Antioxidant Migration Studies in Chitosan Films Incorporated with Plant Extracts

The aim of this work was to develop an active biopolymer based on chitosan by incorporating natural antioxidants.Five essential oils(ginger,rosemary,sage,tea tree and thyme)and six hydro-alcoholic extracts(from ginger,green and black tea,kenaf leaves,rosemary and sage plants)were tested.Migration assays were carried out to evaluate the films’activity,and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were monitored in the simulant during storage.Interaction between natural compounds and polymeric matrix was evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy.The diffusion of the phenolic compounds was not detected in the films incorporated with hydro-alcoholic extracts(HAEs),indicating their entrapment in the chitosan.Migration was observed in the films with essential oils(EOs),and biobased films incorporated with ginger,sage or rosemary essential oils,presented the highest diffusion and antioxidant activity in the simulant,highlighting their functionality and potential to be used as food active packaging material.

Evolution of forest cover in Portugal: A review of the 12th–20th centuries

Portugal＇s forests in the 12th century were dominated by the Fagaceae represented by Quercus and Castanea, and several pine species From the 12th century onwards, forests underwent changes in their management starting with protection and ultimately leading to intense exploitation. The massive naval construction during the maritime expansion （mainly in the 15th-16th centuries） involved felling of approximately 5 million trees mainly Quercus suber, Pinus pinea and other Quercus species. Cumulative fuel-wood consumption of 959 Mm3 during 1300-1854 was attributed to demographic expansion while the deforestation rate during 1636-1854 accounted for a minimum of 72.6% and a maximum of 96% of total forest cover. The volume of timber used in railway sleepers from 1856 onwards might have reached 0.5 Mm3. The last quarter of the 20th century increased the forest cover of Portugal through the World Bank program of Eucalyptus globulus reforestation.

Recycling process and proto-kimberlite melt metasomatism in the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath the Amazonian Craton recorded by garnet xenocrysts and mantle xenoliths from the Carolina kimberlite

Here we present new data on the major and trace element compositions of silicate and oxide minerals from mantle xenoliths brought to the surface by the Carolina kimberlite,Pimenta Bueno Kimberlitic Field,which is located on the southwestern border of the Amazonian Craton.We also present Sr-Nd isotopic data of garnet xenocrysts and whole-rocks from the Carolina kimberlite.Mantle xenoliths are mainly clinopyroxenites and garnetites.Some of the clinopyroxenites were classified as GPP–PP–PKP(garnet-phlogopite peridotite,phlogopite-peridotite,phlogopite-K-richterite peridotite)suites,and two clinopyroxenites(eclogites)and two garnetites are relicts of an ancient subducted slab.Temperature and pressure estimates yield 855–1102℃ and 3.6–7.0 GPa,respectively.Clinopyroxenes are enriched in light rare earth elements(LREE)(La_(N)/Yb_(N)=5–62;Ce_(N)/Sm_(N)=1–3;where N=primitive mantle normalized values),they have high Ca/Al ratios(10–410),low to medium Ti/Eu ratios(742–2840),and low Zr/Hf ratios(13–26),which suggest they were formed by metasomatic reactions with CO_(2)-rich silicate melts.Phlogopite with high TiO_(2)(>2.0 wt.%),Al_(2)O_(3)(>12.0 wt.%),and FeOt(5.0–13.0 wt.%)resemble those found in the groundmass of kimberlites,lamproites and lamprophyres.Conversely,phlogopite with low TiO_(2)(<1.0 wt.%)and lower Al_(2)O_(3)(<12.0 wt.%)are similar to those present in GPP-PP-PKP,and in MARID(mica-amphibole-rutile-ilmenite-diopside)and PIC(phlogopite-ilmenite-clinopyorxene)xenoliths.The GPP-PP-PKP suite of xenoliths,together with the clinopyroxene and phlogopite major and trace element signatures suggests that an intense proto-kimberlite melt metasomatism occurred in the deep cratonic lithosphere beneath the Amazonian Craton.The Sr-Nd isotopic ratios of pyrope xenocrysts(G3,G9 and G11)from the Carolina kimberlite are characterized by high ^(143)Nd/^(144)Nd(0.51287–0.51371)and eNd(+4.55 to+20.85)accompanied with enriched ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr(0.70405–0.71098).These results suggest interaction with a proto-kimberlite melt compositionally similar with worldwide kimberlites.Based on Sr-Nd whole-rock compositions,the Carolina kimberlite has affinity with Group 1 kimberlites.The Sm-Nd isochron age calculated with selected eclogitic garnets yielded an age of 291.9±5.4 Ma(2σ),which represents the cooling age after the proto-kimberlite melt metasomatism.Therefore,we propose that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Amazonian Craton records the Paleozoic subduction with the attachment of an eclogitic slab into the cratonic mantle(garnetites and eclogites);with a later metasomatic event caused by proto-kimberlite melts shortly before the Carolina kimberlite erupted.

