Testing the reliability of CT scan‐based dental wear magnitude scoring

Objectives: Digital models are now frequently used in biological anthropology (bio anthropology) research. Despite several studies validating this type of research, none has examined if the assessment of dental wear magnitude based on Computerized Tomography (CT) scans is reliable. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap and assess if dental wear magnitude scoring based on CT scans provides results consistent with scoring based on direct observation of the physical specimens. Materials and Methods: Dental wear magnitude from 412 teeth of 35 mandibles originating from the Portuguese Muge and Sado Mesolithic shell-middens was scored. The mandibles were also CT scanned and visualized using 3D Slicer. CT scan based scoring of dental wear magnitude was then undertaken. Two scoring rounds were undertaken for each observation method (totaling four scoring rounds) and an intra-observer error test was performed. The averaged results of the two observation methods were compared via boxplots with paired cases. Results: Intra-observer error was negligible and non-significant. Scoring results are comparable between the two observation methods. Notwithstanding, some differ ences were found, in which CT scan assessment generally overestimates dental wear when compared to direct observation. Discussion: Our results generally validate the use of CT scans in studies of dental wear magnitude. Notwithstanding several caveats relating to CT scanning and visualization limitations should be considered to avoid over or under-estimation of dental wear.ALG-01-0145-FEDER-29680, 57/2016/CP1361/CT0029info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Certificação de Produtos em Pedra Natural - A Marca StonePt

A pedra natural, com qualidade e passível de ser utilizada como rocha ornamental, é um recurso geológico abundante em Portugal, embora formalmente não haja um completo conhecimento deste potencial nem da efetiva qualidade de cada tipo de pedra explorado. No sentido de colmatar esta lacuna, foi desenvolvido um sistema de certificação, com o objectivo do reconhecimento internacional dos produtos de construção em pedra natural portuguesa, não só pelas suas características físicas e mecânicas, mas também pelo know-how transformador português. Este sistema de certificação, sustentado em especificações técnicas e em normas europeias harmonizadas para os produtos de construção que utilizam pedra natural, pretende cumprir um vazio existente no mercado no que diz respeito à garantia de origem e à garantia de qualidade associada aos processos de transformação e, não menos importante, a adequação do uso que cada tipo de pedra para diferentes aplicações. Todo este processo, assenta numa imagem de qualidade e confiança que está em larga promoção em todo o mundo – a Marca StonePT. O processo de certificação da Marca StonePT, sustentado num projeto de qualificação das empresas do setor de rocha ornamental de Portugal, apoiado pelo COMPETE2020 / PORTUGAL2020, é conduzido através de quatro etapas essenciais: i) implementação; ii) avaliação; iii) gestão e, iv) certificação. Após a implementação dos requisitos específicos StonePT, as empresas passam por um processo de avaliação, que conduzirá a certificação do produto. Depois disso, a empresa terá de manter e gerir os mecanismos implementados de controlo dos processos. A Marca StonePT para as empresas do setor das Pedras Naturais – designadamente do subsector de rocha ornamental pode ser concedida para três subsistemas, com selos distintos (CERTIFIED, VERIFIED E DOC). CERTIFIED – É o selo de CERTIFICAÇÃO DO PRODUTO, utilizado na imagem da empresa. É atribuído à empresa que certifica os procedimentos de controlo de produção e as características físico-mecânicas, vitais para os corretos tipo de aplicação e dimensionamento de cada tipo de pedra, em conformidade com as especificações técnicas StonePT. VERIFIED – É o selo de VERIFICAÇÃO AMBIENTAL DO PRODUTO de Pedra Natural Portuguesa com a vantagem de demonstrar que a atividade da empresa é cumpridora dos requisitos ambientais, bem como assumir a melhoria contínua da sua performance ambiental. DOC – É o selo CONTROLO DE ORIGEM da Pedra Natural, é atribuído através da classificação definida para cada tipologia de pedra (a matéria-prima original) que será equivalente/rastreada às estabelecidas através de instituições nacionais ou internacionais ao nível da nomenclatura, e é concedido à pedreira mediante prova por parte do produtor, do local de extracção, nomeadamente ao nível da localização geográfica e caracterização petrográfica. Tem a vantagem de acompanhar o produto, permitindo que empresas transformadoras adquiram bloco em bruto mantendo esta Marca distintiva. Após a concessão da Marca StonePT, a empresa pode usar a imagem StonePT em suportes de comunicação com clientes, fornecedores ou como forma de demonstrar competência técnica. O projeto permitiu implementar as especificações técnicas StonePT Certified em 20 empresas piloto, abrangendo 52 tipologias de pedra. Foram igualmente certificadas 18 pedreiras com o subsistema StonePT DOC e concedida a submarca StonePT Verified (Selo Ambiental) a 6 empresas, que demonstraram o cumprimento dos requisitos ambientais estabelecidos nas especificações de verificação ambiental de produto. Os resultados e outputs de projeto retratam um maior conhecimento sobre as características intrínsecas de cada pedra aplicada como no produto natural para construção. Conhecendo as suas limitações, a adequada aplicação em obra conduzirá a menores problemas e substancial diminuição de reclamações relacionadas com a aplicação final das mesmas. O uso da marca StonePT, e das suas submarcas, abre caminho para o uso de uma nova linguagem, imparcial e credível, que pode ser utilizada para comunicar tecnicamente com os clientes, proporcionando-lhes uma maior confiança e mostrando-lhes um sistema de controlo funcional, que levará a fidelização do cliente. Tudo isso, certamente, contribuirá, de forma muito positiva, para o crescimento económico do setor da Pedra Natural em Portugal

