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Synthesis of Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Lactone Derivatives of Thieno[2,3-b]pyrazine or Thieno[2,3-b]quinoline: Preliminary Antitumor and Antiparasitic Activity Evaluation
Get PDFTricyclic and tetracyclic lactone derivatives of thieno[2,3-b]pyrazine or thieno[2,3-b]quinoline, and 2H-pyrones were prepared using different methodologies. Pd/Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling using Et3N as a base, of methyl 7-bromothieno[2,3-b]pyrazine-6-carboxylate and (het)arylalkynes to yield the Sonogashira ester products, gave also the corresponding tricyclic lactones as minor products. However, the major products did not cyclize with TFA. Tricyclic lactones were then obtained by a tandem one-pot Sonogashira coupling and 6-endo-dig lactonization of 7-bromothieno[2,3-b]pyrazine-6-carboxylic acid with (het)arylalkynes, in good yields. Halogenated tricyclic lactones were synthesized by halocyclization using CuX and NXS. Tetracyclic lactones were synthesized through a Rh(III)-catalyzed formal [4+2] cycloaddition, between thieno[2,3-b]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid and internal alkynes, triggered by C-H activation, with the carboxylic group acting as a directing group. Using the SRB assay, the antitumor activity of both Sonogashira products and lactones was evaluated across five human cancer cell lines (CaCo-2, MCF-7, AGS, HeLa, NCI-H460). The best-performing compound was a Sonogashira product showing a GI50 < 10 µM in all tumor cell lines and low toxicity in PLP2 cells. Additionally, antiparasitic testing against Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania infantum revealed some compounds with IC50 < 11 µM, though some level of cytotoxicity was observed in THP-1—derived macrophages.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) through CQ-UM (strategic funding UID/00686/2020), CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and
UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021); the institutional scientific employment program-contract for RCC; NS is funded by national funds through FCT and co-funded through the European
Social Fund within the Human Potential Operating Programme 2021.04285.CEECIND/CP1663/CT0004.
The work on anti-parasitic activity is performed under the scope of COST Action CA21111: One Health Drugs against Parasitic Vector-Borne Diseases in Europe and Beyond (OneHealthDrugs
Exploring acorn shells: Phenolic composition and bioactive potential for sustainable valorization
Get PDFPedunculate (Quercus robur L.), holm (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.), and cork (Quercus suber L.) oaks are abundant across the Portuguese landscape. This study aims to evaluate the phenolic composition and bioactivities of acorn shell samples and determine their potential as a functional compound source. In total, five acorn shell samples collected in different locations and from different species were analyzed: Q. rotundifolia (Q. rot-1 and Q. rot-2), Q. suber (Q. sub-1 and Q. sub-2) and Q. robur (Q. rob-1). A total of nine phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, namely gallic and ellagic acids and derivatives. Digalloyl hexoside was the compound detected in higher concentrations in all extracts (2.093 – 8.3 mg/g extract). Q. suber samples exhibited the lowest IC50 values for TBARS assay, lower than the positive control used (Trolox). Overall, the studied samples demonstrated the capacity to inhibit the proliferation of all tumor cell lines tested. Sample Q. sub-1 demonstrated the most promising antibacterial capacity. According to the results, the acorn shell extracts exhibited promising potential, and it may be interesting to conduct a deeper study on the samples of this species.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); and
SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). National
funding by FCT, through the scientific employment program-contract
with L. Barros (CEEC-INST, DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00107/2021/
CP2793/CT0002). This work received financial support from "La Caixa"
Foundation through "Programa Promove (Concurso 2020 - Projetos
piloto inovadores)", within the scope of the project Acorn4MED - Valorisation
of acorn forest residue for application in biomedicine and from
FCT, I.P. through PRIMA/0005/2022, within the scope of the project
MEDACORNET - Rescuing acorns as a Mediterranean traditional
superfood. The authors are thankful for the plant samples provided by
LandraTech, Lda
Residents’ perception of tourism development: a perspective from a low-density territory
No full textThis study explores residents' perceptions of tourism development in the Mirandela municipality, Portugal. The research aims to understand tourism's socio-cultural and economic impacts from the residents' perspective, considering both positive and negative effects. The study employs a quantitative approach through the survey of 358 residents. Findings reveal that younger residents (<30) have a more positive perception of tourism's impacts, and those with undergraduate studies have less favourable perceptions. Rural residents have more positive perceptions than urban residents, and there is no significant difference in perceptions between those involved in tourist activities and those not involved. Residents who view tourism as beneficial showed higher mean scores across several items than those who view tourism as harmful or neutral. No significant differences were found regarding the increase in the cost of living. This research highlights the importance of involving local communities in tourism planning and development to ensure balanced and sustainable growth. The conclusions present several practical and managerial implications and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and professionals in tourism, sustainable development, and community planning
Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds: One Health Perspective
Get PDFThis review, within the One Health framework, compiles information on plant-derived bioactive compounds and emphasises their multifunctional role in improving environmental, animal, and human health. These compounds support sustainable health and ecological stability by influencing biological and environmental processes. Data from literature research are combined to explain the mechanisms and potential uses of different key bioactive compounds. Mechanistic insights focus on their capacity to regulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and microbial balance, linking these effects to therapeutic benefits in human health, enhanced animal productivity, and environmental sustainability. These compounds show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic activities, helping prevent chronic diseases, strengthen immunity, and reduce reliance on antibiotics and pollution. Examples like quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin demonstrate their roles in modulating inflammatory and metabolic pathways to foster sustainable health and ecological balance. Bioactive compounds are linked to the One Health strategy, providing benefits across biological systems. Nonetheless, challenges such as variability, bioavailability, and standardization remain. Future directions should aim to develop sustainable extraction and formulation methods, leverage omics technologies and artificial intelligence for discovery and characterization, and foster industry partnerships to validate these compounds and secure global regulatory approval.This work is supported by National Funds by FCT–Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (https://doi. org/10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/00690/ 2020); SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020) Portugal; CECAV UIDB/00772/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/00772/2020), CITAB, UID/04033/2025 and LA/P/0126/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0126/2020), LiveWell, UID/6157/2025, and CBQF, UID/50016/2025
Avaliação do impacto da radiofrequência na qualidade da castanha
No full textEste trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito da Agenda VIIAFOOD – Plataforma de Valorização, Industrialização e Inovação Comercial para o Agro-alimentar (n.º C644929456-00000040), financiado através do Programa de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) (www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt), pela União Europeia (European Union/Next Generation EU)
Common agricultural policy support to silvopasture in the European Atlantic region
Get PDFAgroforestry practices are sustainable forms of land management recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Commission (EC). These organizations have established mechanisms to promote agroforestry globally. However, the policies they create often lack monitoring and thorough impact evaluation. To effectively analyze how policies promote agroforestry, it is crucial to consider the scale and context in which these practices are implemented. Policies should be tailored to specific socioeconomic and environmental contexts to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. The best practices that emerge can be applied to similar situations. The objective of this study was to analyze the current state of silvopasture in the Atlantic region of Europe and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures associated with the Rural Development Programs (RDPs). The goals are to enhance our understanding of how sustainable land use systems are promoted and to provide insights that can foster agroforestry across Europe. The Atlantic region is characterized by a significant intensification of agricultural activities, with a very low proportion of silvopasture, mostly in the Northern Atlantic regions. Agroforestry is recognized for its ability to provide ecosystem services that sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity and productivity in the Central Atlantic Region of Europe by promoting hedgerows or reducing forest fires in the Southern Atlantic regions. The CAP promotes agroforestry in some of these areas, primarily through agri-environmental measures. Political measures should prioritize the management, conservation, and implementation of silvopasture to increase sustainability across the European Union (EU). Efforts to promote silvopasture should be encouraged through both agroforestry eco-schemes and CAP Pillar II interventions.The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program (AF4EU with grant agreement number, 101086563, and FOREST4EU with grant agreement number, 101086216). Nuria Ferreiro-Domínguez was funded by the Pilot Program of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) for the hiring of distinguished research staff—call 2021—funded by a collaboration agreement between USC and Banco Santander for the period of 2021–2024. Francisco Javier Rodríguez–Rigueiro was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Universities through the “Convocatoria de Recualificación del Sistema Universitario Español” on its “Margarita Salas” modality; the Ministry of Universities’ Recovery Transformation and Resilience Plan (funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU)
Traduções que voam: o papel do tradutor num ambiente de especialização
Get PDFO presente relatório, elaborado no âmbito do Mestrado em Tradução da Escola Superior de Educação de Bragança, analisa o papel do tradutor em contextos de especialização, com foco particular na tradução técnica aplicada ao setor aeronáutico. A componente teórica aborda a definição e as características da tradução especializada, destacando a necessidade de precisão terminológica, domínio das línguas para fins específicos e compreensão das convenções discursivas próprias de cada domínio técnico. Discute-se ainda a importância do inglês enquanto língua franca da aviação, a fraseologia padronizada da ICAO e a relevância da clareza comunicativa para a segurança operacional.
A dimensão prática descreve o estágio curricular realizado na empresa Atexis, em Sevilha, onde o autor desempenhou funções de tradução e interpretação em contextos técnicos e confidenciais relacionados com a aviação. As atividades incluíram a tradução de manuais aeronáuticos, exames, protocolos de segurança e comunicações simuladas entre pilotos e controladores. O relatório sublinha a importância da confidencialidade e da confiança no exercício tradutório, refletindo sobre a ética profissional e a responsabilidade do tradutor em ambientes de alta especialização.
Conclui-se que o estágio proporcionou o desenvolvimento de competências linguísticas, técnicas e éticas, consolidando a visão do tradutor como mediador intercultural e técnico, essencial à segurança e eficácia da comunicação no setor aeronáutico.This report, written within the scope of the Master’s Degree in Translation at the School of Education of Bragança, analyses the role of the translator in specialised contexts, with particular focus on technical translation applied to the aviation sector. The theoretical component addresses the definition and characteristics of specialised translation, highlighting the need for terminological precision, mastery of languages for specific purposes, and an understanding of the discursive conventions inherent to each technical domain. It also discusses the importance of English as the lingua franca of aviation, the standardised ICAO phraseology, and the relevance of communicative clarity for operational safety.
The practical section describes the curricular internship carried out at Atexis, in Seville, where the author performed translation and interpreting tasks in technical and confidential aviation-related contexts. The activities included the translation of aeronautical manuals, exams, safety protocols, and simulated communications between pilots and air traffic controllers. The report emphasises the importance of confidentiality and trust in translation practice, reflecting on professional ethics and the translator’s responsibility in highly specialised environments.
It concludes that the internship fostered the development of linguistic, technical, and ethical competences, consolidating the view of the translator as an intercultural and technical mediator, essential to the safety and effectiveness of communication in the aeronautical sector
Distributed AI training platform
Get PDFTraining large-scale artificial intelligence models has become a critical challenge in modern research, requiring distributed infrastructures capable of efficiently coordinating multiple devices. This dissertation presents a comparative analysis of three distributed deep learning training platforms: PyTorch Distributed Data Parallel (DDP), Apache Spark, and Determined AI, evaluating their performance, resource management capabilities, and usability in organizational environments. The methodology involved implementing and testing each framework on a three-node cluster equipped with NVIDIA GPUs, using the BERT-tiny model for sentiment classification on the IMDB dataset. Quantitative metrics of training time, model accuracy, and scaling efficiency were collected, complemented
by qualitative evaluation of configuration complexity, orchestration features, and developer experience. Results demonstrate that PyTorch DDP offers the best absolute
performance, completing 20 epochs of training in 499 seconds with 2 GPUs, while Determinedm AI introduces a 21% overhead but provides superior cluster management capabilities, including automatic scheduling, experiment tracking, and fault tolerance. Apache Spark presents significant overhead (187%) but integrates naturally into existing data processing pipelines. Framework selection depends on context: DDP is ideal for individual researchers prioritizing speed, Determined AI suits shared environments requiring reproducibility and centralized management, and Spark serves scenarios where training is integrated into broader big data workflows.O treino de modelos de inteligência artificial de grande escala tornou-se um desafio crítico para a investigação moderna, exigindo infraestruturas distribuídas capazes de coordenar múltiplos dispositivos de forma eficiente. Esta dissertação apresenta uma análise comparativa de três plataformas de treino distribuído de deep learning: PyTorch Distributed Data Parallel (DDP), Apache Spark e Determined AI, avaliando o seu desempenho, capacidades de gestão de recursos e usabilidade em ambientes organizacionais. A metodologia envolveu a implementação e teste de cada framework num cluster de três nós equipados com GPUs
NVIDIA, utilizando o modelo BERT-tiny para classificação de sentimentos no dataset IMDB. Foram recolhidas métricas quantitativas de tempo de treino, precisão do modelo e eficiência de escalabilidade, complementadas por avaliação qualitativa de complexidade de configuração, funcionalidades de orquestração e experiência de desenvolvimento. Os resultados demonstram que PyTorch DDP oferece o melhor desempenho absoluto, completando 20 épocas de treino em 499 segundos com 2 GPUs, enquanto Determined AI introduz um overhead de 21% mas fornece capacidades superiores de gestão de cluster, incluindo
escalonamento automático, tracking de experiências e tolerância a falhas. Apache Spark apresenta overhead significativo (187%) mas integra-se naturalmente em pipelines de processamento de dados existentes. A escolha do framework depende do contexto: DDP é ideal para investigadores individuais que priorizam velocidade, Determined AI adequa-se a ambientes partilhados que requerem reprodutibilidade e gestão centralizada, e Spark serve cenários onde o treino está integrado em workflows de big data mais amplos
Perceção dos enfermeiros sobre a utilização de estratégias de comunicação terapêutica na prestação de cuidados à pessoa em situação crítica
Get PDFNo contexto do Mestrado em Enfermagem à Pessoa em Situação Crítica da Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, os ensinos clínicos (EC) permitem a aquisição de competências comuns e específicas enquanto enfermeira especialista na área de enfermagem à pessoa em situação crítica. Os estágios constituem um elo de ligação entre a teoria e a prática permitindo aquirir novos conhecimentos, técnicas e experiência. Foi ainda desenvolvido um estudo sobre as estratégias de comunicação terapêuticas utilizadas pelos enfermeiros na prestação de cuidados à pessoa em situação crítica, sendo esta uma área de interesse pessoal.
Objetivos: Descrição crítica e reflexida das atividades desenvolvidas em EC e aquisição de competências comuns e específicas do Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica especialmente na área de enfermagem à pessoa em situação crítica.
Métodos: O desenvolvimento das competências deorreu a longo dos três estágios clínicos preconizados realizados na Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste (ULSNE) num total de 750horas. Para o desenvolvimento da componente de investigação foi realizado um estudo de natureza quantitativa transversal analítico com uma amostra de 48 enfermeiros a exercerem funções no SU e no SMI de uma unidade de saúde da região Norte. O instrumento de recolha de dados (IRD) foi elaborado pela investigadora e aplicado nos meses de abril e maio de 2025. Foram respeitados os príncipos éticos e deontológicos. A análise estatistica foi realizada com recurso ao programa estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27.0 (SPSS).
Resultados: Os estágios permitam a aquisição de competências comuns ao enfermeiro especialista e competências na área de enfermagem PSC. O estudo de investigação revelou que as mulheres apresentaram médias significativamente superiores na Prestação de Cuidados (F1 e F2) e Aplicação de Técnicas (F3) e, maior concordância sobre a importância da comunicação terapêutica. Os Enfermeiros com pós-graduação tiveram médias superiores no F2 da Prestação de Cuidados e os enfermeiros especialista apresentaram médias significativamente superiores em F2 da Prestação de Cuidados, F3 da Aplicação de Técnicas e F2 da Forma de Comunicar. Enfermeiros com formação em comunicação em enfermagem obtiveram melhores resultados na Aplicação de Técnicas. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os enfermeiros da urgência e os enfermeiros da medicina intensiva e, entre os enfermeiros com e sem formação em comunicação com o doente crítico. A Comunicação terapêutica é considerada essencial, com destaque para empatia, escuta ativa e linguagem clara. Os enfermeiros especialistas e com formação em comunicação utilizam técnicas de forma mais consistente e frequente.
Conclusão: Os EC permitiram o desenvolvimento de competência comuns e específicas em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica na Área de Enfermagem à Pessoa em Situação Critica. Ficou evidente a importância da consolidação da teoria com a prática em diferentes contextos para a prestação de cuidados especializados, seguros e de qualidade. O estudo de investigação contribui para identificarmos as principais estratégias de comunicação terapêuticas utilizadas pelos enfermeiros na prestação de cuidados à PSC e desta forma encontrarmos oportunidades e estratégias de melhoria. Capacitar os enfermeiros nesta área pode ser uma mais valia oferecendo formação aos mesmos neste contexto.In the context of the Master's Degree in Nursing for Critically Ill Individuals at the School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, clinical placements allow the acquisition of common and specific competencies as a specialist nurse in the area of nursing for critically ill individuals. Internships constitute a link between theory and practice, allowing the acquisition of new knowledge, techniques, and experience. A study was also developed on the therapeutic communication strategies used by nurses in providing care to critically ill individuals, this being an area of personal interest.
Objectives: Critical and reflective description of the activities developed in clinical placements and acquisition of common and specific competencies of the Specialist Nurse in Medical-Surgical Nursing, especially in the area of nursing for critically ill individuals.
Methods: The development of competencies occurred throughout the three recommended clinical placements carried out at the Local Health Unit of the Northeast (ULSNE) for a total of 750 hours. For the development of the research component, a cross-sectional analytical quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 48 nurses working in the PS and SMI of a health unit in the North region. The data collection instrument (IRD) was developed by the researcher and applied in the months of April and May 2025. Ethical and deontological principles were respected. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27.0 (SPSS) statistical program.
Results: The internships allow the acquisition of competencies common to the specialist nurse and competencies in the area of PSC nursing. The research study revealed that women presented significantly higher averages in Care Delivery (F1 and F2) and Application of Techniques (F3) and greater agreement on the importance of therapeutic communication. Nurses with postgraduate degrees had higher averages in F2 of Care Delivery, and specialist nurses showed significantly higher averages in F2 of Care Delivery, F3 of Technique Application, and F2 of Communication Method. Nurses with training in nursing communication obtained better results in Technique Application. There were no significant differences between emergency room nurses and intensive care nurses, and between nurses with and without training in communication with critically ill patients. Therapeutic communication is considered essential, with emphasis on empathy, active listening, and clear language. Specialist nurses and those trained in communication use techniques more consistently and frequently.
Conclusion: The ECs allowed the development of common and specific competencies in Medical-Surgical Nursing in the Area of Nursing for People in Critical Situations. The importance of consolidating theory with practice in different contexts for specialized, safe, and quality care became evident. This research study helps us identify the main therapeutic communication strategies used by nurses in providing care to critically ill patients, thus enabling us to find opportunities and strategies for improvement. Training nurses in this area can be a differentiator by offering them training in this context
Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Practice: A Case Study in Cape Verde
No full textThis study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) by higher education teachers in Cape Verde, with an emphasis on the Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde, located in the city of Praia. The research analyzes how teachers integrate AI technologies into the teaching-learning process, considering their motivations, challenges, perceived benefits and projections for the future. Adopting a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology, questionnaire surveys were administered to teachers from different areas, seeking to understand their experiences, perceptions and expectations about the impact of using AI in higher education. The results show that, despite challenges related to infrastructure and training, there is a growing use of AI tools, especially in assessment processes, personalization of teaching and learning support. The study also highlights the need for effective public policies, continuous training programs and additional incentives to boost the use of AI in higher education in Cape Verde.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/10.54499/UIDB/05777/2020)