Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2015-09"
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- How is the morphology of the oviducal gland and of the resulting egg capsule associated with the egg laying habitats of Rajidae species?Publication . Maia, Catarina; Serra-Pereira, Bárbara; Erzini, Karim; Figueiredo, IvoneEgg capsules of Rajidae species vary in size, shape and adornments. These differences can be used as a taxonomic tool to differentiate species. Furthermore, since egg capsule external morphology is adapted to the environment where they are laid, it can be used make inferences on egg-laying grounds. In the present study, oviducal glands and egg capsules of seven species of skates (Leucoraja naevus, Raja brachyura, Raja montagui, Raja microocellata, Raja miraletus, Raja clavata and Raja undulata) are described and compared, and a taxonomic key developed. The resulting taxonomic key constitute a useful tool to identify skate species inhabiting Portuguese continental waters and, therefore, to improve our knowledge of egg laying habitatsproviding useful information for conservation and management.
- Human case of West Nile neuroinvasive disease in Portugal, summer 2015Publication . Zé-Zé, L.; Proença, P.; Osório, H. C.; Gomes, S.; Luz, T.; Parreira, P.; Fevereiro, M.; Alves, M. J.A case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection was reported in the Algarve region, Portugal, in the first week of September 2015. WNV is known to circulate in Portugal, with occasional reports in horses and birds (2004 to 2011) and very sporadically human cases (in 2004 and in 2010). Here we present the clinical and laboratory aspects related to the first human case of West Nile neuroinvasive disease reported in Portugal.
- Landscape metrics as indicators of coastal morphology and its use in ecological niche modelling of seagrass speciesPublication . Chefaoui, Rosa M.; Assis, J.; Duarte, Carlos M.; Serrão, EsterDependence of some species on landscape structure has been proved in numerous studies. So far, however, little progress has been made in the integration of landscape metrics in the prediction of species associated with coastal features. Specific landscape metrics were tested as predictors of coastal shape using three coastal features of the Iberian Peninsula (beaches, capes and gulfs) at different scales. We used the landscape metrics in combination with environmental variables to model the niche and find suitable habitats for a seagrass species (Cymodocea nodosa) throughout its entire range of distribution. Landscape metrics able to capture variation in the coastline enhanced significantly the accuracy of the models, despite the limitations caused by the scale of the study. We provided the first global model of the factors that can be shaping the environmental niche and distribution of C. nodosa throughout its range. Sea surface temperature and salinity were the most relevant variables. We identified areas that seem unsuitable for C. nodosa as well as those suitable habitats not occupied by the species. We also present some preliminary results of testing historical biogeographical hypotheses derived from distribution predictions under Last Glacial Maximum conditions and genetic diversity data.
- Behavior of pyrene as a polarity probe in palmitoylsphingomyelin and palmitoylsphingomyelin/cholesterol bilayers: A molecular dynamics simulation studyPublication . do Canto, António M. T. M.; Santos, Patrícia D.; Martins, Jorge; Loura, Luís M. S.Pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon noted for its remarkable optical spectroscopic properties. Among its uses as a fluorescent probe, measurement of lipid bilayer's equivalent polarity through the pyrene Ham effect stands out. To this effect, the ratio of the intensities of the first and third vibronic bands (I-1/I-3) in its emission spectrum of pyrene is measured. However, issues concerning the precise location of bilayer-inserted pyrene and the possibility of probe-induced perturbation of host bilayer properties are potential sources of concern in this regard. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations constitute a useful method for the characterization of lipid membrane systems, and, in particular, to understand the behavior of fluorescence probes upon incorporation in lipid bilayers. In this report, we present a detailed characterization of the behavior of pyrene in fluid N-palmitoylsphingomyelin (PSM) and PSM/cholesterol membranes, with emphasis on the degree of proximity between the probe and water molecules inside bilayers, related to the use of pyrene to measure equivalent lipid bilayer polarity. It is concluded that pyrene exerts minor effects on bilayer properties, with slight local disordering being apparent for high cholesterol content. Whereas rotation and lateral diffusion of pyrene are greatly slowed in cholesterol rich systems, its relative transverse location is not significantly affected. While hydration of PSM bilayers, as sensed by pyrene, is already low compared to that of fluid phosphatidylcholine, it becomes even smaller for high cholesterol mole fraction at the studied temperature. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- El horizonte matemático en el conocimiento para la enseñanza del profesor: geometría y medida en educación primariaPublication . de Gamboa, Genaro; Badillo, Edelmira; Ribeiro, MiguelPromoting the elaboration of students' mathematical knowledge and understanding requires teachers' having a knowledge allowing connecting students' prior and future knowledge. In this paper we focus on aspects of the mathematical horizon as one of teachers' knowledge dimensions, presenting an interpretation of such knowledge, with a practice-based approach, grounded in the analysis of three levels of teachers' practices. Using examples from tasks in geometry and measurement in elementary school practices, some indicators are presented and discussed with the aim of describing and analyzing how teachers' horizon knowledge allows enriching teaching practices.
- The pedagogy of encounter: how do zoo interpreters account for their facilitation of interspecies encounters between visitors and captive animals?Publication . Komesch, C.; Reis, G.; Monteiro, RuteZoo interpreters have an important role to play in enhancing the educational potential of an informal learning setting. Nonetheless, little is known about what motivates individuals to pursue a profession in zoo interpretation, or how these individuals account for their educational methods. Our study was designed to gain insight into zoo interpreters’ self-reported methods and motivations for facilitating human-animal encounters as part of their daily work routine. Semi-formal interviews were conducted with full-time interpreters at a private zoo in Ottawa, and the transcribed data was coded for emergent themes. Overall, respondents consistently accounted for their facilitation methods by referencing potential benefits to wild animals, to the human visitors, and to the interpreters themselves. This study will contribute to the scholarly body of research that analyzes interspecies interactions for the purpose of providing enhanced environmental and scientific educational opportunities for all, specially children.
- As ideias das crianças sobre os tubarões e atividades em contexto de jardim de infânciaPublication . Monteiro, Rute; Pereira, RuteO presente estudo foi desenvolvido num Jardim de Infância pertencente ao concelho de Olhão, com um grupo de crianças com idades compreendidas entre os 5 e os 6 anos. Este teve como motivação base abordar uma temática de sensibilização às ciências em Jardim de Infância, procurando responder a duas questões principais: Quais as ideias das crianças acerca dos tubarões? De que forma estas ideias evoluem na construção do conhecimento pessoal e sensibilização face aos tubarões? Desta forma, o estudo tem como principais objetivos: (i) identificar as ideias das crianças e do conhecimento de senso comum sobre os tubarões, através do desenho e (ii) sensibilizar as crianças para a conservação, preservação, respeito, valorização e proteção do ambiente, particularmente do tubarão, com recurso a um conjunto de atividades, com especial enfase, o teatro de dedoches/fantoches. Para tal, recorremos a uma metodologia de cariz qualitativo de recolha de informação e a um conjunto de atividades de intervenção implementadas em Jardim de Infância. Em suma, este estudo permitiu-nos refletir sobre uma prática educativa que valoriza e se centra no estudo das ideias das crianças contribuindo para a reconstrução dos seus próprios conhecimentos.
- The hidden world within plants: ecological and evolutionary considerations for defining functioning of microbial endophytesPublication . Hardoim, P.R.; van Overbeek, Leonard S.; Berg, Gabriele; Pirttila, Anna Maria; Compant, Stephane; Campisano, Andrea; Doering, Matthias; Sessitsch, AngelaAll plants are inhabited internally by diverse microbial communities comprising bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protistic taxa. These microorganisms showing endophytic lifestyles play crucial roles in plant development, growth, fitness, and diversification. The increasing awareness of and information on endophytes provide insight into the complexity of the plant microbiome. The nature of plant-endophyte interactions ranges from mutualism to pathogenicity. This depends on a set of abiotic and biotic factors, including the genotypes of plants and microbes, environmental conditions, and the dynamic network of interactions within the plant biome. In this review, we address the concept of endophytism, considering the latest insights into evolution, plant ecosystem functioning, and multipartite interactions.
- The Holocene history of the Guadiana estuary as told by diatoms and chrysophyte cystsPublication . Gomes, A.I.; Boski, T.; Moura, Delminda; Szkornik, Katie; Connor, Simon; Witkowski, AndrzejIn order to tell the history of the Guadiana Estuary since the Last Glacial Maximum, a core collected therein, and spanning more than 13200 cal. years B.P., was studied regarding its diatom and chrysophyte cyst fossil records. Additionally, a diatom-based transfer function was used to reconstruct paleo-salinity and paleo-duration of tidal inundation to better understand the estuary’s evolution in relation to sea-level rise and climate changes. This study identifies some important climatic events, such as the Allerød climatic optimum, the Younger Dryas and three dry and cold events at 10600, 9100 and 7600 cal. years B.P., most of which were not identified by other proxies. Moreover, it also revealed that, prior to 13200 cal. years B.P., there was a mudflat environment in the place where the core was collected, consistent with an estuary slightly confined in the narrow valley under marine/tidal influence. Afterwards, this environment evolved into a salt marsh. The strongest marine influence was inferred to the period between 10000 and 7000 cal. years B.P., embracing a phase of rapid sea-level rise, non compensated by sedimentation, that favored the development of a mudflat. From this period onwards, diatom assemblages seem to indicate an evolution to a more enclosed environment, probably similar to the actual configuration of the area.
- Can we use niche models of indicator species to predict the distribution of endangered communities?Publication . Chefaoui, Rosa M.; Chozas, Sergio; Correia, Otilia; Santos, Ana M. C.; Hortal, JoaquínEuropean-wide conservation policies are based on the identification of priority habitats. However, research on conservation biogeography often relies on the results and projections of species distribution models to assess species' vulnerability to global change. We assess whether the distribution and structure of threatened communities can be predicted by the suitability of the environmental conditions for their indicator species. We present some preliminary results elucidating if using species distribution models of indicator species at a regional scale is a valid approach to predict these endangered communities. Dune plant assemblages, affected by severe conditions, are excellent models for studying possible interactions among their integrating species and the environment. We use data from an extensive survey of xerophytic inland sand dune scrub communities from Portugal, one of the most threatened habitat types of Europe. We identify indicator shrub species of different types of communities, model their geographical response to the environment, and evaluate whether the output of these niche models are able to predict the distribution of each type of community in a different region.