6195 research outputs found
Sort by
New contributions to deepen the quality-based safety assessment in the consumption of edible nasturtium flowers: the role of Volatilome
Full text linkThe garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) is increasingly consumed worldwide due to its culinary appeal and perceived health benefits. However, the chemical markers underlying its functional properties remain insufficiently characterized. Building on evidence from a recent human pilot study confirming both high acceptability and dietary safety, we conducted a comprehensive volatilomic and phytochemical analysis of T. majus flowers and their juice. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was employed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of floral tissues and juice. Our analysis revealed a striking dominance of benzyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrile, which together accounted for 88% of the total volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) in the juice, 67% and 21%, respectively. In the floral tissues, benzyl isothiocyanate was even more prevalent, representing 95% of the total volatile profile. Complementary in vitro assays confirmed a substantial total phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity in the flowers. These findings provide a robust chemical rationale for the potential health-promoting attributes of T. majus, while identifying key volatilomic markers that could support future functional and safety claims. In parallel, a benefit–risk assessment framework is discussed in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) of edible flowers. Given that both benzyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrile are classified as Cramer Class III substances, a conservative intake threshold of 1.5 μg/kg body weight per day is proposed. To enable quantitative exposure modeling and support the derivation of a tolerable daily intake (TDI), future studies should integrate organic solvent-based extraction methodologies to estimate the total volatile load per gram of floral biomass. This would align risk–benefit assessments with the EFSA’s evolving framework for novel foods and functional ingredients.</jats:p
O contínuo das espécies e quando elas se encontram em Os Banshees de Inisherin
Full text linkNeste artigo, discute-se, em três momentos, o binômio humanidade animalidade, tendo por base, inicialmente, a noção agambeniana de “máquina
antropológica” com o objetivo de situar a perspectiva de análise adotada na compreensão
de que o ser humano tem sido forjado por meio de incessantes separações entre a
humanidade e a animalidade. Em um segundo momento, abre-se espaço para reflexões
que buscam compreender e superar a ideia da pretensa excepcionalidade humana diante
das demais formas de vida, uma vez que as relações de exploração que a humanidade tem
estabelecido com o meio ambiente fundam-se, exatamente, nesta falácia. Em um terceiro
momento, pensa-se de que forma e, em que medida, tais problematizações acerca do
binômio humanidade-animalidade podem ser exemplificadas, ou mesmo ampliadas, a
partir do filme Os Banshees de Inisherin. O filme em questão foi tomado como um
artefato cultural com potencial para sustentar reflexões sobre as relações humanas com o
meio ambiente, em geral, e com espécies companheiras, em particular. A análise da
presença animal no referido filme, especialmente na figura da jumentinha Jenny, revela
como os vínculos entre humanos e animais não humanos ultrapassam os limites da
convivência utilitária, expondo mundos compostos por afetos, histórias e co-existências
éticas.In this article, the humanity-animality binomial is discussed in three stages,
initially based on Agamben’s notion of the “anthropological machine,” with the aim of
framing the analytical perspective adopted around the idea that the human being has
been forged through incessant separations between humanity and animality. In the second
stage, space is opened for reflections that seek to understand and overcome the notion of
alleged human exceptionalism in relation to other forms of life, since the exploitative
relationships humanity has established with the environment are founded precisely on this
fallacy. In the third stage, the discussion turns to how and to what extent these
problematizations surrounding the humanity-animality binomial can be exemplified, or
even expanded, through the film The Banshees of Inisherin. The film is treated as a
cultural artifact with the potential to support reflections on human relationships with the
environment in general and with companion species in particular. The analysis of animal
presence in the film, especially through the character of the little donkey Jenny, reveals how the bonds between humans and non-human animals go beyond utilitarian
coexistence, exposing worlds shaped by affections, histories, and ethical co-existences
Improved methodology to survey veterinary antibiotics in environmental samples using µSPEed microextraction followed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography
Full text linkA μSPEed microextraction combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with UV
detection was developed for analysing six veterinary antibiotics (tetracycline, chlortetracycline,
oxytetracycline, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim) in environmental samples. To
optimise extraction, 12 sorbent cartridges, sample loading cycles, volumes, and pH were assayed.
The PS/DVB-RP cartridge, three 250 μL sample loading cycles, and two 50-µL elutions with acidified
methanol yielded maximum efficiency. The method was validated with optimised fast
chromatographic separation, showing good linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (RSD < 20%), and
recoveries between 46-86%. Detection and quantification limits ranged from 0.30-1.23 μg L−1 and
0.92-3.73 μg L−1
, respectively. The optimised μSPEed/UPLC-PDA efficiently analysed environmental
water samples, requiring only 6 min extraction, 6 min analysis, and 500 μL sample, surpassing
alternative methods in speed, workloads and reproducibility. The cost-effective, commercially
available equipment facilitates accessibility for laboratories and adaptability for analysing selected
antibiotics in diverse matrices, including food and environmental samples
Desenvolvimento da comunidade migratória venezuelana no contexto socioeconómico e educativo da Região Autónoma da Madeira
Full text linkOs processos migratórios podem representar uma mudança significativa para um
indivíduo e a sua família. A adaptação a um novo país, idioma, cultura e sistema de vida
pode ser desafiador, exigindo ajustes e superação de obstáculos.
A tendência migratória dos últimos anos, nomeadamente entre 2017 e 2022, destacou-se
pela chegada à Região Autónoma da Madeira de um grande número de migrantes vindos
da Venezuela. Muitos dos quais emigraram voltaram com as suas famílias por diversas
razões: políticas, económicas e/ou sociais, que afetavam o país latino-americano. Os
dados do Instituto Nacional de Estatística (2021) confirmam que a comunidade
venezuelana constitui o maior grupo de migrantes na região, representando 28,8% do total.
O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os contributos da comunidade venezuelana no
contexto socioeconómico e educativo da Região Autónoma da Madeira. Desta forma,
desenvolveu-se um estudo de caso, por meio de uma metodologia mista, integrando
abordagens qualitativas e quantitativas. Como instrumentos de recolha de dados,
aplicaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas a representantes das instituições relacionadas
com a migração e inquéritos por questionário, direcionados a migrantes venezuelanos que
residem na região há mais de um ano.
O estudo das condições de integração e de desenvolvimento desta comunidade revela que
a inclusão social e a oferta de oportunidades no âmbito profissional, educativo ou social
são fundamentais para promover uma relação de benefício mútuo. Os migrantes
venezuelanos introduziram novos elementos ao cenário socioeconómico e educativo da
região, mas também revitalizaram e enriqueceram as tradições, práticas e costumes,
criando uma sinergia entre o que é local e o que é trazido do exterior. Este intercâmbio
contribuiu para tornar a Madeira mais diversa, consolidando a multiculturalidade como
um valor essencial ao seu desenvolvimento.Migration can represent a significant change for an individual and their family. Adapting
to a new country, language, culture and way of life can be challenging, requiring
adjustments and overcoming obstacles.
The migration trend of recent years, particularly between 2017 and 2022, was marked by
the arrival of a large number of migrants from Venezuela in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira. Many of those who emigrated returned with their families for various reasons:
political, economic and/or social, which affected the Latin American country. Data from
the National Institute of Statistics (2021) confirm that the Venezuelan community
constitutes the largest group of migrants in the region, representing 28,8% of the total.
The objective of this study was to identify the contributions of the Venezuelan community
in the socioeconomic and educational context of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
Thus, a case study was developed, using a mixed methodology, integrating qualitative
and quantitative approaches. As data collection instruments, semi-structured interviews
were applied to representatives of institutions related to migration and questionnaire
surveys, targeted at Venezuelan migrants who had been residing in the region for more
than a year.
The study of the conditions of integration and development of this community reveals
that social inclusion and the provision of opportunities in the professional, educational
and social spheres are fundamental to promoting a relationship of mutual benefit.
Venezuelan migrants have introduced new elements to the socioeconomic and
educational scenario of the region, but have also revitalized and enriched traditions,
practices and customs, creating a synergy between what is local and what is brought from
abroad. This exchange has contributed to making Madeira more diverse, consolidating
multiculturalism as an essential value for its development
Shifting currents: expert perspectives on the adoption of direct current in power grids
Full text linkUtilization of renewable energy resources for energy generation brought significant attention to Direct Current
(DC) technologies, as many of them produce and store electricity in DC. Compared to Alternating Current, the
DC technologies, specifically in Medium-Voltage (MV) and Low-Voltage (LV), are in their infancy, leading to
less data availability for decision-making. To inform early-phase technologies, experts are consulted through
the structured Expert Elicitation (EE) method, though few have explored it in examining technical and non technical aspects of MVDC and LVDC technologies. Hence, in this paper, we present two EE studies on eleven
(11) MVDC and LVDC technologies proposed in the Shift2DC research project — applicable for ports, buildings,
industry, and data centers. We found that experts perceived the presented DC technologies as feasible and
important. Among the most perceived concerns for DC technologies adoption are a lack of trained personnel,
public awareness, and uncertainty in regulations to enforce the use of innovations. Experts proposed the need
for educational strategies for the general public and a structured curriculum for training technicians in DC.
In addition, experts envisioned enabling emerging technologies, such as digital twins and energy management
systems, for DC system management
Valores em conflito. Estudo sobre ética corporativa e o valor de mercado: o caso da guerra entre a Ucrânia e a Rússia
Full text linkPeríodos de conflito geopolítico colocam desafios complexos às organizações, exigindo
decisões estratégicas que podem acarretar custos económicos e reputacionais. O conflito
Rússia-Ucrânia representa um contexto paradigmático para analisar como as multinacionais
ajustam a sua atuação às pressões institucionais e aos valores em conflito. Esta dissertação visa
contribuir para o debate sobre o posicionamento empresarial, colmatando lacunas na literatura
relacionadas com o efeito retaliativo da Rússia e explorando a influência dos tipos de economias
de mercado. Através da metodologia de estudo de eventos, investigamos os retornos das ações
das multinacionais do Top100 e Global500 com operações na Rússia, focando: (i) na
comunicação da decisão de “Sair” ou “Permanecer” no mercado russo; (ii) no efeito retaliativo
sobre as empresas que permaneceram; e (iii) a influência do tipo de economia de mercado
(Anglo-Saxónica versus Corrente Continental). Os resultados indicam que os mercados
penalizam as empresas, antecipando perdas económicas e evidenciando o efeito das pressões
institucionais. No entanto, a comunicação das decisões empresariais revela-se essencial para
interromper a tendência negativa dos retornos anormais que, dada a coexistência de sinais
opostos (custos económicos versus ganhos reputacionais), resulta num efeito neutro após essa
comunicação. As nossas descobertas mostram que: (i) a opção de “Sair” acarreta menores
perdas, embora ambos os caminhos impliquem custos relevantes de curto prazo; (ii) as
multinacionais da Corrente Continental são mais penalizadas do que as Anglo-Saxónicas; e (iii)
o efeito retaliativo russo não teve o impacto esperado nas multinacionais que permaneceram na
Rússia, mas revela nuances importantes ao considerar o tipo de economia de mercado. Estas
evidências sugerem que os contextos institucionais e os sinais enviados pelas empresas
moldam, de forma diferenciada, as respostas dos investidores. Contudo, dada a complexidade
do tema, recomenda-se alguma cautela nesta análise, sendo esta investigação um ponto de
partida para o futuro aprofundamento académico do tema.Periods of geopolitical conflict pose complex challenges to organizations, demanding strategic
decisions that may entail economic and reputational costs. The Russia-Ukraine conflict
represents a paradigmatic context to analyze how multinational companies adjust their actions
in response to institutional pressures and conflicting values. This dissertation aims to contribute
to the debate on corporate positioning by addressing gaps in the literature related to Russia’s
retaliatory effect and by exploring the influence of the types of market economies. Using the
event study methodology, we investigated the stock returns of Top100 and Global500
multinational companies operating in Russia, with a special focus on: (i) the communication of
the decision to “Exit” or “Remain” in the Russian market; (ii) the retaliatory effect on
companies that chose to remain in Russia; and (iii) the influence of the type of market economy
(Anglo-Saxon versus Continental). The results indicate that markets penalize those companies,
anticipating economic losses and highlighting the effect of institutional pressures. However,
corporate decision-making communication plays a key role in halting the negative trend of
abnormal returns, which, given the coexistence of opposing signals (economic costs versus
reputational gains), results in a neutral effect after the communication. Our findings show that:
(i) the decision to “Exit” leads to smaller losses, although both choices involve relevant short term costs; (ii) Continental multinationals are more severely penalized than Anglo-Saxon
multinationals; and (iii) the Russian retaliatory effect did not have the expected impact on
multinationals that remained in Russia, but reveals important nuances when considering the
type of market economy. These findings suggest that institutional contexts and the signals sent
by firms shape the differentiated responses of investors. Nevertheless, given the complexity of
the topic, caution is recommended, and this research serves as a starting point for future
academic exploration of these themes
As tradições do Vinho Madeira: testemunhos de viticultores
Full text linkEste volume dos «Cadernos do Território» dá à estampa 24 entrevistas inéditas de viticultoras e viticultores,
que exercem a sua atividade em várias localidades da ilha da Madeira. A recolha foi levada a cabo por António
J. M. Silva (entrevistador) e Naidea N. Nunes (auxiliar no registo dos dados), durante a vindima de 2024.
Este trabalho de campo inscreve-se na preparação da candidatura das Tradições do Vinho Madeira à Lista
Representativa do Património Cultural Imaterial da Humanidade, promovida e financiada exclusivamente
pela Reitoria da Universidade da Madeira. Trata-se do primeiro volume a ser publicado, com materiais de
um conjunto mais amplo representativo de toda a fileira do Vinho Madeira.This volume of the Cadernos do Território presents 24 previously unpublished interviews with female and
male vinegrowers who carry out their activity in various locations across Madeira Island. The data collection
was conducted by António J. M. Silva (interviewer) and Naidea N. Nunes (assistant responsible for data
recording) during the 2024 grape harvest. This fieldwork forms part of the preparation for the application to
include the Traditions of Madeira Wine on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity, an initiative promoted and exclusively funded by the Rectorate of the University of Madeira. This
is the first volume to be published, featuring materials from a broader set representing the entire Madeira
Wine sector