Assessment of NDVI, land surface temperature and precipitation anomalies for drought monitoring in Bayankhongor province, Mongolia

During the last decade Mongolia’s region was characterized by a rapid increase of both severity and frequency of drought events, leading to pasture reduction. Drought monitoring and assessment plays an important role in the region’s early warning systems as a way to mitigate the negative impacts in social, economic and environmental sectors. Nowadays it is possible to access information related to the hydrologic cycle through remote sensing, which provides a continuous monitoring of variables over very large areas where the weather stations are sparse. The present thesis aimed to explore the possibility of using NDVI as a potential drought indicator by studying anomaly patterns and correlations with other two climate variables, LST and precipitation. The study covered the growing season (March to September) of a fifteen year period, between 2000 and 2014, for Bayankhongor province in southwest Mongolia. The datasets used were MODIS NDVI, LST and TRMM Precipitation, which processing and analysis was supported by QGIS software and Python programming language. Monthly anomaly correlations between NDVI-LST and NDVI-Precipitation were generated as well as temporal correlations for the growing season for known drought years (2001, 2002 and 2009). The results show that the three variables follow a seasonal pattern expected for a northern hemisphere region, with occurrence of the rainy season in the summer months. The values of both NDVI and precipitation are remarkably low while LST values are high, which is explained by the region’s climate and ecosystems. The NDVI average, generally, reached higher values with high precipitation values and low LST values. The year of 2001 was the driest year of the time-series, while 2003 was the wet year with healthier vegetation. Monthly correlations registered weak results with low significance, with exception of NDVI-LST and NDVI-Precipitation correlations for June, July and August of 2002. The temporal correlations for the growing season also revealed weak results. The overall relationship between the variables anomalies showed weak correlation results with low significance, which suggests that an accurate answer for predicting drought using the relation between NDVI, LST and Precipitation cannot be given. Additional research should take place in order to achieve more conclusive results. However the NDVI anomaly images show that NDVI is a suitable drought index for Bayankhongor province

"Gender Inequalities in Allocating Time to Paid and Unpaid Work: Evidence from Bolivia"

This working paper analyzes paid and unpaid work-time inequalities among Bolivian urban adults using time use data from a 2001 household survey. We identified a gender-based division of labor characterized not so much by who does what type of work but by how much work of each type they do. There is a trade-off between paid and unpaid work, but this trade-off is only partial: women's entry into the labor market tends to result in a double shift of paid and unpaid work. We also find very high levels of within-group inequality in the distributions of paid and unpaid work-time for men and women, a sign that, beyond the sexual division of labor, subgroup differentiation is also important. Using decompositions of the inequality in the distribution of total time spent at work, we show that gender plays an important role in determining the proportion of paid to unpaid work done by individuals, but it plays a lesser role in determining the higher total workload of some individuals relative to others.

Gender Inequalities in Allocating Time to Paid and Unpaid Work: Evidence from Bolivia

This Working Paper analyzes paid and unpaid work-time inequalities among Bolivian urban adults using time use data from a 2001 household survey. We identified a gender-based division of labor characterized not so much by who does which type of work but by how much work of each type they do. There is a partial trade-off between paid and unpaid work, but such a substitution is only partial: women?s entry into the labor market tends to result in a double work shift of paid and unpaid work. We also find very high levels of within-group inequality in the distributions of paid and unpaid work-time for men and women, a sign that beyond the sexual division of labor, subgroup differentiation is also important. Using decompositions of the inequality in the distribution of total time spent at work, we show that gender is an important variable to explain how much paid and unpaid work is done by individuals, but not so important to explain why some people have a higher total workload than others.Gender, Inequalities, poor, Bolivia

Deflamin, an edible anti-inflammatory and anticancer protein isolated from legume seeds

