Between “ghettos”, “safe spaces” and “gaytrification”

In recent decades, “LGBT neighbourhoods” or “gay Villages” have been gaining some prominence and particular characteristics within cities, representing safe spaces for the expression and negotiation of individual and collective identities as well as for the political affirmation of LGBT communities and queer identities. As other areas that have been the main drivers of urban revitalization of inner-cities, such as cultural and creative quarters or multicultural spaces, these territories distinguish for the social practices of their users and inhabitants, the specificities of their economic activity, or their contribute to creativity or social integration. More than community ghettos, these areas have been characterized by their openness and vibrancy, enhancing the coexistence of diverse lifestyles, trajectories and identities, but also by the contribution of LGBT people to the gentrification of these districts through their strong commercial, residential and symbolic presence.Drawing upon an empirical work developed in Lisbon (Príncipe Real district) and Madrid (Chueca district), based on in-depth interviews to LGBT residents and participant observation in the two neighbourhoods, this paper characterizes the main evolutionary trajectories and specificities of these two districts. An analysis is made confronting the characteristics and contingencies of these areas with other cases previously studied in literature, identifying the existence of notable differences and suggesting evidence of significant specificities, which can represent a “South European” approach to the reality of “Gay Villages”. Some generic principles for urban planning are drawn out from the analysis

A systematic AQbD approach for optimization of the most influential experimental parameters on analysis of fish spoilage-related volatile amines

The volatile amines trimethylamine (TMA) and dimethylamine (DMA) could be used as important spoilage indices for seafood products, assisting in the determination of the rejection period. In the present study, a systematic analytical duality-by-design (AQbD) approach was used as a powerful strategy to optimize the most important experimental parameters of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) conditions for the quantification of TMA and DMA in Sparus aurata. This optimization enabled the selection of the best points in the method operable design region for HS-SPME extraction (30 min; 35 ◦C; NaOH 15 M and NaCl 35%, w/v) and GC-MS analysis (80 ◦C; gradient 50 ◦C/min; flow rate 1 mL/min and splitless mode). The rejection day, estimated through the TMA concentration (>12 mg/100 g, at days 9–10), was compared with sensory (quality index method: day 7–8), physical (Torrymeter: day 8–9), and microbial (day 9–10) analysis, corroborating the suitability of the proposed approach for estimating the period for which they will retain an acceptable level of eating quality from a safety and sensory perspective.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A review of the distribution and ecology of the elusive Brown Hairstreak butterfly Thecla betulae (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

The Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae L.) is one of the least observed butterflies of the Palaearctic region, even though its distribution spans from Portugal in the west, to Russia and Korea in the far east. Adults are arboreal and seldom descend to ground level. As a result, this species is mostly monitored via the detection of eggs on the food plant during wintertime. In the Iberian Peninsula, this species was largely unknown until very recently, but a recent burst of regional studies in Spain has begun bridging this gap. However, their focused nature and a still incomplete knowledge on T. betulae in Portugal promoted the need for an integrative study at the Iberian scale. Here, we carried out a full literature review on the distribution, ecology and behaviour of T. betulae in Portugal and Spain. Complemented with field work in Portugal, we revealed an almost continuous distribution in the northern third of Iberia, whilst populations further south are mostly mountain-bound. In order to help with future discovery of new populations, we built a species-distribution model relating its occurrence with bioclimatic variables. This model accurately explains the current known occupation of the territory and highlights other areas where the species may potentially be found. Finally, we found evidence of a broadening of the species’ niche through the local use of an hitherto unknown food plant. This study sets a new knowledge baseline for future works and conservation of T. betulae through southern Europe.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio