Livro Oficial do Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional

O Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional (PNTI) existe há 19 anos, sobrepondo-se parcialmente à Zona de Proteção Especial do Tejo Internacional, Erges e Ponsul, classificada ao abrigo da Diretiva Aves, integra o Parque Internacional Tejo-Tajo, desde 2013, e foi classificado como Reserva da Biosfera da UNESCO, em 2016. Entre outras iniciativas, que, no seu conjunto, dão corpo a uma gestão ativa e de proximidade, em abril de 2017, foi lançado o Projeto Piloto para a Gestão Colaborativa do PNTI, envolvendo sete entidades: os três Municípios (Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova e Vila Velha de Ródão), o Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, a Quercus, o Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco e a Associação Empresarial da Beira Baixa. Pretendeu-se constituir uma dinâmica de colaboração e partilha, em que as diferentes entidades colocaram ao serviço do PNTI os seus saberes e competências. Este Projeto Piloto permitiu evoluir para a conceção de um novo modelo de cogestão para as áreas protegidas. Trata-se de um instrumento que marcará o futuro da valorização do nosso capital natural, baseado na proximidade aos territórios e às pessoas que nele habitam, exercem as suas atividades económicas e os visitam, mas também baseado em mais conhecimento, comunicação e reforço identitário. E este livro, que ilustra os atributos desta parcela do território, como é valiosa, singular e pode catalisar o seu desenvolvimento, é já uma evidência dos bons resultados que é possível alcançar quanto se trabalha em rede. É compilada informação disponível sobre o PNTI que se disponibiliza, de modo muito acessível a quem a lê. Informação que contribuirá para a promoção dos valores presentes nesta área protegida, dos seus habitats, espécies e paisagens que lhe conferem uma identidade tão própria. Reforçará ainda os comportamentos que reconhecem o valor dos serviços que os ecossistemas prestam que, não valorizados pelo mercado, são indispensáveis para o bem-estar da sociedade, tais como o controlo da erosão, o sequestro de carbono, a regulação do ciclo hidrológico, a conservação da biodiversidade, a redução da suscetibilidade ao fogo, os espaços de lazer e fruição, entre outros.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Crossover effects in a discrete deposition model with Kardar-Parisi-Zhang scaling

We simulated a growth model in 1+1 dimensions in which particles are aggregated according to the rules of ballistic deposition with probability p or according to the rules of random deposition with surface relaxation (Family model) with probability 1-p. For any p>0, this system is in the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) universality class, but it presents a slow crossover from the Edwards-Wilkinson class (EW) for small p. From the scaling of the growth velocity, the parameter p is connected to the coefficient of the nonlinear term of the KPZ equation, lambda, giving lambda ~ p^gamma, with gamma = 2.1 +- 0.2. Our numerical results confirm the interface width scaling in the growth regime as W ~ lambda^beta t^beta, and the scaling of the saturation time as tau ~ lambda^(-1) L^z, with the expected exponents beta =1/3 and z=3/2 and strong corrections to scaling for small lambda. This picture is consistent with a crossover time from EW to KPZ growth in the form t_c ~ lambda^(-4) ~ p^(-8), in agreement with scaling theories and renormalization group analysis. Some consequences of the slow crossover in this problem are discussed and may help investigations of more complex models.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures; to appear in Phys. Rev.

Chemical characterization of the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis) Teng and contribution of different fractions to its bioactivity

Mushrooms are widely appreciated for their organoleptic qualities, being also recognized as good sources of bioactive compounds that provide antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Polysaccharides (including glucans) are often pointed out as the most bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms, but other molecules such as triterpenoids, might also be highlighted for their bioactivity. In scientific research, when isolated compounds are used, potential synergistic effects might be lost. Accordingly, the bioactivity of Phellinus linteus was evaluated in selected fractions (polysaccharides, glucans and triterpenoids), as well as in the methanolic and ethanolic extracts. The best antioxidant and antibacterial activities were obtained with methanolic extract, while glucan and triterpenoid fractions gave the strongest antifungal activity. In contrast, ethanolic extract gave the best results in cytotoxic activity, indicating that the bioactive compounds present might act synergistically. The differentiated activity of P. linteus fractions and extracts could be useful to find antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic agents as alternatives to synthetic chemicals with application in agriculture, food industry or pharmacy.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and COMPETE/QREN/EU for financial support to this work (research project PTDC/AGRALI/110062/2009, BPD/72802/2010 to J.C.M. Barreira and SFRH/BPD/68344/2010 to T.C. Calhelha) and to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011). The authors also thank to Serbian Ministry of Education and Science for financial support (grant number 173032). Phellinus linteus fruiting body powder, crude polysaccharides and triterpenoids were kind gifts of Amazing Grace Health Industries, Bangkok, Thailand

Tejo Internacional. Guia de Visita.

Em sintonia com os objetivos fixados aquando da criação do Parque Natural do Tejo Inernacional, em agosto de 2000, assume-se como propósito deste guia a apresentação de um instrumento de informação e orientação que potencie o respeito pelos valores intrínsecos do PNTI, bem como o usufruto e fruição equilibrada dos mesmos. Neste contexto procede-se a uma breve descrição caracterizadora do Território do Parque, informação relativa ao apoio à visitação, é ainda apresentado um elenco de espécies de fauna e flora.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Crossover and self-averaging in the two-dimensional site-diluted Ising model

Using the newly proposed probability-changing cluster (PCC) Monte Carlo algorithm, we simulate the two-dimensional (2D) site-diluted Ising model. Since we can tune the critical point of each random sample automatically with the PCC algorithm, we succeed in studying the sample-dependent $T_c(L)$ and the sample average of physical quantities at each $T_c(L)$ systematically. Using the finite-size scaling (FSS) analysis for $T_c(L)$, we discuss the importance of corrections to FSS both in the strong-dilution and weak-dilution regions. The critical phenomena of the 2D site-diluted Ising model are shown to be controlled by the pure fixed point. The crossover from the percolation fixed point to the pure Ising fixed point with the system size is explicitly demonstrated by the study of the Binder parameter. We also study the distribution of critical temperature $T_c(L)$. Its variance shows the power-law $L$ dependence, $L^{-n}$, and the estimate of the exponent $n$ is consistent with the prediction of Aharony and Harris [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 77}, 3700 (1996)]. Calculating the relative variance of critical magnetization at the sample-dependent $T_c(L)$, we show that the 2D site-diluted Ising model exhibits weak self-averaging.Comment: 6 pages including 6 eps figures, RevTeX, to appear in Phys. Rev.

An Integrated TCGA Pan-Cancer Clinical Data Resource to Drive High-Quality Survival Outcome Analytics

For a decade, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program collected clinicopathologic annotation data along with multi-platform molecular profiles of more than 11,000 human tumors across 33 different cancer types. TCGA clinical data contain key features representing the democratized nature of the data collection process. To ensure proper use of this large clinical dataset associated with genomic features, we developed a standardized dataset named the TCGA Pan-Cancer Clinical Data Resource (TCGA-CDR), which includes four major clinical outcome endpoints. In addition to detailing major challenges and statistical limitations encountered during the effort of integrating the acquired clinical data, we present a summary that includes endpoint usage recommendations for each cancer type. These TCGA-CDR findings appear to be consistent with cancer genomics studies independent of the TCGA effort and provide opportunities for investigating cancer biology using clinical correlates at an unprecedented scale. Analysis of clinicopathologic annotations for over 11,000 cancer patients in the TCGA program leads to the generation of TCGA Clinical Data Resource, which provides recommendations of clinical outcome endpoint usage for 33 cancer types

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe

Purpose: In the accompanying article, “Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

Valorization of bio-residues from the processing of main portuguese fruit crops: from discarded waste to health promoting compounds

Food processing generates a large amount of bio-residues, which have become the focus of different studies aimed at valorizing this low-cost source of bioactive compounds. High fruit consumption is associated with beneficial health effects and, therefore, bio-waste and its constituents arouse therapeutic interest. The present work focuses on the main Portuguese fruit crops and revises (i) the chemical constituents of apple, orange, and pear pomace as potential sources of functional/bioactive compounds; (ii) the bioactive evidence and potential therapeutic use of biowaste generated in the processing of the main Portuguese fruit crops; and (iii) potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The current evidence of the effect of these bio-residues as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents is also summarized. Conclusions of the revised data are that these bio-wastes hold great potential to be employed in specific nutritional and pharmaceutical applications.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); to the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L.B. and J.C.M.B. thanks the individual scientific employment program-contract (CEECIND/04479/2017). The authors are grateful to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project Mobilizador Norte-01-0247-FEDER-024479: ValorNatural®, whom the author F.S.R. thanks for her contract, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project GreenHealth (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000042). This work was also funded by FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme through the project TRANSCoLAB 0612_TRANS_CO_LAB_2_P.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Incorporation of tocopherol-rich extracts from mushroom mycelia into yogurt

Consumers are well-informed about food additives and it is likely that they prefer natural additives over their synthetic analogues. Antioxidants represent a major class of food preservatives, among which tocopherols stand out as one of the most important examples. Interestingly, these compounds are present in relevant amounts in the mycelia of in vitro cultured mushrooms. Accordingly, the mycelia from Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii were used as alternative sources of tocopherols. These extracts were incorporated into different yogurt formulations, which were further compared among each other and with yogurts containing commercial α-tocopherol (E307), regarding their nutritional parameters, fatty acid profile and antioxidant activity. The proposed approach was validated as an effective functionalization strategy, particularly in the case of the G. lucidum mycelium, which showed the highest antioxidant potential, most likely as a result of its tocopherol profile. Furthermore, yogurts prepared with each mycelium extract allowed maintaining the nutritional properties observed in the “blank” yogurt formulation.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013), L. Barros and J. Barreira contracts. This work is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-023289: DeCodE and Project Mobilizador Norte-01-0247-FEDER-024479: ValorNatural®.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of plant biostimulants on nutritional and chemical profiles of almond and hazelnut

The increasing interest in natural foods with functional effects demands progressively higher production levels. Nonetheless, there is an orientation towards practicing more sustainable agriculture, free from environmentally harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Plant biostimulants, a class of bio-based agriculture products designed to improve crop development, represent a feasible alternative to chemical fertilizers, or, at least, an effective way of reducing the employed quantities. Herein, different types of plant biostimulants compatible with organic farming (Phytoalgae, Foliar B, Amino Acids, Soil B, Fitoalgas Green® and Sprint Plus®) were tested in two of the most important nut products worldwide: almonds and hazelnuts, which were tested for nutritional parameters, fatty acids profiles and tocopherols contents. Overall, the most notorious effects in almond samples were obtained with phytoalgae (seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extracts), particularly reflected in the upraising around 10% of -tocopherol and -tocopherol contents. Likewise, hazelnuts treated with NPK + phytoalgae were also characterized by an increase of almost 18% in tocopherols levels, while treatment with NPK alone induced 15.1% higher percentage of linoleic acid.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); to the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L. Barros and individual scientific employment program-contract (CEECIND/04479/2017). Further acknowledgments are due to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project Mobilizador Norte-01-0247- FEDER-024479: ValorNatural®, whom the author F.S. Reis thanks for her contract. This work was also funded by FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme through the project TRANSCo- LAB 0612_TRANS_CO_LAB_2_P, and integrated in the activities of the Operational Group EGIS– Estratégias de Gestão Integrada do Solo e da Água em Espécies Produtoras de Frutos Secos, funded by PT2020 and EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio