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- Selección de sustrato de emergencia por Cordulegaster boltonii (Donovan, 1807) (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) en un río del centro de la Península IbéricaPublication . Casanueva, Patricia; Campos, Francisco; Velasco, Tatiana; Sanz, Germán; Nunes, LuisaSe analizan los sustratos de emergencia de Cordulegaster boltonii en un río del centro de la Península Ibérica. Para ello se recogieron exuvias en un tramo de 60 m de longitud. El 86% de las exuvias estaban sobre vegetales y las restantes sobre rocas del cauce. En la zona analizada las larvas seleccionaron positivamente para emerger plantas de la familia Cyperaceae, principalmente Carex y Eleocharis. Ninguna exuvia se localizó en árboles, tanto troncos como raíces fuera del agua.
- Altitudinal variation of wing length and wing area in Libellula quadrimaculata (Odonata: Libellulidae)Publication . Casanueva, Patricia; Sanz Requena, José-Francisco; Hernández, M. Ángeles; Ortega, Silvia; Nunes, Luisa; Campos, FranciscoThe area and length of the right fore and hind wings and the abdomen length were analysed in specimens from two Iberian populations of Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758, one on a plateau (782 m a.s.l.) and another in the mountains (1 909 m a.s.l.), with a view to ascertaining whether their morphometric characteristics vary with altitude. Allometric relationships in terms of length and area of the fore and hind wings of both populations were found. The wings are longer and have a greater area in plateau specimens whereas the length of the abdomen did not vary between populations. Between the populations there was an overlap in the wing length measurements. The significance of these parameters in aiding the dragonflies’ flight capacity and hence the effects on their lifestyle under different environmental conditions is discussed.
- Integrating multicriteria decision analysis for beekeeping suitability: insights from a Portuguese honey PDO landscapePublication . Silveira, Carlos; Roque, Natália; Bruno Leitão; Fernandez, Paulo; Anjos, O.; Vilas-Boas, MiguelBeekeeping plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and local economy development, as bees are key pollinators of numerous wild plant species and agricultural crops. Accordingly, understanding the suitability of rural territories is essential to provide an overview on bee activity and support the development of more sustainable beekeeping practices. This study presents an enhanced multicriteria approach for mapping beekeeping suitability, applied to a Portuguese region renowned for its honey with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The methodology integrates topographic, environmental and climatic criteria closely linked to bee ecology, whose relevance was prioritised in each category following expert perceptions and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). For these criteria, high-quality spatial data were compiled and processed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate landscape favourable conditions and limiting factors for beekeeping. Results indicate a comparable and significant influence of environmental and climatic criteria (43% each) relative to topographic ones (14%). Within each category, hillside exposure (63%), flora (53%) and rainfall (50%) contributions are particularly remarkable in defining the beekeeping suitability. When crossing the final suitability map with the apiary influence range, most apiaries were found in areas classified as very high suitability. This information provides valuable insights for beekeepers and policymakers, helping to optimize the beekeeping management and enhance the honey quality, particularly in PDO areas. Moreover, the proposed approach offers a scalable and adaptable framework that can be applied to other regions with beekeeping potential.
- Sugar detection and quantification in honey bee and stingless bee honey — A reviewPublication . Ressutte, Jéssica; Anjos, O.; Gallardo, Eugenia; Spinosa, WilmaBee products are renowned for their beneficial properties and nutritional value. This association has been supported by scientific research that delves into their composition and biological activities. Given the increasing interest in natural products and the prevalence of fraudulent practices, understanding the sugar profiles of honeys is of paramount importance. In this review, we explore the sugars found in honey bee honey and stingless bee honey sourced from both floral nectar and honeydew. Additionally, our study provides a comprehensive review of direct and indirect methods of sugar analysis, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Direct and indirect methods for sugar analysis include liquid and gas chromatography, vibrational spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. These techniques form the foundation for the quality control of honey. High concentrations of trisaccharide and trehalulose have been identified as biomarkers of honeydew honey and stingless bee honey, respectively. In terms of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and pulsed amperometric detection are cited as the most suitable methods for the quantification of sugars in honey; however, the most widely used detector is the refractive index. Alternative methods such as vibrational spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, especially the latter, have also proved effective in quantifying sugar in honey.
- Recent trends in designing novel foods: Nutritional profiles and consumer perceptionsPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Barroca, Maria João; Anjos, O.esigning novel foods is a pivotal issue for companies to remain active and competitive in today’s demanding food market. This design of novel food products entails significant challenges from diverse perspectives: technology, sustainability, food security, composition, nutritional profile, health effects, and modern market trends, to name a few. The world population continues to rise while people’s standard of living is also improving. This results in an unceasing growing demand for food, exacerbating the pressure on food resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new food resources through a holistic, multifaceted approach Sustainability is a current underpinning of many new food development trends across several fundamental areas. In the area of sustainable packaging, the focus is on biobased packaging [2], edible packaging [3], active [4] and intelligent packaging [5], or 3D printing packaging [6]. Also, there is a widespread emphasis on sustainable ingredients and valorisation of resources like food waste [7–9], sources of alternative and unconventional proteins [10], including animal proteins like edible insects [11] or plant-based proteins from fruits and vegetable by-products [12], algae [13], or mushrooms [14], for example. The design of healthier foods, with improved composition and nutritional profiles that confer health benefits, has also been in the spotlight due to the increasing consumer demand for foods that not only satiate but also have positive health effects when consumed [15]. The challenges of improving food composition to achieve balanced nutritional profiles and greater richness in bioactive compounds have been addressed from many diferente perspectives. Fermented products [16], food design based on gut microbiota [17], functional foods [18] and nutraceuticals enhanced by nanotechnology [19] are some examples. The unquestionable role of the consumer must not be seen only from the point of view of a future potential buyer, but also as an active element in the design of products throughout the development stages [20]. Consumer-based food design is, at present, a more reassuring approach for anticipating the success of the marketing phase of new foods. Some chefs and food designers have been developing collaborative activities together with academic professionals and sensory analysis experts [21]. Also, consumers have been integrating teams to develop alternative and innovative packaging solutions [22,23]. Research on novel food technology acceptance has seen significant advances in recente decades. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive models to date. This model has advanced the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by assimilating insights from different theoretical approaches, enabling a better understanding of consumers’ acceptance and use of technology. The most relevant contributions comprise the incorporation of social influencing factors and facilitating circumstances [24].
- Chemical characterisation of Cytisus striatus: A multi-technique approach using GC-MS, LC-HRMS/MS, NIR, and FT-RAMANPublication . Caramelo, Débora; Fernandes, Tiago A.; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, O.; Gominho, JorgeThe Cytisus striatus species is a biologically important plant recognised for its high flavonoid content. However, the chemical composition of this species has yet to be fully described. The purpose of this study was to identify flavonoids and related secondary metabolites using advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and NIR and Raman spectroscopy. Ethanolic extracts of flowers, fruits, and twigs/leaves contain highly beneficial flavonoids, with chrysin being the main compound detected in all plant parts. It was quantified by HPLC-DAD at levels ranging from 0.90 to 2.27 mg/g extract in samples collected from three different locations. NIR and FT-RAMAN analysis provided complementary information on the overall chemical fingerprint of the plant material. PCA of the spectroscopic data revealed minor site-related differences in global spectral profiles, with PC1 explaining 85% of the variability in flowers and fruits and 72% in twigs/leaves for FT-NIR, while FT-RAMAN analysis of fruit extracts showed a PC1 accounting for 97% of the variance. This study provides a basis for future research on the biological properties of Cytisus striatus and for further assessment of its potential relevance in pharmaceutical and/or food-related applications.
- From waste to packaging: Smart edible films from sericin and red cabbage for fruit coatingPublication . Pinheiro, Daniela; Ferraz, Ana Rita; Esteves, Sofia; Anjos, O.; Ribeiro, Maximiano P.This study aimed to develop new smart edible films for fruit preservation and freshness monitoring using sericin, an undervalued by-product of the sericulture industry, and red cabbage extract (RC). The films were prepared using a sodium alginate matrix, and two sets of films were developed. One incorporating sericin, and other incorporating sericin and RC. Chemical and mechanical characterization showed that sericin improved film thickness, mechanical strength, and water retention. The films also exhibited acceptable water vapor transmission rates and swelling behavior, showing their suitability as coatings. The cytotoxicity was assessed prior to application, and no toxic effects were observed in human fibroblasts. When applied to blueberries, the coatings significantly reduced weight loss during storage at both room temperature and under refrigeration. Although no visible color changes were observed on the coated blueberries, the RC-containing films demonstrated clear pH responsive color changes in laboratory tests, highlighting their potential as intelligent freshness indicators. Overall, the results demonstrate the dual functionality of these films as biodegradable protective coatings with indicator potential, offering a sustainable approach to reducing postharvest fruit losses and food waste.
- Bioactivity of Matricaria chamomilla, Echinacea purpurea, Thymbra capitata and Ocimum basilicum hydrolates and essential oils in view of their application in the skinPublication . Valente, João Vasco; Gomes, Carolina Proença; Oliveira, Ana Sofia; Rolo, Joana; Gaspar, Carlos; Caramelo, Débora; Gonçalves, José Carlos; Delgado, F.M.G.; Breitenfeld, Luisa; Duarte, Ana Paula; Oliveira, Rita Palmeira de; Oliveira, José Martinez de; Oliveira, Ana Palmeira deThe numerous health benefits associated with the use of plants in traditional medicine can be linked to secondary metabolites in the products obtained through the hydrodistillation process, such as hydrolates and essential oils (EOs). This study aimed to assess the chemical profile and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of two hydrodistillation products obtained from four plants belonging to two distinct families: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), conehead thyme (Thymbra capitata), and basil (Ocimum basilicum). The EOs were found to be more effective than hydrolates in inhibiting microorganisms’ growth, registering MIC values equal to or higher than 50% (v/v), except for T. capitata. Only T. capitata demonstrated the ability to reduce NO levels with both hydrolate and EO. Moreover, it inhibited the cell growth of RAW 264.7, 3T3, and HaCaT lines at the tested concentrations. In contrast, O. basilicum EO did not affect the cell proliferation of the tested cell lines in concentrations below 0.063% (v/v) and showed a significant reduction in the macrophage NO production at all concentrations. Thus, EOs showed a superior biological activity than hydrolates. In particular, O. basilicum EO was found to be a promising candidate for therapeutic applications on the skin.
- Metal contaminants in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides, Lacépède, 1802) from different originsPublication . Rodrigues, A.M.; Antunes, Paulo; Paulo, Luísa; Pereira, Maria Eduada; Andrade, L.P.The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of some metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Zn) on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) liver and muscle tissue collected in two different areas: section of Tagus River that makes border between Portugal and Spain and in three small irrigation reservoirs located in Tagus River basin. Individuals were weighed and measured. Age were determined by examining fish scales, and sex determined by gonads observation. Samples of dorsolateral muscle, tail muscle and liver were collected to evaluate metal contaminants. We concluded that metallic concentrations of largemouth bass muscle tissues were below the maximum permissible for a safety utilization of theses fishes in human nutrition.
- From waste to packaging: Smart edible films from sericin and red cabbage for fruit coatingPublication . Pinheiro, Daniela; Ferraz, Ana Rita; Esteves, Sofia; Anjos, O.; Ribeiro, Maximiano P.This study aimed to develop new smart edible films for fruit preservation and freshness monitoring using sericin, an undervalued by-product of the sericulture industry, and red cabbage extract (RC). The films were prepared using a sodium alginate matrix, and two sets of films were developed. One incorporating sericin, and other incorporating sericin and RC. Chemical and mechanical characterization showed that sericin improved film thickness, mechanical strength, and water retention. The films also exhibited acceptable water vapor transmission rates and swelling behavior, showing their suitability as coatings. The cytotoxicity was assessed prior to application, and no toxic effects were observed in human fibroblasts. When applied to blueberries, the coatings significantly reduced weight loss during storage at both room temperature and under refrigeration. Although no visible color changes were observed on the coated blueberries, the RC-containing films demonstrated clear pHresponsive color changes in laboratory tests, highlighting their potential as intelligent freshness indicators. Overall, the results demonstrate the dual functionality of these films as biodegradable protective coatings with indicator potential, offering a sustainable approach to reducing postharvest fruit losses and food waste.