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Individuals who have higher emotional intelligence show higher levels of life satisfaction. This study analyzed the impact of emotional intelligence on life satisfaction in a sample of 144 individuals aged between 18 and 77 years (M = 36.97, SD = 15.87), comparing [...] Read more.

Individuals who have higher emotional intelligence show higher levels of life satisfaction. This study analyzed the impact of emotional intelligence on life satisfaction in a sample of 144 individuals aged between 18 and 77 years (M = 36.97, SD = 15.87), comparing victims and non-victims of violence. Participants answered an online protocol comprising a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLWS). Age and emotional intelligence impact life satisfaction, and victims showed high emotional intelligence and satisfaction scores. As emotional intelligence is an essential skill in emotional evaluation and regulation, its relationship with life satisfaction should also affect quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Comparison between Digital and Paper Handwriting—A Contribution to Graphoscopic Analysis

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Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022046 - 29 Aug 2023

Viewed by 37

Abstract

The growing development of new technologies and the evolution of communication devices has led the world’s population to gradually replace traditional writing on paper and pen with digital handwriting. This shift in writing instruments and media presents new challenges for calligraphy specialists. The [...] Read more.

The growing development of new technologies and the evolution of communication devices has led the world’s population to gradually replace traditional writing on paper and pen with digital handwriting. This shift in writing instruments and media presents new challenges for calligraphy specialists. The aim of this study is to compare digital handwriting and traditional writing on paper and to explore the possible influence of different supports on the analysis of handwriting. This study’s design consists of the analysis and comparison, by three calibrated forensic experts, of the handwriting of 10 participants, 4 of whom provided anonymous samples for authorship identification purposes. Preliminary results of the comparative analysis in both media revealed some differences in letter size, spacing, dots, ovals, and initial and terminal strokes, and similarities in graphic impulses, inclination, commas, punctuation, accentuation, calligraphic case, speed, and letter shapes. Concerning authorship identification, a 75% success rate was achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

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Open AccessProceeding Paper

Schoolchildren as Agents of Change towards Antimicrobial Resistance

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Med. Sci. Forum 2022, 15(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2022015020 - 25 Aug 2023

Viewed by 55

Abstract

Schoolchildren are in their formative years, and therefore at an ideal stage in their lives to take in knowledge and best practices that will guide their future behavior. Through the Roll Back Antimicrobial Resistance (RBA) Initiative in Tanzania, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) School Clubs [...] Read more.

Schoolchildren are in their formative years, and therefore at an ideal stage in their lives to take in knowledge and best practices that will guide their future behavior. Through the Roll Back Antimicrobial Resistance (RBA) Initiative in Tanzania, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) School Clubs have successfully educated and empowered schoolchildren to become antibiotic guardians and AMR champions. Using appropriate language and consideration of the local context, the project has employed a variety of innovative activities, including AMR arts and crafts, competitions, storytelling and interactive learning that would teach children in an engaging and enjoyable manner. The School Club project has demonstrated how a mix of fun-based knowledge and skills transfer methods and rewarding competitions can change antimicrobial use knowledge and practice in schoolchildren. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of ESPAUR Report Webinar and Antibiotic Guardian Shared Learning Awards)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Susceptibility Patterns of Candida spp. Collected from Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Study in 2020–2022

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Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022045 - 25 Aug 2023

Viewed by 57

Abstract

The frequency of Candida spp. isolates as a cause of hospital infections has risen, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) plays an increasingly important role in guiding therapeutic decisions. This multicenter study aimed to determine AST pattern of Candida spp. isolates from [...] Read more.

The frequency of Candida spp. isolates as a cause of hospital infections has risen, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) plays an increasingly important role in guiding therapeutic decisions. This multicenter study aimed to determine AST pattern of Candida spp. isolates from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. In total, 674 patients were enrolled, and axillar/inguinal swabs were collected at admission and during the ICU stay (5th and 8th day). In vitro AST was performed on 355 Candida spp. isolates, according to the concentration gradient Etest^® strip technique. The overall susceptibility rates were 100%, 99.7%, 98.3%, and 97.7% for amphotericin B, voriconazole, anidulafungin, and fluconazole, respectively. The current study demonstrates that antifungal resistance remains infrequent among Candida spp. isolates in Portugal’s ICUs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Employability and Dental Caries Experience

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Eduardo Guerreiro

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Ana Cristina Manso

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José João Mendes

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022044 - 23 Aug 2023

Viewed by 69

Abstract

One of the most common oral diseases and a public health concern is dental caries. Risk assessment and health factor identification are necessary for prevention. Our research focuses on evaluating how dental caries experience is affected by employability. Radiological, oral, sociodemographic, and behavioral [...] Read more.

One of the most common oral diseases and a public health concern is dental caries. Risk assessment and health factor identification are necessary for prevention. Our research focuses on evaluating how dental caries experience is affected by employability. Radiological, oral, sociodemographic, and behavioral questionnaires were included in the investigation. Individuals who are unemployed display an increased occurrence of tooth decay. Regarding employability, the results showed a significantly lower experience in employed participants when compared to unemployed participants. Employability should be considered as a relevant health determinant of dental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Symptomatology in Intimate Partner Violence Offenders and Victims

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Maria Beatriz Ribeiro

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Rafaela Morgado

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Ricardo Ventura Baúto

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022043 - 22 Aug 2023

Viewed by 97

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) consists of any action that holds the intention to inflict physical, sexual and/or psychological damages to the offending person’s partner. This study aims to identify the psychopathological symptoms in IPV offenders and victims. Our sample consisted of 59 offenders [...] Read more.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) consists of any action that holds the intention to inflict physical, sexual and/or psychological damages to the offending person’s partner. This study aims to identify the psychopathological symptoms in IPV offenders and victims. Our sample consisted of 59 offenders and 63 IPV victims for whom the assessment was requested by a court order. The information on the evaluation was obtained through the database of the Forensic Psychology Office—Egas Moniz. The results show significative differences in five of the nine symptom dimensions, namely somatization, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, phobic anxiety, and psychoticism, and victims have a complex presentation of symptoms. The impact of victimization is revealed in the negative repercussions at the level of global functioning in IPV victims rather than in IPV offenders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Alexithymia, Personality, Internet Addiction, and Interpersonal Relationships

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Ricardo Ventura Baúto

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Sandra Oliveira

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022042 - 21 Aug 2023

Viewed by 136

Abstract

This article delves into an explanatory model of interpersonal behavior based on alexithymia and internet dependence, demonstrating how these factors affect interpersonal relationships in a sample of university students. Alexithymia refers to a persistent difficulty in identifying, describing, and expressing emotions, which can [...] Read more.

This article delves into an explanatory model of interpersonal behavior based on alexithymia and internet dependence, demonstrating how these factors affect interpersonal relationships in a sample of university students. Alexithymia refers to a persistent difficulty in identifying, describing, and expressing emotions, which can hinder emotional connection with others. Internet addiction can lead to a neglect of interactions and social isolation, thereby reducing interpersonal relationships. The results of this study suggest that both alexithymia and internet addiction can have a negative impact on interpersonal relationships by interfering with the expression of emotions, communication and social engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Cyberaggression, Personality and Genetics

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Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022041 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 129

Abstract

Cyber aggression can be defined as a form of aggression where the perpetrator uses digital media to harm a person or group of people. The literature has linked aggression to personality and genetics. This study aimed to show the relationship between cyber aggression [...] Read more.

Cyber aggression can be defined as a form of aggression where the perpetrator uses digital media to harm a person or group of people. The literature has linked aggression to personality and genetics. This study aimed to show the relationship between cyber aggression and personality and polymorphisms associated with aggression-related serotonergic and dopaminergic processes. The sample consisted of 93 individuals, 81 women (87.1%) and 12 males (12.9%) with a mean age of 20.95 (SD = 2.98), and it was collected as part of the research project “Aggressiveness and Genetics in a University Context”. The most important results indicate that cyber aggression and aggression are related to personality traits, especially agreeableness. An influence of genetic variables was not found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Aggression, Genetics, and Adverse Childhood Experiences in a University Sample

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Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022040 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 122

Abstract

The literature shows that aggression in adulthood is associated with adverse childhood experiences and genetics. This research aims to study the phenomenon of aggression in adulthood and analyse its relationship with genetics (dopamine and serotonin polymorphisms) and adverse childhood experiences. The sample was [...] Read more.

The literature shows that aggression in adulthood is associated with adverse childhood experiences and genetics. This research aims to study the phenomenon of aggression in adulthood and analyse its relationship with genetics (dopamine and serotonin polymorphisms) and adverse childhood experiences. The sample was collected as part of the research project “Aggression and Genetics in a University Context” and consists of 93 individuals, 81 women, and 12 men. Participants completed a protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), the Short Form of the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ-SF), and the Childhood History Questionnaire (ACE). The most important results indicate that adverse childhood experiences are correlated with aggression in adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Facilitating NGS-Based Screening of Genetic Disorders Using -AI-Driven Bioinformatics

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Maria Guilhermina Moutinho

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Tabisam Khan

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Markella Mikkelsen

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022039 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 137

Abstract

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is used as a diagnostic strategy for identifying pathogenic genetic variants in children and adults. However, the analysis is complex, requiring specialized bioinformaticians, and it can take weeks to finalize one study. This has been a limiting factor for the [...] Read more.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is used as a diagnostic strategy for identifying pathogenic genetic variants in children and adults. However, the analysis is complex, requiring specialized bioinformaticians, and it can take weeks to finalize one study. This has been a limiting factor for the application of NGS in the screening of populations for rare genetic diseases. In this work, we show two case studies, where we applied an AI-driven bioinformatics framework in a diagnostic and a preventive scenario, respectively. The AI analysis was accurate and substantially faster than using conventional bioinformatics tools. Our results support the concept that AI-driven bioinformatics is a scalable solution for rendering accurate results and enabling a more widely available genetic screening for rare diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

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Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessment of Xerostomia in Outpatients of the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (CHPL)

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Cecilia Rozan

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Luís Proença

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Cristina Manso

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022037 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 111

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of xerostomia in psychotropics-medicated outpatients of the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (CHPL). For this cross-sectional study, 60 outpatients who underwent a general psychiatry consultation signed a consent form and answered a questionnaire assessing Summated Xerostomia Inventory [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of xerostomia in psychotropics-medicated outpatients of the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (CHPL). For this cross-sectional study, 60 outpatients who underwent a general psychiatry consultation signed a consent form and answered a questionnaire assessing Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI-PL), and sialometry was performed. Amongst the 60 subjects, 61.70% were male, and the mean age was 51.53 ± 11.15 years. Among the population, the prevalence of hyposialia was 16.7%, and that of xerostomia was 23.3%. Higher SXI-PL scores (7.60 ± 2.26) were reported in patients with normal saliva flow. The symptom that showed a higher severity of xerostomia was “My mouth feels dry” (1.78 ± 0.81). Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Oral Health in Psychotropic-Medicated Outpatients of the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (CHPL)

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Cecília Rozan

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Luís Proença

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Cristina Manso

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022038 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 117

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the oral health status in psychotropic-medicated outpatients of the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (CHPL). Sixty outpatients of the General Psychiatry consultation consented to participate in this study. An oral examination and a structured questionnaire were conducted. [...] Read more.

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the oral health status in psychotropic-medicated outpatients of the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (CHPL). Sixty outpatients of the General Psychiatry consultation consented to participate in this study. An oral examination and a structured questionnaire were conducted. Among the 60 subjects, 61.70% were males and the mean age was 51.53 ± 11.15 years. The prevalence of dental caries was 98.3%, and the decayed, missing, filled index (DMFT) mean score was 18.03 ± 9.39. Considering the tooth brushing frequency, 30% and 40% brushed their teeth once and twice daily, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Sexual Dimorphism in the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Students

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Manuel Barbosa de Almeida

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Marion Moreira

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022036 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 90

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are concerning among dental students. The study aims to compare the prevalence of MSDs between male and female dental students. A total of 63 dental students completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The results showed that female students had a [...] Read more.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are concerning among dental students. The study aims to compare the prevalence of MSDs between male and female dental students. A total of 63 dental students completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The results showed that female students had a higher prevalence of symptoms in the neck and lower back compared to those of the male students. In the weekly assessment, male students had a higher occurrence of symptoms in the hands and wrists. These findings emphasize the need to address musculoskeletal issues among dental students, targeting their different etiologies to prevent disabilities and early retirements associated with MSDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

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Open AccessProceeding Paper

Identification Procedures of Yeast Species Recovered from Portuguese Intensive Care Units

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Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022035 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 99

Abstract

Yeast species other than Candida albicans are becoming more clinically relevant in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) landscape, making it important to identify them correctly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance of the identification of clinical isolates from ICUs, [...] Read more.

Yeast species other than Candida albicans are becoming more clinically relevant in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) landscape, making it important to identify them correctly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance of the identification of clinical isolates from ICUs, at the species level, by conventional and molecular methods. All isolates (n = 371) underwent identification by cultural, MALDI-TOF MS and PCR. The direct concordance between conventional and molecular identification was 92% (341/371). These results allow us to conclude that culture-based methodologies are still useful to reliably identify the most frequent yeasts, but for rare, uncommon or cryptic species, technologies such as MALDI-TOF MS or PCR are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Exploring Genetic Variations and Psychological Factors in Alcohol and Drug Consumption in a Portuguese Female Sample

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Alexandra Maia e Silva

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Iris Almeida

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Cristina Soeiro

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Alexandre Quintas

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 22(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023022034 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 123

Abstract

While in some countries, the possession of psychoactive substances leads to prison sentences or execution, other countries, like Portugal, follow an avenue leading to a drug-tolerant culture. However, there is a lack of empirical data on Portuguese populations to measure the drug-use trend. [...] Read more.

While in some countries, the possession of psychoactive substances leads to prison sentences or execution, other countries, like Portugal, follow an avenue leading to a drug-tolerant culture. However, there is a lack of empirical data on Portuguese populations to measure the drug-use trend. The present study uses multidisciplinary approaches to explore the prevalence of alcohol and drug consumption on a Portuguese student population (N = 81, ages ranged from 17 to 40 years), associating it with psychological and genetic factors. The results show a prevalence of cannabis consumption higher than what is reported by the EMCDDA, and suggests that carriers of the minor allele of 5-HTTLPR have a higher propensity for addiction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Congress of CiiEM—Immediate and Future Challenges to Foster One Health)

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