Big Data Analysis in Smart Manufacturing: A Review

The technological evolution emerges a unified (Industrial) Internet of Things network, where loosely coupled smart manufacturing devices build smart manufacturing systems and enable comprehensive collaboration possibilities that increase the dynamic and volatility of their ecosystems. On the one hand, this evolution generates a huge field for exploitation, but on the other hand also increases complexity including new challenges and requirements demanding for new approaches in several issues. One challenge is the analysis of such systems that generate huge amounts of (continuously generated) data, potentially containing valuable information useful for several use cases, such as knowledge generation, key performance indicator (KPI) optimization, diagnosis, predication, feedback to design or decision support. This work presents a review of Big Data analysis in smart manufacturing systems. It includes the status quo in research, innovation and development, next challenges, and a comprehensive list of potential use cases and exploitation possibilities.

Evaluation of the Implementation of a Low Emission Zone in Lisbon

The city of Lisbon, like many others in the EU region, introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) as a tool for improving air quality in its city centre. This kind of emission reduction schemes is always controversial since it might lead to significant changes in the daily behaviours of its inhabitants. In order to evaluate the effects of the measure, an estimation of the impact of the introduction of the Lisbon LEZ was performed. Real traffic counting and fleet characterization combined with CORINAR-based emission inventory methodology allowed to estimate the impacts of three different scenarios applied to the “business as usual” condition (current vehicle fleet) ranging from “no circulation from non- compliant vehicles” to an “aggressive fleet renewal”. Results highlight the high percentage of atmospheric emissions of PM10 and NOx that might result from certain fleets like taxis and buses, especially because there was an emphasis in standardized/normalized estimations (emissions per 1000 vehicles) in order to allow different strategic approaches. The total reduction of PM10 emissions associated to each scenario vary between 6 ton.year-1 (scenario 2) and 8 ton.year-1 (scenario 1), or 25% and 34% less emissions. In terms of NOxemission reductions vary between 6 ton.year-1 (scenario 2) and 57 ton.year-1 (scenario 1), or 1% and 7% less emissions. The Lisbon LEZ is therefore much more efficient in reducing PM10 emissions compared to NOx. Major reduction in PM10 and NOx emissions are to be expected with a moderate intervention in the (relatively old) taxi fleet in Lisbon while for passenger cars the impact is limited. However in absolute terms and due to its urban mileage passenger cars should also continue being included in Lisbon LEZ. Simultaneously, an effort in the increase of dedicated lanes for public transport should be made, for further reductions in PM10 and NOx emissions.

Over-Production of P60 Family Proteins, Glycolytic and Stress Response Proteins Characterizes the Autolytic Profile of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen capable of surviving under challenging conditions both outside and inside the host. During the transition from exponential to stationary phase it experiences a series of environmental changes that require an appropriate response to maintain cell viability. In this study the autolytic behaviour of a L. monocytogenes strain was investigated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The study was done at the permissive autolysis temperature, 30℃ and at 20℃, an autolysis non-permissive temperature. An autolytic strain proteome was also compared to a non-autolytic strain at the permissive autolysis temperature. The autolytic strain proteome at 30℃ in comparison to 20℃ evidenced increased synthesis of the P60 autolysin, glycolytic enzymes and proteins related with environmental stress responses. The over-production of P45 autolysin, was observed when the autolytic strain proteome was compared with the non-autolytic strain. The proteomes at the non-permissive temperature and the proteome of the non-autolytic strain were characterized by a diminished synthesis of several stress related proteins. The lack of autolysis seems to be associated to the over-production of proteins linked to fatty acid and amino acid synthesis, transcription regulation and cell morphogenesis as evidenced by the proteome at the non-permissive temperature and the non-autolytic strain. Autolysis proteome evidenced the over-production of P60 autolysins, glycolysis and stress proteins whereas the proteome obtained in conditions of absence of autolysis reveal a completely different group of proteins. Possible targets to activate listerial autolysis were identified.

IoT Testbed Business Model

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) is today one of the hypes in the technological world but despite the enormous attention and research investment, the clear business value is still hard to perceive. IoT deployments are costly to be installed, managed and maintained, and need to provide a very clear value to justify the investments. For another viewpoint, IoT technologies need to be proven before deployment, which implies the need to test and assess IoT solutions in real settings and involve the actual target users. And as such, this presents an opportunity to have IoT deployments with a clear business model mainly focused on real-life large-scale research and technological experimentation. This would mean having a sustainable IoT infrastructure in-place based on the provision of experimentation services and a trial environment to industry and research, which then could also present an opportunity to establish added-value (business) services. This is the exact idea of the flagship SmartSantander testbed facility and especially its major deployment in the city of Santander, Spain. The SmartSantander facility business model is built around experimentally-driven research and technology development thus attracting many experimenters from industry and European research projects. This model makes it possible to sustain an outstanding large-scale IoT deployment of around 12,000 sensors and on top of it the development of new the development of new services and applications especially targeting the needs of users (citizens, businesses, authorities) in smart-cities. This paper studies the business model of outstanding SmartSantander facility in order to provide a generic Business Model for IoT testbeds that can provide guidance and be adapted by owners (or owners to-be) wishing to exploit their IoT deployments as facilities supporting experimentation and trials of IoT solutions.

Logistic Regression Modelling for Complex Survey Data with an Application for Bed Net Use in Mozambique

Logistic Regression Models have been widely used in many areas of research, namely in health sciences, to study risk factors associated to diseases. Many population based surveys, such as Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), are constructed assuming complex sampling, i.e., probabilistic, stratified and multistage sampling, with unequal weights in the observations;this complex design must be taken into account in order to have reliable results. However, this very relevant issue usually is not well analyzed in the literature. The aim of the study is to specify the logistic regression model with complex sample design, and to demonstrate how to estimate it using the R software survey package. More specifically, we used Mozambique Demographic Health and Survey data 2011 (MDHS 2011) to illustrate how to correct for the effect of sample design in the particular case of estimating the risk factors associated to the probability of using mosquito bed nets. Our results show that in the presence of complex sampling, appropriate methods must be used both in descriptive and inferential statistics.

Carbon-13 Solid State NMR Techniques to Evaluate the Morphology of PP/TiO2 Composites

Solid state NMR was successfully used to determine the proton spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1ρH) for systems based on polypropylene (PP) and PP with titanium dioxide (TiO2) organically modified or unmodified incorporated, in order to understand the molecular behavior of these systems. These techniques were employed in the samples organically modified and unmodified TiO2 to investigate the effect of organic modification on the dispersion and distribution of the particles in the PP matrix. The results were analyzed in terms of the effect of the particles organic modified or not according to the intermolecular interaction in the composites. According to the T1ρH values, all composites showed at least two domains: the short values were related to the rigid part, which included the crystalline and amorphous phase constricted in it, while the longer times were attributed to the amorphous region, which had higher molecular mobility compared to the rigid region of the materials. The increase in the relaxation time parameter in the composites compared to the pure PP was associated to the strong interaction between titanium dioxide particles and the polymer chains. This effect was more pronounced for the systems containing organically modified TiO2. According to the results, it could be inferred that intermolecular interaction occurred in the CH2 and CH groups, being more intense with CH2 groups. Finally, the solid state NMR techniques were able to evaluate the molecular dynamics of those systems.

Botryosphaeria, Neofusicoccum, Neoscytalidium and Pseudofusicoccum species associated with mango in Brazil

Members of the Botryosphaeriaceae are well known fungi associated with dieback,canker and fruit rot on various hosts worldwide,including mango.The aim of this study was identify a large collection of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with dieback and stem-end rot of mango in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil,and compare the species in relation to mycelial growth,pathogenicity and virulence.A total of 115 isolates were sampled and based on morphology and DNA sequence data(ITS and EF1-α)seven taxa were identified,namely,Botryosphaeria dothidea,B.mamane,Fusicoccum fabicercianum,Neofusicoccum parvum,N.brasiliense sp.nov,Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum.B.dothidea and P.stromaticum were the most commonly isolated species,which represented 37%and 33%of all isolates respectively.B.mamane is reported for the first time in association with mango diseases worldwide.There were significant differences among the species obtained in this study in relation to optimum temperature for mycelial growth and mycelial growth rates.All species were pathogenic on mango fruit.There were significant differences in virulence among the species,with Ne.dimidiatum and N.parvum being the most virulent species,while P.stromaticum was the least virulent.

Species of Lasiodiplodia associated with mango in Brazil

Mango(Mangifera indica)is a major tropical fruit species cultivated in Brazil.The objective of this study was to identify species of Lasiodiplodia associated with dieback and stem-end rot of mango in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil,and compare the species in relation to mycelial growth,pathogenicity and virulence.A total of 120 isolates of Lasiodiplodia were used and identifications were made using a combination of morphology and phylogenetic analysis based on partial translation elongation factor 1-αsequence(EF1-α)and internal transcribed spacers(ITS).The following species were identified:Lasiodiplodia crassispora,L.egyptiacae,L.hormozganensis,L.iraniensis,L.pseudotheobromae,L.theobromae and Lasiodiplodia sp..Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most frequently isolated species,which represented 41%of all the isolates.Only this species had been previously reported on mango in Brazil,while the other species represent the first report associated with mango tree diseases in this country.Lasiodiplodia crassispora is reported for the first time associated with mango diseases worldwide.There were significant differences in mycelial growth rates among the Lasiodiplodia species and also in the optimum temperature for growth.All species of Lasiodiplodia were pathogenic on mango fruit.There were significant differences in virulence among the species,wherein L.hormozganensis and Lasiodiplodia sp.were the most virulent,while the least virulent were L.iraniensis,L.pseudotheobromae,L.crassispora and L.egyptiacae.

Diversity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with grapevine and other woody hosts in Italy,Algeria and Tunisia,with descriptions of Lasiodiplodia exigua and Lasiodiplodia mediterranea sp.nov

The diversity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with“Botryosphaeria dieback”of grapevine was investigated in 18 vineyards in Sardinia,Italy.Lasiodiplodia isolates obtained from different woody hosts including holm oak,sweet orange and broom bush in Italy,Algeria and Tunisia were also characterized.Morphological and cultural characteristics as well as ITS and EF1-αsequence data were used to identify the fungal isolates.Forty-eight botryosphaeriaceous isolates were obtained from 113 symptomatic grapevine samples,from which ten species were identified.Diplodia seriata was the dominant species(25%of isolates),followed by Neofusicoccum parvum(21.7%).Two species,Diplodia olivarum and D.africana are reported for the first time on grapevine.In addition,two new species namely Lasiodiplodia mediterranea sp.nov.from grapevine,holm oak and sweet orange and Lasiodiplodia exigua sp.nov.from broom bush are described.In artificial inoculation experiments conducted on excised green grapevine shoots and lignified canes as well as holm oak seedlings,L.mediterranea was shown to be an aggressive pathogen.

Ultrashort pulse capability at the L2I high intensity laser facility

The Laboratory for Intense Lasers(L2I) is a research centre in optics and lasers dedicated to experimental research in high intensity laser science and technology and laser plasma interaction. Currently the laboratory is undergoing an upgrade with the goal of increasing the versatility of the laser systems available to the users, as well as increasing the pulse repetition rate. In this paper we review the current status of the laser research and development programme of this facility, namely the upgraded capability and the recent progress towards the installation of an ultrashort, diode-pumped OPCPA laser system.

Seaweeds’nutraceutical and biomedical potential in cancer therapy:a concise review

Seaweeds have been a food source since ancient times(600 BC)and are still widely used in Asia,mainly in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese folk medicine.Nowadays,seaweed compounds and extracts have been gaining interest from the biomedical and pharmaceutical market sectors.Seaweeds have been referenced as feasible solutions in finding new potential compounds and therapies in prevention,control,and reduction of cancer development due to the multirole of some bioactive components(e.g,phenolic compounds and sulphated polysaccharides).Moreover,seaweeds are rich in important health-promoting molecules[such as poly and highly unsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs and HUFAs),essential amino acids,vitamins,and dietary fibers]and minerals(calcium,iron,iodine,magnesium,phosphorus,potassium,zinc,copper,manganese,selenium,and fluoride).In this review,the potential therapeutic effects of seaweed in the prevention and treatment of cancer are approached,as well as nutraceutical properties of seaweed to promote cell homeostasis.

Liquid biopsies in myeloid malignancies

Hematologic malignancies are the most common type of cancer affecting children and young adults,and encompass diseases,such as leukemia,lymphoma,and myeloma,all of which impact blood associated tissues such as the bone marrow,lymphatic system,and blood cells.Clinical diagnostics of these malignancies relies heavily on the use of bone marrow samples,which is painful,debilitating,and not free from risks for leukemia patients.Liquid biopsies are based on minimally invasive assessment of markers in the blood(and other fluids)and have the potential to improve the efficacy of diagnostic/therapeutic strategies in leukemia patients,providing a useful tool for the real time molecular profiling of patients.The most promising noninvasive biomarkers are circulating tumor cells,circulating tumor DNA,microRNAs,and exosomes.Herein,we discuss the role of assessing these circulating biomarkers for the understanding of tumor progression and metastasis,tumor progression dynamics through treatment and for follow-up.

Sustainable geotourism using digital technologies along a rural georoute in Monsagro(Salamanca,Spain)

Rural geotourism looks at the natural resources of the territory as a means of promoting a specialized,educational,sustainable tourism.This is an increasingly sought-after activity.This paper presents a rural georoute across a high mountain village,highlighting the remarkable value of the geological heritage of biological trace fossils and physical sedimentary structures exposed on street pavements and façades of houses.A series of tourist georesources were created and implemented:educational and interpretive panels,videos,QR codes,geoapps and games,all of which promote and disseminate the exceptional geological content and the history of the earth through the use of new technologies(smartphones,ipod,etc.).All this is intended as a means to make geotourism a natural tourism,favoring experiences,whilst explaining the natural environment and its temporal and spatial dimensions,offering opportunities for socio-economic development and job creation in rural areas with problems of depopulation.

Phylogenetic relationships and morphological reappraisal of Melanommataceae(Pleosporales)

The family Melanommataceae is widespread in temperate and subtropical regions and species invariably occur on twigs or bark of various woody plants in terrestrial,marine or freshwater habitats.In this paper,the type species of 26 genera of the family are re-described and illustrated.A multi-gene phylogeny based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of LSU,SSU,RPB2 and EF-1αsequence data of species of Melanommataceae is provided.The new genera,Muriformistrickeria,Pseudostrickeria and Thysanolaenae are introduced.Anomalemma is synonymized under Exosporiella.Acrocordiopsis,Astrosphaeriella,Beverwykella,Caryosporella,Sporidesmiella and Pseudotrichia are excluded from Melanommataceae based on molecular phylogenetic analyses.Presently,20 genera are accepted in Melanommataceae.Based on the phylogenetic data,five new species,Byssosphaeria siamensis,Herpotrichia vaginatispora,Pseudostrickeria muriformis,Pseudostrickeria ononidis and Muriformistrickeria rubi,are introduced.

Families of Dothideomycetes

Dothideomycetes comprise a highly diverse range of fungi characterized mainly by asci with two wall layers(bitunicate asci)and often with fissitunicate dehiscence.Many species are saprobes,with many asexual states comprising important plant pathogens.They are also endophytes,epiphytes,fungicolous,lichenized,or lichenicolous fungi.They occur in terrestrial,freshwater and marine habitats in almost every part of the world.We accept 105 families in Dothideomycetes with the new families Anteagloniaceae,Bambusicolaceae,Biatriosporaceae,Lichenoconiaceae,Muyocopronaceae,Paranectriellaceae,Roussoellaceae,Salsugineaceae,Seynesiopeltidaceae and Thyridariaceae introduced in this paper.Each family is provided with a description and notes,including asexual and asexual states,and if more than one genus is included,the type genus is also characterized.Each family is provided with at least one figure-plate,usually illustrating the type genus,a list of accepted genera,including asexual genera,and a key to these genera.A phylogenetic tree based on four gene combined analysis add support for 64 of the families and 22 orders,including the novel orders,Dyfrolomycetales,Lichenoconiales,Lichenotheliales,Monoblastiales,Natipusillales,Phaeotrichales and Strigulales.The paper is expected to provide a working document on Dothideomycetes which can be modified as new data comes to light.It is hoped that by illustrating types we provide stimulation and interest so that more work is carried out in this remarkable group of fungi.

The Faces of Fungi database:fungal names linked with morphology,phylogeny and human impacts

Taxonomic names are key links between various databases that store information on different organisms.Several global fungal nomenclural and taxonomic databases(notably Index Fungorum,Species Fungorum and MycoBank)can be sourced to find taxonomic details about fungi,while DNA sequence data can be sourced from NCBI,EBI and UNITE databases.Although the sequence data may be linked to a name,the quality of the metadata is variable and generally there is no corresponding link to images,descriptions or herbarium material.There is generally no way to establish the accuracy of the names in these genomic databases,other than whether the submission is from a reputable source.To tackle this problem,a new database(FacesofFungi),accessible at www.facesoffungi.org(FoF)has been established.This fungal database allows deposition of taxonomic data,phenotypic details and other useful data,which will enhance our current taxonomic understanding and ultimately enable mycologists to gain better and updated insights into the current fungal classification system.In addition,the database will also allow access to comprehensive metadata including descriptions of voucher and type specimens.This database is user-friendly,providing links and easy access between taxonomic ranks,with the classification system based primarily on molecular data(from the literature and via updated web-based phylogenetic trees),and to a lesser extent on morphological data when molecular data are unavailable.In FoF species are not only linked to the closest phylogenetic representatives,but also relevant data is provided,wherever available,on various applied aspects,such as ecological,industrial,quarantine and chemical uses.The data include the three main fungal groups(Ascomycota,Basidiomycota,Basal fungi)and fungus-like organisms.The FoF webpage is an output funded by the Mushroom Research Foundation which is an NGO with seven directors with mycological expertise.The webpage has 76 curators,and with the help of these specialists,FoF will provide an updated natural classification of the fungi,with illustrated accounts of species linked to molecular data.The present paper introduces the FoF database to the scientific community and briefly reviews some of the problems associated with classification and identification of the main fungal groups.The structure and use of the database is then explained.We would like to invite all mycologists to contribute to these web pages.

Naming and outline of Dothideomycetes-2014 including proposals for the protection or suppression of generic names

Article 59.1,of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae,Fungi,and Plants(ICN;Melbourne Code),which addresses the nomenclature of pleomorphic fungi,became effective from 30 July 2011.Since that date,each fungal species can have one nomenclaturally correct name in a particular classification.All other previously used names for this species will be considered as synonyms.The older generic epithet takes priority over the younger name.Any widely used younger names proposed for use,must comply with Art.57.2 and their usage should be approved by the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi(NCF).In this paper,we list all genera currently accepted by us in Dothideomycetes(belonging to 23 orders and 110 families),including pleomorphic and nonpleomorphic genera.In the case of pleomorphic genera,we follow the rulings of the current ICN and propose single generic names for future usage.The taxonomic placements of 1261 genera are listed as an outline.Protected names and suppressed names for 34 pleomorphic genera are listed separately.Notes and justifications are provided for possible proposed names after the list of genera.Notes are also provided on recent advances in our understanding of asexual and sexual morph linkages in Dothideomycetes.A phylogenetic tree based on four gene analyses supported 23 orders and 75 families,while 35 families still lack molecular data.