Diferenciación morfológica y genética del pejesapo (Halobatrachus didactylus) entre estudarios y áreas costeras del Portugal

The Lusitanian toadfish, Halobatrachus didactylus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801), is distributed from the Ghana coast to the Iberian Peninsula, being particularly abundant on the south coast of Portugal. The differentiation of this species along the Portuguese coast was assessed through the analysis of 10 samples, considering morphological characters (20 morphometric and 16 meristic) and genetic markers (10 allozymes, 11 loci). Southern samples included estuaries and their adjacent coastal areas, given that this species inhabits both environments, whereas western samples only comprised estuaries. Morphometric and meristic data discriminant analysis evidenced some differentiation between estuarine and coastal populations. This was not entirely corroborated by the genetic analysis, which showed an overall pattern of low FST (0.042) and Nei’s genetic distance, even between geographically distant areas. However, higher values of these parameters were found between estuaries of the south coast and their adjacent coastal areas, suggesting that estuarine systems play a major role in such differentiation. Results are discussed regarding toadfish life-history pattern and Portuguese coast geomorphology, giving an insight into the biological and environmental factors influencing population sub-structuring.El pejesapo, Halobatrachus didactylus (Bloch y Schneider, 1801), está distribuido desde la costa de Ghana hasta la Península Ibérica, siendo particularmente abundante en la costa sur portuguesa. La diferenciación de esta especie a lo largo de la costa Portuguesa se ha evaluado a través del análisis de diez muestras, considerando caracteres morfológicos (20 características morfométricas y 16 merísticas) y genéticos (10 aloenzimas, 11 loci). Hacia el sur, las muestras incluyen estuarios y sus áreas costeras adyacentes, ya que esta especie habita ambos ambientes, mientras que las muestras del oeste están relacionadas sólo a estuarios. El análisis discriminante de los datos morfométricos y merísticos evidenciaron diferenciación entre poblaciones de estuarios y costeras, lo cual no fue enteramente corroborado por el análisis genético, el cual mostró un patrón general de bajo FST (0.042) y distancia genética de Nei, incluyendo áreas geográficamente distantes. Sin embargo, valores más altos de estos parámetros fueron encontrados entre estuarios de la costa sur y sus áreas costeras adyacentes, sugiriendo que los sistemas de estuarios juegan un papel importante en tal diferenciación. Los resultados son discutidos considerando los patrones de historia de vida del pejesapo y la geomorfología de la costa portuguesa, dando una perspectiva de cómo los procesos biológicos y factores ambientales influyen la sub- estructuración poblacional.

Deep learning networks for olive cultivar identification: a comprehensive analysis of convolutional neural networks

Deep learning networks, more specifically convolutional neural networks, have shown a notable distinction when it comes to computer vision problems. Their versatility spans various domains, where they are applied for tasks such as classification and regression, contingent primarily on the availability of a representative dataset. This work explores the feasibility of employing this approach in the domain of agriculture, particularly within the context of olive growing. The objective is to enhance and facilitate cultivar identification techniques by using images of olive tree leaves. To achieve this, a comparative analysis involving ten distinct convolutional networks (VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, ResNet152-V2, Inception V3, Inception ResNetV2, XCeption, MobileNet, MobileNetV2, EfficientNetB7) was conducted, all initiated with transfer learning as a common starting point. Also, the impact of adjusting network hyperparameters and structural elements was explored. For the training and evaluation of the networks, a dedicated dataset was created and made available, consisting of approximately 4200 images from the four most representative categories of the region. The findings of this study provide compelling evidence that the majority of the examined methods offer a robust foundation for cultivar identification, ensuring a high level of accuracy. Notably, the first nine methods consistently attain accuracy rates surpassing 95%, with the top three methods achieving an impressive 98% accuracy (ResNet50, EfficientNetB7). In practical terms, out of approximately 2016 images, 1976 were accurately classified. These results signify a substantial advancement in olive cultivar identification through computer vision techniques.This work was carried out under the Project “OleaChain: Competências para a sustentabilidade e inovação da cadeia de valor do olival tradicional no Norte Interior de Portugal” (NORTE-06-3559-FSE- 000188), an operation to hire highly qualified human resources, funded by NORTE 2020 through the European Social Fund (ESF) and was supported by international funds STEP, HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS- 03-01, n. 101078933. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CeDRI (UIDB/05757/2020 (DOI: 10 .54499 /UIDB /05757 /2020) and UIDP/05757/2020) (DOI: 10.54499 /UIDB /05757 /2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021) (DOI: 10.54499 /LA /P /0007 /2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sensor allocation in a forest fire monitoring system: a bi-objective approach

Forests worldwide have been suffering from fires damages, provoking incalculable losses in fauna and flora, economic losses, people and animals’ deaths, among other problems. To avoid forest fires catastrophes, it is fundamental to develop innovative operations, such as a forest fire monitoring system. This work concentrates efforts on defining the optimum sensor allocation in a forest fires monitoring system based on a wireless sensor network. Thus, a bi-objective mathematical model is developed to solve the problem, in which the first objective consists of minimising the forest fire hazard of a given forest region, and the second objective refers to the sensors spreading into this region. The developed mathematical model was solved by genetic algorithm and the results demonstrated that the methodology was capable of presenting suitable solutions for the problem.This work has been supported by Fundação La Caixa and FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UIDB/05757/2020 and by SAFe Project through PROMOVE—Fundação La Caixa.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

"PERCEP" software for experiment control of temporal judgment research with humans

Um programa de computador, o "PERCEP", foi desenvolvido para a realização dos procedimentos experimentais de estimativa verbal, produção e reprodução temporal em seres humanos. Além da coleta de dados, o programa permite ao experimentador manipular diferentes parâmetros das tarefas e avaliar o impacto dessas manipulações sobre sua aquisição e desempenho. Uma vez que a configuração do programa "PERCEP" é definida pelo próprio experimentador, pode-se realizar uma ampla gama de experimentos acerca dos processos subjacentes ao julgamento temporal. O objetivo do presente trabalho é descrever este programa.A computer program - "PERCEP" - was developed for accomplishing the experimental procedures of verbal estimation, time production and reproduction in human beings. Besides the collection of data, the program allows the researcher to manipulate different parameters of tasks and to evaluate the impact of those manipulations on acquisition and performance. Once the configuration of the "PERCEP" program is defined by the researcher, a wide range of experiments concerning time judgment processing can take place. The aim of the present work is to describe this program

Áreas marinhas protegidas da costa alentejana. Estudos científicos sobre os seus efeitos - o projeto PROTECT.

Brochura de divulgação dos objetivos e principais resultados do projeto PROTECT - Estudos científicos para proteção marinha na costa alentejana

Dinámica poblacional de Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Portunoidea) en una laguna costera (Portugal, SO)

The green crab (Carcinus maenas) population was investigated in a coastal lagoon (Santo André) located on the southwest coast of Portugal. This study assessed the spatial-temporal variability of green crab abundance in the lagoon and its relationship with environmental variables. Experimental fishing was used to collect data on abundance, size structure and other demographic characteristics. Sampling was conducted monthly in 2019 at five sites, using fyke nets. From a total of 15063 individuals collected, 3898 were analysed. The highest catches were obtained in winter and at sites closer to the sea. The population was male-biased (58.70% of males and 41.30% of females), with an average carapace width of 48.81 mm for males and 40.79 mm for females. Ovigerous females were most abundant in December and January, and 50% were sexually mature at 45.11 mm. Based on data from the experimental fishing and fishermen’s logbooks, the estimated annual catch of green crab ranged from 1873 to 3354 kg/ha, confirming the potential value of its fishery in the lagoon. This resource can be exploited for multiple purposes, including its meat or shell waste, thus contributing to the circular economy. Considering that green crab is a bycatch of the eel fishery, fishing regulations need to be modified to safeguard the stocks of both species.La población de cangrejo verde (Carcinus maenas) fue investigada en una laguna costera (Santo André) situada en la costa suroeste de Portugal. Este estudio evaluó la variabilidad espacio-temporal de la abundancia del cangrejo verde en la laguna y su relación con las variables ambientales. Se utilizó la pesca experimental para recolectar datos sobre abundancia, estructura de tallas y otras características demográficas. El muestreo se realizó mensualmente en 2019 en 5 sitios, utilizando redes de pesca. De un total de 15063 individuos recogidos, se analizaron 3898. Las mayores capturas se obtuvieron en invierno y en los sitios más cercanos al mar. La población presenta un predominio de machos (58,70% de machos y 41,30% de hembras), con una anchura media del caparazón de 48,81 mm para los machos y 40,79 mm para las hembras. Las hembras ovígeras son más abundantes en diciembre y enero, y el 50% son sexualmente maduras con 45,11 mm. A partir de los datos de la pesca experimental y de los cuadernos de pesca de los pescadores, la captura anual estimada de cangrejo verde osciló entre 1873 y 3354 kg/ha, lo que confirma el valor potencial de su pesca en la laguna. Este recurso puede ser explotado para múltiples fines, incluyendo su carne o sus desechos, contribuyendo así a la economía circular. Teniendo en cuenta que el cangrejo verde es una captura accesoria de la pesquería de anguila, es necesario modificar la normativa pesquera para salvaguardar las poblaciones de ambas especies

Machine learning to identify olive-tree cultivars

The identification of olive-tree cultivars is a lengthy and expensive process, therefore, the proposed work presents a new strategy for identifying different cultivars of olive trees using their leaf and machine learning algorithms. In this initial case, four autochthonous cultivars of the Trás-os-Montes region in Portugal are identified (Cobrançosa, Madural, Negrinha e Verdeal). With the use of this type of algorithm, it is expected to replace the previous techniques, saving time and resources for farmers. Three different machine learning algorithms (Decision Tree, SVM, Random Forest) were also compared and the results show an overall accuracy rate of the best algorithm (Random Forest) of approximately 93%.This work was carried out under the Project “OleaChain: Competências para a sustentabilidade e inovação da cadeia de valor do olival tradicional no Norte Interior de Portugal” (NORTE06-3559-FSE-000188), an operation to hire highly qualified human resources, funded by NORTE 2020 through the European Social Fund (ESF). The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT,Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CeDRI (UIDB/05757/2020 and UIDP/05757/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Paradigmas de ensino e atuação de professores de língua(s) estrangeira(s): de usuário da língua à incompletude profissional

