RCAAP Repository

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Com o propósito de contribuir para o conhecimento dos processos de integração educativa de plataformas LMS numa perspetiva de inovação, a investigação incidiu sobre práticas e contextos de utilização do Moodle e sobre o contributo do uso desta tecnologia nos processos colaborativos. A investigação compreendeu três fases: exploratória, imersiva e folow-up. Na primeira, através da aplicação de um questionário, foi possível traçar um esboço da expressão do Moodle num conjunto de 92 escolas do 3º ciclo e/ou secundário. A segunda fase centrou-se na análise de conceções, contextos e práticas de utilização de plataformas LMS e desenvolveu-se em duas etapas nas quais participaram diferentes grupos de informantes. Uma entrevista focus group e uma ação de formação contínua de professores, na modalidade de círculo de estudos, desenhada para promover as práticas colaborativas com recurso à plataforma Moodle. Na fase de follow-up investigou-se a relação entre o processo formativo e as práticas dos professores ao nível da utilização da plataforma Moodle e das práticas de colaboração. Seguindo uma metodologia interpretativa, a segunda e a terceira fases implicaram a combinação de técnicas e de diversos instrumentos de recolha de dados: entrevistas semi-estruturadas (focus group e individuais), questionários, registos de interações na plataforma e outros vestígios digitais. Em ambas as fases, os dados recolhidos foram predominantemente qualitativos, sob a forma textual, pelo que a análise de conteúdo foi a técnica dominante. Recorreu-se também a técnicas específicas de análise de redes sociais e ao tratamento estatístico considerado adequado face à problematica em estudo. A investigação forneceu evidências que permitem identificar um conjunto de fatores críticos nas práticas de utilização educativa do Moodle, ao nível da escola, dos professores e dos processos formativos e que são essenciais para a compreensão dos processos de integração da plataforma como suporte ao desenvolvimento do trabalho colaborativo.

Accurate genomic sequencing demands high-quality double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Existing methods for dsRNA extraction from yeast, fungi, and plants primarily rely on cellulose, suitable only for small volume extractions, or the time-consuming lithium chloride precipitation. To streamline the traditional phenol-chloroform-based dsRNA extraction method, the main challenge is the reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Single Stranded RNA (ssRNA) to no detectable levels after gel electrophoresis. This challenge is successfully addressed through the modified approach described here, involving phenol extraction at low pH, followed by the addition of ammonium sulfate to the aqueous buffer. The dsRNA isolated using this novel method exhibits comparable quality to that obtained through cellulose purification, and it is readily amenable to RT-PCR. Moreover, a single batch of yeast cell RNA isolation requires only 2-3 h of hands-on time, thus simplifying and expediting the process significantly.•Buffers were redesigned from [32,33,35].•No DNASE, Ribonuclease A or beads were used during the purification.•Simple and inexpensive dsRNA extraction and purification method is described.

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This artistic research project falls within the field of drawing and focuses on the theme of scars. Its main objective is to frame these marks not only as traces resulting from a trauma, but also as graphic signs, marks on a surface that arise from a gesture and therefore can be related to the concept of drawing. The research examines similar examples within the artistic field, establishing a parallel with the concepts of incision, suturing, and landscape. Its primary aim is to reframe scars as badges of the individual's survival and transformation, instead of as symbols of the trauma that have caused them

Previous works indicate that data fusion, compared to single data modelling can improve the assessment of soil attributes using spectroscopy. In this work, two different kinds of proximal soil sensing techniques i.e., mid-infrared (MIR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy were evaluated, for assessment of seven fertility attributes. These soil attributes include pH, organic carbon (OC), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and moisture contents (MC). Three kinds of spectra fusion (SF) (spectra concatenation) approaches of MIR and XRF spectra were compared, namely, spectra fusion-Partial least square (SF-PLS), spectra fusion-Sequential Orthogo- nalized Partial least square (SF-SOPLS) and spectra fusion-Variable Importance Projection-Sequential Orthogonalized Partial least square (SF-VIP-SOPLS). Furthermore, the performance of SF models was compared with the developed single sensor model (based on individual spectra of MIR and XRF). Compared with the results obtained from single sensor model, SF models showed improvement in the prediction performance for all studied attributes, except for OC, Mg, and K prediction. More specifi- cally, the highest improvement was observed with SF-SOPLS model for pH [R2p = 0.90, root mean square error prediction (RMSEP) = 0.15, residual prediction deviation (RPD) = 3.30, and ratio of perfor- mance inter-quantile (RPIQ) = 3.59], successively followed by P (R2p = 0.91, RMSEP = 4.45 mg/100 g, RPD = 3.53, and RPIQ = 4.90), Ca (R2p = 0.92, RMSEP = 177.11 mg/100 g, RPD = 3.66, and RPIQ = 3.22) and MC (R2p = 0.80, RMSEP = 1.91%, RPD = 2.31, RPIQ = 2.62). Overall the study concluded that SF approach with SOPLS attained better performance over the traditional model developed with the single sensor spectra, hence, SF is recommended as the best SF method for improving the prediction accuracy of studied soil attributes. Moreover, the multi-sensor spectra fusion approach is not limited for only MIR and XRF data but in general can be extended for complementary information fusion in order to improve the model performance in precision agriculture (PA) applications.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) cultivation is an important economic activity in the Mediterranean region. Sporocarps from ECMF species such as Terfezia claveryi, Tuber melanosporum, Tuber aestivum and Lactarius delicious have been successfully culti- vated. Due to biotechnological advances, a considerable evolution in ECMF cultiva- tion techniques was observed in the last decade. New technologies and intensified Research and Development allow for a better understanding of the physiology of the plant-fungi symbioses and how climate change affects them. Studying forest manage- ment practices is also essential to optimise the natural production of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps and help develop sustainable production practices. This knowledge rev- ealed the importance of ECMF and their role in the rural bioeconomy and highlighted the need to establish sustainable cultivation practices. A successful example of ECMF cultivation is the production of Terfezia species, namely, Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia boudieri. Terfezia truffles are traditional delicacies with high socioeconomic relevance and numerous biotechnological applications. Furthermore, these Mediterranean native species are an important tool to develop the bioeconomy in rural areas by cre- ating new production strategies. Furthermore, exploiting these and other native Mediterranean species can promote sustainable practices in line with new European Green Deal strategies, such as the Farm to Fork strategy, the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030 and the Climate Law. This work reviews ECMF cultivation practices and for- est management studies, presenting the case of Terfezia cultivation and how the sustainable production of wild and planted ECMF may contribute to achieving the European Green Deal objectives and to a more resilient Europe.

Background: During a LIFE research project aiming at the implementation of the conservation of the habitats and restoration of coastal wetland areas of Praia da Vitória (Terceira, Azores, Portugal), there was the opportunity undertake a systematic record of several groups of arthropods in three wetland areas: Paul da Praia da Vitória (PPV), Paul do Belo Jardim (PBJ) and Paul da Pedreira do Cabo da Praia (PPCP). The objective of the study was to perform a rapid biodiversity assessment, comparing the three sites in two different years, before and after the implementation of several conservation measures. This project also contributed to improve the knowledge of Azorean arthropod diversity at both local and regional scales, including new taxa for Terceira island and new records for Azores. Taking into consideration those aims, a set of standardised sampling methods were performed, inspired by the COBRA protocol originally developed for spiders. New information: A total of 15,810 specimens belonging to 216 arthropod species and subspecies were collected. Beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) and spiders (Araneae) dominated, with 81 and 51 taxa, respectively. Two beetle families dominated, Staphylinidae and Curculionidae with, respectively, 22 and 17 species and subspecies. Exotic species were also dominant (132 species and subspecies), the Azorean endemics being restricted to only eight taxa. The remaining 76 species and subspecies are native non-endemic. Two rare endemic species were found with relatively sustainable populations, the Azores Cone-head Conocephalus chavesi (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) and the true weevil Drouetius oceanicus oceanicus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). A total of six species are novel for the Azores, five exotic (Bledius unicornis, Carpelimus zealandicus, Oenopia doublieri, Sitona hispidulus, Trichiusa immigrata) and one possibly native (Pyrrhocoris apterus). An additional 15 taxa are novel for Terceira island, ten exotic (Cheiracanthium mildei, Cylindroiulus latestriatus, Eumodicogryllus bordigalensis, Nemobius sylvestris, Pissodes castaneus, Psyllipsocus ramburi, Trachyzelotes lyonneti, Trigonnidium cicindeloides, Tychius cuprifer, Zelotes tenuis) and five native (Aegialia arenaria, Oxypoda lurida, Platycleis sabulosa, Plinthisus brevipennis, Tachyura diabrachys).

Several studies have shown that chitosan possesses characteristics favorable for promoting dermal regeneration and accelerated wound healing. In this work we have reported the work that has been done on the development and characterization of biocompatible and biodegradable chitosan based matrices to be used as skin scaffolds. Poly(vinylpyrrrolidone) (PVP) was used as copolymer and a two steps methodology of freeze-drying and gamma irradiation was used to obtain the porous matrices. The influence of PVP content, synthesis procedure and absorbed radiation dose on matrices' physical, chemical and structural properties was evaluated by ATR-FTIR, TGA, SEM, contact angle measurements and degradation behavior. The in vitro cellular viability and proliferation of HFFF2 fibroblast cell line was analyzed as a measure of matrices' biocompatibility and ability to assist skin regeneration. Results show that over the studied range values, gamma-radiation dose, copolymer concentration and synthesis procedure can be used to tailor the matrices' morphology in terms of porosity and surface roughness. Early results from biological assays evidence the biocompatibility of the prepared chitosan/PVP matrices since cells adhered to the surface of all matrices (chitosan/PVP (5%) γ-irradiated at 10 kGy presents the higher cellular viability). These features show that the resultant matrices could be a potential suitable scaffold for skin tissue regeneration.

Background Polyploidy, although still poorly explored, represents an important evolutionary event in several cyprinid clades. Herein, Catlocarpio siamensis and Probarbus jullieni - representatives of the paleotetraploid tribe Probarbini, were characterized both by conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods. Results Alike most other paleotetraploid cyprinids (with 2n = 100), both species studied here shared 2n = 98 but differed in karyotypes: C. siamensis displayed 18m + 34sm + 46st/a; NF = 150, while P. jullieni exhibited 26m + 14sm + 58st/a; NF = 138. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rDNA probes revealed two (5S) and eight (18S) signals in C. siamensis, respectively, and six signals for both probes in P. jullieni. FISH with microsatellite motifs evidenced substantial genomic divergence between both species. The almost doubled size of the chromosome pairs #1 in C. siamensis and #14 in P. jullieni compared to the rest of corresponding karyotypes indicated chromosomal fusions. Conclusion Based on our findings, together with likely the same reduced 2n = 98 karyotypes in the remainder Probarbini species, we hypothesize that the karyotype 2n = 98 might represent a derived character, shared by all members of the Probarbini clade. Besides, we also witnessed considerable changes in the amount and distribution of certain repetitive DNA classes, suggesting complex post-polyploidization processes in this small paleotetraploid tribe.

Considering the more frequent and longer drought events due to climate change, improving plant drought tolerance became a priority. The search for plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) able to improve plant drought tolerance has been long addressed, but with inconsistent results. Here, we summarize the PGPR mechanisms that improve plant drought tolerance, identify the pitfalls in current PGPR isolation and selection routines, and discuss the key points to define new strategies to get optimal PGPR for plant drought tolerance. Drought and host genotype impact rhizo-communities, and host-mediated selection strategies may be used to obtain a drought- adapted rhizomicrobiome that can be a source for PGPR isolation. Alternatively, an integrated omics-level analysis can improve our knowledge on the mechanisms of rhizomicrobiome construction, and a targeted approach can be designed, which will be focused on key PGP traits. New strategies to build PGPR consortia for improvement of plant drought tolerance are also suggested.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the integration of biofertilisers and precision agriculture, with the aim of creating a virtuous circle of agricultural growth and sustainability, by Cristina Cruz and Teresa Dias of the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa

O vertiginoso desenvolvimento tecnológico dos últimos anos e a grande difusão das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) na sociedade, são dois aspectos marcantes do nosso tempo e que merecem especial atenção, nomeadamente por todos os que, directa ou indirectamente, têm responsabilidades na Educação. De facto, os computadores pessoais e as tecnologias digitais que lhe estão associadas tornaram-se parte integrante do dia-a-dia da sociedade contemporânea, sendo visíveis mudanças substanciais no modo como trabalhamos, como comunicamos uns com os outros, como produzimos, enfim, como vivemos (Castells, 2001, 2002). Nos mais diversos sectores da actividade humana é não só reconhecido o seu enorme potencial, como se vulgarizou a ideia de ser uma poderosa ferramenta para resolver problemas do quotidiano ao alcance de qualquer um. Uma questão crucial que é fundamental colocar, nomeadamente por todos quantos se interessam ou têm responsabilidades na Educação, tem a ver com o modo como a Escola tem equacionado o seu papel neste cenário de mudança e de desenvolvimento tecnológico e à eficácia com que tem sido capaz de o fazer. Uma vez que os resultados da integração das tecnologias na escola não são globalmente satisfatórios, (muito longe disso, aliás) qualquer que seja a dimensão que se considere (ACE, 2002; F. A. Costa, 2004; Cuban, 2001; OCDE, 2006; Paiva, 2002; Salomon, 2002) e salvaguardando naturalmente a diversidade de situações e variações de contexto para contexto, parece-nos particularmente pertinente que se questione por que é que não se vislumbram cenários optimistas em termos de um efectivo e generalizado uso pedagógico das tecnologias de informação e comunicação, mesmo em países com mais recursos económicos e com sistemas de formação de professores especialmente orientados para esse fim, como é o caso, por exemplo, em termos europeus, da Suécia (Wallin, 2005) ou Finlândia (Franssila & Pehkonen, 2005). Que papel podem desempenhar os professores nesse processo e, mais concretamente, que tipo de preparação é necessário adquirirem para usarem as tecnologias regularmente nas suas práticas lectivas, são as questões centrais do trabalho que temos vindo a desenvolver e parte do qual gostaríamos de partilhar com o leitor. Com esse propósito, apresentar-se-ão aqui os fundamentos e a estrutura de um modelo de formação de professores especialmente concebido para levar os professores a usarem as TIC na actividade curricular dos seus alunos e alguns resultados da aplicação do referido modelo numa situação concreta. Como enquadramento prévio, começamos por apresentar algumas ideias de síntese sobre a importância do papel dos professores e dos sistemas de formação para o objectivo de generalização do uso das TIC na Escola.

It is known that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can modulate below and aboveground communities. They are a key part of belowground communication as they produce a vast array of metabolites, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 1-octen-3-ol. Here, we tested if the VOC 1-octen-3-ol may be involved in the ECM fungal mechanisms that modulate below and aboveground communities. For that, we conducted three in vitro assays with ECM fungi and the 1-octen-3-ol volatile to (i) explore the effects of mycelium growth of three ECM species, (ii) investigate the impact on the germination of six host Cistaceae species, and (iii) study the impact on host plant traits. The effects of 1-octen-3-ol on mycelium growth of the three ECM species depended on the dose and species: Boletus reticulatus was the most sensitive species to the low (VOC) dose, while T. leptoderma was the most tolerant. In general, the presence of the ECM fungi resulted in higher seed germination, while 1-octen-3-ol resulted in lower seed germination. The combined application of the ECM fungus and the volatile further inhibited seed germination, possibly due to the accumulation of 1-octen-3-ol above the plant species’ threshold. Seed germination and plant development of Cistaceae species were influenced by ECM fungal volatiles, suggesting that 1-octen-3-ol may mediate changes in below and aboveground communities.

This article enhances some ideas and opinions related with the challenges that women across the world face nowadays to pursue a professional career. The route they take has frequent obstacles of a distinct nature, which are not always comparable with those faced by men. The starting point of this work is the conclusions of the workshop “Women empowerment and gender equality, responsible research and innovation”—Research Project “SOILdarity”. This workshop revealed a diversified view about the subject, evidencing its connection with the social sustainability, with a special focus on academia and research management. This document introduces the topic in the context of the workshop, revises key aspects of women’s empowerment in a society still dominated by men’s opinions and organization (gender balance, obstacles and strategies), highlights the situation of women in academia and in research management, and gives the authors’ opinions about some questions related to gender and equality. We conclude that all societal actors must acknowledge women as key actors in contributing to social sustainability, working together towards creating an environment where they can have leadership roles.