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Browsing CIMO by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Ciências Agrárias::Outras Ciências Agrárias"
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- Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in a clothing store from an international chain in EuropePublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Viegas, Carla; Gomes, Bianca; Cervantes, Renata; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaIn this study, indoor air quality was assessed in a store belonging to one of Portugal’s largest commercial retail groups. A variety of methodologies was used, including gravimetric analysis for particulate matter (PM), optical monitors for real-time PM measurements, gas sensors and analysers for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants, diffusion tubes for VOCs, and passive deposition for microorganisms. The average PM10 concentration indoors was 16.5 ± 3.87 μg/m3, well below the exposure limits set by various international organisations. A significant portion of indoor PM10 – 69% - was originated from outdoor sources. Outdoor PM10 concentrations were sub- stantially higher, averaging 29.4 ± 14.6 μg/m3. Metal concentrations were also higher outdoors than indoors, and the associated cancer risk and hazard quotient were not exceeded, indicating favourable air quality con- ditions within the store. Among VOCs, α-pinene and tetrachloroethylene were detected in notable concentra- tions. α-Pinene likely originated from cleaning products and fragrances, while tetrachloroethylene was attributed to emissions from a dry-cleaning establishment located in the same building, but did not exceed protection thresholds. Microbial analysis showed low concentrations of both fungi and bacteria. However, fungal species with clinical and toxigenic potential were found. The most common fungal species were Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., depending on the culture media. Overall, the clothing store demonstrated good air quality. However, to further reduce the impact of outdoor pollutants on indoor air quality, enhancements to the venti- lation system are recommended. These improvements can help create a healthier indoor environment by filtering and managing the intake of external contaminants more effectively.
- Influence of Produced Water and Light Irradiation on the Composition of Exopolysaccharide Produced by L. amnigena Evaluated by Raman SpectroscopyPublication . Silva, Anna Paula Lima Teixeira da; Soares, Luiz Guilherme Pinheiro; Gulberg, Lars Duarte; Crugeira, Pedro; Almeida, Paulo Fernando de; Fernandes, Adjaci Uchoa; Silveira, Landulfo; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz BarbosaThis study aimed to compare the changes in the composition of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Lelliottia amnigena in culture medium containing distilled water (DW) and dialyzed produced water (DPW) irradiated by either Laser (λ660 nm, 8.0 J/cm2) or LED (λ630 nm, 12.0 J/cm2) during bacterial growth using Raman spectroscopy at 1064 nm. The cultures of L. amnigena were irradiated at 9‐ and 12‐h, and the EPS obtained from different production protocols were analyzed dehydrated. Raman spectra showed peaks assigned to saccharides from EPS polymer, and principal component analysis revealed differences in the composition of the EPS produced depending on the water used in production and the light source used for irradiation. Remarkably, the presence of acyl groups (acetyl and pyruvyl) in the mannose residues at the group DW and mannose without evidence of acetyl in the irradiated groups; the irradiated groups also presented evidence of carboxylate (succinyl).
- Interdisciplinary investigations identify local knowledge important for pastoralist adaptation to climate change in Montesinho (Portugal)Publication . Aleixo-Pais, Isa G.; Castro, José; Frazão-Moreira, Amélia; Castro, João Paulo; Castro, MarinaPastoralists are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change and variability, as they depend on bioclimatic conditions for livestock forage biodiversity and production. In the complex socio-ecological system of the mountainous area of Montesinho Natural Park (north-east Portugal, Western Europe), traditional pastoralists are impacted by climate change in their rangelands (e.g. average monthly temperature increase, shifts in precipitation patterns) (Castro et al. 2021; Oliveira 2023). To understand the adaptive responses of local pastoralists to environmental change, this interdisciplinary research applied a three-step method. Firstly, we performed walking ethnographies with shepherds for over two years and used dialogues and observations to identify perceptions and local adaptations. Secondly, adaptive practices from other pastoral groups that could be viable in the study area were identified from the literature. And thirdly, co-participatory consultation workshops with pastoralists and representatives of local and national entities were developed to discuss and assess the adaptive measures for its practicality and sustainability. Shifts in precipitation patterns, drought and higher temperatures in the winter were identified as climate changes by local pastoralists, and several adaptive practices for water provision and conservation, additional fodder supply and livestock thermal comfort were listed by all local stakeholders involved in the project, as feasible solutions to overcome regional ecosystem shocks and trends. Local knowledge and climate perceptions were important for the documentation of adaptations at the rangeland level. This integrative approach, which resulted in a good practices guide, promotes practitioners and decision-makers to identify and discuss measures that will contribute to the resilience of traditional mountain pastoralism in the protected area of Montesinho and similar agro-pastoral systems
- Large Scale Mitochondrial Evidence of C-lineage Dominance in European Honey BeesPublication . Li, Fernanda; Lopes, Ana; Costa, Maíra; Henriques, Dora; Quaresma, Andreia; Yadró García, Carlos A.; Albo, Alexandre; Čereškienė, Laima Blažytė; Brodschneider, Robert; Brusbardis, Valters; Carreck, Norman L.; Charistos, Leonidas; Chlebo, Robert; Coffey, Mary F.; Dahle, Bjørn; Danneels, Ellen; Dobrescu, Constantin; Dupleix-Marchal, Anna; Filipi, Janja; Gajda, Anna; Gratzer, Kristina; Groeneveld, Linn Fenna; Hatjina, Fani; Johannesen, Jes; Kolasa, Michal; Körmendy-Rácz, János; Kovačić, Marin; Kristiansen, Preben; Martikkala, Maritta; McCormack, Grace P.; Martín-Hernández, Raquel; Pavlov, Borce; Poirot, Benjamin; Pietropaoli, Marco; Radev, Zheko; Raudmets, Aivar; René-Douarre, Vincent; Roessink, Ivo; Škerl, Maja Ivana Smodiš; Soland, Gabriele; Titera, Dalibor; Steen, Jozef van der; Varnava, Andri; Vejsnæs, Flemming; Fedoriak, Mariia M.; Zarochentseva, Oksana; Webster, Matthew T.; Graaf, Dirk C.; Pinto, M. AliceIn Europe, distribution of the several endemic honey bee (Apis mellifera) subspecies has suffered a considerable shift in the last century. In particular, beekeepers tend to favour subspecies of Eastern European ancestry (C-lineage), such as the Italian honey bee (A. m. ligustica), due to their perceived docility and high honey production. As a result, large scale migratory beekeeping and trade of C-lineage queens have exposed the native European honey bees to introgression and replacement, jeopardizing their genetic integrity and locally adapted traits. The maternally-inherited and highly polymorphic mitochondrial intergenic region tRNAleu-cox2 is routinely used for the assessment of honey bee diversity and introgression at large geographical scales. In this study, we conducted a survey on tRNAleu-cox2 variation in more than 1300 colonies from 33 European countries to assess current status of mitochondrial diversity patterns in Europe. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the bee thorax followed by PCR amplification of the tRNAleu-cox2 region and sequencing. The haplotypes were identified using alignments in MEGA 11. A clear dominance of C-lineage haplotypes was found (65%). The most prevalent C-lineage haplotype was C2 (54%) followed by C3 (23%) and C1(22%). Contrary to this trend, in Portugal, Spain and Ireland, less than 10% of the colonies exhibit the C-haplotype. Furthermore, the analysed apiaries in isolated protected areas (n=7) revealed a high proportion of colonies of western European (M-lineage) ancestry (80%) with M4 as the most frequent haplotype. African haplotypes (A lineage) were also found, albeit at lower frequencies, and were mainly concentrated in the Iberian Peninsula (9%). Intensive queen breeding and migratory beekeeping is homogenizing the gene pool of European bee populations. This survey of honey bee maternal diversity across Europe highlights the alarming dominance of C-lineage haplotypes and underscores the importance of conservation apiaries, as they have effectively preserved the autochthonous M-lineage subspecies in different countries. This work was conducted in the framework of the project Better-B, funded by the European Union, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation, and UK Research and Innovation under the UK government's Horizon Europe funding guarantee (grant number 10068544).
- Nosema ceranae detection in yellow-legged hornet, Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax, in the norwest of SpainPublication . Rodriguez-Flores, Maria Shantal; Lopes, Ana; Diéguez-Antón, Ana; Seijo-Coello, M. Carmen; Pinto, M. AliceThe Vespa velutina nigrithorax is an invasive hornet from Asia that is causing significant concern for its impact on the European beekeeping sector. Its high adaptability and reproductive capacity have enabled the registration of over 50,000 nests in Galicia (northwest Spain) in 2023. It has been estimated that more than 20,000 individuals may emerge from each colony. This hornet consumes large quantities of honey bees in apiaries to satisfy the protein needs of its larvae. It has been demonstrated that this hornet can contain various pollinator pathogens after consuming its preys. The microsporidium Nosema provides a useful illustration of this. N. ceranae is a pathogen that causes a disease called nosemosis, which infects adult honey bees and contributes to colony depopulation. The presence of N. ceranae in V. velutina could have an impact on the dynamics of native host pathogens and contribute to the spread of this parasite. Therefore, there is a need for further knowledge on the presence of N. ceranae in V. velutina. A total of 62 individuals of V. velutina were collected from 11 apiaries located in different municipalities of Galicia to analyze the presence of N. ceranae. After DNA extraction, N. ceranae was determined in the V. velutina specimens by PCR amplification. N. ceranae was detected in five of the 11 apiaries (Culleredo, San Sadurniño, Gondomar, Fonsagrada, and Sergude). In these apiaries, nine hornets were found to be positive for N. ceranae. The results of this study provide information on the presence of N. ceranae in V. velutina, which is likely to have been acquired from honey bee consumption. This study suggests that V. velutina may contribute to the spread of this pathogen, which could represent a potential long-term risk for apiaries.
- Soil Organic Carbon Assessment Using Remote-Sensing Data and Machine Learning: A Systematic Literature ReviewPublication . Lima, Arthur A. J.; Lopes, Júlio Castro; Lopes, Rui Pedro; Figueiredo, Tomás d'Aquino; Vidal-Vásquez, Eva; Hernandez Hernandez, ZulimarIn the current global change scenario, valuable tools for improving soils and increasing both agricultural productivity and food security, together with effective actions to mitigate the impacts of ongoing climate change trends, are priority issues. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) acts on these two topics, as C is a core element of soil organic matter, an essential driver of soil fertility, and becomes problematic when disposed of in the atmosphere in its gaseous form. Laboratory methods to measure SOC are expensive and time-consuming. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to identify techniques and alternative ways to estimate SOC using Remote-Sensing (RS) spectral data and computer tools to process this database. This SLR was conducted using Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis (PRISMA) methodology, highlighting the use of Deep Learning (DL), traditional neural networks, and other machine-learning models, and the input data were used to estimate SOC. The SLR concludes that Sentinel satellites, particularly Sentinel-2, were frequently used. Despite limited datasets, DL models demonstrated robust performance as assessed by R2 and RMSE. Key input data, such as vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI, SAVI, EVI) and digital elevation models, were consistently correlated with SOC predictions. These findings underscore the potential of combining RS and advanced artificial-intelligence techniques for efficient and scalable SOC monitoring.
- Special issue CHEMPOR 2023 – 14th International Chemical and Biological Engineering ConferencePublication . Pinho, Simão; Barreiro, FilomenaThe 14th International Chemical and Biological Engineering Conference (CHEMPOR 2023), organized by Bragança Polytechnic University and the Portuguese Engineers Association, was held in Bragança, Portugal, on September 12–15, 2023. CHEMPOR 2023 focused on recent developments in various settings, including biorefinery, biotechnology, energy and environment, innovative materials, and the creation and design of novel reaction and separation processes, always foreseeing industrial applications for a sustainable future. The conference served as a melting pot to celebrate creativity, diversity, and friendship among participants, fostering the exchange of ideas and enabling fruitful interactions. It brought together professionals from the academic, industrial, scientific, and technological communities, uniting over 300 delegates from 12 countries.