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- Snakes and ladders: a technological approach to tool maintenance byproducts using module flake categoriesPublication . Cabrita Nora, David André; Malinsky-Buller, Ariel; Gasparyan, Boris; Petrosyan, Artur; Frahm, ElleryThe study of retouching, reshaping, and rejuvenation in lithic technology has traditionally focused on finished tools, overlooking the byproducts of these processes, particularly microdebitage. This emphasis has led to an incomplete understanding of the dynamic behaviours associated with tool maintenance and a lack of crucial information about prehistoric technological strategies. In this study, we address this knowledge gap. Specifically, we introduce a classification system for lithic byproducts resulting from retouching, reshaping, and rejuvenation techniques, categorising them into five modules (M0 through M4) based on lithic technological analysis. This methodology integrates the chaîne opératoire approach to analyse flakes without size thresholds. To demonstrate our approach, we apply it to lithic assemblages from two Middle Palaeolithic sites in Armenia, Kalavan 2 and Ararat-1 Cave. This enables a precise reconstruction of tool use-life and, in turn, the maintenance strategies of Pleistocene hunter-gatherers. Our findings demonstrate that microdebitage (byproducts) can contribute to a holistic view of decision-making, revealing patterns in tool maintenance and raw material provisioning. The module system provides insights on ‘ghost tools’ i., e., tools that are no longer present in the archaeological record, as well as curation behaviours and economic decisions regarding raw materials that were previously difficult to discern. By shifting the focus from finished artefacts to byproducts, this framework enhances our ability to interpret lithic assemblages and understand the adaptive strategies of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
- A solar panel-origin microalga, Coelastrella thermophila D14, with high potential for wastewater biotechnologyPublication . Baldanta, Sara; Ferreira, Alice; Vinuesa, Arantxa Marco; García, Isabel García; Gouveia, Luisa; Llorens, Juana María Navarro; Guevara, GovindaExtremophilic environments are rich reservoirs for discovering microorganisms with vast biotechnological potential. Among these, microalgae stand out for their pivotal role in sustainable wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling. This study introduces Coelastrella thermophile D14, a microalga isolated from a solar panel, identified through morphological studies and genomic sequencing. The genus Coelastrella has been characterized and classified as highly productive strains valuable for biofuel and bioproduct generation as well as for their ability to produce significant amounts of carotenoids. Experiments revealed the extraordinary resilience of this strain to prolonged desiccation and high-strength piggery wastewater. Notably, D14 cultivated in 10% pig effluent exhibited biostimulant properties, achieving a germination index 23% higher than the control on Lepidium sativum. In a groundbreaking development, we have successfully established an Agrobacteriummediated transformation protocol for C. thermophila D14, optimizing key parameters for effective T-DNA transfer. This marks a pioneering achievement within the genus Coelastrella. These findings highlight the significant potential of D14 as a robust platform for future biotechnological applications, opening new opportunities for innovative solutions, especially in environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.
- The new era of tourism: security and well-being in tourism destinationsPublication . Fernandes Martins, Patrícia Raquel; Jesus, Saúl Neves de; Pocinho, Maria Ferreira Diogo Dias; Pinto, Patrícia Susana Lopes Guerrilha dos SantosWellness tourism is at the intersection of tourism and wellness, two large and growing industries. Holistic health and prevention are increasingly central to the decision-making of wellness tourists. Wellness tourism is travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or improving one’s well-being and includes all experiences and expenditures made by tourists on wellness-related trips. As a growing segment of the global tourism industry, wellness tourism offers significant potential for both personal and economic benefits. Despite its increasing popularity, the sector remains underexplored, particularly regarding its distinction from other sub-categories of health tourism, such as medical tourism. Therefore, the research is structured into three distinct studies. Study 1 and Study 2 present a comprehensive theoretical foundation through a bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. These studies chart the evolution of wellness tourism, analyse key trends, identify theoretical and methodological frameworks, and highlight emerging areas for future exploration. Study 3 focuses on empirical analysis, examining the factors that shape destination loyalty in the wellness tourism context in Portugal, a segment that remains underexplored in the country. It utilises Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the relationships between destination loyalty and factors such as tourist perceived safety at the destinations, tourist worry, tourist perception of restorative environments, well-being, and life satisfaction. The findings highlight the importance of a peaceful, secure environment in promoting wellness tourism experiences. The study also reveals the unexpected role of tourist worry in fostering destination loyalty, challenging previous assumptions. Moreover, the research underscores the growing significance of restorative environments in promoting well-being and life satisfaction through tourism practices and the potential of Portugal to position itself as a leading wellness destination. By contributing to the theoretical and practical understanding of wellness tourism, this thesis paves the way for future studies. It offers valuable insights for researchers, tourism practitioners and policymakers aiming to foster the growth of this sector.
- Short communication: etimating radiocarbon reservoir effects in bolivian amazon freshwater lakesPublication . García-Escárzaga, Asier; Lombardo, Umberto; Bello-Alonso, Patricia M.; Capriles, José M.; Colonese, André; Dudgeon, Kate; Lucas Antunes Simões, Carlos Duarte; Fernandes, RicardoThe Llanos de Moxos, in the Bolivian Amazon, preserves a remarkable archaeological record, featuring thousands of forest islands. These anthropogenic sites emerged as a result of activities of the earliest inhabitants of Amazonia during the Early and Middle Holocene. Excavations conducted to date on the forest islands have revealed that many assemblages contain a high number of ancient freshwater snail remains. In these shell middens, the most represented mollusc taxon, and in most cases the sole one, is Pomacea spp., a genus that inhabits inland shallow lakes and wetlands. Although human burials and faunal remains are typically recovered from these sites, their collagen is often not preserved or is of poor quality, and shell carbonates from Pomacea shells, along with carbonised plant remains, are often used for 14C measurements. However, it remains undetermined if these measurements are subject to radiocarbon reservoir effect (RRE). To determine if a freshwater RRE could affect the age estimations of Amazonian archaeological and other paleoecological deposits, we collected modern coeval Pomacea shells and tree leaves from four locations across the Llanos de Moxos area for AMS radiocarbon dating. The radiocarbon results combined with the environmental history of Llanos de Moxos during the Holocene, do not reveal any significant RREs, and support the continued use of freshwater molluscs as viable material for radiocarbon dating in the region.