Agricultural practices and environmental changes in the Phoenician-Punic Western Mediterranean during 8-5 th century BC: a novel multidisciplinary approach

This thesis is a first-of-its-kind attempt to study Phoenician husbandry and farming practices in Portugal between the 8th to the 5th century BCE. The main approaches are stable isotope analyses of plant and collagen of faunal remains to reconstruct the cultivation and husbandry practices and zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) to perform taxonomic identification of various livestock. The isotopic and ZooMS data complements information obtained by the morphological studies of both carpological and osteological remains. Botanical remains recovered includes barley, wheat, peas, and broad beans, with barley being the most abundantly cultivated cereal crop. Ovicaprids were the most abundant domesticates, followed closely by cattle and pigs. Rabbits and red deer are the most common wild fauna while most of the bird remains belong to chicken. Horse bones were recovered in one archaeological site. The stable isotope results of barley indicate that it depended primarily on natural precipitation with a certain intensity of manuring. The differences from stable isotope data of domesticated fauna suggest a diverse management strategy for different species based on their economic importance and capitalising on animal byproducts such as wool and dairy products. Some of the domestic animals in the different sites present a sulfur isotopic data that is not consistent on them being raised on coastal areas. The novel collagen peptide marker developed to be used in ZooMS is successful in distinguishing horses and donkeys. The marker will be vital for future investigations into the introduction of donkeys in the Iberian Peninsula; - RESUMO: Práticas agrícolas e mudanças ambientais no Mediterrâneo ocidental feníciopúnico durante o século VIII-V BC: uma nova abordagem multidisciplinar Esta tese é uma primeira tentativa de estudar as práticas agrícolas no período Fenício em Portugal entre os séculos VIII e V a.C. São utilizadas análises de isótopos estáveis de carbono, azoto e enxofre de restos carpológicos e colagénio ósseo de fauna para reconstruir as práticas agrícolas, e ZooMS para conseguir a identificação taxonómica de algumas espécies animais. Os dados isotópicos e de ZooMS complementam a informação obtida através do estudo morfológico dos restos carpológicos e osteológicos. Os restos carpológicos recuperados incluem cevada, trigo, ervilhas e favas, sendo a cevada a cultura cerealífera mais abundante. Os ovicaprideos são os amimais domésticos mais abundantes, seguidos de perto por bovinos e suínos. Os coelhos e veados-vermelhos são a fauna selvagem mais comum, enquanto a maior parte dos restos osteológicos de aves pertencem à galinha. Retos osteológicos de cavalo foram recuperados num dos sítios arqueológicos. Os resultados isotópicos da cevada indicam que o cultivo desta envolvia alguma adubação, mas que dependia principalmente da precipitação natural. Os dados isotópicos da fauna domesticada sugerem que os Fenícios teriam uma estratégia de gestão diversificada para as diferentes espécies de animais com base na sua importância económica, considerando os subprodutos como a lã e os produtos lácteos. Alguns dos animais domésticos apresentam valores isotópicos de enxofre que não são consistentes com serem provenientes de zonas costeiras. Foi identificado um novo marcador de peptídeo de colagénio que permite a distinção de cavalos e burros por ZooMS. Este marcador será vital para futuras investigações sobre a introdução de burros na Península Ibérica

Changes in the salivary proteome of beagle dogs after weight loss

Being overweight or obese represents an important health issue in humans and pets. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the salivary proteome of overweight beagles after induced weight loss to better understand the physiological changes involved in this process. Five overweight/obese neutered males of pure breed beagles were evaluated. During the 3-mo period of weight loss, each animal received a strictly controlled amount of a low fat commercial diet per day. Body condition scores (BCS), body weight (BW), and serum biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein) were assessed weekly. Quantitative proteomics analysis by SWATH was used to evaluate the salivary proteome changes induced by weight loss treatment. BCS, BW, serum total cholesterol concentration, and abundances of 23 salivary proteins differed significantly between before and after treatment. Some of the altered protein amounts, namely of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase C, and 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein, increased after weight loss. These proteins are related with the immune system, inflammatory status, oxidative stress, and glucose metabolism. The results obtained suggest a potential use of salivary proteins in monitoring physiological changes in dogs subjected to weight loss. Moreover, the type of changes identified reinforces the postulated physiological improvements, which weight loss induces. Further research is needed to determine whether the changes observed in this study are due to weight loss, dietary changes, or a combination of both

The interaction between rainwater and polished building stones for flooring and cladding - Implications in architecture

Stone polishing is a process executed to make the surface glossy, so that the material shines by reflecting the light. The polishing is mainly carried out in flooring and façade cladding to improve the aesthetic properties of the stones. In particular on calcareous stones, polishing is not a per- manent feature because various atmospheric agents in outdoor (e.g. rain, freeze and thawing cycles, UV solar radiation) are responsible for weathering with the loss of the mirror-like effect. In this paper, the effects of rainwater on polished limestones used for building cladding have been shown. In order to better reproduce the environmental conditions in building location, two samples horizontally and vertically oriented (simulating flooring and façade cladding respectively), were subjected to rainwater wetting. Other two samples with the same previous orientations were subjected to tap water wetting. After a month test it has been demonstrated how rainwater, differently to tap water, causes micro-corrosion on the samples surface by a modification of the colour and a decreasing of the gloss. This is attributable to a roughness increase. The corrosion intensity depends on the orientation of the samples. The reason of this corrosion is the capacity of the rainwater (with a low saline content) to easily dissolve air carbon dioxide by forming cor- rosive carbonic acid with respect to high saline content tap water

Soil and Water Bioengineering as Natural-Based Solutions

Soil and water bioengineering (SWB) is a discipline that combines technology with biology, making use of native plants and plant communities as construction material for erosion control in degraded environments. The term engineering refers to the use of technical and scientific data for constructive, stabilization and erosion control purposes and “bio” because these functions are related to living organisms, mainly native plants with biotechnical characteristics and with the purpose of restoring ecosystems and increasing biodiversity. In this approach, native plant communities’ potential is a key factor to achieve the overall objectives of planned interventions. SWB work designs involve both the integration of intrinsic adaptive information processes and legitimate design approaches (i.e. engagement of stakeholders into the project and work strategy). SWB encompass nature-based solutions (NBSs) which offer sustainable solutions in order to mitigate and adapt to climate change and effective restoration approaches suitable for degraded situations. Nowadays there is a rising awareness that nature is a very powerful source of viable solutions that use and deploy the properties of natural ecosystems and services. SWB practice is in accordance with the principles of NBSs “inspired and supported by nature”. Nature-based solutions provide sustainable, cost-effective, multipurpose and flexible alternatives for various objectives: technical, ecological, landscape integration and socioeconomics. In this context, SWB techniques offer interesting synergies with urban green and blue infrastructure strategies

Metallic personal adornment objects in the Iron Agein Southern Portugal - the case study of Vinha das Caliças 4

This study focuses on the chemical and mineralogical analysis of 125 metallic personal adornment objects from the necropolis Vinha das Caliças 4 made from copper-based, silver, and gold alloys. The goal was to determine the nature of the alloys used in the manufacture of these artefacts, and to gain insights into the metallurgical practices in the Southern Portuguese Iron Age, using a multi-analytical and non-invasive approach (h-XRF, VP-SEM-EDS and μ-XRD). The results revealed that the typology of the examined objects was not corelated to their elemental composition. However, it was possible to determine that tin and lead were present in the copper-based objects indicating the presence of binary and leaded bronzes. Silver was alloyed with gold and copper, and gold objects contain both copper and silver in their composition. The main corrosion products identified are related to chemical reactions occurring between the alloying components and elements from the environment; Objetos metálicos de adorno pessoal na Idade do Ferro no Sul de Portugal – o caso de estudo de Vinha das Caliças 4 Resumo: Este estudo foca-se na análise química e mineralógica de 125 objectos metálicos de adorno pessoal da necrópole Vinha das Caliças 4 feitos à base de ligas de cobre, prata e ouro. O objectivo do estudo foi determinar a natureza das ligas utilizadas no fabrico destes artefactos, e obter novos conhecimentos sobre as práticas metalúrgicas na Idade do Ferro do Sul de Portugal. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que a tipologia dos objectos analisados não está correlacionada com a sua composição elementar. Contudo, foi possível determinar que o estanho e o chumbo se encontram quantidades apreciáveis nos objectos à base de cobre, indicando a presença de bronzes binários e/ou ternários. A prata foi ligada com ouro e cobre, enquanto o ouro contém tanto cobre como prata na sua composição. Os principais produtos de corrosão identificados estão relacionados com reacções químicas entre os componentes das ligas metálicas e elementos do meio envolvente

Saliva protein composition relates with inter-individual variations in bread sensory ratings

Sensory perception of starch‐based products associates with salivary α‐amylase enzymatic activity. Besides this, other proteins relate to taste sensitivity and oral food processing. As such, the participation of different salivary constituents in starch‐rich food's sensory evaluation cannot be excluded. This study aims to identify salivary proteins altered by bread mastication and correlated with sensory ratings. In Experiment 1 the effect of bread mastication in α‐amylase enzymatic activity and SDS PAGE profiles between is assessed (N = 64). In Experiment 2, a sub‐sample of these individuals (N = 22) is subjected to sensory tests and the sensory ratings obtained are correlated with saliva protein composition. Salivary α‐amylase activity, in the supernatant of saliva collected after bread mastication, is negatively correlated with sweetness and saltiness ratings. Moreover, saltiness is positively correlated with the expression levels of carbonic anhydrase VI. Bread roughness presented a positive association with α‐amylase enzymatic activity and a negative association with S‐type cystatin expression levels. Despite further studies are needed to clarify the negative association between salivary amylase enzymatic activity and sweetness ratings, observed in this study, these results reinforce the role of α‐amylase and highlights that other salivary proteins can also influence starch‐based sensory perception

Follicular dynamics during the non-reproductive season in Miranda jennies

ennies’ follicular wave patterns have not yet been addressed during the non-breeding and transition seasons in anoestrous jennies. Twelve non-pregnant females of the Miranda donkey breed were followed to describe follicular wave characteristics during the non-reproductive season and determine the anoestrous effect in follicular wave patterns. Five jennies enrolled in this study experienced anoestrus during the non-breeding season, but all retained the continuous emergence of follicular waves. The average duration of the waves from emergence to peak was 11.2 ± 0.021 days (3–29 days). The duration of the different type of waves was 9.91 ± 0.034 days for minor waves,12.5 ± 0.232 days for major secondary waves and 12.5 ± 0.057 for major primary waves. The major waves were significantly longer than the minor waves (p < .001). Older jennies presented longer waves (p = .021). In the jennies presenting anoestrus, the wave duration during anoestrus (11.2 ± 0.125 days, n = 31) was not different from the waves detected in the preceding and subsequent ovulatory cycles (11.3 ± 0.084 days, n = 43) (p = .978). The number of follicular waves emerging in each ovulatory cycle (n = 59) was 2.36 ± 0.011, varied from 1 to 4. Only in a small proportion of cycles, one wave (0.8%) was recorded, with 41 cycles (67.2%) presenting two waves; fourteen cycles presenting three waves (24.6%); and three cycles (6.6%) showing 4 waves. It was concluded that follicular waves do occur in anoestrous jennies during the non-breeding season with two-wave cycles being common

Paisagens vinhateiras icónicas: contributo para a sua caracterização

A Convenção Europeia da Paisagem reconhece a paisagem enquanto parte integrante do património cultural e natural de um país, sendo, por isso, fundamental a sua identificação e avaliação com a consequente gestão e proteção da sua identidade. Para tal, é preciso compreender a paisagem enquanto sistema complexo e dinâmico, onde a configuração particular das suas caraterísticas promove a presença de atributos que concorrem para um caráter especial da paisagem. Através do conhecimento aprofundado sobre a paisagem e uma visão holística sobre esta, a presente investigação identifica um conjunto de paisagens vinhateiras em diferentes contextos geográficos que se diferenciam pela forma como o ser humano vive e experiencia estas paisagens, pela sua história, pelo saber-fazer de múltiplas gerações aplicado nas técnicas de construção, entre outros aspetos. Em última instância a presença destes atributos e a sua conjugação permitem a classificação das paisagens identificadas nesta dissertação como paisagens vinhateiras icónicas; ABSTRACT: Iconic Vineyard Landscapes: contribution to its characterization - The Landscape European Convention recognizes the landscape as an integral part of the cultural and natural heritage of a country, therefore fundamental is identification and evaluation with the consequent management and landscape protection of the landscape identity. For that, it is crucial to comprehend the landscape as a complex and dynamic system, where the particular configuration of the characteristics promotes the presence of attributes that contribute to a special character of the landscape. Through deepen knowledge and a holist vision of the landscape, the present investigation identifies a group of vineyard landscapes from different geographical contexts that distinguish themselves by means of how the human being lives and experience these landscapes, by their history, through the knowledge applied in construction techniques by multiple generations, among other aspects. Ultimately, the presence of these attributes and their arrangement allow the classification of the landscapes identified in this dissertation as iconic vineyard landscapes

Neolithic Artifacts: source and mobility in Alentejo (Portugal)

A set of 15 late prehistoric polished stone tools from the Perdigões ditched enclosure (Reguengos de Monsaraz, south Portugal), occupied during the Neolithic-Chalcolithic (late 4 th to 3rd millennium BC), was studied with the objective of establishing geological provenance and also to evaluate the application of a nondestructive methodology for provenance studies. Complementary techniques, namely optical petrographic analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), in-situ X-ray diffraction (in-situ XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF and p-XRF) and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), were implemented to perform the analysis. The 15 samples of polished stone revealed a predominance of metamorphic raw materials such as amphibolite or greenschist mineral phases but also two igneous rocks such as an andesite and a diorite. The petrographic and geochemical diversity of the artifacts does not show a clear match with the various potential outcrops studied. The results obtained suggest a non local or non-peripheral (10–60 km from Perdigões) source of raw material for the production of polished stone artifacts. As a result, this study may confirm the existence of objects exchanged through favorable networks and communication, demonstrating the trajectories that Southwest Iberian societies took as they engaged in increased social complexity. The combination of conventional petrographic and geochemical analysis proved to be the best approach for provenance studies. The application of a nondestructive methodology in the study of these materials revealed some limitations: the in-situ XRD did not show the chlorite and mica (visible in powder) that can be crucial to relate to geological contexts, and the p-XRF allowed the establishment of geochemical clusters but with a battery of a limited set of elements capable of differentiating these lithological varieties. Nevertheless, the combination of petrographic and multielemental analyses by combining SEM-EDS with p XRF and in-situ XRD could provide a viable way of determining the provenance of polished stone tools, and the results can contribute to a better understanding of past societies RESUMO: Artefatos Neolíticos: Origem e Mobilidade no Alentejo (Portugal) Um conjunto de 15 ferramentas de pedra polida provenientes do Complexo arqueológico dos Perdigões (Reguengos de Monsaraz, Sul de Portugal), ocupado durante o Neolítico-Calcolítico (finais do 4.º a 3.º milénios a.C.), foi estudado com o objetivo de estabelecer a proveniência geológica e também avaliar a aplicação de uma metodologia não destrutiva em estudos de proveniência. Técnicas complementares, nomeadamente análise petrográfica óptica, difracção de raios X em pó (pXRD), difração de raios X in situ (in situ XRD), espectroscopia de fluorescência de raios X (XRF e p-XRF), e microscópio eletrónico de varrimento acoplado a energia dispersiva espectroscopia (SEM-EDS) foram implementadas para realizar as análises. As 15 amostras de pedra polida revelaram uma predominância de matérias-primas metamórficas como anfibolito ou fases minerais típicas dos xistos verdes, mas também duas rochas ígneas como um andesito e um diorito. A diversidade petrográfica e geoquímica encontrada nos vários artefactos não encontra um paralelo claro e inequívoco com os vários afloramentos potenciais estudados. Os resultados obtidos sugerem uma fonte não local ou não periférica (10-60 km de Perdigões) de matéria-prima para a produção de artefactos de pedra polida. Como resultado, este estudo confirma a existência de troca de objetos por meio de redes e comunicação favoráveis, demonstrando as trajetórias nas quais as sociedades do Sudoeste Ibérico se prestaram no aumento da complexidade social. A combinação de análise petrográfica e geoquímica convencionais mostrou ser a melhor abordagem para estudos de proveniência. A aplicação de uma metodologia não destrutiva apenas no estudo destes materiais revelou algumas dificuldades; a XRD in situ que não apresenta a clorite e a mica (visível em pó) que podem ser cruciais para relacionar com contextos geológicos e a p-XRF que permite o estabelecimento de clusters geoquímicos, mas com uma bateria de conjunto limitado de elementos capazes de diferenciar estas variedades litológicas. No entanto, a combinação de análise petrográfica e multielementar combinando SEM-EDS com p-XRF e in-situ XRD pode fornecer uma primeira aproximação viável na determinação da proveniência de ferramentas de pedra polida, e os resultados podem contribuir para uma melhor compreensão das sociedades passadas

Polifonia portuguesa tardia: a problemática da continuidade na obra sacra de Diogo Dias Melgaz e Pedro Vaz Rego

A Sé de Évora foi um dos mais importantes centros de atividade musical em Portugal desde o início do século XVI até às primeiras décadas do século XIX. Nela se estabeleceu uma prática polifónica no século XVI, que foi continuada no século XVII. Enquanto para a primeira metade deste século essa continuidade tem sido bastante estudada, várias lacunas surgem no respeitante à sua prática na segunda metade de seiscentos. Partindo da obra musical de dois compositores e mestres de capela na Sé de Évora – Diogo Dias Melgaz e Pedro Vaz Rego –, pretende esta tese contribuir para uma melhor compreensão não só da problemática da continuidade polifónica na obra musical destes dois compositores, que coexiste com um estilo já marcadamente barroco, mas também para a um melhor entendimento do papel e dimensão que a polifonia continuou a ter na atividade musical da Sé na segunda metade do século XVII; - ABSTRACT Late Portuguese Polyphony: The problem of continuity in the sacred work of Diogo Dias Melgaz and Pedro Vaz Rego ABSTRACT: Évora Cathedral was one of the most important centres of musical activity in Portugal since the beginning of the 16th century until the first decades of the 19th century. There, a polyphonic practice was established in the 16th century that was continued in the 17th century. While for the first half of this century that continuity has been well studied, several gaps arise with respect to its practice during the second half of the 17th century. Departing from the musical work of two composers and chapel masters of Évora Cathedral – Diogo Dias Melgaz and Pedro Vaz Rego -, this thesis intends to contribute to a better understanding not only of the problematic of the polyphonic continuity in the musical work of these two composers, that coexists with a style markedly baroque, but also to a better understanding of the role and dimension that polyphony continued to have in the Cathedral’s musical activity during the second half of the 17th century