Olive water use and crop coefficients from energy balance and radiometric canopy temperatures

Biophysical and meteorological variables as well as radiometric canopy temperatures were collected in an intensive orchard near Évora, Portugal, with 28% ground cover by canopy and combined in a simplified two-source energy balance model (STSEB) to independently calculate the olive tree transpiration (T_STSEB) component of the total evapotranspiration (ETc). Sap flow observations were simultaneously taken in the same orchard allowing also for independent calculations of tree transpiration (T_SF). Model water use results were compared with water use estimates from the sap flow measurements. Good agreement was observed (R2=0.86, RMSE=0.20 mm d-1), with an estimation average absolute error (AAE) of 0.17 mm d-1. From June to August, on average olive water use were 1.92 and 1.89 mm d-1 for sap flow and STSEB model respectively, and 1.38 and 1.58 mm d-1 for the month of September. Results were also used to assess the olive basal crop coefficients (Kcb). Kcb estimates of 0.33 were obtained for sap flow and STSEB model, respectively, for June to August, and of 0.44 and 0.53 for the month of September. Basal crop coefficients were lower than the suggested FAO56 average Kcb values of 0.65 for June to August, the crop mid-season growth stage, and of 0.65 for the month of September, the end-season

A novel imidazole derivative: synthesis, characterization and chemosensory ability for ions

Imidazoles have been explored over the years as optical chemosensors for their ability to coordinate with analytes, through specific binding sites, especially for ions, provided by the nitrogen heteroatom. Consequently, a novel 2,4,5-triheteroarylimidazole was synthetized bearing indolyl and furyl moieties. The compound was characterized by the usual spectroscopic techniques, and the preliminary chemosensory ability was carried out in acetonitrile and acetonitrile/water (25:75) in the presence of ions with biological, medicinal and environmental relevance. In an aqueous medium, the new compound showed a slight enhancement of fluorescence in the presence of HSO4−. As for cations, an enhancement of the fluorescence was observed upon interaction with Fe2+, Sn2+, Fe3+ and Al3+. On the other hand, a quenching of fluorescence was observed in the presence of Cu2+.This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for financial support to CQ/UM (UID/QUI/00686/2020). Thanks are also due to FCT for financial support to the Portuguese NMR Network (PTNMR, Bruker Avance III 400-Univ. Minho)

The effect of a tangential frictional force on rotating disks: an experimental approach

This paper describes an experiment with two touching rotating disks, whose movement is followed by video analysis. Within the disks’ movements, there are intervals with sliding and intervals without sliding, that is, intervals with frictional forces between the touching surfaces and intervals without it. This system configuration allows for measurement of the changeable magnitudes and directions of frictional forces (much more difficult to set up with translational motion). This activity may be used to combat students misconceptions of “frictional force always opposes the motion” and “between the same two bodies, one gets the same frictional force,” commonly found in the classroom, or just to reinforce the rotational dynamics relationships

A new near-IR luminescent erbium(III) complex with potential application in OLED devices

We report the synthesis and X-ray structural characterization of the new Er3+ ternary complex [Er(hd)3(bipy)] (where Hhd is 3,5-heptanedione and bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine) as well as its absorption/luminescent properties. X-ray analysis of the novel complex reveals its triclinic centrosymmetric structure with two symmetry independent complexes in the unit cell. Each lanthanide ion is surrounded by 6 oxygen atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms in a square antiprismatic geometry. The solid-state electronic absorption spectra and the luminescence spectrum show long-wavelength 4f–4f transitions which provide a potential use of the compound as a NIR emitting material in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs)

Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary chemosensory ability of a novel 2,4,5-Tri(Hetero)Arylimidazole based on an 8-Hydroxy-Quinoline group

2,4,5-Trisubstituted imidazole derivatives with heteroaromatic groups are versatile heterocyclic compounds exhibiting a wide range of biological activities, as well as very interesting thermal, optical, electronic, and redox properties. In recent years, this type of imidazole derivatives has been explored as colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensors due to their ability to coordinate with ions of biological and environmental relevance. In order to continue the work developed by the research group, we report the synthesis and characterization using usual spectroscopic techniques (NMR, absorption and emission spectroscopies) of a new imidazole derivative, sub-stituted at position 2 of the imidazole with an 8-hydroxy-quinoline group. Furthermore, to com-plement the characterization of the synthesized imidazole, a preliminary study as an optical chemosensor was carried out in acetonitrile in the presence of ions with biological, medicinal, and environmental relevance.This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for financial support to CQ/UM (UID/QUI/00686/2020). Thanks are also due to FCT for financial support to the Portuguese NMR Network (PTNMR, Bruker Avance III 400-Univ. Minho)

Valorisation of Wasted Immature Tomato to Innovative Fermented Functional Foods

Abstract: In this study, the lactic fermentation of immature tomatoes as a tool for food ingredient production was evaluated as a circular economy-oriented alternative for valorising industrial tomatoes that are unsuitable for processing and which have wasted away in large quantities in the field. Two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were assessed as starter cultures in an immature tomato pulp fermentation to produce functional food ingredients with probiotic potential. The first trial evaluated the probiotic character of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LAB97, isolated from immature tomato microbiota) andWeissella paramesenteroides (C1090, from the INIAV collection) through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation. The results showed that LAB97 and C1090 met the probiotic potential viability criterion by maintaining 6 log10 CFU/mL counts after in vitro simulation. The second trial assessed the LAB starters’ fermentative ability. Partially decontaminated (110 C/2 min) immature tomato pulp was used to prepare the individually inoculated samples (Id: LAB97 and C1090). Non-inoculated samples, both with and without thermal treatment (Id: CTR-TT and CTR-NTT, respectively), were prepared as the controls. Fermentation was undertaken (25 C, 100 rpm) for 14 days. Throughout storage (0, 24, 48, 72 h, 7, and 14 days), all the samples were tested for LAB and Y&M counts, titratable acidity (TA), solid soluble content (SSC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AOx), as well as for organic acids and phenolic profiles, and CIELab colour and sensory evaluation (14th day). The LAB growth reached ca. 9 log10 CFU/mL for all samples after 72 h. The LAB97 samples had an earlier and higher acidification rate than the remaining ones, and they were highly correlated to lactic acid increments. The inoculated samples showed a faster and higher decrease rate in their SSC levels when compared to the controls. A nearly two-fold increase (p < 0.05) during the fermentation, over time, was observed in all samples’ AOx and TPC (p < 0.05, r = 0.93; similar pattern). The LAB97 samples obtained the best sensory acceptance for flavour and overall appreciation scores when compared to the others. In conclusion, the L. plantarum LAB97 starter culture was selected as a novel probiotic candidate to obtain a potential probiotic ingredient from immature tomato fruits.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Contribution of the solar systems to the nZEB and ZEB design concept in Portugal: energy, economics and environmental life-cycle analysis

The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive settle that by 2020 all new buildings should reach nearly zero energy levels (2018 for buildings owned or occupied by public authorities). Therefore, technicians involved in the design, management and approval of buildings should be able to understand and apply nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) concepts in both new buildings and refurbishment of existing ones. At European Union (EU) level there are differences in commitment to the EU targets and the construction of nZEB. Therefore, it is necessary to develop studies that demonstrate the advantages of the nZEB and ZEB design process that can increase the awareness of both building clients and other stakeholders regarding this issue. In this context, the aim of this paper is to assess the energy and environmental life-cycle performance of different renovation scenarios (Basic Renovation, nZEB and ZEB) for multifamily buildings in Portugal. This will be focused on the goals of the nZEB and ZEB design process and on the contribution of solar systems (both solar thermal collectors, STCs, and photovoltaic panels, PVs) to the achievement of those goals. The results presented in this paper show that, in the Portuguese climate and for a typical multi-family building, it is possible to overcome 100% of the energy needs for acclimatization and domestic hot water (DHW) preparation with the integration of solar systems. From the results, it is also possible to conclude that a significant amount of energy and carbon emissions are avoided for every renovation scenario during the considered lifetime (30 years) and that the nZEB and ZEB scenarios are cost-effective with attractive payback times.IEE Project SouthZEB (under the reference IEE/13/393)Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Projects UID/ECI/04047/2013 and UID/FIS/04650/201

Synthesis, characterization and preliminary antibacterial evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus of a new 2,4,5-tri(hetero)arylimidazole derivative based on azaindole heterocycle

Imidazole derivatives are known for their numerous biological applications, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, antiparasitic and anticancer, among others. Therefore, several imidazole derivatives have been synthesized and developed in recent years as potential drugs in the treatment of several diseases. In this communication, we report the synthesis of a new imidazole derivative, substituted at positions 2, 4 and 5 with heterocyclic groups, using a simple synthetic methodology and an easy purification procedure. The new compound was characterized by the usual spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV-Vis absorption and emission). The evaluation of the novel imidazole derivative as a potential antibiotic drug was carried out against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, using disk test diffusion method. Results showed a dose-response effect against the bacteria under study, revealing that the rational design of this imidazole derivative is quite promising to improve antibacterial activity of imidazole derivatives.This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through CQ/UM (UIDB/00686/2020) and “Contrato‐Programa” UIDB/04050/2020 funded by national funds. Thanks are also due to FCT for financial support to the Portuguese NMR Network (PTNMR, Bruker Avance III 400‐Univ. Minho)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Synthesis and preliminary antibacterial evaluation of A 2,4,5-Tri(hetero)arylimidazole derivative

The imidazole ring is a planar heterocycle whose derivatives are applied in several scientific areas, such as medicinal, materials and supramolecular chemistry. The presence of the imidazole ring in these structures is the key to the development of new drugs, since it is ubiquitous in naturally occurring biological structures. Therefore, over the past few decades, several imidazole derivatives have been synthesized and occupy a unique position in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their diverse biological activities. In order to continue the work developed by the research group, we report the synthesis of 2,4,5-tri(hetero)arylimidazole derivatives and their characterization by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopies. As a complement to the characterization of the synthesized 2,4,5-tri(hetero)arylimidazole derivatives, a screening for antibacterial activity showed the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus proliferation, suggesting antibacterial activity. Therefore, these new compounds have the potential for the development of new drugs

Impact of air barriers application in LCA and LCC of naturally ventilated dwellings in mild climate regions

"Available online 17 November 2022"Assessing singular elements that constitute the air barrier of a building envelope is quite unfeasible in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study of these solutions through this particular scope is often overlooked. Two major aspects contribute to it: the complexity of the relationships between elements and the reduced embodied impact of these materials in the overall construction or retrofitting works. This work uses LCA and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to study the viability of applying two envelope air barrier solutions in dwellings with excessive air change rates and equipped with different heating systems. The application of air barrier solutions resulted in average energy consumption savings in urban terrain, almost half of those in rural terrain during the heating season. Environmental performance and life cycle costs revealed mechanically (MECH) fastened air barriers to outperform fluid (FLUID) applied ones. The median annualized cost of adopting a FLUID solution was almost four times that of a MECH solution. Dwellings equipped with electric radiators ranked first in the shortest average Energy Payback Period (EPP) and the highest average Reference Service Life (RSL) savings. With the current analysis, the adoption of MECH solutions is recommended, independently of the heating system the dwelling is equipped with.This work was financially supported by: Base Funding - UIDB/04708/2020 and Programmatic Funding - UIDP/04708/2020 of the CONSTRUCT - Instituto de I&D em Estruturas e Construções - funded by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC). The author would like to acknowledge the support of FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, the funding of the Doctoral Grant PD/BD/135162/2017, through the Doctoral Programme EcoCoRe. This work is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF), through the North Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Norte 2020) [Funding Reference: NORTE-06-3559-FSE-000176]