 médicos de família (MF) que aceitaram participar no estudo, 51 reportaram doentes com síndroma gripal (SG), correspondendo a uma taxa de participação de 60,7%. No total foram selecionados 336 doentes com SG. Após exclusão de 26 doentes, a amostra final consistiu em 310 doentes com SG (147 casos e 102 controlos). De entre os casos, 89,5% eram do subtipo A(H1)pdm2009, 8,9% eram positivos para o vírus do subtipo B/Victoria e os restantes (1,6%) para o tipo A(H3). Para efeito de caracterização genética, o subptipo A(H1)pdm09 foi selecionado. A subunidade HA1 do gene da hemaglutinina foi sequenciada com sucesso para 93 dos 126 casos. A maioria dos casos de A(H1)pdm09 pertencia ao subgrupo 6B.1 (87,1%) e os restantes ao subgrupo 6B. Comparando casos e controlos verifica-se que os grupos eram estatisticamente diferentes no que diz respeito, ao tempo entre início de sintomas e colheita, ao sexo, a toma da vacina na época anterior, à presença de doença crónica relevante para vacinação da gripe e ao número de consultas com o MF nos últimos 12 meses. Para a vacina trivalente antigripal 2015/2016 a EV ajustada para confundimento contra o subtipo A(H1)pdm09 foi 54,0% (IC95%: -1,5; 79,2%) na população em geral e 63,9% (IC95%: (7,7%; 85,9%) no grupo alvo da vacinação contra a gripe. Considerando a população com menos de 65 anos, a EV contra o subtipo A(H1)pdm09 foi de 56,2 % (IC 95%: -17,5%; 83,7%), sendo que foi de 74,9% (IC 95%: -37,1; 95,4%) no grupo com 65 e mais anos de idade. Conclusões: As estimativas da EV da época 2015/2016 indicam que a vacina conferiu proteção moderada contra o subtipo A(H1)pdm09 (variou entre 54% e 64%, para a população em geral e para o grupo alvo da vacina, respetivamente). A vacina parece demonstrar uma melhor performance na população mais idosa, onde as estimativas da EV alcançam os 75% (apesar de não estatisticamente significativas). A implementação do estudo piloto foi bem conseguida, com uma taxa de sucesso de caracterização genética de 80,2%. Em épocas futuras, a amostragem na primeira fase deve manter elevada, de modo a assistir à definição do subtipo/clade do vírus a ser caracterizado.
Despite the extensive research that has been conducted on the debonding behaviour of FRP strengthening systems, no standard methodology has been yet established on its experimental characterization. In this context, to assess the performance and reliability of small scale testing on NSM (near surface mounted) FRP strengthening systems, an experimental program was carried out on a series of nine NSM FRP strengthening systems, in the framework of an international Round Robin Testing (RRT). Eleven laboratories and seven manufacturers and suppliers participated in this extensive international exercise, which regarded both NSM and EBR FRP strengthening systems. Test results obtained for the NSM systems by the participating laboratories are discussed and compared in this paper to investigate the feasibility of the adopted single/double pulling shear test method, to investigate the mechanism of bond between NSM FRP reinforcement and concrete, and to investigate the level of variability obtained between the participating laboratories testing the same material batches. It is concluded that the tested variants in the adopted single/double shear pulling test have a significant influence, stressing the importance of the level of detail of standardized test protocols for bond verification. On overall, given the variants included in this study, the obtained variation in bond stress-slip behaviour between the laboratories remained fairly limited. ; The authors wish to acknowledge the financial assistance of the European Union for the Marie Curie Research Training Network En-Core, and the support of TG 9.3 of the International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib). Hughes Brothers and Fortius, Magmatech, Schock, S&P, Sika, ATP, and Sto Scandinavia AB are acknowledged for their participation in the RRT and for supplying the test ...
Background: In Europe, psychiatric disorders seem to affect up to 50% of the homeless. In Portugal there were, at a certain time, circa 3,396 homeless people, half living in the capital city, Lisboa. Aims: The Homeless Outreach Psychiatric Engagement for Lisboa (HOPE 4 Lisboa) was created, in January 1st 2022, as a collaboration including staff from the local state asylum, medical school and town hall in Lisboa, Portugal, in order to provide better treatment for the super difficult cases of psychiatric patients living homeless in Lisboa. Method: During 2022, the HOPE 4 team made night rounds, every 15 days on Tuesday's night (20:30 to 23:30) trying to reach, at least, one dozen of homeless psychiatric patients, previously identified. Results: The HOPE 4 Lisboa interviewed 101 patients (53.4%) out of the 189 programed visits. From this group, 72 (72%) had already a previous psychiatric diagnosis. From those 101 patients, reports for 47 (47%) were sent for an eventual compulsory psychiatric assessment. From those 47 only 21 patients (21%) were admitted in the psychiatry ward. Finally we discuss the most super difficult patient we found, as a small case report: a John Doe living in complete Diogenes syndrome. Conclusions: there are still a few psychiatrists interested in treating homeless people completely or partially out of the classic mental health care systems. Some claim to be doing interstitial psychiatry, others street psychiatry, but we could also call it marontology.
Funding: iNOVA4Health-UID/Multi/04462/2013, a program financially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/Ministério da Educação e Ciência, through national funds and co-funded by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement is acknowledged. This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (IF/01097/2013 to C.N.S.), by The Scottish Government Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (A.F. and D.S.), and BacHBerry FP7-KBBE-2013-613793 (R.M., A.F., C.J., I.C., G.G., R.R.-R., J.P., A.M., C.D., D.S. and C.N.S.). T.F.O. was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), and is currently supported by the DFG under Germany's Excellence Strategy—EXC 2067/1-390729940. ; Plants are a reservoir of high-value molecules with underexplored biomedical applications. With the aim of identifying novel health-promoting attributes in underexplored natural sources, we scrutinized the diversity of (poly)phenols present within the berries of selected germplasm from cultivated, wild, and underutilized Rubus species. Our strategy combined the application of metabolomics, statistical analysis, and evaluation of (poly)phenols' bioactivity using a yeast-based discovery platform. We identified species as sources of (poly)phenols interfering with pathological processes associated with redox-related diseases, particularly, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, and inflammation. In silico prediction of putative bioactives suggested cyanidin-hexoside as an anti-inflammatory molecule which was validated in yeast and mammalian cells. Moreover, cellular assays revealed that the cyanidin moiety was responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of cyanidin-hexoside. Our findings unveiled novel (poly)phenolic bioactivities and illustrated the power of our integrative approach for the identification of dietary (poly)phenols with potential biomedical applications. ; publishersversion ; published
International audience ; BACterial Hosts for production of Bioac-tive phenolics from bERRY fruits (BacHBerry) was a 3-year project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union that ran between November 2013 and October 2016. The overall aim of the project was to establish a sustainable and economically-feasible strategy for the production This article is written by the BacHBerry consortium (www. bachberry.eu) and represents the collective effort of all participating institutions. The authors are therefore listed in alphabetical order. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
International audience ; BACterial Hosts for production of Bioac-tive phenolics from bERRY fruits (BacHBerry) was a 3-year project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union that ran between November 2013 and October 2016. The overall aim of the project was to establish a sustainable and economically-feasible strategy for the production This article is written by the BacHBerry consortium (www. bachberry.eu) and represents the collective effort of all participating institutions. The authors are therefore listed in alphabetical order. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
International audience ; BACterial Hosts for production of Bioac-tive phenolics from bERRY fruits (BacHBerry) was a 3-year project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union that ran between November 2013 and October 2016. The overall aim of the project was to establish a sustainable and economically-feasible strategy for the production This article is written by the BacHBerry consortium (www. bachberry.eu) and represents the collective effort of all participating institutions. The authors are therefore listed in alphabetical order. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
International audience ; BACterial Hosts for production of Bioac-tive phenolics from bERRY fruits (BacHBerry) was a 3-year project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union that ran between November 2013 and October 2016. The overall aim of the project was to establish a sustainable and economically-feasible strategy for the production This article is written by the BacHBerry consortium (www. bachberry.eu) and represents the collective effort of all participating institutions. The authors are therefore listed in alphabetical order. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
