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The frequency and severity of natural or human-induced disaster events, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, pandemics, hazardous material spills, groundwater contamination, structural failures, explosions, etc., as well as their impacts, have greatly increased in recent decades due to population growth and extensive urbanization, among other factors. The World Bank estimates that the total cost of cities’ and communities’ vulnerability to these types of disasters could reach more than USD 300 billion per year by 2030. However, it has been argued that investment to improve the quality and resilience of engineered physical assets that are the backbone of modern societies, such as critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, and buildings, could significantly contribute to more sustainable and prosperous societies. Engineered assets are key to the delivery of essential services, such as transport, food, water, electricity supply, health and safety, etc. Some of these physical assets are integrated into asset systems and national or regional networks, with life cycles of several decades or even centuries. It is, therefore, of great importance that strategies and life cycle decisions, such as those related to short- and long-term capital investment planning, maintenance strategies, operational plans, and asset disposal, lead to the maximization of the value derived from these assets. Moreover, it is essential that the achievement of these goals is sustainable over time. Organizations dealing with engineering assets, both public and private, must, therefore, integrate sustainability and resilience concerns into everyday operations, using budgets that are often restricted, while also meeting demanding performance requirements in risky and uncertain environments. This Special Issue collates a selection of papers reporting the latest research and case studies regarding the trends and emerging strategies used to address these challenges, with contributions disc

Based on the assumption that the UNESCO brand attracts more visitors to the destination, this thesis investigates the online use of the UNESCO Brand by the official site managers, of WHS and ICH places in Portugal. Furthermore, considering that travel agencies and tour operators play a significant role in the tourism promotion, the present study sought to investigate whether there are variations in the level of attractiveness between UNESCO cultural intangible elements (ICH) and cultural properties (WHS), as perceived by tour operators. The main goal was to provide an understanding of the tour operators and travel agencies practices regarding the packaging of the WHS and the ICH elements, on travel programs. An exploratory study was carried out using the questionnaire as an instrument for primary data collection. Data was collected from a sample of 106 tour operators and travel agents, registered in Portugal. The SEM analysis confirmed that the tourist experience promoted by travel agents and tour operators on their cultural programs, which encompasses co-production, enabling engagement and allowing personalization, will influence positively the WHS and the ICH attractiveness. The study main findings indicate that, from the perspective of tour operators, regarding the tangible heritage (WHS), “Brand” contributes more than “Experience” to the attractiveness, while in the intangible heritage (ICH) “Experience” contributes more than “Brand” to the attractiveness. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the attractiveness of UNESCO cultural heritage, differentiating between tangible and intangible elements. Complementary a website content analyses was performed providing important insights for future, more comprehensive investigations into the promotion of UNESCO cultural heritage by municipalities. This work contributes to the literature on UNESCO's cultural heritage and its attractiveness and brings the novelty of simultaneously st, Partiendo del supuesto de que la marca UNESCO atrae a más visitantes al destino, esta tesis investiga el uso en línea de la marca UNESCO por parte de los administradores de sitios oficiales, de lugares WHS y ICH en Portugal. Además, considerando que las agencias de viajes y operadores turísticos desempeñan un papel significativo en la promoción turística, este estudio buscó investigar si existen variaciones en el nivel de atracción entre los elementos culturales intangibles (ICH) y las propiedades culturales (WHS) de la UNESCO, según la percepción de los operadores turísticos. El objetivo principal fue comprender las prácticas de los operadores turísticos y las agencias de viajes con respecto a la presentación de los elementos WHS y ICH en los programas de viaje. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio utilizando un cuestionario como instrumento de recolección de datos primarios. Los datos se recopilaron de una muestra de 106 operadores turísticos y agencias de viajes registrados en Portugal. El análisis SEM confirmó que la experiencia turística promovida por los agentes de viajes y los operadores turísticos en sus programas culturales, que abarca la coproducción, la participación y la personalización, influye positivamente en la atracción de los elementos WHS y ICH. Los principales hallazgos del estudio indican que, desde la perspectiva de los operadores turísticos, en cuanto al patrimonio tangible (WHS), la "marca" contribuye más que la "experiencia" a la atracción, mientras que en el patrimonio intangible (ICH) la "experiencia" contribuye más que la "marca" a la atracción. Estos hallazgos ofrecen información valiosa sobre los factores que contribuyen a la atracción del patrimonio cultural de la UNESCO, diferenciando entre elementos tangibles e intangibles. Además, se realizó un análisis del contenido de los sitios web, proporcionando bases importantes para investigaciones futuras y más exhaustivas sobre la promoción del patrimonio cultural de la UNESCO por parte de lo, Partindo do pressuposto de que a marca UNESCO atrai mais visitantes ao destino, esta tese investiga a utilização online da marca UNESCO pelos gestores de sites oficiais, WHS e ICH em Portugal. Além disso, considerando que as agências de viagens e os operadores turísticos desempenham um papel importante na promoção do turismo, enquanto comercializam os serviços do destino, o presente estudo procurou investigar se existem variações no nível de atratividade entre os elementos culturais intangíveis (ICH) e as propriedades culturais (WHS) da UNESCO, na perspetiva dos operadores turísticos. O objetivo principal foi compreender as práticas dos operadores turísticos e agências de viagens em relação à embalagem dos elementos WHS e ICH nos programas de viagem. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório utilizando um questionário como instrumento primário da recolha de dados. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de uma amostra de 106 operadores turísticos e agências de viagens registadas em Portugal. A análise SEM confirmou que a experiência turística promovida pelos agentes de viagens e operadores turísticos nos seus programas culturais, englobando a coprodução, permitindo o envolvimento bem como a personalização, influenciará positivamente a atratividade do WHS e do ICH. Os principais resultados do estudo indicam que, na perspetiva dos operadores turísticos, no que diz respeito ao património tangível (WHS), a "Marca" contribui mais do que a "Experiência" para a atratividade, enquanto no património intangível (ICH) a "Experiência" contribui mais do que a "Marca" para a atratividade. Esses resultados fornecem informações relevantes sobre os fatores que contribuem para a atratividade do património cultural da UNESCO, diferenciando entre elementos tangíveis e intangíveis. Complementarmente, foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo dos websites dos municípios, fornecendo informações importantes para futuras investigações, mais abrangentes, sobre a promoção do património cultural da UNESCO pelos

Brand experience and place attachment are key issues of a destination as it is increasingly important that visitors develop attachment and positive attitudes towards the natural environment, which is generally related to a high level of satisfaction. The current research explores the relationship between destination brand experience (DBE) and place attachment, their implications with pro-environmental behaviours, behavioural intentions (revisit or recommend), and tourists’ satisfaction in the context of natural protected areas. A survey was conducted at Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. A total of 507 valid questionnaires were analysed using structural equations modelling. The findings show the relevance of DBE with the other constructs. It was in the relationship between DBE and satisfaction that the highest path coefficient was verified. The association between place attachment and satisfaction was not confirmed inducing the idea that satisfaction is not enough for tourists to create attachment bonds. However, DBE can lead to the creation of emotional and affective ties to a particular destination. As a practical implication, the management entities should invest in strategies that can get visitors more identify with this natural area, to increase the level of experience and the degree of satisfaction.

Brand experience and place attachment are key issues of a destination as it is increasingly important that visitors develop attachment and positive attitudes towards the natural environment, which is generally related to a high level of satisfaction. The current research explores the relationship between destination brand experience (DBE) and place attachment, their implications with pro-environmental behaviours, behavioural intentions (revisit or recommend), and tourists’ satisfaction in the context of natural protected areas. A survey was conducted at Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. A total of 507 valid questionnaires were analysed using structural equations modelling. The findings show the relevance of DBE with the other constructs. It was in the relationship between DBE and satisfaction that the highest path coefficient was verified. The association between place attachment and satisfaction was not confirmed inducing the idea that satisfaction is not enough for tourists to create attachment bonds. However, DBE can lead to the creation of emotional and affective ties to a particular destination. As a practical implication, the management entities should invest in strategies that can get visitors more identify with this natural area, to increase the level of experience and the degree of satisfaction.

Based on the assumption that the UNESCO brand attracts more visitors to the destination, this thesis investigates the online use of the UNESCO Brand by the official site managers, of WHS and ICH places in Portugal. Furthermore, considering that travel agencies and tour operators play a significant role in the tourism promotion, the present study sought to investigate whether there are variations in the level of attractiveness between UNESCO cultural intangible elements (ICH) and cultural properties (WHS), as perceived by tour operators. The main goal was to provide an understanding of the tour operators and travel agencies practices regarding the packaging of the WHS and the ICH elements, on travel programs. An exploratory study was carried out using the questionnaire as an instrument for primary data collection. Data was collected from a sample of 106 tour operators and travel agents, registered in Portugal. The SEM analysis confirmed that the tourist experience promoted by travel agents and tour operators on their cultural programs, which encompasses co-production, enabling engagement and allowing personalization, will influence positively the WHS and the ICH attractiveness. The study main findings indicate that, from the perspective of tour operators, regarding the tangible heritage (WHS), “Brand” contributes more than “Experience” to the attractiveness, while in the intangible heritage (ICH) “Experience” contributes more than “Brand” to the attractiveness. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the attractiveness of UNESCO cultural heritage, differentiating between tangible and intangible elements. Complementary a website content analyses was performed providing important insights for future, more comprehensive investigations into the promotion of UNESCO cultural heritage by municipalities. This work contributes to the literature on UNESCO's cultural heritage and its attractiveness and brings the novelty of simultaneously st, Partiendo del supuesto de que la marca UNESCO atrae a más visitantes al destino, esta tesis investiga el uso en línea de la marca UNESCO por parte de los administradores de sitios oficiales, de lugares WHS y ICH en Portugal. Además, considerando que las agencias de viajes y operadores turísticos desempeñan un papel significativo en la promoción turística, este estudio buscó investigar si existen variaciones en el nivel de atracción entre los elementos culturales intangibles (ICH) y las propiedades culturales (WHS) de la UNESCO, según la percepción de los operadores turísticos. El objetivo principal fue comprender las prácticas de los operadores turísticos y las agencias de viajes con respecto a la presentación de los elementos WHS y ICH en los programas de viaje. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio utilizando un cuestionario como instrumento de recolección de datos primarios. Los datos se recopilaron de una muestra de 106 operadores turísticos y agencias de viajes registrados en Portugal. El análisis SEM confirmó que la experiencia turística promovida por los agentes de viajes y los operadores turísticos en sus programas culturales, que abarca la coproducción, la participación y la personalización, influye positivamente en la atracción de los elementos WHS y ICH. Los principales hallazgos del estudio indican que, desde la perspectiva de los operadores turísticos, en cuanto al patrimonio tangible (WHS), la "marca" contribuye más que la "experiencia" a la atracción, mientras que en el patrimonio intangible (ICH) la "experiencia" contribuye más que la "marca" a la atracción. Estos hallazgos ofrecen información valiosa sobre los factores que contribuyen a la atracción del patrimonio cultural de la UNESCO, diferenciando entre elementos tangibles e intangibles. Además, se realizó un análisis del contenido de los sitios web, proporcionando bases importantes para investigaciones futuras y más exhaustivas sobre la promoción del patrimonio cultural de la UNESCO por parte de lo, Partindo do pressuposto de que a marca UNESCO atrai mais visitantes ao destino, esta tese investiga a utilização online da marca UNESCO pelos gestores de sites oficiais, WHS e ICH em Portugal. Além disso, considerando que as agências de viagens e os operadores turísticos desempenham um papel importante na promoção do turismo, enquanto comercializam os serviços do destino, o presente estudo procurou investigar se existem variações no nível de atratividade entre os elementos culturais intangíveis (ICH) e as propriedades culturais (WHS) da UNESCO, na perspetiva dos operadores turísticos. O objetivo principal foi compreender as práticas dos operadores turísticos e agências de viagens em relação à embalagem dos elementos WHS e ICH nos programas de viagem. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório utilizando um questionário como instrumento primário da recolha de dados. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de uma amostra de 106 operadores turísticos e agências de viagens registadas em Portugal. A análise SEM confirmou que a experiência turística promovida pelos agentes de viagens e operadores turísticos nos seus programas culturais, englobando a coprodução, permitindo o envolvimento bem como a personalização, influenciará positivamente a atratividade do WHS e do ICH. Os principais resultados do estudo indicam que, na perspetiva dos operadores turísticos, no que diz respeito ao património tangível (WHS), a "Marca" contribui mais do que a "Experiência" para a atratividade, enquanto no património intangível (ICH) a "Experiência" contribui mais do que a "Marca" para a atratividade. Esses resultados fornecem informações relevantes sobre os fatores que contribuem para a atratividade do património cultural da UNESCO, diferenciando entre elementos tangíveis e intangíveis. Complementarmente, foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo dos websites dos municípios, fornecendo informações importantes para futuras investigações, mais abrangentes, sobre a promoção do património cultural da UNESCO pelos

Small rural areas face the challenge of preserving their authenticity and distinctiveness, which local managers and stakeholders aim to promote in order to attract visitors and revitalize the local economy. The purpose of this preliminary study is to analyze the link between Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) listed by UNESCO and creative tourism in rural areas. Considering that ICH and creative tourism in rural areas have in common the difficulty to reach consumers, this qualitative exploratory article analyses how local tourism activities companies promote the UNESCO listed ICH and its use in creative tourism programs, in three municipalities in the Alentejo region, Portugal. Findings indicate that there is no link between ICH and creative tourism. The programs offered by the tourism activities companies are mainly guided tours, either through villages and monuments or in nature. This article adds to the literature by linking the creative experience to ICH and providing information on how local suppliers are promoting these experiences online. Further research on the link between creative tourism and ICH in rural areas is recommended.

Small rural areas face the challenge of preserving their authenticity and distinctiveness, which local managers and stakeholders aim to promote in order to attract visitors and revitalize the local economy. The purpose of this preliminary study is to analyze the link between Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) listed by UNESCO and creative tourism in rural areas. Considering that ICH and creative tourism in rural areas have in common the difficulty to reach consumers, this qualitative exploratory article analyses how local tourism activities companies promote the UNESCO listed ICH and its use in creative tourism programs, in three municipalities in the Alentejo region, Portugal. Findings indicate that there is no link between ICH and creative tourism. The programs offered by the tourism activities companies are mainly guided tours, either through villages and monuments or in nature. This article adds to the literature by linking the creative experience to ICH and providing information on how local suppliers are promoting these experiences online. Further research on the link between creative tourism and ICH in rural areas is recommended.

Small rural areas face the challenge of preserving their authenticity and distinctiveness, which local managers and stakeholders aim to promote in order to attract visitors and revitalize the local economy. The purpose of this preliminary study is to analyze the link between Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) listed by UNESCO and creative tourism in rural areas. Considering that ICH and creative tourism in rural areas have in common the difficulty to reach consumers, this qualitative exploratory article analyses how local tourism activities companies promote the UNESCO listed ICH and its use in creative tourism programs, in three municipalities in the Alentejo region, Portugal. Findings indicate that there is no link between ICH and creative tourism. The programs offered by the tourism activities companies are mainly guided tours, either through villages and monuments or in nature. This article adds to the literature by linking the creative experience to ICH and providing information on how local suppliers are promoting these experiences online. Further research on the link between creative tourism and ICH in rural areas is recommended.

The WAVY family of drifters, developed in the EU H2020 project MELOA, range from small drifters suitable for beach and surf zone studies to somewhat larger drifters, tailored for coastal and long-term open ocean observations, and consists of fve members, namely the WAVYs Basic (WB), Littoral (WL), Ocean (WO), Ocean-plus (WP) and Ocean-Atmo (WA). The WB and WL are currently at TRL 8, having been validated and used in real operational environments in a series of demonstrative use cases; the WOs are currently at TRL6 and undergoing use cases designed to bring them to TRL8. This paper presents the latest work done in the validation of three capabilities of the drifters: tracking of the ocean’s surface currents; measurement of wave parameters and measurement of sea surface temperatures., Peer Reviewed

Small rural areas face the challenge of preserving their authenticity and distinctiveness, which local managers and stakeholders aim to promote in order to attract visitors and revitalize the local economy. The purpose of this preliminary study is to analyze the link between Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) listed by UNESCO and creative tourism in rural areas. Considering that ICH and creative tourism in rural areas have in common the difficulty to reach consumers, this qualitative exploratory article analyses how local tourism activities companies promote the UNESCO listed ICH and its use in creative tourism programs, in three municipalities in the Alentejo region, Portugal. Findings indicate that there is no link between ICH and creative tourism. The programs offered by the tourism activities companies are mainly guided tours, either through villages and monuments or in nature. This article adds to the literature by linking the creative experience to ICH and providing information on how local suppliers are promoting these experiences online. Further research on the link between creative tourism and ICH in rural areas is recommended.

Purpose – With growing mobility in a globalized world and an estimate of more than 300 million people going on religious pilgrimages every year, various researchers have been focusing on pilgrimage-driven travel services. In this context and within the Islamic religious tradition, the “Umrah” is used as a case study in this paper. In addition, this study also investigated the effects of Umrah SMM (promotion, place, people, product, price, process, physical evidence, marketing communication and after sale service) on customer satisfaction and loyalty toward Umrah travel agents in “Malaysia.” Design/methodology/approach – Convenience sampling technique at four international airports in “Malaysia” was used to obtain data from Umrah travelers who had used Umrah services at least once. A total of 384 usable questionnaires were collected from this study and the data were analyzed using the partial least square. Findings – The result indicated that the marketing mix has a significant positive effect on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction both directly and indirectly. This study will be of interest to the Umrah travel industry, for Malaysia and all the other countries, in understanding how marketing mix strategies are essential in maintaining a long-term relationship with customers. Originality/value – The literature on Umrah travel services revealed that the traditional service marketing mix (SMM) of 7P’s is inadequate. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap and examine an innovative service marketing mix strategy for “Umrah Service” including marketing communication and after sales service. It investigates the effects of enhanced Umrah SMM on customer satisfaction and loyalty towards Umrah travel agents in “Malaysia”.

Small rural areas face the challenge of preserving their authenticity and distinctiveness, which local managers and stakeholders aim to promote in order to attract visitors and revitalize the local economy. The purpose of this preliminary study is to analyze the link between Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) listed by UNESCO and creative tourism in rural areas. Considering that ICH and creative tourism in rural areas have in common the difficulty to reach consumers, this qualitative exploratory article analyses how local tourism activities companies promote the UNESCO listed ICH and its use in creative tourism programs, in three municipalities in the Alentejo region, Portugal. Findings indicate that there is no link between ICH and creative tourism. The programs offered by the tourism activities companies are mainly guided tours, either through villages and monuments or in nature. This article adds to the literature by linking the creative experience to ICH and providing information on how local suppliers are promoting these experiences online. Further research on the link between creative tourism and ICH in rural areas is recommended.

This study, conducted using a compendium of published papers corresponding to chapters, aims to contribute to the development of the concept of wine tourist behaviour in the wine tourism area, specifically in the wine and wine tourism experience, by bringing new discussion and empirical evidence. For this, a literature review and content analysis of the main constructs and dimensions, along with an analysis of their combined interaction, was conducted in order to support and perform a segmentation of wine tourists and the development of a scale. This research was undertaken in the framework of wine tourism, mostly related to wine tourist profiling and the wine experience of tourists in the Porto and Madeira wine cellars, respectively. Methodologically, the first chapter is a general review study in which a literature review and content analysis for wine tourism in Portugal is carried out, allowing a better identification of the main challenges, trends and opportunities. The second chapter consists of new evidence of segmentation based on wine product involvement (Porto wine product), focused on the profiling of wine tourists in Porto wine cellars, and the three clusters with high, medium and low wine product involvement levels in particular. For the third chapter, a theoretical and conceptual review is used, within the wine and wine tourism experience, leading the way for the development wine experience in the context of wine tourism activity. In the fourth chapter, a quantitative research is used to measure the holistic behaviour of wine tourists. The wine experience scale was developed using SEM-AMOS software, allowing the validation of this new measurement scale, comprising four major dimensions: wine storytelling, wine tasting excitement, wine involvement, and winescape, tested in Porto and Madeira wine cellars. In the first chapter (scientific paper 1), the findings provided support for the boundaries to identify the main challenges, trends and opportunities in

This study, conducted using a compendium of published papers corresponding to chapters, aims to contribute to the development of the concept of wine tourist behaviour in the wine tourism area, specifically in the wine and wine tourism experience, by bringing new discussion and empirical evidence. For this, a literature review and content analysis of the main constructs and dimensions, along with an analysis of their combined interaction, was conducted in order to support and perform a segmentation of wine tourists and the development of a scale. This research was undertaken in the framework of wine tourism, mostly related to wine tourist profiling and the wine experience of tourists in the Porto and Madeira wine cellars, respectively. Methodologically, the first chapter is a general review study in which a literature review and content analysis for wine tourism in Portugal is carried out, allowing a better identification of the main challenges, trends and opportunities. The second chapter consists of new evidence of segmentation based on wine product involvement (Porto wine product), focused on the profiling of wine tourists in Porto wine cellars, and the three clusters with high, medium and low wine product involvement levels in particular. For the third chapter, a theoretical and conceptual review is used, within the wine and wine tourism experience, leading the way for the development wine experience in the context of wine tourism activity. In the fourth chapter, a quantitative research is used to measure the holistic behaviour of wine tourists. The wine experience scale was developed using SEM-AMOS software, allowing the validation of this new measurement scale, comprising four major dimensions: wine storytelling, wine tasting excitement, wine involvement, and winescape, tested in Porto and Madeira wine cellars. In the first chapter (scientific paper 1), the findings provided support for the boundaries to identify the main challenges, trends and opportunities in

This study develops a scale to measure wine tourism experiences and was tested in Portugal, in two of the main wine tourism centres: Porto and Madeira. The wine experience scale combines experience traits with the traditional approach to scales related to wine tourism. The development of the scale follows the most recognised validated procedures. Data were collected from a total of 647 international wine tourists in the wine cellars of the two main fortified wine tourism regions visiting areas: Porto and Madeira. Structural equation modelling (SEM-AMOS) was used as the main analysis and validation tool. The resulting 18-item wine experience scale comprises four major dimensions: (1) Wine storytelling, (2) wine tasting excitement, (3) wine involvement, and (4) winescape. All these showed reliable and validated indicators. This new scale presents a valid new tool to better measure and evaluate experiences in a wine tourism setting. This study o ers a broad range of use for academics, managers, planners, and practitioners. It shows how a new measurement tool focused on the wine tourism experience in terms of several outcomes and applications, addressing important practical managerial implications, can have an impact on academic research. Most previous tourism scales still fail to measure the specifics of wine settings. This is the first scale that comprises the dimensions of experience with wine senses, applied in a relevant wine destination where research is still limited. The results are relevant in boosting the increasingly recognized awareness of Portugal as wine tourism, as well as bringing experience scales to the body of knowledge

This study develops a scale to measure wine tourism experiences and was tested in Portugal, in two of the main wine tourism centres: Porto and Madeira. The wine experience scale combines experience traits with the traditional approach to scales related to wine tourism. The development of the scale follows the most recognised validated procedures. Data were collected from a total of 647 international wine tourists in the wine cellars of the two main fortified wine tourism regions visiting areas: Porto and Madeira. Structural equation modelling (SEM-AMOS) was used as the main analysis and validation tool. The resulting 18-item wine experience scale comprises four major dimensions: (1) Wine storytelling, (2) wine tasting excitement, (3) wine involvement, and (4) winescape. All these showed reliable and validated indicators. This new scale presents a valid new tool to better measure and evaluate experiences in a wine tourism setting. This study o ers a broad range of use for academics, managers, planners, and practitioners. It shows how a new measurement tool focused on the wine tourism experience in terms of several outcomes and applications, addressing important practical managerial implications, can have an impact on academic research. Most previous tourism scales still fail to measure the specifics of wine settings. This is the first scale that comprises the dimensions of experience with wine senses, applied in a relevant wine destination where research is still limited. The results are relevant in boosting the increasingly recognized awareness of Portugal as wine tourism, as well as bringing experience scales to the body of knowledge

This study, conducted using a compendium of published papers corresponding to chapters, aims to contribute to the development of the concept of wine tourist behaviour in the wine tourism area, specifically in the wine and wine tourism experience, by bringing new discussion and empirical evidence. For this, a literature review and content analysis of the main constructs and dimensions, along with an analysis of their combined interaction, was conducted in order to support and perform a segmentation of wine tourists and the development of a scale. This research was undertaken in the framework of wine tourism, mostly related to wine tourist profiling and the wine experience of tourists in the Porto and Madeira wine cellars, respectively. Methodologically, the first chapter is a general review study in which a literature review and content analysis for wine tourism in Portugal is carried out, allowing a better identification of the main challenges, trends and opportunities. The second chapter consists of new evidence of segmentation based on wine product involvement (Porto wine product), focused on the profiling of wine tourists in Porto wine cellars, and the three clusters with high, medium and low wine product involvement levels in particular. For the third chapter, a theoretical and conceptual review is used, within the wine and wine tourism experience, leading the way for the development wine experience in the context of wine tourism activity. In the fourth chapter, a quantitative research is used to measure the holistic behaviour of wine tourists. The wine experience scale was developed using SEM-AMOS software, allowing the validation of this new measurement scale, comprising four major dimensions: wine storytelling, wine tasting excitement, wine involvement, and winescape, tested in Porto and Madeira wine cellars. In the first chapter (scientific paper 1), the findings provided support for the boundaries to identify the main challenges, trends and opportunities in

This study develops a scale to measure wine tourism experiences and was tested in Portugal, in two of the main wine tourism centres: Porto and Madeira. The wine experience scale combines experience traits with the traditional approach to scales related to wine tourism. The development of the scale follows the most recognised validated procedures. Data were collected from a total of 647 international wine tourists in the wine cellars of the two main fortified wine tourism regions visiting areas: Porto and Madeira. Structural equation modelling (SEM-AMOS) was used as the main analysis and validation tool. The resulting 18-item wine experience scale comprises four major dimensions: (1) Wine storytelling, (2) wine tasting excitement, (3) wine involvement, and (4) winescape. All these showed reliable and validated indicators. This new scale presents a valid new tool to better measure and evaluate experiences in a wine tourism setting. This study o ers a broad range of use for academics, managers, planners, and practitioners. It shows how a new measurement tool focused on the wine tourism experience in terms of several outcomes and applications, addressing important practical managerial implications, can have an impact on academic research. Most previous tourism scales still fail to measure the specifics of wine settings. This is the first scale that comprises the dimensions of experience with wine senses, applied in a relevant wine destination where research is still limited. The results are relevant in boosting the increasingly recognized awareness of Portugal as wine tourism, as well as bringing experience scales to the body of knowledge

This study develops a scale to measure wine tourism experiences and was tested in Portugal, in two of the main wine tourism centres: Porto and Madeira. The wine experience scale combines experience traits with the traditional approach to scales related to wine tourism. The development of the scale follows the most recognised validated procedures. Data were collected from a total of 647 international wine tourists in the wine cellars of the two main fortified wine tourism regions visiting areas: Porto and Madeira. Structural equation modelling (SEM-AMOS) was used as the main analysis and validation tool. The resulting 18-item wine experience scale comprises four major dimensions: (1) Wine storytelling, (2) wine tasting excitement, (3) wine involvement, and (4) winescape. All these showed reliable and validated indicators. This new scale presents a valid new tool to better measure and evaluate experiences in a wine tourism setting. This study o ers a broad range of use for academics, managers, planners, and practitioners. It shows how a new measurement tool focused on the wine tourism experience in terms of several outcomes and applications, addressing important practical managerial implications, can have an impact on academic research. Most previous tourism scales still fail to measure the specifics of wine settings. This is the first scale that comprises the dimensions of experience with wine senses, applied in a relevant wine destination where research is still limited. The results are relevant in boosting the increasingly recognized awareness of Portugal as wine tourism, as well as bringing experience scales to the body of knowledge

This study, conducted using a compendium of published papers corresponding to chapters, aims to contribute to the development of the concept of wine tourist behaviour in the wine tourism area, specifically in the wine and wine tourism experience, by bringing new discussion and empirical evidence. For this, a literature review and content analysis of the main constructs and dimensions, along with an analysis of their combined interaction, was conducted in order to support and perform a segmentation of wine tourists and the development of a scale. This research was undertaken in the framework of wine tourism, mostly related to wine tourist profiling and the wine experience of tourists in the Porto and Madeira wine cellars, respectively. Methodologically, the first chapter is a general review study in which a literature review and content analysis for wine tourism in Portugal is carried out, allowing a better identification of the main challenges, trends and opportunities. The second chapter consists of new evidence of segmentation based on wine product involvement (Porto wine product), focused on the profiling of wine tourists in Porto wine cellars, and the three clusters with high, medium and low wine product involvement levels in particular. For the third chapter, a theoretical and conceptual review is used, within the wine and wine tourism experience, leading the way for the development wine experience in the context of wine tourism activity. In the fourth chapter, a quantitative research is used to measure the holistic behaviour of wine tourists. The wine experience scale was developed using SEM-AMOS software, allowing the validation of this new measurement scale, comprising four major dimensions: wine storytelling, wine tasting excitement, wine involvement, and winescape, tested in Porto and Madeira wine cellars. In the first chapter (scientific paper 1), the findings provided support for the boundaries to identify the main challenges, trends and opportunities in

This study develops a scale to measure wine tourism experiences and was tested in Portugal, in two of the main wine tourism centres: Porto and Madeira. The wine experience scale combines experience traits with the traditional approach to scales related to wine tourism. The development of the scale follows the most recognised validated procedures. Data were collected from a total of 647 international wine tourists in the wine cellars of the two main fortified wine tourism regions visiting areas: Porto and Madeira. Structural equation modelling (SEM-AMOS) was used as the main analysis and validation tool. The resulting 18-item wine experience scale comprises four major dimensions: (1) Wine storytelling, (2) wine tasting excitement, (3) wine involvement, and (4) winescape. All these showed reliable and validated indicators. This new scale presents a valid new tool to better measure and evaluate experiences in a wine tourism setting. This study o ers a broad range of use for academics, managers, planners, and practitioners. It shows how a new measurement tool focused on the wine tourism experience in terms of several outcomes and applications, addressing important practical managerial implications, can have an impact on academic research. Most previous tourism scales still fail to measure the specifics of wine settings. This is the first scale that comprises the dimensions of experience with wine senses, applied in a relevant wine destination where research is still limited. The results are relevant in boosting the increasingly recognized awareness of Portugal as wine tourism, as well as bringing experience scales to the body of knowledge

This study develops a scale to measure wine tourism experiences and was tested in Portugal, in two of the main wine tourism centres: Porto and Madeira. The wine experience scale combines experience traits with the traditional approach to scales related to wine tourism. The development of the scale follows the most recognised validated procedures. Data were collected from a total of 647 international wine tourists in the wine cellars of the two main fortified wine tourism regions visiting areas: Porto and Madeira. Structural equation modelling (SEM-AMOS) was used as the main analysis and validation tool. The resulting 18-item wine experience scale comprises four major dimensions: (1) Wine storytelling, (2) wine tasting excitement, (3) wine involvement, and (4) winescape. All these showed reliable and validated indicators. This new scale presents a valid new tool to better measure and evaluate experiences in a wine tourism setting. This study o ers a broad range of use for academics, managers, planners, and practitioners. It shows how a new measurement tool focused on the wine tourism experience in terms of several outcomes and applications, addressing important practical managerial implications, can have an impact on academic research. Most previous tourism scales still fail to measure the specifics of wine settings. This is the first scale that comprises the dimensions of experience with wine senses, applied in a relevant wine destination where research is still limited. The results are relevant in boosting the increasingly recognized awareness of Portugal as wine tourism, as well as bringing experience scales to the body of knowledge

This study, conducted using a compendium of published papers corresponding to chapters, aims to contribute to the development of the concept of wine tourist behaviour in the wine tourism area, specifically in the wine and wine tourism experience, by bringing new discussion and empirical evidence. For this, a literature review and content analysis of the main constructs and dimensions, along with an analysis of their combined interaction, was conducted in order to support and perform a segmentation of wine tourists and the development of a scale. This research was undertaken in the framework of wine tourism, mostly related to wine tourist profiling and the wine experience of tourists in the Porto and Madeira wine cellars, respectively. Methodologically, the first chapter is a general review study in which a literature review and content analysis for wine tourism in Portugal is carried out, allowing a better identification of the main challenges, trends and opportunities. The second chapter consists of new evidence of segmentation based on wine product involvement (Porto wine product), focused on the profiling of wine tourists in Porto wine cellars, and the three clusters with high, medium and low wine product involvement levels in particular. For the third chapter, a theoretical and conceptual review is used, within the wine and wine tourism experience, leading the way for the development wine experience in the context of wine tourism activity. In the fourth chapter, a quantitative research is used to measure the holistic behaviour of wine tourists. The wine experience scale was developed using SEM-AMOS software, allowing the validation of this new measurement scale, comprising four major dimensions: wine storytelling, wine tasting excitement, wine involvement, and winescape, tested in Porto and Madeira wine cellars. In the first chapter (scientific paper 1), the findings provided support for the boundaries to identify the main challenges, trends and opportunities in

The heated 5G network deployment race has already begun with the rapid progress in standardization efforts, backed by the current market availability of 5G-enabled network equipment, ongoing 5G spectrum auctions, early launching of non-standalone 5G network services in a few countries, among others. In this paper, we study current and future wireless networks from the viewpoint of energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability to meet the planned network and service evolution toward, along, and beyond 5G, as also inspired by the findings of the EU Celtic-Plus SooGREEN Project. We highlight the opportunities seized by the project efforts to enable and enrich this green nature of the network as compared to existing technologies. In specific, we present innovative means proposed in SooGREEN to monitor and evaluate EE in 5G networks and beyond. Further solutions are presented to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint in the different network segments. The latter spans proposed virtualized/cloud architectures, efficient polar coding for fronthauling, mobile network powering via renewable energy and smart grid integration, passive cooling, smart sleeping modes in indoor systems, among others. Finally, we shed light on the open opportunities yet to be investigated and leveraged in future developments., QC 20191021

The heated 5G network deployment race has already begun with the rapid progress in standardization efforts, backed by the current market availability of 5G-enabled network equipment, ongoing 5G spectrum auctions, early launching of non-standalone 5G network services in a few countries, among others. In this paper, we study current and future wireless networks from the viewpoint of energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability to meet the planned network and service evolution toward, along, and beyond 5G, as also inspired by the findings of the EU Celtic-Plus SooGREEN Project. We highlight the opportunities seized by the project efforts to enable and enrich this green nature of the network as compared to existing technologies. In specific, we present innovative means proposed in SooGREEN to monitor and evaluate EE in 5G networks and beyond. Further solutions are presented to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint in the different network segments. The latter spans proposed virtualized/cloud architectures, efficient polar coding for fronthauling, mobile network powering via renewable energy and smart grid integration, passive cooling, smart sleeping modes in indoor systems, among others. Finally, we shed light on the open opportunities yet to be investigated and leveraged in future developments., QC 20191021

The heated 5G network deployment race has already begun with the rapid progress in standardization efforts, backed by the current market availability of 5G-enabled network equipment, ongoing 5G spectrum auctions, early launching of non-standalone 5G network services in a few countries, among others. In this paper, we study current and future wireless networks from the viewpoint of energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability to meet the planned network and service evolution toward, along, and beyond 5G, as also inspired by the findings of the EU Celtic-Plus SooGREEN Project. We highlight the opportunities seized by the project efforts to enable and enrich this green nature of the network as compared to existing technologies. In specific, we present innovative means proposed in SooGREEN to monitor and evaluate EE in 5G networks and beyond. Further solutions are presented to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint in the different network segments. The latter spans proposed virtualized/cloud architectures, efficient polar coding for fronthauling, mobile network powering via renewable energy and smart grid integration, passive cooling, smart sleeping modes in indoor systems, among others. Finally, we shed light on the open opportunities yet to be investigated and leveraged in future developments., QC 20191021

Nowadays, smart environments, such as Smart Homes, are becoming a reality, due to the access to a wide variety of smart devices at a low cost. These devices are connected to the home network and inhabitants can interact with them using smartphones, tablets and smart assistants, a feature with rising popularity. The diversity of devices, the user's expectations regarding Smart Homes, and assistants' requirements pose several challenges. In this context, a Smart Home Assistant capable of conversation and device integration can be a valuable help to the inhabitants, not only for smart device control, but also to obtain valuable information and have a broader picture of how the house and its devices behave. This paper presents the current stage of development of one such assistant, targeting European Portuguese, not only supporting the control of home devices, but also providing a potentially more natural way to access a variety of information regarding the home and its devices. The development has been made in the scope of Smart Green Homes (SGH) project.

Nowadays, smart environments, such as Smart Homes, are becoming a reality, due to the access to a wide variety of smart devices at a low cost. These devices are connected to the home network and inhabitants can interact with them using smartphones, tablets and smart assistants, a feature with rising popularity. The diversity of devices, the user’s expectations regarding Smart Homes, and assistants' requirements pose several challenges. In this context, a Smart Home Assistant capable of conversation and device integration can be a valuable help to the inhabitants, not only for smart device control, but also to obtain valuable information and have a broader picture of how the house and its devices behave. This paper presents the current stage of development of one such assistant, targeting European Portuguese, not only supporting the control of home devices, but also providing a potentially more natural way to access a variety of information regarding the home and its devices. The development has been made in the scope of Smart Green Homes (SGH) project.

The heated 5G network deployment race has already begun with the rapid progress in standardization efforts, backed by the current market availability of 5G-enabled network equipment, ongoing 5G spectrum auctions, early launching of non-standalone 5G network services in a few countries, among others. In this paper, we study current and future wireless networks from the viewpoint of energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability to meet the planned network and service evolution toward, along, and beyond 5G, as also inspired by the findings of the EU Celtic-Plus SooGREEN Project. We highlight the opportunities seized by the project efforts to enable and enrich this green nature of the network as compared to existing technologies. In specific, we present innovative means proposed in SooGREEN to monitor and evaluate EE in 5G networks and beyond. Further solutions are presented to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint in the different network segments. The latter spans proposed virtualized/cloud architectures, efficient polar coding for fronthauling, mobile network powering via renewable energy and smart grid integration, passive cooling, smart sleeping modes in indoor systems, among others. Finally, we shed light on the open opportunities yet to be investigated and leveraged in future developments., QC 20191021

The heated 5G network deployment race has already begun with the rapid progress in standardization efforts, backed by the current market availability of 5G-enabled network equipment, ongoing 5G spectrum auctions, early launching of non-standalone 5G network services in a few countries, among others. In this paper, we study current and future wireless networks from the viewpoint of energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability to meet the planned network and service evolution toward, along, and beyond 5G, as also inspired by the findings of the EU Celtic-Plus SooGREEN Project. We highlight the opportunities seized by the project efforts to enable and enrich this green nature of the network as compared to existing technologies. In specific, we present innovative means proposed in SooGREEN to monitor and evaluate EE in 5G networks and beyond. Further solutions are presented to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint in the different network segments. The latter spans proposed virtualized/cloud architectures, efficient polar coding for fronthauling, mobile network powering via renewable energy and smart grid integration, passive cooling, smart sleeping modes in indoor systems, among others. Finally, we shed light on the open opportunities yet to be investigated and leveraged in future developments., QC 20191021

Aims This study aims at validating a software tool for automated segmentation and quantification of the left atrium (LA) from 3D echocardiography. Methods and results The LA segmentation tool uses a dual-chamber model of the left side of the heart to automatically detect and track the atrio-ventricular plane and the LA endocardium in transthoracic 3D echocardiography. The tool was tested in a dataset of 121 ultrasound images from patients with several cardiovascular pathologies (in a multi-centre setting), and the resulting volumes were compared with those assessed manually by experts in a blinded analysis using conventional contouring. Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the automated method and the manual references, with differences (mean +/- 1.96 SD) of 0.5 +/- 5.7 mL for LA minimum volume and -1.6 +/- 9.7 mL for LA maximum volume (comparable to the inter-observer variability of manual tracings). The automated tool required no user interaction in 93% of the recordings, while 4% required a single click and only 2% required contour adjustments, reducing considerably the amount of time and effort required for LA volumetric analysis. Conclusion The automated tool was validated in a multi-centre setting, providing quantification of the LA volume over the cardiac cycle with minimal user interaction. The results of the automated analysis were in agreement with those estimated manually by experts. This study shows that such approach has clinical utility for the assessment of the LA morphology and function, automating and facilitating the time-consuming task of analysing 3D echocardiographic recordings., Funding Agencies|European Union under a Marie Curie Initial Training Network USART-project [PITN-GA-2012-317132]; DOPPLER-CIP project (EU FP7 framework programme) [223615]

Lathyrus cicera L. (chickling pea) is a cool season legume crop used mainly as animal feed. Chickling pea presents tolerance to abiotic stresses and resistance to some severe diseases, such as rust (Uromyces pisi) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi). However, L. cicera’s resistance mechanisms to these pathogens are still poorly unders tood. As part of the LEGATO European project, we are interested in unveiling the genetic basis and the molecular strategies of resistance against rust in Lathyrus spp.. To accomplish this, genomic and transcriptomic approaches have been integrated on a L. cicera recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, segregating for resistance to this disease. Previously, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) for resistance to rust were mapped in a first version of a L. cicera RILs population linkage map. In the current work, the resolution of this map was improved by adding new EST-SSRs and DArTseq based SNPs. The revised L. cicera genetic linkage map was used to confirm and refine the location of the QTLs previously detected. In addition, the expression levels of five allelic variants (SNPs), within candidate genes for rust resistance previously identified through RNAseq, were quantified by RT-qPCR using in the same RIL population inoculated with U. pisi. These expression data are being used to detect expression QTLs (eQTLs) for rust resistance. The co-localization of QTLs and eQTLs will be discussed. This study will allow a better understanding of the molecular basis of L. cicera’s rust resistance extending considerably the available genomic resources in the Lathyrus genus.

Knock-out mutation in one member of the MLO family lead to durable and broad spectrum resistant against powdery mildew in several crops including barley, tomato and pea. Lack-of-function of this MLO has been associated with higher efficiency of papilla formation impeding cell penetration by a wide range of pathogenic isolates of powdery mildew independently of their races. Despite mlo-based resistance is the unique exploited source of resistance so far to confer powdery mildew resistance in pea in the fields, this resistance mechanism have not been exploited in other legume. As a first step to exploit mlo-based resistance in other legumes, we characterised the MLO gene family in eight legume species from different clades of the Papillionoideae sub-family in the frame of the LEGATO EU-project. This study revealed the multiplication of clade IV and V members that regroups all MLO linked to powdery mildew susceptibility. Thus three candidate MLOs were identified in chickpea, barrel medic and lupin while six were identified in common bean and pigeonpea. Based on these results, candidates to confer mlo-based resistance to powdery mildew were also identified in faba bean, grass pea and lentil. Similarly to chickpea, three potential candidate genes were identified in these species that are being mapped on their respective genetic and physical maps. In addition, allelic variation of these genes is being identified in lentil germplasm collections including wild relatives. These studies confirmed the presence of several candidate MLO genes that should allow exploitation of mlo-based powdery mildew resistance in legume crops.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is an annual legume crop with great potential among grain legumes, presenting high protein content, extraordinary adaptability to unfavorable environments, and resistance to severe diseases. However, little is known about the genetic mechanism underlying these biotic and abiotic stress resistances. The identification of molecular markers associated with these interesting traits would ease their transfer into more attractive modern varieties. Under the scope of the EU LEGATO project we gathered a collection of 137 different accessions from Europe, Africa and Asia representing the worldwide grass pea diversity. As a first step towards the use of this collection on association studies, and with the objective of identifying the most genetically contrasting grass pea accessions we performed a preliminary analysis of the genetic diversity of this L. sativus collection. An average number of 10 individuals per accession were genotyped using four Expressed Sequence Tag-SSR markers (EST-SSR). Several genetic diversity parameters and the genetic relationships among accessions were estimated. The implications of the observed genetic variability on the worldwide grass pea collection on future association studies and grass pea breeding will be discussed.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) has considerable potential as legume crop in dryland farming systems. It is superior in yield, protein value, nitrogen fixation, drought, flood and salinity tolerance when compared to other legume crops. However, yield inconsistency due to sensitivity to specific diseases strongly limits its cultivation.

This paper analyzes the differences among customer satisfaction in catering industry in two different countries: Lithuania and Portugal. The adjusted European Customer Satisfaction Index is applied for catering service customer satisfaction measurement. The data are collected in 2014, achieving to identify the key factor affecting customer satisfaction with catering services in the two countries. Research results reveal that determinants of customer satisfaction with catering facilities are quite similar in both countries. Eight structural relations are significant: image influences expectations and loyalty, expectations influence perceived quality, perceived quality influences perceived value and satisfaction, perceived value influences satisfaction and satisfaction influences loyalty and complaints. Three statistically non-significant direct causal relations are the same: complaints do not influence loyalty; expectations do not influence perceived value as well as satisfaction. Only one country-specific relation is detected: the effect of image on satisfaction is statistically significant only for Portuguese consumers.

This paper analyzes the differences among customer satisfaction in catering industry in two different countries: Lithuania and Portugal. The adjusted European Customer Satisfaction Index is applied for catering service customer satisfaction measurement. The data are collected in 2014, achieving to identify the key factor affecting customer satisfaction with catering services in the two countries. Research results reveal that determinants of customer satisfaction with catering facilities are quite similar in both countries. Eight structural relations are significant: image influences expectations and loyalty, expectations influence perceived quality, perceived quality influences perceived value and satisfaction, perceived value influences satisfaction and satisfaction influences loyalty and complaints. Three statistically non-significant direct causal relations are the same: complaints do not influence loyalty; expectations do not influence perceived value as well as satisfaction. Only one country-specific relation is detected: the effect of image on satisfaction is statistically significant only for Portuguese consumers.

The need for more sustainable and environmentally safe agriculture has reinforced interest in legume cultivation in Europe. These species have the unique capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation, highlighting their importance in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. In addition, genotypes that are naturally resistant to pathogens are useful for reducing pesticide application. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is a feed, food and fodder crop, with great adaptability to inauspicious environments, high protein content and resistance to serious diseases. It is one of the most promising sources of calories and protein for the drought-prone and marginal areas of Asia and Africa, being an alternative to marginal soils and for cropping systems diversification in Europe. As part of the European LEGATO and the Portuguese QUALATY projects, we focus on the search for resistance sources to weevils and fungal diseases on a collection of hundred grass pea genotypes from diverse origins, including Europe, Africa and Asia. Along with the phenotypic observations (resistance level) on field and controlled conditions, we used DArT-seq and E-SSRs to access the genetic diversity within and among grass pea accessions. This will allow identifying any relationship between genetic diversity and resistance level. The acquired data will reveal valuable diverse sources of resistance for the development of modern grass pea cultivars, improving the attractiveness of this underused but promising crop.

Today's consumers are increasingly concerned with food quality and sustainability. Grain legumes could play an important role in answering these concerns. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is a promising source of calories for drought-prone areas while common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is the most important edible legume worldwide. Yet the nonalignment of breeding objectives and end-users preferences is hampering their use in Europe. Breeding for improved end-user ́s quality is a complex task due to trait interaction. Particular metabolites act as antinutrients as well as health-promoting agents, influencing both taste and consumers’ acceptability. Under the scope of LEGATO, BEGEQA and QUALATY projects, we studied the genetic basis of several of these dual action bioactive compounds (as phenolic compounds, phytic acid or -ODAP) as a primary step for devising innovative quality breeding approaches for common bean and grass pea. To reach these goals, 100 grasspea and 150 common bean accessions were repeatedly field trialed. Seed metabolites contents were analyzed using different analytical approaches and DNA screened using NGS-based SNP genoty ping. A genome-wide association study, joining bioactive compounds content phenotypes with genomic information, is ongoing using mixed linear models to account for population structure and familiar relatedness. Functional markers will be identified conferring consumer-driven quality traits, to redirect breeding towards more attractive varieties.

The need for more sustainable and environmentally safe agriculture has reinforced interest in legume cultivation in Europe. These species have the unique capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation, highlighting their importance in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. In addition, genotypes that are naturally resistant to pathogens are useful for reducing pesticide application. Chickling pea (Lathyrus cicera L.) is a feed and fodder crop, with great adaptability to harsh environments, being tolerant to drought and water logging. They are also resistant to several important legume pathogens such as rusts, powdery mildew, bacterial blight and crenate broomrape. In this way L. cicera can be a potential source of resistance genes to related species and also a good option for cropping systems in marginal lands (Vaz Patto and Rubiales, 2014). Latest outputs in L. cicera research, such as the development of novel molecular tools and mapping populations, allowed diverse new paths in Lathyrus exploration. RNA-seq analysis of L. cicera response to rust inoculation generated the first transcriptome of the species allowing the development of several different types of specific molecular markers (EST-SSRs and SNPs). These were subsequently applied on the development of the first L. cicera linkage map and identification of QTLs underlying resistance to rust and powdery mildew (Almeida et al., 2014). By applying this information to the available data from other related legume spe- cies we are able to perform comparative mapping between L. cicera and the well studied legumes species, such as Medicago truncatula, Pisum sativum or Glycine max . These developments open new doors on legume synteny studies on the identification of candidate resistance genes. Results will be discussed.

Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) is a temperate grain legume crop with a great potential for expansion in dry areas or zones that are becoming more drought-prone. It is also recognized as a potential source of resistance to several important diseases in legumes, such as ascochyta blight. Nevertheless, the lack of detailed genomic and/or transcriptomic information hampers further exploitation of grass pea resistance-related genes in precision breeding. To elucidate the pathways differentially regulated during ascochyta-grass pea interaction and to identify resistance candidate genes, we compared the early response of the leaf gene expression profile of a resistant L. sativus genotype to Ascochyta lathyri infection with a non-inoculated control sample from the same genotype employing deepSuperSAGE. This analysis generated 14.387 UniTags of which 95.7% mapped to a reference grass pea/rust interaction transcriptome. From the total mapped UniTags, 738 were significantly differentially expressed between control and inoculated leaves. The results indicate that several gene classes acting in different phases of the plant/pathogen interaction are involved in the L. sativus response to A. lathyri infection. Most notably a clear up-regulation of defense-related genes involved in and/or regulated by the ethylene pathway was observed. There was also evidence of alterations in cell wall metabolism indicated by overexpression of cellulose synthase and lignin biosynthesis genes. This first genome-wide overview of the gene expression profile of the L. sativus response to ascochyta infection delivered a valuable set of candidate resistance genes for future use in precision breeding.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a multipurpose robust grain legume crop with high nutritional value and a great potential for utilization in harsh environments. This robust crop is rightly considered as a model for sustainable agriculture. However, as a result of little breeding efforts when compared to other legume crops, grass pea potential has been underexploited. The growing interest in its use in Mediterranean-type environments, all over the world, is boosting a change. In this chapter, we review the presently available genetic resources, major breeding achievements and recent biotechnological approaches used in the improvement of grass pea, highlighting the necessary changes in grass pea research to provide a brighter future to this highly potential crop.

[Background] Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a valuable resource for potentially durable partial resistance to rust. To gain insight into the resistance mechanism and identify potential resistance genes, we generated the first comprehensive transcriptome assemblies from control and Uromyces pisi inoculated leafs of a susceptible and a partially rust-resistant grass pea genotype by RNA-seq., [Results] 134,914 contigs, shared by both libraries, were used to analyse their differential expression in response to rust infection. Functional annotation grouped 60.4% of the contigs present in plant databases (37.8% of total) to 33 main functional categories, being “protein”, “RNA”, “signalling”, “transport” and “stress” the most represented. Transcription profiles revealed considerable differences in regulation of major phytohormone signalling pathways: whereas Salicylic and Abscisic Acid pathways were up-regulated in the resistant genotype, Jasmonate and Ethylene pathways were down-regulated in the susceptible one. As potential Resistance-genes we identified a mildew resistance locus O (MLO)-like gene, and MLO-related transcripts. Also, several pathogenesis-related genes were up-regulated in the resistant and exclusively down regulated in the susceptible genotype. Pathogen effectors identified in both inoculated libraries, as e.g. the rust Rtp1 transcript, may be responsible for the down-regulation of defence-related transcripts. The two genotypes contained 4,892 polymorphic contigs with SNPs unevenly distributed between different functional categories. Protein degradation (29.7%) and signalling receptor kinases (8.2%) were the most diverged, illustrating evolutionary adaptation of grass pea to the host/pathogens arms race., [Conclusions] The vast array of novel, resistance-related genomic information we present here provides a highly valuable resource for future smart breeding approaches in this hitherto under-researched, valuable legume crop.

Rusts are among the most important plant diseases. As biotrophic fungi, there is a requirement to sustain infected host cells alive for their development, increasing the need for an efficient cross-talk between host and pathogen. Rusts are also known for the frequent breakdown of resistance due to the rapid evolution of these pathogens. RNA-seq can provide valuable information about plant/pathogen interactions, allowing the identification and quantification of expressed sequences potentially involved in plant resistance and in the pathogen attack. Using this approach on resistant and susceptible Lathyrus accessions, we identified the potential effectors involved in the Uromyces pisi/Lathyrus sativus and U. pisi/L. cicera interactions. From the 4558 putative fungal transcripts, 891 encoded potential secreted proteins, as predicted by SignalP and TargetP algorithms.From these, a selection of effector proteins will be used as probes to identify the target host proteins as an initial step towards the development of effector-driven legume breeding approaches, maximizing the potential of durability of resistance against such a quickly evolving pathogen.

Chickling pea (Lathyrus cicera) is a feed and fodder crop, with great adaptability to inauspicious environments (drought, flood and salinity), high protein content and resistance to serious diseases, being an alternative to marginal soils and cropping systems diversification. Partial resistance to rust and powdery mildew has been described in this species, but its genetic control is still not elucidated, hampering its use on resistance breeding. In order to unveil this genetic control, a QTL analysis was performed using a RILs population, segregating for rust and powdery mildew resistance. 108 F5 RILs (BGE008277xBGE023542) were evaluated for rust (Uromyces pisi) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi) disease severity under controlled conditions, in three independent experiments. Significant differences for rust and powdery mildew resistance were detected be tween genotypes, experiments and also for GxE interaction. QTL mapping was therefore performed separately per experiment. Broad-sense hereditability/ experiment had a maximum value of 78% and 84% for rust and powdery mildew resistance respectively. Using the developed RIL linkage map with a total of 258 markers (SNP, SSR, ITAP), covering 757.11cM in 8 major and 3 minor linkages groups, one common QTL for rust and powdery mildew resistance was detected. This QTL region explained respectively, 15.5 and 16.7 % of the genetic variance observed. In addition, a second non-overlapping QTL was detected for powdery mildew, explaining 23.6 % of the observed genetic variance. These QTLs represent valuable candidate regions for further characterization and development of markers linked to disease resistance in L. cicera.

Lathyrus cicera L. (chickling pea) and L. sativus L. (grass pea) have great potential among grain legumes due to their adaptability to inauspicious environments, high protein content and resistance to serious diseases. Nevertheless, due to its past underused, further activities are required to exploit this potential and to capitalise on the advances in molecular biology that enable improved Lathyrus spp. breeding programmes. In this study we evaluated the transferability of molecular markers developed for closely related legume species to Lathyrus spp. (Medicago truncatula, pea, lentil, faba bean and lupin) and tested the application of those new molecular tools on Lathyrus mapping and diversity studies. Genomic and expressed sequence tag microsatellite, intron-targeted amplified polymorphic, resistance gene analogue and defence-related gene markers were tested. In total 128 (27.7 %) and 132 (28.6 %) molecular markers were successfully cross-amplified, respectively in L. cicera and L. sativus. In total, the efficiency of transferability from genomic microsatellites was 5 %, and from gene-based markers, 55 %. For L. cicera, three cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers and one derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker based on the cross-amplified markers were also developed. Nine of those molecular markers were suitable for mapping in a L. cicera recombinant inbred line population. From the 17 molecular markers tested for diversity analysis, six (35 %) in L. cicera and seven (41 %) in L. sativus were polymorphic and discriminate well all the L. sativus accessions. Additionally, L. cicera accessions were clearly distinguished from L. sativus accessions. This work revealed a high number of transferable molecular markers to be used in current genomic studies in Lathyrus spp. Although their usefulness was higher on diversity studies, they represent the first steps for future comparative mapping involving these species. © 2013 Springer Science+Business

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a robust crop, mainly due to its tolerance to drought and resistance to several diseases, being a good candidate for production in marginal areas. In order to increase the available genomic resources and knowledge on grass pea disease resistance, we studied the genetic alteration occurring, at the transcript level, when this grain legume is infected with Ascochyta pisi. This pathogen causes ascochyta blight, one of the most devastating legume diseases worldwide. For that, we have analyzed the leaf transcriptome profiles, generated by SuperSAGE, of a resistant grass pea accession during the first 24h after inoculation with Ascochyta sp. Transcript tags were annotated using cDNA libraries of L. sativus and L. cicera generated by RNA-seq. 29.468 sequence tags of 26bp were generated, where 82% were present in the Lathyrus cDNA libraries, 2% found only in the TIGR database, 1% only in the NCBI database and 15% tags with no hits. This study of the transcription profiles by SuperSAGE in response to infection has as goal the identification of candidates genes involved in the control of resistance to ascochyta blight in grass pea. In the future the genomic resources here develop will be use to map economically important resistant traits and deliver markers for breeding. Our future work will focus on the transcription profiling of candidate genes identified via SuperSAGE in larger sets of resistant and susceptible germplasm to deepen our knowledge on those genes conferring resistance to ascochyta blight.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was introduced in Portugal more than 5 centuries ago, becoming a popular crop throughout the country due to its high organoleptic and nutritional properties. Nowadays it represents 80% of the National grain legume income (INE). However, common bean is vulnerable to several diseases, such as rust and powdery mildew, which leads to significant yield losses, limiting its cultivation. The very diverse bean landraces that are still grown at farmers’ fields represent unique and valuable genetic resource for breeding and disease resistance improvement. From the Portuguese Germplasm Bank (BPGV) common bean collection, 89 traditional landraces were evaluated for resistance to powdery mildew and 92 to rust fungi in seedling tests, under controlled conditions. Powdery mildew disease severity (DS) was assessed 7 and 15 days after inoculation (DAI) as the percentage of leaf tissue covered by mildew colonies. Many landraces showed intermediate levels of DS (6-25%) when compared to the susceptible check, 3 had no visible symptoms and 12 showed low levels of DS (0-5%) with hypersensitive resistant reaction. R ust infection type (IT) was analyzed 15 DAI using a 0-4 scale and a range of patterns of disease reaction was observed in the collection. DS was also estimated, with 42 landraces showing low values (DS<5%) and IT=4, indicative of partial resistance. The high levels of resistance here described and the associated high genetic diversity detected in these landraces in previous studies anticipate great potential of the traditional national germplasm for the enhance ment of this important crop.

Traditional landraces are unique genetic resources, highly valuable for yield, disease resistance and quality modern crop improvement. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was introduced in Portugal more than 5 centuries ago and due to its high organoleptic and nutritional value, it became a popular crop all over the country. Very diverse landraces are still widely grown at the farmersʼ fields where they are commonly found in intercropping associations with other crops, such as maize (Zea mays L.). Nevertheless, several constraints to bean yield stability exist, such as susceptibility to several major fungal diseases. Rusts and powdery mildew fungi, foliar biotrophic pathogens, are among the limiting factors of common bean production. Identification and characterization of sources and mechanisms of resistance to use in plant breeding is regarded as a cost efficient method. Understanding the detected resistance genetic basis will facilitate the resistance handling by the breeders. The study of the genetic diversity existing among the different sources of resistance will be fundamental to select the parental lines to use on the development of contrasting populations needed for the genetic resistance studies. During a field expedition to the Central region of Portugal, members of our team collected several bean landraces adapted to intercropping and low-input farming systems. From those, 45 were screened for genetic diversity with 6 microsatellite markers. Parameters of genetic variation were analyzed, and a Neighbor-joining tree generated, suggesting the existence of two genetically distinct clusters. Additionally, a collection of 92 common bean landraces (7 in common with the described molecular screening) was evaluated for resistance to rust and powdery mildew. Rust infection was analyzed 15 days after inoculation (DAI) with results revealing different types of infection and, although several accessions showed intermediate infection patterns, some landraces presented