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Copyright of Actas de Diseño is the property of Facultad de Diseno y Comunicacion, Fundacion Universidad de Palermo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

At the end of the 18th century, the territories in South Portuguese America near the border with Spanish America were occupied by individuals from different origins. In addition to populating and maintaining the Rio Grande de São Pedro territory, they were also responsible for making investments and boosting the region’s economy. At the same time, resources were invested in the first charqueadas in the Pelotas region, transforming it into the leading supplier of jerky meat in Brazil until the end of the 19th century. These investments ensured their owner’s socio-economic distinction. Based on the reconstitution of the life paths of three individuals linked to the Azores archipelago who migrated to Rio Grande do Sul, the objective of this work is to trace some trajectories, observe concrete case studies in geographic mobility and accompany the attempts to achieve socio- -occupational ascension through migration. The analyzed historical sources are based on parish documentation through which it is possible to reconstitute the family migration networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del CESLA is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista del CESLA is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista del CESLA is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista del CESLA is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista del CESLA is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article seeks to analyze the drift of elements of Azorean popular religion into the domain of art orchestrated by two Azorean artists, Catarina Branco and Sofia de Medeiros. The change brings unlikely marriages into fruition, uniting the humor of pop art and the solemnity of the arches of the high choir in a church, the spirit of revelry and a sign of the cross, representing the unfathomable—death, the dread of emptiness to the feeling of unity in communitas. The presentation, together with the strangeness of decontextualization provoked by this change, invoke the walk of the visitor, during which different senses are awakened, in which the poetic imagination of the observer is called forth to complete the different meanings. In this thesis I shall argue that the elements of popular religiosity carried by these artists into the domain of art constitute sensory arrangements, in the sense given to this term by Meyer, providing structure to a collective religious experience particular to Azorean culture where the sacred intertwines with the profane. The mediation of the transcendent through these sensory arrangements leads, on one hand, to contamination and reciprocal intensification of the spheres of art and religion and, on the other hand, to a renewed look at the contemporaneous and its connection to the spiritual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research deals with the culinary system produced by the community of Azorean immigrants of São Paulo. It is methodologically based on Oral History, which allowed us to observe how (re)constructed dishes represent flavors of memory, ancestrally elaborated on the islands and ritualistically re-elaborated during holidays and savored by the immigrant community, their descendants and others. We observed how the gastronomic practices were developed on holidays, main dishes, ingredients, preparation, forms of presentation and what are the different values assigned to them by the group.

Background: The aim of the current study was to verify if physical activity (PA) behavior (steps/day) was associated with environmental features that may be able to promote PA and walking in a sample of Portuguese adolescents living in the Azorean Archipelago. Methods: The sample comprised 948 adolescents aged 15-18 years (543 girls) from the Azorean Physical Activity Health Study II. PA was objectively measured with pedometers. Participants were classified as active if they belong to percentile 75th (by age and gender) or more. Environmental perceptions were assessed with a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analyzed relationships between PA and environmental perceptions controlling for age, body mass index, gender and socioeconomic status. Results: Regression analysis showed that participants with a positive overall perception in the transportation dimension were 44.2% (OR = 1.442, P = .025) more likely to be classified as active than those with a negative overall perception. No significant results were found for safety, aesthetics and facilities dimensions. Conclusions: A positive overall perception of the transportation dimension was positively associated with PA in Azorean Adolescents. Future health promotion strategies aimed to increase PA in this population should consider the environmental features that are associated with PA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a guidance to conduct stock assessment based on ICES Maximum Sustainable Yield framework. A cross-analysis based on the models' assumptions and inputs and data available for 22 Azorean priority stocks was performed to assess the applicability of each model to each stock. Information currently available for coastal and some demersal/deep-water stocks limits the use of most models validated by ICES. Only four demersal/deep-water stocks (Pagellus bogaraveo, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Phycis phycis, and Pontinus kuhlii) have data availability and quality enough to perform trend analysis, length-based and catch and survey-based methods. The next steps involve validating life-history parameters, evaluating model performances, and applying alternative tools for data-deficient stocks. Additional monitoring programs are of utmost importance, which must collect missing information and clarify stock delimitation to improve assessment quality. This study guides future stock assessment actions and highlights data gaps where future research should focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del CESLA is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This essay examines the role of Atlantic islands as food production and maritime provisioning centers during early European expansion into the Atlantic basin, roughly 1400-1550. It offers an overview of what we know about the intentional settling and exploitation of islands for food production, and how this fit wider patterns of food security and colonialism. It departs from previous work in considering both the mid-Atlantic (Azores, Madeira, Canaries, Cabo Verde) and the north Atlantic (Orkney, Shetland, Faro, Iceland) archipelagos together. This essay argues that both northern and southern archipelagoes emerged as major provisioning centers in the fffteenth century; that they provided food for European metropoles, colonial projects and maritime commerce; and that there were broad similarities between northern and southern experiences in the early Atlantic. It shows that when we put food at the center of our analysis, we can rethink the role of islands in the early Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O artigo procura analisar o processo migratório e a composição familiar de um grupo de imigrantes açorianos que desembarcou em Belém do Grão-Pará no ano de 1752. Nesse sentido, pretendemos considerar estes açorianos articulando diferentes partes integrantes do império português do século XVIII: Lisboa, Açores e o Grão-Pará. The article analyzes the migration process and the family composition of a group of Azorean immigrants who landed in Belém in 1752. We intend to consider these Azoreans articulating different Empire parts of Portuguese eighteenth century: Lisbon, Azores and the Grão-Pará. acervo, riodejaneiro, v. 30, n.1, p. 87-104, jan./jun. 2017 – p. 87donamariagilefamíliapossibilidadeseimigraçãoentreaçoreseogrão-parádoséculoxviiidonamariagilandfamilypossibilitiesandimmigrationbetweentheazoresandthegrão-paráoftheeighteenthcenturyantoniootavianovieira Juniorre s u m oO artigo procura analisar o processo migratório e a composição familiar de um grupo de imi-grantes açorianos que desembarcou em Belém do Grão-Pará no ano de 1752. Nesse sentido, pretendemos considerar estes açorianos articulando diferentes partes integrantes do império português do século XVIII: Lisboa, Açores e o Grão-Pará. Palavras-chave: Amazônia; imigração; açorianos; família. a b s t ra c tThe article analyzes the migration process and the family composition of a group of Azorean immigrants who landed in Belém in 1752. We intend to consider these Azoreans articulating different Empire parts of Portuguese eighteenth century: Lisbon, Azores and the Grão-Pará.Keywords:Amazon; immigration; Azoreans; family.re s u m e nEl artículo analiza el proceso de migración y de la composición de un grupo de inmigrantes de las Azores que llegaron a Belém do Pará en el año 1752. Tenemos la intención de tener en cuen-ta estos azorianos articulan diferentes partes integrales del imperio portugués del siglo XVIII: Lisboa, Azores y el Grão-Pará.

Copyright of Confluenze. Rivista di Studi Iberoamericani is the property of Universita di Bologna, Dipartimento di Lingue, Letterature e Culture Moderne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article offers a revised Greek text of the non-canonical version of the story of entrusted money (cf. Matt 25:14–30; Luke 19:11–27) extant in Nicetas of Heraclea's Catena in Lucam , commonly attributed to Eusebius of Caesarea. The article includes a fresh edition of the text as found in Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1611, as well as—for the first time— Athous Iviron 371, Monacensis Graecus 33 and Parisinus Coislinianus 201; discusses textual and translation issues as well as some matters relating to the lemma; and adds suggestions concerning appropriate referencing for this non-canonical early Christian text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Journal of Roman Studies of 2015, I argued that the evidence in Tacitus for a state-directed punishment of Christians in Rome in 64 ce was too weak to sustain the historical interpretation of it as a persecution. In a reply in this journal last year, Christopher Jones argued that knowledge of Christians under that name could well have reached Rome by the mid-60s, that the vulgus of the city could well have accused such persons, and that the Tacitean account is therefore generally credible. While admitting the justice of some of his criticisms, I attempt in this reply to clarify some of my arguments and to restate my original claim that a persecution of Christians by the emperor Nero in connection with the Great Fire of 64 seems improbable given the context of the relations between officials of the Roman state and Christians over the first century ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anos 90 is the property of Anos 90 and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article is centered on the travels of Holy Ghost festivals between the Azores and Azorean immigrant communities in the usa with a special focus on how ritual innovations introduced in California found their way back to the Azores. It argues that these innovations can be viewed as social remittances the success of which is dependent upon a particular regime of transnationalism, characterized a) by prominent links between particular locales in the host and home countries and b) by a specific political economy of migration, marked by the economic success of immigrants and by non-migrants' capacity for emulation. It is thus a contribution to current debates on transnationalism and social remittances, especially those that have stressed their circular nature and the connections between transnationalism and the micro-economics of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text follows the proposal of analyzing the process of Azorean migration to the Amazônia, between the years of 1751- 1754. A migratory flow that articulates different regions of the Lusitanian Empire, from the administrative headquarters of the Crown to the archipelago of the Azores, passing through the captaincy of the GrãoPará. In this sense, accompanying these migrants is to deal with specificities associated with the metropolitan policy of securing their possessions in America in the full Tratado de Madrid, to combat the labor demands of residents of Grão-Pará who faced a demographic crisis caused by the epidemic and the tensions that involved the process of Azorean emigration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, methods, and functions as well as suicide ideation in the adolescent population of a Portuguese community in São Miguel Island, Azores. Increasing rates of NSSI behaviors among adolescents have been observed globally, while suicidal behavior has been pointed as a major cause of death during adolescence. Methods: A sample of 1,763 adolescents, aged 14 to 22, was randomly drawn from public and private schools and administered a set of self-report questionnaires. Descriptive and regression analyses were used to look for specific relationships and predictors of NSSI and suicide ideation in this isolated community. Results: Approximately 30% of youths reported at least one NSSI behavior, a rate that is twice as high as most studies carried out in mainland Portugal and in other European countries. Biting oneself was the most frequent form of NSSI, and NSSI behaviors served predominantly automatic reinforcement purposes (i.e., regulation of disruptive emotional states). NSSI and suicide ideation encompassed different distal and proximal risk factors. Conclusions: Exploring and characterizing these phenomena is necessary to provide a better understanding, enhance current conceptualizations, and guide the development of more effective prevention and intervention strategies in youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Seefeld, Austria, Leontodon ˣ grassiorum Zidorn, a new Leontodon s.str. (Asteraceae, Cichorieae) hybrid was discovered. The new nothospecies is a hybrid between an Azorean endemic Leontodon species, commercially available as an ornamental plant, the recently described Leontodon hochstetteri M.Moura et L.Silva, and the most common Leontodon s.str. species in Austria, L. hispidus L. The origin of the new hybrid is discussed as well as the proper naming of its Azorean parent established. The new hybrid was morphologically and phytochemically characterised. Moreover, DNA-samples were analysed and discussed in the context of hybridization. The observed patterns are discussed with special emphasis on the importance of chemical markers in the discovery and characterisation of hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of experiments were conducted to obtain an efficient larval rearing protocol for Megabalanus azoricus. The first part of this study investigates the effect of microalgae-based diets on survival and larval development. Mono and mixed-diets were tested at 20 ± 1°C, in a sequence of 11-day feeding experiments. The second part presents a preliminary study on the influence of a biofilm on recruitment and use of oyster spat collectors in a mass rearing system. A photographic record of larval development and a brief reference to the diagnostic features that enable quick larval staging are also presented, along with morphometric measurements. Of the microalgae tested ( Chaetoceros sp., Chloromonas sp., Dunaliella sp., T- Isochrysis sp. and Skeletonema sp.) the mixed-diet Skeletonema sp. with T- Isocrysis sp. showed the highest survival percentages: total survival ranged from 79.7 to 85.7% and 69.7-80.0% of nauplii were in stage VI after 11 days of rearing. Cypris were also present, but only represented 5.3% of the survivors at most. In the mass rearing system juveniles were found settled in the collectors after 25 days, at 20 ± 1°C. However recruitment was less than 1%. Preliminary results showed no settlement preference towards collectors with biofilm. Nevertheless, this study provides the first record of M. azoricus settlement under laboratorial conditions and represent a starting point for future larval rearing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The communities of glomeromycotan fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF) under native Juniperus brevifolia forest from two Azorean islands, Terceira and São Miguel, were compared, mainly by spore morphology, and when possible, by molecular analysis. Thirty-nine morphotypes were detected from 12 genera. Glomeromycotan fungal richness was similar in Terceira and São Miguel, but significantly different among the four fragments of native forest. Spore diversity and community composition differed significantly between the two islands. The less degraded island, Terceira, showed 10 exclusive morphotypes including more rare types, whereas the more disturbed forest on São Miguel showed 13 morphs, mostly of common types. Forests from Terceira were dominated by Acaulosporaceae and Glomeraceae . Whereas members of Acaulosporaceae , Glomeraceae and Ambisporaceae were most frequent and abundant in those from São Miguel. Spore abundance was greatest on Terceira, and correlated with soil chemical properties (pH), average monthly temperature and relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brent Shaw has recently argued that the Neronian persecution never occurred. In fact, there are no grounds for doubting Tacitus’ report of the persecution. Sources later than Tacitus (Melito, Dionysius of Alexandria) date the martyrdoms of Peter and Paul to the reign of Nero, but those reports have no bearing on the veracity of Tacitus’ account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bacteriocin produced by a strain of Lactococcus lactis (L3A21M1), isolated from an Azorean cheese, was purified, characterised and identified. This bacteriocin, of molecular mass 2900.23 Da, similar to that of lacticin 481, was heat stable, active across a wide pH range and exhibited a broad spectrum of activity. It revealed a bacteriostatic mode of action against Listeria monocytogenes both in culture media and in model cheeses. Also, the strain presented good auto-aggregation, as well as co-aggregation ability with L. monocytogenes . The strain cell surface was relatively hydrophobic and basic, presented low tolerance to acidic conditions, but good resistance to the gut environment. The strain was able to reduce the adhesion of L. monocytogenes to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells in competition, displacement, inhibition and invasion experiments. The Lc. lactis L3A21M1 strain therefore has significant anti-listerial activity and so may find application for both food protection and decreased risk of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents, for the first time, the nutritional and health promoting aspects of four selected Azorean macroalgae ( Ulva compressa , Ulva rigida , Gelidium microdon and Pterocladiella capillacea ) in terms of total lipids, fatty acids (FA) profile, n6/n3 and hypocholesterolemic (h)/hypercholesterolemic (H) FA ratios, minerals, total essential amino acids (AA), anti-ageing and anti-phenylketonuria AA content, coenzyme Q 10 , α-tocopherol, total phenolics, antioxidant properties and energy value, on a dry weight basis. The results revealed low lipid content (1.02–4.32%) but significant PUFA content (29.57–69.22% of total FA), suitable FA ratios (0.48–9.49 for n 6/ n 3 and 1.26–4.22 for h/H), balanced macromineral ratios (0.27–1.91 for Na/K and 0.15–1.07 for Ca/Mg), appreciable amount of essential AA (45.27–58.13% of total AA), high amount of anti-ageing AA, low Phe content, coenzyme Q 10 (1.25–8.27 μg/g), α-tocopherol (2.61–9.14 mg/100 g), high total phenolic content (27.70–55.07 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g extract), significant free radical scavenging activity (29.32–47.73%) and valuable energy content (6.80–9.80 kJ/g). A regular consumption of these algae either directly or through food supplements may improve human health or may have a protective effect on some diseases and ageing process. They can also be used for producing pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals with potential economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article centres its attentions on the case studies of two couples and two individuals who emigrated from the Portuguese islands of the Azores to San Jose, California as part of the post-1957 Capelinhos (volcanic eruption) migration wave. Through in-depth qualitative research, including the gathering of narratives and descriptions of daily life collected through participant observation, our analysis sets out to examine the return/non-return aspirations and negotiations of our participants upon reaching retirement age, observing how influencing factors may mould (im)mobility desires. In setting out to provide descriptive portraits of (im)mobility conceptualisations, we aim to illustrate that return does not always demand permanent physical mobility, as the homeland may be brought closer than one thinks--transplanted in time and space, through one's own efforts of bringing the ancestral homeland to where one is presently. In turn, this may equally be the fodder that keeps the dream of return alive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine Cecília Meireles's writings from the perspective of the presence of a Portuguese (mainly Azorean) cultural heritage that was passed on by her grandmother, an immigrant from the island of São Miguel, Azores. The paper also illustrates, within this heritage, the presence of India in Meireles's literary work--an interest that was also evoked by her grandmother's memories, and resulted in the publication of "Poems Writ-ten in India." By receiving and then transforming Azorean memory through her own imagination, Cecília Meireles occupies a singular place among Brazilian poets. We can say that she occupies a cultural "inter-place" that becomes a sort of symbolic territoriality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broad-scale patterns in the distribution of deep-sea pelagic species and communities are poorly known. An important question is whether biogeographic boundaries identified from surface features are important in the deep mesopelagic and bathypelagic. We present community analyses of discrete-depth samples of mesozooplankton and micronekton to full-ocean depth collected in the area where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is crossed by the Subpolar Front. The results show that the distributional discontinuity associated with the front, which is strong near the surface, decreases with increasing depth. Both the frontal separation near the surface and the community convergence at increasing depths were clearer for mesozooplankton than for micronekton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how essentializing ideologies of language and identity in Toronto's Portuguese ethnic market, constructed as monolingual and monocultural within the larger mainstream market of English-speaking Canada, provide the background for humorous sociolinguistic performances that playfully acknowledge, reproduce, and challenge ethnolinguistic stratification. After more than sixty years, the dominant spaces of the local Portuguese market continue to exclude most Portuguese-Canadian youth by rarely legitimizing the use of English, bilingual code-switching, or ‘broken’ or ‘Azorean’ Portuguese. By choosing YouTube as a space in which to engage audiences in ideologies of language and identity through performances of sociolinguistic caricatures, three young Portuguese-Canadian amateur comedians negotiate sociolinguistic boundaries with an ambivalent agency. The mocking performances are legitimized by the performers' in-group status and reveal, among other things, how a stigmatized variety of Azorean Portuguese and certain ethnolinguistic stereotypes can be reappropriated and reinforced relative to sociolinguistic hierarchies. (Language ideologies, ethnic humor, performativity, heteroglossia)* [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Humans have introduced many species onto remote oceanic islands. The house mouse ( Mus musculus) is a human commensal and has consequently been transported to oceanic islands around the globe as an accidental stowaway. The history of these introductions can tell us not only about the mice themselves but also about the people that transported them. Following a phylogeographic approach, we used mitochondrial D-loop sequence variation (within an 849- to 864-bp fragment) to study house mouse colonization of the Azores. A total of 239 sequences were obtained from all nine islands, and interpretation was helped by previously published Iberian sequences and 66 newly generated Spanish sequences. A Bayesian analysis revealed presence in the Azores of most of the D-loop clades previously described in the domesticus subspecies of the house mouse, suggesting a complex colonization history of the archipelago as a whole from multiple geographical origins, but much less heterogeneity (often single colonization?) within islands. The expected historical link with mainland Portugal was reflected in the pattern of D-loop variation of some of the islands but not all. A more unexpected association with a distant North European source area was also detected in three islands, possibly reflecting human contact with the Azores prior to the 15th century discovery by Portuguese mariners. Widening the scope to colonization of the Macaronesian islands as a whole, human linkages between the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries, Portugal and Spain were revealed through the sharing of mouse sequences between these areas. From these and other data, we suggest mouse studies may help resolve historical uncertainties relating to the 'Age of Discovery'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, lava caves host colorful microbial mats. However, little is known about the diversity of these microorganisms, or what role they may play in the subsurface ecosystem. White and yellow microbial mats were collected from four lava caves each on the Azorean island of Terceira and the Big Island of Hawai'i, to compare the bacterial diversity found in lava caves from two widely separated archipelagos in two different oceans at different latitudes. Scanning electron microscopy of mat samples showed striking similarities between Terceira and Hawai'ian microbial morphologies. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed to determine the diversity within these lava caves. Fifteen bacterial phyla were found across the samples, with moreActinobacteriaclones in Hawai'ian communities and greater numbers ofAcidobacteriaclones in Terceira communities. Bacterial diversity in the subsurface was correlated with a set of factors. Geographical location was the major contributor to differences in community composition (at the OTU level), together with differences in the amounts of organic carbon, nitrogen and copper available in the lava rock that forms the cave. These results reveal, for the first time, the similarity among the extensive bacterial diversity found in lava caves in two geographically separate locations and contribute to the current debate on the nature of microbial biogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives. To evaluate the plasma aminothiol profile (PAP) and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, as well as plasma folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 concentrations, in 326 apparently healthy subjects from the Azores archipelago (Portugal). Also eventual relationships of PAP with conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis were investigated, aiming at the finding of early blood markers of the disease. Design and Methods. This was an observational cross-sectional study, where participants were split into two groups: one with a normal and another with an altered PAP (at least one aminothiol out of its reference concentration range). Results. About 76% of subjects had an altered PAP, mainly due to low glutathione levels (<1.5 µmol/L), mostly associated with normal GGT activity. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 10%, where only 33% had some B-vitamin deficiency. The risk for atherosclerosis was more evidenced in subjects exhibiting both deficient GSH concentration and increased serum GGT activity. Conclusions. An altered PAP, namely, when caused by low GSH levels in the absence of alterations in the Hcy, or Cys, or Cys-Gly concentrations and in serum GGT activity, might reveal a subclinical stage of atherogenesis and should be explored as a potential early marker of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the potential propagation by seed and cuttings of the Azorean native Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull. for landscape conservation. With that purpose we have performed several germination and cuttings trials, using plant material from wild populations of this species. In the germination trials, we tested the effects of photoperiod length (8 and 16 h), temperature (10, 15, 20, and 20-10°C), seed age (6, 108, and 270 days), temperature of seed storage (4°C and room temperature), and seed surface sterilization on the germination characteristics. In the cuttings trials, we tested the effects of stem cutting type, cultural conditions, cuttings' harvest month, and rooting substrates on the rooting percentages. The best percentages of germination, 93 and 90%, were obtained with fresh seeds and surface sterilized and sown under an 8 h photoperiod and with temperatures of 10°C or 15°C, respectively; germination after seed storage during 270 days is significantly superior (71%) when seeds are stored at 4°C. The best percentages of rooting were achieved for straight (96%) or heel cuttings (90%) harvested in March, planted on soil from natural stands of C. vulgaris and Erica azorica Hochst., outdoors in half shade, and partially covered with transparent polyethylene film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess population genetic structure and variability in the endangered Azorean endemic Viburnum treleasei Gand., an evergreen shrub or small tree, occurring in eight out of nine islands of the archipelago. We combine RAPD and ISSR markers in eight populations and four islands covering the three subgroups of islands that compose the archipelago, and one population of V. tinus from the Portuguese mainland. Most of the genetic variability was found within populations, which is in accordance with the bi-parental reproductive strategy favored by the taxon. Gene flow estimations for the combined RAPD and ISSR markers suggest that the main cause for population variability between the studied populations is genetic drift. In accordance with the genetic structure indicators obtained, conservation measures should consider that translocation of individuals between islands must be avoided. In specific cases, the analysed populations may require the implementation of augmentation strategies due to their depleted state. With this study, a genetic background is now available to better define conservation measures for the taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The identification of clinically validated genetic variants contributing to complex disorders raise the possibility to investigate individuals' risk. In this line of research, the present work aimed to assess the genetic risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Azoreans. Genotyping of 19 SNPs – 9 on 9p21, 5 on LDLR and 5 on USF1 – was performed by TaqMan assays on 170 healthy Azorean individuals. Results demonstrate that the most frequent haplotype in 9p21, with a frequency of 41.4%, is TGGGCGCGC, which harbors all risk alleles. Considering haplotype homozygosity data show that females present higher value of homozygosity for both LDLR (13.5%) and USF1 (15.3%), whereas males present higher value for the 9p21 region (8.2%). Interestingly, genetic profile analysis revealed differences in terms of geographic and gender distribution. The Azorean Central group presented a higher risk for atherosclerosis, 2.7 times higher when compared to the Eastern group, while the Eastern group shows 1.5 times higher risk for dyslipidemias. Moreover, Azorean females demonstrated a 4 times higher risk for dyslipidemias when compared to males, whereas males have an increased risk for atherosclerosis. Although allele frequencies in Azoreans were similar to those reported for the HapMap CEU population, the differences in terms of haplotype and genetic profile distribution must be taken in consideration when assessing genetic risk. Taken together, the data here presented evidence for the need to perform biomedical research and epidemiologic analysis in Azoreans with the aim of developing strategies to CVD prevention, health promotion and population education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prunus azorica is an endangered tree endemic to the Azores Archipelago, considered as a top priority species for conservation. Although propagation measures have been studied in detail, and a broad phylogeographic study on P. lusitanica was recently published, a detailed population genetics study devoted to Azorean taxon was lacking. To determine extant patterns of population genetic structure in P. azorica, we analysed eight populations from the five Azorean islands where the species presently occurs and the only extant individual from Flores Island. We also included samples of P. lusitanica subsp. hixa from the Canary Islands and Madeira, and of P. lusitanica subsp. lusitanica from mainland Portugal. Genotyping was undertaken for eight nuclear microsatellite polymorphic loci specifically isolated for P. azorica. Accessions of the different geographic regions were used to sequence ITS and trnL DNA regions. Regarding SSRs, the number of alleles ranged from 5 to 37 (mean = 12.6) per locus and from 2 to 64 per population (mean = 24). Our analysis showed a clear separation between samples from the Azores and those from other regions. Overall, São Miguel populations seemed to encompass the majority of the variability found within the archipelago. Regarding the Azorean populations only, the highest percentage of genetic variation was found within populations (92 %). Still, about 7 % of the variation was found among populations within islands. Expected heterozygosity ranged from values near 0 in the most depauperate populations up to 0.18. With a few exceptions, the level of differentiation between Azorean populations was generally low and gene flow was clearly above 1. Analysis of ITS sequences also detected differences between the Azores and the remaining regions but the trnL region did not reveal any variation. The genetic identity of P. azorica was recognised and thus should be preserved; however, the present results suggest that the Azorean taxon should be reinstated at the subspecies level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Picconia azorica (Tutin) Knobl. (Oleaceae) is an endangered species, endemic to the Azores. Samples from 31 populations in 8 islands were genotyped using 8 newly developed nuclear microsatellite markers. From the amplified loci, 81% were polymorphic across all populations and the species showed a relatively high total genetic diversity (H T =0.7). Several populations were close to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium while others presented positive F IS values (0.02–0.2). The largest proportion of genetic variation (98%) occurred within populations and the level of differentiation between populations, was generally low, although 27% of the population pairwise comparisons showed relatively high differentiation values (0.25≤ R ST ≤0.65). Relatively high levels of gene flow were also found among most populations. Using the Bayesian clustering method implemented in STRUCTURE we found a particular genetic pattern in Corvo samples, and also similarities between Santa Maria, São Miguel and Flores populations. Considerable levels of genetic admixture within P. azorica populations might have resulted from: (i) fruit dispersal by native birds; and/or (ii) human mediated dispersal between islands. Our results revealed the existence of some genetically depauperate populations needing specific conservation measures, and indicate that arbitrary translocation of individuals between islands should be avoided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this essay, the author examines the religious, social and political contexts of the Jesus movement in the first century, including the social ethos of its members. The thesis about the nazirite practices (vows) of John the Baptist, James the Just and Jesus himself has also been considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Integrated Coastal Zone Management / Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada is the property of Associacao Portuguesa dos Recursos Hidricos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article is based on the results of the research project "Feeling the Pulse of the community," "Identity politics and narratives of a Portuguese migrant community in Canada", funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Portuguese Science Foundation). The research focused on the study of the television show "Gente da Nossa", which reveals characteristics of an "ethnic minority media". The study integrates the field of Anthropology of Media, and draws on an ethnographic approach to the processes of production and broadcast of the show. The article aims at situating "Gente da Nossa" within the broad and complex field of relationships between the production and broadcast of "ethnic media", and the processes of ethnicization of migrant communities. The show is strategically conceptualized as a vehicle used in the production, diffusion, objectification and commodification of imagery representing the "Portuguese community in Canada." The ethnography carried out allowed for the reading and discussion of some key dimensions implicated in the construction of the concept of "community", and contributed as well through a case study to a better understanding of that multifaceted and complex cultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper challenges the normalised view that immigrant communities, like language and identity, are natural and depoliticised social realities. They are, in fact, carefully constructed social projects structured by people with multiple positionings who compete over unequally distributed resources. A critical and ethnographic sociolinguistic analysis reveals Toronto's Portuguese-Canadian community as a market where internal group divisions along linguistic, regional and generational lines are masked in order to appeal to the homogenising discourses of Canadian multiculturalism and Portuguese nationalism. The market is thus divided between a minority of Mainland Portuguese, whose standard language variety and dominant cultural habitus afford them positions of power, and a majority of Azorean Portuguese, whose ways of being and speaking Portuguese are delegitimised. Qualitative research methods, including semistructured interviews and participant observation, suggest that the Canadian-born inheritors of this market navigate discursive spaces which largely remain monolingually and monoculturally Portuguese and that are filled with contradictions marginalising most young people for lacking the "right" linguistic or cultural capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we aim to highlight some aspects relating to the living conditions, motivations for leaving, and integration in the host country, of emigrants who have returned to the Azores. We focus primarily on aspects of employment, participation in community associations and political participation, emphasizing the importance of social networks, particularly those of the family, throughout the entire process of migration. Within this theoretical framework, the study was based on a survey, which was administered to all of those who had lived abroad and who later returned to their region of origin, to set up residence. The results of this investigation contribute to the understanding of an essential aspect of Azorean history and society, serving equally towards the definition and implementation of public policies, directed at this aspect of mobility in the archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:Some studies have reported an inverse association between dairy product (DP) consumption and weight or fat mass loss.OBJECTIVES:The objective of our study was to assess the association between DP intake and abdominal obesity (AO) among Azorean adolescents.SUBJECTS/METHODS:This study was a cross-sectional analysis. A total of 903 adolescents (370 boys) aged 15-16 years was evaluated. Anthropometric measurements were collected (weight, height and waist circumference (WC)) and McCarthy's cut-points were used to categorize WC. AO was defined when WC was 90th percentile. Adolescent food intake was assessed using a self-administered semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and DP intake was categorized in <2 and 2 servings/day. Data were analyzed separately for girls and boys, and logistical regression was used to estimate the association between DPs and AO adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS:The prevalence of AO was 54.9% (boys: 32.1% and girls: 70.7%, P<0.001). For boys and girls, DP consumption was 2.3±1.9 and 2.1±1.6 servings/day (P=0.185), respectively. In both genders, the proportion of adolescents with WC <90th percentile was higher among individuals who reported a dairy intake of 2 servings/day compared with those with an intake <2 servings/day (boys: 71% vs 65% and girls: 36% vs 24%, P<0.05). After adjustments for confounders, two or more DP servings per day were a negative predictor of AO (odds ratio, 0.217; 95% confidence interval, 0.075-0.633) only in boys.CONCLUSION:We found a protective association between DP intake and AO only in boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of APUNTES - Journal of Cultural Heritage Studies is the property of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)