Mesolithic and chalcolithic mandibular morphology: using geometric morphometrics to reconstruct incomplete specimens and analyse morphology

Human skeletal remains are routinely used to examine cultural and biological aspects of past populations. Yet, archaeological specimens are frequently fragmented/incomplete and so excluded from analyses. This leads to decreased sample sizes and to potentially biased results. Digital methods are now frequently used to restore/estimate the original morphology of fragmented/incomplete specimens. Such methods include 3D digitisation and Geometric Morphometrics (GM). The latter is also a solidly established method now to examine morphology. In this study, we use GM-based methods to estimate the original morphology of incomplete Mesolithic and Chalcolithic mandibles originating from present Portugal and perform ensuing morphological analyses. Because mandibular morphology is known to relate to population history and diet, we hypothesised the two samples would differ. Thirty-seven specimens (12 complete and 25 incomplete) were CT-scanned and landmarked. Originally complete specimens were used as reference to estimate the location of absent anatomical landmarks in incomplete specimens. As predicted, our results show shape differences between the two samples which are likely due to the compounded effect of contrasting population histories and diets.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

StonePT: More than a brand, the reliability of excellence in dimension stones from Portugal

StonePT – Portuguese Stone Brand objective is to certify the Natural Stone product, so that StonePT companies can technically communicate their products, with customers and prescribers, being easily identified through its BRAND, its Identity – STONEPT. The StonePT brand is supported by a certification system, aiming at the international recognition of Portuguese natural stone construction products, not only for its physical and mechanical characteristics, but also for the Portuguese transformer knowledge. This certification system, based on technical specifications and harmonized European standards for construction products using natural stone, aims at fulfilling a market gap with regard to guarantee of origin and quality assurance associated with the processing and , not least, the suitability of using each type of stone for different applications. StonePT consists of a signature that distinguishes the Portuguese Stone from all Products of the competition, using independent and credible stamps and certificates – internationally – for the recognition of Portuguese Stone as a contemporary quality product. What does it mean to be StonePT? It represents a national value. Or better still, it represents national values. This is why we have captured the Portuguese soul to show what it means to be the hallmark of the Portuguese ornamental stone. The Portuguese Stone Brand presents itself with an international communication strategy, inspired by Portugal. Allusive to the slogan “We offer the Best (from Portugal to the World)”, which is a declaration of Portuguese singularity, values and Portuguese raw material. Fado, football, sea and wine, ambassadors of the Portuguese name on the planet, meet the most varied types of national ornamental stones for a true celebration of what is Portuguese

Changes in dental wear magnitude in the last ∼8000 years in southwestern Iberia

Objective: This study examines changes in dental wear magnitude in the past -8000 years, i.e., since Mesolithic until the 19th century, in southwestern Iberia. Thus, it encompasses the transition from hunting-gathering to agro-pastoralism, and then to the industrialization of food production and pre-processing. Design: Dental wear magnitude was scored in a total of 191 individuals and 1557 teeth from Mesolithic (individuals=56; teeth=643), Neolithic (individuals=35; teeth=169), Chalcolithic (individuals =35; teeth=221), Modern Age (individuals=17; teeth=209), and Late Modern Age (individuals=48; teeth=315) samples originating in southwestern Iberia (i.e., present central and southern Portugal) and according to the 8 levels ordinal scale of Smith (1984). Results: Results show a general trend for decreased wear magnitude in these two major transitions and during this timespan (although the hunting-gathering - agro-pastoralism transition had larger impact). The only meaningful differences in wear rate were found between the Late Modern Age and all remaining samples. Conclusion: Dental wear generally decreased during this timespan (although wear magnitude was less impacted by the industrialization of food production and pre-processing). Our results are consistent with studies documenting skull morphological gracilization associated with reduced masticatory demands due to the adoption of softer diets.ALG-01-0145-FEDER29680;info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Molecular Defense Response of Pine Trees (Pinus spp.) to the Parasitic Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

ReviewPine wilt disease (PWD) is a severe environmental problem in Eastern Asia andWestern Europe, devastating large forest areas and causing significant economic losses. This disease is caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a parasitic migratory nematode that infects the stem of conifer trees. Here we review what is currently known about the molecular defense response in pine trees after infection with PWN, focusing on common responses in different species. By giving particular emphasis to resistance mechanisms reported for selected varieties and families, we identified shared genes and pathways associated with resistance, including the activation of oxidative stress response, cell wall lignification, and biosynthesis of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. The role of post-transcriptional regulation by small RNAs in pine response to PWN infection is also discussed, as well as the possible implementation of innovative RNAinterference technologies, with a focus on trans-kingdom small RNAs. Finally, the defense response induced by elicitors applied to pine plants before PWN infection to prompt resistance is reviewed. Perspectives about the impact of these findings and future research approaches are discussedinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Compost quality from biowaste treatment in West Africa

9ª Jornadas Técnicas Internacionais de Resíduos, realizadas no IP de Viana do Castelo, de 14-16 setembro de 2015.Composting is generally considered as a cost effective waste management option for stabilising waste and produce a soil improver/organic fertilizer. Passive aerated open windrows is a typical low cost option feasible in in São Tomé and Principe (pop. 197 900), a small island state in West Africa. Here the European Union, in partnership with Instituto Camões, UCCLA and the local authority, invested in the waste management system upgrade. A composting plant integrated with biowaste collection has been working since 2013. In order to assess the composting process efficiency, a novelty in São Tomé on this scale, temperature was regularly measured and registered. The matured compost was analysed in Portuguese Laboratories, targeting parameters such as: humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, macronutrients and heavy metals. The results are encouraging suggesting that composting is a good option for treating biowaste collected separately at households, central markets, supermarkets, rest homes, restaurants, municipal gardens…etc. Compost output has high C/N ratio and concentration of organic matter, thus evidencing agronomic value. However, some heavy metals (Cr, Ni) content are a matter of concern, and require further assessment in order to prevent their presence. Besides the financial benefits, composting allows saving natural resources by transforming biowaste into a product, reducing harmful impact of chemical fertilizers to soil. This article paves the way to further research and should encourage more experiences in this field, transforming waste into ready available compost.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio