ESACB - Artigos em revistas com arbitragem científica
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- Edible insects: Consumption, perceptions, culture and tradition among adult citizens from 14 countriesPublication . Raquel P. F. Guiné; Sofia G. Florença; Costa, Cristina A.; Correia, Paula M. R.; Lopes, Luísa Cruz; Esteves, Bruno; Ferreira, Manuela; Fragata, Anabela; Cardoso, Ana P.; Campos, Sofia; Anjos, O.; Boustani, Nada M.; Bartkiene, Elena; Chuck-Hernández, Cristina; Djekic, Ilija; Tarcea, Monica; Sarić, Marijana Matek; Kruma, Zanda; Korzeniowska, Malgorzata; Papageorgiou, Maria; González Árias, Leticia; Černelič-Bizjak, Maša; Damarli, Emel; Ferreira, Vanessa; Bayraktaroğlu, Emre; Arpa, Fatmanur OzyurekAlthough edible insects (EIs) are encouraged as a sustainable source of protein, their consumption is not as generalised as other types of food that are internationally accepted. While in some regions of the world, EIs are part of the gastronomic and cultural traditions, in other regions, people are not so receptive to this type of food, and some people even express some disgust towards it. Hence, this research focused on the habits of the participants regarding the consumption of insects as well as their perceptions about EIs being or not a part of the local culture or gastronomic patrimony. A questionnaire survey was implemented in fourteen countries (Brazil, Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey), and globally, 7222 adult participants responded to the questionnaire. SPSS software (version 28) was used to process the data and carry out chi-square tests and Factor Analyses (FA). The obtained results showed significant differences between countries for all the questions included in the survey, either those regarding the habits of the participants or their opinions about the facts linked with EI tradition or cultural aspects. It was found that participants from Mexico consume EIs more than in all other countries and that strong motivations that would lead to consumption among those who do not consume include curiosity and food shortage. The solution obtained with FA considering the ten statements of the scale consisted of two factors: F1—Culture and Tradition of EIs (α = 0.675) and F2—Acceptance of EIs (α = 0.614). In conclusion, the consumption of EIs and the perceptions of people are highly variable according to geographic location and cultural environment.
- Plant-based beverages: Consumption habits, perception and knowledge on a sample of Portuguese citizensPublication . Anjos, O.; Pires, Patrícia C.P.; Gonçalves, Joana; Estevinho, Letícia M.; Mendonça, António G.; Guiné, Raquel P. F.Plant-based beverages (PBB) consumption has increased significantly worldwide due to an interest in vegetarian/vegan diets, taste preferences, health and ethical and environmental issues. Therefore, this study intends to investigate consumption habits, consumer preferences and consumers’ level of knowledge about PBB. In this study, a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire survey was applied to a sample of participants from Portugal. The sample was recruited by convenience, and therefore, the distribution among the groups was not even. Data analysis involved different statistical techniques: basic statistics, chi-square tests, factor analysis, cluster analysis and tree classification analysis. The results indicated that the most consumed PBB were almond, soy and oat beverages. The majority of consumers chose these beverages for nutritional and health reasons, while a smaller number consumed them as part of a vegetarian or vegan diet. The main motivations for consuming PBB are mainly associated with sustainability and health benefits. The results regarding the respondents’ knowledge about PBB revealed that a health-related profession was the most significant predictor. These results allowed us to conclude that the factors of nutrition, health, ethics and practice of a vegetarian/vegan diet influence the consumption of PBB. It was also concluded that being in a healthcare profession, along with age and professional status within this field, were significant factors influencing the level of knowledge about PBB.
- Recognizing diversity to enable an agroecological transition: understanding the potential of family farmers in PortugalPublication . Pereira, Inês Costa; Aguiar, Ana A.R.M.; Delgado, F.M.G.; Costa, Cristina A.The agroecological transition of family farms in Portugal poses a significant challenge within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Green Deal. Despite their multifunctional contributions to rural territories, family farms—particularly smallholders—remain structurally disadvantaged by policy frameworks that continue to favor large-scale, high-input agricultural models. This study demonstrates that aligning family farming with agroecological principles yields tangible benefits and requires support through differentiated, typology-sensitive public policies. Using a tailored methodology, data were collected from 40 farms initially classified as conventional or agroecological. Ward’s hierarchical clustering, supported by complementary significance tests, identified three distinct farmer typologies: conventional, proto-agroecological, and agroecological. These typologies reflect meaningful differences in ecological integration, systemic thinking, and social engagement. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy frameworks that recognize farm diversity and promote multiple pathways toward agroecology. This typology-based approach provides an empirically grounded foundation for designing more inclusive and context-responsive institutional support for family farmers in Portugal.
- Healthy motivations for food consumption in 16 countriesPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Gonçalves, Joana; Florença, Sofia G.; Manuela Ferreira; Cardoso, Ana Paula; Bartkiene, Elena; Djekić, Ilija; Tarcea, Monica; Rumbak, Ivana; Sarić, Marijana Matek; Černelič-Bizjak, Maša; Isoldi, Kathy; El-Kenawy, Ayman; Ferreira, Vanessa; Klava, Dace; Korzeniowska, Małgorzata; Vittadini, Elena; Leal, Marcela; Papageorgiou, Maria; Anjos, O.There are many factors that can influence people’s attitudes towards healthy eating, including personal nature, sociodemographic influences, and lifestyle. This work investigated to what extent the motivations for healthy food consumption are shaped in individuals from different countries. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a sample of 11,919 participants from 16 countries. The results indicated that the strongest motivations for healthy food consumption were related to the perception of consuming healthy food, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, allied to food safety and hygiene concerns. Significant differences were found in healthy motivations between countries. Additionally, the sociodemographic variables that had a higher influence on health motivation levels were country, age, and gender. Concerning the anthropometric and lifestyle variables influencing healthy motivation for food consumption, the discriminating variables were: believing in having a healthy diet, physical exercise, and chronic diseases. In conclusion, the work showed important differences in the motivations for a healthy diet in different countries, but other variables also play a role in the motivation for the consumption of foods for health and well-being.
- 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.