Tracking of physical activity during adolescence: The 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil

Objective: To analyze physical activity during adolescence in participants of the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil. Methods: Data on leisure time physical activity at 11, 15, and 18 years of age were analyzed. At each visit, a cut-off point of 300 min/week was used to classify adolescents as active or inactive. A total of 3,736 participants provided data on physical activity at each of the three age points. Results: A significant decline in the proportion of active adolescents was observed from 11 to 18 years of age, particularly among girls (from 32.9% to 21.7%). The proportions of girls and boys who were active at all three age points were 28.0% and 55.1%, respectively. After adjustment for sex, economic status, and skin color, participants who were active at 11 and 15 years of age were 58.0% more likely to be active at 18 years of age compared with those who were inactive at 11 and 15 years of age. Conclusions: Physical activity declined during adolescence and inactivity tended to track over time. Our findings reinforce the need to promote physical activity at early stages of life, because active behavior established early tends to be maintained over time

On the independence of hydrogen production from methanogenic suppressor in olive mill wastewater

Anaerobic degradation of olive mill wastewater (OMW) at concentrations ranging from 2 to 100 g/L of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was assessed in batch assays. Methane was the main final product obtained for the lower concentrations tested. For 25 g COD/L, H2 was temporarily produced, albeit H2 depletion occurred, likely due to homoacetogenesis, since acetate was formed concomitantly. Hydrogen was produced and accumulated permanently in the assays containing 50 g COD/L of OMW. Methanogenesis and homoacetogenesis were naturally inhibited, suggesting that hydrogen recovery from OMW can be performed without the addition of methanogenic suppressors such as 2-bromoethanosulfonate. This fact opens new perspectives for the utilization of high OMW concentrations in a two-stage valorisation process combining biohydrogen and biomethane production.The authors thank the FCT Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013, the FCT Project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012, the Project "BioEnv - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for a sustainable world", REF. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000048, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 - O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. Also through the project PTDC/ENR/69755/2006 and grants given to Marta Goncalves SFRH/BD/40746/2007, Jose Carlos Costa SFRH/BDP/48962/2008 and Angela A Abreu SFRH/BPD/82000/2011

Dietary supplementation of heat-treated Gracilaria and Ulva seaweeds enhanced acute hypoxia tolerance in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Intensive aquaculture practices involve rearing fish at high densities. In these conditions, fish may be exposed to suboptimal dissolved O2 levels with an increased formation of reactive O2 species (ROS) in tissues. Seaweeds (SW) contain biologically active substances with efficient antioxidant capacities. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of heat-treated SW (5% Gracilaria vermiculophylla or 5% Ulva lactuca) on stress bioindicators in sea bream subjected to a hypoxic challenge. 168 fish (104.5 g average weight) were distributed in 24 tanks, in which eight tanks were fed one of three experimental diets for 34 days: (i) a control diet without SW supplementation, (ii) a control diet supplemented with Ulva, or (iii) a control diet with Gracilaria. Thereafter, fish from 12 tanks (n=4 tanks/dietary treatment) were subjected to 24 h hypoxia (1.3 mg O2 l-1) and subsequent recovery normoxia (8.6 mg O2 l-1). Hypoxic fish showed an increase in hematocrit values regardless of dietary treatment. Dietary modulation of the O2-carrying capacity was conspicuous during recovery, as fish fed SW supplemented diets displayed significantly higher haemoglobin concentration than fish fed the control diet. After the challenge, survival rates in both groups of fish fed SW were higher, which was consistent with a decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation in these groups. Furthermore, the hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities were modulated differently by changes in environmental O2 condition, particularly in sea bream fed the Gracilaria diet. After being subjected to hypoxia, the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and molecular chaperones in liver and heart were down regulated in sea bream fed SW diets. This study suggests that the antioxidant properties of heat-treated SW may have a protective role against oxidative stress. The nature of these compounds and possible mechanisms implied are currently being investigated.Fil: Magnoni, Leonardo Julián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); Argentina. Universidad de Porto; PortugalFil: Martos Sitcha, Juan Antonio. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Queiroz, Augusto. Universidad de Porto; PortugalFil: Calduch Giner, Josep Alvar. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Magalhaes Gonçalves, Jose Fernando. Universidad de Porto; PortugalFil: Rocha, Cristina M.R.. Universidad de Porto; PortugalFil: Abreu, Helena T.. ALGAplus; PortugalFil: Schrama, Johan W.. Wageningen University; Países BajosFil: Ozorio, Rodrigo O.A.. Universidad de Porto; PortugalFil: Perez Sanchez, Jaume. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Españ

Transformação de coordenadas cartográficas: o exemplo da região de Granja (NW do Ceará, Brasil)

Este estudo tem como principal objetivo mostrar a importância de se efetuar a análise metódica da cartografia de base que suporta a produção de Cartografia Geológica, antes de iniciar o trabalho de campo. Em certas regiões, as cartas base publicadas estão ainda associadas a redes geodésicas clássicas, o que obriga a proceder à transformação de coordenadas para assegurar que todos os dados geo-espaciais são definidos no mesmo sistema de referência espacial. Neste estudo, selecionaram-se 8 pontos localizados sobre as cartas publicadas na região de Granja (NW do Ceará, Brasil), determinaram-se as coordenadas no Datum topocêntrico das cartas (CA 70-72) e procedeu-se à sua transformação para os Data geocêntricos WGS84 e SIRGAS2000. As diferenças entre as coordenadas obtidas nos três sistemas são residuais, indicando que erros introduzidos quando se desconsideram parâmetros essenciais como o Datum Geodésico são, neste caso, mínimos para efeitos de Cartografia Geológica.This study draws attention to the importance of conducting a detailed analysis of cartographic products that sustain the Geological Mapping before starting the field work. In some regions, the published base maps are still related to classical geodetic networks. Therefore, it is fundamental to perform the adequate coordinate transformation to ensure that all spatial data are defined relatively to the same spatial reference system. This is particularly relevant when GPS and GIS are used to obtain and plot spatial data. The present study involved the selection of 8 points located on the published maps for the Granja region (NW Ceará, Brazil), the determination of their coordinates in the CA 70-72 topocentric map Datum and their subsequent transformation to the geocentric Data WGS84 and SIRGAS2000. The differences between coordinates are residual, indicating that the error introduced when essential parameters such as the Geodetic Datum are disregarded are, in this case, minimum

Development of a disposable paper-based potentiometric immunosensor for real-time detection of a foodborne pathogen

This work reports a new paper-based sensing platform and its application in a label-free potentiometric immunosensor for Salmonella typhimurium detection based on the blocking surface principle. A paper-based strip electrode was integrated with a filter paper pad which acted as a reservoir of the internal solution. The design offers a convenient platform for antibody immobilization and sampling, proving also that is a simple and affordable methodology to control an ionic flux through a polymer membrane. Two different immunosensing interfaces were assembled on the developed paper-strip electrode. The simplest interface relied on direct conjugation of the antibody to the polymer membrane and the second one resorted to an intermediate layer of a polyamidoamine dendrimer, with an ethylenediamine core from the fourth generation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to assess the successive interface modification steps and the resulting analytical performance of both immunosensors was compared. For such, the potential shift derived from the blocking effect of the ionic flux caused by antigen-antibody conjugation was correlated with the logarithm of the Salmonella typhimurium concentration in the sample. In optimized conditions, a limit of detection of 5 cells mL-1 was achieved. As a proof-of-concept, the proposed method was applied to apple juice samples, demonstrating to be a suitable prototype to be used in real scenarios in useful time (<1 h assay).This work received financial support from the European Union and National Funds(FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) through projects UID/QUI/50006/2019 and Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000011-RL1–QUALIFOOD. N.F.D Silva is grateful to FCT grant SFRH/BD/112414/2015, financed by POPH–QREN–Tipologia 4.1–FormaçãoAvançada,subsidizedbyFSEandMCTES.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sustainable extraction of biocompounds from the green seaweed ulvarigida using ohmic heating

The development of new green and sustainable extraction technologies with low environmental impact and providing high nutritional functionalities, safety and applicability, has become relevant. Ohmic heating (OH) has emerged as a novel electric-based technology which allows high heating rates, higher selectivity of interest compounds, less energy and solvent consumption and energetically more efficient.[1,2] Ulva rigida is a green seaweed with high exploitation potential for commercial application. Its major compound of interest is ulvan, a sulfated polysaccharide present in the cell wall that has a wide range of possible applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, agriculture and biomaterials.[3] The aim of this work was to access the feasibility of OH assisted extraction as an alternative extraction technology in the recovery of biocompounds (e.g.: polysaccharides, proteins, phenolic compounds and pigments) from Ulva rigida using different ratios of water/ethanol in different times of extraction. Extractions were made using a solid:solvent ratio of 1:30 and water/ethanol mixtures ranging from 0 to 75 % ethanol to extract different seaweeds fractions. The extractions were performed at 82 °C during 1 h, 2 h and 3 h, and the frequency was set at 25 kHz. Control extractions were made using a water bath (conventional extraction) with the same conditions, but without the presence of an electric field. Different parameters were assessed including extraction yield, lipids, ashes, moisture, total polysaccharides, protein, total phenolic compounds and pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) content, antioxidant activity and gelling ability. Higher extraction and ulvan-fraction yields, as well as total polysaccharides were obtained after 3 h of extraction for aqueous extracts. Total phenolic compounds, proteins and pigments content and antioxidant activity were higher for mixtures with higher amounts of ethanol. For antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds, the 50:50 H2O/EtOH mixture under OH proved to be more efficient, with an increase up to 10 %, when compared to conventional extraction. Also, for pigments and protein content, the 25:75 H2O/EtOH mixture allowed promising results for 1 h of extraction. Gelling ability was identical in all produced extracts. As conclusion, these results showed that OH is a good alternative for a low cost and environmental-friendly extraction technology, for the recovery of bioactive compounds from green seaweeds.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Advances in extraction methods to recover added-value compounds from seaweeds: sustainability and functionality

Seaweeds are a renewable natural source of valuable macro and micronutrients that have attracted the attention of the scientists in the last years. Their medicinal properties were already recognized in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine, but only recently there has been a considerable increase in the study of these organisms in attempts to demonstrate their health benefits. The extraction process and conditions to be used for the obtention of value-added compounds from seaweeds depends mainly on the desired final product. Thermochemical conversion of seaweeds, using high temperatures and solvents (including water), to obtain high-value products with more potential applications continues to be an industrial practice, frequently with adverse impact on the environment and productsâ functionality. However more recently, alternative methods and approaches have been suggested, searching not only to improve the process performance, but also to be less harmful for the environment. A biorefinery approach display a valuable idea of solving economic and environmental drawbacks, enabling less residues production close to the much recommended zero waste system. The aim of this work is to report about the new developed methods of seaweeds extractions and the potential application of the components extracted.This work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) un der the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020—Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. The work was also supported by the Euro pean Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant (MSCA-RISE; FODIAC; 778388). Gabriela Matos is recipient of a PhD fellowship supported by a doctoral advanced training (call NORTE-69-2015-15), funded by the European Social Fund under the scope of Norte2020—Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (NORTE-08-5369-FSE-000036). Sara Pereira and Zlatina Genisheva are supported by the project OH2O (POCI-01-0145-FEDER 029145) funded by FCT and Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) under the scope of Programa Operacional de Competividade e Internacionalização (POCI)-COMPETE 2020 and Portugal 2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chemical and physical properties of some hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal

Hazelnuts are one of the most appreciated nuts worldwide due to their unique organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. The present work intended to analyse several physical and chemical properties of different hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal, namely Tonda de Giffoni, Grada de Viseu, Segorbe, Longa de Espanha, Butler, Gunslebert, and Negreta. In general, the results revealed statistically significant differences between the varieties under study. The Gunslebert had more elongated hazelnuts and with heavier shelled fruits, while the kernels of the Grada de Viseu revealed to be heavier. Grada de Viseu was harder in the shell, Gunslebert had a harder core, and Segorbe was more resistant to fracture. Fat was the more representative component for all varieties and in some cases the values of moisture and water activity were over the recommended amount ( 0.62). Tonda de Giffoni was the variety with the highest induction time, indicating the highest oxidation stability. Moreover, discriminant analysis revealed that the variables more important to distinguish the varieties were protein ( = 0.007) and water activity ( = 0.010). The results of this study help to better understand the differences between some hazelnut varieties that are cultivated in Portugal, which gives important hints for all players in the hazelnut sector.This study was supported by the National Funds through the FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., within the scope of the projects Refª UIDB/00681/2020 and UID/AGR/00690/2019info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ecofisiologia da germinação de Lavandula luisieri (Roseira) Rivaz-Martínez

A capacidade germinativa de Lavandula luisieri (Rozeira) Rivas-Martínez, espécie endémica da Península Ibérica, pertencente à família Lamiaceae, cujos diásporos foram colhidas em quatro locais da Beira Interior-Portugal (Casal da Fraga, Mata, Penamacor e Vila Velha de Ródão), foi avaliada durante dois anos. Sementes conservadas durante diferentes tempos após colheita, foram ensaiadas em condições controladas de temperatura e luz. As modalidades seleccionadas foram: para um tempo de conservação de 40 dias a temperatura contínua de 25ºC e fotoperíodo de 16h e para a alternância de 8º/18ºC o fotoperíodo de 8h que coincidiu com a temperatura mais elevada; para um tempo de conservação de 75 dias, a temperatura contínua de 25ºC e os fotoperíodos de 8h e 16h; para um tempo de conservação de 110 dias a alternância de 8º/18ºC e fotoperíodo de 8h; para um tempo de conservação de 288 dias, a alternância de 8º/18ºC e fotoperíodo de 8h e a temperatura contínua de 25ºC e um fotoperíodo de 16h. Os resultados confirmam que as condições de Outono (temperaturas alternas de 8º/18ªC ) foram as mais adequadas para a germinação desta espécie durante os diferentes tempos de conservação

Multi-temporal analysis of forestry and coastal environments using UASs

Due to strong improvements and developments achieved in the last decade, it is clear that applied research using remote sensing technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide a flexible, efficient, non-destructive, and non-invasive means of acquiring geoscientific data, especially aerial imagery. Simultaneously, there has been an exponential increase in the development of sensors and instruments that can be installed in UAV platforms. By combining the aforementioned factors, unmanned aerial system (UAS) setups composed of UAVs, sensors, and ground control stations, have been increasingly used for remote sensing applications, with growing potential and abilities. This paper's overall goal is to identify advantages and challenges related to the use of UAVs for aerial imagery acquisition in forestry and coastal environments for preservation/prevention contexts. Moreover, the importance of monitoring these environments over time will be demonstrated. To achieve these goals, two case studies using UASs were conducted. The first focuses on phytosanitary problem detection and monitoring of chestnut tree health (Padrela region, Valpaços, Portugal). The acquired high-resolution imagery allowed for the identification of tree canopy cover decline by means of multi-temporal analysis. The second case study enabled the rigorous and non-evasive registry process of topographic changes that occurred in the sandspit of Cabedelo (Douro estuary, Porto, Portugal) in different time periods. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the UAS constitutes a low-cost, rigorous, and fairly autonomous form of remote sensing technology, capable of covering large geographical areas and acquiring high precision data to aid decision support systems in forestry preservation and coastal monitoring applications. Its swift evolution makes it a potential big player in remote sensing technologies today and in the near future.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio