Virtual Models for Crystallography Teaching in Mineralogy: Some Suggestions

[Abstract] Crystallography concepts are usually among the most demanding subjects for Mineralogy students. Traditional onsite teaching of Mineralogy starts with physical models of crystal polyhedra and frequently also includes the observation of models of crystal structures. These teaching strategies could be difficult to implement under pandemic situations like the present one. But they also have other disadvantages under the usual access conditions as their use by the students is restricted by the number of students in relation to the number of models and by the availability of the models and teaching staff. Additionally, onsite teaching can pose challenges to both students and teachers with temporal or permanent disabilities. We consider here some possibilities of teaching with virtual models of crystal polyhedra, twinning, and crystal structures, based on some of the available freeware options and considering the main concepts taught in the usual Mineralogy syllabus.Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04509/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04028/2020Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2018/47Xunta de Galicia; R2017/00

Remote operations could be the future for Earth Sciences teaching: a speculative discussion

[Abstract] The current COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc in the regular workings of many institutions, such as those dedicated to teaching; therefore, there is an urge for alternatives to traditional face-to-face teaching. However, for certain subjects, such as Earth Sciences, distance-teaching approaches could be seen as counterintuitive to the essential foundations of the subject (where empirical information, especially from fieldwork, is considered paramount for its foundation and growth). In this work, we consider remote operations that could complement, improve, and perhaps even replace the traditional approach for teaching Earth Sciences, potentially producing better learning outcomes, even in relation to laboratory and fieldwork, including studies involving locations outside of planet Earth. Additionally, we consider the possible advantages for other professional settings related to this area, such as those concerning terrain characterization for engineering works, mineral resources, and environmental studies, as well as possible support for space missions and stations in other astronomical bodies (where mineral exploration and extraction could be developed and, hence, benefit from remote operations).Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; FCT-UIDB/04509/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; FCT-UIDB/04028/2020Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2018/47Xunta de Galicia; R2017/00

What Is Darapskite? Some Reflections on How Artificial Intelligence Could Promote an Academic Gap

[Abstract] Two AI chatbots were tested with questions regarding a relatively minor mineral species. There were several issues with the information provided but the answers were well structured and well written. Nevertheless, these AI chatbots are a potentially useful tool, especially for those struggling with the English language, albeit a skeptical overview of their use is required

Comparative Study of Deterioration in Built Heritage in a Coastal Area: Barbanza Peninsula (Galicia, NW Spain)

[Abstract] The Barbanza Peninsula (Galicia, NW Spain) is located on the west coast of Galicia. It is a narrow tongue of terrain with an area of 416 km2 and a high altitudinal gradient, with the top having a maximum height of more than 600 m at a distance of less than 5 Km from the sea. As a result of this, there is a significant rainfall gradient (from 900 to more than 3300 mm per year). In the peninsula, there are valuable historical buildings built with granite rock that show variable decay patterns. In this work, we have considered 14 of them, located in several parts of the peninsula, and we have studied their deterioration patterns. Some of them are close to the sea, with sea salt being a possible cause of decay, while for those located far from the sea, the high humidity and rainfall can be the most important cause of decay. A macroscopic study was carried out to determine the deterioration patterns. We have also analyzed the possible role of salts in the decay by using X-ray fluorescence as a screening technique to assess the presence of salts and the possible correlation of salts with the distance to the sea and using scanning electron microscopy to directly identify salts in some of the buildings. The most frequently reported decay is due to lichen growth (biological colonization). Depending on the proximity to the coast, the study area was divided into two zones: zone 1, closer to the sea (<1 km), with an important influence of sea salts and wind, and zone 2, further from the sea, with higher altitudes (center of the peninsula) and important rainfall, humidity, and therefore, biological colonization of stone surfaces. Crusts (to a lesser degree, because it is a mainly rural area) are more frequent in zone 1, but the state of conservation of stone in zone 1 is better than that in zone 2, possibly due to the concentration of urban centers in this zone and more interventions for cleaning stone surfaces. Finally, although we did not observe clear patterns in the appearance of salts in the buildings in agreement with the distance to the sea, we observed different patterns of salts in two of the buildings, one in each zone, which clearly show that, to some extent, salts are involved in decay.Funding: This research has been funded by the Consellería de Cultura, Educacion, e Ordenacion Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia, Spain (program ED431B 2021/17). Acknowledgments: The University Institute of Geology of the University of A Coruña (Spain) receives support from the Xunta de Galicia from the program “Consolidación y estructuración de unidades de investigación competitivas: Grupos de potencial de crecimiento” (ED431B 2021/17). The Lab2PT-Landscapes, Heritage and Territory laboratory—UIDB/04509/2020 is supported by the Portuguese FCT— “Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia”. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of the CERENA (funded by a strategic project of the FCTUIDB/04028/2020) and the LAMPIST of the DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal. The following additional acknowledgments are extended to The Academia Erea for the time and support.Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2021/17Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04509/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; FCTUIDB/04028/202

Study of the Geochemical Decay and Environmental Causes of Granite Stone Surfaces in the Built Heritage of Barbanza Peninsula (Galicia, NW Spain)

[Abstract] In Galicia (NW Spain), granite was the most used stone material in historical buildings. Despite the good properties of granite as a construction material, it overcomes several physical and chemical weathering processes that cause decay, resulting in a loss of value in building materials, architectural elements and details. This is caused by a range of processes, from aesthetic damage to stone erosion. The causes of such decay are well known from case studies of historical buildings, being correlated with atmospheric agents, air pollution and aggregate materials, among others. In this work, we studied 15 historical monuments built with granite blocks of the architectural Heritage of the Barbanza Peninsula (Galicia). Because of the geographic features of this area, there is a steep rainfall and sea spray gradient that allows us to study historical buildings exposed to different environmental conditions in a short distance from the shoreline to inland. We used geochemical, petrological and microscopic tools to assess the decay of the granites and compared the results with environmental factors to assess the role of humidity (rainfall) and sea spray on the decay. Both the observation of coatings and the assessment of weathering have shown that buildings close to the shoreline are more affected by sea salts, while buildings far from the coast are mostly affected by biological weathering. Surprisingly, chemical weathering is higher in a strip area some hundreds of meters away from the sea shore and at lower altitudes (between 10 and 30 m). Indeed, very good correlation is observed for weathering indices, such as CIA, MWPI, VR, Si-Ti index, Kr, CAN and AKN, with a distance to the shoreline from 0.5 km, with linear correlation values ranging from −0.91 to 0.80.Funding: This research was funded by the Consellería de Cultura, Educacion, e Ordenacion Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia, Spain (program ED431B 2021/17). Acknowledgments: The University Institute of Geology of the University of A Coruña (Spain) received support from the Xunta de Galicia from the program “Consolidación y estructuración de unidades de investigación competitivas: Grupos de potencial de crecimiento”. The Lab2PT-Landscapes, Heritage and Territory laboratory—UIDB/04509/2020 is supported by the Portuguese FCT—“Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia”. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of the CERENA (funded by a strategic project of the FCTUIDB/04028/2020), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal. The following additional acknowledgments are extended to The Academia Erea and Ana for technical assistance.Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2021/17Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04509/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; FCTUIDB/04028/202

Geological Materials as Cultural Markers of Water Resources

[Abstract] Water has always been a critical resource for humans and climate change could aggravate supply problems. In this context, groundwater could be an important reservoir of water, especially given the dispersion of places where it can be obtained and the widespread occurrence of surface marks (springs). Historically, places where groundwater is available have been marked by humans using built structures, with stone materials having a major role. These cultural objects tend to become a part of the collective memory and the historical record (when available) and frequently they stay on the original site along time (hence “marking a spot” for groundwater). However, the development of major water supply structures, especially in the 20th century, promoted the negligence of these ancient water sources. We present a general defense of the importance of recording and preserving cultural stone related to water sources, preferably in the original sites. Conservation of groundwater-related structures could help in the future exploration of this geological resource and converge with historical information on the fountains’ discharge, with geological studies of the terrains and geochemical features of the groundwaters involved, in order to characterize the hydrogeological systems and their potential future use (including the preservation of water quality and properties). These studies could promote a synergetic conservation of both heritage and water.Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04509/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04028/2020Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2018/47Xunta de Galicia; R2017/008The Lab2PT-Landscapes, Heritage and Territory laboratory—UIDB/04509/2020 is supported by the Portuguese FCT—“Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia”. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of the CERENA (funded by a strategic project of the FCT UIDB/04028/2020) and the LAMPIST of the DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal. The University Institute of Geology of the University of A Coruña (Spain) receives support from the Xunta de Galicia from the program “Consolidación y estructuración de unidades de investigación competitivas: Grupos de potencial de crecimiento” (ED431B 2018/47) and Redes de investigación (R2017/008). We also thank the IACOBUS Program from the European Strategic Group of Territorial Cooperation Galicia/North of Portugal for support for the last authorThe Lab2PT-Landscapes, Heritage and Territory laboratory—UIDB/04509/2020 is supported by the Portuguese FCT—“Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia”. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of the CERENA (funded by a strategic project of the FCT UIDB/04028/2020) and the LAMPIST of the DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal. The University Institute of Geology of the University of A Coruña (Spain) receives support from the Xunta de Galicia from the program “Consolidación y estructuración de unidades de investigación competitivas: Grupos de potencial de crecimiento” (ED431B 2018/47) and Redes de investigación (R2017/008). We also thank the IACOBUS Program from the European Strategic Group of Territorial Cooperation Galicia/North of Portugal for support for the last autho

Evaluation of the incorporation of waste generated from titanium dioxide manufacturing in red ceramics

Rotary-vacuum-filter mud (RVFM) is waste generated during the manufacturing process of titanium dioxide. In this work, RVFM and ceramic bricks containing different ratios of this waste are investigated. The mud samples were characterized using thermal analysis (TG/DTG). The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of adding RVFM on the ceramic properties of clay, such as apparent porosity, water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural strength, used to produce red ceramics (bricks and roofing tiles). Samples were dried out at 110°C and fired at 800°C, 950°C and 1100°C. The addition of RVFM tends to increase the apparent porosity and water absorption and to decrease the flexural strength of the ceramic specimens. Based on the results, ceramic specimens with 20% RVFM content that are burned at 800ºC can not be used as bricks, and ceramic specimens with 20% RVFM content that are fired at 800ºC and 950°C can not used as roofing tiles, according to Brazilian standards

Perceções de lideranças sobre a atuação das autarquias locais no desenvolvimento do desporto em Portugal

Purpose: Describe the primary perceptions of associative leaders, politicians, and entrepreneurs about the performance of local authorities and other sports agents with whom they relate to the development of sport in Portugal.Methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was used, based on the heritage of ethnomethodology, whose collection instruments were: participant observation, focus group, and semi-structured interviews.Originality/Relevance: It was found that municipalities' role in the development of sport in Portugal is substantial. However, when looking for their relationship with the productive sector and universities, there is a big gap.Main results: The findings aim to recognize the importance and need to strategically plan, observing the necessary and fundamental relationship that municipalities must assume with the productive sector, the State, and universities.Theoretical/methodological contributions: In this study, the triple helix model contributes to the reflections on autarchies' role and their relations with different network actors. The use of the critical concept of indexicality brings an approach little used in studies of this nature.Development clusters include universities' fundamental participation in the creative and innovation process. They are sources that generate ideas, actions, products, technologies that move the cumulative and spiraling process of knowledge. Emphasizing universities' role contributes to improving management and society's perception of this area of expertise.El objetivo del estudio: describir las percepciones primarias de los líderes asociativos, políticos y empresarios sobre el desempeño de las autoridades locales y otros agentes deportivos con quienes se relacionan con el desarrollo del deporte en Portugal.Metodología/enfoque: se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo, basado en la herencia de la etnometodología, cuyos instrumentos de recolección fueron: observación participante, grupo focal y entrevistas semiestructuradas.Originalidad/Relevancia: se descubrió que el papel de los municipios en el desarrollo del deporte en Portugal es sustancial. Sin embargo, cuando se busca su relación con el sector productivo y las universidades, existe una gran brecha.Resultados principales: Los resultados apuntan a reconocer la importancia y la necesidad de planificar estratégicamente, observando la relación necesaria y fundamental que los municipios deben asumir con el sector productivo, el Estado y las universidades.Contribuciones teóricas/metodológicas: en este estudio, el modelo teórico de los anclajes de triple hélice refleja el papel de las autarquías y sus relaciones con los diferentes actores de la red. El uso del concepto crítico de indexicalidad trae un enfoque poco utilizado en estudios de esta naturaleza.Contribuciones sociales/de gestión: los grupos de desarrollo incluyen la participación fundamental de las universidades en el proceso creativo y de innovación. Son fuentes que generan ideas, acciones, productos, tecnologías que mueven el proceso acumulativo y en espiral del conocimiento. Hacer hincapié en el papel de las universidades contribuye a mejorar la gestión y la percepción de la sociedad de esta área del conocimiento.Objetivo do estudo: Descrever as principais perceções de dirigentes associativos, políticos e empresários sobre a atuação das autarquias locais e dos demais agentes desportivos com quem se relacionam sobre o desenvolvimento do desporto em Portugal.Metodologia/abordagem: Utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, com base na herança da etnometodologia, cujos instrumentos de recolha foram: a observação participante, o focus group e entrevistas semiestruturadas.Originalidade/Relevância: Constatou-se que o papel das autarquias no desenvolvimento do desporto em Portugal é substancial. Entretanto, quando se busca a relação destas com o setor produtivo e com as universidades, verifica-se uma grande lacuna.Principais resultados: Os achados vão no sentido de reconhecer a importância e necessidade de planear estrategicamente, observando a relação necessária e fundamental que as autarquias devem assumir com o setor produtivo, o Estado e as universidades.Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: O modelo teórico da hélice tríplice ancora, neste estudo, as reflexões sobre o papel das autarquias e suas relações com diferentes atores da rede. A utilização do conceito-chave de indicialidade traz uma abordagem pouco utilizada em estudos desta natureza.Contribuições sociais/para a gestão: Os clusters de desenvolvimento incluem a participação fundamental das universidades no pleito criativo e de inovação. Elas são fontes geradoras de ideias, ações, produtos, tecnologias que fazem movimentar o processo cumulativo e em espiral do conhecimento. Realçar o protagonismo das universidades contribui para o aprimoramento da gestão e da perceção da sociedade sobre esta área do conhecimento

ANÁLISES DE COR E IMAGEM DAS ROCHAS ORNAMENTAIS BUTTERFLY BEIGE, BUTTERFLY GOLD E BUTTERFLY GREEN EXPOSTAS A ALTAS TEMPERATURAS

São estudadas as rochas ornamentais Butterfly Beige, Butterfly Gold e Butterfly Green correspondentes a quartzo sienitos com hiperstênio que são exploradas em Barra de São Francisco-Espírito Santo, Brasil. O objetivo é analisar os efeitos estéticos, bem como quantificá-los, depois de submetidas à exposição de temperaturas elevadas a partir de análises comparativas das imagens, das cores e das respectivas características petrográficas. Os valores para os coeficientes de correlação (r) entre as rochas, já nos primeiros 200ºC, mostram descaracterizações moderadas, sendo as rochas bastante afetadas pela temperatura. As alterações causadas pela ciclagem térmica somada à umidade aceleram o processo de oxidação do Fe. Além disso, por histerese, a ciclagem implica a geração de microfissuras e o alargamento dos planos de clivagem dos minerais, bem como ofusca os contatos entre eles, facilitando a percolação de fluidos (água) e aumentando o grau de oxidação do Fe ao mesmo tempo em que facilita a disseminação do Fe(OH)2. Frente aos resultados obtidos, sugere-se que as rochas estudadas (principalmente a variedade Green) sejam utilizadas em revestimentos de ambientes internos e que fontes de calor, como o sol, em revestimentos externos, podem acelerar o processo de modificação das cores em função da presença de minerais ferro-magnesianos e, principalmente, do Fe (OH)2 passíveis de oxidaçã

Protective effects of mito-TEMPO against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in mice

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic that is widely used for the treatment of many human tumors. However, the development of cardiotoxicity has limited its use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible efficacy of mito-TEMPO (mito-T) as a protective agent against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated twice with mito-T at low (5 mg/kg body weight) or high (20 mg/kg body weight) dose and once with DOX (24 mg/kg body weight) or saline (0.1 mL/20 g body weight) by means of intraperitoneal injections. The levels of malondialdehyde (MLDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, and serum levels of creatine kinase were evaluated 48 h after the injection of DOX. DOX induced lipid peroxidation in heart mitochondria (p < 0.001), and DOX-treated mice receiving mito-T at low dose had levels of MLDA significantly lower than the mice that received only DOX (p < 0.01). Furthermore, administration of mito-T alone did not cause any significant changes from control values. Additionally, DOX-treated mice treated with mito-T at high dose showed decrease in serum levels of total CK compared to mice treated with DOX alone (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that mito-T protects mice against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia-FAPESB, State Government of Bahia, BrazilFundacao Oswaldo Cruz, BrazilConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico-CNPq, Ministry of Science and Technology, BrazilFundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Goncallo Moniz Res Ctr, Rua Waldemar Falcao 121, BR-40296710 Salvador, BA, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Lab Imunol Celular & Bioquim Fungos & Protozoario, Sao Paulo, BrazilUCL, London, EnglandUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Lab Imunol Celular & Bioquim Fungos & Protozoario, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc