Psyllium and Laminaria partnership - An overview of possible food gel applications

Featured Application: Laminaria-psyllium gels with distinct texture and rheological features, designed for a wide range of food applicationsSeaweeds are a novel source of important nutritional compounds with interesting biological activities that could be processed into added-value products. In this study, two previously developed products obtained by Laminaria ochroleuca processing (liquid extract and a purée-like mixture) were processed with Psyllium gel to develop functional hydrogels. The optimization of the formulation and the characterization of the Laminaria-Psyllium gels in terms of their mechanical features have allowed the proposal of potential food applications. A beneficial interaction was found between Laminaria and Psyllium in terms of the reinforcement of texture and rheological properties. The obtained outcomes could provide new healthy gelling formulations with attractive properties to alleviate the growing market demand of eco-novel food matricesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Balancing European SME managers’ training contents: perceived importance & training needs

Background: Given the limited available time of in-service professionals, the balance between the perceived importance of the course content and training needs is essential for the acceptance and attractiveness of training courses aimed at them. Objectives: The goal of the paper is to contribute to the development of entrepreneurship and business training programs for European SME managers. Methods/Approach: In six European countries a survey focusing on SME managers’ views on the importance of individual items from a list of potential course content items, and their training needs was carried out, and followed by an analysis using exploratory and multivariate techniques. It was aimed at identifying homogeneous groups of managers with common training needs and perceptions of content importance. Results: Homogeneous groups of managers who assign the same importance to certain competences and who have common training needs are identified. Conclusions: Results of our research could help training institutions to develop courses aimed at SME managers. The balancing approach proved to be an interesting method of combining conflicting requirements for the training course curriculum development.This paper is based on work developed with support from the European Commission (Education and Culture Directorate-General, Lifelong Learning Programme). This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein. The development of this paper was partly financed by the ERDF - European Regional Development Fund through the COMPETE Programme (operational programme for competitiveness) and by National Funds through the FCT - Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) within projects "FCOMP - 01-0124-FEDER-022701" and "FCOMP-010124-FEDER-022692"

Edible brown seaweed in gluten-free pasta: technological and nutritional evaluation

Seaweed is a novel source of important nutritional compounds with interesting biological activities that could be processed into added-value products, namely gluten-free foods. In this study, two previously developed products obtained from Laminaria ochroleuca processing (liquid extract and a purée-like mixture) were incorporated in gluten-free (GF) pasta in order to develop functional products especially designed for the celiac population. The raw and cooked pastas were characterized in terms of their cooking quality parameters, nutritional composition, texture and rheological properties, and antioxidant activity. It was found that the developed GF pastas had similar mechanical and texture characteristics to the control. Both supplemented GF pastas presented a significantly (p < 0.05) higher fibre and mineral content than the control pastainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of the surface model on the theoretical description of the chemisorption of atomic hydrogen on Cu(001)

Adsorption at surfaces can be modelled using a periodic supercell approach or using finite clusters. For many systems and properties these models are complementary and often the most productive way to work is to use a combination of these techniques. If reliable data is to be obtained it is essential that convergence is achieved with respect to the size of supercell and cluster. This work discusses the convergence of chemisorption properties of H on Cu(001) with respect to the cluster size. To this end calculations of the H binding energy and equilibrium distance, are reported for cluster models of increasing size containing up to 77 metal atoms. Likewise, periodic slab model calculations are used to provide the corresponding values towards which the cluster approach should converge. In many previous studies of a wide variety of systems it has been established that computed equilibrium distances converge rapidly with respect to cluster size. Here, a systematic study of the dependence on cluster size shows that, for adsorption in the 4-fold site, convergence is not achieved even for very large clusters. The reason for this poor convergence is seen to be the inability of the cluster model to reproduce accurately the charge density and electrostatic potential of the crystalline surface

Improving the nutritional performance of gluten-free pasta with potato peel autohydrolysis extract

The potato processing industry produces peels, a good source of fibres, minerals and antioxidants, which could be recovered and used in the production of added-value products, such as gluten-free (GF) foods especially designed for the celiac population. This work is focused on the application of the bioactive fraction extracted from potato peels into GF pasta. Subcritical water extraction (autohydrolysis, AH) was performed on potato peel, and the obtained AH liquid extract was characterized in terms of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The selected AH temperature (220 °C at 2.2 MPa) was applied to peels from Kennebec, Neiker and Agria potato varieties, and the Agria extract was selected for application in GF pasta, as this was the one with higher antioxidant activity. The impact of Agria potato peel autohydrolysis extract on the nutritional composition and cooking quality of pasta was assessed. Results confirmed that the GF pasta enriched with potato peel extract presented suitable technological properties, coupled with attractive colour and with increased total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, which can contribute to improve the offer of GF products in the marketinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Environmentally friendly processing of Laminaria ochroleuca for soft food applications with bioactive properties

Dehydrated Laminaria ochroleuca was processed by autohydrolysis with compressed hot water to extract bioactive compounds. Both the whole algae and individual fractions obtained (solid residue and liquor) were characterised to assess its functional properties for future innovative food applications. Purée-like systems were developed by combining ultrasonic and thermal technologies to maximise the antioxidant capacity and were evaluated by determining colour, texture, rheology, syneresis and the presence of bioactive compounds. Overall, the obtained results indicated that L. ochroleuca is a valuable resource that can be used as a whole or taking advantage of its bioactive fractions, in a concept of circular economy and sustainabilityinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Parâmetros de saúde da raça holstein-frísia em comparação com os respectivos cruzamentos com as raças montbéliarde e vermelha sueca

Orientação: Carlos Bettencourt ; co-orientação: João PaisanaOs programas de selecção da raça Holstein-Frísia (HF) colocaram grande ênfase nos caracteres de produção, resultando num rápido aumento da produção de leite ao longo dos últimos anos. O aumento da produção foi acompanhado pelo declínio da fertilidade, saúde e longevidade. O uso intensivo de alguns touros, associado ao desenvolvimento das tecnologias reprodutivas, resultou no aumento da consanguinidade na população mundial da raça HF. O cruzamento com diferentes raças permite tirar partido da heterose e aproveitar a complementaridade entre raças, reduzindo os efeitos da consanguinidade. O presente estudo teve como objectivo comparar a prevalência de cetose, deslocamento do abomaso (DA), hipocalcémia e mastite, nas três primeiras lactações, entre a raça HF e o seu cruzamento com a raça Montbéliarde (MB) e com a raça Vermelha Sueca (VS), assim como a taxa de sobrevivência durante a primeira lactação. Para tal, foram obtidos os registos de uma exploração leiteira, compreendendo o período entre Janeiro de 2012 e Novembro de 2017, com uma amostra de 275 vacas, das quais 124 HF, 101 HFxMB e 50 HFxVS. A prevalência de cetose durante a primeira lactação foi superior para vacas HF (33%) e inferior para vacas HFxMB (18%). A prevalência de DA foi superior para vacas HF (11%) e inferior para vacas HFxVS (0%). A prevalência de mastite durante a primeira lactação foi superior para vacas HF (17%) e inferior para vacas HFxVS (2%). Apesar da sugestão da superioridade da raça MB e VS relativamente a alguns parâmetros de saúde, as gerações subsequentes devem ser estudadas para avaliar as consequências a longo prazo do cruzamento rotacional de três raças.Selection programs of the Holstein Friesian breed (HF) placed great emphasis on production traits, resulting in a rapid increase of milk yield over the last few years. The increase in production was accompanied by a decline in fertility, health and longevity. The intensive use of some bulls, associated with the development of reproductive technologies, has lead to an increased inbreeding in the HF world population. The crossbreeding with different breeds allows heterosis and exploit the complementarity between breeds, reducing the effects of inbreeding. The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of ketosis, abomasal displacement (AD), hypocalcemia and mastitis in the first three lactations, between the breed HF and its crossbreeding with a Montbéliarde breed (MB) and with a Swedish Red breed (SR), as well as the survival rates during first lactation. For this purpose, the records of a dairy farm were obtained, comprising the period between January 2012 and November 2017, with a sample of 275 cows, of which 124 HF, 101 HFxMB and 50 HFxSR. The prevalence of ketosis during the first lactation was higher for HF cows (33%) and lower for HFxMB cows (18%). The prevalence of AD was higher for HF (11%) and lower for HFxSR (0%) cows. A prevalence of mastitis during a first lactation was higher for HF (17%) and lower for HFxSR (2%). Despite the suggestion of the superiority of the MB and SR breeds regarding some health parameters, the subsequent generations should be studied to evaluate the consequences of the three races rotational crossbreeding

Entendendo os fenômenos da natureza: Ênfase na atmosfera.

O projeto de extensão "Entendendo os Fenômenos da Natureza” é vinculado aos cursos de graduação em Geografia (Bacharelado e Licenciatura) da Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana – Unila, e desenvolvido em parceria com o Polo Astronômico Casimiro Montenegro Filho, localizado no Parque Tecnológico de Itaipu (PTI), município de Foz do Iguaçu. As atividades são realizadas no formato de oficinas, preferencialmente em escolas da Educação Básica de Foz do Iguaçu e Ciudad Del Este no Paraguai. Tem como objetivo esclarecer conceitos relacionados à atmosfera, com ênfase na desmistificação da teoria do aquecimento global. A metodologia aplicada no projeto está embasada na Aprendizagem Colaborativa, onde os participantes interagem entre si promovendo uma aprendizagem construtiva e em conjunto, solucionando problemas num esforço coletivo. Os procedimentos metodológicos são aplicados e orientados para um aprofundamento dos conhecimentos sobre os fenômenos da natureza, em particular os climáticos, e as mudanças que vêm ocorrendo no planeta Terra. Os resultados obtidos até o presente momento são parciais, uma vez que os dados coletados por meio da aplicação das oficinas estão em fase final de compilação e tabulação, para serem posteriormente analisados

Risk Factors and Predictive Score for Bacteremic Biliary Tract Infections Due to Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium: a Multicenter Cohort Study from the PROBAC Project

Enterococcus spp; Biliary tract infection; Bloodstream infectionEnterococcus spp; Infección del tracto biliar; infección del torrente sanguíneoEnterococcus spp; Infecció de les vies biliars; Infecció del torrent sanguiniBiliary-tract bloodstream infections (BT-BSI) caused by Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium are associated with inappropriate empirical treatment and worse outcomes compared to other etiologies. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors for enterococcal BT-BSI. Patients with BT-BSI from the PROBAC cohort, including consecutive patients with BSI in 26 Spanish hospitals between October 2016 and March 2017, were selected; episodes caused by E. faecalis or E. faecium and other causes were compared. Independent predictors for enterococci were identified by logistic regression, and a predictive score was developed. Eight hundred fifty episodes of BT-BSI were included; 73 (8.5%) were due to target Enterococcus spp. (48 [66%] were E. faecium and 25 [34%] E. faecalis). By multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated with Enterococcus spp. were (OR; 95% confidence interval): cholangiocarcinoma (4.48;1.32 to 15.25), hospital acquisition (3.58;2.11 to 6.07), use of carbapenems in the previous month (3.35;1.45 to 7.78), biliary prosthesis (2.19;1.24 to 3.90), and moderate or severe chronic kidney disease (1.55;1.07 to 2.26). The AUC of the model was 0.74 [95% CI0.67 to 0.80]. A score was developed, with 7, 6, 5, 4, and 2 points for these variables, respectively, with a negative predictive value of 95% for a score ≤ 6. A model, including cholangiocarcinoma, biliary prosthesis, hospital acquisition, previous carbapenems, and chronic kidney disease showed moderate prediction ability for enterococcal BT-BSI. Although the score will need to be validated, this information may be useful for deciding empirical therapy in biliary tract infections when bacteremia is suspected. IMPORTANCE Biliary tract infections are frequent, and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Bacteremia is common in these infections, particularly in the elderly and patients with cancer. Inappropriate empirical treatment has been associated with increased risk of mortality in bacteremic cholangitis, and the probability of receiving inactive empirical treatment is higher in episodes caused by enterococci. This is because many of the antimicrobial agents recommended in guidelines for biliary tract infections lack activity against these organisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the predictive factors for enterococcal BT-BSI and deriving a predictive score

The regime of climate-related disturbance and nutrient enrichment modulate macroalgal invasions in rockpools

Patterns of invasion by the seaweeds Grateloupia turuturu Yamada and Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt under crossed combinations of the regime (mean intensity and temporal variability) of climate-related mechanical disturbance and constant nutrient enrichment were experimentally examined in rockpools in north Portugal. The cover of both species was larger under high compared to low intensity of disturbance, but this effect was enhanced by events more heterogeneously distributed over a period of 19 months. The invasion by G. turuturu was also larger in enriched pools, but only when disturbance was applied at high intensity. The richness of native taxa was increased by high intensity events of disturbance evenly distributed over time and by low intensity events heterogeneously distributed, while no differences were documented for other treatments. Temporal variability of disturbance and nutrients interactively affected the total cover of native taxa and the availability of bare rock in different directions. Enriched conditions increased the space occupancy by natives and reduced substratum availability only when associated to heterogeneous events of disturbance. At the same time, relatively more variable disturbances caused a reduced cover by native taxa and an increased availability of free space, but only under natural nutrient levels. Present findings contribute to understand the conditions that would be more likely to facilitate the spread of G. turuturu and S. muticum under current and predicted scenarios of compounded environmental changes and in relation to traits of recipient systems that are considered relevant for the success of invasions, including the native richness and the degree of usage of resources, i.e. primarily space