Farming Systems and Global Threats: Problems and Proposals Northern Portugal Cases

In a context of growing global threats, from climate change, the depletion and degradation of natural resources, to the recent global economic crisis, consequences of short and long term are being witnessed, which undermine the agriculture sustainability. The systems vulnerability, their inability to resilience and the need for innovation is observed, emphasizing also the most capable systems (more sustainable), offering new opportunities and encouraging more environmentally friendly practices. This work takes as starting point the evolution of economic, environmental and social parameters in farms, in recent years, in order to try to identify the difficulties and the solutions capable of sustaining agriculture in the context of multiple hazards at the farm level. The main methodology focuses on inquiries to the responsible agents for developing the main agriculture activities held in Trás-os-Montes, including farmers and their associations. The results confirm the dependence of production factors outside the farm, the limited availability and the high cost of manpower, the weakness of marketing channels and the poor organization of the sector as the main problems. Effective responses to these situations are the opportunities of the activities under study: (a) establishment of an organized marketing circuit, (b) strengthening of mutual help between farms, (c) collective use of inputs, (d) use of environmentally friendly production practices, (e) self-use of products produced on the farm, strengthening their autonomy. This work proposes the society valuation for different levels of agriculture intensity, through discrete choices methodology, to identify the real importance that society attributes to the agrarian activity.Farming sustainability, swot analysis, proposals, International Relations/Trade,

Information quality and firm age

This study aims to approach the impact of firms’ age in regard to their financial information quality within a sample of 612.899 non-financial Portuguese and Spanish companies referring to the time period expanding from 2007 to 2012. The main focus is in contrasting startup firms (determined as those established after 2007) and mature firms (determined as those established before 2007), in respect to differences as to their respective levels of discretionary accruals prevailing throughout their distributions. This is achieved through the estimation of the Dechow-Dichev Model, and, ultimately and subsequently, in their due information quality. Furthermore, two Versions of the Model are estimated, considering different forms of external financing (loans and liabilities). It appears that accruals-based earnings management does differ whether startup firms or mature firms are considered, with higher levels of discretionary accruals prevailing within startups, although mature firms ultimately seem to provide for lower levels of information quality, being these findings congruent with the notion that mature firms rely on a much larger pool of resources and are able to manage their accounts more effectively if they choose to do so

From a multitarget antidiabetic glycosyl isoflavone towards new molecular entities against diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease : generation of lead series and target assessment

Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are closely related amyloid diseases globally affecting millions of people. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting both diseases still require further investigation. In this work, we compile the existing evidence in the literature to allow the establishment of etiological links needed for drug discovery against diabetes-induced dementia. Furthermore, we provide an extensive revision of bioactive lead molecules that encourage further studies, particularly focusing on polyphenol sugar conjugates endowed with antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities. The state-of-the-art synthetic approaches for the generation of these types of molecules are also covered, thus setting the organic chemistry background for the original research work here developed. The use of carbohydrate-based molecules in drug research and development has multiple recognized benefits. In addition to enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and antidiabetic effects as previously reported, in this work we show, for the first time, that C-glucosylation is able to reverse the membrane dipole potential decrease induced by planar lipophilic polyphenols, elsewhere described as Pan-Assay Interference Compounds. This is a relevant discovery for drug development, particularly in the context of this thesis due to the polyphenolic nature of the compounds here presented. One of these compounds, 8-β-D-glucosylgenistein, was investigated in a diet-induced obese mouse of type 2 diabetes and found to exert a multitarget antidiabetic mechanism of action that goes beyond prior conjectures. Indeed, this antihyperglycemic glucosyl isoflavone reduces the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption, ameliorates diabetes-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypercholesterolemia, normalizes insulin-degrading enzyme expression, and increases glucosestimulated insulin secretion. However, the detected inability of this polyphenol to permeate the blood brain barrier and to exert neuroprotective effects encouraged the pursuit of new scaffolds with therapeutic potential against diabetes-induced dementia. The role of amyloid β in the neurodegenerative processes occurring in Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes-induced dementia is, nowadays, unquestionable. Yet, targeted therapies aimed at inhibiting amyloid secretion or aggregation have, so far, failed clinical trials. In the past decade, the role of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) – a high-affinity ligand of amyloid β oligomers (Aβo) – has, in fact, been regarded as the limiting step in the cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration. Fyn kinase is one of the key players in this cascade, which culminates with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles composed by hyperphosphorylated tau, eventually leading to cell death. In this perspective, we have identified innovative N-methylpiperazinyl flavones and their glucosyl derivatives as Aβo-binders and non-toxic disruptors of Aβo-PrPC interactions. Furthermore, easily accessed glucosyl polyphenols with improved pharmacokinetic properties were also investigated and revealed to inhibit Aβ-induced Fyn activation with concomitant decrease in tau phosphorylation. Fyn kinase inhibition is considered a novel therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease, and these compounds are the first to accomplish this goal, with proven downstream effects. These molecules thus share the potential for further development against Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes-induced dementia. The work presented in this thesis elucidates the therapeutic relevance of natural and nature-inspired C-glucosyl polyphenols in the studied biological context, and highlights the usefulness of carbohydrate-based molecules for medicinal chemistry applications

“Petites Folies” – Other Landscapes over Douro

“Petites Folies” project, a satellite activity for the Porto Design Biennale 2021, offered a set of architecture installations, co-designed and co-built in real time by architecture and interior design students, aiming at reconfiguring local realities through the placing of ephemeral structures at public spaces in Porto. Starting with the same amount of material, the student groups built site-specific installations, offering different points of view, assembling spaces and new focal points, while generating an evolutive pedestrian route that linked the six interventions. This paper is part of a broader research about the 1:1 scale potential, namely as a powerful tool for architecture disclosure, and will focus on the “Petites Folies” project to explore the process of design and construction of real-scale installations, architecture and design methodological interactions, collective designing, and do-it-yourself building techniques as part of a hands-on pedagogy. On another level, this paper explores the social utility of design and architecture interventions in public space, underlining the creation of links between the university and the society, through a lively and participatory process, based on the sensory engagement of the creators, while reaching out to an expanded public audience.O projeto “Petites Folies”, atividade satélite desenvolvida para a Porto Design Biennale 2021, propôs um conjunto de instalações, desenhadas e construídas coletivamente por estudantes de arquitetura e design de interiores, com o objetivo de reconfigurar as realidades locais de alguns espaços públicos no Porto. Partindo da mesma quantidade de material, cada grupo construiu instalações profundamente relacionadas com os sítios pré-definidos, oferecendo diferentes pontos de vista, espaços de estar e novas polaridades, gerando uma rota pedestre evolutiva entre as seis intervenções. Este artigo faz parte de uma investigação mais ampla sobre as potencialidades da escala 1:1, vista também como uma poderosa ferramenta de divulgação em arquitetura. Centrar-se-á no projeto “Petites Folies” para explorar o processo de conceção e construção à escala real, interações metodológicas entre arquitetura e design, criação coletiva, e técnicas de autoconstrução como parte de uma pedagogia prática. A outro nível, explorar-se-á a competência social das intervenções de design e arquitetura no espaço público, sublinhando a relevância da ligação entre a universidade e a sociedade, através de um processo vivo e participativo, baseado no envolvimento sensorial dos criadores e na sua extensão ao público em geral

A simplified strategy to measure glucose release in cooked rice samples

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Identification of genes and the signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of acetic acid-induced programmed cell death

Dissertação de mestrado em Genética MolecularAfter many years of research, S. cerevisiae was accepted as a powerful model that allows increasing our comprehension about the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis in more complex and less accessible organisms. So, to better understand these apoptotic mechanisms we performed a functional analysis, at whole-genome scale, with the Euroscarf mutants collection. This analysis reveled 2159 resistant mutants and 391 mutants more sensitive to acetic acid induced cell death than the parental strain BY4741. The results obtained contribute to further characterize acetic acid-induced programmed cell death (PCD), and provide information on new putative targets for its control. Most of the studies on apoptosis in yeast have been centered in the identification of apoptotic markers, however less is known about the signal transduction pathways that induce apoptosis. Cells possess a network of signal transduction pathways, which allow them to respond to different stimulus, implying several changes in genetic expression. Sfl1p is a transcription factor (TF) involved in repression of flocculation-related genes, and activation of stress responsive genes. We studied, cell death induced by acetic acid in yeast strains deleted in SFL1 and in genes potentially regulated by Sfl1p (AQY2, FMP42, FMP45, SUC2, HSP30, HSP104, NNF2, FLO1 FLO8, YMR173W-a, YJR11W e YCR006C). The results obtained suggest that Sfl1p and the genes under its regulation, share a role in the mediation of acetic acid-induced apoptosis. Slf1p harbors 3 domains characteristic of the c-myc oncoprotein, a transcription factor with an important role in apoptosis induction and often found mutated in cancer cells. Our results showing that Sfl1p is also involved in the regulation of apoptosis in yeast suggest that these domains can have a conserved function in apoptosis regulation across kingdoms. We also studied the involvement of genes regulated by Rlm1p on cell death induced by acetic acid. This TF coordinates an adaptive transcriptional response to the stress induced in the cell wall. Our results show that the genes that confer stability to the cell wall, confers sensitivity to acetic acid, when mutated. On the other hand, the genes involved in the cell wall formation, confers resistance, when mutated.Depois de muitos anos de pesquisa, a S. cerevisiae foi aceite como um poderoso modelo que permitiu aumentar a compreensão dos mecanismos subjacentes à apoptose, em organismos mais complexos e menos acessíveis. Assim, para melhor compreensão dos mecanismos apoptóticos, realizámos uma análise funcional, à escala do genoma, com a coleção de mutantes da EUROSCARF. Esta análise revelou 2159 mutantes resistentes e 391 mutantes mais sensíveis à morte induzida por ácido acético do que a estirpe parental BY4741. Os resultados obtidos contribuem para uma melhor caraterização da PCD induzida por ácido acético e fornecem informação sobre hipotéticos alvos para o seu controlo. A maioria dos estudos sobre apoptose em levedura têm-se centrado na identificação de marcadores apoptóticos, no entanto pouco é conhecido sobre as vias de transdução de sinais que induzem apoptose. As células possuem uma rede de vias de transdução de sinais que lhes permitem responder a diferentes estímulos, implicando grandes mudanças na sua expressão genética. Sfl1p é um fator de transcrição (FT) envolvido na repressão de genes relacionados com a floculação e na ativação de genes de resposta ao stress. Estudamos os genes potencialmente regulados pelo Sfl1p na presença de ácido acético (AQY2, FMP42, FMP45, SUC2, HSP30, HSP104, NNF2, FLO1 FLO8, YMR173W-a, YJR11W e YCR006C). Os resultados obtidos indicam que Sfl1p, e os seus genes alvo têm um papel na regulação na apoptose induzida por ácido acético. A proteína Slf1 contém 3 domínios característicos da oncoproteína c-myc, um fator de transcrição com um papel importante na indução de apoptose e muitas vezes alterado em células cancerígenas. Os nossos resultados sugerem que estes domínios podem ter uma função conservada na regulação da apoptose em leveduras. Estudámos também o envolvimento dos genes regulados pelo Rlm1p, na morte celular induzida por ácido acético. Este FT coordena uma resposta de transcrição adaptativa, ao stress provocado na parede celular. Os nossos resultados mostram que os genes que conferem estabilidade à parede celular, quando mutados, conferem sensibilidade ao acido acético. Por outro lado, os genes envolvidos na formação da parede celular, quando mutados, conferem resistência.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Projecto Portugal Grant PTDC/AGR-ALI/102608/200

As emoções : regulação emocional em adolescentes em acolhimento institucional

Resumo: A capacidade de regulação emocional apresenta-se como uma competência crucial para um desenvolvimento ótimo. Esta capacidade sofre especial influência das relações na adolescência, sobretudo com os cuidadores, que no caso de jovens em acolhimento institucional, não foram responsivos às suas necessidades. Nesta investigação com 44 adolescentes em acolhimento institucional no distrito de Braga, desenvolvemos um estudo descritivo-correlacional, cujos objetivos foram caracterizar os estados emocionais, as estratégias e as dificuldades na regulação emocional, e perceber se estas se correlacionam com o motivo e duração prevista do acolhimento. Para tal aplicamos a Escala de Avaliação das Emoções (Ramos, Pedrosa & Canavarro, 2005), o Questionário de Regulação Emocional (Vaz & Martins, 2008) e a Escala de Dificuldades na Regulação Emocional (Pinto & Albuquerque, 2007). Os resultados revelaram uma elevação do estado emocional “culpa” (M=17,30; DP=12,50), contrariamente à “felicidade” que se evidencia inferior (M=20,79; DP=8,51). A reavaliação cognitiva mostrou-se a estratégia mais utilizada (M=27,07; DP=7,55) e, na escala de dificuldades destaca-se a elevação de todas subescalas, assim como do total (M=110,3; DP=28,64). Constatamos também que menor a duração prevista do acolhimento se correlaciona com maior presença de “felicidade” “(rs=,316, p<.05) e com maior falta de clareza emocional (rs=-,144, p <.05), e ainda que o motivo de acolhimento se correlaciona com a “culpa” (rs=-,301,p<.10). Por fim, os resultados evidenciaram também que maior presença de “culpa” se correlaciona com menor utilização da reavaliação cognitiva (rs =-,337, p<.05) e que menor presença de “tristeza” se correlaciona com maior uso da supressão emocional (rs=-,322, p<.05).Emotional regulation presents as a crucial competence for great development. This capacity suffers special influence of relations in adolescence, especially with caregivers, which in the case of young people in residential care, were not responsive to their needs. In this investigation, with 44 teenagers in residential care, residents in the district of Braga, we followed the descriptive and correlational plan, which objectives was characterize the emotional states, strategeis and difficulties in emotional regulating in this population, as well as realize if exist some correlation betweene them and the expected duration and the reason of residential care. For this we applied Escala de Avaliação das Emoções (Ramos, Pedrosa & Canavarro, 2005), Questionário de Regulação Emocional (Vaz & Martins, 2008) and Escala de Dificuldades na Regulação Emocional (Pinto & Albuquerque, 2007). Results shows that “guilty” presents higher (M=17,30; DP=12,50), contrary to “hapiness” whitch is lower (M=20,79; DP=8,51). Cognitive reavaliation is the most used strategy (M=27,07; SD=7,55) and in the scale of difficulties, all the subscales as total shows higher values (M=110,3; SD=28,64). We also find that less estimated time of residential care is correlated with higher presence of "happiness" (rs=,316, p<0.05) and higher lack of clarity emotional (rs=-144, p<.05) and that the reason of residential care is correlated with "guilt" (rs=-,301, p<0.10). Lastly, the results shows higher presence of "guilt" correlates with less use of cognitive reavaliation (rs=-,337, p<0.05) and increased use of emotional suppression is correlated with less "sadness" (rs=-.322, p<0.05)

Alimentação saudável sustentabilidade e redução do desperdício alimentar nos hospitais

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Is it Fabry disease? Diagnostic and follow-up approach

A doença de Anderson-Fabry (DAF) é uma doença sistémica de sobrecarga lisossomal causada por mutações patogénicas do gene GLA (cromossoma X) que condicionam diminuição ou ausência α-galactosidase A e acumulação de globotriaosilceramida (Gb3) e outros glicoesfingolípidos nos lisossomas, particularmente das células endoteliais, neuronais, cardíacas e renais que levam à fibrose e lesão irreversível de órgão.Sanofi – Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda