Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-12"
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- TRIDENT – Technology based impact assessment tool foR sustaInable, transparent Deep sEa miNing exploraTion and exploitation: A project overviewPublication . Silva, E.; Viegas, D.; Martins, A.; Almeida, J.; Almeida, C.; Neves, B.; Madureira, P.; Wheeler, A. J.; Salavasidis, G.; Phillips, A.; Schaap, A.; Murton, B.; Berry, A.; Weir, A.; Dooly, G.; Omerdic, E.; Toal, D.; Collins, P. C.; Miranda, M.; Petrioli, C.; Barrera Rodríguez, C.; Demoor, D.; Drouet, C.; Serafy, G. El; Jesus, Sergio; Dañobeitia, J.; Tegas, V.; Cusi, S.; Lopes, L.; Bodo, B.; Beguery, L.; VanDam, S.; Dumortier, J.; Neves, L.; Srivastava, V.; Dahlgren, T. G.; Thomassen Hestetun, J.; Eiras, R.; Caldeira, R.; Rossi, C.; Spearman, J.; Somoza, L.; González, F. J.; Bartolomé, R.; Bahurel, P.By creating a dependable, transparent, and cost-effective system for forecasting and ongoing environmental impact monitoring of exploration and exploitation activities in the deep sea, TRIDENT seeks to contribute to the sustainable exploitation of seabed mineral resources. In order to operate autonomously in remote locations under harsh conditions and send real-time data to authorities in charge of granting licenses and providing oversight, this system will create and integrate new technology and innovative solutions. The efficient monitoring and inspection system that will be created will abide by national and international legal frameworks. At the sea surface, mid-water, and the bottom, TRIDENT will identify all pertinent physical, chemical, geological, and biological characteristics that must be monitored. It will also look for data gaps and suggest procedures for addressing them. These are crucial actions to take in order to produce accurate indicators of excellent environmental status, statistically robust environmental baselines, and thresholds for significant impact, allowing for the standardization of methods and tools. In order to monitor environmental parameters on mining and reference areas at representative spatial and temporal scales, the project consortium will thereafter develop and test an integrated system of stationary and mobile observatory platforms outfitted with the most recent automatic sensors and samplers. The system will incorporate high-capacity data processing pipelines able to gather, transmit, process, and display monitoring data in close to real-time to facilitate prompt actions for preventing major harm to the environment. Last but not least, it will offer systemic and technological solutions for predicting probable impacts of applying the developed monitoring and mitigation techniques.
- Hunter-gatherer genetic persistence at the onset of megalithism in western Iberia: New mitochondrial evidence from Mesolithic and Neolithic necropolises in central-southern PortugalPublication . Carvalho, AF; Fernández-Domínguez, Eva; Arroyo-Pardo, Eduardo; Robinson, Catherine; Luis Cardoso, João; Zilhão, João; Gomes, Mário VarelaDespite its strategic importance at the furthermost edge of the Neolithic expansion in Europe, archaeogenetic data from Mesolithic and Neolithic human remains from Portugal are still very limited. Here we present ancient mtDNA evidence (mostly unpublished) to fill the gap and discuss the pattern of "genetic resurgence" of huntergatherer (Mesolithic) ancestry, widely reported elsewhere in Europe, among the first megalith builders (Middle Neolithic) of western Iberia.A total of 11 Mesolithic and Neolithic necropolises located in the central and southern regions of Portugal dated to ca. 6200-3000 BC were studied. These sites comprise all Mesolithic-Neolithic cultural stages and include several funerary architectures and spaces. Reproducible mtDNA HVRI haplotypes were obtained from 23 individuals from six different archaeological sites spread across a >3000-year transect, from the Late Mesolithic to the Late Neolithic.Our results support a three-stage explanatory demographic and populational model: i) local hunter-gatherer populations constituted a highly homogeneous genetic pool; ii) the first farming practices were introduced by human groups carrying new, extraneous haplogroups and exhibiting the signature of admixture events occurring at the time of first contact with local hunter-gatherers; iii) the genetic pattern detected among the megalithbuilding populations, showing hunter-gatherer along with farming ancestry, may be explained by the segmentary principles, and attendant endogamic practices, that structured Neolithic societies.
- Identifying imprints of externally derived dust and halogens in the sedimentary record of an Iberian alpine lake for the past ∼13,500 years – Lake Peixão, Serra da Estrela (Central Portugal)Publication . Moreno, J.; Ramos, A. M.; Raposeiro, P. M.; Santos, R. N.; Rodrigues, T.; Naughton, F.; Moreno, F.; Trigo, R. M.; Ibañez-Insa, J.; Ludwig, P.; Shi, X.; Hernández, A.Iberian lacustrine sediments are a valuable archive to document environmental changes since the last glacial termination, seen as key for anticipating future climate/environmental changes and their far-reaching implica -tions for generations to come. Herein, multi-proxy-based indicators of a mountain lake record from Serra da Estrela were used to reconstruct atmospheric (in)fluxes and associated climatic/environmental changes over the last similar to 13.5 ka. Depositions of long-range transported dust (likely from the Sahara) and halogens (primarily derived from seawater) were higher for the pre-Holocene, particularly in the late Bolling-Allerod-Younger Dryas period, compared to the Holocene. This synchronous increase could be related to a recognized dust-laden at-mosphere, along with the combined effect of (i) an earlier proposed effective transport of Sahara dust for higher latitudes during cold periods and (ii) the progressive Polar Front expansion southwards, with the amplification of halogen activation reactions in lower latitudes due to greater closeness to snow/sea ice (halide-laden) surfaces. Additionally, the orographic blocking of Serra da Estrela may have played a critical role in increasing precipi-tation of Atlantic origin at higher altitudes, with the presence of snow prompting physical and chemical processes involving halogen species. In the Late Holocene, the dust proxy records highlighted two periods of enhanced input to Lake Peixao, the first (similar to 3.5-2.7 ka BP) after the end of the last African Humid Period and the second, from the 19th century onwards, agreeing with the advent of commercial agriculture, and human contribution to land degradation and dust emission in the Sahara/Sahel region. The oceanic imprints throughout the Holocene matched well with North Atlantic rapid climatic changes that, in turn, coincided with ice-rafted debris or Bond events and other records of increased storminess for the European coasts. Positive parallel peaks in halogens were found in recent times, probably connected to fire extinction by halogenated alkanes and roadway de-icing.
- Amyloodiniosis in aquaculture: A reviewPublication . Moreira, Márcio; Costas, Benjamín; Rodrigues, Pedro; Lourenço‐Marques, Cátia; Sousa, Rui; Schrama, Denise; Raposo de Magalhães, Cláudia; Farinha, Ana Paula; Soares, FlorbelaFish ectoparasites are one of the pathogens groups that pose great concern to the aquaculture industry. The dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum is responsible for amyloodiniosis, a parasitological disease with a strong economic impact in temperate and warm water aquaculture, mainly in earthen pond semi-intensive systems. Amyloodiniosis represents one of the most important bottlenecks for aquaculture and, with the predictable expansion of the area of influence of this parasite to higher latitudes due to global warming it might also be a threat to other aquaculture species that are not yet parasitized by A. ocellatum. This review made a compilation of the existing knowledge about this parasite and the disease associated with it. It was noticed that, except from the life cycle characterisation, detection methods, histopathological analysis, and treatments, there are still a lot of areas that need a further investment in research. Areas like parasite-host interactions, epidemiological models, taxonomy, host physiological responses to parasitism, and genome sequencing, amongst others, can contribute to a better understanding of this disease. These proposed approaches and routes of investigation will enhance and contribute to a more standardised knowledge, creating the opportunity for a better understanding of amyloodiniosis impacts on fish and contributing for the development of new tools against A. ocellatum, that may reduce fish mortality in aquaculture production due to amyloodiniosis outbreaks.
- Oral cortisol and dexamethasone intake: Differential physiology and transcriptional responses in the marine juvenile Sparus aurataPublication . Barany, A.; Fuentes, Juan; Valderrama, V.; Broz-Ruiz, A.; Martínez-Rodríguez, G.; Mancera, J. M.This study approached the long-term oral administration of cortisol (F) and dexamethasone (DEX), two synthetic glucocorticoids, compared to a control group (CT) in the juveniles of a marine teleost, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Physiologically, DEX treatment impaired growth, which appears to be linked to carbohydrate allocation in muscle and liver, hepatic triglycerides depletion, and reduced hematocrit. Hypophyseal gh mRNA expression was 2-fold higher in DEX than in CT or F groups. Similarly, hypothalamic trh and hypophyseal pomcb followed this pattern. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly lower in DEX than in CT, while F presented intermediate levels. In the posterior intestine, measured short circuit-current (Isc) was more anion absorptive in CT and F compared to the DEX group, whereas Isc remained unaffected in the anterior intestine. The derived transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) significantly differed between intestinal regions in the DEX group. These results provide new insights to understand better potential targeted biomarkers indicative of the differential glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid-receptors activation in fish.
- Sustainable feed formulation to community‐based aquaculture: Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings performance and antioxidant statusPublication . Pires, Sílvia F. S.; Vital, Inês; Pereira, Vitória; Bustani, Henriques; Aragão, Cláudia; Engrola, Sofia; Cabano, Miguel; Dias, Jorge; Soares, Amadeu M. V. M.; Rodrigues, Andreia C. M.; Rocha, Rui J. M.Community-based aquaculture can reduce dependence on natural resources, promote biodiversity conservation, and improve local economies and food security. However, this activity is highly dependent on local conditions regarding natural resources, such as the availability of produced organisms, adequate feeds, and environmental factors. As ectothermic organisms, fish are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations in culture conditions. A set of raw ingredients (e.g., cassava and local beans) produced or available in villages from Cabo Delgado (Mozambique) with nutritional potential for fish feed were selected to produce an experimental diet. The following objectives were defined: (1) evaluate growth performance of tilapia fingerlings fed a diet produced with local ingredients, compared with a commercial-like diet; and (2) evaluate the response to thermal stress (18, 26, and 32degree celsius) by tilapia fingerlings fed with tested diets. Tilapia fed with an experimental diet presented lower growth rates, lower DNA damage, higher neurophysiological, and antioxidant activity, leading to increased oxidative stress. Regarding energy budget, tilapia fed with the experimental diet presented higher protein content at 26degree celsius and lipids at 18degree celsius, leading to greater energy available at these temperatures. Overall, local ingredients can be successfully used as an additional feed source for tilapia production in community-based aquaculture in earthen ponds.
- Small coastal marine protected areas offer recurring, seasonal protection to the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca)Publication . Kraft, Sebastian; Winkler, Alexander; Abecasis, DavidMarine protected areas (MPAs) are a crucial tool in safeguarding marine biodiversity. However, elasmobranchs are often not the primary protection target of MPAs, and their contribution to protect these species remains to be better understood. In this study we examine the movement patterns of common stingrays in the Professor Luiz Saldanha marine park, a Portuguese temperate coastal MPA. Using acoustic telemetry, we tagged 31 common stingrays and analyzed their spatial and temporal distribution within the MPA and adjacent areas using a long-term data set. Our findings indicate that this species exhibits seasonal site fidelity, with greater presence during the colder months and reduced presence during warmer months. Space use areas did not exceed the size of the fully protected area, and nocturnal and crepuscular activity was significantly higher than during daytime. Additionally, we observed that most individuals seasonally migrated between this MPA and the nearby Sado estuary, likely to reproduce in the latter. These results demonstrate the site fidelity of common stingrays to an area within the marine park, however the protection provided is only seasonal. Seasonal protection of the movement corridor between the marine park and the estuary would improve the management of this species.
- Forecasting daily foot traffic in recreational trails using machine learningPublication . Madden, Kyle; Lukoseviciute, Goda; Ramsey, Elaine; Panagopoulos, Thomas; Condell, JoanThis paper discusses weather factors that may affect the level of visitation at recreational walking trails and provides insights into how specific factors (wind, rain etc.) can influence visitation. The quantity of visitors received affects trail management strategies, as there are often damaging effects attributed to the excessive visitation of natural areas. Therefore, accurate forecasting can inform trail management plans. Trail partners have expressed a demand for a system that can deliver qualitative insights to inform trail management while also providing accurate visitor forecasts. This study applied the approach, utilising Machine Learning and historic footfall data from electronic people-counting sensors alongside weather data; our model is a first in the introduction of Tourism Climate Indexes into forecasting models. Factors influencing visitation levels at three walking trails across the Atlantic Area of Europe were discussed. The results highlight that the model predicts trail use with satisfactory accuracy to inform adaptive management frameworks measuring visitor experience indicators. Management implications:center dot Environmental monitoring can gather insights into the situational factors that affect visitation levels on their trails, or if there are other contributing factors aside from weather data that could be investigated.center dot Trail-related recreation operators can formulate and develop strategies and plans to prevent the occurrence of tourist crowding or congestion in periods of high demand and increase trail visitor arrivals in low demand.center dot Trail managers can develop new service that will attract visitors under different weather conditions such as shelters, indoor museums, tents that hosts visitors during rainy or sunny days.center dot Trail managers can prepare for a lower trail visitation demand through marketing and offering alternative recreational activities.
- Storm identification for high-energy wave climates as a tool to improve long-term analysisPublication . Kümmerer, Vincent; Ferreira, Óscar; Fanti, Valeria; Loureiro, C.Coastal storms can cause erosion and flooding of coastal areas, often accompanied by significant social-economic disruption. As such, storm characterisation is crucial for an improved understanding of storm impacts and thus for coastal management. However, storm definitions are commonly different between authors, and storm thresholds are often selected arbitrarily, with the statistical and meteorological independence between storm events frequently being neglected. In this work, a storm identification algorithm based on statistically defined criteria was developed to identify independent storms in time series of significant wave height for high wave energy environments. This approach proposes a minimum duration between storms determined using the extremal index. The performance of the storm identification algorithm was tested against the commonly used peak-over-threshold. Both approaches were applied to 40 and 70-year-long calibrated wave reanalyses datasets for Western Scotland, where the intense and rapid succession of extratropical storms during the winter makes the identification of independent storm events notably challenging. The storm identification algorithm provides results that are consistent with regional meteorological processes and timescales, allowing to separate independent storms during periods of rapid storm succession, enabling an objective and robust storm characterisation. Identifying storms and their characteristics using the proposed algorithm allowed to determine a statistically significant increasing long-term trend in storm duration, which contributes to the increase in storm wave power in the west of Scotland. The coastal storm identification algorithm is found to be particularly suitable for high-energy, storm-dominated coastal environments, such as those located along the main global extratropical storm tracks.
- Alimentos com história: histórias de alimentosPublication . Cruz, Ana Lúcia; Quintas, Célia; Esteves, Eduardo; Fraqueza, Gil; Ratao, Isabel; Aníbal, Jaime; Melo, Jessie; Pereira, Jorge; Jesus, José; Galego, Ludovina; Patarata, L; Vieira, Margarida; A. Nunes, Patrícia; Pires-Cabral, Paula; Cruz, Rui; Matos, T. J. S.; Quintas, Célia; Esteves, Eduardo; Aníbal, Jaime; Cruz, RuiA Dieta Mediterrânica é um património histórico ativo que depende da utilização sustentável de recursos, guiando-se pelos ritmos da natureza e pelo respeito pela biodiversidade. O conceito de Dieta Mediterrânica não compreende apenas a alimentação, todavia os aspetos relacionados com os hábitos alimentares, os alimentos e a sua preparação são marcadores da identidade coletiva de um povo. Assim, este modelo cultural é indissociável das técnicas de processamento dos alimentos com vista à sua transformação, conservação e até ao seu armazenamento. É neste contexto que surge o livro Alimentos com História-histórias de alimentos que tem como como objetivo descrever alimentos produzidos tradicionalmente no Algarve e as técnicas de processamento ancestrais utilizadas, possuindo um carácter de divulgação. Cada capítulo inclui um resumo e uma introdução onde se apresenta de uma forma sumária o tema, enquadrado no conhecimento existente. Os capítulos abordam um alimento ou grupos de alimentos e compreendem um enquadramento histórico, o tipo de processamento e o seu diagrama de fabrico, e a caracterização sensorial/nutricional (ou outra). Alguns alimentos tradicionais da cultura alimentar algarvia, muitos deles “esquecidos” ou quase, como as azeitonas de mesa, os queijos de cabra, as sardinhas amarelas, o litão, a muxama, a estupeta, os produtos de salchicharia (linguiça, morcela de arroz), e algumas bebidas destiladas, estão associados à identidade regional e a sua degustação é uma oportunidade de saborear a história do processamento de alimentos e a tradição! Alguns são verdadeiros produtos gourmet! Não devem ser esquecidos! Não podem ser apagados das memórias! Trata-se de um legado cultural imaterial valioso, que evoluiu ao longo dos últimos 9000 anos, mas frágil que deve ser salvaguardado para chegar às gerações vindouras. Simultaneamente constitui uma oportunidade para o setor agroalimentar, restauração e hotelaria, uma vez que inclui processos e produtos diferenciados que caracterizam a história alimentar da região algarvia. Esperamos que este livro possa, não só enaltecer as práticas ancestrais, mas também despertar a curiosidade das novas gerações na sua preservação e disseminação, de forma que não se tornem apenas “histórias” da nossa História.