Doutoramento em Biologia / Instituto Superior de Agronomia. Universidade de LisboaPrevious reports revealed a novel MMP-2 and -9 inhibitor in Lupinus albus seeds, named deflamin, with a strong potential as a nutraceutical for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In the present work our goal was 1) to better understand deflamin’s mode of action and 2) to produce an effective delivery system for it to be incorporated in IBD functional diets. Deflamin was found to be an oligomer comprising similar fragments from δ-conglutin and β-conglutin. It inhibited MMP-2 and -9 activities but not their gene expression and presented no cytotoxic effects. In vivo, it effectively reduced gelatinases activity in situ, hence minimizing the risk of secondary effects. Based on a previous patented method we were able to develop a lupin protein concentrate (LPC) which was used as an additive to cookies (10g/100g dough). Sweet and savory, as well as different flours (wheat, rice, buckwheat, oat, kamut and spelt) were tested. Overall, the LPC was found to improve the organoleptic and physical properties of the cookies. The biochemical compositions of all cookies with LPC presented higher protein and a golden-brown coloring. Furthermore, the aw and moisture content values suggested a high stability food product. Whilst the baking itself did not interfere with the gelatinase inhibitory activity in the cookies, the type of flour and the presence of sugar did, suggesting that the presence of carbohydrates can interfere with deflamin. Our final goal was tested the efficacy of the LPC in vivo, either alone or as added to cookies using two different types of colitis. Results confirmed that the LPC alone was effective against TNBS-induced colitis, in a dose dependent-manner, reducing more than 50% the DAI scores and inhibiting MMP-9 activity. When added to cookies, the LPC induced a significant protective effect against acetic acid-induced colitis, reducing lesion, oxidative stress and DNA damage levels. Overall, deflamin was shown to be an efficient and safe way to reduce IBDs symptoms, without prompting secondary effects. The developed LPC was found to be effective as a delivery system for deflamin and besides its activity towards MMP-9, the LPC further added a higher nutritional and antioxidant value to the already potential health benefits of deflamin. These findings can open new perspectives and novel approaches to tackle IBDS via functional diets.N/

Estratégias de marketing ecológico: impacto ao nível do setor vinícola da Arménia

Mestrado em Gestão das Organizações: Ramo de Gestão de Empresas (parceria com a APNOR) na Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão do Instituto Politécnico de Viana do CasteloEste trabalho pretende analisar o impacto da utilização de certificações (rótulos e outras sinaléticas) ambientais em vinhos produzidos na Arménia, ao nível da sua exportação. A revisão de literatura mostra que o marketing verde tem vantagens e desvantagens, mas os possíveis prejuízos são mínimos a favor de uma contínua melhoria de qualidade do bem ou serviço. Num estudo de caso observado na Arménia, especificamente no sector vitivinícola, analisam-se qualitativamente entrevistas efectuadas a empresas do sector vitivinícola e, com a utilização da técnica metodológica de Focus Group, a opinião de grupos com conhecimentos adquiridos da área. Verifica-se como o marketing verde é um caminho em que se pode apostar para se alcançar a internacionalização da empresa. Com efeito, para se conseguir a exportação do produto, é essencial que o país em questão implemente certificações reconhecidas internacionalmente para ser mais facilmente integrado em novos mercados. A certificação ambiental ainda não é uma exigência mundial visto que depende maioritariamente da própria legislação interna dos países. O estudo permite igualmente inferir que a utilização de uma sinalética ambiental nos rótulos das garrafas não constitui uma mais valia significativa junto dos consumidores de vinho Arménios.Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar el impacto del uso de las certificaciones ambientales (otras etiquetas y placas de identificación) de los vinos producidos en Armenia en términos de su exportación. La revisión de la literatura muestra que el marketing verde tiene ventajas y desventajas, pero las pérdidas potenciales son mínimos en favor de una mejora continua en la calidad del bien o servicio. En un estudio de caso observados en Armenia, específicamente en el sector vitivinícola, se analizan entrevistas cualitativas con las empresas del sector del vino y, utilizando la técnica metodológica del Grupo de Foco, grupos de opinión con conocimiento de la área. Aparece como marketing verde es una forma en que pueden invertir para lograr la internacionalización de la empresa. Con efecto, para lograr un producto de exportación, es esencial que el país en cuestión implemente certificaciones reconocidas internacionalmente para que se integren más fácilmente en nuevos mercados. Certificación ambiental no es un requisito en todo el mundo, ya que depende en gran medida de la legislación propia interna de los países. El estudio nos permite inferir que el uso de una señalización ambiental en las etiquetas de las botellas no es un valor añadido significativo a los consumidores de armenios vino.This study aims to examine the impact of the use of environmental certifications (other labels and nameplates) on wines produced in Armenia in terms of their export. The literature review shows that green marketing has advantages and disadvantages, but the potential losses are minimal in favor of a continuous improvement in the quality of the good or service. In a case study observed in Armenia, specifically in the wine sector, it’s analyzed qualitative interviews with companies of the wine sector and, by using the methodology technic of Focus Group, opinion groups with knowledge of the area. It appears as green marketing is a way to invest to achieve the internationalization of the company. To achieve product exportation it is essential that the country in question implements internationally recognized certifications to be more easily integrated into new markets. Environmental certification is not a worldwide requirement since it depends mostly on own countries domestic legislation. The study allows us to infer that the use of an environmental signage on the labels of the bottles is not a significant added value to Armenian wine consumers

Combining spectroscopy with automation in bioprocess development - towards a new tool for industry 4.0

The biopharmaceutical industry has long relied on the work of microbiologists to perform labour intensive experiments in bioprocess development. Real time information on the specific dynamics of each experiment would represent a major breakthrough in understanding bioprocesses. This would lead to higher productivity, shortened development cycles, ultimately resulting in cheaper drugs reaching the clinic faster with potentially improved safety and efficacy. The purpose of this thesis is to expedite the biopharmaceutical development by combining automation and near infrared spectroscopy in the early stages of bioprocess development. It develops the first automated spectroscopic system for automated smallvolume bioreactors. After describing the hardware, software, optimization and testing of this new tool, various advantages and challenges that come with such system are discussed. The advantages of automation when put to use into spectroscopy are quickly apparent. The automated approach can collect a - highly replicable - calibration dataset six times faster than the traditional approach, eliminating human error. Multivariate data analysis, including PCA and PLS, proved that valid real time measurements of analytes of interest in the fermentation media can be obtained. The use of the developed models for extrapolation showed limited success. Better results were obtained when an endogenous calibration dataset was prepared through means of automation. This exercise allowed the identification of critical success areas for developing a spectroscopy-based measuring system for small automated bioreactors. In the end, a roadmap for future implementation of an automated NIR system is provided that summarises the key lessons drawn from this thesis.The biopharmaceutical industry has long relied on the work of microbiologists to perform labour intensive experiments in bioprocess development. Real time information on the specific dynamics of each experiment would represent a major breakthrough in understanding bioprocesses. This would lead to higher productivity, shortened development cycles, ultimately resulting in cheaper drugs reaching the clinic faster with potentially improved safety and efficacy. The purpose of this thesis is to expedite the biopharmaceutical development by combining automation and near infrared spectroscopy in the early stages of bioprocess development. It develops the first automated spectroscopic system for automated smallvolume bioreactors. After describing the hardware, software, optimization and testing of this new tool, various advantages and challenges that come with such system are discussed. The advantages of automation when put to use into spectroscopy are quickly apparent. The automated approach can collect a - highly replicable - calibration dataset six times faster than the traditional approach, eliminating human error. Multivariate data analysis, including PCA and PLS, proved that valid real time measurements of analytes of interest in the fermentation media can be obtained. The use of the developed models for extrapolation showed limited success. Better results were obtained when an endogenous calibration dataset was prepared through means of automation. This exercise allowed the identification of critical success areas for developing a spectroscopy-based measuring system for small automated bioreactors. In the end, a roadmap for future implementation of an automated NIR system is provided that summarises the key lessons drawn from this thesis

Removal of organic contaminants from wastewater using the electrodialytic process

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are widely used on a daily basis. After their usage they reach the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These compounds have different physico-chemical characteristics, which makes them difficult to completely remove in the WWTPs, througth conventional treatments. Currently, there is no legislation regarding PPCPs thresholds in effluent discharge. But, even at vestigial concentrations, these compounds enclose environmental risks due to, e.g., endocrine disruption potential. There is a need of alternative techniques for their removal in WWTPs. The main goal of this work was to assess the use of electrodialytic (ED) process to remove PPCPs from the effluent to be discharged. A two-compartment ED cell was used testing (i) the effluent position in the cell (anode and cathode compartment); (ii) the use of anion (AEM) and cation exchange membrane (CEM); (iii) the treatment period (6, 12 and 24 hours); (iv) effluent recirculation and current steps; (v) the feasibility of sequential treatments. Phosphorus (P) removal from effluent and energetic costs associated to the process were also evaluated. Five PPCPs were studied – caffeine (CAF), bisphenol A (BPA), 17 β-estradiol (E2), ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and oxybenzone (MBPh). The ED process showed to be effective in the removal when effluent is in the anode compartment. Oxidation is suggested to be the main removal process, which was between 88 and 96%, for all the compounds, in 6 hours. Nevertheless, the presence of intermediates and/or by-products was also observed in some cases. Effluent recirculation should have a retention time in the ED cell big enough to promote removal whereas the current steps (effluent in anode compartment) slightly increased removal efficiencies (higher than 80% for all PPCPs). The sequential set of ED treatment (effluent in anode compartment) showed to be effective during both periods with a removal percentage between 80 and 95% and 73 to 88% in the case of AEM and CEM, respectively. Again, the main removal process is strongly suggested to be oxidation in the anode compartment. However, there was an increase of BOD5 and COD, which might be explained by effluent spiking, these parameters limiting the effluent discharge. From these treatments, the use of AEM, enhanced the P removal from effluent to minimize risk of eutrophication. Energetic costs of the best set-up (6 hours) are approximately 0,8€/m3 of wastewater, a value considered low, attending to the prices of other treatment processes

A introdução dos transformados derivados de cortiça na construção portuguesa. Entre os ecos do estrangeiro e a implementação nacional.

A Cortiça esteve presente na construção desde tempos imemoriais sem nunca se estabelecer verdadeiramente como um material de construção. A partir do século XVIII, com o advento da produção e exportação vinícola, o material vê-se valorizado economicamente pela indústria das rolhas, e outras indústrias subsidiárias, que utilizam os desperdícios da primeira numa miríade de materiais transformados e de usos, nos quais, mais tardiamente, se incluirá novamente a construção.Neste artigo abordaremos o período inicial de afirmação da cortiça como material de construção a partir da análise das patentes internacionais, das referências aos novos produtos em bibliografia técnica e de divulgação nacional e de um conjunto de licenças de obra na cidade do Porto, onde se percebe que as novas utilizações decorrem do desempenho técnico (acústico e térmico) do material mas também de uma associação a uma imagem de modernidade

Avanços terapêuticos no melanoma maligno metastático

Trabalho Final de Mestrado Integrado, Ciências Farmacêuticas, 2021, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia.O melanoma, apesar de apenas corresponder a cerca de 5% dos cancros da pele, é responsável por 90% das mortes provocadas por este tipo de cancro. A alta mortalidade associada ao melanoma maligno metastático pode ter como principal causa o diagnóstico tardio, que na maioria dos casos é feito no estadio IV, no qual já existe presença de metástases à distância. O melanoma maligno metastático, se diagnosticado precocemente, nos estadios I a III, pode ser facilmente tratável, através de remoção cirúrgica eficaz. Em estadios mais avançados, o prognóstico dos doentes é mau, associado a taxas de mortalidade muito elevadas. Durante muitos anos, a única opção terapêutica disponível para doentes com melanoma em estadio avançado era a utilização da combinação de dacarbazina, um agente alquilante aprovado em 1974, com interleucina-2. Mais de 1500 estudos comprovaram que esta opção terapêutica não garantia um aumento na taxa de sobrevivência ou qualquer benefício para os doentes. A ineficácia desta opção deve-se em grande parte aos mecanismos de resistência intrínseca, desenvolvidos pelas células malignas de melanoma. Com o aumento dos conhecimentos moleculares, ocorreram avanços significativos e foram descobertos novos alvos terapêuticos passiveis de serem utilizados como opções terapêuticas viáveis, revolucionando a terapêutica do melanoma maligno metastático. A utilização de imunoterapia com anticorpos monoclonais possibilitou um novo horizonte no tratamento do melanoma maligno, permitindo melhores taxas de sobrevivência e de sobrevivência, mostrando-se mais eficaz do que a quimioterapia. Vários fármacos foram aprovados pela FDA com indicação na terapêutica do melanoma maligno metastático, sendo o primeiro, em 2011, o ipilimumab (anti CTLA-4), seguido do nivolumab e do pembrolizumab (ambos anti PD-1), em 2014. Devido à descoberta de mutações em determinados genes como o gene BRAF, presente numa grande percentagem dos indivíduos, foi possível desenvolver terapêuticas direcionadas como o vemurafenib, dabrafenib ou encorafenib e binimetinib. A descoberta de novas opções terapêuticas, juntamente com os avanços na deteção precoce, o avanço tecnológico das técnicas e dados da biópsia dos nódulos linfáticos e a atualização do estadiamento do melanoma em 2009, alteraram o paradigma do melanoma maligno metastático. O presente trabalho faz uma revisão das opções terapêuticas inovadoras que foram aprovadas desde 2010.The melanoma, although it corresponds only to about 5% of skin cancers, is responsible for 90% of deaths caused by this type of cancer. The late diagnosis may be the main cause to the high mortality associated with metastatic malignant melanoma, which in most cases occurs in stage IV, in which distant metastases are already present. Metastatic malignant melanoma, if diagnosed early, in stages I to III, can be easily treated, through effective surgical resection. In more advanced stages, the prognosis of patients is poor, associated with very high mortality rates. For many years, the only therapeutic option available to patients with advanced stage melanoma was the combination of dacarbazine, an alkylating agent approved in 1974, with interleukin-2. More than 1500 studies have shown that this therapeutic option does not guarantee an increase in the survival rate or any benefit for patients. The ineffectiveness of this option is largely due to the characteristic resistance mechanisms, developed by melanoma malignant cells. With the increase in molecular knowledge, significant advances have occurred and new possible therapeutic targets that could be used as viable therapeutic options have been discovered, revolutionizing the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma. The use of immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies has enabled a new horizon in the treatment of malignant melanoma, allowing better survival rates, proving to be more effective than chemotherapy. Several drugs were approved by the FDA with indication for the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma, the first being, in 2011, ipilimumab (anti CTLA-4), followed by nivolumab and pembrolizumab (both anti PD-1), in 2015. Due to the discovery of mutations in certain genes such as the BRAF gene, present in a large percentage of individuals, it was possible to develop targeted therapies such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib or encorafenib and binimetinib. The discovery of new therapeutic options, together with advances in early detection, the updating of lymph node biopsy techniques and data and the updating of melanoma staging in 2009, changed the metastatic malignant melanoma paradigm. The presente work is a review of the innovative therapeutic options that have been approved since 2010

A resolução de problemas associada ao uso de cinco sentidos

O presente relatório foi desenvolvido no âmbito da unidade curricular de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada, em contexto de jardim de infância, numa Instituição Particular de solidariedade Social (I. P.S. S.), em Montenegro, Faro. O estudo teve como principal objetivo trabalhar a utilização dos cinco sentidos integrada numa abordagem de resolução de problemas. Participaram no estudo 16 crianças de 3 e 4 anos que realizaram cinco atividades de forma individual. A estratégia investigativa e de intervenção didática desenvolveu-se em 5 etapas que incluíram a fase de sensibilização para o tema através da leitura mediada da história Quando eu nasci, a fase de conceção de cinco atividades enigma, cuja resolução requeria o uso de um dos 5 sentidos (paladar, audição, tato, olfato, visão), a fase de testagem da eficácia e adequabilidade das atividades, a fase de realização das atividades por cada uma das crianças e a fase de realização das atividades em grande grupo. Os resultados revelaram que a prestação das crianças na resolução da atividade enigma, cuja resolução requeria o uso da visão, foi a mais elevada, tendo 15 participantes resolvido o enigma. Observou-se que das 16 crianças que participaram nas atividades, apenas 3 crianças com 3 anos conseguiram resolver todos os enigmas no tempo previsto. Constatou-se também que a capacidade de resolução dos enigmas melhorou com a prática das atividades, não se tendo observado, contudo, uma evolução linear. Neste estudo, a prática de resolução de enigmas com recurso ao uso dos 5 sentidos alterou a predisposição das crianças para resolverem os problemas ao longo do tempo, desenvolvendo capacidades de raciocínio, de tomada de decisão e de observação para recolha de informação multissensorial.The following report was developed within the framework of the Supervised Teaching Practice course, in a kindergarten context, specifically in a Private Social Solidarity Institution (I.P.S.S.) in Montenegro, Faro. This study aims to raise awareness of the importance of the use of the five senses as part of a problem-solving approach. In this study participated 16 children with 3 and 4 years old who perfomed five activities individually. The investigative and didactic intervention strategy was developed in 5 stages that included the stage of raising awareness of the topic through the mediated reading of the story When I was born, the stage of designing five activities-mystery, whose resolution required the use of one of the 5 senses (taste, hearing, touch, smell, vision), the phase of testing the effectiveness and suitability of the activities, the phase of carrying out the activities by each of the children and the phase of carrying out the activities in a large group. The results revealed that the children's performance in solving the mystery activity, whose resolution required the use of vision, was the highest, with 15 participants solving the problem. It was observed that of 16 children who participated in the activities, only 3 children aged 3 years managed to solve all the problems in the allotted time. It was also found that the ability to solve problems improved with the practice of activities, not having been observed, however, a linear evolution. In this study, the practice of solving problems using the 5 senses changed the children's predisposition to solve problems over time, developing reasoning, decision-making and observation skills to collect multisensory information