Biomarkers: a strategic tool in the assessment of environmental quality of coastal waters

Ecosystems are under the pressure of complex mixtures of contaminants whose effects are not always simple to assess. Biomarkers, acting as early warning signals of the presence of potentially toxic xenobiotics, are useful tools for assessing either exposure to, or the effects of these compounds providing information about the toxicant bioavailability. In fact, it has been argued that a full understanding of ecotoxicological processes must consider an integrated multi-level approach, in which molecular impact is related with higher-order biological consequences at the individual, population and community levels. Monitoring programs should make use of this tool to link contaminants and ecological responses fulfilling strategies like those launched by OSPAR (Commissions of Oslo and Paris) Convention on the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). An overview of the work done in the past few years using biomarkers as in situ tools for pollution assessment in Portuguese coastal waters is presented as a contribution to the set up of a biomonitoring program for the Portuguese coastal zone. Considering the data set available the biomonitoring proposal should include the analysis of biomarkers and effects at individual levels. The aim of the program will include a spatial and temporal characterization of the biomarkers acetyl-cholinesterase, metallothioneins, DNA damage, adenylate energy charge and scope-for-growth levels. The investigation of the spatial variation of biomarkers is crucial to define sites for long term monitoring, which will be integrated with a chemical monitoring program. This framework will be a major contribution to the implementation of a national database for the use of biomarkers along the Portuguese coast.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Peptidomimetic and Organometallic Derivatives of Primaquine Active against Leishmania infantum

The current treatment of visceral leishmaniasis is made difficult by the low efficacy, elevated costs, low bioavailability, and high toxicity of many of the available drugs. Primaquine, an antimalarial 8-aminoquinoline, displays activity against Leishmania spp., and several of its derivatives have been developed as potential antileishmanial drugs. However, primaquine exhibits low oral bioavailability due to oxidative deamination of its aliphatic chain. We previously developed peptidomimetic and organometallic derivatives of primaquine, with higher resistance to proteolytic degradation and oxidative deamination, which presented significant activity against primaquine-sensitive pathogens such as Plasmodium or Pneumocystis. In light of these relevant findings, we decided to evaluate these compounds against both the promastigote and intramacrophagic amastigote forms of Leishmania infantum, the agent of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis. We found that several of these compounds had significant activity against L. infantum. One of the peptidomimetic (3c) and one of the organometallic (7a) derivatives of primaquine were active against the clinically relevant intramacrophagic amastigote form of the parasite, causing >96% reductions in the number of amastigotes per 100 macrophages at 60 and 40 mu M, respectively, while being less cytotoxic for host cells than the reference drugs sitamaquine and miltefosine. Hence, compounds 3c and 7a represent new entries toward the development of new antileishmanial leads

Festivais de cinema em Lisboa: organizações e relações com a cidade

JEL Classification System: Z11; Z18O presente trabalho tem como principal objectivo a análise do papel das actividades culturais enquanto vectores de desenvolvimento económico e social nas cidades. Os festivais de cinema em Lisboa são o principal foco desta pesquisa. Numa primeira parte discutem-se os temas relacionados com a conjuntura nacional e a exploração de ideias, que exaltam a cultura como uma ferramenta para o desenvolvimento de economias e territórios. Depois disto, o foco incide sobre o sector do audiovisual, mais concretamente o cinema, numa tentativa de expor a relevância do mesmo para a sociedade. Mais tarde, examina-se a relação concreta de um formato de exibição audiovisual (festivais de cinema) e de um território específico (Lisboa). São estudadas as “capacidades” da cidade enquanto lugar criativo e dinâmico mas também enquanto palco de serventia à multiculturalidade e internacionalização. Posteriormente, desenvolvem-se estudos de casos concretos relativos aos festivais MotelX, DocLisboa, QueerLisboa e Monstra. Os estudos de caso organizam-se segundo linhas estruturantes (Missões das Organizações; Estrutura das Organizações; Recursos Humanos; Financiamentos; Infra-Estruturas; Públicos; Promoção e Imagem). Procura-se ainda entender qual o papel da Câmara Municipal de Lisboa no apoio à realização deste tipo de eventos (objectivos/expectativas). Por fim, o trabalho sistematiza o que é de facto somado à cidade de Lisboa através dos festivais de cinema. Enquanto agentes fundamentais do progresso, veremos que este género específico de cultura é extremamente relevante para o desenvolvimento de qualquer comunidade/território, facto que justifica um maior apoio das políticas públicas aos festivais de cinema.The present work has the objective of analysing the role of cultural activities as vehicles of economic and social city development. For this research, cinema festivals in the city of Lisbon are a main focus. In the first part we discuss and explore themes related with culture as a tool of development of economies and territories. Then, the research examine the audiovisual sector, specifically the cinema sector, in an attempt of exposing the relevance of the subject in societies. Furthermore we examine the relation between an audiovisual exhibition format (cinema festivals) and a specific territory (Lisbon), studying the "capacities" of a city as a creative and dynamic place but also as a site of service to multi-culture and a vehicle for internationalisation. At a later stage we will look at specific case studies of cinema festivals MotelX, DocLisboa, QueerLisboa and Monstra. Case studies are developed according to the following lines: organisations mission, organisations structure, human resources, funding, infrastructure, public, promotion and image. Moreover, the research intends to understand the role of the Lisbon's Town Hall in supporting this type of events (objectives/expectations). At last we will have the opportunity of understanding what is added to the city after all, through cinema festivals. Being a fundamental actor of progress, this particular type of culture activity can be extremely relevant to city and community development, which validates a greater support of public policies to film festivals

The Impact of Dye Analysis in Chinese Textiles Production History

UID/HIS/04666/2019Previous work has documented the presence of more than 200 textiles in Portuguese collections, principally embroideries. These objects are currently grouped under the heading “Sino-Portuguese”, but it has become clear that not all of them were necessarily produced in China. Some objects appear to have been made by migrant Chinese craftsmen working elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, such as the west coast of India, while others seem to be Portuguese copies of Chinese objects. These observations raise important questions about cultural contacts and influences, which cannot be resolved exclusively on the basis of historical or art historical analysis, and the scientific analysis of colours provides a complementary tool. In this presentation we will discuss how dye analysis can contribute to current art historical debates concerning questions of provenance, chronology, and trade, in order to understand the nature of cross-cultural influences in textiles production.publishersversionpublishe

Conceção e implementação de um sistema integrado de gestão de reclamações de cliente numa empresa metalomecânica automóvel

As empresas, como organismos vivos, estão em constante mudança, adaptando-se ao seu meio envolvente, às pessoas que nela trabalham, às novas tecnologias e às estratégias definidas pelos órgãos de gestão. Assim, as metodologias de melhoria contínua tornam-se, cada vez mais, um fator muito importante para que a empresa se consiga adaptar e sobreviver. Este projeto foi concebido e implementado seguindo as melhores práticas da Gestão de Projetos (PMBOK® Guide) e tem por objetivo solucionar alguns dos problemas detetados no Processo de Gestão de Reclamações de Cliente de uma empresa metalomecânica, ligada à indústria de componentes para automóvel, nomeadamente, na melhoria dos controlos internos, na automação do processo (através do MS SharePoint e do SAP/IQOS) e no aumento da segurança da informação prestada. Beneficiando da Cultura Lean e de Melhoria Contínua existente na empresa, que se aplica a todos os processos, foram realizados os seguintes passos: análise ao processo atual; deteção das áreas a melhorar; identificação das causas-raiz; determinação dos objetivos operacionais, os planos de ação e os indicadores de impacto. Com este projeto, o processo foi revisto procurando dar resposta à minimização do risco de perda ou eliminação acidental de informação, garantindo a segregação de funções e a otimização dos recursos alocados ao processo de Gestão de Reclamações de Cliente

REFLEXÕES EM TORNO DO BRINCAR EM CONTEXTOS DE EDUCAÇÃO DE INFÂNCIA

Aquilo que parecia ser um dado adquirido, “Direito de brincar”, tornou-se na sociedade atual uma necessidade emergente, enredados, que estamos, na visão das crianças como futuros adultos produtivos. Neste artigo procuramos refletir acerca do brincar em contextos de educação de infância, revisitando algumas linhas de pesquisa que têm sido desenvolvidas por diversos autores, colocando em contra ponto os discursos vigentes e o seu compromisso nas práticas, pelos educadores de infância. Devemos olhar a criança através da lente dos direitos, direitos que emanam das suas necessidades, sendo o brincar uma delas.   PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Brincar; aprender; educação de infância.     ABSTRACT What seemed taken for granted "the right to play", became in today's society an emerging need. We see children as future productive adults. In this article we have tried to reflect about the play in childhood education contexts revisiting several research in the field of play and learning, and related this with the pre-school teachers pratices. We must view children through the lens of their rights. This rights proceed from their needs, and playing is one of them.   KEYWORDS: Play; learn; childhood education.     RESUMEN El “Derecho a jugar” que solía ser visto como garantizado en el pasado, en la sociedad actual se convirtió en una necesidad emergente, atendendo al echo de que vemos a los niños como futuros adultos productivos. En el presente artículo, intentamos reflexionar sobre el juego en contexto de educación infantil, basados en algunas líneas de investigación de distintos autores, contraponiendo y reflejando sus prácticas. Debemos mirar a los niños teniendo en linea de cuenta sus derechos y sabendo que esos mismos derechos nacen de sus propias necesidades. Jugar es una de ellas.   PALABRAS CLAVE: Jugar; aprendizagem; educación infantil

