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Microalgal-based industry vs. microplastic pollution: Current knowledge and future perspectives
Get PDFMicroalgae can play a crucial role in the environment due to their efficient capture of CO2 and their potential as a
solution for a carbon-negative economy. Water quality is critical for the success and profitability of microalgal based industries, and understanding their response to emergent pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs), is
essential. Despite the published studies investigating the impact of MPs on microalgae, knowledge in this area
remains limited. Most studies have mainly focused on microalgal growth, metabolite analysis, and photosyn thetic activity, with significant discrepancies in what is known about the impact on biomass yield. Recent studies
show that the yield of biomass production depends on the levels of water contamination by MPs, making it
necessary to reduce the contamination levels in the water. However, present technologies for extracting and
purifying water from MPs are limited, and further research and technological advancements are required. One
promising solution is the use of bio-based polymer materials, such as bacterial cellulose, which offer biode gradability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly detoxifying properties. This review summarises the
current knowledge on MPs pollution and its impact on the viability and proliferation of microalgae-based industries, highlights the need for further research, and discusses the potential of bio-solutions for MPs removal in microalgae-based industries.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Integração de plataforma low-code com endpoints externos com API REST
Get PDFA necessidade de partilhar dados entre sistemas de informação, nomeadamente em low-code plat forms (LCPs), é cada vez maior nos dias de hoje. A interconexão e a partilha de dados entre
sistemas são aspetos essenciais para muitas organizações e empresas que utilizam plataformas de
desenvolvimento e gestão low-code. A troca de informações entre diferentes tipos de sistemas pode
melhorar a eficiência operacional, facilitando a colaboração entre equipas e fornecendo uma visão
mais completa dos dados.
O trabalho desenvolvido nesta dissertação, no contexto do projeto DISME, plataforma low code para executar e modelar processos de negócio, tem como objetivo abordar os desafios atuais
na transmissão de dados entre sistemas de informação. O foco está no desenvolvimento de uma
componente que facilite a comunicação entre esses sistemas, superando as barreiras atuais existen tes. Utilizando tecnologias REST e JSON, procura-se fornecer uma solução eficaz de integração,
otimizando a troca de informações e promovendo uma interoperabilidade mais eficiente e fluida
entre os sistemas de informação.
Para conduzir esta pesquisa, adotou-se uma abordagem metodológica baseada em casos de
estudo. Foi utilizado o caso EU-Rent, amplamente reconhecido e utilizado em pesquisas académicas
para validar ideias, protótipos e conceitos. Este caso serviu como representação da realidade de
muitas empresas de aluguer de carros e permitiu adquirir conhecimento sobre os desafios atuais
na transmissão de dados. Utilizando a informação disponível e os dados fornecidos pelo caso EU Rent, foi possível compreender as necessidades de integração e restrições técnicas. Esta abordagem
permitiu uma melhor compreensão do contexto organizacional representado pelo caso EU-Rent,
fundamentando o desenvolvimento de um novo módulo de integração do DISME.
Com os resultados apresentados, foi possível comprovar a eficiência e eficácia da componente
desenvolvida ao replicar com sucesso alguns dos cenários identificados no estudo realizado no caso
EU-Rent. Os testes realizados demonstram que a solução de integração proposta proporciona uma
troca de informações mais fluida e eficiente entre os sistemas de informação, superando as barreiras
existentes. Estes resultados evidenciam o impacto positivo da solução desenvolvida e sua relevância.The need to share data between information systems, particularly in low-code platforms (LCPs),
is ever greater in current times. Interconnection and data sharing between systems are essential
aspects for many organizations and companies that use low-code development and management
platforms. Exchanging information between different types of systems can enhance operational
efficiency, facilitating collaboration among teams and providing a more comprehensive view of
data.
The work developed in this dissertation, in the context of the DISME project, a low-code
platform to execute and model business processes, aims to address current challenges in data
transmission between information systems. The focus is on developing a component that eases
the communication between these systems, overcoming existing barriers. Using REST and JSON
technologies, the goal is to provide an effective integration solution, optimizing the exchange of
information, promoting more efficient and seamless interoperability between information systems.
To conduct this research, a methodological approach based on case studies was adopted. The
EU-Rent case, widely recognized and used in academic research to validate ideas, prototypes, and
concepts, was employed. This case served as a representation of the reality of many car rental
companies, allowing us to gain insight into the current challenges in data transmission. Using the
available information and the data provided by the EU-Rent case, it was possible to understand
integration needs and technical constraints. This approach allowed for a better understanding of
the organizational context represented by the EU-Rent case, supporting the development of a new
integration module for DISME.
With the presented results, it was possible to confirm the efficiency and effectiveness of the
developed component by successfully replicating some of the scenarios identified in the study con ducted on the EU-Rent case. The tests carried out demonstrate that the proposed integration
solution provides a more seamless and efficient exchange of information between information sys tems, overcoming existing barriers. These results highlight the positive impact of the developed
solution and its relevance
Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults
Get PDFBackground Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We
estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from
1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories.
Methods We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and
weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate
trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children
and adolescents (age 5–19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the
individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI <18·5 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). For school aged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI <2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference)
and obesity (BMI >2 SD above the median).
Findings From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in
11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed
changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and
140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of
underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and
countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior
probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse
was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of
thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a
posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%)
with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and
obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for
both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such
as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged
children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls
in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and
42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents,
the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining
underweight or thinness.
Interpretation The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an
increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy
nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of
underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
As estratégias de comunicação da marca Madeira e a evolução do perfil do turista
Get PDFO Turismo é a principal atividade impulsionadora da economia da Região Autónoma
da Madeira (RAM), um pilar das fontes de receitas e criação de emprego da RAM (17%) e
responsável por 29% do PIB na região, de acordo com dados estatísticos do governo regional
e INE em setembro de 2023. Este setor, tem notoriamente grande importância no mercado
de emprego e nas exportações.
Neste sentido pretende-se estudar a problemática de investigação “Existe relação
entre as estratégias de comunicação da Marca Madeira e a evolução do perfil do turista?”
ao nível exploratório, bibliográfico, descritivo e explicativo. Para tal, importa explorar o
perfil do turista que visita a Madeira, a forma de comunicação da Marca Madeira e as
perceções e conhecimentos dos visitantes sobre o destino turístico e respetivos produtos
associados à região.
A região seguindo o documento estratégico para o turismo da Madeira, optou por
apostar em produtos emergentes, tais como atividades de natureza, gastronomia e vinho,
turismo cultural, turismo em áreas rurais e naturais, entre outros. Isto porque objetiva
satisfazer as motivações de visita dos turistas, por exemplo: a Paisagem, a Natureza e o
Pedestrianismo pelas veredas e levadas.
Neste estudo apresenta-se o perfil do turista que visita a Madeira e as alterações que
tem sofrido, analisou-se a importância dos vários vetores de comunicação na venda do
destino e a sua relação próxima com o mercado e os vários produtos da marca Madeira na
perspetiva do consumidor final. Assim, relacionam-se os resultados deste estudo com a
presente estratégia para o Turismo da Madeira, desenvolvida pela Secretaria Regional do
Turismo e Cultura. O trabalho que tem vindo a ser desenvolvido nesta área revela-se
assertivo e carece de continuidade e reforço, sobretudo atendendo aos efeitos positivos que
tem vindo a gerar na nova comunicação do destino. Hodiernamente reconhecida como mais
ágil, dinâmica, interativa e atrativa.Tourism is the main activity driving the economy of the Autonomous Region of
Madeira (RAM), a pillar of RAM's sources of revenue and job creation (17%) and
responsible for 29% of the region's GDP, according to statistics from the regional
government and INE in September 2023. This sector is notoriously important in the labour
market and in exports.
With this in mind, we intend to study the research problem "What is the relationship
between the Madeira Brand's communication strategies and the evolution of the tourist
profile?" at an exploratory, bibliographical, descriptive and explanatory level. To this end, it
is important to explore the profile of tourists visiting Madeira, how the Madeira Brand is
communicated and visitors' perceptions and knowledge of the tourist destination and the
products associated with the region.
In line with Madeira's tourism strategy document, the region has chosen to focus on
emerging products such as nature activities, gastronomy and wine, cultural tourism, tourism
in rural and natural areas, among others. This is because it aims to satisfy tourists'
motivations for visiting, for example: Landscape, Nature and Hiking along footpaths and
levadas.
This study presents the profile of tourists visiting Madeira and the changes it has
undergone, analyses the importance of the various communication vectors in selling the
destination and its close relationship with the market and the various Madeira brand products
from the perspective of the end consumer. The results of this study are thus related to the
current strategy for Madeira Tourism, developed by the Regional Secretariat for the Tourism
and Culture. The work that has been carried out in this area proves to be assertive and needs
to be continued and strengthened, especially given the positive effects it has been generating
in the new communication of the destination. It is now recognised as more agile, dynamic,
interactive and attractive
Redefining entrepreneurship: philosophical insights in a post-individualist era
Get PDF In the dynamic landscape of post-individualist entrepreneurship, this study delves into the profound interplay between philosophy and entrepreneurship. Guided by foundational philosophical tenets, including Spinoza’s ‘conatus’ and ‘affects’, Schopenhauer’s asceticism, and Nietzsche’s diverse perspectives, their implications for modern entrepreneurship are dissected. Employing a critical and analytical approach, the convergence and divergence between philosophy and entrepreneurship are explored. The methodology integrates philosophical works, entrepreneurship theories and social network concepts to unveil fresh insights into contemporary entrepreneurial behaviour. This study not only identifies significant resonances between these philosophical underpinnings and entrepreneurship but also confronts the challenges posed by philosophical contrasts. For instance, while Spinoza’s concept of ‘conatus’ resonates with the entrepreneurial drive for innovation and perseverance, Schopenhauer’s asceticism introduces a contrasting perspective, questioning the sustainability of entrepreneurial desires in the face of materialism and temporary gains. This juxtaposition challenges individuals to reevaluate the essence of entrepreneurial success, suggesting that it extends beyond mere financial gain to include deeper satisfaction and a more meaningful purpose that transcends fleeting desires. The study’s results offer tangible benefits for entrepreneurs, illuminating the emotional complexities, ethical implications and the intricate dynamics within entrepreneurial networks. </jats:p
Comparative analysis of antioxidant and fatty acid composition in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruits: exploring regional and commercial varieties
Get PDFhytochemical and biochemical properties. Aiming to evaluate the antioxidant quality and fatty acid composi tion with a commercial avocado, flours were obtained from five varieties (four regional and one commercial
Hass) across different tissues (pulp and by-products) and cycles (years and on-tree maturation stages). Results
showed that a regional variety with thin purple skin had the highest antioxidant qualities and lipid content,
surpassing the other regional and commercial Hass varieties. Oleic acid prevailed in all samples, with regional
avocados containing arachidonic acid which is an uncommon occurrence among higher plants. Variations in fatty
acid content were influenced by the timing of harvest. These outcomes highlight the promising potential of
avocados from Madeira Island
Empoasca fabalis DeLong (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in European sweet potatoes: records, leaf damage, and Auchenorrhyncha insights
Get PDFAbstractThe recent surge in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation in Europe prompted an investigation into associated entomofauna within Portugal's southwestern region, known for its longstanding sweet potato production. This study aimed to assess entomofauna associated with this culture.Insect sampling was conducted by leaf and sweep net across three regional sites during 2018 and 2019 revealing the presence of Empoasca fabalis. Histological examination of sweet potato leaves affected by E. fabalis feeding unveiled significant damage, including the emergence of whitish spots (termed “stipples”) and subsequent necrotic spots. Comparative analysis between infested and undamaged control leaves revealed significant damage, involving mesophyll cell content deprivation and cellular disruption. This study describes, for the first time, the histological nature of the necrotic damage and suggests that E. fabalis primarily acts as a stippler on sweet potatoes, mainly targeting mesophyll cells with limited consumption of vascular tissue. The invasive behaviour and wide host range of E. fabalis pose a threat to sweet potato cultivation. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring to address the potential impact of E. fabalis on Europe’s agricultural ecosystem and native vegetation.In addition, six other Auchenorrhyncha species were identified during this study, including four crucial vectors of plant diseases: Laodelphax striatellus, Psammotettix alienus, Anaceratagallia glabra, Austroagallia sinuata, together with Empoasca solani and E. alsiosa. These results emphasise the importance of managing these insects in sweet potato cultivation.</jats:p
Evolution of attack in handball when playing 7 vs. 6 with empty goal between 2020 and 2023: coaches’ perception vs. observational results
Get PDFRecently, several studies on the 7 vs. 6 “empty goal” (EG) in handball have produced different and even contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the behavior of teams and players in the 7 vs. 6 EG attack in the European (Euro) and World Championships (WCh) between 2020 and 2023 and characterize the coaches’ perceptions.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of the following: (i) an observational methodology and instrument developed and validated to collect observational data on player and team behavior; and (ii) a developed and validated questionnaire to coaches on their perceptions of the 7 vs. 6 game. Observational data were collected during the Euro 2020 and 2022 games (n = 62) and the WCh 2021 and 2023 games (n = 70). A total of 132 games and 391 situations of 7 vs. 6 attacking sequences were observed. In total, 156 coaches participated (146 men), with a mean age 42.33 ± 11.87 years, 19 nationalities, and with 12.77 ± 9.45 years of experience.Results and discussionThe choice of 7 vs. 6 offensive play was mostly made in the second half (&gt;73%). The effectiveness of 7 vs. 6 offensive sequences was higher in the top six teams than in the team's ranked 7th to 12th (Euro 2020 51.6%–50.0%; WCh 2021 52.0%–50.0%; Euro 2022 53.1%–41.7%; WCh 2023 50.0%–43.8%). Some patterns of association were found (p &lt; 0.05 and with values &gt;±1.96): (i) scoring a goal with a breakthrough shot was significantly associated with the effectiveness of the 7 vs. 6 attack (Euro 2020 2.61; WCh 2021 2.87; Euro 2022 2.68; WCh 2023 2.32); (ii) teams in the top six significantly used 7 vs. 6 when they were winning (Euro 2020 2.17; WCh 2021 3.52; Euro 2022 5.88; WCh 2023 2.54); and (iii) teams in the bottom six used it when they were losing by at least four goals (Euro 2020 7.56; Euro 2022 6.64; WCh 2023 4.37) or when they were winning by four goals or more (WCh 2021 2.58). Coaches that agree with the possibility of playing 7 vs. 6 (74.4%), rarely or never do so (55.6%) because it brings little or no advantage (52.6%). The results of the analysis confirmed the perception of the coaches, the low use of 7 vs. 6, the low advantage associated with it, and the influence of the result and the moment of the game on its use.</jats:sec
Influence of Cu addition on the wear behavior of a Eutectic Al–12.6Si alloy developed by the spray forming method
Get PDFIn the present study, the influence of the addition of copper (Cu) on the wear behavior of a Al-12.6Si eutectic alloy developed using the spray forming (SF) method was discussed, and the results were compared with those of as-cast (AC) alloys. The microstructural features of the alloys were examined using both optical and the scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical composition and phase identification were achieved by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results revealed that the microstructure of binary the SF alloy consisted of fine primary and eutectic Si phases, evenly distributed in the equiaxed α-Al matrix, whereas the Cu-based SF ternary alloy consisted of uniformly distributed fine eutectic Si particulates and spherical-shaped θ-Al2Cu precipitates, uniformly distributed in α-Al matrix. In contrast, the AC ternary (Al-12.6Si-2Cu) alloy consisted of unevenly dispersed eutectic Si needles and the coarse intermetallic compound θ-Al2Cu in the α-Al matrix. The addition of Cu enhanced the micro hardness of the SF ternary alloy by 8, 34, and 41% compared to that of the SF binary, AC ternary, and binary alloys, respectively. The wear test was conducted using a pin-on-disc wear testing machine at different loads (10–40 N) and sliding velocities (1–3 ms−1). The wear tests revealed that SF alloys exhibited an improved wear behavior in the entire applied load and sliding velocity range in comparison to that of the AC alloys. At a load of 40 N and a sliding velocity of 1 ms−1, the wear rate of the SF2 alloy is 62, 47, and 23% lower than that of the AC1, AC2, and SF1 alloys, respectively. Similarly, at a sliding velocity of 3 ms−1, the wear rate of the SF2 alloy is 52%, 42%, and 21% lower than that of the AC1, AC2, and SF1 alloys, respectively. The low wear rate in the SF2 alloy was due to the microstructural modification during spray forming, the precipitation of fine Al2Cu intermetallic compounds, and increased solid solubility. The SF alloys show an increased transition from oxidative to abrasive wear, while the AC alloys demonstrate wear mechanisms that change from oxidative to abrasive, including delamination, with an increase in sliding velocity and load.</jats:p
A violência no namoro em contexto universitário
Get PDFA violência no namoro é um fenómeno que tem ocorrido na nossa sociedade.
No decorrer dos últimos anos, os números de casos de violência presentes na
comunidade têm sido alvo de um crescimento significativo. Ainda assim, estes
comportamentos na sociedade são cada vez mais insignificantes e atuais na vida dos
adolescentes, do qual existe uma elevada preocupação para estas condutas adotadas
pelos mesmos. Assim sendo, o presente projeto tem como intuito compreender o que os
estudantes universitários entendem por violência no namoro. Deste modo, será realizado
um estudo de caso numa Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES) na Região Autónoma da
Madeira (RAM) e seguirá uma metodologia qualitativa, estudo de caso.
Serão elaborados guiões de entrevistas e inquéritos por questionários, de forma a
recolher toda a informação necessária para o projeto. Para a análise e interpretação dos
dados recolhidos recorrer-se-á a triangulação de dados e a análise de conteúdo.Dating violence is a phenomenon that has occurred in our society. In recent
years, the number of cases of violence in the community has increased significantly.
Still, these behaviors in society are increasingly insignificant and current in the lives of
adolescents, of which there is a high concern for these behaviors adopted by them.
Therefore, this project aims to understand what university students understand by dating
violence. Thus, a case study will be carried out in a Higher Education Institution (HEI)
in the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) and will follow a qualitative
methodology, case study. Interview scripts and questionnaire surveys will be prepared
in order to collect all the necessary information for the project. Data triangulation and
content analysis will be used for the analysis and interpretation of the collected data