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- Why single snp analyses fail: epistatic structural effects in honey bee CYP336A1Publication . Li, Fernanda; Lima, Daniela; Bashir, Sana; Yadró Garcia, Carlos A.; Graaf, Dirk C. de; De Smet, Lina; Verbinnen, Gilles; Rosa-Fontana, Annelise; Rufino, José; Martín-Hernández, Raquel; Pinto, M. Alice; Henriques, DoraCytochrome P450 enzymes are central to pesticide metabolism and resistance, yet how these proteins diversify substrate specificity while maintaining catalytic function remains poorly understood. A genome-wide analysis of CYP336A1 (a nicotine-metabolizing P450) across 1467 Apis mellifera males from 25 countries spanning the Mediterranean, Middle East, Europe, and Cuba revealed an intricate haplotype architecture. Despite the detection of only 28 single-nucleotide variants (SNPs), 45 distinct haplotypes were detected for CYP336A1. Among these, 23 haplotypes carried at least four SNPs, and four harboured more than 10. A five-SNP haplotype (D202G; M207I; I222V; V226I; Q238K) dominated at 36% frequency, far exceeding the next most common single-SNP haplotype (D262N, 9%). Interestingly, this dominant haplotype was completely absent from the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and Oman and, consequently, from five A. mellifera subspecies: iberiensis, intermissa, jemenitica, mellifera and sahariensis. To investigate the functional impact of the identified variants, individually and in combination, we used in sillico protein structural approaches. Protein models were generated with trRosetta, validated with MolProbity, and evaluated using TM-score and RMSD via TM-Align. Structural modelling revealed remarkable fold congruency: the enzyme encoded by the five-SNP haplotype retained a near-identical fold as compared to the wild-type enzyme (TM-score = 0.998, RMSD = 0.34 Å), as did a rarer 13-SNP haplotype (2%) (TM-score = 0.998, RMSD = 0.38 Å). Individual SNPs also produced minimal backbone displacement (0.32–0.54 Å), suggesting that P450 diversification proceeds through subtle structural adjustments rather than major disruption. Moreover, most SNPs clustered within substrate-recognition regions, whereas catalytic residues remained invariant across haplotypes, demonstrating a partitioning between substrate-recognition/binding evolution and preservation of catalytic machinery. Importantly, single-variant effects cannot predict multi-variant haplotype outcomes. As such, heavy reliance on individual SNPs for pesticide risk assessment may misestimate real metabolic capacity.
- Distribution of pyrethroid and amitraz resistance in Varroa destructor mites from honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in PortugalPublication . Costa, Maíra; Yadró Garcia, Carlos A.; Rodrigues, Cláudia; Lopes, Ana Rita; Pérez-Pérez, Antonio; Martín Hernández, Raquel; Higes, Mariano; Pinto, M. Alice; Henriques, DoraHoney bees (Apis mellifera) are widely used for pollination and honey production worldwide. However, they face a serious threat from the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. This parasite causes varroosis and transmits multiple viruses, such as the Deformed wing virus (DWVV), compromising the health and survival of colonies. While there are many acaricides commercially available to treat colonies against varroa, the recurrent use of certain molecules is leading to the development of varroa resistance. In Portugal, two classes of synthetic compounds are currently used: pyrethroids (fluvalinate and flumethrin) and formamidines (amitraz). However, the excessive and repeated use of acaricides has led to the development of resistance in mite populations. Pyrethroid resistance is linked to mutations in the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (VGSC) gene, with amino acid substitutions, at position 925 and 918. Amitraz resistance is associated with mutations in the Octopamine-like β-adrenergic receptor (Octβ2R). The amino acid changes include asparagine (N) to serine (S) at position 87 (N87S), observed in France; tyrosine (Y) to histidine (H) at position 215 (Y215H), in the USA; phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 290 (F290L), in Spain; and tyrosine (Y) to phenylalanine (F) at position 337 (Y337F), in Turkey. The distribution of resistance alleles has not yet been explored in Portugal. To fill this data gap, Varroa mites from honey bee colonies across various regions of the country were analyzed through DNA extraction, PCR with specific primers, and Sanger sequencing. The results confirmed the of widespread distribution of resistance alleles to pyrethroids at positions 925 and 918, like those observed in Spain. In contrast, preliminary results did not detect any amitraz resistance alleles, although the small sample size warrants caution in interpretation. This study represents an important step in understanding V. destructor resistance to chemical treatments in Portugal, providing essential data for monitoring acaricide resistance and supporting the development of more effective management strategies to help beekeepers better protect their colonies.
- Addressing the Challenges of Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Project ManagementPublication . Almeida, Pedro; Freitas, Filipa; Fernandes, Gabriela; Santos, José M.R.C.A.; Moniz, SamuelIn recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been transforming various fields, including Project Management (PM). While AI offers significant benefits to PM, its implementation also presents several challenges. This paper explores some of the main barriers faced by organizations when integrating AI into PM practice. Through a review of current literature, this study identifies major challenges, such as the creation of unemployment, the need for upskilled project managers, erosion capabilities of project managers, ethical issues, high initial investment, security and data privacy concerns, and data availability. By analyzing these challenges, this paper provides insights into strategic approaches for overcoming them, emphasizing the importance of change management strategies, investment in training, development of clear ethical regulations, and the highlighting the need for Project managers to develop a versatile skills set that balances technical proficiency with human-centric skills like empathy, adaptability, collaborative mindset, and emotional intelligence. These findings help to equip PM professionals with the necessary knowledge to navigate through the complexities of AI implementation effectively, while also guides scholars for future research on this emergent field.
- An Assessment of Food Consumption Practices in the Mozambican Provinces of Inhambane and Gaza: Implications for Mycotoxin Exposure RiskPublication . Ribeiro, Maria Isabel; Mussalama, Edson; Manhiça, Agnaldo; Cabo, Paula; Venâncio, Armando; Rodrigues, Paula; Macuamule, CustódiaIn Mozambique, mycotoxins represent a public health threat. The paucity of research and the absence of monitoring programs exacerbate the population’s risk of exposure. This study aimed to describe the dietary habits of populations in Gaza and Inhambane provinces and to investigate potential differences in average monthly consumption by province, place of residence, sex, and age group. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, involving 55 households and a total of 300 individuals (Gaza: n=151; Inhambane: n=149). Data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. The analysis revealed that household diets were predominantly composed of “Dairy products” where milk stood out, “Vegetables and greens”, notably onions and lettuce/watercress, “Beverages”, primarily water and tea, “Fruits”, such as mango, fresh tomato, and banana, “Bread, cereals and related products”, particularly rice, “Eggs, meat and fish”, namely fresh fish and eggs. Furthermore, the most consumed fats and sweets are oils and sugar, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between provinces: Inhambane exhibited higher consumption of “Dairy products”, “Fruits”, and “Beverages”. The results showed that consumption patterns across most food groups were dependent by place of residence. Additionally, sex and age were associated with different consumption of “Dairy products” and “Beverages”, respectively. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of dietary patterns in Gaza and Inhambane provinces and underscore the widespread consumption of foods vulnerable to mycotoxin contamination. The results offer a critical foundation for developing targeted sampling strategies to assess fungal and mycotoxin contamination and for conducting risk assessments of population exposure.
- Gestão da água: desafios enfrentados pela atividade pastoril em Trás-os-Montes, PortugalPublication . Oliveira, Ana Carolina Farias de; Castro, José; Seripieri, Vitor Henrique Mistro; Castro, MarinaA pastorícia fornece importantes serviços ecológicos, como a ciclagem de nutrientes, a conservação da biodiversidade, atenua os efeitos dos incendios florestais ao diminuir o material combustível (Dong, 2016). Segundo a FAO (2020), a europa ocupa cerca de 15 milhões de hectares voltados para a sistemas agropastoris, sendo aproximadamente 1,92 milhões de hectares de pastagens permanentes em Portugal (Pinto et al., 2023).
- Rede de inovação de modelos de negócio agroflorestais (AF4EU)Publication . Pousa, Eduardo; Oliveira, Ana Carolina Farias de; Castro, José; Castro, João Paulo; Pereira, José Alberto; Castro, MarinaO crescimento da população mundial impõe a procura de soluções que permitam obter uma maior produção de alimentos através de práticas de uso do solo mais sustentáveis. Os sistemas agroflorestais devido às suas propriedades multifuncionais são parte da solução para abordar questões de sustentabilidade, incluindo ambientais, económicas ou sociais. Como resposta a estas necessidades, o projeto AF4EU, financiado pela União Europeia, tem como objetivo promover os sistemas agroflorestais europeus através do desenvolvimento de uma rede agroflorestal alargada, interativa e orientada para a inovação. Com este projeto pretende-se partilhar conhecimento local e cientifico, com recurso a ferramentas de TIC, dando especial atenção ao desenvolvimento e implementação de novas práticas rentáveis, modelos de negócio e serviços de extensão agroflorestal, considerando toda a cadeia alimentar, incluindo os consumidores. O AF4EU inclui 11 Redes Regionais de Inovação Agroflorestal (RAIN), distribuídas por várias regiões da Europa (Atlântica, Mediterrânica, Continental e Boreal) com atores relevantes (agricultores e produtores florestais, invesgadores, conselheiros, consumidores, ONGs, retalhistas e responsáveis políticos) e grupos operacionais. No decurso do projeto, será analisado um conjunto de 33 modelos de negócio agroflorestais em toda a Europa, sob a perspetiva do trinómio de sustentabilidade económica, ambiental e social. Inspirado em iniciativas anteriores (H2020), o AF4EU visa desenvolver uma plataforma de conhecimento agroflorestal que inclui: i) nuvem de conhecimento, ii) manual, iii) ferramenta de apoio à decisão empresarial de inovação agroflorestal (Afi-Bus DSS), visando a política agroflorestal na Europa, assim como um Curso Online Multilingue (MOOC) com módulos de formação direcionados aos agricultores e conselheiros. O AF4EU proporcionará um contributo significativo para a implementação e adoção dos sistemas agroflorestais em toda a Europa, através da partilha de conhecimento centrado em modelos de negócio rentáveis e do planeamento de comunicação, disseminação e exploração bem-sucedido, que despertará a atenção de grande número de pessoas na Europa.
- Enhancing rangeland management through technology: a case study of sheep and goat grazing in Montesinho Natural ParkPublication . Castro, José; Fellahi, Mohamed; Benmellouk, Issam; Castro, Marina; Yessef, MohammedThe advent of advanced technologies offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the sustainability and resilience of rangeland management. This study examines the application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in monitoring and optimizing the shepherding journeys of sheep and goat pastoralists throughout the rangelands of Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal. Two distinct flocks—sheep and goats—were each equipped with a GNSS collar to monitor their routes across seasons and landscapes from April 2022 to March 2023. The study yielded 186 grazing journeys for the sheep flock and 232 for the goats. The data collected were subsequently analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). These analytical methods were employed to discern patterns and correlations between grazing journeys and environmental variables, including altitude, topographic wetness, and land use types. The land use types examined encompassed orchards, oak forests, and shrublands. The study elucidates marked discrepancies in the shepherding landscapes of the two species under investigation. The flock of sheep exhibited a distinct preference for agroforestry zones, demonstrating heightened sensitivity to climatic fluctuations, particularly during extreme temperatures. In such conditions, the sheep sought refuge in oak woods, chestnut groves, and riparian forests. Conversely, the goats demonstrated a greater utilization of rangelands and forestlands, indicative of their superior adaptability to varying environmental conditions. Additionally, seasonal variations were pronounced, with both species modifying their grazing strategies in response to the dynamic environmental changes.
- Portuguese consumers' preference regarding three protected designation of origin transmontano goatling butcher piecesPublication . Fernandes, António; Sousa, Fernando; Aveiro, Dina; Ribeiro, Maria IsabelEach half carcass was divided into three pieces: a leg, a shoulder, and a rib. So, to identify consumers' preferences about the three cuts, a questionnaire was applied at the National Agricultural Fair between June 3 and 11, 2023, in Santarém, Portugal. The sample was composed of 118 consumers aged between 20 and 81 years. Later, descriptive statistics and the Friedman test were used to analyze the data. The majority of the consumers were between 25 and 64 years old (72.9%), male (69.5%), had secondary (25.4%) or higher (36.4%) education, lived in households of two (40.7%) or three people (23.7%) with a monthly net income between 1,001 and 3,000 (44.9%) or 3,001 and 5,000 euros (21.2%) and lived in the districts of Santarém (30.5%), Lisbon (15.3%) and Leiria (11.0%). The frequency of goatling meat consumption is very diverse. In fact, 31.4% said they eat it sporadically, 31.4% more than once a week, 25.4% once a month, and 11.9% one to four times a month. When asked about the likelihood of buying the different cuts, 86.5% of respondents said it was likely or very likely that they would buy the rib, 80.6% the leg, and 79.6% the shoulder. No differences were found in the purchase probability between the leg and shoulder (p-value = 0.879). Still, a preference for the rib was confirmed (p-value < 0.05). The leg, the rib, and the shoulder can be sold between 13.09 and 22.41 euros/kg, 12.92 and 22.96 euros/kg, and 13,66 and 23,64 euros/Kg, respectively.
- Pork meat consumption: a comparative analysis between Brazilian and Portuguese consumersPublication . Fernandes, António; Morais, Juan de Oliveira; Ribeiro, Maria IsabelThis quantitative and cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the trend in pork consumption among Portuguese and Brazilian households, to identify which attributes were most valued by consumers when purchasing fresh pork meat, and to verify whether there were significant differences between Portuguese and Brazilian consumers regarding the factors/motivations for pork meat consumption. The data collection took place between April 16 and June 16, 2024, using a questionnaire through Google Forms. Later, data were analyzed using statistical software appropriate to the Human and Social Sciences. The Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare two independent groups. Of the 210 valid responses gathered, most consumers were female, students, single, with higher education, living in households of 1 to 3 members with a net monthly income of up to 2,400 euros (R$14,391.89). A few consumers did not consume pork meat (7.6%). Of those who consumed it (n = 194), the majority preferred to buy fresh meat, valuing attributes such as flavor, taste (preference over other meats), and aroma. In the last six months, the frequency of consumption was similar between Portuguese and Brazilian consumers (p-value > 0.05). Furthermore, consumers would prefer the proportion of lean meat to be greater than the proportion of fatty meat. Considering the nationality, animal welfare, local production, organic production, meat tenderness, and low environmental impact were identified as differentiating factors (p-value < 0.05) of pork meat consumption. These factors prove to be more critical for Portuguese consumers than Brazilian ones.
- Portuguese consumers' preference regarding the presentation of protected designation of origin transmontano goat cheesePublication . Fernandes, António; Fernando, Sousa; Aveiro, Dina; Ribeiro, Maria IsabelData were collected from a sample of 120 individuals aged between 18 and 84 years old through the application of a questionnaire at the National Agricultural Fair, held from June 3 to 11, 2023, at the National Exhibition Center in Santarém, Portugal. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, revealing that the majority of the respondents were male (52.5%), had secondary (25.0%) or higher (41.7%) education qualifications, lived in households of 2 (35.8%) or 3 people (24.2%) with a monthly net income between 501 and 1,000 euros (20.8%) or 1,001 and 3,000 (40.3%) in the districts of Santarém (25.8%), Lisboa (15.8%), or Leiria (9.2%). The majority (84.5%) consumed cheese more than once a week. They preferred cheese made with raw milk (68.3%) from goat (55.0%), with a curing time of around 30 days (55.0%) or 90 days (51.7%). They also preferred the whole cheese (61.7%), certified (59.1%) with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Identification (PGI), or Organic Agriculture (OA). As for the cheese size, the respondents preferred wedges of 220 and 400 g. The most important attribute for consumers proved to be the price, followed by the type of milk (cow, sheep, goat, mixed), curing time, cheese size/portion, presentation form (whole, half, wedge), type of milk (pasteurized, raw), certification (PDO, PGI, OA) and whether the cheese had spices/aromatic herbs. The study reveals that the commercial strategy of the producer group (LEICRAS) should prioritize smaller portions without using spices/aromatic herbs, since opting for smaller-sized cheese entails higher operating costs.