FCT2-Artigos (em revistas ou actas indexadas)
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- A cost-effective solution for predictive maintenance in industrial pumping systemsPublication . Brito, Sergio; Azinheira, Gonçalo; Semião, Jorge; Sousa, NelsonThis paper presents a cost-effective, Internet of Things (IoT)-based solution for predictive maintenance (PdM) in industrial pumping systems. The proposed system integrates custom-built hardware with machine learning (ML) algorithms to monitor and detect anomalies in real-time. The innovation of the system lies in its non-intrusive design, ease of installation, and adaptability to a variety of industrial environments, providing a practical, low-cost alternative to traditional PdM solutions. Detailed discussion is provided on the hardware component selection, which prioritizes affordability without sacrificing performance, as well as the machine learning strategies used for anomaly detection. Preliminary results from laboratory and field testing demonstrate the system’s potential for reducing downtime and maintenance costs, with a focus on extending the application to broader industrial contexts.
- Antioxidant and a-amylase inhibition activities of six plants used in the management of diabetes in MoroccoPublication . Aazza, Smail; El-Guendouz, Soukaina; Miguel, Maria da GraçaDiabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective; however, they also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, plants may be an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. In the present study, six plants (Cynara scolymus, Ceratonia siliqua, Centaurium erythraea, Marrubium vulgare, Salvia officinalis, and Ziziphus lotus reputed for their antidiabetic effect in Moroccan traditional medicine were chosen. The work was focused on the determination of the antioxidant activities by several methods, including as well as their -amylase inhibitory capacity. It was noted that S. officinalis extract contained the highest phenolic contents and the strongest ABTS and nitric oxide scavenging activities. C. erythraea has the highest total flavonoid content and the best total antioxidant activity. M. vulgare showed the best -amylase inhibitory activity and the best chelating power abreast with C. scolymus, which presented very weak antioxidant activities unless good -amylase inhibition. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a very good correlation between total phenolic content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) along with 2,2'-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals scavenging activities. M. vulgare displayed the best α-amylase inhibition capacity.
- A hidden demethylation pathway removes mercury from rice plants and mitigates mercury flux to food chainsPublication . Tang, Wenli; Bai, Xu; Zhou, Yang; Sonne, Christian; Wu, Mengjie; Lam, Su Shiung; Hintelmann, Holger; Mitchell, Carl P. J.; Johs, Alexander; Gu, Baohua; Nunes, Luís; Liu, Cun; Feng, Naixian; Yang, Sihai; Rinklebe, Jörg; Lin, Yan; Chen, Long; Zhang, Yanxu; Yang, Yanan; Wang, Jiaqi; Li, Shouying; Wu, Qingru; Ok, Yong Sik; Xu, Diandou; Li, Hong; Zhang, Xu-Xiang; Ren, Hongqiang; Jiang, Guibin; Chai, Zhifang; Gao, Yuxi; Zhao, Jiating; Zhong, HuanDietary exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) causes irreversible damage to 45 human cognition, and is mitigated by photolysis and microbial demethylation of MeHg. 46 Here, we report a hidden pathway of MeHg demethylation independent of light and 47 microorganisms. This natural pathway exists in crops and is driven by reactive oxygen 48 species generated in vivo, rapidly transforming MeHg to inorganic Hg and then 49 eliminating Hg from plants as gaseous Hg0 . Methylmercury concentrations in rice 50 grains would increase by 2.4- to 4.7-fold without this pathway, which equates to IQ 51 losses of 0.01−0.51 points/newborn in major rice consuming countries, corresponding 52 to annual economic losses of $30.7−84.2 billion USD globally. This newly discovered 53 pathway effectively removes Hg from human food webs, playing an important role in 54 exposure mitigation and global Hg cycling.
- Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whalesPublication . Neves, Joyce; Methion, Séverine; Díaz López, BrunoThe assessment of free-ranging cetacean health through the study of skin conditions using photographs has gained prominence in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the relationships between cetacean skin conditions, species, and body condition. To explore this relationship among baleen whale species along the northwestern coast of Spain, we employed a non-invasive method involving photograph analysis. In this study, we examined skin conditions (including injuries, epizoites and ectoparasites, pigmentation disorders, skin lesions, and anatomical malformations) and body condition (overall physical contours and form, as an indicator of nutritional status and health) in 3 species of whales (blue, fin, and minke whales). This methodology facilitated the identification of 29 subcategories of distinct skin conditions and an assessment of body condition over a 5 yr period (2017 to 2021). In our study, we present evidence linking hypopigmentation, protruding pieces of tissue, and tattoo-like lesions to ‘Poor’ body condition in the 3 baleen whale species. Fin whales exhibited a higher susceptibility to mottling (prevalence = 17.7%), while blue whales were more prone to starbursts (prevalence = 90.5%). Additionally, we found a significant relationship between skin condition diversity and individual body condition. Our findings contribute valuable information to the broader understanding of the health status of baleen whales. Further investigations are necessary to delve into the etiology of the documented skin conditions and their potential implications for individual survival. This study serves as a foundation for ongoing research aimed at advancing our comprehension of these findings.
- Topical insulin meets nanomedicine: a synergy for enhanced skin regenerationPublication . Duarte, Sofia O. D.; Fonte, PedroChronic wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes, present an increasing public health burden due to their extended healing periods and high recurrence rates. One of the most common and clinically difficult forms of chronic wounds are diabetic foot ulcers, which are frequently distinguished by poor angiogenesis, ongoing inflammation, and wound environments that are rich in proteases. Over10 million people are impacted in Europe alone, with a high prevalence among those 65 and older. Over €4 billion is spent on healthcare each year, with each patient’s treatment costing between €6,000 and €10,000 [1,2]. Because of the ongoing inflammation and protease activity, conventional therapies frequently fail to promote complete regeneration, particularly in diabetic wound beds where heal-ing is severely compromised. As a result, there is now more interest in insulin, a biomolecule that is vital for wound heal-ing and has angiogenic, proliferative, and immunomodulatory qualities [2]. However, in chronic wound beds, insulin is extremely vulnerable to enzymatic degradation [3]. By encapsulating insulin in nanoparticles that resist degradation, enhance retention at the wound site, and permit con-trolled release, recent developments in nanomedicine overcome these drawbacks. These technologies better match drug availability with the changing wound environment and improve the regenerative effects of insulin [3,4]. As a result, combining topical insulin therapy with nanocarrier systems shows promise as a wound care approach, especially for diabetic ulcers and other chronic conditions.
- O Papel da Árvores nas Cidades – Sequestro de Carbono e Outros Serviços EcossistémicosPublication . Silva, Manuela Fernanda Gomes Moreira da; Matias, Pedro; João Teigão; Duarte, AmilcarAtingir a neutralidade carbónica exige a redução das emissões atuais de carbono e o aumento do seu sequestro. As cidades são responsáveis por 75 % das emissões globais e são particularmente vulneráveis às alterações climáticas, por concentrarem 55 % da população mundial, bem como edifícios e infraestruturas. A integração de árvores nas cidades apresenta diversos benefícios para a resiliência climática. Neste estudo, avaliaram-se o sequestro e armazenamento de carbono, a produção de O₂, a remoção de poluentes atmosféricos, a transpiração e o escoamento superficial evitado, assegurados por nove espécies arbóreas presentes em duas cidades do Algarve (Portugal). Verificou-se que C. equisetifolia, E. globulus, J. mimosifolia, P. nigra e Q. suber sequestraram mais CO₂ e produziram mais O₂; Q. suber e E. globulus armazenaram mais carbono; e J. mimosifolia, P. × hispanica, P. nigra e Q. suber removeram mais poluentes atmosféricos, apresentaram maior transpiração e evitaram maior volume de escoamento superficial. A seleção adequada das árvores permite a complementaridade dos diversos benefícios para as comunidades urbanas.
- Effects of planting density and soil management on pitaya (S. undatus) yield in an outdoor plantationPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Matias, Pedro; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Trindade, D.; Duarte, AmilcarIn regions with advanced pitaya (Selenicereus spp.) cultivation, the crop is popular due to its rapid production cycle and favourable fruit prices. The Mediterranean offers favourable cultivation conditions, but more research is needed on agronomic practices like spacing and soil management, which affect profitability and sustainability. A trial was conducted in an outdoor plantation to assess the effect of two planting spacings (PS-0.5, plant spacing of 0.5 m; PS-1, plant spacing of 1 m) and two weed management methods (SC-BS, soil cover with black screen; SC-M, soil cover with mulch) on pitaya production parameters (fruits plant‑1; kg plant‑1; average fruit weight; kg m‑2), in the first and second production years. The use of mulching (SC-M) resulted in a higher number of fruits plant‑1 compared to the black screen (SC-BS), but this effect was only observed in the 1st production year. However, PS-1 and SC-BS obtained higher yield (kg plant‑1) compared to the PS-0.5 and SC-M plants. Neither plant spacing nor soil cover strongly influenced fruit size variation over time. Ultimately, the spacing that proved to be the most productive was the tightest (PS-0.5) with an average value of 0.82±0.04 kg m‑2, compared to PS-1 (0.60±0.04 kg m‑2). Results show that pitaya productivity is increasing annually, even under tighter spacings. Adding organic matter to the soil significantly boosts production, and consistent mulching improves soil fertility and controls weeds efficiently.
- Sustainable management of pitaya (Selenicereus spp.) pruning residues: exploring composting as a sustainable solutionPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Matias, Pedro; Silva, Soraia; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Trindade, D.; Duarte, Amilcar; Reis, Mário; Guerreiro David Coelho, Luísa IsabelPitaya (Selenicereus spp.) thrives in less fertile soils and has lower water requirements than other fruit crops. Therefore, is gaining popularity among farmers in Portugal (Algarve). Although there are some outdoor plantations, most are cultivated in greenhouses, for a higher and more constant growth. Pruning is performed throughout the year due to vigorous shoot production, resulting in substantial waste that requires proper disposal. Since most of these cladodes aren't suitable for vegetative propagation, or present sanitary problems, composting can be a sustainable solution for managing this waste. To evaluate the compost produced from pitaya pruning waste, a trial was conducted using three mixtures: P-1 (grass clippings, cladodes, grape pomace, and orange waste in a 4:1:1:1 ratio v/v); P-2 (grass clippings and cladodes in a 4:1 ratio v/v); and P-3 (cladodes and orange waste in a 1:1 ratio v/v). Composting took place in cylindrical piles for over four months, with continuous temperature monitoring and periodic determination of pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, C/N ratio and organic matter. Chemical, physical and biological analysis were performed at the end of the processes. P-2 and P-1 produced composts with high organic matter content (≥80%), with near-neutral pH (7.4 and 7.7 respectively) and low electrical conductivity (1.5 and 1.7 dS m-1 respectively), making them suitable for soil application. In contrast, P-3 had a higher pH and conductivity (9.3 and 3.1 dS m-1), potentially limiting its use. All composts showed good physical properties. The results indicate that composting pitaya cladodes is a viable farming practice, suitable for various agricultural contexts. Overall, composting pitaya pruning waste promotes circular agriculture, contributing to the recovery of soil fertility and increasing its organic matter content.
- Assessing water requirements of pitaya (S. undatus) under greenhouse conditions: a first step towards optimizing irrigationPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Eller, Elda; Arozarena, A.; Neves, Maria Alcinda; Duarte, AmilcarThe Algarve region provides ideal edaphoclimatic conditions for cultivating subtropical and some tropical fruit species. Pitaya (Selenicereus spp.) is also aligned with Algarve’s goal of revitalizing fruit production through species that require less water. Recently introduced into commercial farming in Portugal, the expansion of this crop lacks more detailed information about its specific cultivation requirements. Although native to the humid forests of Central America, with consistent water availability, pitaya can also survive and produce in drier climates such as the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, to achieve good yields and high-quality fruit, adequate irrigation is essential. Understanding pitaya’s water needs can be challenging due to its natural water-conserving mechanisms, such as CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) and water-storing cladodes. This study aims to clarify these needs firstly by determining the daily water consumption (DWC). At the University of Algarve, a greenhouse experiment monitors the DWC of 36 plants (S. undatus) in 4-L pots, enabling precise measurement of water consumption, with and without vegetative growth. During the summer, DWC ranged between 0.02 and 0.08 L day-1, influenced by the excessively high temperatures and the low humidity. These conditions significantly increased substrate evaporation rates. The results also suggest that pitaya growth showed no correlation with DWC. Since the summer trial confirmed the negative impact of excessively high temperatures, the same experiment was conducted in the autumnwinter season, when the plants grew in more favourable conditions. Pitaya’s exceptional water efficiency, evidenced by low summer DWC, makes it ideal for waterscarce regions. Substrate or soil covering, can further enhance water use efficiency, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable and economically viable crop. Preliminary results on the DWC of these plants indicate that pitaya’s evapotranspiration seems significantly lower compared to other irrigated fruit crops in the region.
- Catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions of Glycerol Over Zr-Incorporated Zeolite Beta prepared by a mechanochemical approachPublication . Fernandes, Auguste; Ribeiro, M. Filipa; Lourenço, João P.Zr-containing zeolite beta catalysts were prepared by a post-synthesis procedure involving a dealumination followed by a mechanochemical step and tested in the gas-phase conversion of glycerol. The catalytic data indicate that the catalysts are active in the conversion of glycerol, promoting not only the typical dehydration but also its hydrogenolysis without an external source of hydrogen, resulting in the production of significant amounts of ethylene glycol and methanol. Partially frameworkattached (Si─O)2Zr═O species were identified and are suggested to play an important role in the catalytic behavior of these materials.