Improving benzyl – isothiocyanate bioaccessibility in white mustard (Sinapis alba) sauce through spray – drying microencapsulation and pickering emulsions

This study compared the bioaccessibility and behaviour of different formulations of benzyl - isothiocyanate (benzyl - ITC) prepared using different approaches and the INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol. The aim was to improve the low bioaccessibility of this bioactive compound caused by its lipophilic properties. Spray-dried microparticles were prepared using a matrix of either mannitol or maltodextrin, and compared with Pickering emulsions produced with cellulose nanofibres. The different systems were characterised and their ability to associate benzyl - ITC determined. The in vitro digestion characteristics provided by the different systems was evaluated. Microencapsulation of benzyl-ITC by spray-drying was not successful when mannitol was used as excipient, while maltodextrin resulted in a production yield around 70 % with an ITC association efficiency up to 75 %. Nevertheless, significant improvement of benzyl- ITC bioaccessibility in a mustard sauce was not achieved. In contrast, the formulation of benzyl - ITC in a Pickering emulsion prepared with cellulose nanofibres showed an association efficiency of around 100 % and high bioaccessibility with values up to 77 %. The chemical similarity between the mixed micelles formed for lipid absorption in the small intestine, and the structure of cellulose nanofibre emulsion could justify the observed improvement.ProyExcel_0078

An extremely acidic environment microalga from Tinto River as a novel source of anti-inflammatory activity

Coccomyxa onubensis (C. onubensis) is an acidotolerant microalga isolated from the extremely acidic Tinto River (Huelva), which contains high levels of metals in solution, mainly Fe and Cu. This makes C. onubensis an adequate candidate to easily cope with high levels of oxidative stress by increasing the levels of certain molecules and enzymes, which helps them elicit an adequate antioxidant biochemical response. Thus, C. onubensis is a promising source of bioactive compounds which exhibit in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, including fatty acids, (poly)phenolic compounds and carotenoids. In this study, the correlations between the antioxidant response and anti-inflammatory activity of cell extracts obtained from Fe (III)-stressed microalgal cultures were analyzed. The results suggested a direct relationship between the antioxidant capacity of the microalgal extracts and Fe (III) concentration in the culture medium. Consequently, the production of some of the target antioxidant molecules, including carotenes, xanthophylls and (poly)phenols, increased. The levels of these molecules increased the most in cell extracts obtained from microalgal cultures at 0.25 mM of Fe (III), which was correlated with a 50 % increase in the anti-inflammatory activity of the microalgal extracts in THP-1 differentiated human macrophages. Fe (III)-modulated oxidative stress allowed us to define culture conditions that can enhance the antiinflammatory activity of C. onubensis extracts, which are enriched in valuable antioxidant molecules. Overall, this study highlighted the utility of a microalgal species from a highly acidic environment as a novel, natural source of anti-inflammatory agents, based on its ability to cope with the oxidative conditions of its habitat.P20_00930, DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0006, TED2021-130361B-I0

Skeletal maturity in adolescence: evaluating bone development and age metrics

Background/Objectives: Bone maturation and development are crucial for growth and development, especially in children and adolescents; however, some qualitative methods, such as Greulich & Pyle, do not provide accurate data. Our aim is to verify whether skeletal age (SA) can predict and correlate with bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition (BC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 115 male adolescents (ages 12.1-15.8 years). Skeletal age was assessed using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 (TW3) method, while BMC, BMD, and BC were measured using full-body DXA. Anthropometric data, including height and body mass, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods and bivariate correlation coefficients. Results: SA was significantly correlated with stature (r = 0.598, p = 0.001) and body mass (r = 0.517, p = 0.001), showing a stronger association than chronological age (CA) for these variables. Body composition variables, including lean mass (LM) (r = 0.521, p = 0.001) and fat tissue (FT) (r = 0.522, p = 0.001), also showed a stronger correlation with SA than CA. However, associations between SA and bone parameters were weaker: BMC (r = 0.103, p = 0.275) and BMD (r = 0.161, p = 0.086) did not reach statistical significance. When stratified by SA/CA tertiles, individuals in the highest tertile exhibited slightly greater BMC (1439 +/- 108.32 g) and BMD (1.028 +/- 0.127 g/cm2), though without a significant effect. These findings suggest a dynamic but complex relationship between skeletal age and bone development. Conclusions: SA demonstrates a stronger association with anthropometric and body composition variables than CA, highlighting its potential as a predictor of growth used in conjunction with LM and FM. However, its relationship with BMD and BMC remains inconclusive, warranting further longitudinal research, considering limitations regarding nutritional intake.CE/FCDEF-UC/0017201

Archaeological exhibitions at the Gunpowder Factory in Barcarena. Oeiras Municipality Archaeological Studies Centre/Oeiras Municipal Council

The archaeological exhibitions open to the public at the Barcarena Gunpowder Factory, managed by the Oeiras Municipality Archaeological Studies Centre/Oeiras Municipal Council (CEACO/CMO), illustrate the past of human occupation of the current territory of Oeiras, based on material remains recovered from excavations carried out under the auspices of CEACO

Pharmacist-mediated deprescribing in long-term care facilities: a systematic review

Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are prevalent among Long-Term Care (LTC) users. Older people, who most use LTC services, are more prone to drug-related problems, which polypharmacy aggravates. Deprescribing is a key intervention to address polypharmacy and inappropriate medication. Evidence shows that pharmacists' expertise in medicines and their growing involvement in clinical-oriented activities have proven to play an essential role across many healthcare settings, including LTC. Thus, this study aimed to identify and assess LTC pharmacist-mediated deprescribing. A systematic review was undertaken following the PRISMA checklist, using three literature databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge). A set of 18 keywords, divided into three domains (professional, type of care, and type of setting), were combined into search equations. The studies selected were assessed through the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria out of 288 initial hits. Pharmacist-mediated deprescribing was divided into specific (targeted to a medicine group) and non-specific. Half of the studies were graded as low quality (53%). In total, the studies enrolled 6928 patients and 45 pharmacists. The ATC groups A, C, M, and N, as well as medicines with anticholinergic properties, were the most addressed medicines groups. Acceptance rates of pharmacists' recommendations ranged between 30% and 100%. Generically, the number of medicines was reduced after the intervention. Mixed results were found for falls and quality of life outcomes. Cost savings associated with the interventions ranged from neutral to as high as 3800 /patient/year. Barriers to deprescribing were mainly linked to patients' or family members' refusal to change. In conclusion, pharmacist-mediated deprescribing seems feasible in LTC. The studies' methodological heterogeneity hampers robust comparisons and conclusions. The medicine groups targeted by deprescribing can help tailor interventions to optimize the use of medicines in LTC. A detailed understanding of barriers and enablers to deprescribing would support developing and implementing these interventions

COVID-19 pandemic impacted differently air quality in Latin American cities

This research explores the spatial and temporal variations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O-3) levels in four Latin American cities, namely Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, Lima, and the Metropolitan District of Quito, utilizing Sentinel-5P satellite data alongside ground-based monitoring stations. The period covers pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into pollutant behaviour across different levels of human activity. Findings show notable spatial variability in pollutant levels, with Santiago de Chile repeatedly presenting the highest concentrations of NO2 and SO2, linked to urban development and local weather patterns, whereas Quito showed the lowest levels. The lockdowns typically resulted in decreased NO2 concentrations, yet their effects on SO2 and O-3 levels were inconsistent, highlighting the complexity of pollutant interactions. The research confirms that satellite data serves as an affordable addition to conventional monitoring, especially in areas with limited resources. These results emphasize the necessity for customized, city-oriented strategies to reduce urban air pollution and safeguard public health.Project 2021-PIC-001-CT

Congress session’s synthesis: Geodynamics and marine geological hazards

CIESM Congress is an event that not only celebrates scientific breakthroughs but also bridges diverse cultures across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, by exploring a wide range of marine disciplines such as dynamics of phytoplankton, environmental toxicology, ocean biogeochemistry, marine biodiversity, sea level variability and coastal hydrodynamics, sustainable blue bioeconomy, microbial biotechnology, geodynamics and marine geological hazards, marine litter and nano/microplastics, climate change impacts, deep sea & extreme environments, aquaculture, ocean literacy, assessment of fishery resources, and Mediterra nean Straits.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Avaliação de desempenho de uma empresa de ótica: Aplicação do balanced scorecard na Algarvisão

