Research-based spin-offs as agents of knowledge dissemination: Evidence from the analysis of innovation networks

The paper addresses the role played by research-based spin-offs (RBSOs) as knowledge dissemination mechanisms, through their position in knowledge networks. For this purpose the paper analyses the formal networks established by Portuguese RBSOs, in the context of publicly funded research, technology and precommercial product development projects, and investigates their configuration along two levels. At organisational level, in order to understand whether RBSOs extend their reach beyond the academic sphere; and if they do, whether they connect to organisations located downstream in the knowledge value chain, and which is their position in networks involving both research organisations and other firms. At spatial level, in order to understand whether RBSOs extend their reach beyond the region where they are created, thus potentially acting as connectors between diverse regions. The analysis starts from the population of RBSOs created in Portugal until 2007 (327 firms) and identifies those that have established formal technological relationships, as part of projects funded by all the relevant programmes launched in the period 1993-2012. As a result, the analysis encompasses 192 collaborative projects and involves 82 spin-offs and 281 partners, of which only 20% are research organisations, the remaining being other firms and a variety of other downstream organisations. The results, although still preliminary, provide some insights into the knowledge networking behaviour of the RBSOs. As expected, research organisations are a central actor in spin-offs’ networks, being the sole partner for some of them. But half of the RBSOs have moved beyond the academic sphere, being frequently a central element in tripartite technological relationships between research and other organisations, and occupying an intermediation position in the network, thus potentially acting as facilitators in knowledge circulation and transformation. Also as expected, RBSOs are predominantly located in the main metropolitan areas and tend to relate with organisations similarly located. But while geographical proximity emerges as important in the choice of partners, in about half of the cases, RBSOs knowledge networks have extended beyond regional boundaries. Given their central position in the network, this suggests a role as connectors across regions that will be explored in subsequent research.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Inter-industrial relationships driving the blue economy industrial transformation

The “Blue Economy” is considered one of the drivers of European growth, based on the development of new competences and activities that enable a sustainable exploitation of ocean resources (EC, 2021; Howard, 2018). Strategies and policies were formulated, both at the UE and national levels, to address “Blue growth”, combining industrial growth objectives with sustainability concerns. These strategies have targeted a broad variety of actors engaged in ocean-related activities, namely companies from established and new industries, and have promoted the development of new transversal technologies through the support of research and innovation (Sousa et al, 2020; EC, 2012).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Health and economic impacts of ozone ship-related air pollution in Portugal

Air pollution is the leading cause of the global burden of disease from the environment, entailing substantial economic consequences. International shipping is a significant source of NOx, SO2, CO and PM, which contributes to the increase in O3 levels that can cause known negative health impacts. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the health impacts of ozone ship-related air pollution in Portugal in 2015. To determine the health-related effects of this sector, shipping emissions were obtained from an Automatic Identification System based emission inventory using the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM). Their contributions to SOMO35 (sum of ozone daily 8-h maximum means over 35 ppb in the calendar year, expressed in ppb per day) levels in Portugal were modelled using the EMEP/MSC-W chemistry transport model (simulations with and without shipping emissions). Log-linear functions based on WHO-HRAPIE relative risks for each health endpoint (all-cause and respiratory mortality, and cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions) were used to estimate the attributable fractions. Then, the excess burden of disease was calculated by multiplying the attributable fractions with the baseline incidence of each health endpoint and the population at LAU2 level. Costs associated with the health impacts were estimated as the product of the excess burden of disease and its unit health cost value. Shipping emissions contributed to an increase of 21% in the number of deaths for all-cause mortality and respiratory diseases, as well as hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. A total external cost of around 180 (86-266) M€ a yr-1 was estimated for these health endpoints in 2015. These results show that O3-related air pollution from ships is a considerable problem affecting the Portuguese population. (c) 2019 WIT Pres

Towards the rational biosynthesis of substituted phenazines and phenoxazinones by laccases

Laccases are multi-copper oxidases that oxidise a wide range of substrates including phenol and aniline derivatives, which could be further involved in coupling reactions leading to the formation of dimeric and trimeric structures. This paper describes the enzyme-mediated dimerisation of several ortho and meta, para-disubstituted aromatic amines into phenazine ("head-to-tail" dimers) and phenoxazinone chromophores. The redox properties of substituted aromatic amines were studied by cyclic voltammetry and the kinetic constants of CotA and Trametes versicolor laccases were measured for selected aromatic amines. The structure of novel enzymatically synthesised phenazine and phenoxazinone dyes using CotA laccase was assessed by NMR and MS. Overall our data show that this enzymatic green process is an efficient alternative to the classic chemical oxidation of aromatic amines and phenols, with an impact on the broad field of applications of these heterocyclic compounds

Genetic structure, relationships and admixture with wild relatives in native pig breeds from Iberia and its islands

Articles in International JournalsBackground: Native pig breeds in the Iberian Peninsula are broadly classified as belonging to either the Celtic or the Mediterranean breed groups, but there are other local populations that do not fit into any of these groups. Most of the native pig breeds in Iberia are in danger of extinction, and the assessment of their genetic diversity and population structure, relationships and possible admixture between breeds, and the appraisal of conservation alternatives are crucial to adopt appropriate management strategies. Methods: A panel of 24 microsatellite markers was used to genotype 844 animals representing the 17 most important native swine breeds and wild populations existing in Portugal and Spain and various statistical tools were applied to analyze the results. Results: Genetic diversity was high in the breeds studied, with an overall mean of 13.6 alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.80. Signs of genetic bottlenecks were observed in breeds with a small census size, and population substructure was present in some of the breeds with larger census sizes. Variability among breeds accounted for about 20% of the total genetic diversity, and was explained mostly by differences among the Celtic, Mediterranean and Basque breed groups, rather than by differences between domestic and wild pigs. Breeds clustered closely according to group, and proximity was detected between wild pigs and the Mediterranean cluster of breeds. Most breeds had their own structure and identity, with very little evidence of admixture, except for the Retinto and Entrepelado varieties of the Mediterranean group, which are very similar. Genetic influence of the identified breed clusters extends beyond the specific geographical areas across borders throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with a very sharp transition from one breed group to another. Analysis of conservation priorities confirms that the ranking of a breed for conservation depends on the emphasis placed on its contribution to the betweenand within-breed components of genetic diversity. Conclusions: Native pig breeds in Iberia reveal high levels of genetic diversity, a solid breed structure and a clear organization in well-defined clusters

Resistance profile of osimertinib in pre-treated patients with EGFR T790M-mutated non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Osimertinib efficacy in pre-treated patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been demonstrated in clinical trials, but real-world data, particularly regarding resistance profile, remains limited. This study aims to analyze the resistance mechanisms acquired after treatment with Osimertinib. Methods: Clinical outcomes and molecular results from re-biopsies at the time of osimertinib progression of EGFR T790M-mutated NSCLC patient were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma were included [median 69 years; 57.1% female; 85.7% never-smokers; 23.8% ECOG performance status (PS) >= 2]. Median PFS and OS were 13.4 (95% CI: 8.0-18.9) and 26.4 (95% IC: 8.9-43.8) months, respectively. At the time of analysis, 10 patients had tumor progression (47.6%). T790M loss occurred in 50%, being associated with earlier progression (median PFS 8.1 vs. 21.4 months, p = 0.011). Diverse molecular alterations were identified, including C797S mutation (n = 1), PIK3CA mutation (n = 2), MET amplification (n = 1), CTNNB1 mutation (n = 1), and DCTN1-ALK fusion (n = 1). Histological transformation into small cell carcinoma occurred in one patient. Conclusions: This real-world life study highlights the relevance of re-biopsy at the time of disease progression, contributing to understand resistance mechanisms and to guide treatment strategies

Efeito da omissão de macronutrientes na sintomatologia em plantas do bastão do imperador (Etlingera elatior).

Edição dos resumos: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE OLERICULTURA, 45.; CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE FLORICULTURA E PLANTAS ORNAMENTAIS, 15.; CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE CULTURA DE TECIDOS DE PLANTAS, 2., 2005, Fortaleza, CE

Aspectos biológicos de Telenomus podisi (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) em ovos de Glyphepomis nov. sp. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

No Brasil já há ocorrência de mais uma espécie de percevejo do gênero Glyphepomis na cultura do arroz no estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Nesse sentido, o objetivo da pesquisa foi determinar os aspectos biológicos do parasitoide Telenomus podisi em ovos dessa nova espécie de percevejo. O estudo foi conduzido no Laboratório de Entomologia básica e Aplicada pertencente ao Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Campus de Chapadinha, MA, em sala climatizada sob condições adequadas de temperatura a 26 ± 1ºC, umidade relativa de 70±10% e fotofase de 14 horas