ESACB - Artigos em revistas com arbitragem científica
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- Peach tree canopy assessment through aerial image detection for improved management and sustainabilityPublication . Simões, M.P.; Veloso, Abel; Assunção, E.; Moreira, E.; Teixeira, M.C.C.; Gaspar, Pedro DinisPrecision agriculture aims to detect differences in plant development within adefined area, allowing to adjust production techniques according to the plantdevelopment. Plant development is evaluated by remote detection allowing theapplication of variable rate application techniques. The efficiency of precisionagriculture is correlated with large areas of the same crop where plantsdevelopment is highly correlated with soil characteristics variation. Theapplication of precision agriculture in fruit production is common in the speciesthat allow mechanical harvesting, and, consequently, allows obtaining yieldmaps. Peach production is carried out by manual harvesting and is usuallybased on medium-sized parcels, as the fruit is very perishable and harvestwindow for each cultivar is short, from 10 to 15 days. This paper describes theexperimental tests developed to evaluate the volume of peach tree canopy,based on images captured by a drone, and its correlation with trunk sectionarea, which is a common way of assessing tree vigor. Ten plants per orchardwere monitored in 20 different orchards. The correlation between tree canopyand nutritional status was developed using the orchard as the repeating unit.The results indicate that projected canopy area, evaluated by aerial images, isdirectly correlated with tree canopy volume, in full developed orchards, as treeheight is standardized in every orchard according to the training system. Theremote assessment of the tree canopy allows the adoption of differentiatedtechniques that contribute to better management focused on a greater incometo the farmer and, at the same time, contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Potential of different eighteen grapevine genotypes to produce wines in a hot region: First insights into volatile and sensory profilesPublication . Caldeira, Ilda; Roque, Rita; Anjos, O.; Lourenço, Sílvia; Deus João de; Damásio, Miguel; Silvestre, JoséA major challenge for the viticulture and oenology sector is to understand the impact of climate change on grapevine agronomic performance and wine quality. Genetic variability offers a key tool for adaptation, as some grape varieties may better withstand changing conditions while maintaining wine quality. As part of the WineClimAdapt research project (PDR2020-101-031010), a study was conducted on the adaptability of 18 white grape varieties to hot and dry conditions in Portugal. These grape varieties from Herdade do Esporão (Alentejo, Portugal) were vinified in duplicate at the INIAV winery, the result being 36 wines. The wines underwent physicochemical and sensory analyses, including gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID), to assess their composition and sensory profiles. Tasters evaluated the wines using a structured scale (0–10) and rated their overall quality (0–20). Results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the physicochemical composition and sensory profiles of the wines. Notably, some white wines displayed high acidity, which is advantageous for hot regions. The study also highlighted clear varietal differentiation across physicochemical, volatile and sensory analyses. Among the tested varieties, “Cayetana Blanca” and “Fernão Pires” achieved the highest average quality ratings, indicating promising potential for future studies and adaptation to climate change.
- Dynamics of pesticide residues in soils during the growing season: a case study in peach orchards, east-central PortugalPublication . Veloso, Abel; Silva, Vera; Osman, Rima; Simões, M.P.; Monteiro, M.C.H.; Violette GeissenPermanent crops rely heavily on pesticides. Their short-term behaviour has already been characterised under laboratory conditions. However, their degradation in the field is still poorly understood. Furthermore, studies that relate pesticide residues in soil with their application history are still scarce, despite their relevance for inferring the historical and diffuse dimensions of pollution. This work explores the spatial and temporal dynamics of pesticide residues in soil under the light of their application records and the accuracy of the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC). To achieve these purposes, 270 soil samples were collected at 5 sampling times over the 2022 growing season, in 18 peach orchards from east-central Portugal. Moreover, the data extracted from the application records was used to obtain predicted levels which were compared with the measured results. A total of 37 residues were analysed. Overall, 32 of these were detected back in, at least, one sample. Glyphosate and AMPA were the most frequently found and had the highest median concentrations. The comparison between predicted and measured environmental concentrations (MEC) suggests that pesticide decay was generally slower than expected. Glyphosate, AMPA, fluopyram and tebuconazole showed a high potential for resulting in background concentrations in soil. Our results highlight the need for regular and comprehensive monitoring, being recommended long-term assessments of the persistence and fate of pesticides under realistic conditions. Furthermore, our results also stress the necessity of more studies on reasons for PEC-MEC mismatch, a factor of concern considering the regulatory relevance of PEC values.
- Tracking the source of microplastics in soil : An exploratory case study in peach orchards from east‑central PortugalPublication . Veloso, Abel; Silva, Vera; Huerta Lwanga, Esperanza; Beriot, Nicolas; Monteiro, M.C.H.; Simões, M.P.; Geissen, VioletteIn the last 20 years, world plastic production has increased rapidly, reaching 4.00 × 1011 kg in 2022. However, less than 10% was recycled. Moreover, most conventional plastics are persistent and, therefore, remain in the environment long after their release. Although most studies on microplastic contamination focus on a single environmental compartment, an integrated and multicompartment approach is highly recommended considering the multitude of interactions between those compartments. This study addresses this knowledge gap, investigating the presence and potential sources of microplastics (MP) in agricultural soils under typical conditions of the Mediterranean region, characterised by dry summers and relatively moist and mild winters (Csa according to the Köppen-Geiger classification). For this, 19 orchards from east-central Portugal were used as case study sites, and a total of 111 samples were analysed. Soil content in MP was assessed in 3 soil layers (0–5, 5–15 and 15–25 cm). To quantify potential sources to soil, information from farmers was used, and samples from irrigation water, atmospheric deposition and manure were analysed. Optical assessment with the assistance of a stereomicroscope was used for MP quantification. The 0–5 cm soil layer showed a lower content (average of 2.2 particles·g−1) and higher particle sizes (average of 168 μm) than deeper soil layers. The identified sources contributed with 1.02 × 105 particles·m−2·year−1. Irrigation water was the main source, representing 55.9% of the aforemen-tioned input rate encountered for the 3 identified MP sources. Additional knowledge is needed regarding the possible variation in MP content throughout the year and between years and the polymer identification, not only in samples collected from soil but also from its main contamination sources. Furthermore, this study should be extended to other crops and regions as part of broader soil health monitoring.
- A systematic analysis of nutritional and mineral composition and toxicity in Acacia species leavesPublication . Pedro, Soraia; Gonçalves, Joana; Monteiro, M.C.H.; Gonçalves, José Carlos; Gominho, Jorge; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, OféliaIn the present study, the nutritive composition and mineral content of the leaves of eight species of Acacia trees were evaluated to assess their potential for different purposes, such as food resources for ruminants and mineral sources in soils. Caco-2 cells were employed to assess cytotoxicity, revealing that the extracts exhibited no cytotoxic effects after cellular incubation, suggesting their suitability as an alternative animal feed. The leaves proved to be a promising source of protein and fiber, offering an alternative to meet the needs of ruminants. The protein content differed among species, ranging from 18.96% in A. cyclops to 14.04% in A. melanoxylon. Similarly, fiber content varied from 35.52% in A. melanoxylon to 16.43% in A. cyclops. The species displayed moderate to high levels of minerals, particularly concentrations of Ca, P, and K. These values varied among species, ranging from 8452.90 to 28,465.31 mg/kg DM for Ca, 309.61 to 1293.82 mg/kg DM for P, and 5557.24 to 11,475.85 mg/kg DM for K, respectively. Each species displayed a distinct profile regarding the analyzed parameters, suggesting varied potential for their respective use. Additionally, vibrational spectroscopy analysis proved to be a highly valuable and dependable method for distinguishing between species.
- Information about nutritional aspects of edible insects: Perspectives across different European geographiesPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia G.; Costa, Cristina A.; Correia, Paula M.R.; Ferreira, Manuela; Cardoso, Ana Paula; Campos, Sofia; Anjos, O.; Bartkiene, Elena; Matek Sarić, MarijanaEdible insects (EIs) have recently gained attention as an alternative and more sustainable food, emerging as an alternative to other protein foods with higher environmental impacts, like bovine meat. EIs contain a valuable composition of macro and micronutrients, important for human nutrition. Nevertheless, their consumption is not yet widespread in Western countries, such as in Europe. This work aimed to study how consumers in three different European locations perceive the role of EIs in human nutrition. Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire survey in three countries (Croatia, Lithuania, and Portugal), and 1723 participants were included in the study. For the treatment of the data, SPSS software was used, and chi-square tests and tree classification analysis were performed. The results showed that for all the statements presented to the participants, significant differences were found in information about EIs according to country. The results further highlighted that the participants were better informed about the high protein content of EIs, while not being well informed about their possible anti-nutritive effects. Tree classification revealed that the most important discriminating variable was country, with Lithuanian participants being better informed than those from Portugal or Croatia.
- Insect-based chitin and chitosan from whole body sources and rearing by-products: Extraction, physicochemical, structural and bioactivity characterisationPublication . Navarro, P.; Ribeiro, J.C.; Luís, Â.; Domingues, F.; Anjos, O.; Cunha, L.M.Fractionation of edible insects and their rearing by-products can lead to expanded industrial applications and extraction of value-added products. The main goal of this study was to extract chitin and synthesise chitosan from three different insect sources ‒ Tenebrio molitor larvae, adult Acheta domesticus and A. domesticus rearing by-products (legs and wings). Furthermore, the physicochemical, structural, and bioactive properties of insect-derived chitin and chitosan were characterised and compared to commercial crustacean-based samples. Chitin was isolated from defatted sources through chemical hydrolysis followed by decolourisation and was deacetylated with a strong alkaline solution to synthesise chitosan. Notably, A. domesticus rearing by-products yielded the highest chitin and chitosan content. Chitin and chitosan derived from insects exhibited physicochemical and structural characteristics consistent with the α-polymorphic form, similar to the commercial samples. Differences were found in surface morphology, with insect-derived samples presenting large and irregular flakes and porosity, while the crustacean-derived samples presented irregularly arranged fibres and a more regular and smoother surface. As for antioxidant activity, although all chitosan samples demonstrated poor DPPH radical scavenging activity, this study showed for the first time that insect-derived chitosan presents lipid peroxidation inhibition ability. All chitosan samples presented antimicrobial activity against different pathogenic bacteria, with K. pneumoniae being the most susceptible strain. Nevertheless, there is potential for enhancement of the biological properties through modifications on the molecular weight and deacetylation degree. This research introduces the potential of cricket-rearing by-products as sustainable sources of chitosan with functional bioactive properties.
- A revisit of plant food waste along food supply chains: Impacts and perspectivesPublication . Gonçalves, Joana; Anjos, O.; Guiné, Raquel P. F.More than one billion tons of the food produced in the world ends up being wasted every year, accounting for about one-third of the food produced globally. For this reason, the problem of food waste management has been the focus of the different actors intervening in the food supply chains, who recognize that food waste has not only environmental but also economic and social impacts. This review focuses on foods of plant origin wasted at different stages of their life, namely primary production, transformation/processing, transportation, sales, catering and the domestic level. It addresses the subject from multiple angles, considering the environmental, economic and social perspectives. The review was based on a search carried out within scientific databases, for example, ScienceDirect, Scopus and the Web of Science. The results highlighted that in the generation and management of food waste from plant origin, there is a clear difference between developed and developing countries, with these last showing higher losses in production, principally the transportation and storage of the foods. Contrarily, in developed countries, excess food produced and not consumed is the strongest contributor to food waste. Valorization of agricultural waste and industrial residues for application into animal feed or agricultural fertilizers, or through the recovery of valuable compounds for industrial purposes, are some of the ways to deal with food waste while generating additional economic value and reducing environmental impact. However, there is still a need to modify processes and behaviors to reduce food waste and improve the sustainability of supply chains. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research to identify and report food waste so that stakeholders can contribute positively to solving this problem.
- Elemental and nutritional characterisation with vibrational spectroscopy analysis of Ulva sp., Gracilaria multipartita, and Sargassum muticumPublication . Mouga, Teresa; Almeida, Mariana M.; Pitacas, F.I.; Rodrigues, A.M.; Vitória, Cláudia; Anjos, O.Macroalgae are rich in bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutritional properties. In this study, the biochemical composition of three seaweed species—Ulva sp., Gracilaria multipartita, and Sargassum muticum—was analysed, focusing on their mineral content and macronutrient profile. The ash, protein, fibre, lipid, and carbohydrate contents ranged from (dw) 26.56 to 33.53 g/100 g, 10.13 to 18.43 g/100 g, 0.11 to 0.19 g/100 g, 5.83 to 10.88 g/100 g, and 42.48 to 53.27 g/100 g, respectively. The findings indicate that the species studied are excellent sources of essential minerals, particularly magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and trace elements, such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. Sargassum muticum exhibited the highest mineral content and thus holds significant promise for further exploration in biomedical and therapeutic contexts. FTIR, FT-RAMAN, and FT-NIR analysis highlight the presence of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, including cell wall phycocolloids, and phenolic compounds. These results underscore the potential of macroalgae as natural sources of bioactive compounds for health-related applications, highlighting their value beyond traditional dietary supplementation.
- Recognition of activities of daily living and environments using acoustic sensors embedded on mobile devicesPublication . Pires, Ivan Miguel; Marques, Gonçalo; Nuno M. Garcia; Nuno Pombo; Francisco Flórez-Revuelta; Susanna Spinsante; Teixeira, M.C.C.; Eftim ZdravevskiThe identification of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is intrinsic with the user’s environment recognition. This detection can be executed through standard sensors present in every-day mobile devices. On the one hand, the main proposal is to recognize users’ environment and standing activities. On the other hand, these features are included in a framework for the ADL and environment identification. Therefore, this paper is divided into two parts—firstly, acoustic sensors are used for the collection of data towards the recognition of the environment and, secondly, the information of the environment recognized is fused with the information gathered by motion and magnetic sensors. The environment and ADL recognition are performed by pattern recognition techniques that aim for the development of a system, including data collection, processing, fusion and classification procedures. These classification techniques include distinctive types of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), analyzing various implementations of ANN and choosing the most suitable for further inclusion in the following different stages of the developed system. The results present 85.89% accuracy using Deep Neural Networks (DNN) with normalized data for the ADL recognition and 86.50% accuracy using Feedforward Neural Networks (FNN) with non-normalized data for environment recognition. Furthermore, the tests conducted present 100% accuracy for standing activities recognition using DNN with normalized data, which is the most suited for the intended purpose.