Browsing by Author "Moreira, H."
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- Are PGPR’s traits and the inoculum size relevant for inoculation purposes in mine affected soils?Publication . Moreira, H.; Pereira, S. I. A.; Marques, A. P. G. C.; Rangel, A. O. S. S.; Castro, P. M. L.Cadmium and Zn concentrations in soil were largely increased in past decades due to several anthropogenic activities, including mining activities. Phytotechnologies can minimize their hazardous effects through the use of plants coupled with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Several factors can contribute to the failure of PGPR inoculation, such as bacteria selection and the inoculum size. This work selected five metal resistant PGPR and assessed their in vitro growth promoting traits and their ability to induce maize germination and seedlings growth under Zn and Cd increasing concentrations. Additionally, the effect of the inoculum size (10 and 20 mL) of these strains and their efficiency in promoting plants’ growth and metal accumulation was evaluated in energy maize sowed in a mine soil. Some bacteria only exhibited or enhanced PGP traits when exposed to metals. Strains ECP37 and EDP28 showed to be the most efficient in improving seedlings’ growth with increasing metal concentrations, followed by S3X. Likewise, when inoculated in energy maize grown in mine soil, these same strains outperformed the others by increasing shoot biomass and elongation, metal accumulation, and by decreasing it in roots. The most evident effect of doubling the inoculum size was the increase in Cd accumulation, which was of 17% and 31% in roots and shoots, respectively. Other effects included a slight reduction in shoots' biomass (13%) and a general decrease in P tissue content. The results obtained suggest the selection of PGPR prior to inoculation in target soils should be primarily based in seedling growth promotion under metal exposure. Additionally, the size of the inoculum applied in the soil rhizosphere appears to be important in remediation processes and should be taken into account when planning phytomanagement strategies, especially when the biomass of plants is an important demand.
- The baby version of the interpersonal mindfulness in parenting scale: psychometric properties and factor structure in a sample of Portuguese mothers in the post-partum periodPublication . Moreira, H.; Ventura, D.; Maia, B. Rodrigues; Canavarro, M. C.The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting scale (IM-P) is a self-report questionnaire for measuring mindful parenting among parents of children and adolescents (Duncan, 2007; Moreira & Canavarro, 2017). We developed an adapted version for parents of infants aged 0 to 12 months that is similar to the original IM-P but items were adapted for parents of newborns-infants. The Portuguese baby version contains 28 items distributed across five subscales, following the structure of the Portuguese IM-P version: 1) Listening with Full Attention (LFA); 2) Compassion for the Child (CC); 3) Non-Judgmental Acceptance of Parental Functioning (NJAPF); 4) Self-Regulation in Parenting (SRP), and 5) Emotional Awareness of the Child (EAC). This study aims to explore the psychometric properties of the IMP-Baby version and confirm its factor structure. Two studies were developed. Study 1 included 560 Portuguese mothers of babies (1-12 months) recruited through an online survey that included the IM-P, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Parenting Stress Scale. Study 2 included 295 mothers of babies (1-12 months) also recruited online. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to confirm whether the five-factor structure would fit the data (correlated an hierarchical models were tested). In both studies the best-fitting model was the correlated five-factor model, which exhibited an adequate fit to the data [Study 1: _2(337) = 884.14, p < .001, CFI = .903, SMSR = .053, RMSEA = .054, BC90%CI = .05/.06; Study 2: _2(337) = 564.74, p < .001, CFI = .905, SMSR = .063, RMSEA = .048, BC90%CI =.04/.06]. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.84 for LFA; 0.76 for CC; 0.77 for NJAPF; 0.75 for SRP and 0.68 for EAC. Significant and negative correlations were found between mindful parenting dimensions and anxiety, depression, and parenting stress. This study demonstrated that mindful parenting can be reliably measured among parents of infants and is the first to explore the psychometric adequacy of an adapted version of the IM-P for this specific population.
- Diversity of metallophytes and metal(loid)-tolerant bacterial strains in a portuguese mine for phytotechnologies purposesPublication . Sousa, A. S. S.; Pereira, S. I. A.; Moreira, H.; Cunha, J.; Vila-Viçosa, C.; Castro, P.M.L.Soil contamination with metal(loid)s due to anthropogenic activities, such as mining, is a worldwide issue that affects ecosystem functioning and human health. Efforts are currently made to restore these soils through sustainable and economically strategies. Phytotechnologies stand out as reliable and ecologically sound options, focusing on the use of plants and their associated microorganisms to reclaim contaminated lands and decrease pollutant linkages. These options can also provide economic revenues, integrating soil restoration into the circular economy concept. Mining areas host metallophytes, either excluders or (hyper)accumulators, and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), adapted to high concentrations of metal(loid)s, that can be used in phytoremediation strategies. The Borralha mine is a deactivated tungsten producer located in the northern Portugal, in which the ending of mineral extraction left several open-air tailings highly contaminated with metal(loid)s, such as Cu, Zn, Cd, As and Pb. This study aimed to assess the most abundant metallophytes and characterize the culturable bacterial community present in Borralha mine tailings for biotechnological purposes. Plant biodiversity was assessed over 1 year period, covering the different seasons. Based on plant taxonomy, a total of 14 plant species were identified, with some species (e.g., Agrostis capillaris, Cytisus striatus, Erica arborea, Pinus pinaster, Rubus ulmifolius, Salix caprea and Sedum arenarium) showing potential to be used in remediation strategies. For soil bacteria characterization, a composite soil sample was collected from vegetated and non-vegetated areas in the tailing zone. A total of 65 bacterial isolates were isolated and characterized genotypically and phenotypically (e.g. metal tolerance and plant growth promoting traits). Several bacterial strains showed potential to be used as bioinoculants in assisted- phytoremediation approaches
- Fertilizer potential of slurry from intensive dairy cattle farms in Intensive production forestry systemsPublication . Menino, R.; Moreira, H.; Castelo-Branco, A.; Gomes, A. A.; Rodrigues, A.; Castro, P. M. L.; Cunha, J.; Guedes, R.; Pereira, S. I. A.Intensive dairy cattle breeding has a relevant social and economic impact in Portugal, particularly in the northern region. This activity generates a high flow of livestock effluents (slurry), rich in important nutrients for plant growth, which can be introduced into intensive production forestry systems. These effluents can provide a good alternative to mineral fertilizers, not only from an economic perspective but, particularly, from the point of view of environmental protection. In the present study, the effect of increasing doses of slurry on tree growth, either with or without mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi (AMF) and plant growthpromoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculation, was evaluated in clones of Paulownia CoT2 and Populus i214, as they are genotypes that have a high efficiency in the mobilization of soil nutrients (namely N) and in the capture of CO2 from the atmosphere, as well as high biomass calorific value. For this purpose, a demonstration field trial was installed, occupying an area of 14,607 m2 , where the trees were planted with the compasses of: 2.5 x 1.5 m and 2.5 x 0.75 m, respectively for Paulownia and for Poplar. Prior to transplantation to the field, some plants were inoculated with AMF and PGPB. In the field, the following treatments were performed: T0 - no fertilization, either mineral or organic; T1 - amount of slurry equivalent to 85 kg of N ha-1; T2 - amount of slurry equivalent to 170 kg of N ha-1; T3 - amount of slurry equivalent to 340 kg of N ha-1, both with and without inoculation. Results revealed a significant and positive effect of the slurry application, both in the diameter at breast height (DBH) and total stand height (TH), showing its high fertilizing potential, and, on the other hand, there was no increased contamination by nitrates and by pathogenic microorganism in the leachates for the experimental doses of slurry. Therefore, we can conclude that, under the experimental conditions, the slurry resulting from the intensive exploitation of cattle constitutes an alternative to exclusively mineral fertilization in intensive production forestry systems, either by increasing the production of biomass or by the absence of contamination of aquifers by nitrates and pathogens.
- Generalized problematic internet use, use of social networks, and appearance schemas in late adolescencePublication . Maia, B. Rodrigues; Moreira, H.; Macedo, A.; Pereira, A. T.Introduction: Research on the association between internet use and concerns about body image is still scarce. Objectives: To explore the associations between generalized problematic internet use, number of social networks, and appearance schemas. Methods: 216 Portuguese late adolescents (89.3% females), with a mean age of 18.62 years old (SD = .488, range: 18-19) filled in an internet patterns of use questionnaire, the Generalized Problematic Interne Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) and The Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R). Results: A total of 99.6% of the students use social networks. Subjects were divided into three groups (group1: 1-2 social networks; group 2: 3 social networks, and group 3: >3 social networks). There was a statistically difference in Motivational Salience scores (ASI-R) for the three groups [F (2, 503) = 6.0, p = .003]. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that the mean score for group 3 (M = 28.29, SD = 4.95) was significantly different from group 1 (M = 26.69, SD =4.55), and from group 2, (M = 26.87, SD =4.95). Generalized problematic internet subscales (Mood Regulation, Self-Deficient Regulation, and Negative Consequences) and total score were significantly correlated with both dimensions of ASI-R: Self-Evaluation Salience (coefficients varied from r = .31** to r = .47**) and Motivational Salience (from r = .14*, to r = .31**). Conclusions: Generalized problematic internet use and the number of social networks are associated with adolescent’s cognitive-behavioural investment in one’s own appearance. Study carried out under the strategic project of the Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies (CEFH) UID/FIL/00683/2019, funded by the FCT.
- GO-BIOCHORUME: sistemas biológicos de utilização do chorume proveniente de explorações de pecuária intensiva de bovinos leiteirosPublication . Menino, R.; Pereira, S. I. A.; Moreira, H.; Castelo-Branco, A.; Gomes, A.A.; Rodrigues, A.; Cunha, J.; Castro, P. M. L.; Vega, A.; Cardoso, E.; Machado, M. J.; Alves, R.; Cardoso, F.; Lopes, F.; Guedes, R.
- Grapevine growth response to bioinoculants and biochar applicationPublication . Pereira, S. I. A.; Moreira, H.; Vega, A.; Couto, A.; Porto, J.; Fontes, N.; Graça, A.; Castro, P. M. L.Aims and Scope: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can establish symbiotic association with grapevine roots and due to their plant-beneficial traits they can enhance the growth and quality of vineyards. This work aims to assess the effect of microbial inoculants and soil amendments (biochar) on vegetative parameters of new grapevines and on productive parameters of 10-years old grapevines. Conclusions: This is a multi-year project where plant performance will be followed over successive growing seasons Plots will be replanted next year with plants which followed a different inoculation strategy prior transplantation The microbial inoculants used in this study have shown to enhance plant performance in previous studies – this raises the question on the transversal use of inoculants across varying environmental conditions and towards different crops Field experiments are crucial to validate large scale inoculation strategies.
- Impact of heavy metals and metalloids on soil microorganisms of mining areasPublication . Moreira, H.; Pereira, S.I.A.; Castro, P. M. L.Soil is a non-renewable resource that plays a key role in sustaining life. However, soils’ degradation has increased in the last decades due anthropogenic activities leading to the loss of their functions and ecosystems services. Mining operations are one of the majors soil disruptors and are associated with a broad range of environmental negative impacts, including the decline of soils’ quality over large areas. The release of hazardous compounds, such as heavy metals and metalloids, during the extraction and processing of mineral ores leads to long-term contamination and hampers the survival of soil-associated microorganisms. The microbial diversity and activity in such polluted soils is disturbed causing negative cross-effects in the ecosystems, as soil microorganisms play a significant role in nutrient recycling and in biogeochemical cycles. Although microbial redundancy may occur and some microorganisms reveal resistance or tolerance mechanisms, the simplification of microbial communities and the subsequent decrease in their activity can lead to the failure of general soil functions. In this review the effects of mining-generated heavy metals and metalloids on soil microbial activities and composition are discussed. Soil microbiological and biochemical properties such as biomass, enzyme activity, respiration and communities’ shifts commonly found in these areas are addressed and the general impact of these microbial modifications in the soil functions is underlined.
- The mediating role of children's perfectionism in the association between mindful parenting and children’s well-beingPublication . Moreira, H.; Maia, B.Although scarce, there is some evidence that parental practices are associated with the development of children’s perfectionism. Mindful parenting, a parental approach characterized by the practice of bringing mindful awareness to parent-child interactions, is associated with several positive psychosocial outcomes in children. However, no study examined whether it is associated with children’s perfectionism. The aim of this study is to test a path model to explore whether mindful parenting can contribute to lower levels of children’s perfectionism and, consequently, to higher levels of children’s well-being. A sample of 222 mother- child dyads (56.3% girls; Mage = 11.97 years, SD = 2.91, range = 8-18 years) was collected in a public school in central Portugal. Mothers completed the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale and children completed the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the Kidscreen-10 index. The indirect effect of mindful parenting on children’s well-being through perfectionism (socially prescribed perfectionism and self-oriented perfectionism) was explored through the Process macro for SPSS. Children’s age was introduced as a covariate. Higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with higher levels of children’s well-being only through lower levels of socially prescribed perfectionism (point estimate = .036, 95%BcCI = [.002, .100]), in a model explaining 30.26% of the children’s well-being variance. These results suggest that mindful parents seem to help their children to be less perfectionists, particularly to feel less pressured by others to be perfect, and consequently, to experience greater well-being. One key feature of mindful parenting is the non-judgmental acceptance of children’s shortcomings and limitations, which seem to protect them from developing maladaptive perfectionism.
- Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve the growth and nutrient use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) under water deficit conditionsPublication . Pereira, S. I. A.; Abreu, D.; Moreira, H.; Vega, A.; Castro, P. M. L.Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that affects crop yield worldwide. An eco-friendly tool that can broadly improve plants' tolerance to water stress is bioionocula comprising plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In this study, the effect of two PGPR Cupriavidus necator 1C2 (B1) and Pseudomonas fluorescens S3X (B2), singly and/or co-inoculated at two inocula sizes (S1 - 3 × 103 cells g−1 dry weight (dw) soil and S2 - 3 × 106 cells g−1 dw soil), on growth, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency was assessed in maize (Zea mays L.) plants grown at three levels of irrigation (80% of water holding capacity (WHC) – well-watered, 60% of WHC - moderate water deficit stress, and 40% of WHC - severe water deficit stress) in a greenhouse experiment. The impact of water deficit and bioinoculants on soil microbial activity (fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis) was also evaluated. Moderate and severe water deficit negatively affected soil microbial activity, as well as, maize growth, by reducing plants' shoot biomass and increasing root/shoot ratio at 60 and 40% of WHC. Bioinoculants mitigated the negative effects on shoot biomass, especially when PGPR were co-inoculated, increasing up to 89% the aerial biomass of plants exposed to moderate water deficit. Bioinoculation also increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) use efficiency, which may have led to higher maize growth under water deficit conditions. The size of the inocula applied had marginal influence on biometric and nutrient parameters, although the higher concentration of the mixture of PGPR was the most effective in improving shoot biomass under moderate water deficit. This study shows that rhizobacterial strains are able to increase nutrient use efficiency and to alleviate water stress effects in crops with high water demands and have potential applications to keep up with productivity in water stress scenarios.