Existe uma grande variedade de filosofias de gestão e performance bem definidas e documentadas. Escolher um modelo que seja apropriado numa dada cultura, monitorizando a performance da empresa, e realizar decisões baseadas em factos e dados, são os fundamentos subjacentes da gestão de performance. O Balanced ScoreCard neste contexto fornece à empresa uma visão de desempenho integrada, englobando quatro perspetivas. A perspetiva financeira permite acompanhar as consequências das ações tomadas na organização com resultados económicos, proporcionando uma perceção nítida da gestão da empresa. Os indicadores de desempenho financeiro ilustram a forma como a implementação e a execução da estratégia da empresa estará a contribuir para a melhoria dos resultados. A perspetiva do cliente resulta do objetivo de obter a satisfação e retenção do cliente. Permite alinhar as medidas essenciais para a obtenção de resultados com a satisfação, fidelidade, retenção, captação e lucratividade nos segmentos de mercado escolhidos. A perspetiva dos processos internos da empresa, implica que as atividades internas estejam focadas nos requisitos originados pelos indicadores voltados para os clientes. A perspetiva de aprendizagem e inovação desenvolve os objetivos e as métricas de forma a orientar a aprendizagem e o crescimento organizacional. Pretende-se com o auxílio deste instrumento, avaliar a empresa Algarvisão e atribuir medidas de desempenho financeiro e operacionais. Foram desenvolvidas medidas nas quatro dimensões do Balanced Scorecard com recurso à análise de Key Performance Indicators (KPI) obtidos a partir de informação disponível na empresa. Com este trabalho pretende-se do ponto de vista teórico, ajudar a consolidar e expandir o conhecimento existente sobre o BSC, permitindo explorar de que forma este modelo de gestão possa ser adaptado a um contexto específico, como o de uma empresa de ótica. Do ponto de vista prático, a investigação oferece dados que podem ser aplicados diretamente à empresa. Através da análise dos resultados, será possível avaliar como o BSC pode ser implementado de maneira eficaz, ajustando os indicadores de desempenho financeiro, de clientes, de processos internos e de aprendizagem e inovação à realidade do negócio.There is a wide variety of well-defined and documented management and performance philosophies. Choosing a model that is appropriate in each culture, monitoring performance, and making decisions based on facts and data are the underlying foundations of performance management. The Balanced Scorecard in this context provides the company with an integrated performance vision, encompassing four perspectives. The financial perspective allows tracking the consequences of actions taken in the organization with economic results, providing a clear perception of the company's management. Financial performance indicators illustrate how the implementation and execution of the company's strategy will contribute to the improvement of results. The customer perspective results from the objective of achieving customer satisfaction and retention. It allows aligning the essential measures for obtaining results with satisfaction, loyalty, retention, acquisition, and profitability in the chosen market segments. The perspective of the company's internal processes implies that internal activities are focused on the requirements originated by the indicators aimed at customers. The learning and innovation perspective develops the objectives and metrics to guide organizational learning and growth. With the aid of this tool, it is intended to evaluate the company Algarvisão and assign financial and operational performance measures. Measures will be developed in the four dimensions of the BSC, using the analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) obtained from information available in the company. This work aims, from a theoretical perspective, to help consolidate and expand the existing knowledge about the BSC, allowing for an exploration of how this management model can be adapted to a specific context, such as that of an optical company. From a practical perspective, the research provides data that can be directly applied to the company. Through the analysis of the results, it will be possible to assess how the BSC can be implemented effectively, adjusting the financial performance indicators, customer metrics, internal processes, and learning and innovation to the reality of the business

Banking reputation and its impact on stock markets: a big data analysis through online comments

Purpose Given the substantial number of social conversations on the Internet, companies must remain vigilant about protecting their reputations and businesses. The purpose of this research is to measure the impact on share prices of reputational variables, measured through online comments, at the banking sector level as well as patterns of behavior between these variables and fluctuations in share rices. Design/methodology/approach Using big data and business intelligence techniques, bank reputation was analyzed through online social comments. The sample includes seven Spanish banks. To measure the impact of reputational variables on share prices, an Online Reputation Index was created. These variables were then correlated and filtered with the share price variation rate of each bank on a daily basis under two scenarios: using all share price data and also focusing on times of sharp fluctuations. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify patterns in these relationships. Findings The findings reveal that negative comments focusing on attitude, emotions and governance experiences - particularly regarding ethical performance - are the only reputational variables with a clear impact on share price fluctuations in the banking sector. Strong correlations between reputation variables and share prices were observed only when online comments were extremely negative. These behaviors were more frequent during periods of significant price fluctuations. Originality/value This is the first study to analyze the impact of the reputation of the banking sector measured in the online environment on share price, taking into account its multidimensional construct

Current distribution of the African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae in Portugal: relation to climatic conditions

The onset of Trioza erytreae, the African citrus psyllid, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (north of Portugal and northwest of Spain) caused great concern among citrus growers in Europe. This insect is a vector of the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the causal agent of huanglongbing, one of the most devastating citrus diseases. The first report of T. erytreae presence in mainland Europe refers to an area with isolated citrus trees and no significant citrus orchards. However, it was predictable that T. erytreae could spread quickly reaching the most important citrus growing area, in the south. Therefore, the Portuguese citrus industry is the first to be threatened in Europe, but the entire European citrus industry is at risk. In addition to the containment measures taken by the Portuguese and Spanish Phytosanitary Services, several models were made to predict how the African citrus psyllid could advance through the territory of the two countries. Releases of the parasitoid Tamarixia dryi were used for psyllid control. Despite that, T. erytreae has moved south and is on the verge of reaching the most important Portuguese citrus-producing area, which is connected to the citrus-growing areas of the other Mediterranean countries. This advance took place along the coast, without reaching interior regions of the country, where, according to some models, a high-water vapor pressure deficit hinders the insect's development in warmer areas. Populations of T. erytreae dropped significantly in 2021 and 2022, making it difficult to detect even in previously infested areas. This doesn't give farmers peace of mind because the presence of T. erytreae, even in low populations, could lead to a quick spread of huanglongbing, if or when the disease arrives in Europe. Therefore, it is crucial to continue to monitor T. erytreae populations and implement the necessary containment measures for the vector.LIFE G.A. LIFE18 CCA/ES/001109; Horizon 2020, G. A. 817526info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio