Rawls nas Mãos do Acaso: o Equilíbrio Reflexivo Precisa da Boa Sorte Genealógica?

O equilíbrio reflexivo é um método de justificação de juízos morais, concebido pelo filósofo norte-americano John Rawls. A boa sorte genealógica, por sua vez, é uma assunção metaepistêmica sobre as condições para que tenhamos conhecimento, tendo relevância mediante a profunda contingência das origens causais de nossas representações. Considerando o desconforto que há em aceitar a possessão da boa sorte genealógica no caso de crenças valoradas, o equilíbrio reflexivo depende da boa sorte genealógica para a produção de uma concepção moral bem justificada? No presente artigo, argumentarei que não: enquanto a boa sorte genealógica é necessária para quem tem preocupações predominantemente metafísicas e epistemológicas quanto à qualidade de suas crenças, o embasamento do equilíbrio reflexivo opera não nesses campos, mas no âmbito prático-moral. Dessa maneira, a boa sorte genealógica não constringe o equilíbrio reflexivo. Por fim, darei uma sugestão de como o equilíbrio reflexivo poderia aliar-se com investigações genealógicas para ampliar seu potencial

Conjugated linoleic acid production and probiotic assessment of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from Pico cheese

peer-reviewedLactic acid bacteria isolated from a traditional Azorean cheese were screened for their ability to convert free linoleic acid to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum were recognized as potential CLA producers. GC analysis identified cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 as the predominant isomer (10–14 μg/mL), followed by trans-9, trans-11 C18:2 (4–6 μg/mL). The CLA producing strains demonstrated strong biofilm capacity, high cell surface hydrophobicity and good auto-aggregation ability. These strains were capable of surviving in the presence of bile salts (0.3%) and pancreatin (0.1%), but only the highest CLA producer (L3C1E8) was able to resist low pH (2.5). Moreover, the CLA-producers showed good adhesion capacity to intestinal human cells (Caco-2 and HT-29) and were able to prevent colonization of Escherichia coli. Of the two strains, Lactobacillus plantarum L3C1E8 revealed superior probiotic properties and great potential for producing food products enriched in the two CLA isomers, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (60%) and trans-9, trans-11 C18:2 (25%)

Nuanced qualitative trait approaches reveal environmental filtering and phylogenetic constraints on lichen communities

We propose that a qualitative trait approach based on more detailed nuanced traits may reveal previously overlooked patterns, especially when combined with phylogenetic perspectives. By sampling epiphytic lichens and using a functional approach based on nuanced qualitative traits, such as a much greater resolution over photobiont identity, type of cortex, and chemical compounds, we evaluated the effects of environmental filtering and phylogenetic constraints on community assembly along a natural succession of Atlantic rainforest. We found changes in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic composition, structure, and diversity. Functional traits such as photobiont genera, type of cortex, reproductive structures, propagule size, and protection strategies showed strong responses to succession. Mature forests with a closed canopy impose strong environment filtering that is reflected in lichen species turnover, limiting diversity, but also holding different functional and phylogenetic composition. The use of a nuanced qualitative trait approach may overcome some of the limitations of using this type of traits and shows the importance of often-overlooked key lichen functional traits, including the presence of carbon-concentrating mechanisms in photobionts and cortex properties. Furthermore, this is the first study showing how patterns of phylogenetic assembly along forest succession structure lichen communities

Isolation and characterization of an exopolysaccharide‐producing Leuconostoc citreum strain from artisanal cheese

peer-reviewedHigh molar mass exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced from sucrose by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are of great interest as natural additives to use in foods, medical and pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to identify the EPS produced by Leuconostoc citreum L3C1E7 isolated from Pico cheese and characterize the strain for technological and probiotic potential. Purified EPS was isolated from the culture of L. citreum L3C1E7 by ethanol precipitation, with a yield of 520 mg ml−1. The EPS-producing strain had a mucoid phenotype and average molecular weight of 5·88 × 106 Da. The structural characterization of the purified EPS was determined by 1H, 13C and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. EPS was composed of alternating α-(1→6)-linked and α-(1→3)-linked D-glucopyranyl units, suggesting the existence of an alternan. The strain was slow acidifying, produced diacetyl and displayed high esterase/lipase and aminopeptidase activities, which promote the desirable flavours in dairy products. Moreover, L. citreum showed moderate resistance to the adverse conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and high adhesion to GI cells. This work provides a better understanding of EPS produced by L. citreum and the potential application of EPS-producing strain in food and/or as a probiotic culture.Fuel Cycle Technologie

Hazardous elements and amorphous nanoparticles in historical estuary coal mining area

In Brazil, intense coal exploitation activities have led to environmental deterioration, including soil mortification, water contamination, loss of ecosystem, and atmospheric contamination. In addition, considerable quantities of sulfur-rich residues are left behind in the mining area; these residues pose grave environmental issues as they undergo sulfide oxidation reactions. When sulfur oxides come in contact with water, extreme acid leachate is produced with great proportions of sulfate, and hazardous elements (HEs), which are identified as coal drainage (CMD). CMD is an environmental pollution challenge, particularly in countries with historic or active coal mines. To prevent CMD formation or its migration, the source must be controlled; however, this may not be feasible at many locations. In such scenarios, the mine water should be collected, treated, and discharged. In this study, data from 2005 to 2010 was gathered on the geochemistry of 11 CMD discharges from ten different mines. There are several concerns and questions on the formation of nanominerals in mine acid drainage and on their reactions and interfaces. The detailed mineralogical and geochemical data presented in this paper were derived from previous studies on the coal mine areas in Brazil. Oxyhydroxides, sulfates, and nanoparticles in these areas possibly go through structural transformations depending on their size and formation conditions. The geochemistry of Fe-precipitates (such as jarosite, goethite, and hematite) existent in the CMD-generating coal areas and those that could be considered as a potential source of hazardous elements (HEs) (e.g., Cr) were also studied because these precipitates are relatively stable in extremely low pH conditions. To simplify and improve poorly ordered iron, strontium, and aluminum phase characterization, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and sequential extraction (SE) studies were executed on a set CMD samples from the Brazilian mines. This study aimed to investigate the role of both nanomineral and amorphous phase distribution throughout the reactive coal cleaning rejects profile and HEs removal from the water mine to provide holistic insights on the ecological risks posed by HEs, nanominerals, amorphous phases, and to assess sediments in complex environments such as estuaries