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Authenticity and Bioactive Markers Search in the Phenolic‐Rich Extracts of Asteraceae Medicinal Plants Through Integrative Computational Chemometrics
Full text linkThe Asteraceae family has been of significant concern for ethnobotanical studies, thanks to its health-promoting
properties
linked to a plethora of bioactive compounds, among which phenolic compounds play a critical role. In this work, a workflow
based on computational chemometrics was employed to assess the authenticity and biomarker search of five key Asteraceae
species commonly employed in traditional medicine. The UHPLC-DAD-
ESI/
MS–MS phenolic profile of Asteraceae extracts was
combined with the evaluation of several in vitro biological properties. Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), chicoric acids, and flavonoid
glycosides were reported as authenticity markers of Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, and Arnica montana, respectively.
The integration of phenolic profile and in vitro bioactivities provide insights for the identification of trans 3,5-O-
dicaffeoylquinic
acid (3,5-O-
diCQA)
and isorhamnetin glycosides as the major antioxidant agents in Asteraceae extracts, whereas several CQAs
and caffeoyl-deoxy-
octulopyranosonic
acids have been reported as responsible for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory
activities.
These results shed light on the authentication and quality evaluation of Asteraceae extracts, along with the characterization
of their functional properties, leading to their application in the design of novel plant-based
functional foods.Pascual García-Pérez thanks the finantial support through the Ramón y Cajal program (reference: RYC2023-044123-I)
by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the
National Research Agency (MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)
and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+). This work was also
supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC):
CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020) and
UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020); and SusTEC,
LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). L. Barros (DOI:
10.54499/CEECINST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002) and R. Calhelha
(DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00016/2018/CP1505/CT0009) thanks FCT
through the institutional scientific employment program–contract for
their contract. Funding for open access charges: Universidade de Vigo/CRUE-CISUG.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Students’ Digital Skills: A Case Study at a Higher Education Institution
No full textIn recent years, there has been a lot of talk about digital skills in education, but especially in teachers. The digital skills they need to have to be able to teach their students innovatively and dynamically and ensure a closer and more inclusive teaching-learning process. However, it seems to us that students have been forgotten when it comes to their digital skills and the importance they have in their learning and in acquiring skills in the most varied areas. It is, in this sense, that the need arose to carry out this research to determine the level of digital skills of higher education students. The investigation was carried out through a case study at the Higher School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal), using a questionnaire survey, adapted from the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.2). Although there are positive results, it is absolutely necessary to promote continuous learning in this area so that students progress through the different levels of digital proficiency, as digital technologies have undoubtedly become one of the main tools of the 21st century.This work has been supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia
within the Research Center in Basic Education with reference UIDB/05777/2020 (https://doi.
org/https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/05777/2020)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Chemical composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from different sporocarp parts of a medicinal mushroom
Full text linkGanoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom, both historically and currently.
Driven by the ethnopharmacological prospect and the crescent body of scientific evidence that
associates G. lucidum intake with health, the interest in its metabolites, primarily triterpenes and
polysaccharides, has been further fostered. Whereas most research on medicinal mushrooms has
focused on the comprehensive identification and yields of metabolites throughout their different
growth phases, the distribution of those compounds along the sporocarps (fruiting bodies) in the
mushroom’s antler growth phase remains poorly investigated. Moreover, for the compounds in
the mushroom to exert biological activities, following the ingestion they must be bioaccessible in
the upper gastrointestinal tract or fermented at the colon, but no work has been dedicated to
investigating the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from G. lucidum. This study aimed to
directly compare the nutritional and chemical composition of the exterior skin and interior flesh
of G. lucidum sporocarps, besides the bioaccessibility of triterpenes and prebiotic potential after
digestion of both samples. Samples were provided by Käapa Biotech (Finland) and the proximate
composition evaluated using Official methods. Triterpenes were extracted with hydroethanolic
solution by maceration (150 rpm, 2 cycles of 1h), and Soxhlet (6 cycles), as conventional
methodologies, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE, 47% amplitude, 15 min), as a green
alternative methodology. Samples were homogenised and subjected to in vitro digestion (IVD)
using the INFOGEST protocol. Extracts and bioaccessible factions were analysed by HPLC-
DAD-(ESI-)HRMS/MS. The prebiotic activity with and -glucan content of the colonic residue
of either sample was also investigated. Carbohydrates constituted the major component of
samples, accounting for 80% of the total nutrients regardless the sporocarp part. The proximate
composition of both samples was generally similar. Thirty-seven compounds were tentatively
identified in both extracts and comprised lanostane-type tetracyclic triterpenes. Among the
triterpenes, 16 lucidenic and 9 ganoderic acids were found, with peak 23 (lucidenic acid A,
ganoderlactone B and ganolucidic acid) and peak 17 (lucidenic acid P and 7,15,?-trihydroxy-
4,4,14-trimethyl-3,11-dioxochol-8-en-24-oic acid) being the major compounds in the flesh and
skin. The total triterpene content was superior in the external skin in contrast to the inner flesh (2
or 3 times) , and the proportion among some individual compounds also varied. The outer part
also provided a higher average bioaccessibility of these compounds when compared with the inner
part (53% and 39%, respectively). On the other hand, the inner sporocarp part showed superior
prebiotic activity, evidenced by rapid bacterial growth and higher optical density across all tested
strains, suggesting an enhanced fermentable substrate availability. The higher β-glucan content
in the inner flesh (15.43% w/w) in contrast to the outer skin (9.77% w/w) likely contributed to its
higher prebiotic effect. Whereas the external skin of G. lucidum sporocarps presented more
bioaccessible triterpenes with putative health benefits, the inner part presented greater potential
of promoting the gut heath by modulating gut microbiota compared to the outer skin. This is the
first time a study has examined the variations of components between different parts of G. lucidum
sporocarps as well as their bioaccessibilities, highlighting the differential potential of each
particular part. Understanding the differential composition and bioaccessibility of compounds
from various parts of G. lucidum sporocarp can inform better utilisation strategies in functional
food and nutraceutical applications, enhancing their potential health benefits.Ganoderma lucidum é um cogumelo medicinal bem conhecido, tanto históricamente como
atualmente. Impulsionado pela perspectiva etnofarmacológica e pelo crescente corpo de
evidências científicas que associam a ingestão de G. lucidum à saúde, o interesse pelos seus
metabólitos, principalmente triterpenos e polissacarídeos, tem sido ainda mais fomentado.
Embora a maioria das pesquisas sobre cogumelos medicinais tenha se concentrado na
identificação abrangente e na produção de metabólitos ao longo de suas diferentes fases de
crescimento, a distribuição desses compostos ao longo dos esporocarpos (corpos de frutificação)
na fase de crescimento do chifre do cogumelo permanece pouco investigada. Além disso, para
que os compostos do cogumelo exerçam atividades biológicas, após a ingestão devem ser
bioacessíveis no trato gastrointestinal superior ou fermentados no cólon, mas nenhum trabalho foi
dedicado a investigar a bioacessibilidade dos compostos bioactivos de G. lucidum. Este estudo
teve como objetivo comparar diretamente a composição nutricional e química da parte externa e
da polpa interna de esporocarpos de G. lucidum, além da bioacessibilidade de triterpenos e
potencial prebiótico após digestão de ambas as amostras. As amostras foram fornecidas pela
Käapa Biotech (Filândia) e a composição centesimal avaliada utilizando métodos oficiais. Os
triterpenos foram extraídos com solução hidroetanólica por maceração (150 rpm, 2 ciclos de 1h)
e Soxhlet (6 ciclos), como metodologias convencionais, e extração assistida por ultrassom (UAE,
amplitude de 47%, 15 min), como metodologia alternativa verde. As amostras foram
homogeneizadas e submetidas à digestão in vitro (IVD) utilizando o protocolo INFOGEST.
Extratos e frações bioacessíveis foram analisados por HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)HRMS/MS. A atividade
prebiótica e o conteúdo de -glucano do resíduo colónico das amostras também foram analisados.
Os carboidratos constituíram o principal componente das amostras, corespondendo 80% do total
de nutrientes, independentemente da parte do esporocarpo. A composição centesimal de ambas
as amostras foi geralmente semelhante. Trinta e sete compostos foram provisoriamente
identificados em ambas as partes e compreendiam triterpenos tetracíclicos do tipo lanostano.
Entre os triterpenos, foram encontrados 16 ácidos lucidênicos e 9 ganodéricos, sendo o pico 23
(ácido lucidénico A, ganoderlactona B e ácido ganolucídico) e pico 17 (ácido lucidénico P e ácido
7,15,?-trihidroxi-4,4,14-trimetil-3,11-dioxocol-8-en-24-oico) os principais compostos na polpa e
na pele. O conteúdo total de triterpenos foi superior na casca externa em contraste com a polpa
interna (2 a 3 vezes mais), e a proporção entre alguns compostos individuais também variou. A
parte externa também proporcionou maior bioacessibilidade média desses compostos quando
comparada com a parte interna (53% e 39%, respectivamente). Por outro lado, a parte interna do
esporocarpo apresentou atividade prebiótica superior, evidenciada pelo rápido crescimento
bacteriano e maior densidade óptica em todas as cepas testadas, sugerindo uma maior
disponibilidade de substrato fermentável. O maior teor de β-glucano na polpa interna (15,43%
p/p) em contraste com a casca externa (9,77% p/p) provavelmente contribuiu para seu maior efeito
prebiótico. Enquanto a parte externa dos esporocarpos de G. lucidum apresentou mais triterpenos
bioacessíveis com supostos benefícios à saúde, a parte interna apresentou maior potencial de
promoção da saúde intestinal através da modulação da microbiota intestinal em comparação com
a pele externa. Esta é a primeira vez que um estudo examinou as variações de componentes entre
diferentes partes dos esporocarpos de G. lucidum, bem como suas bioacessibilidades, destacando
o potencial diferencial de cada parte específica. A compreensão da composição diferencial e da
bioacessibilidade de compostos de várias partes do esporocarpo de G. lucidum pode suscitar
melhores estratégias de utilização em alimentos funcionais e aplicações nutracêuticas,
aumentando seus potenciais benefícios à saúde.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT,
Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO
(UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020)
Comparison of nutritional and bioactive properties of acorn flour with and without tannins
No full textThe Quercus spp. are a varied group of evergreen and deciduous trees native to temperate and tropical regions. There are about 600 species of Quercus worldwide, which differ in their flowering and fruiting dynamics as well as maturity index. Acorns, the nuts of Quercus spp. trees, offer a comprehensive nutritional profile, being rich in proteins, fibers, starch, bioactive compounds including tannins and phenolic acids, essential vitamins, like vitamins A and E, and minerals, such as potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. However, this fruit presents a problem for the food industry regarding the astringency caused by tannins, which are anti-nutrients found in acorns. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential of acorn flour for the baking industry by comparing the nutritional value and bioactive compounds of acorn flour with and without tannins. The whole flour (SPM21) and a tannin-free flour (SPM21F4) were analysed, having both been supplied by the company Landratech. The elimination of tannins, which was accomplished by leaching the flour three times with water at 15 °C, resulted in a reduction in several nutrients, such as crude protein, ash, and fiber. However, the SPM21F4 flour showed increased levels of moisture, crude fat, starch, total carbohydrates, and energy content. Soluble sugars were found exclusively in the SPM21 flour, indicating that the leaching treatment affected the sugar content in the SPM21F4 sample. The fatty acid profile of the SPM21F4 flour revealed higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), while the flour containing tannins had higher levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Ten phenolic compounds were detected, and the tannin free flour had a much lower overall phenolic content. In conclusion, properly processed acorn flour can improve the nutritional profile of bread by providing bioactive chemicals and appealing sensory features, hence increasing its popularity in the baking business. However, further research is needed to optimize tannin extraction and fully understand the nutritional and industrial potential of acorn flour.As espécies do género Quercus são um grupo variado de árvores perenes e decíduas nativas de regiões temperadas e tropicais. Existem cerca de 600 espécies de Quercus em todo o mundo, que diferem nas suas dinâmicas de floração e frutificação, bem como no índice de maturidade. As bolotas, os frutos das árvores deste género, oferecem um perfil nutricional abrangente, sendo ricas em proteínas, fibras, amido, compostos bioativos, incluindo taninos e ácidos fenólicos, vitaminas essenciais, como as vitaminas A e E, e minerais, como potássio, ferro, cálcio e magnésio. No entanto, este fruto apresenta um problema para a indústria alimentar devido à adstringência causada pelos taninos, um anti nutriente encontrado nas bolotas. Este estudo visa avaliar o potencial da farinha de bolota na indústria de panificação, comparando o valor nutricional e os compostos bioativos da farinha de bolota com e sem taninos. Foram analisadas farinhas com presença de taninos (SPM21) e uma farinha sem taninos (SPM21F4), sendo ambas as amostras fornecidas pela empresa Landratech. A eliminação dos taninos, realizada através da lixiviação da farinha três vezes com água a 15 °C resultou na redução de vários nutrientes, como proteína bruta, cinzas e fibras. No entanto, a farinha SPM21F4 apresentou um aumento nos níveis de humidade, gordura bruta, amido, carboidratos totais e conteúdo energético. Açúcares solúveis foram encontrados exclusivamente na farinha SPM21, indicando que o tratamento de lixiviação afetou o conteúdo de açúcar na amostra SPM21F4. O perfil de ácidos gordos da farinha SPM21F4 revelou níveis mais altos de ácidos gordos polinsaturados (PUFA) e monoinsaturados (MUFA), enquanto a farinha com taninos apresentou níveis mais altos de ácidos gordos saturados (SFA). Dez compostos fenólicos foram detetados, e a farinha sem taninos apresentou um conteúdo fenólico total muito menor. Concluindo, a farinha de bolota adequadamente processada pode melhorar o perfil nutricional do pão, fornecendo compostos bioativos e características sensoriais aliciantes, aumentando assim a sua popularidade na indústria de panificação. No entanto, serão necessários mais estudo de forma a otimizar a extração de taninos e entender completamente o potencial nutricional para a industrial de farinha de bolota.This work was funded through national funding from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal), within the scope of the Project PRIMA Section 2 - Multitopic 2019: MEDACORNET - Resgate de bolotas como um Superalimento Tradicional Mediterrânico (PRIMA/0005/2022
Perceções dos adultos após acolhimento residencial: fatores inibidores e facilitadores
Full text linkThis study explores the perceptions of formerly institutionalized adults in Portugal regarding the challenges they faced after leaving residential care. It aims to understand the feelings experienced upon leaving the institution; to infer the facilitating and inhibiting factors of post-institutionalization transition, and to outline proposals for improving support during this transition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adults aged 24 to 39. The first and second-order categories were identified within three thematic axes. Results highlighted that the cessation of care was essentially remembered with negative feelings. Facilitating factors included academic commitment, social support, having or going to start a professional activity, and the transition to an independent living apartment emerged as facilitating factors. Poor functional skills, economic struggles, limited reality understanding, lack of formal support during the transition out of institutions, and social stigma emerged as inhibiting factors. Multiple personal and contextual factors influenced coping with transition challenges, emphasizing the need for qualified support and investment in promoting autonomy and self-confidence.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Sistemas Agroflorestais na Política Agrícola Comum: Análise das Perceções no Setor Agrário de Trás-os- Montes
Full text linkA silvopastorícia é uma prática ancestral de uso do território que combina produção
animal extensiva com produção florestal. Este modelo de uso do território proporciona
benefícios económicos e ambientais de elevado valor, nos quais se incluem a conservação
da biodiversidade, sequestro de carbono e redução do risco de incêndio.
No entanto, ao longo dos anos, a silvopastorícia tem perdido importância e adeptos,
ameaçando tanto sua continuidade quanto os serviços que oferece. Este estudo tem como
objetivo compreender a perceção das pessoas envolvidas no setor agrícola de Trás-os-
Montes em relação à prática silvopastoril, visando identificar e enfrentar as dificuldades
que encontram na implementação de sistemas silvopastoris e incentivar a sua adoção.
Neste trabalho realizaram-se 60 inquéritos anónimos relativos ao conhecimento da
atividade silvopastoril, a agentes do setor em vários concelhos da região de Trás-os-
Montes. O inquérito foi desenhado pela equipa coordenadora do projeto SILFORE e
aplicado às 4 regiões que integram o projeto (País Basco, Astúrias, Galiza e Trás-os-
Montes). No nosso caso os 60 inquéritos foram aplicados a 4 grupos-alvo,
Produtores/Técnicos Produção Animal, Produtores/Técnicos produção florestal,
Conservação da Natureza e Outros, inclui pessoas diversificadas da sociedade civil
Os resultados mostraram que os inquiridos destacam o interesse da silvopastorícia na
prevenção de incêndios, na conservação da biodiversidade e na promoção de uma gestão
sustentável dos recursos naturais. A sua aplicação em áreas de floresta adulta e zonas de
elevada biomassa é amplamente reconhecida pelos inquiridos, que consideram estas áreas
como as mais adequadas para a sua implementação. Por outro lado, fatores como a falta
de apoio técnico, a pouca rentabilidade económica e o desconhecimento de projetos de
investigação na área têm contribuído para o seu reduzido uso. Outro aspeto relevante que
emerge desta investigação é a valorização das raças autóctones, que estão intimamente
ligadas à prática da silvopastorícia e que, com o declínio desta prática, enfrentam
igualmente desafios de preservação. Os resultados deste trabalho evidenciam, ainda a
necessidade de uma transformação no modelo de gestão dos territórios rurais, no que
respeita a criação de meios de apoio aos produtores que pratiquem a silvopastorícia. O
futuro da silvopastorícia em Trás-os-Montes, dependerá não só da sua capacidade de
adaptação aos desafios modernos, sobretudo por parte dos produtores, mas também do
reconhecimento do seu papel dos serviços, pela sociedade e, da vontade política para
desenvolver e valorizar esta atividade.Silvopastoralism is an ancestral land-use practice that combines extensive animal
production with forestry. This land-use model provides high-value economic and
environmental benefits, including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and
wildfire risk reduction.
However, over the years, silvopastoralism has lost importance and practitioners,
threatening both its continuity and the ecosystem services it provides. This study aims to
understand the perceptions of individuals involved in the agricultural sector of Trás-os-
Montes regarding silvopastoral practices, identifying and addressing the challenges they
face in implementing silvopastoral systems and promoting their adoption.
In this study, 60 anonymous surveys were conducted to assess the knowledge of
silvopastoral activities among stakeholders from various municipalities in the Trás-os-
Montes region. The survey was designed by the coordinating team of the SILFORE
project and applied across the four regions involved in the project (Basque Country,
Asturias, Galicia, and Trás-os-Montes). In our case, the 60 surveys targeted four key
groups: Producers/Animal Production Technicians, Producers/Forestry Technicians,
Nature Conservation professionals, and others, including diverse members of civil
society.
The results showed that respondents emphasized the relevance of silvopastoralism in
wildfire prevention, biodiversity conservation, and the promotion of sustainable natural
resource management. Its application in mature forest areas and regions with high
biomass is widely recognized by respondents, who consider these areas the most suitable
for its implementation. On the other hand, factors such as the lack of technical support,
low economic profitability, and limited awareness of research projects in the field have
contributed to its reduced use. Another significant aspect that emerged from this research
is the valorization of autochthonous breeds, which are closely tied to silvopastoral
practices and face preservation challenges as these practices decline.
The findings of this study also highlight the need for a transformation in rural territory
management models, particularly through the creation of support mechanisms for
producers practicing silvopastoralism. The future of silvopastoralism in Trás-os-Montes
will depend not only on its ability to adapt to modern challenges, particularly by
producers, but also on societal recognition of its ecosystem services and the political will
to develop and enhance this activity.Esta investigação foi financiada por fundos europeus através do programa Life, no âmbito
do projeto SILFORE — Towards the conservation and management of resilient
agroforestry systems through silvopastoralism (Project 101074445 — LIFE21-CCA-ES-
LIFE SILFORE
Mobilization of mercury by sediment transport after a prescribed fire in NE Portugal: Insight into size classes and temporal variation
Full text linkTerrestrial ecosystems are important sinks for atmospheric mercury (Hg). It is well known that high severity
wildfires can mobilize Hg in the surroundings of burned areas due to changes in ecosystem stability, but it is
unclear whether this also occurs after lower severity fires, such as prescribed fires. The present study determined
Hg concentrations and mobilization rates in different size fractions of sediments collected after a prescribed fire
in a scrubland area. Sediments, collected from eight erosion plots on six occasions, were analysed for total Hg, C
and N in several size classes (2 mm) and Hg mobilization rates (HgST)
were calculated for each size fraction. Average total Hg were 38, 57, 94 and 126 μg kg^-1 for size fractions > 2,
0.5–2, 0.2–0.5 and < 0.2 mm, respectively. Total Hg was negatively correlated with C/N ratio, involving the
humification degree of organic matter of sediments in Hg retention. In the last event (eight months after fire),
sediments had 45–106 % more Hg, depending on size fraction, compared to the initial event. Mercury mobilization
rates varied between 32 and 78 mg ha^-1, with the fraction 0.5–2 mm accounting for 46 % of the mobilized
Hg. The results revealed that prescribed fires can mobilize Hg, so their use to prevent wildfires must be done with
caution.This work results from a collaboration supported, scientifically and
financially, by the following research projects: the Interreg V-A Spain-
Portugal program (POCTEP) 2014–2020 (Project 0701_TERRAMATER_
1_E) funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), and the Grant PID 2021–125114OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”. M. Méndez-López was supported by the predoctoral grant FPU (FPU17/05484) funded by the Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional.
