Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2020-09"
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- The mineral composition value of selected Azorean macroalgae with beneficial impact on human cardiovascular healthPublication . Paiva, Lisete S.; Lima, Elisabete M. C.; Neto, Ana I.; Batista, José A. B.In view of the current increasing demand of macroalgae for human consumption, due to its high nutritional and health-promoting value, this study determines the ash content and investigates the macromineral composition in seven selected Azorean macroalgae (the Chlorophyta Ulva compressa and Ulva rígida, the Ochrophyta Fucus spiralis and the Rhodophyta Gelidium microdon, Osmundea pinnatifida, Porphyra sp. and Pterocladiella capillacea) in order to estimate its potential impact on human cardiovascular health. The ash content of the studied macroalgae (dry weight basis) ranged from 10.70±2% (P. capillacea) to 38.61±0.7% (O. pinnatifida), which is higher than that of the most common vegetables. Thus, these macraalgae can contribute with essential microelements to human and animal nutrition. Regarding the macromineral composition, as compared to some common foods, the results revealed that F. spiralis, G. microdon, O. pinnatifida and P. capillacea presented a well-balanced Ca/Mg ratio (approx. 1:1) and consequently a potential positive effect on heartbeat regulation and myocardial infarction protection. The results also revealed that all studied macroalgae presented o low Na/K ratio (< 2) and, consequently, a potential human hypotensive effect. Thus, the results suggest that a regular consumption of the studied Azorean macroalgae, either directly or through food supplements, may have a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases, the world's most common cause of Human death.
- Microbial Pesticides : Biological Resources, Production and ApplicationPublication . Gouli, Vladimir; Marcelino, Jose; Gouli, SvetlanaThis monograph is a concise and accessible introduction to the history, current status, and future perspectives of microbial pesticide application. Impact on global ecology, human society, and economy, as well as a thorough and tangible description of state-of-the-art technology for the production, biological features, limitations and long-term viability of these bioproducts, is reported. The information is described per biological group (i.e., viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and microbial metabolites). We follow the strategy of Pocket guides, i.e., sound scientific data, profusely illustrated and concise, with accessible language and scientifically sound content. Detailed information is given regarding the biological resources available for the production of microbial pesticides; the microbial formulations available for control of noxious organisms; current technology and methodology for the production of microbial pesticides; application of microbial pesticides for control of noxious organisms; and collateral effects in the environment and other organisms, including higher mammals and humans. [...]. [Preface]
- Arqueologia e dataçãoPublication . Gil, Ana Cristina Correia, dir.; Fialho, Adolfo Fernando da Fonte, ed.
- Seed Predation on Oil-Polluted and Unpolluted Vachellia (Acacia) Trees in a Hyper-Arid Desert EcosystemPublication . Ferrante, Marco; Möller, Daniella M.; Möller, Gabriella M.; Lubin, Yael; Segoli, MichalAcacia trees are keystone species in many arid environments, supporting high levels of plant and animal diversity. In Israel, the populations of Vachellia (formerly Acacia) tortilis (Forssk.) and V. raddiana (Savi) are declining at an alarming rate. Severe infestations by bruchid beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) are among the major causes of seed mortality, but additional environmental stressors can reduce the defence level of the seeds, exacerbating their susceptibility to predators. In a hyper-arid desert ecosystem affected by two major oil spills (in 1975 and 2014), we quantified seed predation rates caused by insect granivores before and after the pods dropped to the ground. We recorded predation rates of up to 84% for both tree species, and higher predation rates at the ground level than in the canopy, suggesting that repeated infestations occur. These results reinforce the call to protect the populations of large ungulates such as gazelles, which kill the bruchids by feeding upon the pods, and promote seed germination and dispersion. We found no clear evidence of a negative effect of the oil spill on seed predation, indicating that oil pollution did not increase the vulnerability of the seeds to granivores even in trees affected by the recent oil spill.
- Assessing the local perception of climate change in a small island : a case studyPublication . Benedicto Royuela, José; Hervías Parejo, Sandra; Ambros, Barbara; Cruz, Azucena De La; Gil, Artur José FreireThe effects of climate change are global, but small islands are among the most vulnerable places. Local populations on small islands might have a ground-based perspective of the impacts that threaten them. This study was undertaken on Corvo (Azores), where 34% of the residents of both genders and different education levels were surveyed. Here, their understanding of climate change and their perception of its local impacts, the sense of risk, the local areas at risk, the willingness to propose mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the knowledge of regional procedures was analysed. Education played a crucial role in local understanding. The general perception was that the regional policies were insufficient to address climate change issues at the local level. This fact points out that the efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, and the public participation procedures for supporting policy-making, must be significantly increased and improved, in order to reach a real impact on local island communities.