From the reservoir to the city: a contribution to promote the sustainable use of water

The management of reservoirs, classified as heavily modified water bodies by the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60 of 23 October, amended in 2019), aims to achieve their good or very good ecological potential. However, the intense water use by human populations causes accentuated water level fluctuations, contributing to the disruption of the reservoirs´ littoral zone and to an accentuated increase in nutrients and suspended organic matter in the water column and preventing the achievement of good ecological potential (Moss, 2008). Besides, when a reservoir is used for urban water supply its reduced ecological potential can impact negatively the costs of water treatment supported by municipalities. Therefore, measures preventing water waste can be one of the ways to avoid large water level fluctuations in the reservoirs, allowing the achievement of the good ecological potential. Examples of these measures include: (1) assess which activities consume the most water; (2) evaluate and implement the water efficiency use and (3) implement, when possible, water reuse (4) investigate the occurrence of water loss through leakages. Serra Serrada (S. Serrada) is located on Natural Park of Montesinho (NE Portugal; latitude: 47º57’12’’N, longitude: 6º46’44’’W 1252 m a.s.l.). The total capacity of the reservoir, spreading over 25 ha, is 1680 x 103 m3. Maximum depth is 17 m and mean depth is 6.7 m. Because of the influence of Mediterranean climate precipitation occurs mainly in autumn and winter, but in a very irregular regime. This reservoir was created for urban supply to Bragança city (inhabitants). As a result of the reservoir use, the reservoir hydrological cycle was characterised by the following regime: (1) Maximum level phase, from January to the beginning of June; (2) Emptying phase, from mid June to the beginning of September; (3) Minimum level phase, from mid September to the beginning of the first autumn/winter rain events. The annual range of water level variation is between 8 and 10 m. The highest values of total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate, water colour and chlorophyll a were found during the minimum level phase. Therefore, reservoir is more eutrophic during the low level phase. In Bragança the water demand per year is around 2,751,884 m3. Approximately 80% of this water is for domestic consumption, the remainder for commercial and industrial purposes. Currently, the S. Serrada reservoir can supply urban supply annually, with 95% safety, around 2,100,000 m3. Thus, the water source of the S. Serrada reservoir is always complemented with other alternative supply water systems. These values indicate that might exist a wasteful water usage scenario. It is of common sense that wasteful water usage can have extremely negative impacts on ecological potential of the water bodies and increase the costs (economic and energetic) of the water supply to populations. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility for improve water use efficiency in some public buildings in Bragança. Solutions were proposed for two school centers and municipal swimming pools (e.g. regulation, placement of accessories and replacement of using devices, such as taps and showers, reuse of gray water, from washbasins, showers, washing of swimming pool filters and the use of rainwater to flush toilet bowls, as well as changing irrigation behaviors due to changes in water intensity or irrigation periods). Table 1 presents an estimate of the values of water consumed annually in the three studied buildings, based on data provided by the municipality and measured “in situ”, as well as an estimate of the annual water savings and the return on investment, associated with the solution considered more viable and that in the case of school centers (Sé and Santa Maria) promotes the use of rainwater. Despite of preliminary this study indicates that it is possible with relatively low cost and without jeopardizing the human need reduce the water consumption. Indeed, the existence of losses associated with inefficient use prevents a reduction in water consumption, desirable in a climate change scenario, in which the risk of periods of prolonged drought is increasingly becoming a reality. A decrease in the volume of water used would imply a reduction in wastewater and the financial costs associated with its treatment and also energy savings (according to APA (2012) 6 to 18% of the energy consumed in cities is due to the transport and treatment of water). In this particular case, it would also reduce the pressures in S. Serrada, minimizing the amplitudes of fluctuations in the water level. In addition to making it possible to prolong supply in the event of extreme drought, the ecological potential of S. Serrada would also benefit.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Relações entre perceção da parentalidade, resiliência e rendimento académico no ensino profissional

Nesta pesquisa pretendeu-se analisar as relações entre a perceção da qualidade da parentalidade, a resiliência e o rendimento escolar de adolescentes do ensino profissional. Investigaram-se ainda os contributos de variáveis sociodemográficas relevantes. A amostra utilizada incluiu cerca de três centenas de adolescentes a frequentar escolas profissionais no Centro de Portugal, os quais responderam a instrumentos de autorrelato. Para além da importância do papel desempenhado por certas variáveis sociodemográficas, os resultados obtidos sugerem que a perceção do amor parental (versus hostilidade) se relaciona positivamente com os recursos de resiliência, podendo assumir um papel positivo no desenvolvimento adaptativo do adolescente