The financial support of the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Universidade
(Xunta de Galicia) through the contract ED431C2021/46-GRC granted to the research group BV1 of the University of Vigo is also
recognized. Open-access funding for this research has been provided by the University of Vigo/CISUG.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Blockchain revolution in food supply chains: A positive impact on global food loss and waste
Full text linkThe rising global population has created an urgent need for increased food production. Food loss and waste
remain significant challenges throughout the food supply chain, from cultivation to consumption. Blockchain, a
decentralized peer-to-peer network that stores information can help making food more traceable, from production
to consumption. It can also help enhance food production sustainability, transparency, quality and
safety. By tracking all aspects of food it plays a crucial role in reducing food loss and waste. Several organizations
that have briefly introduced this technology, along with the Internet of Things, although the real benefit of
blockchain is achieved when several players in the food chain adhere to this technology. This review emphasizes
how blockchain was adapted to the food chain, its challenges, benefits and limitations, and how some food
sectors have used this technology. A brief perspective on how the Internet of Things and Blockchain will evolve in
the future.This work was supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/20 20) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020); and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020); national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L. Barros and S. Heleno, and the contract of M. Carocho (CEEC-IND/00831/2018) through the individual scientific employment program-contract; and C.S.H⋅S thanks the Fundaç˜ao para a Ciˆencia e Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal for the Ph.D. Grant 2023.04950. BD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Investigating bioactive compounds in apple pomace: Potential to develop high added-value products from an industrial surplus
No full textThis study investigates bioactive compounds in apple pomace (AP) obtained from Malus domestica varieties
Granny Smith and Cripps Pink, emphasizing its potential for developing high-added-value products from industrial
surplus. Regarding its chemical characterization, AP stood out for its high concentration of dietary fibers
(7.1g/100g fw), polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), α-tocopherol (0.64 mg/100g fw), and
phenolic compounds. Regarding these last, the profile obtained by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification
of 23 phenolic compounds, with higher concentrations of quercetin and flavonoids in pomace than whole apples.
Moreover, concerning evaluating AP bioactivity through in vitro methods, the analyzed AP samples, with seeds
and stems (APSS) and without (APA), exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, particularly in the OxHLIA test,
preserving erythrocyte integrity. Additionally, the pomace demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against
Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5
mg/mL. Finally, no cytotoxic or anti-inflammatory effects were observed, as GI50 values exceeded 400 μg/mL
(maximum tested concentration). These findings highlight apple pomace as a rich source of bioactive compounds,
promoting its valorization in food safety and preservation while encouraging sustainable practices
utilizing industrial bio-residues.This work was supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES
(PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/
2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020);
SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI:10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). The authors
are grateful to FEDER Cooperación Interreg VI A Espanha –
Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 for financial support through the project
TRANSCoLAB PLUS 0112_TRANSCOLAB_PLUS_2_P. The authors also
thank the National funding by FCT, through the institutional scientific
employment program contract with L. Barros, and the individual scientific
employment program contract with F.S. Reis (2021.03728.CEECIND)
and J.C.M. Barreira (CEECIND/04479/2017). L.A. Pascoalino
thanks FCT for her research grant (UI/BD/153745/2022).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Building bridges: the social educator’s contributions to socioemotional learning in the school environment
Full text linkA escola confronta-se com problemas e desafios complexos que justificam a necessidade de (re)pensar a educação e os ambientes educativos, proporcionando aprendizagens, para além da função de escolarização. Diante deste cenário, a aprendizagem socioemocional no contexto escolar, sustentada no modelo CASEL, tem demonstrado evidências no desenvolvimento pessoal de crianças e jovens, mas também na melhoria dos problemas de internalização e externalização, no rendimento académico e na redução do absentismo escolar
dos alunos. Assim, a escola é reconhecidamente um espaço socioeducativo de excelência no qual se reivindica a atuação do educador social. O objetivo deste artigo é contribuir para uma reflexão sustentada do papel do educador social enquanto facilitador de pontes e conexões que estimulem o desenvolvimento de competências socioemocionais de crianças e jovens. Superando uma perspetiva meramente técnica e recreativa, o educador social é atualmente reconhecido pela sua atuação social e pedagógica mais ampla e sustentada, concorrendo para as novas dimensões e funções alargadas que a educação escolar exige. A este propósito compete, numa lógica integradora de múltiplos saberes e práticas, acolher a diversidade de alunos nas suas múltiplas formas, assegurando que, independentemente das suas especificidades e necessidades, aprendam e convivam num ambiente escolar positivo, equitativo e que reforce os direitos e deveres de cada um. Deste modo, afirma-se como imprescindível a figura do educador social na escola para responder mais eficazmente às transformações
sociais, em prol de uma sociedade mais justa e inclusiva.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio