I. Componente Universitária
URI permanente desta comunidade:
Navegar
Percorrer I. Componente Universitária por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "02:Erradicar a Fome"
A mostrar 1 - 10 de 27
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Acompanhamento da Conversão de Matos de Estevas em Pastagens BiodiversasPublication . Mêda, JoãoEste estágio teve como objectivo observar e avaliar a conversão de matos de estevas em pastagens através da determinação da biomassa e da avaliação da composição florística. Estes métodos permitem avaliar o potencial produtivo e de qualidade da pastagem, acompanhando a sua evolução após o início da conversão. A conversão em estudo realiza-se em duas pastagens, A e B, intervencionadas em 2022 e 2023 respectivamente. Os matos foram cortados e posteriormente incorporadas no solo sementes de duas misturas de leguminosas e gramíneas. Esta incorporação foi feita através de ovinos, confinados em parques com muita alta densidade de animais, que ao consumir o feno espalhado regularmente sobre o solo, contribuíram para a dispersão das sementes e o seu enterramento. Enquanto que na pastagem A o feno consistiu em ervilhaca e aveia, na pastagem B utilizou-se uma mistura diversa de leguminosas e gramíneas, rica em azevém e trevo subterrâneo. Os resultados revelam uma grande diversidade de espécies em ambas as pastagem e valores de massa seca superiores na pastagem A. A esteva tem uma presença expressiva na pastagem B, que se pode dever não só às características da pastagem como também à gestão do pastoreio.
- Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of natural compounds: enhance the safety and quality of foodPublication . Faleiro, Maria Leonor; Miguel, Maria da GraçaNature has offered us a tremendous diversity of natural compounds, for which antimicrobial and antioxidant properties have been intensively explored and nowadays are plenty recognized. During the last decades both the antimicrobial action of natural compounds (preventing and limiting microbial growth) and their antioxidant properties (reducing the oxidation of fats and limiting the ripening and browning of fruit and vegetables after harvesting) have been intensively investigated, particularly in the food packaging sector, evidencing that they may represent an effective eco-friendly approach to enhance the safety and quality of food products, without an environmentally deleterious impact.
- Competitiveness of portuguese montado ewe production systems among the european ewe production systemsPublication . Ferreira da Silva da Costa Freitas, Maria de Belém; Ventura-Lucas, Maria Raquel; Izquierdo, Lola; Deblitz, ClausThe number of ewes in Portugal registers a decrease since 1998. This decrease is felt particularly in the south of the country, which concentrates almost half of the existing ewes, mainly for meat production. One of the most important ewe production systems is the Montado, a High Nature Value ecosystem, occupying ca. 1.2 million ha in Portugal. The competitiveness of this system among the European ewe production systems is an important issue for the future of the Montado ecosystem. So, the objective of this paper is to analyze the ewe production systems in the Montado, using the agri benchmark database, and compare these systems with other European countries’ systems, ranking their competitiveness and e_ciency among other systems in the European Union. We concluded that this methodology facilitated an in-depth understanding not only of the competitiveness and e_ciency of ewe production systems in Portugal but also of their positioning regarding other systems in the European Union. The pattern of returns assures that these farms are competitive in the sense that they depend on the market on their decisions, and thus it is important that market values sheep products. Nevertheless, the diversification to other income sources would be a good option for the future sustainability of these farms and the opportunities and risks that these systems will deal with in a new green economy, with probable new functions and new opportunities for land, will be a challenge for the future.
- The conversion of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) shrubland into biodiverse pasturesPublication . Vieira, João; Filip, Iván Daniel; Soares Curado de Matos, Isabel Cristina; Rodrigues, Alessandra; Trindade, Ana Rita; Silva, Luís; Cassinello, João; Carita, Teresa; Ferreira da Silva da Costa Freitas, Maria de Belém; Neves, Maria AlcindaPastures in the Mediterranean region are vital for sustaining local agriculture and preserving biodiversity. When well-managed, these pastures enhance soil structure and fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention. These functions are especially critical in a climate marked by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Moreover, these systems play a key role in carbon sequestration, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. Mediterranean pastures also support the conservation of endemic plant species and provide essential habitats for a variety of wildlife. Quinta do Freixo (Algarve, Portugal) with an area around 800 hectares, is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and promotes ecological, economic and social sustainability. In addition to organic agriculture production, the farm also produces value-added food products and offers rural tourism experiences. On this farm, a dense shrubland of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) is converted into pastures using a holistic method that includes mechanical cutting of the shrubs, spreading hay an regenerative rotational grazing (RRG) system. As a part of the project -C05-i03-I000237), these restored pastures are regularly monitored. Assessments included measurements of dry matter production and floristic composition. In addition, both the pastures and Cistus ladanifer shrublands were evaluated for the nutritional value and mineral composition of their foliage material. This approach has contributed to the development of species-rich pastures, rich in legumes and grasses and characterized by high protein content, excellent digestibility, and a well-balanced mineral composition. Although Cistus ladanifer had a relatively lower nutritional value due to its lower protein content and digestibility, the analysis showed that its aerial parts can serve as a supplementary feed resource, especially in periods of forage scarcity, contributing to overall feed availability in extensive grazing systems.The control of shrublands through this practice maintains biodiversity and reduces the risk of wildfires by effectively managing fuel loads.
- Correction: Child-mother relationships and childhood dietary patterns in the Iberian Peninsula uncovered by Bayesian isotopic approachesPublication . Toso, Alice; Casimiro, Silvia; Oxborough, Charlotte; Schifano, Simona; García-Collado, Maite I.; Cardoso, Francisca Alves; Soares, Joaquina; Valente, Maria João; Santos, Raquel; Filipe, Vanessa; Gonçalves, Maria José da Silva; Neto, Nuno; Rebelo, Paulo; Silva, Rodrigo Banha da; Filipe, Anabela Novais de Castro; Alexander, MichelleThis study examines trends in infant diet, breastfeeding and weaning in Portugal through time in Roman, Medieval Muslim and Christian skeletal assemblages (1st to the 15th century CE). New stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) measurements were collected from 143 non-adults and 46 adults that are analysed alongside comparative published datasets from contemporaneous Iberian populations. A statistical package was used to model bone collagen nitrogen isotope data of individuals, quantitatively estimating weaning onset and completion across diverse historical sites. Nutritional intake from infancy to adolescence was reconstructed via Bayesian modelling supported by the OsteoBioR platform using incremental dentine-collagen isotope ratio analysis in six adult individuals. Childhood diets in historical Portugal showed a prolonged weaning time while weaning food included varying degrees of high trophic level protein during both the Roman and Medieval periods. The Bayesian statistical approach offers a comprehensive perspective on child-rearing practices through the lens of diet, including breastfeeding, weaning and nutritional intake during childhood in historical Portugal. The results highlight the variability and complexity of childhood diets over time and between different locations. Overall, the study informs debates about child nutrition practices globally while also offering unique insights into infant nutrition in Iberia over nearly 1500 years.
- Determinants of consumers’ acceptance and adoption of novel food in view of more resilient and sustainable food systems in the EU: a systematic literature reviewPublication . Laureati, Monica; De Boni, Annalisa; Saba, Anna; Lamy, Elsa; Minervini, Fabio; Delgado, Amélia; Sinesio, FiorellaThis review article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the main determinants of consumers’ acceptance of novel foods (new foods and ingredients) in the EU with emphasis on product’s intrinsic properties (sensory characteristics) and individual factors (socio-demographics, perceptive, psychological) by adopting a systematic approach following the PRISMA methodology. Case studies on terrestrial (i.e., insects, cultured meat and other animal origin products, plantbased food including mushrooms, plant-based analogues, pulses, and cereals) and aquatic systems (i.e., algae and jellyfish) are included focusing on age-related and cross-national differences in consumer acceptance of novel foods and ingredients. General trends have emerged that are common to all the novel foods analysed, regardless of their aquatic or terrestrial origin. Aspects such as food neophobia, unfamiliarity, and poor knowledge of the product are important barriers to the consumption of novel foods, while healthiness and environmental sustainability perception are drivers of acceptance. Sensory properties are challenging for more familiar ingredients such as plant-based food (e.g., novel food made by pulses, mushrooms, cereals and pseudocereals). Results are discussed in terms of feasibility of introducing these products in the EU food systems highlighting strategies that can encourage the use of new ingredients or novel foods.
- Edible coatings enhance storability and preserve quality of kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta L.) cv. Ken’s RedPublication . Guerreiro, Adriana; Gago, Custódia; Passos, Dário; Martins, Jaime; Cruz, Sandra P.; Guerra, Rui; Veloso, Fernão; Antunes, Maria DulceKiwiberries, an emerging fruit variety with increasing consumer demand, face significant commercialization challenges due to their short shelf life. This study evaluates the effectiveness of edible alginate-based coatings in extending the shelf life of kiwiberries. Two emulsion types—coarse (Coarse) and nanoemulsions (Nano)—and two application methods—spraying (Spray) and dipping (Dip)—were tested. Additionally, the use of visible/near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy for non-destructive quality monitoring was explored. Coatings were prepared with 2% (w/v) alginate (SAlg) enriched with eugenol (Eg) and citral (Ct) at their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.10% and 0.15%, respectively, as well as at double these concentrations. This resulted in a total of ten different treatments. The fruits were stored at approximately 5 ◦C, with evaluations conducted after 5 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Quality parameters, including color, firmness, soluble solid content (SSC), dry matter, weight loss, decay, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, were analyzed. Over the storage period, color and SSC increased, while firmness decreased. Weight loss and MDA levels showed the most significant changes, particularly in treatments with higher essential oil concentrations. Notably, treatments such as SAlg Spray, SAlg Dip, SAlg Ct 0.15 + Eg 0.1 Nano Spray, SAlg Ct 0.15 + Eg 0.1 Nano Dip, and SAlg Ct 0.15 + Eg 0.1 Coarse Dip demonstrated superior preservation of kiwiberry quality. Moreover, Vis-NIR spectroscopy proved valuable for distinguishing between coating treatments, highlighting its potential for non-destructive quality assessment.
- Efficacy of slow sand filtration enriched with trichoderma atroviride in the control of fusarium oxysporum in soilless cultivation systemsPublication . Matias, Pedro; Guerreiro David Coelho, Luísa Isabel; Reis, MárioOn a planet intending to move toward carbon neutrality while ensuring food security, maximizing water and nutrient use efficiency in agriculture is essential. Soilless cultivation offers a promising solution for food production, yet in substrate-based systems, excess nutrient solution (drainage) is often discarded to maintain phytosanitary safety, resulting in considerable water and nutrient waste. Reusing this drainage requires disinfection to eliminate pathogens. Among available methods, slow sand filtration (SSF) is ecological, economical, and simple, showing strong biological control potential, though not always fully effective against Fusarium oxysporum. Trichoderma atroviride, an antagonistic fungus, may enhance SSF performance. Its antagonistic capacity was evaluated in vitro via direct confrontation assays and in vivo using a closed-loop soilless cucumber cultivation system with eight treatment combinations of SSF, T. atroviride, and F. oxysporum. SSF reduced F. oxysporum incidence by approximately 48%, T. atroviride in irrigation by 44%, and SSF enriched with T. atroviride reached 58% disease incidence reduction, though this increase was not statistically significant. These results confirm that both SSF and T. atroviride can partially suppress F. oxysporum, but further optimization is needed for consistent and complete pathogen control.
- Embedding a real-time strawberry detection model into a pesticide-spraying mobile robot for greenhouse operationPublication . Amraoui, Khalid El; Ansari, Mohamed El; Lghoul, Mouataz; Alaoui, Mustapha El; Abanay, Abdelkrim; Jabri, Bouazza; Masmoudi, Lhoussaine; LUÍS VALENTE DE OLIVEIRA, JOSÉAbstract: The real-time detection of fruits and plants is a crucial aspect of digital agriculture, enhancing farming efficiency and productivity. This study addresses the challenge of embedding a real-time strawberry detection system in a small mobile robot operating within a greenhouse environment. The embedded system is based on the YOLO architecture running in a single GPU card, with the Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) representation being employed to accelerate the detection process. The experiments conducted in this study demonstrate that the proposed model achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of over 97%, processing eight frames per second for 512 × 512 pixel images. These results affirm the utility of the proposed approach in detecting strawberry plants in order to optimize the spraying process and avoid inflicting any harm on the plants. The goal of this research is to highlight the potential of integrating advanced detection algorithms into small-scale robotics, providing a viable solution for enhancing precision agriculture practices.
- Energy transition effects on food security amidst climate change and progress toward sustainable development goalsPublication . Tamasiga, Phemelo; Dzingai, Valentine Munyaradzi; Onyeaka, Helen; Ngameni Tchonkouang, Rose Daphnee; Siyanbola, Kehinde Favour; Genesis, Ulakom; Mudimu, George T.Transitioning to net-zero societies affects how energy is produced and consumed, with consequences for food security. Through a systematic review of 43 peer-reviewed studies that follow the PRISMA protocol, results reveal that renewable energy can enhance agricultural productivity by reducing operational costs, increasing efficiency in irrigation and processing, and providing reliable access to energy. However, challenges exist, including competition for land and water resources between renewable energy projects and food production, high upfront costs of clean energy technologies, limited access to credit facilities, and institutional bottlenecks. To overcome these challenges, recommended policies include offering subsidies and financial incentives to make clean energy more affordable for farmers, as well as providing education and training to support the adoption of sustainable practices. Furthermore, promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial to stimulate investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Moreover, these policies must be designed for specific national circumstances. High-income or upper-middle-income countries can deploy capital-intensive agrivoltaic and biogas technologies via concessional finance. In contrast, low-income settings should prioritize low-cost, decentralized solar pumps and off-grid dryers to build farmer confidence and trust. Countries with stronger regulatory frameworks and secure land tenure systems are better equipped to support large-scale renewable energy projects. At the same time, regions with weaker governance tend to benefit most from community-owned mini-grids. The mapping of policy options onto economic, institutional, and agro-ecological dimensions provides a nuanced, context-sensitive framework to guide equitable and effective energy transitions in diverse agricultural landscapes.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »