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Oral Food Perception and the Development of Food Preferences: Innate and Learned Factors
No full textHuman food preferences develop through both innate and learned mechanisms, which operate differently across individuals, leading to variability in food acceptance. Genetic polymorphisms and copy number variations have been identified for sensory receptors, proteins and neurotransmitters, among others, which may explain individual differences in oral food perception and, ultimately, in food preferences. In addition, learning from accumulated food sensory experiences and corresponding responses plays a key role in the process of food acceptance. Pre- and postnatal conditioning, for instance, is known to determine the affective value of foods. This chapter starts with a description of how food sensory signals are integrated in the brain, followed by an overview of the innate (genetic) factors responsible for variations in food sensory perception and preference development. Finally, it critically reviews how learning through different experiences during prenatal and postnatal life equally contributes to shaping individuals’ food acceptance
Islamic glazed ceramic from Mértola (Portugal). An archaeometric study of metallic lustre glazed wares
No full textThe largest set of Islamic metallic lustre glazed ceramics of the Gharb al-Andalus (Western Iberia during the Islamic period), have been found at Mértola (Portugal). It is a set dated between the second half of the 11th century and the first decades of the 13th century. The fragments belong to a set of metallic lustre ceramics produced in the time of the Seville Abbey dynasty (second half of the 11th century) and in the Almohad era (12th and 13th century). From a typological point of view, they quite diversified among pots, little jars, cups and plates.
Of this set, approximately half of the fragments have a golden and reddish decoration with a very distinctive brightness, applied in most cases to closed shapes. The remaining half is characterised by a more yellowish golden colour, frequent in open forms but also occurring in closed forms. In all cases, the golden decoration is quite fragile, leading to its disappearance in several pieces, where only small traces are visible.
The Mértola samples were studied alongside lustre glazed ceramics from Coimbra (Portugal) and Calatrava, la Vieja (Spain) to enable a comparative analysis of provenance and production technology of metallic lustre ceramics. This approach aims to provide deeper insights into the technological practices and regional connections involved in the production of lustre glazed ceramics in Islamic Iberia; - RESUMO: O maior conjunto de cerâmicas vidradas de lustre metálico da era islâmica do Gharb al-Andalus foi encontrado em Mértola (Portugal). Trata-se de um conjunto datado entre a segunda metade do século XI e as primeiras décadas do século XIII. Os fragmentos pertencem a um conjunto de cerâmicas de lustre metálico produzidas na época da dinastia Abádida de Sevilha (segunda metade do século XI) e no período Almóada (séculos XII e XIII). Do ponto de vista tipológico, estas cerâmicas são bastante diversificadas, incluindo potes, jarros, taças e pratos.
Deste conjunto, aproximadamente metade dos fragmentos apresentam uma decoração dourada com tonalidades avermelhadas e um brilho bastante distinto, aplicada, na maioria dos casos, em formas fechadas. A outra metade caracteriza-se por um dourado mais amarelado, frequente em formas abertas, embora também ocorra em formas fechadas. Em todos os casos, a decoração dourada é bastante frágil, levando ao seu desaparecimento em várias peças, onde apenas pequenos vestígios são visíveis.
As amostras de Mértola foram estudadas em conjunto com fragmentos de cerâmicas de lustre metálico provenientes de Coimbra (Portugal) e de Calatrava la Vieja (Espanha), com o objetivo de realizar uma análise comparativa sobre a proveniência e a tecnologia de produção destas cerâmicas. Esta abordagem visa proporcionar uma compreensão mais profunda das práticas tecnológicas e das conexões regionais envolvidas na produção de cerâmicas vidradas de lustre metálico
Introdução
No full textEspaço, Lugar e Território são três dos conceitos mais desafiantes do pensamento social contemporâneo: seja na sua acepção material ou no domínio das representações e do simbólico, são mobilizados por áreas do conhecimento e do saber muito diversas.
Este livro procura oferecer uma chave de entrada para um universo de pensamento, tão
vasto e diversificado quanto desafiante. Ao incidir sobre a vida e a obra de 41 figuras do pensamento português contemporâneo, permite a académicos oriundos de vários campos disciplinares, científicos e técnicos, com diferentes níveis de experiência e maturidade, mas também a um público mais vasto, acederem a uma paisagem intelectual vibrante e em constante transformação.
Cada capítulo oferece um retrato centrado em aspectos da vida de cada figura e dos
contextos teórico e institucional em que se formou, uma explicação detalhada dos seus
principais contributos para o avanço do pensamento, uma leitura crítica em torno das suas principais intervenções na esfera pública, bem como a indicação dos principais trabalhos da sua autoria e de outros considerados relevantes para compreender a sua obra ou que, de alguma forma, lhe tenham sido inspiradores
A política pública de defesa como vetor de desenvolvimento económico
No full textO atual cenário militar internacional caracteriza-se pelo (re)surgimento de vários focos de
tensão à escala global, com destaque para a invasão da Ucrânia por parte da Federação Russa,
em fevereiro de 2022, e pelo deflagrar de mais uma guerra no Médio Oriente, em outubro de
2023. A par destes conflitos, o aumento da tensão entre os EUA e a China, com particular ênfase
para os respetivos interesses no Indo-Pacífico (e, em particular, em Taiwan), colocaram as
discussões em torno da Política de Defesa Nacional na ordem do dia.
Assumida a elevada pertinência dessa temática, esta dissertação centra-se no estudo dos fatores
que possam contribuir para a conceção de uma Política de Defesa com um caráter de charneira,
contribuindo para que a economia de Defesa represente, efetivamente, um vetor de
desenvolvimento da economia nacional; - Public Defense Policy as a Vector of Economic Development -
Abstract:
The present military scenario is characterized by the (re)appearance of several points of tension
on a global scale, with emphasis to the Ukrainian invasion by the Russian Federation, in February
2022, and triggering of yet another conflict in the Middle East, in October 2023. Alongside these
conflicts, the growing tension between the USA and China, with relevance to the respective
interests in the Indo-Pacific region (particularly regarding Taiwan), had the power to put
discussions on the Public National Defense Policy in the order of the day.
Assuming the high relevance of this topic, this dissertation focuses on the study of the factors
that can contribute to the design of a Public Defense Policy with a pivotal character, making the
Defense economy, effectively, into a vector of national economic development
Superoxide Dismutase Participation in Sperm Capacitation
No full textMaturation of the spermatozoa in the female genital tract involves two crucial reactions that confer the sperm the ability to interact and fuse with the oocyte: capacitation and acrosome reaction. It is now commonly believed that sperm capacitation and the acquisition of progressive motility is a redox-mediated process. Oxidative stress relies on a balanced mechanism between the production of reactive species and the activity of scavenger molecules. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is one of the antioxidant enzymes whose presence was confirmed in the semen of several mammalian species. Also, SOD content is associated with the ability to resist freezing in bull´s semen. SOD presence in the ejaculate was confirmed in the man, bull, boar, stallion, and dog, even though the amount of the enzyme varies significantly between species. When separated from the seminal fluid, such as during sperm transport in the genital tract or dilution for artificial insemination, the limited SOD sperm content, along with its limited transcriptional ability, fragilizes sperm defenses. Oxidative stress has often been associated with precocious capacitation following freezing/thawing procedures. The differences in the antioxidant mechanism were hypothesized as the reason for the different species´ cryotolerance and the existing good and bad freezers within the same species. This possibility led to the supplementation of cryopreservation media with antioxidant enzymes, including SOD. Recently published papers suggested that cryopreservation may subject this enzyme to redox modifications of the molecule, contributing to a redox increase. Nonetheless, the role of SOD in the capacitation process is not consensual. It has been proposed that, in human and bovine, SOD suppress capacitation through the inhibition of the peroxynitrite pathway. SOD activity has been correlated in vitro with the percentage of motile sperm in humans and pigs, either in fresh or freeze/thawed samples. It has been proposed that the thermal and oxidative stress associated with sperm technologies may decrease/deplete the endogenous SOD activity and therefore withdrawn SOD inhibitory effect over capacitation. In the stallion, SOD addition was unable to prevent induced capacitation and acrosome exocytosis. This chapter intends to discuss the role of SOD in sperm capacitation
Donkey endometrium: Characterization of resident immune cells.
Get PDFThe Burro de Miranda is an endangered donkey breed. The dynamics of the immune system of the donkey's reproductive tract are essential to manage the fertility of these animals for the improvement and survival of the species. In mares, high numbers of immune cells infiltrating the endometrium promote endometrosis, which is still to be confirmed in jennies. Uterine biopsies of 32 jennies were evaluated based on the Kenney and Doig grading system used in mares. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used to assess the infiltration and distribution of neutrophils and eosinophils. Macrophage and B and T lymphocytes endometrial distribution was conducted through immunohistochemistry.
T lymphocytes were the most predominant cells in jenny endometrium, macrophages being the second. T lymphocytes were also found in the superficial and glandular epithelium. Eosinophils, neutrophils and B lymphocytes were the least common cells. No differences were found in the inflammatory infiltrate compared to the different endometrosis grades (IIA, IIB and III).
This study mapped the immune cells in jenny's endometrium, providing core valuable information for additional immunological and reproductive studies in this species. It also highlighted significant differences in endometrial immune cell distribution between the jenny and the mare during estrus and diestrus, supporting the need to develop of a more suitable scoring system than the current Kenney and Doig categorization to assess the morphology and clinical feature of jenny's endometrium
Analysis of stable isotopic patterns on contemporary dyed wool and historical samples - a contribution to ascertain the provenance of Arraiolos' Rugs raw materials
No full textA espectrometria de massa de razão isotópica precedida de análise elementar (EA-IRMS) tem sido utilizada para detetar padrões de razão isotópica como forma de determinar a origem de materiais em diversas áreas científicas. Neste trabalho, a análise de 13C e 15N por EA-IRMS foi utilizada para estudar matérias-primas utilizadas na confeção de Tapetes de Arraiolos (lãs, corantes). Para perceber a influência dos cromóforos na razão isotópica da lã, tingiu-se lã contemporânea com corantes naturais historicamente descritos e analisou-se por EA-IRMS. Adicionalmente, com o objetivo de determinar a sua proveniência, foram analisadas amostras de Tapetes de Arraiolos históricos. Também foram efetuadas medições colorimétricas em lã contemporânea tingida. Os resultados da análise elementar demonstraram a integridade da lã nas amostras históricas (C:Natom ≈ 3,4). De forma geral, os valores de 13C e 15N de lã contemporânea tingida não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre amostras (P > 0,05) o que refuta a hipótese de que a razão isotópica da lã é influenciada pela razão isotópica dos cromóforos em análise em volume. Para além dos resultados anteriores, os valores de 13C e 15N para amostras de lã contemporânea e históricas indiciam que a alimentação das ovelhas foi exclusivamente constituída por plantas C3 não fertilizadas. Apenas um tapete (Tapete L), cujos valores de 15N são compatíveis com plantas fertilizadas com fertilizantes orgânicos, não é concordante com os restantes. Em particular, os valores de 13C e 15N das amostras históricas apresentaram diferenças significativas entre tapetes (P < 0,05) o que pode evidenciar alterações meteorológicas ao longo dos anos. Diferenças entre amostras do mesmo tapete apenas foram detetadas em um dos três tapetes (Tapete L) o que pode estar relacionado com alterações à dieta e práticas de pastoreio relacionadas com condições de seca. Para finalizar, ficou provado que a utilização de EA-IRMS para estudo de lã tingida é possível sem que existam interferências dos cromóforos o que certamente será útil na determinação e certificação dos materiais dos Tapetes de Arraiolos. Não obstante, devido ao elevado número de variáveis envolvidas, análises complementares de EA-IRMS e análise de cromóforos isolados são fundamentais; - ABSTRACT:
Elemental analyzer coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) has been used to find isotope ratio patterns as a way of ascertaining the provenance of materials in several fields of science. In this work, EA-IRMS analysis of 13C and 15N was used to study Arraiolos’ Rugs raw materials (wool and dyes). To understand the influence of the chromophores in the isotope ratio of wool, contemporary wool was dyed using historically described traditional dyes and analyzed by EA-IRMS. Additionally, aiming towards provenance establishment, historical Arraiolos’ Rugs samples were analyzed. Colorimetric measurements of contemporary dyed wool were also made. EA results revealed wool integrity (C:Natom ≈ 3,4) in historical samples. In general, 13C and 15N of contemporary dyed wool showed no significant difference between samples (P > 0,05) which rebutted the hypothesis that chromophore isotope ratio influences wool isotope ratios and may be detected in bulk analysis. Furthermore, 13C and 15N of both contemporary and historical wool samples were indicative of sheep diets comprised exclusively of C3 unfertilized plants. Exception made for one rug (Rug L) in which 15N values were compatible with organically fertilized plants. In particular, 13C and 15N IRMS results of historical samples showed significant inter-rugs differences (P < 0,05) which could evidence meteorological changes over the years. Intra-rug differences were detected in only one of the three rugs (Rug L) which may be linked to changes in sheep diet and pastures practices due to drought conditions. Finally, it was proved that is possible to use EA-IRMS to study dyed wool without chromophore interference which will certainly help in Arraiolos’ Rugs materials definition and certification. Notwithstanding, due to the high number of variables at stake, complementary EA-IRMS analysis, as well as compound-specific analysis of chromophores, are essential
EU-SOLARIS: The European Research Infrastructure Consortium for CSP Technologies
No full textESFRI, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures, is a strategic instrument to develop the scientific integration of Europe and to strengthen its international outreach. The competitive and open access to high quality Research Infrastructures supports and benchmarks the quality of the activities of European scientists, and attracts the best researchers from around the world. ESFRI operates at the forefront of European
and global science policy and contributes to its development translating political objectives into concrete advice for RI in Europe. ESFRI has established a European Roadmap for Research Infrastructures (new and
major upgrades, pan-European interest) for the next 10-20 years, stimulates the implementation of these facilities, and updates the roadmap as needed. The current version of this roadmap has been delivered on
December 2021. To be accepted at this roadmap is the first step to recognized as a European Research Infrastructure. Such research infrastructures of European scope may have different legal forms, but the most
common is as an ‘ERIC’. An ERIC is a legal entity set up by a decision of the European Commission. It has legal personality and full
legal capacity recognised in all EU Member States. The principal task of an ERIC is to establish and operate a research infrastructure on a non- economic basis.
As an initiative of Spain, France, Germany and Cyprus as Members and Portugal as an Observer, a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is to be created, under the name of “European Solar Research Infrastructure for Concentrated Solar Power”, pursuant to the provisions of Council Regulation (EC)
Nº 723/2009, of 25 June 2009, on the Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure.
The EU-SOLARIS ERIC statutory seat is to be established in Almería, Spain
Síntese de novos compostos do tipo bisamidas com potencial atividade antitumoral
No full textNeste trabalho propõe-se a utilização de reações multicomponente de Ugi para a obtenção
de bisamidas com potencial atividade antitumoral. Para além dos reagentes com grupos
amina, aldeído e isocianida, propõe-se a utilização de ácidos di- ou tricarboxílicos, capazes
de originar produtos com maior número de grupos funcionais, ou um grupo carboxilo livre
ou um maior número de unidades amidas. Foram obtidos 10 novos compostos, dos quais
6 sofreram reação num dos grupos carboxilo (“mono”), 3 reagiram nos dois grupos
carboxilo (“di”) e foi obtido um derivado substituído nos 3 grupos carboxilo (“tri”). A
atividade antiproliferativa dos compostos foi avaliada em seis linhas celulares de tumorais
de pulmão (A549 e SW1573), colo do útero (HeLa), pâncreas (MIA PaCa-2), mama (T-47D)
e cólon (WiDr), representativas de tumores sólidos humanos, que permitiu identificar os
compostos (5abaa)-di, (5cbab)-di e (5daab)-mono como possuindo boa atividade
antiproliferativa; - Abstract:
Synthesis of new bisamides compounds with potential antitumor activity
This work proposes the use of multicomponent Ugi reactions to obtain bisamides
with potential antitumor activity. In addition to reagents with amine, aldehyde, and
isocyanide groups, this study uses of di- or tricarboxylic acids to obtain new products,
increasing the number of functional groups, a free carboxyl group or a greater number of
amide units. Ten new compounds were obtained, of which six underwent reactions at one
carboxyl group ("mono"), three reacted at both carboxyl groups ("di"), and one substituted
derivative was obtained at all three carboxyl groups ("tri"). The antiproliferative activity of
the compounds was evaluated in six cell lines representing human solid tumors: lung (A549
and SW1573), cervix (HeLa), pancreas (MIA PaCa-2), breast (T-47D), and colon (WiDr),
which allowed identifying the compounds (5abaa)-di, (5cbab)-di, and (5daab)-mono as
possessing good antiproliferative activit
Business-University Collaboration in Designing Work-Based Activities Fostering Clinical Reasoning
No full textA gap has been identified between the knowledge and skills needed in the labor market and those acquired at Higher Education Institutions. Under the Think4Jobs project, a series of focus groups (FG) were carried out with professionals (veterinarians and university professors), and Veterinary Medicine students at the end of the academic pathway, to identify putative mismatches in critical thinking skills. Based on the FG results, the University of Évora and the Hospital Veterinário do Atlântico partnered to design blended-learning activities to be developed in piloting courses, aiming to reinforce the development of critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. This Business-University collaboration brought work-based scenarios to some courses’ curricula, representing problems that professionals face daily in their practice. The problematization request the students in a clinical course to engage in high order thinking processes to reach a diagnosis, propose a corrective strategy, and anticipate the response to their intervention. In addition, these learning scenarios will enable the development of clinical and technical skills, and enhance autonomy as they have the potential to bridge the pilot courses to short-term intramural internships This paper describes the rationale leading to the construction of a framework proposed to be applied in clinical courses in the field of Veterinary Medicine, by business and university representatives, showcasing one activity using the proposed framework