Este artigo trata da constituição de paradigmas de ensino no contexto de atuação de professores de língua(s) estrangeira(s). Nesse sentido, buscamos situar e definir a noção de paradigma(s), tendo como base teórica os estudos de Kuhn (2003), Lowy (1993), Rajagopalan (2014), Vasconcellos (2002), entre outros. Por conseguinte, propomos aproximar o conceito de paradigma(s) de ensino à formação de professores de língua(s) estrangeira(s), apoiando-nos nas contribuições de estudiosos como Almeida Filho (2004), Lopes (2013), Moita Lopes (1996), entre outros. Apontamos neste artigo para dois aspectos importantes para a formação docente em LE: o primeiro diz respeito à formação de paradigmas, no qual sinalizamos que o professor em atuação move-se, mesmo que inconscientemente, em um paradigma, seja ele o tradicional ou o emergente; o segundo aspecto relaciona-se ao processo de formação acadêmica, a partir do qual discorremos sobre quatro etapas que caracterizam o movimento de formação do professor de LE: a) enquanto usuário da língua; b) enquanto pesquisador; c) atuando em um dos paradigmas: tradicional ou emergente e d) no signo da incompletude profissional

Potential of the endophyte Penicillium commune in the control of olive anthracnose via induction of antifungal volatiles in host plant

Olive anthracnose, caused by several Colletotrichum species, is the most economically harmful fruit disease of the olive crop. This work aimed to evaluate the ability of the endophyte Penicillium commune CIMO 14FM009 to protect the olive tree against Colletotrichum nymphaeae via induction of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Accordingly, olive tree branches were inoculated with the endophyte and one month later with the pathogen. After 0, 3, and 24 h of pathogen inoculation, the volatile composition of leaves and fruits was analyzed by HSSPME- GC/MS, and compared with controls (branches inoculated with buffer, endophyte, or pathogen). The effect of plant-derived volatiles on C. nymphaeae was also evaluated. Penicillium commune induced the release of VOCs on the olive trees, with the capacity to reduce significantly the growth (up to 1.4-fold) and sporulation (up to 1.2-fold) of C. nymphaeae. This effect was most notorious on olives than on leaves, and occurred 3 h after pathogen-challenge, suggesting the need for a stressful stimulus for the production of antifungal VOCs. The observed inhibition was associated to a specific set of VOCs released from olives (mostly belonging to the alcohols and esters chemical classes) and leaves (mostly belonging to the alkenes). Curiously, a set of VOCs belonging to alkene, alkane and ester classes, were emitted exclusively in olive branches inoculated with C. nymphaeae. These findings provide new possibilities for controlling olive anthracnose using P. commune and/or volatiles, which efficacy should be tested in future works.This work is supported by FEDER funds through the COMPETE (Operational Program for Competitiveness Factors) and by National funds through the FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) in the scope of the project POCI-01–0145-FEDER-031133 “MicOlives - Exploiting plant induced resistance by beneficial fungi as a new sustainable approach to olive crop protection”, Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, in the scope of the project PRIMA/0002/2018 “INTOMED- Innovative tools to combat crop pests in the Mediterranean”, and IFAP via the project “Bio4Med - Implementation of innovative strategies to increase sustainability in perennial Mediterranean crops”, as well as the Mountain Research Center - CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020; UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Alteplase for Massive Pulmonary Embolism after Complicated Pericardiocentesis

Background: The occurrence of a high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) within 48 hours of a complicated pericardiocentesis to remove a haemorrhagic pericardial effusion, is an uncommon clinical challenge. Case summary: The authors report the case of a 75-year-old woman who presented with signs of imminent cardiac tamponade due to recurring idiopathic pericardial effusion. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis that was complicated by the loss of 1.5 litres of blood. Within 48 hours, the patient had collapsed with clear signs of obstructive shock. This was a life-threating situation so alteplase was administered after cardiac tamponade and hypertensive pneumothorax had been excluded. CT chest angiography later confirmed bilateral PE. The patient achieved haemodynamic stability less than an hour after receiving the alteplase. However, due to the high risk of bleeding, the medical team suspended the thrombolysis protocol and switched to unfractionated heparin within the hour. The cause of the PE was not identified despite extensive study, but after 1 year of follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic. Discussion: Despite the presence of a contraindication, the use of thrombolytic therapy in obstructive shock after exclusion of hypertensive pneumothorax can be life-saving, and low-dose thrombolytic therapy may be a valid option in such cases