Hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) diversity in Tapada da Ajuda, Lisbon - a preliminary study

Hoverflies are holometabolic insects, whose adults are pollinators feeding on nectar and pollen. Frequently, they are confused with wasps, bees and bumblebees. In the larval stage, some of them prey other insects, specially aphids (Hemiptera), and others are saprophagous. For this reason, they are important biological control agents. In this study, we carried out the prospection and specific identification of hoverflies in four habitats in Tapada da Ajuda (olive grove, a field of Apiaceae, herbaceous vegetation near Lagoa Branca and plum orchard), between March and May 2017. Hoverfly adults were mostly captured with an entomologic net, but also with jar and plastic bags. A preliminary evaluation on the importance of ecologic infrastructure fava bean inter-row in the plum orchard was also performed. For this purpose, we observed fava plants and plum trees, collecting eggs, larvae and pupae of hoverflies that we reared in the laboratory until the emergence of the adult of hoverfly or parasitoid. A total of 12 species were identified, being the most frequent and abundant Episyrphus balteatus and Sphaerophoria scripta. Species richness was higher in the Apiaceae field although this habitat was sampled only during the last fortnight of the study. In the hoverfly immature collected in the plum orchard we detected hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to Diplazontinae and Pteromalidaeinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

New records of encyrtids (HYmenoptera: Encyrtidae) parasitoids of Coccomorpha (Hemiptera) from Portugal

One new record for Iberian peninsula Leptomastix algirica Trjapitzin and three new records: Metaphycus dispar (Mercet), M. maculipennis (Timberlake) and Microterys dichrous (Mercet) for Portugal are giveninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Half Friend, Half Enemy? Comparative Phytophagy between Two Dicyphini Species (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Despite their importance as biological control agents, zoophytophagous dicyphine mirids can produce economically important damage. We evaluated the phytophagy and potential impact on tomato plants of Dicyphus cerastii and Nesidiocoris tenuis. We developed a study in three parts: (i) a semi-field trial to characterize the type of plant damage produced by these species on caged tomato plants; (ii) a laboratory experiment to assess the effect of fruit ripeness, mirid age, and prey availability on feeding injuries on fruit; and (iii) a laboratory assay to compare the position of both species on either fruit or plants, over time. Both species produced plant damage, however, although both species produced scar punctures on leaves and necrotic patches on petioles, only N. tenuis produced necrotic rings. Both species caused flower abortion at a similar level. Overall, N. tenuis females produced more damage to tomato fruit than D. cerastii. There was an increased frequency of D. cerastii females found on the plants over time, which did not happen with N. tenuis. Our results suggested that, although D. cerastii caused less damage to fruit than N. tenuis, it still fed on them and could cause floral abortion, which requires field evaluation and caution in its use in biological control strategiesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The various interfaces of the "brinquedotecas" in high school institutions

Este artigo analisa a importância e as diversas interfaces da brinquedoteca, considerada, por diversos autores, um ambiente excecional, que estimula a vivência do lúdico na vida das crianças. A formação de professores, a qualidade da educação e do ensino exigem cada vez mais o comprometimento com a profissão docente e com as práticas pedagógicas diversas e diferenciadas. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo apresenta uma breve análise sobre a brinquedoteca como um diferencial nas Instituições de Ensino Superior, consolidando-se dessa forma, como um lócus de aprendizado para as acadêmicas do curso de Pedagogia e como uma interlocução com a comunidade. A triangulação entre a observação realizada, a revisão da literatura e os resultados aferidos dão-nos uma mais significativa perspetiva sobre a importância do ato de brincar (aprendendo) no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Em suma, o jogo e regras a ele associadas e, acima de tudo, em geral, o ambiente lúdico gerado a partir de uma intencionalidade pedagógico-científica plural são o pilar desta tipologia e técnica de intervenção / extensão à comunidade em contexto eminentemente escolar e educativo.This article analyzes the importance and the different interfaces of the brinquedoteca, considered, by several authors, an exceptional environment, which stimulates the experience of the playful life of children. The training of teachers, the quality of education and teaching increasingly require commitment to the teaching profession and to diverse and differentiated pedagogical practices. In this sense, the present article presents a brief analysis of the brinquedoteca as a differential in the Institutions of Higher Education, consolidating in this way, as a locus of learning for the academics of the Pedagogy course and as an interlocution with the community. The triangulation between the observation made, the literature review and the results obtained give us a more significant perspective on the importance of playing (learning) in the teaching and learning process. In sum, the matrix of the game and the rules associated with it and, above all, the playful environment created from a pedagogical-scientific intentionality are the pillar of this typology and technique of intervention / extension to the community in context mainly educational and educational.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

PARTHENOLECANIUM CORNI (BOUCHÉ) (HEMIPTERA COCCIDAE) IN VINEYARDS IN PORTUGAL: MORPHOLOGY, SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT, LIFE CYCLE AND REPRODUCTION

Due to the type of damage associated with scale insects of genus Parthenolecanium sp. (Hemiptera Coccidae) on vineyards and the increase of its importance, these pests have been studied in central region of Portugal. We addressed the following objectives: i) identification and morphological characterization of soft scales occur in vineyards and the parasitoids associated; ii) seasonal development and life cycle; iii) reproduction. The examined scale were identified as Parthenolecanium corni (Bouché, 1844), despite the existence of some morphological differences and fertility levels recorded in the two regions studied. Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker, 1839) (Hymenoptera Aphelinidae) and Metaphycus dispar (Mercet, 1925) (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae) parasitize the studied P. corni. Based on laboratory and field bioassays, some aspects of morphology as well the seasonal development, life cycle and reproduction are presented

Teaching Geometry Using an Adapted Narrative: A Case Study with a Visually Impaired Student

Context: Inclusive education for disabled people is an ongoing debate within schools, making it necessary for teachers and institutions to create methodological pathways that ensure an equitable and effective learning process for all pupils, regardless of their limitations. Objectives: To investigate the contributions of a tactile adapted version of the historical narrative “Eratosthenes and the Circumference of the Earth” in the formation of geometry concepts in visually impaired students and the challenges associated with the teaching process, this proposal is based on the application of an adapted didactic structure through Eratosthenes’ historical narrative, focusing on teaching the similarity of triangles and geometry. The study was based on Vygotsky’s cultural-historical theory and Galperin’s theory of the gradual formation of mental actions. Design:  The methods are qualitative in nature via a case-study strategy. Environment and participants: The research was conducted with a class of 46 students, of which one is visually impaired, attending the first grade of high school at a public institution in the countryside of Paraná-Brazil. Data collection and analysis: Data were collected through activities performed in class and an evaluation questionnaire. Data were analysed through content analysis. Results: The results show that the intervention contributed to the assimilation of mathematical concepts by the visually impaired individual and other students, showing changes in the perceptions of key topics within plane geometry, previously demonstrated by the students as partial and non-scientific concepts. Conclusions: We can emphasise the need for research and studies targeting the construction of proposals and materials that enable an equitable and inclusive teaching process for all students

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of chitooligosaccharides upon lymphocytes

Two COS mixtures and a low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) were tested for potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity upon human lymphocytes. Genotoxicity was evaluated in vitro by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus and alkaline comet assays, while cytotoxicity was assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Our results suggest that COS do not exhibit any genotoxicity upon human lymphocytes, independently of MW or concentration. However, above 0.07 mg/mL COS induced strong cytotoxic effects. According to the concentration used, such cytotoxicity will induce cell death, essentially by necrosis (>0.10 mg/mL) and/or apoptosis (<0.10 mg/mL). The level of necrosis/apoptosis induced by high COS concentrations, suggests a promising use as apoptosis inducers in specific cancer situations.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Caracterização química e avaliação da actividade biológica da framboesa (Rubus Idaeus L.) : Contribuição para o desenvolvimento de uma alegação de saúde

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity