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A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was coupled with an advanced statistical strategy combining the response surface method (RSM) and the propagation of error (PoE) approach to optimize and test the robustness of the co-firing of ammonia (NH3) and coal in a fluidized bed reactor for coal phase-out processes. The CFD model was validated under experimental results collected from a pilot fluidized bed reactor. A 3k full factorial design of nine computer simulations was performed using air staging and NH3 co-firing ratio as input factors. The selected responses were NO, NH3 and CO2 emissions generation. The findings were that the design of experiments (DoE) method allowed for determining the best operating conditions to achieve optimal operation. The optimization process identified the best-operating conditions to reach stable operation while minimizing harmful emissions. Through the implementation of desirability function and robustness, the optimal operating conditions that set the optimized responses for single optimization showed not to always imply the most stable set of values to operate the system. Robust operating conditions showed that maximum performance was attained at high air staging levels (around 40%) and through a balanced NH3 co-firing ratio (around 30%). The results of the combined multi-optimization process performance should provide engineers, researchers and professionals the ability to make smarter decisions in both pilot and industrial environments for emissions reduction for decarbonization in energy production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The galling insects, host plants and all gall-interacting organisms may depend on environmental conditions and stochasticity to establish and maintain their life cycles and trophic interactions. The micromoth Palaeomystella oligophaga (Lepidoptera: Momphidae) induces galls on Macairea radula (Melastomataceae) and its populations suffer mortality caused by direct and indirect negative interactions. Herein, we hypothesized that (i) the occurrence of galls should be greater during the dry period, when arthropods may depend more on microhabitats during the larval stage. However, (ii) P. oligophaga can face different kinds and frequencies of enemies during different cycles of the year. In addition, (iii) stochastic events such as fire may reduce the occurrence of natural enemies and thus increase the galling insects frequency. We quantified the galling insect survival rates, the proportion and kinds of natural enemies for 16 months (February 2017 – May 2018), detecting two life cycles of these gall-inducing insects by year. We analyzed galls in these 2 cycles and 1 cycle in the second year after a fire event. We confirmed the bivoltine cycle of P. oligophaga, with more galls induced during the first cycle (Feb – May) but with a higher frequency during the second cycle (Aug-Oct), following the post-fire period (Feb – May). The survival rates of P. oligophaga were higher during the post-fire cycle compared to the same period of the previous year, but lower than during the second. The enemies were more abundant during the first cycle. The bivoltine life cycle may constitute a strategy for P. oligophaga to use the galls during different periods of the year because the maturation and emergence of adults depend on the fluctuation of the occurrence of enemies, which varies according to abiotic conditions. Furthermore, this strategy offers shelter and food resources to all other organisms whose life cycles are synchronized with the availability of this microhabitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violent crimes, investigations, corruption and police violence are narrative elements that characterize thrillers as genre films that became popular with Hollywood productions, but which are present in other film industries, including the Brazilian filmic production, where this aspect is little known and studied. For this reason, this article aims to categorize, contextualize and analyze the aesthetic and narrative points of view thrillers made in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem engineering consists of a ubiquitous and fundamental class of interactions where some organisms promote state changes in biotic and abiotic materials which indirectly affect others. Since the concept was created as a counterpoint to traditional flux‐based models, pollinators have never been considered to promote ecosystem engineering because they modulate the supply of resources used by seed/fruit consumers. However, dry fruits may persist in the environment for long periods after seed dispersion as empty structures that are an additional alternative for occupancy. These increase the realized niche of some organisms, being a clear example of biogenic habitats. Here, we demonstrate how pollination may boost ecosystem engineering using an illustrative case study based on a specialized interaction between a bee and an orchid with characteristic capsular fruits. We demonstrate that the orchid is fully dependent on the pollinator to set fruits. Post‐dispersal fruits are voluminous and remain attached to the plant for several years. By investigating the occupation patterns of arthropods, we show that post‐dispersal fruits are highly suitable for occupants when compared to pre‐dispersal and dispersing fruits. Only 13.3% of post‐dispersal fruits were never occupied, 33.3% had organisms inside and 53.3% showed signs of previous occupation. We propose that pollinators are allogenic engineers and plants autogenic, since they promote state changes through their actions and their own physical structure, respectively. Thus, pollination is a case of cooperative ecosystem engineering whereby the effects of the interaction between two or more species expand habitat suitability. Since most plants rely on pollination to set fruits, we suggest that pollination‐mediated engineering constitutes a widespread phenomenon. This offers a new perspective about the effects of pollination in nature, highlighting the importance of pollinators and opening new avenues of investigation of ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates the mediating role of absorptive capacity between external sources of knowledge and product innovation performance within the context of an electricity cooperative. Design/Methodology/Approach: Conducted with a quantitative methodology, the study involved administering a questionnaire to 82 supplier companies of an electricity cooperative, using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method to test the structural model. Results: The findings indicate that external sources of knowledge, mediated by absorptive capacity, have a significant and positive association with the performance of product innovation. Organizations need to utilize both scientific and industrial external sources of knowledge to develop both potential and realized absorptive capacities, in order to perceive financial, market, technical, customer, and strategic benefits from innovation. Originality/Value: This highlights the strategic importance of knowledge management in maintaining competitive and innovative organizations in the current business environment. In this sense, the study addresses the need for organizations to develop practices related to knowledge absorption, emphasizing that these practices not only allow for the acquisition of relevant business information but also facilitate the propagation and transformation of routines, leading to improvements in products and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The media influence in the reflective and critically formation citizen process gives rise to this study. The aim was to develop a game to address violence in affective-sexual relationships among adolescents from a gender perspective. The methodology was developed in stages (since the conception to evaluation) and several theories and procedures were used according to the stage. The results were the basis for the design and development of a game to address the violence in a playful way, without the social constraints of daily life and the right and wrong concepts, in order to mobilize critical thinking and enabling discursive practices for reframe the meanings that involve affective-sexual relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty vulnerability constitutes a significant concern in Portugal, with 17.5% of the population being unable to keep their home adequately warm. Furthermore, there is evidence that a substantial number of children live in unhealthy homes. This study aims to comprehensively characterise a sample of 101 Portuguese families with children and their homes in order to identify opportunities for actions for promoting long-lasting energy efficiency and environment health-promoting behavioural changes. To accomplish this aim, two tools—a building survey checklist and a questionnaire to participants—were developed and implemented to collect harmonised data on building-specific characteristics and on participants' socioeconomic status and behaviour. The home visits for recruitment and data collection were conducted from July 2021 to April 2022. The results suggest that, for the population under study, the main opportunities for improvement include: (i) replacing low energy-efficient technologies, with high emission rates, namely those used for heating purposes, with cleaner and more efficient alternatives; (ii) providing citizens with detailed information about their home's energy use and indoor air quality and (iii) educating the population on the best-practices for reducing indoor air stuffiness, mitigating the risk of hazardous exposures, improving thermal comfort and saving energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concomitant tricuspid repair in MR surgery is indicated in patients with severa tricuspid regurgitation, however, concomitant repair in less-than-severe TR patients is still a matter of debate. Methods: In December 2021, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for randomised control trials (RCTs) comparing isolated MR surgery versus MR surgery with concomitant TR annuloplasty. Four studies were included, resulting in 651 patients (323 in the prophylactic tricuspid intervention group and 328 in the no tricuspid intervention group). Results: Our meta-analysis showed a similar all-cause mortality and perioperative mortality for concomitant prophylactic tricuspid repair when compared with no tricuspid intervention (pooled odds ratio (OR), 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–1.15, P = 0.11; I2 = 0% and pooled OR, 0.54; 95% CI: 0.25–1.15, P = 0.11; I2 = 0%, respectively) in patients undergoing MV surgery. despite a significantly lower TR progression (pooled OR, 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02–0.24, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%). Additionally, similar New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes III and IV were identified in both concomitant prophylactic tricuspid repair and no tricuspid intervention, despite a lower trend in the tricuspid intervention group (pooled OR, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.38–1.06, P = 0.08; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Our pooled analyses suggested that TV repair at the time of MV surgery in patients with moderate or less-than-moderate TR did not impact on perioperative or postoperative all-cause mortality, despite reducing TR severity and TR progression following the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Trap flowers are fascinating cases of adaptation, often linked to oviposition-site mimicry systems. Some trap flowers do not imprison pollinators for a pre-determined period, but rather force them to move through a specific path, manipulating their movements in a way that culminates in pollen transfer, often as they leave through a secondary opening. Methods We investigated the previously unknown pollination system of the lady's slipper orchid Phragmipedium vittatum and assessed the function of micro-morphological traits of its trap flowers. Key Results Our observations revealed that P. vittatum is pollinated by females of two hoverfly species (Syrphidae). Eggs laid by flies on or near raised black spots on the flowers indicate that the orchid mimics aphids which serve as food for their aphidophagous larvae. Dark, elevated aphid-like spots appear to attract the attention of hoverflies to a slipping zone. This region has downward projecting papillate cells and mucilage secretion that promote slipperiness, causing potential pollinators to fall into the labellum. They then follow a specific upward route towards inner aphid-like spots by holding onto upward oriented hairs that aid their grip. As hoverflies are funnelled by the lateral constriction of the labellum, they pass the stigma, depositing pollen they may be carrying. Later, they squeeze under one of the articulated anthers which places pollen smears onto their upper thorax. Then, they depart through one of the narrow lateral holes by holding onto hairs projecting from the petals. Conclusions This study confirms the system of aphid mimicry in Phragmipedium and highlights the sophisticated micro-morphological traits used by trap flowers in pollinator attraction, trapping, guidance and release, thus promoting precise pollen transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high levels of oxidative stress detected in gall tissues, the production of phenolic derivatives as scavengers of these molecules, and the changes in the gall photochemical efficiency have been related to the feeding behavior of galling insects. Herein, we evaluated the oxidative stress, photochemical parameters and pigment contents in four leaf galls on Aspidosperma spp. induced by 2 psyllids and 1 cecidomyiid. A. spruceanum is induced by scraping-sucking insects, while A. australe, A. macrocarpon and A. tomentosum by phloem-sucking insects. Also, anatomical and histochemical analyses, as well as phenolic and lipid peroxidation assays, were performed. The concentration of malondialdehyde seems to be a good indicator of advanced oxidative stress in gall tissues. The biosynthesis of phenolic derivatives was similar between galls and non-galled leaves, as well as among galls induced by different gallings. The total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a and b contents were higher in non-galled leaves than in galls. Fv/Fm (maximum quantum yield), NPQ (non-photochemical quenching during light adaptation) and Rfd (fluorescence decline ratio in steady-state) had lower values in galls and may be related to a loss of photochemical efficiency. Among galls, just F0 (minimal fluorescence in the dark-adapted state) and Fm (maximum fluorescence in the dark–adapted state) showed differences, with a higher F0 values in the galls of A. australe, one of the less stressful systems. Our results describe several underlying mechanisms related to the impact of feeding activity of different galling insects in gall tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annealing behavior of (1-x)BiMg0.5Ti0.5O3–xBiZn0.5Ti0.5O3 [(1-x)BMT–xBZT] perovskite solid solutions synthesized under high pressure was studied in situ via X-ray diffraction and piezoresponse force microscopy. The as prepared ceramics show a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between the non-polar orthorhombic and ferroelectric tetragonal states at 75 mol. % BZT. It is shown that annealing above 573 K results in irreversible changes in the phase diagram. Namely, for compositions with 0.2 < x < 0.6, the initial orthorhombic phase transforms into a ferroelectric rhombohedral phase. The new MPB between the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases lies at a lower BZT content of 60 mol. %. The phase diagram of the BMT–BZT annealed ceramics is formally analogous to that of the commercial piezoelectric material lead zirconate titanate. This makes the BMT–BZT system promising for the development of environmentally friendly piezoelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

" Feijoa [ Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret] Pollination: A Review." The pollination process is unusual since the energy-rich petals are the resource being consumed by birds that are the main pollinators (Ramírez & Kallarackal, 2017). " Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus Violaceus and Grey Currawong Strepera Versicolor Eating Feijoa Acca Sellowiana Petals." Myrtaceae, pollination, urban ecology, Acca sellowiana. [Extracted from the article]

Morphological niche partitioning between related syntopic plants that are distylous (with short- and long-styled morphs) is complex. Owing to differences in the heights of stigmas and anthers, each floral morph must place pollen onto two distinct parts of the body of the pollinator. This led us to hypothesize that such partitioning should be more accurate among distylous syntopic species in comparison to combinations with other related plants that do not co-occur. We tested these assumptions using a set of Palicourea (Rubiaceae) species as a model system. We compared the distribution, flowering phenology, floral measurements and reciprocity of sexual organ heights of two syntopic species (Palicourea rigida and Palicourea coriacea) and one non-syntopic congener (Palicourea marcgravii). The three species overlapped in their distributions and flowering periods. The position of sexual organs was, in most cases, partitioned between syntopic populations, with low overlap in anther and stigma heights. However, we found a higher overlap involving the non-syntopic species, especially between Palicourea rigida and Palicourea marcgravii. Additionally, reciprocity of sexual organs was more accurate in intraspecific inter-morph combinations (i.e. legitimate organ correspondence) in comparison to intraspecific intra-morph, interspecific syntopic and interspecific non-syntopic combinations. The partitioning of morphological traits between syntopic species might facilitate the differential placement of pollen on the body of the pollinator and reduce the chances of interspecific interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early Neolithic funerary practices and the meaning of complete ceramic vessels found isolated are poorly researched topics in western Iberia. However, recent archaeological salvage excavations at Armazéns Sommer and Palácio Ludovice in Lisbon have revealed individual burial pits of male individuals laid in a foetal position and directly associated with necked vessels. These discoveries suggest that finds of isolated vessels, known since the beginning of the twentieth century in Portugal and usually found fortuitously apparently without archaeological context, may also have originally belonged to similar burials, unnoticed by their finders. This hypothesis opens new perspectives for the interpretation of such finds, which are inventoried in the present article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of Data Management Plan (DMP) has emerged as a fundamental tool to help researchers through the systematical management of data. The Research Data Alliance DMP Common Standard (DCS) working group developed a set of universal concepts characterising a DMP so it can be represented as a machine-actionable artefact, i.e., machine-actionable Data Management Plan (maDMP). The technology-agnostic approach of the current maDMP specification: (i) does not explicitly link to related data models or ontologies, (ii) has no standardised way to describe controlled vocabularies, and (iii) is extensible but has no clear mechanism to distinguish between the core specification and its extensions.This paper reports on a community effort to create the DMP Common Standard Ontology (DCSO) as a serialisation of the DCS core concepts, with a particular focus on a detailed description of the components of the ontology. Our initial result shows that the proposed DCSO can become a suitable candidate for a reference serialisation of the DMP Common Standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most well studied neuropeptide receptor families since they play a central role in many biological processes including endocrine, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and reproduction in animals. The genes for these receptors emerged from a common ancestral gene in bilaterian genomes and evolved via gene/genome duplications and deletions in vertebrate and invertebrate genomes. Their existence and function have mostly been characterized in vertebrates and few studies exist in invertebrate species. Recently, an increased interest in molluscs, means a series of genomes have become available, and since they are less modified than insect and nematode genomes, they are ideal to explore the origin and evolution of neuropeptide gene families. This review provides an overview of Family B1 GPCRs and their peptide ligands and incorporates new data obtained from Mollusca genomes and taking a comparative approach challenges existing models on their origin and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance, is characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. The sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) protein deacetylase is emerging as a new player in metabolic homeostasis, but its role in the development of hepatic steatosis and its link with ER stress activation remains unknown. SIRT2-knockout (SIRT2-KO) and wild-type mice were fed either a control or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. Genetic manipulation of SIRT2 levels was performed in human hepatic cells. Although apparently normal under a control diet, SIRT2-KO mice showed accelerated body weight gain and adiposity on a HFD, accompanied by severe insulin resistance. Importantly, SIRT2-KO mice exhibited worsened hepatic steatosis independently from diet, consistent with upregulated gene expression of lipogenic enzymes and increased expression of ER stress markers. Exposure of hepatic cells to palmitate induced lipid accumulation, increased ER stress, and decreased SIRT2 expression. Moreover, SIRT2-silenced cells showed enhanced lipid accumulation and ER stress activation under basal conditions, whereas SIRT2 overexpression abrogated palmitate-induced lipid deposition and ER stress activation. Our findings reveal a role for SIRT2 in the regulation of hepatic lipid homeostasis, potentially through the ER stress response, suggesting that SIRT2 activation might constitute a therapeutic strategy against obesity and its metabolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiences in Andean countries reveal that constitutional recognition of plural rights systems is not enough to reduce the detrimental impacts of hydropower on Indigenous communities. In this article, critical legal pluralism serves as an entry point from which to raise questions about the formal recognition of Indigenous legal orders in Chile. Drawing from an hydroelectic project that would dam the Neltume lake, this study examines how to take diverse local water rights systems seriously, without wiping them out by equilizing their divergences with logically ordered, hierarchically differentiated, official law. Accordingly, it shows how a series of legal networks overlap, intersect, and mutually shape each other, as it relates to struggles over water control in Mapuche-Williche territories. Through an ongoing engagement with critical anthropological thought, the article ends by addressing how it can be challenging to translate Indigenous epistemologies and political identities into the most official of all state documents, namely, the Constitution. Considering the present-day constitution-making process in Chile, the research combines several techniques for gathering qualitative data, including in-depth interviews with respondents involved in the conflict, videography, document analysis, and secondary historical sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2) impregnation of clove extract (CE) into poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films was explored with varying pressure (10–30 MPa) and temperature (35–60 °C), achieving high clove extract loadings (CL) (12.3 - 44.4%). In all conditions, impregnated extracts exhibited elevated eugenol content and reduced content of eugenyl acetate, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene, compared to crude extract, showing the selective character of the process. Strong eugenol/PLLA affinity demonstrated by solubility parameters and hydrogen bonds permitted its effective impregnation. Eugenol significantly plasticized PLLA film, resulting in alterations in its microstructure, including increased crystallinity and smaller crystals. A CL of 23.8% maintained a dense and uniform structure of PLLA, while 44.4% induced a thick microporous layer on the surfaces. CE-impregnated PLLA, rich in eugenol, is promising for developing active food packaging and extract-releasing medical. [Display omitted] • PLLA films were impregnated with clove extract (Eugenia caryophyllus) using scCO 2. • High clove loadings were achieved (up to 44.4%) with varying pressure and temperature. • Percentage of eugenol in impregnated extract was higher than in the crude extract. • High eugenol/PLLA affinity demonstrated by solubility parameters and H-bonds. • Plasticizing effect of clove extract (due to eugenol) modified PLLA microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemosensation is a critical signalling process in animals and especially important in sea cucumbers, a group of ecologically and economically important marine echinoderms (class Holothuroidea), which lack audio and visual organs and rely on chemical sensing for survival, feeding and reproduction. The ionotropic receptors are a recently identified family of chemosensory receptors in insects and other protostomes, related to the ionotropic glutamate receptor family (iGluR), a large family of membrane receptors in metazoan. Here we characterize the echinoderm iGluR subunits and consider their possible role in chemical communication in sea cucumbers. Sequence similarity searches revealed that sea cucumbers have in general a higher number of iGluR subunits when compared to other echinoderms. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparisons revealed GluH as a specific iGluR subfamily present in all echinoderms. Homologues of the vertebrate GluA (aka α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid, AMPA), GluK (aka kainate) and GluD (aka delta) were also identified. The GluN (aka N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate, NMDA) as well as the invertebrate deuterostome subfamily GluF (aka phi) are absent in echinoderms. The echinoderm GluH subfamily shares conserved structural protein organization with vertebrate iGluRs and the ligand binding domain (LBD) is the most conserved region; genome analysis indicates evolution via lineage and species‐specific tandem gene duplications. GluH genes (named Grih) are the most highly expressed iGluRs subunit genes in tissues in the sea cucumber Holothuria arguinesis, with Griha1, Griha2 and Griha5 exclusively expressed in tentacles, making them candidates to have a chemosensory role in this species. The multiple GluH subunits may provide alternative receptor assembly combinations, thus expanding the functional possibilities and widening the range of compounds detected during aggregation and spawning in echinoderms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural metamaterials presenting negative values of one or more mechanical and thermomechanical indices – namely the Poisson's ratio, the linear compressibility, and the coefficient of thermal expansion – are the promising candidates to the applications in many fields, ranging from precision mechanics to biomedical devices or energy absorption. Although scattered mentions may be found in the literature since the late eighties of 20th century, the systematic research efforts concerning these materials became effective much later. The present work is to review the main scientific contributions to the topic in the last five years. This paper first deals with those metamaterials showing a single negative index, and then proceeds to analyze the much less frequent instances of coupled negative indices, with emphasis on the so-called anepectic case, which exhibits an unusual thermomechanical response. [Display omitted] • Metamaterials with/ up to 3 negative thermomechanical coefficients (Poisson's Ratio; Thermal Expansion; Compressibility). • The interaction between all three properties needs further study. • 3D metamaterials are the next challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the article is to establish the comparison between the text translation process in licensing systems and the text translation process in subversive systems, aiming the understanding of different forms of usage and appropriation of licensed figures. It is understood that the appropriation, differently from authorized usage, refers to the practice of claiming elements of someone else's artwork and subverting the reproduction norms and the usage of copyright-protected images. The study supports itself in the concept of Translation developed by Lotman, because it is given that both systems constitute particular structures of relationship between elements that form a whole. To analyze the dynamics of usage and appropriation, it was selected as the analysis corpus the mask-sign of the graphic novel V for Vendetta, which presents diverse translation forms. Despite the improbability of a translated text enabling the plentiful recuperation of the original text, it is noted that in the licensing system there is the interest and more capability of reversing the texts, as the aim is to be recognized by part of the public. On the other side, it is observed that the subversive systems tend to resignify the base text by presenting irreversible characteristics, not allowing the recuperation of the original text, because the subversive systems do not have that as a purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation of nanocrystallites of cobalt–aluminium layered double hydroxides in a magnetic field has been studied. In a magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate, dense and homogeneous films have been obtained. Magnetic anisotropy of the crystallites is explained by deviation from the statistical cation distribution in favour of honeycomb-like coordination of cobalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apresenta-se uma introdução à revista que discute Semiótica Cultural, produção de conhecimento na área de Comunicação, processo comunicativo em programas de educação sexual para adolescentes em escolas públicas do México.

Nery Delgado was a key figure in the development of archaeological methods applied to prehistoric sites in Portugal within European archaeology at the end of the nineteenth century. He was the first in Europe to use a grid in his 1879–1880 excavation at the Casa da Moura cave (Óbidos, Portugal). The grid divided the cave into twenty-eight sectors excavated independently and, in each, all archaeological and bioanthropological finds were documented and marked with labels recording depth and excavation units. The 3D information obtained by Nery Delgado features among late nineteenth-century attempts at recording contextual data, a precursor of archaeological methods of data gathering that are used worldwide today. Nery Delgado was, thus, a pioneer of contemporary archaeological excavation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Understanding the distribution of organisms is a central issue in ecology. Some animal densities are directly determined by resource availability(i.e. the ideal free distribution model, IFD). Hence, animals freely occupy the available patches so that the payoff is ideally maximised according to resource exploitation and competition. Based on its assumptions, tests of the IFD should be made with animals presenting high motility and sensitivity to specific habitat characteristics. 2. This study demonstrates how traits from the plant community influence the distribution of two cobweb spiders, Helvibis longicauda and Chrysso intervales, on a forest understory. 3. Spider abundance was positively correlated to the availability of broadleaves (i.e. suitable sites) along patches. They show high topophilia (i.e. preferences based on microhabitat structural characteristics) for roof‐like leaves, which provide shelter to build webs underneath. Alternatively, higher numbers of pinnate fern fronds, a trait that is unsuitable to support the three‐dimensional webs of those species, translated to decreased abundance. Numbers of suitable and unsuitable sites were negatively correlated, indicating that their proportion on patches drives spider abundance. Finally, spider abundance along 22 suitable plant species was influenced by the number of microhabitats provided per species rather than by their phylogenetic identities. 4. We corroborate the IFD, demonstrating that simple consumer–resource relationships may occur on complex/multi‐species environments, such as forests. Dispersion and topophilic microhabitat selection may be driven by substrate availability and competition. Importantly, we provide insights based on the whole plant community, while previous evidence was limited to a single or a few species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant protection products are commercially available both in solid form and liquid formulation solutions. In Portugal, the volume of pesticides sold in 2019 translates into almost 800 tons of packaging material. Most of these materials are plastic containers, the remainder being mainly cardboard, mixed materials and metal. After use, the containers may still have relatively high amounts of toxic pesticides, which render them hazardous. The triple rinsing practice has been highly suggested to reduce the amount of pesticides in the empty containers, in order to allow further recycling. In Portugal there is an ongoing campaign to encourage the triple rinsing, aiming to make this type of waste non-hazardous. Thus, a way to monitor the concentration of leftover pesticides in the containers is necessary. This work describes the development of a methodology for the determination of 32 pesticides in used containers, and a monitoring campaign carried out between April 2018 and February 2021. The method involves grinding the material to a small particle size (<0.5 mm), followed by ultrasound-assisted liquid extraction with a tetrahydrofuran solution and analysis by GC/TOFMS and HPLC/DAD. The recoveries obtained were between 71–116% for all compounds except captan (62%), triclopyr (40%) and mesotrione (32%). The limits of detection and quantification were between 2.6–53.6 mg/kg for GC/TOFMS and 8.1–162.5 mg/kg for HPLC/DAD. The first three collections of containers (containing several materials from plastic to metal) showed high values for the sum of all analytes (1661 to 4332 mg/kg), whereas the last five collections (only plastic materials) presented a lower content (180 to 521 mg/kg), which reflects the effectiveness of the campaign promoting the triple rinsing practice of plastic containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes (DM2) is a chronic condition associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, neuropathies, nephropathies and eye diseases. Incretins (GIP and GLP-1) are hormones important to insulin secretion, and their actions are compromised in DM2 patients. Objectives: This review considers the opportunities and challenges of using incretin mimetics in the treatment of DM2. Methods: Bibliographic review referring to the period from 2000 to 2020, in electronic databases such as Scielo, Lilacs, PubMed, Web of Science. Results: Incretins stimulate insulin secretion by the pancreas in response to nutrient intake, with a lower potential to cause hypoglycemia. In addition, they have a cardioprotective role, reducing blood pressure, improving endothelial and myocardial function, and their use has been associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular mortality. Clinical trials with GLP-1R agonists (GLP-1RA) reduced albuminuria, increased natriuresis, and decreased oxidative stress. In addition, treatment with incretin mimetics reduced the occurrence of the main cardiovascular outcomes related to atherosclerosis, promoted weight loss and improved lipid profile. Conclusion: Studies show the important role of incretin mimetics in the pathophysiology and treatment of DM2, with significant effects in the cardiovascular system. However, its use must be evaluated in relation to its safety and to in which individuals the benefits outweigh the risks associated with the treatment. Thus, its clinical relevance depends on studies with long-term follow-up of patients, with analysis of its impact on mortality and on the development of micro and macrovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work constitutes the first phytosociological analysis of saltmarshes on the Angolan coast. Sixty-five relevés were carried out resulting in the description of six new plant associations. These saltmarshes are characterized by a lower floristic richness when compared to the Holarctic saltmarshes. Eighteen taxa were identified, some of them succulent. Saltmarshes occur from the mouth of the Cunene River to the Cuanza River, although in this last part they are already very impoverished. In the Cuanza river, saltmarshes occupy only a narrow strip in the inner sector of the mangroves in contact with continental ecosystems and are often made up of just one taxon, Sarcocornia natalensis subsp. affinis. Mangroves reach their southern limit in the city of Lobito, although they are almost extinct there. The occurrence and distribution of saltmarshes are affected by the Cold Benguela Current, that influences the west coast of Africa between Cabo da Boa Esperança and Benguela. The height of the saltmarsh's platforms colonized by halophyte, sub-halophyte or halotolerant plants determines the flooding period and thus the plant community's floristic composition. Soil granulometry also plays an important role in the spatial organization of plant communities. One of the main originalities of Angolan saltmarshes is the predominance of fine sandy or sandy-loam soil texture as a consequence of the proximity of the Namibe desert. The PCA segregated the different plant communities described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the vegetation of Brazilian Cerrado may occur over time. However, long-term dynamics are not fully understood yet, especially woody plant encroachment (WPE). The objective of this study was to examine changes in vegetation structure in a preserved area in Triângulo Mineiro region, within the southern Brazilian Cerrado domain, over 32 years (1987, 2005, and 2019). We based the study on field and literature surveys, as well as satellite imagery, and hypothesized that, due to the absence of periodic fires or grazing, Cerrado open formations (i.e., grassland or savanna) tend to become denser due to WPE. Shrubby grassland cover assessed in 1987 disappeared in the following periods (from 30.0 % to 0.0 % in 2019) while forest formations increased (from 7.0 % in 1987 to 11.0 % in 2019). Changes between 2005 and 2019 occurred within the stricto sensu cerrado subdivisions, with reduction of sparse cerrado (from 34.2 % to 7.7 %) and an increase in dense cerrado (from 6.9 % to 39.8 %). Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) applied for similar periods indicates a progressive increase of values over time (from 1986 (0.61±0.10) to 2004 (0.65±0.06) and 2018 (0.78±0.05)) and corroborates the WPE process. These patterns imply the loss of biodiversity in open plant formation. Another major consequence was the reduction of wetlands and possible impact on water supply. Such patterns are important to support plant management plans for the threatened Cerrado open plant formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The enemy hypothesis postulates that gall traits protect galling insects against natural enemies. Galls show a huge range of sizes, colors and ornaments, which vary even intraspecifically. However, galling insects are targets of various organisms that attack them directly or indirectly. In this context, to consider only one gall trait to investigate gall structure acting against only one guild of enemies can conceal an understanding of the community-level interactions. Objective: Herein, we take these ideas into consideration to investigate the conspicuous galls induced by Palaeomystella oligophaga Becker and Adamski 2008 (Lepidoptera) on Macairea radula (Bonpl.) (Melastomataceae) as a model system. We characterize this system through categorization of the different enemy guilds present in the community. We identified them to the lowest taxonomic level possible and determined the kind of interaction responsible for galling insects' deaths. Considering the enemy hypothesis and the selection of secondary characteristics, we also aimed to determine which of the multiple gall traits influence the survival success of galling insects in a multi-enemy context. Methods: We inspected galls and characterized the enemy guilds affecting the galling insect and the mortality rates produced by each one of them. Next, we tested whether the distinct gall traits measured (parenchyma thickness, color, projections) promote galling insect survival with respect to each enemy. Results: The mortality induced by indirect enemies (organisms that interact with gall tissues and can interact secondarily with galling insect) was 47.3 %, being higher than that caused by parasitoids and predators (31.5 %). Despite the gall's structural complexity, live galling insects showed the smallest occurrence (21.2 %). Parenchyma thickness was negatively related to Calliephialtes parasitoids, Gelechiidae cecidophages and predation signals. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the attacks to gall tissues by the cecidophages represented the highest threat to P. oligophaga survival, being higher than the mortality caused by direct enemies. That is, the gall traits were not as efficient as supposed to protect the galling insect from the attack of natural enemies. Nevertheless, we also demonstrated that parenchyma thickness can be negatively related to some organisms, especially direct enemies. Other traits hypothesized as defensive (e.g. projections, coloration) may simply play no role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we consider planar piecewise linear vector fields with two zones separated by the straight line x = 0. Our goal is to study the existence of simultaneous crossing and sliding limit cycles for such a class of vector fields. First, we provide a canonical form for these systems assuming that each linear system has centre, a real one for y<0 and a virtual one for y>0, and such that the real centre is a global centre. Then, working with a first-order piecewise linear perturbation we obtain piecewise linear differential systems with three crossing limit cycles. Second, we see that a sliding cycle can be detected after a second-order piecewise linear perturbation. Finally, imposing the existence of a sliding limit cycle we prove that only one adittional crossing limit cycle can appear. Furthermore, we also characterize the stability of the higher amplitude limit cycle and of the infinity. The main techniques used in our proofs are the Melnikov method, the Extended Chebyshev systems with positive accuracy, and the Bendixson transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidian parasites of fish have received considerably less attention than their terrestrial counterparts, and within piscine hosts, most studies have focused on freshwater fish. The present study aimed to describe oocyst morphology, phylogenetic affinities, and the impacts of coccidian parasites infecting the internal organs of a commercially valuable marine fish, the blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), captured off the Portuguese coast. As part of the phylogenetic analysis, sequences from coccidians infecting the pout (Trisopterus luscus) and the Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) were included, and the oocyst morphology of the coccidians infecting the former was also reported. Results showed that the prevalence of coccidiosis in the blue whiting was very high (> 82%), occurring in all analyzed organs, despite being more abundant in the liver. A significant negative correlation was found between the abundance of the parasites in the liver and host condition index (p < 0.05), which indicates a negative effect on the fitness of this host. Phylogenetic analyses of the parasites found in all three species examined identified three different species of Goussia, closely related to Goussia clupearum. Adding to previous research, we propose the existence of a fourth group of Goussia, the clupearum type, able to infect multiple organs and phylogenetic related with G. clupearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomineralization is the process by which living organisms acquired the capacity to accumulate minerals in tissues. Shells are the biomineralized exoskeleton of marine molluscs produced by the mantle but factors that regulate mantle shell building are still enigmatic. This study sought to identify candidate regulatory factors of molluscan shell mineralization and targeted family B G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ligands that include calcium regulatory factors in vertebrates, such as calcitonin (CALC). In molluscs, CALC receptor (CALCR) number was variable and arose through lineage and species-specific duplications. The Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) mantle transcriptome expresses six CALCR-like and two CALC-precursors encoding four putative mature peptides. Mussel CALCR-like are activated in vitro by vertebrate CALC but only receptor CALCRIIc is activated by the mussel CALCIIa peptide (EC50 = 2.6 ×10−5 M). Ex-vivo incubations of mantle edge tissue and mantle cells with CALCIIa revealed they accumulated significantly more calcium than untreated tissue and cells. Mussel CALCIIa also significantly decreased mantle acid phosphatase activity, which is associated with shell remodelling. Our data indicate the CALC-like system as candidate regulatory factors of shell mineralization. The identification of the CALC system from molluscs to vertebrates suggests it is an ancient and conserved calcium regulatory system of mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumbers lack vision and rely on chemical sensing to reproduce and survive. However, how they recognize and respond to environmental cues remains unknown. Possible candidates are the odorant receptors (ORs), a diverse family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in olfaction. The present study aimed at characterizing the chemosensory GPCRs in sea cucumbers. At least 246 distinct GPCRs, of which ca. 20% putative ORs, were found in a transcriptome assembly of putative chemosensory (tentacles, oral cavity, calcareous ring, and papillae/tegument) and reproductive (ovary and testis) tissues from Holothuria arguinensis (57 ORs) and in the Apostichopus japonicus genome (79 ORs). The sea cucumber ORs clustered with those of sea urchin and starfish into four main clades of gene expansions sharing a common ancestor and evolving under purifying selection. However, the sea cucumber ORs repertoire was the smallest among the echinoderms and the olfactory receptor signature motif LxxPxYxxxxxLxxxDxxxxxxxxP was better conserved in cluster OR-l1 which also had more members. ORs were expressed in tentacles, oral cavity, calcareous ring, and papillae/tegument, supporting their potential role in chemosensing. This study is the first comprehensive survey of chemosensory GPCRs in sea cucumbers, and provides the molecular basis to understand how they communicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rewardless orchid species are pollinated by deception and have reduced reproductive success. Those species that present self‐compatibility followed by alternative mechanisms of autogamy may compensate for such episodic allogamy events. This is the case for rain‐assisted self‐pollination, a rare mechanism in Orchidaceae. In this study, we investigated the reproductive biology of two terrestrial species: Cyrtopodium hatschbachii and C. paludicolum. We studied their reproductive systems, examined pollinators and male and female successes, and ascertained if rain promotes self‐pollination. Both species are allogamous but self‐compatible. However, natural fruit set is low, not exceeding 1.40% during 4 years of observation. This may result from the reduced frequency of pollinator visitation followed by a high pollinator specificity, because each species was pollinated by a single specialist bee. Although spontaneous selfing did not occur, we verified fruits formed by rain action. The evaporation of the water droplet that accumulates on stigma helps the pollinarium to slip back, promoting selfing. This occurred in approximately 10% of C. hatschbachii fruits, but in C. paludicolum it was recorded only once during three observation years. This indicates that the phenomenon happens at random and may vary temporally. Nevertheless, rain may confer additional fruit set, especially under circumstances of pollinator limitation. Overall, we confirmed deception as a strategy for this understudied genus. In addition, we report a further two cases of rain‐assisted self‐pollination for Cyrtopodium, for species from the center of diversity of the genus, indicating that it may be more widespread than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-D numerical simulation approach was implemented to describe the gasification process of olive pomace in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor. The numerical model was validated under experimental gasification runs performed in a 250 kWth quasi-industrial biomass gasifier. The producer gas composition, H2/ /CO ratio, CH4/H2 ratio, cold gas efficiency and tar content were evaluated. The most suitable applications for the potential use of olive pomace as an energy source in Portugal were assessed based on the results. A techno-economic study and a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the feasibility and foresee the main investment risks in conducting olive pomace gasification in small facilities. Results indicated that olive pomace gasification is more suitable for domestic purposes. The low cold gas efficiency of the process (around 20%) turns the process more appropriate for producer gas production in small cogeneration facilities. Olive pomace gasification solutions showed viable economic performance in small cogeneration solutions for agriculture waste-to-energy recovery in olive oil agriculture cooperatives. However, the slender profitability may turn the project unattractive for most investors from a financial standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We identify co-occurrence patterns of attributes related to crashes and interventions • Latent Dirichlet allocation was applied to analyse the topics of RSI reports • Results reveal associations among conditions that have previously gone unreported • Results aid to determine if road authorities can implement compliance with standards Under the Safe System framework, Road Authorities have a responsibility to deliver inherently safe roads and streets. Addressing this problem depends on knowledge of the road network safety conditions and the number of funds available for new road safety interventions. It also requires the prioritisation of the various interventions that may generate benefits, increasing safety, while ensuring that reasonable steps are taken to remedy the deficiencies detected within a reasonable timeframe. In this context, Road Safety Inspections (RSI) are a proactive tool for identifying safety issues, consisting of a regular, systematic, on-site inspection of existing roads, covering the whole road network, carried out by trained safety expert teams. This paper aims to describe how topic modelling can be effectively used to identify co-occurrence patterns of attributes related to the run-off-road crashes, as well as the corresponding patterns of road safety interventions, as described in the RSI reports. We apply latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), a widespread method for fitting a topic model, to analyse the topics mentioned in RSI reports, divided into two groups: problems found; and proposed solutions. For this study, 54 RSI gathered over six years (2012–2017) were analysed, covering 4011 km of Irish roads. The results indicate that important keywords relating to the "forgiving roadside" and "clear zone" concepts, as well as the relevant European technical standards (CEN-EN1317 and EN 12,767), are absent from the extracted latent topics. We also found that the frequency of topics related to roadside safety is higher in the problems record set than in the solutions record set, meaning that problems are more easily identified and related to the roadside area than interventions may be. This paper presents methodological empirical evidence that the LDA is appropriate for identifying the co-occurrence patterns of attributes related to the ROR crashes in road safety inspections' reports, as well as the interventions' patterns associated with these crashes. Also, it provides valuable information aimed to determine the extent to which national road authorities in Europe and their contractors are currently capable of implementing and maintaining compliance with roadside standards and guidelines throughout the life cycle of roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to better comprehend the mechanical behaviour, including failure sequence and failure modes, of differently surface-treated CFRP T-joints when subjected to out-of-plane loadings. Specimens consisted in two CFRP adherends – skin and stiffener – adhesively bonded with a structural film adhesive. The adherends' untreated and treated (by peel ply or abrasion) surfaces were firstly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profilometry and wettability measurements. Stiffener pull-off tests (SPOT) were then experimentally conducted under quasi-static loading. The fractured surfaces were analysed by fractography to identify the failure mechanisms. The peel ply treatment has led to the worst results in terms of maximum load, while the abrasion-treated specimens performed the best of the three series. Surface characterization and fractography analysis were properly correlated with the SPOT results. Fracture damage typically initiates as mode I within the tip of the stiffener's flange, but as the fracture extends along the stiffener's foot, it does it under predominant mode II. • The mechanical performance of differently treated T-joints bonded with a brittle adhesive was evaluated. • Some results from the surface characterization failed to effectively predict the quality of bonding. • The abrasion treatment led to the best results in terms of maximum load of the bonded joint. • Large voids and a predominance of cohesive failure were found in the fractured surfaces of the peel ply-treated specimens. • Failure mechanisms and modes were identified and confirmed by fractographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this work, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was coupled with an advanced statistical strategy combining design of experiments (DoE) and the Monte Carlo method to comparatively optimize and test the robustness of two municipal solid waste (MSW) gasification processes one using air‐carbon dioxide (CO2) mixtures as a gasifying agent and the other using air alone. A 3k full factorial design of 18 computer simulations was performed using as input factors for air‐CO2 mixtures the equivalence ratio and CO2‐to‐MSW ratio, while MSW feeding rate and air flow rate were used for air gasification. The selected responses were CO2, H2, CO, and CnHm generation, CH4/H2 and H2/CO ratios, carbon conversion, and cold gas efficiency (CGE). Findings were that DoE allowed determining the best‐operating conditions to achieve optimal syngas quality. Monte Carlo identified the best‐operating conditions reaching a more stable high‐quality syngas. Air‐CO2 mixture gasification showed enhanced responses with major improvements in CO2 conversion and CGE, both up to a 13% increase. The optimal operating conditions that set the optimized responses showed to not always imply the most stable set of values to operate the system. Finally, this combined optimization process performance revealed to grant professionals the ability to make smarter decisions in an industrial environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix functions have a major role in science and engineering. One of the fundamental matrix functions, which is particularly important due to its connections with certain matrix differential equations and other special matrix functions, is the matrix gamma function. This research article focus on the numerical computation of this function. Well-known techniques for the scalar gamma function, such as Lanczos, Spouge and Stirling approximations, are extended to the matrix case. This extension raises many challenging issues and several strategies used in the computation of matrix functions, like Schur decomposition and block Parlett recurrences, need to be incorporated to make the methods more effective. We also propose a fourth technique based on the reciprocal gamma function that is shown to be competitive with the other three methods in terms of accuracy, with the advantage of being rich in matrix multiplications. Strengths and weaknesses of the proposed methods are illustrated with a set of numerical examples. Bounds for truncation errors and other bounds related with the matrix gamma function will be discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a prey is perceived and attacked, it may adopt direct anti-predator strategies, such as fleeing and tonic immobility (TI). During this latter, individuals remain in a motionless posture, which may reduce chances of being preyed, but retain close distance to the predator. Alternatively, fleeing increases distance from the threat, while enhancing chances of predation by visually guided predators. Thus, there is a trade-off between these two opposite direct anti-predator strategies. Here, we characterize the balance between these two behaviors in Zabrotes subfasciatus, a beetle that when stimulated displays binary responses: TI or running away. We investigated which factors determine TI frequency, probability, and duration. We examined the roles of period of the day (3 AM, 9 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM), environmental temperature, sex, body size, and consecutive stimuli (three successive). None of these factors influenced TI duration. However, TI exhibition was higher at 3 PM, with no effects regarding sex or stimulus. As temperature raises, TI probability increases. This is paradoxical because ectothermic animals are expected to present increased locomotive activity under higher temperatures due to metabolic dependence. As far as we know, this is the first report of temperature positive relating to TI, especially in an ectothermic animal. At hotter periods of the day, while visually guided ectothermic animals are more active, Z. subfasciatus TI frequency is higher. As TI success is based on the lack of movement, which triggers killing behaviors of visually guided predators, this association may increase chances of survival against ectothermic predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect-induced galls usually develop nutritional cells, which they induce and consume directly, and any metabolic modification of those cells may reflect changes of the insect's own metabolism. The system Palaeomystella oligophaga (Lepidoptera)—Macairea radula (Melastomataceae) presents a series of natural enemies, including parasitoids and cecidophages that can function as a natural experiment, respectively removing the specific galling feeding stimulus and providing a nonspecific one. Considering that the process of induction and maintenance of gall tissues strictly depends on the constant specific stimulus of galling, question I:What kind of metabolic changes these different groups of natural enemies can promote in chemical and structural composition of these galls? II: How the specialized tissues are metabolically dependent on the constant specific stimulus of galling in latter stages of gall development? Galls without natural enemies, with parasitoids or cecidophages in larvae or pupae stages were analyzed through histochemistry and cytological profiles and all compared to galls in natural senescence state. The analysis revealed the accumulation of proteins and lipids in typical nutritive tissue and starch in the storage tissue, as well a high integrity of cellular organelles and membrane systems on galls with gallings in the larval stage. Both parasitoids and cecidophages stop galling feeding activities, which resulted in the paralysis of the stimulus that maintain the metabolism of gall tissues, leading to generalized collapse. We demonstrate that the development and metabolic maintenance of a typical nutritive tissue in these galls are completely dependent on constant larval stimulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pseudomonas putida is characterized by a versatile metabolism and stress tolerance traits that allow the bacterium to cope with different environmental conditions. In this work, the mechanisms that allow P. putida KT2440 to grow in the presence of four sole carbon sources (glucose, citrate, ferulic acid, serine) were investigated by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and genome‐scale metabolic modelling. Transcriptomic data identified uptake systems for the four carbon sources, and candidates were subjected to preliminary experimental characterization by mutant strain growth to test their involvement in substrate assimilation. The OpdH and BenF‐like porins were involved in citrate and ferulic acid uptake respectively. The citrate transporter (encoded by PP_0147) and the TctABC system were important for supporting cell growth in citrate; PcaT and VanK were associated with ferulic acid uptake; and the ABC transporter AapJPQM was involved in serine transport. A genome‐scale metabolic model of P. putida KT2440 was used to integrate and analyze the transcriptomic data, identifying and confirming the active catabolic pathways for each carbon source. This study reveals novel information about transporters that are essential for understanding bacterial adaptation to different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In 2017, deadly wildfires flared across central and north of Portugal. Following these events, the Government released a set of forestry policies promoting the increase of the currently installed forest biomass combustion thermal power plant capacity. In this study, we conduct a techno-economic analysis of an 11 MW gasification power plant, as a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion plants, dealing with forest biomass blends in Portugal central region. The analysis is built based on existing literature review and evaluation reports concerning investment projects in biomass-to-energy power plants. A spreadsheet economic model combining net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (PBP) is developed over the plant's lifetime period of 25 years. Cost factors incurred in initial investment, amortizations, fixed assets and working capital investments, financial income, operation and maintenance costs, employees and structure costs. Revenues are generated from selling electricity to the grid. A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is employed to gauge the economic model performance and investment risk. Lastly, an assessment of the environmental impact, noxious emissions and future prospects to this biomass-based energy conversion process are addressed. Results predict the feasibility of the project, with an NPV of 2.367 M€, an IRR of 8.66% and PBP of 23.1 years. Sensitivity analysis foresees affordable risks for investors, and that the project's NPV is highly sensitive to the electricity sales price and electricity production. Despite the viability of the project delivered by the economic model, the economic performance is strongly reliant on revenues from electricity sales regulated by uncertain tariffs and reimbursements. Thus, special concerns must be considered regarding the project attractiveness to potential investors. Highlights • The feasibility of performing forest biomass blends gasification in Portugal is addressed. • The Portuguese current renewables scenario is reviewed. • A spreadsheet-based economic model is developed. • A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is performed. • Environmental and social impacts of a biomass gasification power plant are delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]