- Biological activity and applications of natural compoundsPublication . Seca, Ana M. L.; Moujir, Laila M.; Sharopov, FarukhNature represents an amazing source of inspiration since it produces a great diversity of natural compounds selected by evolution, which exhibit multiple biological activities and applications. A large and very active research field is dedicated to identifying biosynthesized compounds, to improve/develop new methodologies to produce/reuse natural compounds and to assess their potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, among others, and also to understand their mechanism of action.
- Evaluation of ETICS characteristics that affect surface mould developmentPublication . Parracha, João Luís; Cortay, Armand; Borsoi, Giovanni; Veiga, Rosário; Nunes, LinaExternal Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are nowadays often used in new constructions but are also one of the most frequently used thermal retrofitting solutions for buildings. These systems have several advantages such as low installation cost, ease of application and increased thermal efficiency. Nevertheless, a number of questions have been raised on their long-time durability particularly related to biodeterioration. Biological growth is strongly influenced by several parameters, such as water content, temperature, pH but also by the type and hygroscopic properties of the building materials. It is therefore essential to understand and correlate those properties with biological growth. This paper aims at evaluating some ETICS characteristics that might influence surface mould development which is recognized as one of the major groups of deteriorating organisms. The susceptibility of the surface finishing layer and thermal insulation to biological growth was assessed through natural inocula and selected fungi and, whenever possible, correlated with water absorption and drying capacity. This study is part of a wider research project: WGB_Shield (Shielding building‘ facades on cities revitalization. Triple-resistance for water, graffiti and biocolonization of external thermal insulation systems) that aims at the development of ETICS with improved durability in the urban environment. Further development on this issue are ongoing.
- Estatística : alguns alertas muito atuaisPublication . Silva, Osvaldo Dias Lopes daA Estatística é uma ciência capaz de nos fazer entender os factos com base nas informações obtidas a partir dos dados, as estatísticas. Depois de produzidas, divulgadas e disseminadas, as estatísticas podem provocar diferentes interpretações naqueles que as recebem, acomodando, assim, informações diversas e distintas. Só com uma correta apreensão e com a assimilação dos significados que lhes estão na origem é que os respetivos recetores das mesmas poderão fazer o seu adequado uso. Se não houver esse cuidado, acabam por serem mal utilizadas, atribuindo-lhes mais ou menos importância do que a que realmente têm. As estatísticas não podem ser vistas como medidas abstratas, mas sim como observações deduzidas da realidade na forma de medidas, com recurso à modelização. […]. A Estatística é uma ciência capaz de nos fazer entender os factos com base nas informações obtidas a partir dos dados, as estatísticas. Depois de produzidas, divulgadas e disseminadas, as estatísticas podem provocar diferentes interpretações naqueles que as recebem, acomodando, assim, informações diversas e distintas. Só com uma correta apreensão e com a assimilação dos significados que lhes estão na origem é que os respetivos recetores das mesmas poderão fazer o seu adequado uso. Se não houver esse cuidado, acabam por serem mal utilizadas, atribuindo-lhes mais ou menos importância do que a que realmente têm. As estatísticas não podem ser vistas como medidas abstratas, mas sim como observações deduzidas da realidade na forma de medidas, com recurso à modelização.
- Amaral, Carlos E. P. (coord.) Federalismo em tempos de renacionalização. Coimbra: Edições Almedina, 2019, 305 p. ISBN: 978-972-408924-6Publication . Fontes, Paulo VitorinoEm tempos de novos nacionalismos e autoritarismos, surge esta obra coletiva, abrangente e interdisciplinar que nos apresenta o federalismo enquanto sistema político capaz de corresponder aos desafios da contemporaneidade. A proposta federal, que é pouco compreendida nos dias de hoje, poderá responder aos novos desafios, tanto a nível interno, na estruturação dos Estados, como a nível externo, europeu e internacional, na configuração de novas comunidades políticas.
- MACBIOPEST : biopesticidas botânicos da Macaronésia : investigação e saber popularPublication . Tavares, Wilson R.[…]. De forma a evitar os pontos negativos inerentes ao uso destes inseticidas sintéticos, é necessário encontrar alternativas mais eficientes e com menor impacto ambiental. É aqui que entra o projeto MACBIOPEST (“Biopesticidas Botânicos da Macaronésia: Investigação e Saber Popular”) que tem como finalidade a obtenção de extratos e/ou compostos naturais puros, a partir de plantas da Macaronésia que exibam ação pesticida, mas com menor toxicidade e, pelo menos, igualmente eficazes aos existentes no mercado. Desta forma, também se estará a contribuir para valorizar as espécies da Macaronésia, associando-lhe uma aplicação nova e valorizada. Este projeto Europeu teve início em outubro de 2019 e conta com a participação conjunta de equipas de investigação de Cabo Verde, das Canárias, da Madeira e dos Açores. […].