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Improving Motor Competence of Children: The Super Quinas Intervention Program in Portuguese Primary Schools
Full text linkThe objective of this study was to describe the effects of an extra hour of a structured motor program on the motor competence (MC) of children 6–10 years old. The need for movement interventions to enhance MC among school-aged children has gained vital importance in the last years, given the negative secular trends reported. Hence, the Portuguese Football Federation organized an intervention program on MC to be implemented on the extracurricular time of the Portuguese primary schools: the Super Quinas program. Thirty-nine schools from all of Portugal were assigned to intervention and control condition, with a total of 1034 children (6–10 y old) completing all the program (77.7%). The Super Quinas intervention comprised of 1 hour of activity per week, led by a physical educator teacher during extracurricular activities for 12 wees. MC was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) before and at the end of the program (January and April 2023). Normative results of the MCA were used to compare changes between pre and posttest according to experimental or control condition. Results showed a general improvement for all subscales (Locomotor, Manipulative, Stability) and total MCA. More importantly, the experimental group showed significant and positive differences, when compared with the control group, in the Stability Manipulative and total MCA results after controlling for gender, age, and baseline effect. Conclusions: The Super Quinas intervention program proved that adding 1 hour of structured movement program to the regular primary school schedule can lead to greater development of MC in school-age children
From Waste to Sustainable Animal Feed: Incorporation of Olive Oil By-Products into the Diet of Bísaro Breed Pigs
Full text linkThe olive oil agro-industry generates large quantities of by-products, such as olive cake (OC), whose sustainable valorisation in animal feed can contribute to the principles of circular economy, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating OC into the diets of growing Bísaro pigs, focusing on productive parameters and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Two trials were carried out. In the first trial, 25 pigs were fed five diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% exhausted OC (EOC) for 15 days. The results showed a linear decrease in ATTD with increasing EOC levels (p < 0.001), but the increased feed intake compensated for the reduced digestibility, and growth performance was maintained. The initial and final live weight (LW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected (p > 0.05). In the second trial, 40 pigs were fed five diets for 82 days: a control diet and four diets incorporating 10% crude OC, 10% two-phase OC, 10% EOC, and 10% EOC with 1% olive oil. No significant differences were observed in final weight, ADG, ADFI, FCR, or the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF, and NDF. The results suggest incorporating moderate levels of OC into Bísaro pig diets could be a viable strategy for valorising by-products, reducing agro-industrial waste and increasing sustainability in animal production. In addition, the inclusion of OC had no negative impact on animal performance, highlighting the potential of OC as a sustainable ingredient for animal feed, which aligns with the objectives of the circular economy and sustainable livestock farming practices.This research was funded by “BisOlive: Use of olive pomace in the feeding of Bísaro swine. Evaluation of the effect on meat quality” project NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-0722. This work was supported by the projects UIDB/00772/2020 (Doi:10.54499/UIDB/00772/2020), funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The authors are grateful for the financial support provided
Development of bioactive edible coatings enriched with extracts of celery and banana inflorescence for the preservation of persimmons
Full text linkEdible coatings enriched with bioactive compounds have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic preservatives, aligning with sustainability goals and offering solutions for the conservation of perishable fruits. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of edible coatings formulated with celery (Apium graveolens L.) and banana inflorescence (Musa acuminata var. “Dwarf Cavendish”) extracts, known for their antioxidant properties, in extending the shelf life of persimmons (Diospyros kaki L. var. Giombo). The extraction of phenolic compounds and flavonoids from both botanical sources was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and the extracts were incorporated into agar-based edible coatings. Physicochemical parameters such as color (L*, a*, b*), pH, total phenolics, antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), and total carotenoids were analyzed
throughout storage at both refrigerated and room temperatures. The coatings exhibited moderate but significant effects on persimmon preservation, particularly in maintaining lightness (L*). Celery extract-based coatings showed 61.0 ± 2.1 at day 10 under refrigeration, compared to 55.0 ± 3.4 in banana inflorescence formulations.
Over the storage period, total phenolics in coated samples degraded at a slower rate (0.3 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g in refrigerated conditions), while the antioxidant activity remained higher (DPPH EC50 = 80 ± 12 μg/mL for celery coatings at day 10). Color degradation was evident across all treatments, but coatings with celery extract were more effective in reducing changes in b (yellow-blue coordinate)**, maintaining a b value of 51 ± 6 at day 10, whereas uncoated samples decreased to 47 ± 10. These findings suggest that while the tested coatings provide some level of preservation, further optimization is required to enhance their efficacy, particularly in improving barrier properties and bioactive compound stability. Future research should focus on refining formulations by incorporating additional stabilizers and optimizing temperature conditions to enhance the preservation and
safety aspects of coated fruits, ensuring their viability for commercial applications in the food industry.This research was funded 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), national funding by FCT- Foundation for Science and Technology, through the institutional scientific employment program-contract with Sandrina A.
Heleno; and through the individual research grants of Izamara Oliveira and Laíres Lima (doi:10.54499/2020.06017.BD; BD/13393/2022). M. Carocho thanks FCT for his individual employment program–contract (CEEC-IND/00831/2018). Vitor Garcia, Priscila Santos and Giuseppina Lima acknowledge the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Process number: 2023/06134-0) for providing financial support. To the Agenda VIIAFOOD - Platform for Valorization, Industrialization and Commercial Innovation for Agrifood (no. C644929456-00000040) for Tayse Silveira’s contract, a project supported under the PRR (www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt), and financed by the European Union /Next Generation EU. L.Barros thanks FCT through the institutional scientific employment program–contract for her contract (CEEC-INST, doi:10.54499/CEECNST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002)
Enhancing Tomato Growth and Quality Under Deficit Irrigation with Silicon Application
Full text linkThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of two irrigation systems (deficit irrigation (DI)—70% of field capacity—and full irrigation (FI)—100% of field capacity) and a biostimulant formulation (silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) at four different rates) on the chemical composition and fruit quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Deficit irrigation and biostimulant application influenced the proximate composition of tomato fruits. Fructose and glucose were the main soluble sugars, while malic and citric acids were the predominant organic acids. Free sugar and organic acid content increased under DI and biostimulant applications. In contrast, deficit irrigation combined with biostimulant application decreased α-tocopherol levels. In terms of carotenoids, lycopene and β-carotene concentrations were higher under full irrigation. The main fatty acids were palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic (C18:2n6) acids, with saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids being the main classes. Moreover, biostimulant applications reduced the total phenolic content regardless of the irrigation regime, whereas the flavonoid content increased when biostimulants were applied under FI conditions. Regarding antioxidant activity (assessed by TBARS and OxHLIA assays), a variable response to irrigation and biostimulant application was observed. In conclusion, the application of Si and Ca under DI showed promising results in terms of yield and quality of tomato fruit and it could be considered a sustainable strategy to mitigate adverse effects of climate change on horticultural crops.The authors would like to thank the Foundation for Science and Technol-
ogy (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds 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), and National funding by
FCT through the scientific employment program-contract with L.B. (DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00107/
2021/CP2793/CT0002) and the individual research grant (DOI: 10.54499/2020.06297.BD) of M.A.O
Community-based sustainable tourism development and green marketing
No full textThis chapter explores the significance of community-based green marketing for sustainable tourism development. The effectiveness of green marketing has already been proven in many spheres. With that in mind, we intend to understand better how it can contribute to communities to achieve sustainable tourism development. Consequently, one looked deeper at the relationship between environmental awareness and environmentally friendly behaviors and the dependency on these two variables in promoting sustainable tourism. Due to the multidimensional nature of the constructs under study, we conducted a narrative review. It allows us researchers to synthesize multiple points of view and harness unique perspectives while still allowing us to introduce rigor and objectivity into the analysis and discussion. The research results contribute to a deeper understanding of tourists' needs when choosing a sustainable (green) destination. They also help communities and their business by providing insights on green products and services that tourists can offer when aiming toward sustainable development. The results represent a theoretical advance for travel and tourism studies and provide valuable insights into how community-based green marketing can work to help communities striving for sustainable tourism development
Potencial de Pigmentos Naturais Bioativos: Técnicas de Extração Convencionais e Não Convencionais, Métodos de Estabilização e Aplicações na Indústria Alimentar
Full text linkOs autores agradecem à Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) pelo apoio financeiro através do fundos-
FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) nacional ao CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 e UIDP/00690/2020) e SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020);
financiamento nacional por F.C.T. e P.I., através do programa institucional de emprego científico para os contratos de C.P. e
L.B. e bolsa de doutoramento para A.K.M. (2020.06231.BD). Ao FEDER através do Programa Operacional Regional Norte
2020, no âmbito do Projecto GreenHealth-Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000042. R.C.G. Corrêa é bolseira de investigação do
Instituto Cesumar de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (ICETI)
Exploring the role of temperature on hydrotropy
No full textAqueous solubility can be enhanced through hydrotropy, where an amphiphilic molecule (the hydrotrope) ag-gregates around the solute, boosting its solubility. To understand the impact of temperature on this phenomenon, the solubility of syringic acid was measured in aqueous solutions of different bio-based hydrotropes. Solubility curves were modelled using Gaussian processes, a powerful class of machine learning interpolators. This allowed for a thermodynamic analysis of excess solvation properties that was complemented using the COSMO-RS model.
As expected, the absolute solubility of syringic acid increased with temperature. However, at low hydrotrope concentrations, this increase was not driven by interactions in the liquid phase. Thus, the solubility enhancement of syringic acid was found to be independent of temperature. Conversely, at high hydrotrope concentrations, increasing the temperature significantly decreased the solubility enhancement of the solute. These effects were interpreted considering different solubilization mechanisms, namely hydrotropy (low hydrotrope concentrations) and co-solvency (high hydrotrope concentrations).This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020 (DOI 10.54499/UIDB/50011/2020), UIDP/50011/2020 (DOI 10.54499/UIDP/50011/2020)
& LA/P/0006/2020 (DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0006/2020), and. CIMO-Centro de Investigação de Montanha, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020), UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/
UIDP/00690/2020); and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020), all financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC)
The Effect of Cropping System and Irrigation Regime on the Plant Growth and Biochemical Profile of Cichorium spinosum
Full text linkThis study evaluated the effects of three irrigation treatments (control (rain-fed plants), deficit irrigation (DI: 50% of maximum field capacity), full irrigation (FI: 100% of maximum field capacity)), and two crop-management treatments (with or without crop rotation with bean, CR, and NCR, respectively) on the plant growth and chemical composition of C. spinosum. The results indicated that deficit irrigation combined with crop rotation increased the weight of leaves per plant, followed by rain-fed plants for the same crop-management treatment. Additionally, these two factors significantly influenced the nutritional profile, free sugars, and organic acid content in a variable manner. Moreover, the control treatment and deficit irrigation increased the content of K, Na, and Mg, which are highly mobile nutrients, whereas the levels of moderately mobile nutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased. Deficit irrigation without crop rotation significantly increased the content of total tocopherols, followed by deficit irrigation with crop rotation and full irrigation without crop rotation. The main fatty acids were α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6), while the control and deficit irrigation treatments combined with crop rotation increased PUFA and decreased SFA content. Furthermore, deficit irrigation and crop rotation induced the accumulation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, especially the content of the major compounds (e.g., chicoric acid, quercetin-O-hexurunoside, and luteolin-O-hexurunoside). The leaf extracts exhibited varied antioxidant activity (assessed by TBARS and OxHLIA assays), and antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, no antifungal, antiproliferative (except for AGS cell line), hepatotoxic, or anti-inflammatory effects were recorded. In conclusion, the combination of deficit irrigation and crop rotation with bean positively affected the quality traits and the fresh weight of leaves, thus suggesting that such eco-friendly practices could have beneficial effects in the cultivation of C. spinosum plants within the context of climate-change mitigation strategies.This work was funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece (project VALUEFARM PRIMA2019-11) and PRIMA foundation in FCT Portugal, under the project VALUEFARM (PRIMA/0009/2019).
This work was supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PID-DAC): 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 M.I. Dias (DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00016/2018/CP1505/CT0004) thank the national funding by FCT through the institutional scientific employment programs for their contracts. The doctoral scholarships from B.H. Paschoalinotto (2023.02731.BD) and M. Añibarro-Ortega (2020.06297.BD)
Prática de Ensino Supervisionada – Percurso(s) pedagógico(s): evidências da sustentabilidade ambiental nos álbuns-ilustrados
No full textA sociedade é pautada pela industrialização e desenvolvimento tecnológico, e, por isso,
consideramos que a educação para a sustentabilidade do planeta é um fator essencial a ser
considerado na formação das novas gerações. As repercussões do comportamento humano
no ambiente enfatizam a importância que a escola deve assumir na sensibilização das
crianças, no que diz respeito à valorização e respeito pelo ambiente, evitando, obviamente,
comportamentos extremistas de ativismo exacerbado, que significariam, na prática, um
profundo retrocesso civilizacional. Acreditamos que devemos iniciar na infância um
processo de consciencialização sobre questões ambientais que permita uma relação saudável
com o outro e com o ambiente que nos rodeia. Baseamo-nos no Referencial de educação
ambiental para a sustentabilidade como documento orientador para a implementação das
nossas práticas, interligando com a área da cidadania e desenvolvimento que integra o
currículo e as orientações nos diferentes ciclos e níveis de ensino. Neste sentido, a literatura
para a infância, especificamente o álbum-ilustrado, é muito importante na educação dos seres
humanos e, em particular, no contacto das crianças com livros cujo tema central aborda
aspetos ambientais, promovendo a sua consciência para uma sustentabilidade equilibrada e
racional. Utilizando um corpus textual recomendado por várias instituições de referência
nacional e internacional, pretendemos destacar como a literatura é um meio essencial para
promover a aprendizagem, conduzindo a uma compreensão equilibrada das questões
relacionadas com a sustentabilidade ambiental. Após implementarmos atividades práticas
em três contextos diferentes, verificamos que os resultados do estudo parecem mostrar que,
no geral, as atitudes e comportamentos das crianças em relação ao ambiente têm sido mais
sustentáveis. Descobrimos que as histórias que trabalhamos ajudaram as crianças a
desenvolver uma consciência ecológica mais sustentada. Os seus interesses por materiais e
atividades que envolvessem questões ambientais permitiu desenvolver uma maior
sensibilidade e responsabilidade em relação ao meio ambiente.Society is guided by industrialization ad technological development and, therefore, we
consider education for the sustainability of the planet as na essential factor to be considered
in the education of new generations. The repercussions of the conduct of the human being
in the environment emphasize the importance that school must assume in the awareness of
children, in what concerns the appreciation and respect for the environment, obviously,
avoiding extreme behaviors of na excerbated activism, which would mean, in practice, a
profound civilizational setback. We believe that we should begin in childhood, a process of
awareness about environmental issues that allows a healthy relationship with other people
and with the environment that surrounds us. We are based on the guidelines of the
environmental education framework for sustainability, wich is of essential importance as a
guiding document for the implementation of this whirhin the scope of citizenship and
development that integrates linking with the area of citizenship and development the
curriculum and guidelines in the different cycles and levels of education and teachig. In this
sense, literature for childhood, specifically picture story book, ir very importante in the
education of human beings and, specifically, children´s contact with Books whose central
theme addresses environmental aspects, will foster their awareness of a balanced and rational
sustainability. Using a textual corpus recommended by various national and international
reference institutions we intend to highlight how literature is na essential means to promote
learning, leading to a balanced understanding of issues related to environmental
sustainability. After implementing practical activities in three different contexts, we found
that the results of the study seem to show that, overall, the children's attitudes and behaviors
towards the environment have been sustained. We found that the stories we worked on
helped the children to develop a more sustained ecological awareness. Her interest in
materials and activities that involved environmental issues allowed her to develop a greater
sensitivity and responsibility towards the environment
The Contribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Neck Pain: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
No full textCervicalgia, or neck pain, is a common condition that affects a significant number of the global pop-ulation and is one of the leading causes of disability. There is not a single treatment for neck pain. However, the search for alternative, less invasive methods with fewer side effects has increased the interest in complementary integrative practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This study aims to understand the contribution of TCM and its techniques in the treatment of neck pain. The methodology adopted was a narrative review of the literature. The search was carried out in two databases - PubMed and ScienceDirect - and six studies published between 2018 and 2024 were selected. The results showed that acupuncture, cupping therapy, tuina (when combined with the yijinjing exercise) and guidance centred on Jin Shang effectively relieve pain, increase functionality and improve patients' quality of life. It is concluded that TCM has a positive impact on the treatment of neck pain and can be integrated into clinical practice and the design of health policies that inte-grate complementary approaches in the care provided to patients with neck pain